165: Chapter 165 Farewell

Li Qing knew very well that Luo Bing's special treatment of him had pushed him into the limelight. The Disciples of the entire Luoshui Sect were staring at him, and this place was no longer suitable for him to stay.

He had always preferred to cultivate in a low-profile manner and did not like being pointed at or constantly watched. Being the target of public criticism like this was of no benefit to his cultivation; instead, it would restrict him everywhere, and a moment of carelessness could lead to trouble.

Furthermore, his goal was to improve his strength and seek cultivation Opportunities suitable for himself, not to attach himself to some Sect and live under another's roof.

No matter how good the Luoshui Sect was, it was still someone else's territory, with many rules and restrictions everywhere. It was far inferior to being free and unfettered, going where he wanted and cultivating how he pleased.

Just like that, time passed day by day.

Three days later.

Just as Li Qing was meditating, soft footsteps came from outside the small courtyard, followed immediately by a cold yet pleasant voice: "Big Brother Li, are you there?"

It was Luo Bing.

Li Qing opened his eyes, stood up, walked to the courtyard gate, and opened it. He saw Luo Bing standing outside, dressed in a plain white dress, with a tall, slender figure, a stunningly beautiful Face, and a cold, refined air.

Behind her followed an Inner Sect Disciple carrying tea and refreshments. Seeing Li Qing open the door, the Disciple bowed respectfully.

"Junior Sister Luo Bing." Li Qing nodded slightly and greeted her.

Luo Bing walked into the small courtyard, her gaze sweeping over the tidy environment, and then looked at Li Qing. Her tone was slightly softer than before as she spoke:

"I came over to see how you and Miss Zhou Yao are recovering."

"She has already taken a Calm Heart Medicinal Pill and is sleeping. There is nothing serious. Thank you for your concern, Fairy." Li Qing replied, his tone indifferent.

Luo Bing nodded, signaling the Disciple behind her to place the tea and refreshments on the stone table, and then dismissed the Disciple. Only the two of them were left in the courtyard.

She walked to the stone table and sat down. After a moment of silence, she looked up at Li Qing and spoke earnestly:

"I came over today not only to see you, but also to discuss an important matter with you."

Li Qing had roughly guessed what she was going to say, so he sat down opposite her at the stone table and waited quietly for her to speak.

"Big Brother Li, your strength is obvious to all. At the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, you were able to contend with the Late Foundation Establishment Stage Deputy Hall Master Du Qian. Your talent and courage far exceed those of ordinary people, and among Loose Cultivators, you are one in ten thousand."

Luo Bing looked at Li Qing, her eyes filled with appreciation, and her tone was exceptionally solemn.

"My Luoshui Sect is the top Sect within a thousand miles, with abundant resources. We have every Cultivation Technique, Medicinal Pill, and Magical Artifact you could need, which is far better than wandering as a Loose Cultivator. I would like to formally invite you to join the Luoshui Sect and become an Inner Sect Core Disciple, enjoying the best cultivation resources. I can personally recommend you to the Sect; your future prospects will be limitless. What do you think?"

Once these words were spoken, if it had been any other Loose Cultivator, they would likely have been so excited that they would have knelt down to thank her on the spot.

Being an Inner Sect Core Disciple of the Luoshui Sect was a status that countless people would break their heads trying to obtain. Not only would one have endless resources, but they would also have the Sect as a backer, and everyone outside would have to give them some Face. Moreover, being personally recommended by Fairy Luo Bing meant one would certainly be a key cultivation target for the Sect in the future.

Yet, after hearing this, Li Qing's Face showed no ripples. He simply shook his head gently and politely declined:

"Thank you, Junior Sister Luo Bing, for your kindness and high regard, but I am accustomed to cultivating alone, free and unfettered. I am not suited to the rules and constraints of a Sect, so I will not join the Luoshui Sect."

Luo Bing clearly did not expect him to refuse. She was slightly stunned, a trace of surprise appearing on her cold Face, and then she urged:

"Big Brother Li, you must think this through. Joining the Luoshui Sect only has benefits for your cultivation, no disadvantages. As a Loose Cultivator outside, it is difficult to find Opportunities, and there is danger everywhere. With the protection of the Sect, you can avoid many detours. Moreover, you have now offended the Du Family. If you stay in the Luoshui Sect, with me and the Sect protecting you, the Du Family absolutely would not dare to do anything to you. If you leave, the Du Family will certainly retaliate in secret, and there will be endless trouble."

