ETR | Chapter 89

Xiao Xueman was heading to the Xu Yu Secret Realm, and Xiao Wan definitely couldn’t go in. He was still young and couldn’t help at this time, but letting Xiao Wan return to the Middle Realm alone was something Xiao Xueman couldn’t be at ease with.

He, Qin Lou, Yun Rong, and a few other parents were all going to the Secret Realm and wouldn’t be by his side temporarily.

Xiao Wan had just won first place in the Blue Sea Competition, and behind this honor, the attention or targeting he would receive in the future wouldn’t be small.

Xiao Xueman was worried that if he and Yun Rong encountered any trouble while he wasn’t around, those in the Upper Realm who could protect him might not arrive in time.

Leaving Xiao Wan here, in case of real danger, or if he was truly affected by the repulsion between the Tianxi Divine Tree and himself, there would be trustworthy people to protect him. Otherwise, Xiao Xueman wouldn’t be at ease.

Whether he went to the Wangtian Immortal Gate or stayed at the arena under Yu Zhengrong’s care, it was better than returning to the Middle Realm.

If he needed to cultivate, the First Heaven had plenty of trial grounds for him to practice.

But now that Xiao Wan knew all of this, he probably wouldn’t dare to make any progress.

However, Xiao Xueman quickly told him that the difference wasn’t that significant.

“Spiritual power is naturally self-circulating and absorbing. The higher the level, the more it absorbs on its own, and the Tianxi Divine Tree’s ability is particularly strong.

Xiao Wan, don’t forget, we can generate spiritual power ourselves. Although this ability is bad news at this time, it tells me that time is limited,” Xiao Xueman said.

“I’m telling you this because I’m afraid you’ll overthink and not know what I’m doing, but you really don’t need to panic. I’ll solve it.”

After saying this, he gently patted his shoulder, "After all, your daddy is very powerful, Xiao Wan, you have to believe in me."

But Xiao Wan didn't speak. He had grown tall enough, only a head shorter than Xiao Xueman. He hugged Xiao Xueman's waist, his head resting just below his shoulder.

Xiao Xueman could hear his soft sobbing.

It was at this moment that Qin Lou came in.

The Blue Sea Competition was over, and the participants and team leaders from the Wangtian Immortal Gate needed to return, but Qin Lou couldn’t go back.

At this time, he naturally couldn’t leave Xiao Xueman’s side, and he didn’t know when he would be able to return to the Wangtian Immortal Gate.

In this situation, he had to explain a few things. During this period, the sect’s affairs had to be handed over to Yin Ying to manage.

Yin Ying was already very skilled, but when faced with this matter, he still had many questions.

“Can’t I go too?” Yin Ying asked. “Maybe I can help.”

But after thinking about it, Qin Lou still refused.

He didn’t know when he and Xiao Xueman would no longer be by Xiao Wan’s side. To put it unluckily, maybe this time they wouldn’t be able to return.

Leaving Yin Ying behind would ensure the Wangtian Immortal Gate could continue to operate with minimal impact.

Yun Heng had a special talent, and they both needed each other. Besides Yun Heng, neither he nor Xiao Xueman dared to let anyone else join. The danger was beyond their control.

After explaining this matter, Qin Lou quickly came back to find Xiao Xueman.

Upon entering and seeing the scene, he understood what had happened. Xiao Xueman had probably already told his son about the situation, and it was normal for Xiao Wan to have difficulty accepting the truth.

Xiao Xueman saw Qin Lou come in, and they exchanged a glance.

Xiao Wan also heard the footsteps. When he saw it was Qin Lou, he released his hold on Xiao Xueman's waist.

"Can I talk to you? About this matter," Xiao Wan quickly turned around. When facing Qin Lou, he changed his expression, wiped his tears, and his tone changed. "Daddy said you saw the prophecy."

Qin Lou was taken aback for a moment. He first glanced at Xiao Xueman, then said, "…Of course."

Xiao Xueman was willing to give them space at this time and quickly left.

So only the two of them were left in the room.

Xiao Wan spoke first, "Is it true that my daddy and I are repelled by the Tianxi Divine Tree?"

Qin Lou originally wanted to comfort him, but since he asked, it was better to be honest, "Yes."

"Even if I stop cultivating now, it won't change anything, just delay it a bit, right?"

"…Yes."

"Then, if I remove my spiritual core, is there no way?"

"What?!"

Xiao Wan repeated himself. He still remembered the incident with Luo Yinyin, where his daddy had threatened to remove her spiritual core. Although he ultimately didn't, he made her suffer. If the spiritual core was removed, there would be no ability to cultivate.

"I can stop cultivating, as long as daddy is not in danger," Xiao Wan said, his expression becoming firm. "I'm only telling you because I know daddy would never agree."

"I wouldn't agree either," Qin Lou sighed. "You're a spirit plant transformed into a human. Removing your spiritual core would mean you wouldn't even have the ability to transform. Xiao Wan, you can't think like this."

