NOVPUBHearing Qin Xi’s successive remarks, Lin Tianming felt a complex mix of emotions, his expression filled with great confusion.
He simply couldn’t understand what confidence Qin Xi had to survive on a battlefield as deadly as a meat grinder, where even a Cultivator at the initial-middle stage of Foundation Establishment would be eager to avoid such a conscription mission.
He, at least, had some means to protect himself and could understand going to the front lines for the sake of his family; but she, merely at the Foundation Establishment Second Layer, would be better off practicing safely at Golden Horn Mountain—yet she insisted on stirring into this muddy water.
What exactly was her reason?
Seeing that the dumbfounded Lin Tianming didn’t express his stance, Qin Xi reminded him, "Lin, let me go with you!"
"Ah... Why go through all this trouble?" 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘱𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝑚
"The front lines are fraught with danger. You really don’t need to do this. Although I did save you once, there’s truly no need for you to follow me."
"I don’t want you to lose your life in vain, let alone make a needless sacrifice!"
Lin Tianming’s earnest persuasion continued, hoping Qin Xi would change her mind to prevent him from watching this devastating beauty’s demise.
"Lin, if you don’t take me with you, I’ll go by myself as a Loose Cultivator. There are no restrictions on Loose Cultivators by the three Great Sects, as long as one volunteers to join. What’s the difference?"
Qin Xi said resentfully, revealing a determination not to give up until her goal was reached.
Seeing this, it was clear that Qin Xi had set her mind on going, and although Lin Tianming wanted to persuade her, he didn’t know how to begin.
In the silence, Qin Xi continued to press on persistently, resolved not to give up, leaving him without any viable options.
After what felt like ages, weary of her bothering him, Lin Tianming said helplessly, "I really can’t be the one to decide on this matter. Let me discuss it with my father and others. How about I give you an answer tomorrow?"
Hearing Lin Tianming put it that way, Qin Xi couldn’t force the issue too much and agreed to let him discuss it first.
Seeing her agree to his suggestion, Lin Tianming didn’t want to stay there any longer; he immediately got up to take his leave and left her Cave Mansion.
Before long, Lin Tianming returned to his father’s Cave Mansion Courtyard, where Lin Xingzhi happened to be present.
Seeing him return abruptly, both Lin Xingrong and Lin Xingzhi were puzzled and promptly asked what had happened.
With a resigned expression, Lin Tianming sat down with them in the courtyard and relayed Qin Xi’s request, inquiring about the thoughts of Lin Xingrong and Lin Xingzhi.
At that moment, both Lin Xingrong and Lin Xingzhi were similarly conflicted.
From the perspective of the Lin Family, it was unexpectedly good news that Qin Xi was willing to follow him to the battlefield.
However, they were equally aware that Qin Xi’s cultivation level was not high, and going there might lead to a pointless sacrifice.
They were not heartless and certainly couldn’t bear to watch such a distinctively gracious woman perish in vain.
After a moment of thought, Lin Xingrong spoke up, "Tianming, leave quietly at the break of dawn tomorrow, without alerting anyone, especially Qin Xi."
"Her claim of going to the battlefield alone is likely just a ploy, fearing your disagreement, intended to force your hand. There’s no need to take it to heart."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Xingzhi also added his voice in agreement.
"Yes... Although we too hope that some of our clan members can accompany you, we really don’t want to see her sacrifice herself in vain, so it looks like you will have to go to the battlefield alone."
Lin Tianming nodded, feeling that what they said made sense and quickly decided to leave in secret.
"I hope she can understand my goodwill and won’t actually venture there alone!" Lin Tianming muttered to himself.
Regaining his composure, he then stood up to bid farewell and left his father’s courtyard.
Returning to his own Cave Mansion, Lin Tianming entered his room, planning to rest well and leave Golden Horn Mountain first thing in the morning.
Determined, he lay down on the bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, the Golden Horn Mountain Clan Territory was serene.
At that moment, it was time for sleep or cultivation for some clan members.
Lin Tianming left his Cave Mansion quietly and walked towards the mountain gate of the clan’s territory.
As he was about to step out of the Defensive Great Formation, a graceful figure interrupted his step.
