Hai Tang didn't expect that the previous offhand question from her master about Dao companions would so soon become a reality. Regarding the matter of becoming Lu Ye's Dao companion, she indeed didn't have any objections. After all, Lu Ye was the one who saved her life. Without Lu Ye bringing her out of the Ghost Ship, there would be no Hai Tang today. What's wrong with dedicating herself to him? Besides, Lu Ye's perception wasn't bad. If she indeed became Lu Ye's Dao companion, then Nian Yuexian would be a part of her marital family. Facing her now, Hai Tang naturally felt a bit uneasy. She didn't ask what decision Lu Ye had made; she felt embarrassed to ask, so she silently flew upwards with Nian Yuexian. But she could clearly sense that behind her, Nian Yuexian was sizing her up, like an elder sister-in-law evaluating her future sister-in-law, seeing if she had broad hips and could bear children well in the future... With such wild thoughts, Hai Tang became increasingly uncomfortable. Fortunately, Nian Yuexian sensed it, moved forward a couple of steps, walked shoulder to shoulder with her, and initiated a conversation: "Yiye is still deliberating. I don't know what decision he will make. However, Fellow Daoist Hai Tang, I hope that no matter what decision he makes, it won't affect the bond between you two. It's rare to have a connection in this vast stellar space." Hai Tang nodded continuously: "I understand what Fellow Daoist is saying. No matter what decision Junior Brother Lu makes, I have no issue on my side." Nian Yuexian smiled slightly: "Fellow Daoist is a good woman!" After some casual chatting, Hai Tang also relaxed, no longer as restrained as before. Being both women, naturally, they had many things to talk about once the conversation flowed. After chatting for a while, they reached the summit of the Immortal Spirit Peak. "Master is inside. Fellow Daoist, you may go in; I've already informed the master." Nian Yuexian expressed gratitude and stepped toward the hall. Entering the hall, she saw the white-robed woman seated inside and respectfully saluted: "Greetings, senior." Su Yuqing nodded slightly and gestured with her hand: "Sit down." Nian Yuexian took a seat and spoke directly before Su Yuqing could say anything: "Junior came here just to ask senior one question face to face." There were things Lu Ye didn't pay attention to, but as his senior sister, she had to probe beforehand for Lu Ye's sake, otherwise, she wouldn't have come to meet Su Yuqing. Su Yuqing looked at her with interest: "What question?" Nian Yuexian asked: "If my junior brother truly chooses a Dao companion at Immortal Spirit Peak, will he have to stay at Mount Fangcun to cultivate in the future?" Su Yuqing thought she was going to ask something more sharp but unexpectedly it was this. She then smiled slightly: "The dwarf race at Mount Fangcun is very generous to friends and guests. All friends and guests of the dwarf race can come and go freely; our dwarf race won't interfere at all." But Nian Yuexian wasn't satisfied with her answer and shook her head, saying: "If he truly chooses a Dao companion here, then he is neither a friend nor a guest, but half a part of Mount Fangcun." On reflection, that's indeed the case. Su Yuqing earnestly said: "If things truly reach that point, he can stay in the domain if he wishes. If not, he can leave with his Dao companion. Our palace won't prevent him from doing so!" Nian Yuexian's gaze turned sharp: "Even if he chooses Fellow Daoist Hai Tang?" Su Yuqing nodded: "Even if he chooses Hai Tang. Of course, whether Hai Tang is willing to leave with him, that will depend on her own wishes. Although I am her master, I won't command her to do anything." Nian Yuexian said: "Senior is a good master!" Su Yuqing gave a self-deprecating smile: "If I were truly a good master, I wouldn't use my own disciple to scheme." Though she didn't clarify, she knew Nian Yuexian could understand. In fact, Nian Yuexian coming to Immortal Spirit Peak at this time already explained a lot. But everyone is a cultivator, some things are obvious without needing to be said. Su Yuqing sighed: "No matter what, the Black Abyss Martial Arts Meet is the most important issue for the domain. If not for the lack of talent here, it wouldn't need to be this troublesome." She then turned serious: "However, there is still one thing I need to inform you, although I use my own disciple to scheme, not just anyone is qualified to make me do that. Hai Tang is a very nice child. If she can thus obtain a good home, I, as her master, would be gratified." Nian Yuexian's eyes flashed with insight: "On the way here, I specifically asked Fellow Daoist Hai Tang about the Divine Sea struggle of the Reincarnation Tree. But Fellow Daoist Hai Tang said that the situation at Mount Fangcun is special, without a doppelganger of the Reincarnation Tree, so the dwarf race did not participate in such grand events, and they know little about the previous Divine Sea struggles. Did Fellow Daoist Hai Tang deceive me?" Su Yuqing looked at Nian Yuexian with appreciation: "You're a clever young lady to have thought of this!" Nian Yuexian said: "It's not that I'm clever, it's just because I couldn't make sense of it. My junior brother is only at the Constellation Early Stage, what virtue or skill does he possess to be valued by you so much that you'd find ways to have him help participate in the Black Abyss Martial Arts Meet, even willing to let your disciple become his Dao companion? Aren't you afraid of entrusting him wrongly? How can senior be sure that