Yu Sheng opened his eyes, feeling somewhat surprised by the current leakage of his spiritual energy.
Yin Wangzhi had developed a heart demon, and Zhan Xiaotian’s sword spirit was restless—both were understandable. He knew it was his influence that had affected the plot and impacted the main characters’ roles and destinies.
But to find himself in a similar situation? That was truly unexpected.
He really didn’t want to leave, absolutely didn’t want to, not even if his cover was blown, not even if he were dug up from his grave a hundred times, starved daily, or lost his little white companion. To avoid leaving, he felt he could do anything!
However, while he felt frustrated and wronged, Yu Sheng believed he hadn’t reached the point of losing control over his powers.
Yet he was undeniably in this situation, where one step forward meant enlightenment and breakthrough, and one step back meant madness and self-damage.
After thinking of a countermeasure earlier, the situation had stabilized to some extent. At least, with the barrier of the stone chamber suppressing his energy, the structures and furnishings inside wouldn’t be damaged. The three protagonists also had enough strength not to be accidentally hurt.
But he realized that under this kind of "wave" of spiritual energy, the flowers and plants Wen Jiu had worked so hard to cultivate would definitely suffer.
Thinking about those flowers, plants, and fruit trees, Yu Sheng felt a pang in his heart. If he left here, all these familiar and cherished things he had known for a hundred years would have to leave him as well.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm down, not thinking about the potential consequences of leaving, and brought everything back under control.
Yu Sheng: "System, system, 451? What’s going on with me…? Is this a plot necessity?"
System 451: "Of course it’s not a plot necessity; you should ask yourself that. But based on my experience, every transmigrated host goes through this hurdle. No matter how smooth the mission goes or how many cheats and plot armors they have, they can’t escape facing their own inner struggles."
Yu Sheng: "No way, I don’t have any inner struggles; I just want to stay indoors until I die."
System 451: "Well, then I have nothing more to say. But as long as the other protagonists keep their distance, it’s fine if your little universe erupts. I have items that can keep you alive, and you can continue with your mission. The cliff’s bottom may get blasted, but no innocent bystanders will be harmed."
Yu Sheng: "…Is it really that serious?"
He definitely didn’t want to destroy his home.
However, it seemed like he had encountered a similar situation before.
In school, everyone said he was under too much stress, but he felt good, steady, and secure. Then, without any warning, he suddenly developed gastrointestinal issues and ended up in the emergency room right after an exam.
After starting work, people said he was dull and lacked energy, but he felt fine and thought nothing had changed. Suddenly, without any dieting, he lost ten pounds in a month.
Before he died, everyone told him he couldn’t stay cooped up. He felt perfectly fine, relishing his home life, and one day he thought he could finally stop being a hermit. On the first day he stepped outside, he dropped dead…
As he reflected on this, Yu Sheng’s expression darkened, and shadows seemed to thicken around him, almost tangible.
Yu Sheng: "System… Could it be… Am I afraid of dying? Is that why I died last time because I stopped being a recluse? But why don’t I feel anything…?"
System: Wake up, the cause of death isn’t being a recluse, it’s sudden death, okay?
Yu Sheng: Being a hermit is shameful, but it’s comfortable.
System: …
After an unknown amount of time, a flurry of memories rushed through Yu Sheng’s mind like a carousel, desperately searching for a way to calm himself down and looking for a solution to the current predicament, just as he had once sought the source of his emotions when his physical symptoms bore the weight of ignored feelings.
Then Wen Jiu burst in. The barrier was one-way, existing solely to protect the outside world, so it naturally wouldn’t block anyone from entering.
To be precise, he couldn’t tell whether it was Wen Jiu himself or a fragment of Wen Jiu’s consciousness that entered first. The first thing he noticed was a soft, boneless spiritual form slipping through a small window, reminding Yu Sheng of the saying that “cats are liquid.” It then landed and took shape, becoming a person.
This figure was transparent, vaguely human-shaped, with features and limbs outlined, and it came to stand before Yu Sheng.
At a moment like this, coming here was undoubtedly a risk. If Yu Sheng truly lost control in the next moment, the person closest to him would suffer the most damage.
“Wen Jiu…”
Yu Sheng sat cross-legged, unable to move, and frowned slightly.
“Senior, you look really unwell.” Wen Jiu squatted down, half-kneeling at his knees. “In my eyes, your ‘unwellness’ is very clear and easy to recognize, just like the bright blood lotus flowers you see on the snowy mountains.”
Yu Sheng remained silent, recalling Wen Jiu and his little white companion, thinking about how that ‘spiritual pet’ had been acting dumb and clumsy for so many days while never leaving his side. He also remembered how, in the past few days, Wen Jiu had secretly brought him food while hiding it from the other two.
“Spiritual energy leakage and unstable thoughts might be very complex and serious matters for you, Senior,” Wen Jiu said with a smile, gently resting his arm on Yu Sheng’s leg, his light blue eyes looking over. “But I can see it clearly on your behalf. Senior, please lend me your eye.”
Yu Sheng was taken aback. He almost instinctively opened his mouth to reject Wen Jiu’s suggestion.
“No, it’s not possible…”
Wen Jiu tilted his head, his face reflecting pure confusion. “Why not? Don’t you need it, Senior?”