Seeing the person approaching, Lin Tianming’s face darkened, and he looked hesitant and utterly resigned.
He hadn’t expected this woman to be so stubborn or to have arrived here to wait in ambush, fearful that he would leave without her.
Under the dim moonlight, Qin Xi approached Lin Tianming, and at the same time, a resentful voice came through.
"Lin, you actually left without saying goodbye. Fortunately, I was prepared, otherwise, you would have slipped away unnoticed!"
"Sigh..."
Lin Tianming let out a helpless sigh. His attempt to leave secretly had been caught by Qin Xi, and his original plan dissipated like bubbles.
"Fairy Qin, are you really so insistent on following me?"
"Aren’t you afraid of death?"
Upon hearing these frank words, Qin Xi let out a cold snort, then firmly said, "Death?"
"Ever since I was chased by Demonic Beasts, I had already accepted the outcome of dying."
"But having been saved by you, I am not afraid of death!"
Hearing this, and seeing Qin Xi’s faintly evident determination, Lin Tianming wavered.
"So be it... Since you are always ready to fall, then come with me."
Seeing Lin Tianming’s agreement, a touch of moving joy flashed across Qin Xi’s face.
"You can follow me, but let’s get one thing straight first, no conditions, all actions must follow my arrangements."
"Otherwise... I will never agree!" Lin Tianming said righteously.
Qin Xi looked at Lin Tianming’s serious eyes, chuckled, and then sincerely replied.
"I understand. Just rest assured, whatever you tell me to do, I’ll do it without any objections, is that okay?"
"Hmm..."
Lin Tianming nodded, then sent a message, explaining to Lin Xingrong that Qin Xi would be leaving with her. Otherwise, if they couldn’t contact Qin Xi, it might cause some trouble.
After sending the message, Lin Tianming turned back to look at Qin Xi and took the lead in stepping out of the Formation.
Following closely, Qin Xi matched his pace and the two disappeared from the square together.
Outside the Formation, Lin Tianming released the Purple Gold Eagle. The two of them jumped onto the back of the Purple Gold Eagle in succession.
Then, the Purple Gold Eagle soared into the sky, flying into the clouds thousands of feet high. Under the bright moonlight, it shot towards the north.
Sitting side by side, Lin Tianming took out a map to have a brief look. Since he had been to Qianchuan Market several times, he was relatively familiar with the route and quickly put away the map.
Looking at Qin Xi beside him, Lin Tianming smiled helplessly, then waved his sleeve and more than ten Second Order low-grade talismans appeared in his hand, with a majority being Attack Talismans and only two being Defense Talismans.
"These Talismans are for your protection!" After saying this, Lin Tianming handed the talismans to Qin Xi.
Touched by his gesture, Qin Xi knew talismans were consumables that no one would ever have too many of, and even the most talented members of the Lin Family would have limited consumables on them.
Yet here he was, before a battle filled with unknown dangers, giving her more than ten Second Order Talismans, seemingly without a second thought about their worth.
It was evident that Lin Tianming was quite concerned about her safety; otherwise, he wouldn’t give away talismans worth thousands without even blinking an eye.
"Take them... I don’t want you to become a burden to me!" Lin Tianming urged somewhat impatiently.
Qin Xi puffed her cheeks, just about to retort, but quickly halted her intention to speak, taking the talismans from Lin Tianming’s hand and storing them in her own storage bag.
"Thank you, Lin!"
With a faint blush of gratitude, Qin Xi thanked him and then, opening her bright eyes, she looked at Lin Tianming’s handsome profile, her mind seemingly preoccupied with thoughts.
Lin Tianming did not engage in conversation either; he closed his eyes to meditate, his Divine Sense searching the movements around them.
He could not afford to be careless; they were about to enter the unknown conditions of the Luoyang Mountain Range not far ahead.
That place was not like the Luoyun Mountain Range; he had to be extra careful, guarding against both Demonic Beasts and other Cultivators.
Seeing his cautious expression, Qin Xi knew better than to interrupt him.
The two sat cross-legged on the back of the Purple Gold Eagle, rushing towards their destination.
