Feng Linglong realized the truth quicker than Yun Jin had expected.
Yun Jin smiled faintly and said calmly, "This entire matter was aimed at me."
"Sect Master!" Feng Linglong looked at Yun Jin in shock.
Yun Jin remained composed. "Of all the times something could've happened in the Kingdom's capital, it just had to be now—right after Qin Ping agreed to lead the cultivators of the Imperial court into the Wushuang Sect. It happened exactly when the high-level figures of the three Holy Lands entered Qingxiao Pavilion to investigate. And it was carried out so openly, in full view of the entire city. They even made sure you would hear about it. Linglong, this entire incident was orchestrated from the start—with me as the target."
Feng Linglong's face paled.
She suddenly realized.
She might have made a grave mistake.
Yun Jin gave a small smile, but her expression turned icily resolute. "You don't need to feel guilty. Even if you hadn't told me, they would have found another way to make sure I knew. Qin Ping is one of us, a disciple of the Wushuang Sect. If I stood by and did nothing while he was in danger, who would ever trust this sect again? Who would trust me as its Sect Master? And that's just one part of it. More importantly…"
A touch of softness flickered in Yun Jin's eyes. "Your master is the kind of person who once protected tens of thousands. Now, there are tens of thousands ready to risk everything just to seek justice for him. A person like that deserves to live."
The capital had been her original destination from the beginning. This incident only confirmed what she had already suspected.
"Sect Master…" Feng Linglong's eyes shimmered faintly with tears.
"Don't overthink it," Yun Jin said seriously. "Linglong, I need you to do something for me now."
"Please give the order!" Feng Linglong answered immediately.
"The reports say that countless commoners are marching toward the capital, hoping to save Qin Ping. I suspect there's a deeper scheme at play here. These people might be heading straight into danger. I need you to step forward, as Qin Ping's disciple, and stop them from acting recklessly. Whatever you do, make sure they don't enter the capital! This could get dangerous, so I'll have the Lava Dragon accompany you. He's fast, even in his true form—his speed through the skies matches lightning over water. Spread the word as fast as you can. Get the people to stop moving toward the capital," Yun Jin instructed.
"I understand." Feng Linglong memorized her orders seriously.
"With the speed of Shan Dian, it should take only three days to reach the outskirts of the capital. Do what you can to dissuade the people, then come straight to the capital and regroup with me," Yun Jin added.
Feng Linglong agreed immediately, but then hesitated and gritted her teeth. "Sect Master, the Lava Dragon is one of the sect's strongest fighters. If he goes with me, won't you be left without…"
Yun Jin chuckled. "You think you know all my cards? I have more than you can imagine. Don't worry. I'll rescue Qin Ping."
Feng Linglong still looked uncertain.
Yun Jin couldn't help but laugh. "What? You don't want to save your master anymore?"
"I do," Feng Linglong said without hesitation. Then she added softly, "But Master once told me… the Sect Master is vital. Your existence could determine the fate of this world. If it were him, he wouldn't want you to take this risk for him."
Yun Jin raised a brow. "The fate of the world?"
"That's what Master said," Feng Linglong nodded, though she looked visibly torn. Still, she continued in a low voice, "So… you must not fall, no matter what. If that's the case, maybe we… maybe we shouldn't go to the capital at all."
Her voice trembled with pain.
Choosing not to go meant giving up on Qin Ping's life.
But before she joined the Wushuang Sect, her master's teachings were still fresh in her mind.
If it were him, he'd rather die himself than let Yun Jin be harmed in the slightest.
Yun Jin's expression remained serene. The wind stirred her hair as she said softly, "But Linglong… if I can't even save one person, how can I ever save the world? I have my path. And if I can't walk it… for a cultivator, that's worse than death."
This time, in this new life—
Yun Jin had chosen her path from the start.
It was the Path of Invincibility.
She would move forward, step by step, until she stood at the very summit.
She didn't believe in fate. She didn't believe in always being lesser than someone stronger.
Her goal was to become the one beyond whom no one else could stand.
If she abandoned Qin Ping now—
She would be planting a seed of fear in her heart.
Fear would lead to doubt.
She had spent her whole life forging an indomitable will. If she hesitated now, her Dao heart would shatter.
She would never reach that supreme peak.
Whether it was to follow her path…
Or to preserve a man as valuable to the world as Qin Ping…
This time—
She couldn't back down.
And she wouldn't.
Yun Jin's voice was calm, but there was no room for doubt.
Feng Linglong pressed her lips together. "Sect Master, then please… wait for me and the Lava Dragon to return."
With the Lava Dragon nearby, Yun Jin's safety would at least be more secure.
"Alright." Yun Jin agreed readily, then urged her to depart.
Feng Linglong knew how urgent the matter was. She and the Lava Dragon set off almost immediately.
Once they were gone, Yun Jin turned to look at An Tong.
An Tong's expression was conflicted.
He had watched the entire conversation unfold but hadn't interrupted Yun Jin's choice.
Her decision was exactly what he expected.
If it had been the former master, he likely would've made the same call.
But—
For the Young Master to charge straight into battle with an opponent in the Mahayana stage… that was practically suicide.