"Then seal it, like you did before. There must be a way to stop my spiritual power from growing."

"That's not possible either. My seal was done at birth. You've already grown to this level, especially having reached the territory only a Spirit God Tier can have.

“If we seal you now, it would have to be to the point where even the rules can’t detect the Tianxi Divine Tree’s presence. This is different from ordinary concealment and is worlds apart from when Xueman concealed his abilities to deal with the Middle and Lower Realms’ limitations. The rules this time are highly targeted. Forcibly sealing would damage you, and this damage is similar to having your spiritual core destroyed,” Qin Lou said.

“Xiao Wan, don’t do anything foolish. This method won’t work. Xueman cares about you the most now. If anything happens to you, he would be in immense pain. Don’t do this.”

“Then think of another way! As long as I don’t cultivate anymore, it’s better than letting daddy take risks, right?” Xiao Wan seemed anxious, his eyes reddening again, but he knew Xiao Xueman was nearby, so he didn’t dare speak too loudly.

“Don’t you love him, Qin Lou? Don’t you want to do something?”

“It’s precisely because I love him that I know very well not to harm the person Xueman cares about the most. You’re the one he cares about the most,” Qin Lou took a step forward and comfortingly patted Xiao Wan’s shoulder.

“I absolutely cannot sacrifice you. Xiao Wan, in the prophecy, you’re safe, and that’s a point Xueman and I are very happy about. You can’t destroy the only good point.”

Xiao Wan fell silent.

“Xiao Wan, you’re still young and might be a bit impulsive. I’ve seen many prophecies. Sometimes they help me, and sometimes they harm me,” Qin Lou continued to persuade him.

“Prophecies are always going to happen, whether you believe in them and want them to happen quickly or hate them and wish they wouldn’t happen. But what should happen will happen, neither early nor late.”

If I were to summarize my experience, it would be to use it as a reference but not be controlled by it."

Xiao Wan looked at him and didn't brush away Qin Lou's hand on his shoulder.

"When I saw Xueman leaving me, on the brink of death, I was like you, wondering what I could do to keep him, to change the prophecy, to make sure nothing happened to him, no matter the cost," Qin Lou said. "Xiao Wan, don't be like I was."

"I'll let Xueman come in," Qin Lou paused for a moment, then continued, "Don't be afraid."

His voice was always gentle, never scolding Xiao Wan for his foolish thoughts, just trying to persuade him.

When Xiao Xueman came in, it was Xiao Wan who took the initiative to tell his daddy about their conversation.

Being able to speak about it, Qin Lou was relieved.

"I was foolish, too anxious," Xiao Wan lowered his head. "I'm sorry, daddy."

Being able to say this meant he wouldn't do it.

Xiao Xueman knocked him on the head, his face serious, "Don't even think about it."

"Oh, I know."

Xiao Xueman's tone remained stern, knocking him again, "Promise me!"

"I promise!"

Although he no longer thought about this matter, Xiao Wan was clearly still looking for other ways to help him.

The Xu Yu Secret Realm wasn’t opening so soon. Yun Heng’s premonition was about ten days away.

As the time drew closer, many sects’ spiritual instruments could sense something, so this news was no longer a secret in the outside world.

Just as the Blue Sea Competition had ended, the Upper Realm began looking for the next hot topic, and discussions about the Xu Yu Secret Realm became more and more intense.

After all, the Blue Sea Competition was a game for young people. For those who already had abilities, the Secret Realm was the real place of interest, much more attractive than the Blue Sea Competition.

Qin Lou and Xiao Xueman were preparing things, just like Xiao Xueman was busy refining pills to carry with him, which might be useful in necessary times. Qin Lou was also searching the sect’s storeroom for spiritual instruments that could be useful.

These auxiliary items were more about quality than quantity. Bringing too many would only cause chaos, and sometimes the Secret Realm had many restrictions, making many items unusable.

Yun Heng also knew what the two of them were going to do. He stated in advance,
“I’m just going to dig for treasures and have taken on some commissions from the demon clan. I’m not planning to risk my life for you two. So if there’s danger later, I can only tell you my feelings, but you’ll have to handle the specific matters yourselves.

I still have a son, Xiao Rong is still young, I can’t die.”

Yun Heng was at Spirit God Tier 4, and he indeed didn't have the ability.

"I understand," Xiao Xueman said. "When the time comes, Qin Lou and I will handle it ourselves."

After going around in circles, it was still just him and Qin Lou.

After discussing some matters about the Secret Realm with them, Yun Heng left, and Xiao Wan returned.

Xiao Wan had been going out frequently during this time, but since he had promised not to harm himself, Xiao Xueman wouldn't restrict his freedom. However, this time he seemed to have brought something back.

It was a small bag.

"A gift for daddy," he said. "I hope it can be of some use."

Qin Lou, seeing this, smiled from the side. He was happy that Xiao Wan had adjusted his state over the past few days.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Wan glanced at him and said, "There's something for you too."

Qin Lou: "!!!"