Li Qing naturally understood this logic. He sighed and told Luo Bing the truth:

"I appreciate your kindness, Junior Sister, and I know that staying in the Luoshui Sect is safe, but I really do not like days of being watched by everyone. Now, the entire Luoshui Sect is discussing me, treating me as a topic of conversation. Everywhere I go, I am stared at. In such an environment, I cannot cultivate with peace of mind. I cultivate immortality only for longevity; I do not want to get involved in the right and wrong of the Sect and its disputes, nor do I want to bring more unnecessary trouble because of your care for me. It is not good for me, and it is not good for you, Junior Sister."

Li Qing spoke very straightforwardly, without a hint of falsehood.

After listening, Luo Bing fell silent.

She also knew that because of her, Li Qing had become the focus of the Luoshui Sect.

She just cherished talent, and most importantly, she wanted to thank Big Brother Li.

She felt that Li Qing could have better development if he stayed in the Luoshui Sect, but she had neglected his own wishes.

"Are you really determined? You won't regret it?"

Luo Bing confirmed again, her eyes filled with a trace of reluctance.

She had shared hardships with Li Qing in the Xuanbing Secret Realm and had witnessed his character and strength. In her heart, she truly wanted to keep him in the Sect.

"My mind is made up; I will never regret it."

Li Qing's tone was firm, without the slightest wavering.

Seeing his attitude was so resolute, Luo Bing no longer tried to persuade him, though she felt some regret in her heart. She nodded gently:

"Since your mind is made up, I will not force you. However, as for Miss Zhou Yao, her Spiritual Root is ordinary, and it is too dangerous for her to cultivate outside. She has already entered the Inner Sect without examination. I will personally look after her and arrange the best Master and cultivation resources for her. You can rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Li Qing felt relieved. The person he was most worried about was Zhou Yao.

Staying in the Luoshui Sect with Luo Bing's care was the best outcome for her.

He bowed deeply to Luo Bing and said sincerely: "Thank you, Junior Sister. I will trouble you to take care of Zhou Yao in the future. I will keep this kindness in my heart."

The two chatted for a while longer. Not long after, Zhou Yao woke up and walked out of the room. Seeing Luo Bing there, she quickly bowed respectfully.

When she heard Li Qing say he was going to leave the Luoshui Sect and go alone, she became anxious instantly. Her eyes turned red, and she grabbed Li Qing's sleeve, saying reluctantly: "Big Brother Li, are you leaving?"

Zhou Yao knew Li Qing would leave her, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon!

Looking at her reddened eyes, Li Qing couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. He reached out and gently patted her shoulder, comforting her warmly: "You stay in the Luoshui Sect. With Junior Sister Luo Bing taking care of you, cultivate well. When I have time in the future, I will come back to see you."

Zhou Yao looked at Li Qing, her eyes full of reluctance; she couldn't bear for him to leave.

Li Qing gave Zhou Yao some more instructions, telling her to cultivate well in the Sect, not to be impulsive when encountering matters, to listen to Fairy Luo Bing more, and to take good care of herself.

Subsequently, he turned to look at Luo Bing and thanked her again with a cupped-fist salute: "Junior Sister Luo Bing, I entrust Zhou Yao to you. If there is an Opportunity in the future, I will definitely repay today's kindness."

Luo Bing nodded. Looking at Li Qing, her cold eyes also carried a trace of reluctance: "Take care on your journey, and be extra careful outside. The people of the Du Family will not give up easily; be vigilant in all matters. If you encounter trouble you cannot solve outside in the future, you may come to the Luoshui Sect to find me."

Li Qing thanked Luo Bing for her kindness and took one last look at Zhou Yao. He did not say anything more, fearing that if he hesitated, he wouldn't be able to leave.

He turned around, took a step, and walked toward the outside of the small courtyard, his back straight and determined.

Zhou Yao stood in the courtyard, watching Li Qing's gradually receding back, shedding tears in sorrow. She wanted to chase after him, but was gently held back by Luo Bing.

Luo Bing watched Li Qing's back, remaining silent, silently wishing him a safe journey in her heart.