Ch. 30 - A Heart Slowly Awakening

On top of Tian Shui Peak, in a grand room, Lin Qingyue sat cross-legged on her bed, wearing only thin robes. Her eyes were closed as she meditated.

Since starting her cultivation journey, she has worked harder than anyone. In just one month, she had jumped from Early Qi Refining to Late Qi Refining. If people knew, they’d be shocked!

But…

“It’s not enough! Still too weak!”

She clenched her fists. Even with this progress, she was just a small fish in a big pond. How could she protect Senior Brother like this?

Her breathing grew heavy as she remembered the past.

Before she joined the sect, life was tough. She worked endlessly just to survive, always avoiding greedy men who wanted to take advantage of her.

Her only dream back then? To enter a small sect and change her fate.

But fate had other plans. She was almost dragged into a demonic sect—until Senior Brother saved her.

She had no family, but with him, she finally felt safe and cared for. A warmth she never thought she’d have.

She had to protect him, no matter what.

“I need power! More power!”

A red glow flickered in her eyes as she pushed her spiritual energy again and again—until her body ached.

She gasped for breath. “This is my limit?”

Feeling sweaty, she got up, washed quickly, and changed into fresh Dao robes.

Outside, the sun was rising.

With light steps, she made her way to the Senior Brother’s room.

“You’re here—come sit, breakfast is almost ready,” Su Yan called from the kitchen.

Soon, he placed a steaming bowl of lean-meat porridge in front of her. The smell was amazing.

Lin Qingyue eagerly grabbed her spoon and ate three big bowls. Only then did she feel full.

She licked her lips, enjoying the taste of the food and the warmth of being cared for.

“Junior Sister sure eats a lot,” Su Yan teased. “That’s real strength.”

“You don’t mind, right?” she asked playfully.

“Why would I? You need to eat well to grow strong.”

Her expression softened his words.

“By the way, you’re not staying up all night to cultivate, right? Too much is bad for you.”

“Of course not.”

That was a lie. Lin Qingyue wanted power so badly, she trained every chance she got. She never wanted to feel weak like that day again.

So powerless… so useless!

“Good to hear.”

Su Yan relaxed and started washing the dishes.

Lin Qingyue helped, but her mind was elsewhere.

“If you’re helping, help properly. No slacking,” he joked, taking the plate from her frozen hands.

She blushed. After hesitating, she finally asked, “Senior Brother, why are you so nice to me?”

The cultivation world was harsh. Titles like “Senior” and “Junior” didn’t mean much.

Many disciples fought and even betrayed each other.

But Senior Brother was different. He taught her, took care of her, and even cooked for her every day. Why?

Su Yan paused.

Was he really that nice to her? He didn’t think so.

Cooking every day? Just a habit—he still liked mortal food. Adding her to the meal? Just one more pair of chopsticks.

And honestly, eating with a beautiful person. made food taste better.

He was about to answer when—

The system spoke.

[Option 1: “Can’t you tell? I like you, Junior Sister—let’s be Dao Companions!” (Reward: Breakthrough to Late Foundation Establishment)]

[Option 2: “Because you’re my Junior Sister!” (Reward: Comprehension +5)]

He went silent.

He wasn’t dumb because her affection was obvious. With his subtle moves, she trusted him fully, fondness off the charts. Saying that might actually work, so…

“Option two?”

He eyed the second choice. Comprehension was his weak spot—five points wasn’t chump change.

“I pick one.”

After that scare, he slept on edge, dreading Master Qingxuan’s next break-in.

He wanted strength. Opportunity knocked….why pass?

Calmly, he said, “Because I like you. How about we become Dao Companions?”

Lin Qingyue froze, then snapped back, cheeks flaming, body trembling.

She’d imagined many answers, never this.

[Task complete. Reward issued.]

Power surged in him—thrilling. But no time to bask.

Seeing her excitement, he backpedaled: “Kidding! You didn’t take it seriously, right?”

“K-kidding!?”

Her smile stiffened, face paling. “N-no, I wouldn’t get mad at you.”

Bingo.

Su Yan grinned inwardly. He’d nailed it.

Option one seemed risky, but the system only demanded words—no follow-through. A loophole.

“With our bond, a little teasing’s fine. She won’t hate me.”

He’d picked one, feeling the power spike, heart soaring.

He missed her lowered head, her face twisting.

Senior Brother… Dao Companions…

Her with him—in that way?

Words she’d never linked now swirled in her mind, stirring her up.

Wait—if she wanted to protect him, sticking close as a Dao Companion would be perfect, right?

Her gaze turned strange.

…

Su Yan’s days lately have been cushy, no surprises. Just teaching Junior Sister and chilling.

He’d figured it out: his base stats sucked. Steady cultivation wouldn’t cut it, never.

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