Chapter 285: Chapter 285 I’m here to help you
Chen Pingping hadn’t guessed wrong. Lin Yuexin had indeed gone on a raid, but the target of her raid was actually her own family’s resources. The incomplete Saint AttackSkills were from there, as were the Divine Weapons. It was obvious she had paid a great price. Alas! Chen Pingping was speechless; for a moment, he didn’t know what to say.
Some people meet early but remain as much strangers as ever, like the Saintess. After leaving the Endless Ocean, she, fearing she would drag him down, wisely departed. Yet, some people meet late, and it feels as if you’ve known them for ages and regret not meeting sooner. Lin Yuexin’s actions deeply moved him, allowing him to sense a thread of warmth in this unfamiliar world.
"Don’t go, it’s too dangerous," Chen Pingping said, stowing away the Divine Weapon. "Worst comes to worst, I just won’t answer the challenge."
"I have a question for you."
"Hmm, go ahead."
"Back at the Holy Pool, was it you who made a move?" she stared intensely at Chen Pingping.
He felt a shiver down his spine. In that split second, it was as if he had returned to that very moment, and all the recent feelings of being moved completely dissipated. The woman before him was Lin Yuexin, nicknamed ’Annihilator,’ a top expert among the younger generation in the academy.
He stood up and fled.
Lin Yuexin’s face darkened. "It really was you."
...
「Night fell.」
After much consideration, Chen Pingping decided to help her. So, he tiptoed to Lin Yuexin’s room.
SHING!
Lin Yuexin drew her sword instantly, its cold light flaring, emanating palpable killing intention.
"It’s me!" Chen Pingping wiped a bead of cold sweat from his brow.
"Do you intend to force yourself on me?" Lin Yuexin’s tone was icy. "I’ve said it before, I don’t sell my body."
"What are you thinking?" Chen Pingping felt like spitting blood. This woman! It took so much for me to be moved and finally decide to help her. And she brings up something like this at a time like this!
Hmm! Come to think of it, this girl is actually quite attractive.
After sheathing her Longsword, Lin Yuexin actually placed the blade against her own neck, her stance clear: she would rather die than submit.
"Let’s talk this over properly," Chen Pingping said, taking a few steps back. "I’m really here to help you."
"Tomorrow!" her tone remained cold.
"..."
He glanced at the sky; it really wasn’t the right time. Plus, his method of entry was rather unorthodox. No wonder she misunderstood.
Chen Pingping retreated awkwardly.
「The next day!」
He sought out Lin Yuexin again. A night had passed, and the girl’s spirits had recovered somewhat, though her gaze towards Chen Pingping now held an added layer of vigilance.
"I told you, I’m here to help," Chen Pingping said, frustrated. "First, you need to lower your guard around me. Second... your biggest problem right now should be your cultivation, not revenge."
Only by possessing a formidable realm and powerful combat abilities could one even speak of revenge. That was the undeniable truth.
Lin Yuexin knew this was the problem. After reaching the First Heaven of Emperor Tao, she had hit a bottleneck. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break through to the next realm. Even her comprehension of the Emperor Tao Principles was becoming increasingly faint and obscure. She had a feeling her cultivation was regressing, as if something crucial was missing.
Chen Pingping continued, "As a young cultivator, vitality and courage are essential. If you lack either, you’re not truly young."
Lin Yuexin frowned. "Why?"
"You wouldn’t understand even if I told you," Chen Pingping said, feigning profundity. Truth be told, I don’t quite get it myself. That’s just how those old masters used to lecture me. So, by telling you this, you’re actually gaining something!
"I lack vitality? I lack courage?" she stared intently at him.
"Perhaps you did, once. But not anymore."
"I do!"
"Are you brave enough to set aside your hatred and fully enter a state of cultivation?" Chen Pingping asked.
