Chapter 5 — When Paths Begin to Split
Morning sunlight gentle and warm slowly spilled across the peaceful village rooftops.
But today was not peaceful for some.
The instant the System's cold voice echoed inside Su Xiaoyao's mind—
DING.
"Monthly Sign-In Available."
He exhaled softly, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Sign in."
Silence followed.
Then—
DING!
"Congratulations, Host.""Monthly Sign-In — Critical Reward Triggered."
Of course it did.
The System never failed to be ridiculous.
Information surged into his mind.
Monthly Sign-In Rewards
1️⃣ Heavenly Truth Eye — Initial Stage
A divine insight power capable of:
• Piercing illusions• Detecting cultivation realms• Perceiving hidden dangers• Identifying treasures and pills• Sharpening perception to terrifying clarity
•It can used to view others information panel who's strength are not drastically high.
2️⃣ Shadow-Soaring Movement Technique(Heaven Grade — Low Tier)
A movement art born for survival and assassination:
• Explosive acceleration• Silent movement• Shadow afterimages• Perfect escape and ambush ability
3️⃣ Moon Severing Sword Manual(Earth Grade — High Tier)
A graceful yet lethal sword art:
• Swift precision• Moon-enhanced power• Designed to kill cleanly
The System continued monotonously.
"Rewards stored in System Space.""Heavenly Truth Eye requires awakening. Initiate now?"
Su Xiaoyao didn't hesitate.
"Awaken."
A strange heat surged behind his eyes, it was not painful or overwhelming.
Just powerful.
For a brief moment, the world brightened.
Colors deepened.Qi currents shimmered faintly like flowing rivers and reality sharpened into piercing clarity.
Then the sensation faded.
"Awakening successful.""Heavenly Truth Eye — Initial Stage."
Su Xiaoyao exhaled softly.
"…Not bad."
He didn't need to flaunt power.
Just having it was reassurance.
But today… someone more important was waiting.
Even if his intentions were selfish at the beginning, a month together had changed something.
For both of them.
Su Xiaoyao walked towards the cave, the forest winds brushed gently past as he walked and leaves rustled softly overhead.
Every step felt heavier.
Not from fear…
But because some moments never return once gone.
Soon, the familiar quiet and warm cave came into view.
She sensed him instantly.
Before he even stepped inside—
"…You came," Gu Yuexin whispered softly.
"I said I would," Su Xiaoyao replied, stepping in.
This time, she wasn't sitting near the fire.
She was standing near the entrance, back straight, aura steady…and dressed in elegant clan robes that were white silk with golden bird patterns
She wasn't the injured girl from before anymore.
She looked…Noble, distant and untouchable
Yet the moment she turned toward him, her gaze softened.
"You look… different," she murmured.
Su Xiaoyao raised a brow.
"Handsome different? Or dangerously different?"
She blinked once… then shook her head silently.
They sat before the fire one last time.
Like always there was no unnecessary drama ,panic or forced smile
Just quiet warmth… shared brfore parting
"They'll arrive soon," she finally whispered.
"I know."
"You're still composed," she sighed.
"Would panicking make them arrive slower?" he asked casually.
"…No."
"Then there's no point."
She let out a helpless breath.
"I truly don't understand how your mind works."
"That makes two of us."
A soft laugh escaped her lips.
Then…
Her expression softened and with serious voce she said
"Su Xiaoyao."
He looked at her.
"If I hadn't been injured…If I hadn't fallen here…If I hadn't met you…"
Her voice trembled faintly.
"…I would never have known what peaceful life feels like."
Her fingers brushed the cave floor.
"Eating simple meals…Talking casually…Breathing without pressure…Just existing, not as 'Gu Clan's prodigy'…But as 'Gu Yuexin'."
Her eyes glowed softly.
"I won't forget this."
She wasn't thanking him for saving her life.
She was thanking him…for letting her be human not a tool
Su Xiaoyao smiled faintly.
"Then don't forget."
Her lips curved.
Soft.
Warm.
"…Mn."
The world suddenly trembled.
Air distorted and Qi surged like roaring tides.
She lifted her head.
"They're here."
The sky darkened.
Not with clouds.
But with sheer presence.
The heavens split open—Space tore apart—and a massive spirit ship descended from beyond reality.
It was majestic and monstrous, it was engraved with ancient runes and powered by spiritual formations, Surrounded by a sea of blinding radiance.
The sheer pressure blanketed the forest.
Any normal mortal would collapse.
