Fortune Across the World

Chapter 186: The Final Night Before Parting (Part 1)

Back when Le Zhuyi first encountered the concept of "heart in tune" in the martial arts manual, she couldn't truly grasp its meaning. She thought it merely required partners to be in sync. Reflecting now, she realized that this martial art might have been developed by her mother and... the little carpenter's master, working together.

Zhuyi wasn't sure why she impulsively suggested they learn this martial art together. Their separation seemed inevitable. Perhaps she wanted to create a lasting memory, seek validation, or genuinely prepare for fighting side by side upon leaving. The reasons were complex, and she couldn't articulate them clearly.

"Alright..." Ding Qiyu agreed without hesitation, nodding sincerely, "I'll learn from you, Zhuyi, and learn well."

The two sat on the rock, drinking and chatting about various topics, reminiscent of when they first became drinking companions and friends. Zhuyi's demeanor towards Ding Qiyu was unchanged—no awkwardness, just a complete absence of the playful teasing from before. Their conversations and interactions were strictly within the bounds of friendship.

Ding Qiyu couldn't discern whether Zhuyi had truly let go so easily or was merely hiding her emotions with resilient stubbornness. Suppressing her own rising discomfort, Ding Qiyu kept a smile and tried to speak naturally. Their conversation was shorter than usual, yet to Ding Qiyu, it felt torturous, making her want to escape, as she could no longer maintain the facade...

Sensing the need for an exit, Zhuyi spoke up, "Little carpenter, I'm tired. I'm heading back. What about you?"

Ding Qiyu's inner turmoil had reached its peak. She downed the remainder of her bitter wine, using the pretense of being overwhelmed by it to hide her emotions, wiping her face as tears from the sting made their appearance. In a strange voice, she hastily agreed, "Ah, choked me. Cough cough, yes, I'm going back too, together." Her tone was odd.

Zhuyi didn't turn to look at her, merely curving her lips slightly, and softly said, "What's the hurry? Take it slow..." With that, she gathered her things and jumped off the rock, walking ahead. The little carpenter wouldn't stand below to catch her lovingly and carry her back anymore, so it was better to be self-aware...

Watching her retreating figure, Ding Qiyu lowered her hand, her eyes reddened by the "bitter wine" now darker. Zhuyi's sudden change and distance were hard to accept. Perhaps Zhuyi no longer needed her affection. But wasn't this what she wanted? If she couldn't promise forever, she shouldn't promise even a moment. Rubbing her eyes, Ding Qiyu jumped down and followed, keeping a respectful distance.

Back inside, Ding Qiyu, as usual, prepared water for Zhuyi to wash up. They each freshened up quickly and lay down in bed. Ding Qiyu looked at Zhuyi's back, silent for a long time, then closed her eyes, turning her back to Zhuyi for the first time.

From that night on, even sharing a bed wouldn't mean sleeping in each other's arms...

Life in the nameless valley continued. Though the emotional bond remained tight, both pretended to have moved on, maintaining a friendship facade. Over the next few days, the elders noticed a subtle tension between the two but couldn't pinpoint the cause. When Aunt Jade questioned Zhuyi, she deflected with vague responses, leaving the elders unable to meddle further in the young adults' affairs.

The Mountain Driller's framework was ready for use, and Ding Qiyu was assisting Master Yan in creating mechanisms to counter the Zhenxiao Sect.