once Fellow Daoist Hai Tang becomes his Dao companion, she would indeed have a good home." "Hai Tang did not deceive you." Su Yuqing explained, "In fact, both Chen Xuanhai and Woo Qimo were unaware of the previous Divine Sea struggle. I only know due to a chance incident." Nian Yuexian understood: "So, when Hai Tang brought him back, senior knew then that my junior brother was Lu Yiye of the Nine Heavens World." "To be able to overpower the crowd with cultivation inferior to all others during the Divine Sea struggle, even those genius demons from top domains couldn't compete with him, such juniors are rare. If Hai Tang follows him, she certainly wouldn't go wrong, so he is qualified to participate in the Black Abyss Martial Arts Meet." "In that case, I understand," Nian Yuexian nodded slightly. This conversation with Su Yuqing had resolved her greatest confusion. Ultimately, it was all due to Lu Ye's show of prowess at the Reincarnation Tree back then. Slowly rising to her feet, Nian Yuexian bowed once more, "Thank you, Senior, for solving my doubts. I shall take my leave!" "Hold on a moment," Su Yuqing called out to her, "From your understanding of your junior brother, what choice do you think he will make?" Nian Yuexian thought for a moment and replied, "Actually, we are not from the same school, so I don't know him too well, but if I were to boldly speculate, I think he would refuse." Su Yuqing frowned, "He wouldn't lose anything, why would he refuse?" Agreeing to this would gain him a beautiful and skillful Dao companion, while also achieving eternal peace with the Dwarf Race—where could you find such good fortune? "Conscience!" Nian Yuexian smiled slightly, "He indeed wouldn't lose anything, but if he truly agreed, where would he go from there? Staying at Mount Fangcun is against his wishes, and he couldn't bear to take Fellow Daoist Hai Tang away. After all, to the Dwarf Race, Mount Fangcun is home, and who would wish to leave home to follow an outsider to another domain? Senior, Junior Brother mentioned the Ghost Ship to me before, and you know the choice he made in the end. If he were heartless, he could have easily chosen to take a treasure instead of picking Fellow Daoist Hai Tang." Nian Yuexian left lightheartedly, leaving Su Yuqing frowning in contemplation. In all her calculations, she suddenly realized she had overlooked one crucial factor—Lu Ye's own moral standards. This was originally a shining point of human nature, but now it had become the biggest obstacle in her plans—a situation laughably absurd. But speaking of which, if Lu Ye didn't possess such integrity, Hai Tang wouldn't have safely escaped from danger, and none of the subsequent events would have unfolded. Official source ıs 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝘯𝘦𝘵 This matter had become somewhat contradictory. However, the more it was so, the more she hoped that Hai Tang could become his Dao companion, not just for this Black Abyss Martial Arts Meet, but for Hai Tang's future. With extraordinary aptitude, strong personal capabilities, and such benevolence, where could one find a man like him? But now she had to consider another problem: What if Lu Ye indeed refused? If that was the case, all her previous schemes and designs would come to naught. Using force was impossible; you can't forcibly make a cow drink water, and it's unrealistic to use force against someone at the Constellation stage. As she continued to ponder, Hai Tang sent a message saying Lu Ye wanted to meet her. Has a decision been made? Su Yuqing had no reason to refuse; she too wanted to know if Nian Yuexian's bold speculation was correct. Moments later, Lu Ye, having received a reply, flew to the top of Immortal Spirit Peak led by Hai Tang. He didn't know Nian Yuexian had already visited earlier, for when he came to a resolution and stepped out, she had long left. A short while later, he was seated on the same meditation mat where Nian Yuexian had sat, across from Su Yuqing not far away. "Have you made a decision?" Despite her Sun Blaze cultivation, Su Yuqing couldn't help but feel a bit anxious when asking this question. Lu Ye seriously replied, "Indeed, I must ask for Senior's forgiveness. I am willing to participate in the Black Abyss Martial Arts Meet for our domain, but as for choosing a Dao companion here, I fear I must decline your kind offer." "May I ask why?" Su Yuqing inquired. Lu Ye said, "As Dao companions, we should support one another. If I were to choose a Dao companion here, I wouldn't have the heart to take her away, nor could I stay to accompany her. Chances are, we may never meet again, imposing on her lifetime—my heart wouldn't be at ease." His answer was identical to Nian Yuexian's prediction! This response should be commendable, but at this moment, Su Yuqing wished Lu Ye had given a different answer. With a sigh in her heart, a sense of powerlessness arose. Looking at Lu Ye with complex emotions, she didn't expect him to suddenly change his tone and say, "Therefore, I thought of a compromise. Senior, do you think it's appropriate?" Su Yuqing was curious, "What proposal?" "Senior Sister Hai Tang mentioned that to enter the Black Abyss, one must possess the aura of the Dwarf Race. In that case, it isn't strictly necessary to select a Dao companion, right? As long as I cultivate alongside a woman from the Dwarf Race, Senior, could you find me a suitable widow? I'm strong and healthy, it wouldn't be a problem." Su Yuqing's eye twitched slightly, suddenly realizing this kid might not have as lofty virtues as imagined...