Wu Min Huan had no idea what was actually going on but he felt like Jing Yi didn’t want to talk about it. As such, he didn’t press the issue and instead just focused on what was right in front of them. “Well, it must be strange coming back here. I mean … ascending, that is what all of us are working toward and you’ve actually managed to do it, despite all odds. You must be so proud of himself. Coming back here, don’t you feel a bit like gloating?”

Jing Yi couldn’t help but smile wryly. Wu Min Huan might be joking with the last part but, to be honest, nothing could be further from the truth while the rest of what he said hit a little too close to home.

He wasn’t sure if he could say that it was all his own hard work that had let him here. As much as he hated that his existence relied so much on Jing He, he also had to admit that this had given him benefits as well. That was just the way it was. No amount of trying to convince himself otherwise would ever lead to that not being true.

Well, it was still true that he had indeed worked hard. A lot of it had been coincidences and downright dumb luck but that didn’t mean that he hadn’t done his best as well. And even though his cultivation might not be only thanks to himself, he had still grown.

In the end, he shook his head. “Not particularly. Actually, I just came because … well, I guess I wanted to see everyone. It’s not like there are no people that are important to me in the immortal realms but I guess I wanted to go back to where my roots are. I’m not sure if you can understand that feeling.”

As somebody who hadn’t yet managed to ascend but was still working tirelessly toward that goal, Wu Min Huan indeed wasn’t sure if he could. But then, he could somewhat get this feeling of wanting to go back to your roots. “Well, you spent a lot of time in the Yun Zou Sect. Not as much as many others of us but it still means that you are connected to this place in a way. I can see why you would want to see it again, even if it was only for a short while.”

Jing Yi nodded. “Yes, I guess it’s something like that.” He still wasn’t sure if he should say the rest but the longer he was here, the more he felt that he shouldn’t. So even now, he still didn’t bring it up.

He still had the same feeling that he had had when he sat in front of Nian Hong Fang and Ma Zhi Wu. Suddenly, he realized how selfish it was to do this kind of thing. Also, who knew if some of them wouldn’t start to worry about what would happen to them after ascending?

He didn’t want to cause trouble for them and crush their dreams just because his own had gone up in smoke. He also didn’t want them to worry about him when there was a good chance that he could indeed come back.

It just didn’t seem right. No, this matter had nothing to do with them. Anyway, they weren’t that close that he felt the need to burden them with that. On the other hand, this was a way for him to get closure. To see everything again, speak to everyone again, to get clarity on some things … That was what he was really getting out of this trip. He didn’t regret coming here.

Jing Yi hummed to himself when he realized this and his smile turned a bit lighter. “Anyway, we’ve already arrived yesterday and first went to see senior martial brother Nian and senior martial brother Ma. If you have time, it would be great for all of us to get together at once. What do you think?”

Wu Min Huan raised his brows but finally nodded slowly. “Well, I am a bit busy these days but I guess there’s always time for a gathering with friends. I am sure the matters of the sect can wait at least a few hours.”

Jing Yi nodded, happy to have this opportunity. “Great! Then … well, we still weren’t able to see Shao Hai since he’s not back yet. Maybe he could all get together when he is?”

Wu Min Huan nodded. “Good idea! Anyway, that way, I’ll have the chance to finish up some of my tasks ahead of time. You know, my Master has been back in seclusion for a while. He is attempting to get to the next level this time around. I really don’t want to burden him with anything that isn’t absolutely necessary at this time. If I can accomplish a few more things so I will really have time, it wouldn’t be bad.”

“If you don’t have time, it’s alright as well. I know we just dropped by suddenly. We can’t really expect you to just leave everything else be and just come and hang was out with us.”

Wu Min Huan shook his head. “No, I really don’t mind. Actually, it will be nice to finally get out of here for a bit. You know, being either at my own place or in my Master’s study all day really makes me feel … I don’t know, like nothing is moving forward.

“These days, I understand much better why my Master was always grumbling about having to take care of the matters of the sect. I always looked up to him so much and thought that his complaining was completely unbelievable. I thought it was an honor but I’m afraid I didn’t see the other side to it. It’s really a lot of work.”

Jing Yi nodded, feeling that he somewhat understood. “You know, Qiu Ling is the same. I didn’t realize when we were still in the mortal realm because he pushed things away but now that we are in the immortal realms, there is so much for him to do. It’s … well, I didn’t expect it.”

He probably should have. Anyway, being king couldn’t be easy. But it had really given him a new view of Qiu Ling. That was one of the few things he was happy about regarding his ascension. Yes, not all of it was bad. At the very least, he and Qiu Ling had managed to get some things out of the way that had been standing between them. That was definitely a good thing.

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