For five hundred years, I have been bound in this forbidden land, and yet here you are, dear Independent Cultivator, shedding tears for what reason?

Summary

Nian Zhao Xi is confronted by Ye Hong Ling about Gu Xiu's silence, which leads her to reflect on the harsh treatment Gu Xiu received upon his return to the Qing Xuan Sect. Despite being a once-great figure, Gu Xiu is now seen as an outsider, and the sect has distanced itself from him, fearing he might leak their precious techniques. This leaves Nian Zhao Xi in tears, struggling to articulate the truth of their situation. Meanwhile, Gu Xiu, now living in Yunxiao City, interacts with a maid named He and demonstrates kindness by inviting her to eat with him. However, their peace is disrupted by the aggressive demands of local gangs for tribute. Gu Xiu's status is hinted at through the protective actions of other factions in the city. As he continues to train, he suffers from an old injury but remains focused on improving himself. The next day, Su Ru Mei visits Gu Xiu, bringing him martial arts manuals and resources to aid his training, showing her support for his cultivation journey.

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