Even beasts fled in fear.
The villagers all knelt down as if worshipping filled reverence and fear
The Heavenly Truth Eye activated instinctively:
Powerful realms.Terrifying experts.At least one existence…
Beyond this world entirely.
So yes.
She definitely didn't belong here.
The ship stopped above the forest.
Armored Gu Clan elites descended like falling stars.
BOOM!
They landed, knees striking the earth in synchronized motion.
Their fists slammed onto their chests.
The forest thundered with a roar:
"WELCOME BACK, YOUNG MISS!!!"
The land itself seemed to bow.
Their eyes were sharp and They held absolute reverence and their loyalty unquestionable.
Yet Gu Yuexin did not move.
Not yet.
She turned toward Su Xiaoyao.
And for the first time…
Thousands of Gu Clan warriors witnessed their cold noble princess look at a mere mortal child with warmth in her eyes.
She walked toward him, slowly and deliberately
She extended her hand.
Resting in her palm, appeared a delicate piece of jade, it was elegant and ancient
Engraved with a single character:
GU
She gently placed it in his hand.
"This is my Gu Clan identity insignia."
Her voice was soft but firm.
"If you ever find yourself in peril,Show this."
Her chin rose slightly.
"They won't dare disrespect you.No matter who they are."
Su Xiaoyao stared at the jade.
Then at her.
"You don't have to do this."
She shook her head.
"This isn't repayment."Her voice softened."It's protection."
Then even quieter—
"…And because I don't want the world to bully you."
He snorted softly.
"Who said I'd allow that?"
She smiled.
"I know you wouldn't."
Silence lingered between them.
Then, a ring appeared in her hands and she said in a soft tone "in this there are many resources enough for you to reach core formation realm"
Then she leaned slightly forward.
Not hugging or touching him, Just close enough that he could hear her heartbeat.
"If fate allows…We'll meet again," she whispered.
He nodded and said in a confident tone "We will."
Her lips trembled.
Just for a heartbeat.
Then…
Her noble aura returned, her aura sharp, cold and majestic
She turned.
Walked away.
Gu Clan elites bowed deeply as she passed.
Her guardian stepped forward—a cold, breathtakingly beautiful woman, her aura so vast it felt like standing before a divine mountain.
Gu Yuexin bowed respectfully.
Then boarded the ship.
The spirit vessel roared and Qi stormed, and the space shattered once more—
And she was gone.
The wind returned, the birds cried again and beasts hiding in the forest finally calmed down and silence fell.
the villagers all stood up and some began gossip, while some returned to their daily life
Su Xiaoyao stood quietly.
He didn't shout or cry, he was not someone who lingered in emotions for long, he composed himself
Their paths…had split, atleast for now.
Time flowed quickly
Village life continued.
Children laughed, Farmers shouted and the caretaker nagged gently.
But days became weeks.Weeks became months.Months…
Became years.
Su Xiaoyao cultivated.
Silently.Relentlessly.
Daily sign-ins.Monthly rewards.Sword practice.Movement refinement.Body strengthening.
No boasting.No showing off.
By the time most children reached his height…
He no longer stood on the same ground as them.
Wind brushed past as he opened his eyes slowly.
Qi flowed in steady serenity through his meridians.
he had finally reached, Qi Refining realm 4th stage
Behind him, a cheerful voice sounded
"Brother Xiaoyao!!"
Liu Qingxue ran over happily.
She had grown too, her soft black hair, her bright starry eyes and a cute face blossoming into beauty.
She was still cheerful and still sticking close to him.
She stopped beside him, breathing softly.
"Are we really going…?"
"Yes," he replied gently.
He looked toward the horizon.
The village was peaceful and a warm home.
But too small.
"My future isn't here," he said quietly."Yours isn't either."
Her eyes brightened.
"Then let's go!"
He smiled faintly.
Before leaving, he gifted the orphanage generous wealth of silver and gold accumulated through system rewards — enough to protect and sustain them for decades.
The caretaker didn't cry, she didn't ask any questions of how i got the wealth or where i am going
She simply smiled warmly…
As if she had always known he wasn't meant to stay.
The children cried.
But he didn't look back.
Because peace was warm…
But strength?
Strength decided everything.
Side by side—
Su Xiaoyao and Liu Qingxue walked forward.
Toward a new world.
And one thing was certain—
This world…
Was finally opening before him.
"The stronger the road…The sharper the blades waiting ahead."
And he was ready.