Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

Xu Ming left Guest Peak and headed toward Wanhua Valley.

It wouldn’t be long before Tianxuan Sect relocated, and Xu Ming wanted to see Qingwan—otherwise, it would be a long time before they met again.

Just as Xu Ming arrived at Wanhua Valley, Qin Qingwan happened to be stepping out.

Seeing him flying in mid-air, her eyes lit up, and she waved excitedly. “Over here, over here~”

Xu Ming smiled and slowly descended.

“Are you heading out?” he asked.

“Yep~ And were you coming to find me?” Qin Qingwan hopped in front of him, her voice light and cheerful.

“I was,” Xu Ming nodded. “But there’s no rush. I can wait until you’re done with your errand.”

“I’m not in a hurry either.”

“Because the reason I was heading out… was to find you~”

“…”

Looking at the sweet girl in front of him, Xu Ming felt something stir in his heart, as if the softest part of it had been touched.

“Why are you just standing there? Come in!”

Qin Qingwan took his hand and led him into Wanhua Valley.

Compared to the last time Xu Ming visited, the spiritual energy in the valley had significantly thinned.

Previously, Wanhua Valley had been a place of abundant spiritual energy—an ideal cultivation ground, even comparable to the sacred training grounds of top-tier sects.

But now, it was just an ordinary blessed land, and the spiritual energy continued to drain away.

Even the flowers and plants reflected the change.

They looked listless, their colors dull—nothing like the vibrant state they had been in when Xu Ming last saw them.

In the valley, a large bag sat open.

One by one, the spiritual flowers and herbs pulled up their own roots and walked into the bag.

Those that couldn’t move on their own were carried by others.

“What’s going on?” Xu Ming asked.

“Because the Tianxuan Sect’s protective formation was destroyed, and the sect’s dragon vein was taken by Mo Zhuer, the spiritual energy here is continuously dissipating. Eventually, it’ll be no different from any ordinary land. ṛ₳ꞐοβĘ𝒮

These spiritual flowers and herbs require a high level of spiritual energy to survive. Without it, they’ll wither.

This bag is a treasure from my master—a half-immortal-grade artifact. It holds a significant amount of spiritual energy and can nourish them for at least a year.

So we’re moving them into the bag until we find a new place to replant them.”

Qin Qingwan explained.

“I see,” Xu Ming nodded. “But finding a place like Wanhua Valley won’t be easy, right?”

“It’ll definitely be difficult.”

Qin Qingwan pouted slightly, squatting down to gently stroke the petals of a nearby flower, as if comforting an old friend.

“But we don’t have a choice. If we really can’t find a suitable place, we’ll have to send them to the Jade Pool Sacred Land. I can’t just let them wither away for nothing.”

Xu Ming fell silent.

Then, suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind.

“What do you think about Baiwa Secret Realm?”

“Huh?” Qin Qingwan blinked.

“Baiwa Secret Realm,” Xu Ming repeated. “I think it could work. If the spiritual energy inside is sufficient, we could plant the flowers and herbs there. And I can set up a law formation to ensure their safety.”

Qin Qingwan thought for a moment.

“The spiritual energy in Baiwa Secret Realm is indeed dense… it might actually work. But I need to ask my master first.”

“Of course,” Xu Ming smiled. “But remember, Baiwa Secret Realm belongs to both of us. If you ever need to use it, you don’t need my permission—just go in whenever you want.”

“Mhm~”

Qin Qingwan didn’t refuse. She simply gave him a bright, sweet smile.

“Oh, right. I just ran into some disciples from Wanjian Sect. They said you’re moving soon? But I remember Senior Wangxuan saying there was still about a month left?” Xu Ming asked.@@novelbin@@

Qin Qingwan shook her head. “Master said the sooner we leave, the better. Everything in the sect has been sorted out, so we’ll likely depart in ten days.”

“I see…” A trace of disappointment flickered in Xu Ming’s eyes.

“Do you want me to leave?” Qin Qingwan asked, looking at him.

Xu Ming lifted his head, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Exactly what it sounds like~” Qin Qingwan’s eyes curved into a smile. “Master said I’ve already learned everything I need to. There’s nothing more she can teach me. If I want to leave, I can return to Wudu or go somewhere else. It’s all the same.”

“And you?” Xu Ming asked. “Do you want to leave with your master?”

Qin Qingwan lowered her head, her delicate brows knitting together slightly.

“I… don’t know.”

After a long pause, she raised her head and shook it gently.

“I don’t want to leave you… but I can’t stop worrying about Master either. Even though my current level of cultivation isn’t much help to her, I can at least assist with some of the sect’s affairs.”

“Then follow your heart.”

Xu Ming reached out, gently brushing his fingers through her long hair.

Qin Qingwan bit her lip and lowered her head again.

Xu Ming knew—after this moment of hesitation, she would make her decision.

“Xu Ming!”

Qin Qingwan suddenly looked up, her small hands clutching at the hem of his robe.

“I still want to leave with Master.”

“Alright.” Xu Ming nodded. “No matter what decision you make, I’ll support you.”

“I… I’m not just leaving because I can’t let go of Master. There’s another, more important reason.”

A faint blush spread across Qin Qingwan’s cheeks.

“Oh? What is it?”

Xu Ming smiled, watching the girl’s nervous expression.

“When we were kids, you were always the one protecting me. Back in school, you got into fights for me more times than I can count. During the Zixia Grand Ceremony, you were the one shielding me again.

Every single time, all I could do was watch.

I don’t want to just watch anymore.

I want to go on this journey with Master… so that one day, I can stand by your side.

So that I can be the one to shield you.”

The more she spoke, the redder her face became.

Perhaps by the time she woke up tomorrow morning, she would realize just how embarrassing these words were.

Xu Ming chuckled and ruffled her hair. “I’m your big brother Ming. It’s only natural for me to protect you.”

“But one day, you’ll get tired. One day, you won’t be able to handle everything alone.”

Qin Qingwan pouted.

“When that day comes… when you find yourself overwhelmed, lost in the chaos around you… I want to be there, right beside you.

I want to tell the whole world—

You have me.”