Immortals Step into Heaven

A gentle breeze blew, and the shadows of the trees in the courtyard swayed. Zhao Linger came in with light steps, just like a lively elf in spring. Her pair of autumn eyes sparkled with a smart light, and her curiosity was beyond words. She looked at Zheng Yuan and rang out her clear and pleasant voice like a silver bell: "Brother Xiaoyuan, why did Ergou and Daxiong rush to you just now? I saw them walking hurriedly from afar, as if they had something urgent to do. I was about to open my mouth to shout, trying to stop them, but in the blink of an eye, they had already run away!"

Zheng Yuan stood tall and straight, his bearing extraordinary. He slowly turned around, his deep eyes filled with doting and tenderness. His gaze gently fell on Ling'er's lovely face, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, outlining a smile as warm as the warm sun. He spoke softly, "This matter, to be honest, it's all because of our Ling'er's amazing talent in martial arts. Every time we compete, Ling'er unleashes those exquisite moves, and the two of them can't withstand them at all. They can only be beaten to pieces, embarrassed and defeated. So, feeling wronged, they quickly ran to me to complain."

Zhao Linger couldn't help but burst into laughter when she heard what Zheng Yuan said. Her eyes curved into crescents as she said, "Hahaha, so that's the reason. Next time I fight them, I'll just hold back a little and be gentle."

Zheng Yuan smiled and gently ruffled Ling'er's soft hair. His tone was gentle yet serious. "Ling'er, there's no need to be like this. It's not a bad thing for martial artists to experience setbacks and beatings. Only in this way can they clearly understand the level of their own abilities when they travel the world. This way, they can avoid unnecessary trouble and disaster caused by blind arrogance."

Ling'er tilted her head slightly, blinked her big eyes, and asked softly with a hint of worry: "Brother Xiao Yuan, won't this be too much of a blow to their self-confidence?"

Zheng Yuan shook his head slightly, a calm smile on his face as he patiently explained, "Ling'er, don't worry. Although Ergou and Daxiong are often defeated by you, they are not weak people. With each defeat, their desire to win only grows stronger, and they will practice hard in secret. It's like unpolished jade needs to be carved and polished, and true gold can only be refined through fierce fire. The setbacks they are facing now are precisely the stepping stones for their growth."

Ling'er nodded, seeming to understand. Zheng Yuan continued, "Besides, if a martial artist can't even withstand this kind of blow, how can he possibly make it in the martial arts world? The road to the martial arts world is paved with thorns and surrounded by powerful enemies. Only by experiencing countless falls and rises can one achieve greatness. If Ergou and Daxiong can understand themselves and hone themselves through these repeated competitions, they will surely become independent figures one day."

Ling Er raised her head, her eyes more determined: "Brother Xiao Yuan, I understand. I will continue to work hard to practice, and I will also supervise them well.

At dusk, the setting sun shone like blood, tinting the vast fields a golden crimson. Zheng Yuan and Zhao Linger sat side by side in the field where they had often played as children. The grass rustled in the gentle breeze, whispering stories of the past. On the distant horizon, the sun slowly sank into the west, like a ripe fireball gradually sinking into the earth's embrace.

Ling'er snuggled gently beside Zheng Yuan like a docile kitten, her hair dancing in the wind, occasionally brushing against his cheek. Amidst the silence, a ripple of unease inexplicably welled up in Ling'er's heart. She tilted her head slightly and looked at Zheng Yuan, her gaze filled with a hint of timidity and reluctance. Finally, unable to resist, she asked, "Brother Xiaoyuan, when are you planning on leaving?"

Zheng Yuan's body stiffened slightly, as if struck by an electric current. His heart felt as if it were being gripped by an invisible yet powerful hand, a dull pain surging through him. He stared intently at the setting sun ahead. After a long moment, he finally managed to squeeze out the two words from his dry throat: "Tomorrow."

Ling'er felt as if her heart had been split open by a sharp axe, and the pain was like a surging tide that instantly overwhelmed her. Her eyes instantly turned red, and tears quickly gathered and swirled in her eyes, but she forced herself not to fall. Her stubborn look made her look even more pitiful.

She knew full well that the path Zheng Yuan pursued was completely different from her own. Zheng Yuan was striving to improve his martial arts, his future filled with endless possibilities and uncertainties. Meanwhile, she simply lived an ordinary life in this small village.

Time is merciless, she thought to herself. Perhaps when she grows old, a hunched, ugly old woman, Zheng Yuan, thanks to his spiritual path, will still maintain his current spirited demeanor. Time, for them, is like two diverging streams, each flowing to a different, distant destination. She can only accept this fate, silently watching Zheng Yuan's receding figure, a mixture of emotions filling her heart. The joys of the past intertwine with the impending separation, leaving her soul mired in a quagmire of confusion and pain.

Ling'er suppressed her inner sorrow, her voice choking slightly but trying to remain steady: "Brother Xiaoyuan, I understand your lofty ambitions. You must be going there for a broader world and a higher realm. Although I'm reluctant to let you go, I won't stop you."

Zheng Yuan turned his head and looked at Ling'er's tear-stained, yet feigning strength. Guilt and pity filled his heart. He reached out and gently wiped the tears from her eyes. "Ling'er, you will always be one of the most important people in my heart. No matter where I go, I will never forget this field, nor the time we spent together."

Ling'er nodded slightly, took out a hand-woven amulet from her arms, and handed it to Zheng Yuan: Brother Xiaoyuan, this is what I made for you. Take it with you, I hope it can bless you with a safe journey.

Zheng Yuan took the amulet and held it tightly in his hand. He took a deep breath: Ling'er, you must take good care of yourself too.

Ling'er's eyes flashed with anxiety and expectation. Her lips trembled slightly as she asked softly, "Brother Xiaoyuan, will you come back in the future?" The voice was like a candle in the wind, flickering and uncertain, with a hint of fear of hearing a negative answer.

Zheng Yuan slowly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the endless distance. There, the deepening dusk seemed to conceal countless unknown challenges and tribulations. His brow furrowed slightly, a solemn expression on his face. After a long silence, he slowly spoke, "I don't know. The road ahead is arduous, and my return date is uncertain." His voice was calm. The journey ahead is long and arduous. A world filled with danger and uncertainty awaits those cultivating immortality. There are powerful adversaries, insurmountable obstacles, and every step could be a test of life and death. Despite my lofty ambitions, fate's trajectory on this long journey is unpredictable. Perhaps I will be tripped up by numerous difficulties, or perhaps I will lose my way on the path of pursuit. Therefore, I dare not easily promise a return date.