Yet if she didn't go, her Dao heart would collapse!
An Tong was torn beyond reason.
"An Tong," Yun Jin called.
"Young Master…" An Tong's voice trembled with emotion.
He braced himself. He was sure she was about to say something dramatic. Maybe even entrust her final wishes to him.
Wuwuwuwu.
He was such a sensitive little spirit, he was definitely going to cry!
"Why do you look like that!" Yun Jin suddenly raised her voice. "Why aren't you thinking of a way to save me already?!"
An Tong: "???"
Wait—
What was going on?!
"Young Master, you were just so composed in front of Feng Linglong!
A moment ago, you were all solemn resolve and fearless heroism!"
Now this yelling Sect Master… this had to be his imagination. It had to be!
"You're still spacing out?" Yun Jin was on the verge of collapse. "The enemy is at least Mahayana level! The Lava Dragon has other missions, he might not make it back in time! I haven't fed any new sword moves to the sword spirit! Senior Tian Po Sword is still recharging—I have no idea how long that'll take! If you don't bring out Wushuang Sect's secret arsenal right now, your Sect Master is going to die young!"
She grabbed An Tong and shook him hard. "Stop zoning out! Think of something!!!"
An Tong felt like his brain was buzzing.
After a long moment…
He finally stammered, "Young Master, I… I have an idea."
===
This chapter and previous one that talk about Qin Ping path is about Dao Heart.
Dao Heart (道心 dào xīn) is the spiritual compass guiding every cultivator on their path. It embodies one's core beliefs, original intentions, and the direction they wish to follow in life. In cultivation, the Dao Heart is not just a metaphorical term but a real and vital force that influences a cultivator's journey. It is the heart of one's cultivation—the essence of their determination and resolve. Without a clear and unwavering Dao Heart, a cultivator is akin to a boat lost at sea, adrift without direction.
At its core, Dao (道 dào) signifies a path or road, while Heart (心 xīn) reflects one's innermost mind, intentions, and will. Together, the Dao Heart represents the cultivator's ultimate pursuit, what they truly desire, and what drives them forward. A strong Dao Heart requires unshakable self-confidence, steadfastness in one's principles, and the courage to face any challenge that comes their way. The cultivator must resist the whispers of negative emotions—jealousy, greed, anger, doubt—that can cloud their judgment and lead them astray.
A crack in the Dao Heart is a sign that a cultivator's inner beliefs, will, or understanding has been shaken, wounded, or contradicted. It's like a crack in the foundation of a great tower—small at first, but if ignored, it can cause the entire structure to collapse. For a cultivator, such a crack can lead to qi deviation (usually resulting in having inner injuries and cough a blood), stagnation in cultivation, or even death.
There are many reasons why a cultivator's Dao Heart might crack. Each case is deeply personal, and the reasons often reflect the path and temperament of the cultivator.
1. Emotional Turmoil
The death of a loved one, betrayal by a trusted companion, or witnessing something that shatters one's worldview can leave a deep scar on the heart. If a cultivator suppresses these emotions or refuses to accept them, the unresolved conflict can create a crack.
2. Deviation from One's Path
When a cultivator acts against their own principles—whether for greed, fear, or temporary gain—they may violate the very path they vowed to follow. This inner contradiction leads to guilt and confusion, and if they cannot reconcile it, the Dao Heart suffers.
3. Inner Doubt
Even without external trauma, simply doubting one's path or self-worth can cause a crack. Cultivators who grow uncertain of their talents, fate, or the meaning behind their cultivation might begin to waver. That hesitation is enough to shake the Dao Heart.
A faltering or cracking Dao Heart leaves a cultivator vulnerable to their deepest fears and insecurities, giving rise to Inner Demons (内心恶魔 nèixīn èmó) and, ultimately, Heart Demons (心魔 xīnmó).
Inner Demons (内心恶魔 nèixīn èmó), are the manifestations of their fears, regrets, unresolved desires, and all negative emotions accumulated over time. Inner Demons are intangible yet ever-present, subtly influencing thoughts, actions, and decisions. They may begin as fleeting doubts or nagging worries, but if left unaddressed, they can grow and intensify, threatening to undermine the cultivator's progress. Inner Demons feed on negative experiences and the darker aspects of human nature, often manifesting during times of great stress or personal crisis.
When Inner Demons are allowed to fester, they evolve into Heart Demons (心魔 xīnmó)—the visible, more dangerous culmination of these accumulated negativities. Unlike Inner Demons, Heart Demons can assault the cultivator directly through vivid hallucinations, illusions, or spiritual attacks, challenging their mental fortitude and resolve.
Falling (落下 luòxià) is the ultimate consequence of succumbing to one's Heart Demon. It signifies the betrayal of one's Dao Heart, a complete surrender to the darker impulses that reside within. To Fall is to abandon one's original aspirations and intentions, often resulting in the cultivator becoming a twisted, corrupted version of themselves. They may become demon or evil cultivators, embracing wanton destruction and self-indulgence, or simply lose all sense of purpose. However, Falling is not always instantaneous; it can occur gradually as a cultivator strays further from their path, giving in to negative emotions and desires.