What is vitality? It’s about forging ahead relentlessly, without fear or apprehension. Even knowing formidable enemies lie in wait, one continues to advance. That’s the vitality of youth. Courage is similar to vitality, the main difference being that courage is about striving for something even when you know it’s impossible.
Chen Pingping then asked, "How long has it been since you spent time, just having fun, with people your own age?"
She remained silent.
"You haven’t socialized with your peers. Your Tao heart has become old and staid, causing you to miss out on so much. This is what has led to your stagnation and these so-called bottlenecks. None of it is related to Reincarnation. What often determines how far a person can go usually has little to do with talent."
But these words were too profound for Lin Yuexin to grasp...
Chen Pingping sighed softly. "Ah, forget it. Forget it. For the sake of your Saint AttackSkills and Divine Weapon, I’ll reluctantly help you."
"You’re going to help me open up Reincarnation?" Her eyes widened.
"..."
If I knew how to open it, I’d have kicked it wide open long ago! he thought, then said aloud, "You can get lost now."
Chen Pingping smiled. "Let’s get something to eat first."
"There’s food downstairs. Just have the innkeeper bring it up!" Lin Yuexin replied.
"No, the inn’s food is terrible. I want to eat out," he said with a smile.
Lin Yuexin said nothing, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something strange about his suggestion.
...
Long Street was bustling with people, a lively stream of carriages and horses. Chen Pingping strolled leisurely, in no particular hurry. His gaze occasionally swept over passing women, sizing them up before moving on to a new "target."
Lin Yuexin followed closely behind. Sometimes, watching his back, she frowned, feeling a distinct urge to punch him. She didn’t believe Chen Pingping could actually help her, not unless it involved the Six Tao of Reincarnation Skill. So far, the only strength she had discerned in him was his uncanny ability to bluff. His silver tongue was formidable indeed—he’d deceived three great dynasties and even tricked the Purple Gold Divine Clan to their deaths. As for his cultivation realm or combat prowess? Best not to even think about it. She couldn’t fathom why those two Spiritual Beasts would choose to follow him.
"Noodles? You in?" Chen Pingping suddenly turned back.
"I’m not eating," she replied, her expression blank.
"Just a little?"
"No!"
"Then wait outside. There are no seats left in this noodle shop," Chen Pingping said. As he stepped into the shop, the corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously.
Killing intention. Though he wasn’t sure if it was aimed at him or Lin Yuexin. Whatever. He wasn’t planning to make a move himself; wasn’t there a bodyguard right outside?
Lin Yuexin, waiting outside, sensed it too. Her nerves tensed instantly, and her eyes vigilantly scanned her surroundings.
"Boss!" Chen Pingping called out. "A bowl of noodles with extra green onions, two eggs, and half a chicken! Oh, and half a catty of wine."
A young man at a nearby table couldn’t help but look up. "Eating all that by yourself?"
"Yeah!" Chen Pingping laughed. "I’m starving."
"Care to share?" the young man offered.
"Sure!" Chen Pingping readily agreed.
There’s an old saying: birds of a feather flock together. That described these two perfectly. After just a few words and several cups of wine, they were already calling each other brother, both feeling a sense of regret for not having met sooner.
Over the course of their conversation, Chen Pingping learned the young man’s name and background. He was Yang Qiuhua, from the Ancient Dynasty, a prominent figure among the younger generation. His purpose for coming to the Southern Land wasn’t for training...
Yang Qiuhua suddenly leaned in. "Have you heard about what happened in Heaven Capital?"
Hmm?
Chen Pingping replied thoughtfully, "Heard something about it, yes?"
"Some fellow conned the three great dynasties, used them to ambush and slaughter the Purple Gold Divine Clan, and even stole the Undying Furnace," Yang Qiuhua explained in a low voice. "Now all the major powers are stirring. And rumor has it... the Undying Furnace wasn’t actually taken by Wen Yuqing. It’s been on *his* person the entire time."
Chen Pingping: "???"