Yu Sheng didn’t respond. He instinctively glanced outside the window, hoping for some help. He couldn’t understand why the other two would allow Wen Jiu to take such a risk without any objections. However, there was no one outside the window.
“Senior, you don’t need to worry about them.” Wen Jiu understood his gaze and reassured him. “Just in case, the Ghost King has set up a barrier around, and the alliance leader is trying to relocate the spiritual fruits, flowers, and saplings as much as possible.”
His disciples were so caring…
Wen Jiu’s fingers gently curled around a strand of Yu Sheng’s hair that hung by his side, secretly winding it in his palm. He continued, “So, even if you can’t suppress it and vent recklessly, it’s okay; you don’t need to worry about anything.”
Yu Sheng raised his hand and touched his head. Wen Jiu always seemed so understanding and gentle, so good at taking care of others.
But he still shook his head, refusing the Heavenly Eye, which might have been able to save everything at this moment.
Some things cannot be measured by lifespan, such as the ability to achieve enlightenment.
He didn't fully understand his own situation and knew that completely seeing through himself and gaining insight would be difficult. However, it was fine; what he couldn't obtain, he could still give to others. In this way, it felt as if he, too, was being healed and comforted, which would visibly improve his state of mind.
Wen Jiu looked at him in confusion. “Senior?”
Yu Sheng replied, “In that case, I want to say the same to you. Wen Jiu, you don’t need to dedicate yourself or sacrifice yourself; it’s fine not to become the most valuable person. That’s not why I brought you closer.”
Perhaps in other places and for other people, Wen Jiu was a priceless treasure, an existence that could lead one to gain everything.
Yu Sheng had read the original work. Throughout his life, whenever Wen Jiu was needed and brought benefits, he could exchange for anything he desired, but this also brought him many disasters. It was only after he gained the Heavenly Eye that things gradually improved.
However, with the improvement in circumstances, Wen Jiu fell into a continuous cycle of self-sacrifice. He was the most affectionate, most pitiful, and also the most selfless character in the entire story. He had high popularity and personal charm, yet he also faced a series of heartbreaking and tragic storylines.
The system said that because everything has been rewritten, Wen Jiu has become clever and scheming, no longer that beloved tragic romantic figure. However, Yu Sheng felt that this was not a bad thing.
There were some things he wanted to clarify while he had the chance.
Wen Jiu's eyes widened slightly, seemingly unable to grasp the situation for a moment. "You... don't need me?"
Yu Sheng shook his head, then nodded. "I don't need you to do anything, but I need you to watch me. Wen Jiu, whether I need you or not, and whether I like you, are two different matters."
Wen Jiu reached out his hand to him. More precisely, the "spiritual tendrils" extending from his back involuntarily unfurled. These were sensory organs he usually concealed, the most sensitive yet fragile parts of him as a spirit. At this moment, they emerged little by little, like flower petals stretching toward the sky when they bloom.
Then, these "flower petals" transformed into an umbrella, into a net, becoming his hands, his eyes, his everything, enveloping Yu Sheng.
Only now did Yu Sheng truly understand that when he initially told Wen Jiu to leave, what unfurled were the "spiritual tendrils," not a cage. He finally realized that everything before him represented trust, curiosity, and closeness, rather than anger, possession, and hostility.
He hoped it wasn’t too late for him to understand.
Wen Jiu repeated the words Yu Sheng had once said, "Like?"
After a pause, he recited, "Need... to watch?"
Yu Sheng nodded, his hand moving from Wen Jiu's head to the corner of his eye, where the "heavenly eye" he had gifted him resided. "For people, 'being seen' and 'being understood' is already a remarkable thing."
He smiled, reassuringly telling Wen Jiu, "You don’t need to lend me your eyes; you can see me in my place. Just knowing that you can see these things makes me very happy."
Yes.
In simple terms, it was merely about needing an understanding that was neither too little nor too much, neither too light nor too heavy.
I know you’re feeling really bad.
I can see your pressure, pain, and confusion.
It must be hard.
Wen Jiu seemed to sense something, slowly rising and embracing Yu Sheng.
It was gentle, light, and soft, just like how he usually held the White Dumpling Rabbit. Only this time, it was the big White Dumpling Rabbit embracing him.
Yu Sheng patted his back and smiled sincerely. At the same time, the chaotic and vigorous spiritual energy within him and around him calmed down by three or four tenths in that moment of embrace.
It was as if the violent winds and tsunamis were gradually receding, returning to tranquility.
As the saying goes, to save others is to save oneself, and saving oneself is also saving others. Yu Sheng didn't understand how to resolve or soothe himself; that was too difficult. However, it was much easier to relieve and comfort those around him, which could also help improve his own state of mind.
Wen Jiu's spiritual tendrils gradually returned to his body, following their master's calmness.
"I'm sorry, I lied to you." Yu Sheng whispered quietly in his ear, just like when they shared their little secret of sneaking snacks, being careful as if afraid of being discovered. "You must have realized it long ago. I am... your master. I'm actually not dead. Thank you for not exposing me all this time."
Yu Sheng's heart was filled with anxiety and trepidation: I've taken off my disguise, acknowledged my identity, everything is my fault, and I will try my best to take responsibility for the consequences... So can you forgive me now and give up on the idea of making me leave the cliff?
Comments