My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

After that night, the White Lotus Sect and Dragon Tiger Mountain were temporarily at peace. Although there were quite a few murmurs within each side, holding fast to the idea that good and evil cannot coexist, everyone was sensible enough to understand that in order to achieve their goals in this strange place, cooperation was necessary first.

The White Lotus Sect members carried torches, and scattered sparks passed by the theater below. Zhao Tong glanced at them a few times.

Everyone came for that tower, but the White Lotus Sect's ideals of the so-called Vacuum Home were as illusory as the reflection of flowers in a mirror, ready to shatter at the slightest touch. They were just a group of dreamers. Zhao Tong had glimpsed that place; it was indeed beautiful, but it was absolutely not the Vacuum Home spoken of by the White Lotus Sect.

On the other hand, these dreamers likely didn't even know what "vacuum" truly meant. The chief disciple of Dragon Tiger Mountain often studied the classics of various sects while practicing Taoism, and the doctrine of the White Lotus Sect was the simplest, even inferior, almost entirely deriving from the Buddhist Pure Land Sect. What they referred to as "vacuum" is actually "true suchness," neither real nor unreal, neither true nor false, neither existent nor nonexistent... remaining unmoved in its nature. In short, it means seeing through worldly illusions and understanding that the human world is inherently empty like drawing water with a bamboo basket.

Since it is all empty, how could the so-called "Vacuum Home" truly exist? It is emptiness itself.

Thinking of these White Lotus Sect members searching for something that doesn't exist at all, Zhao Tong couldn't help but bear an imperceptible cold smile. A slight ripple stirred in his Heart Lake, and finally, he sighed softly, admitting he was not pure enough, actually using others' fates as a jest.

He recited a few scriptures silently, watched the White Lotus Sect members, connected with their torches, disappear at the crossroads, paused again, and seemed to understand something,

The people had disappeared from sight, and since they were outsiders and external matters, it didn't matter whether one found humor in it or pity. Why were there so many thoughts? Zhao Tong murmured to himself, "After all, I am not going with the flow."

"Daoist Zhao Tong is too humble."

Suddenly, a voice came, and Zhao Tong looked sideways to see that the visitor was none other than Chen Yi.

Zhao Tong wore a smile, not feeling awkward, and said, "Brother Chen, you're flattering me. To see through my heart's fluctuations at a glance, what a keen Taoist Heart."

Chen Yi didn't pay much attention to this chief disciple of Dragon Tiger Mountain originally; he regarded him as significant but not overly so. However, just a casual glance earlier revealed his heart's quick changes, with a slight fluctuation and returning to the right track, bringing a bit of surprise.

Though not to the point of meditating while walking or sitting, he's not far off. This person truly has the talent of a Heavenly Master.

"Not precisely keen. Having seen many Taoists, I just sense a bit; practice makes perfect," Chen Yi replied.

"With that remark, it seems like you don't consider yourself a Taoist."

"I only consider myself."

Zhao Tong thought to himself, "Indeed."

Many martial artists would have similar responses, feeling candid and straightforward, fully expressing their true self. However, what exactly is this so-called "self"? When closely examined, they would stammer and fail to articulate clearly, clouding the issue. Uttering, "I only consider myself" is so simple, but truly recognizing what oneself is, is exceptionally challenging.

Zhao Tong intended to make a witty remark, inadvertently captured by Chen Yi's gaze, suddenly startled, perceiving an intense confidence... a kind of absolute belief in himself, silently declaring: he would never die.

Zhao Tong squinted slightly, slowly saying, "Brother Chen's realm is so profound. So young, yet already at the level of enlightenment and seeing one's true nature. If a Taoist like you joined Dragon Tiger Mountain..."

Before he finished, Chen Yi laughed and said, "Then naturally, your ancestral graves would be smoking."

Zhao Tong laughed freely, neither angry nor annoyed, but instead nodded slightly.

Chen Yi's eyes narrowed slightly. This chief disciple of Dragon Tiger Mountain was no amateur; his level of heart cultivation was perhaps many layers above his Great Yin, equal to Lu Ying. Given time, he could become a major problem.

But now is not the time to act.

Chen Yi came here to check the progress and asked, "Have you found that tower yet?"

"These days, we've confirmed its position and explored slowly, getting very close. Finding our Dragon Tiger Mountain's Evil-Slaying Sword is within reach. The White Lotus Sect may find their Vacuum Home, but returning to the topic," Zhao Tong shifted the conversation and asked, "Why is Brother Chen also looking for that tower?"

"Curiosity, isn't that reason enough?"

"Haha, Brother Chen jokes, but this is a path with nine deaths and one life. Without any purpose, there's no need to risk life and limb."

This almost openly probed, and Zhao Tong seemed extremely frank, giving one the urge to divulge all intentions.

"Because..."

Zhao Tong smiled slightly.

And the moment he heard the answer,

his expression stiffened slightly.

Chen Yi said with a sincere face, "Because I don't want you to find the Evil-Slaying Sword."

......

Watching from afar as Chen Yi returned, Yin Weiyin felt suspicious. If it was to probe those from the White Lotus Sect and Dragon Tiger Mountain, to uncover the secrets here, then the number of visits seemed too numerous.

Could he have found a new flame...

Chen Yi was known for his amorous nature, and Yin Weiyin was well aware. If he truly took a fancy to someone, he would cling persistently, not mentioning verbally, but his heart would be occupied, just as he was with her, the First Lady. They had been inseparable in Shantong City, and he hardly mentioned Xiao Yin, suggesting his thoughts were more preoccupied with her than Yin Tingxue.

At this thought, she suddenly considered that although he first recognized Yin Tingxue, he now seemed more fond of her than Yin Tingxue, implying he had a tendency to favor the new over the old.

Yin Weiyin murmured to herself: Could he have found a sweetheart among those Taoists?

Soon Chen Yi was approaching from a distance, smiling warmly, which made Yin Weiyin's heart sink,

If not for a new flame, why linger there daily?

Through Donggong Ruoshu, Yin Weiyin scrutinized Chen Yi, knowing his strong vigilance. If she actively questioned, she wouldn't get any answers, so she could only deduce through clues. However, deducing correctly would be good; deducing incorrectly would lead to significant errors.

Just before their reunion, she knew nothing about what Chen Yi had experienced.

Chen Yi raised his head and saw Donggong Ruoshu waiting for him like a little wife, smiled and said, "Why are you waiting here?"

Yin Weiyin snapped back to reality and asked, "Shouldn't I be waiting here?"

Her dazed look made people lower their guard, and Chen Yi couldn't help but feel the same. Moreover, all these days, this unknown presence showed no signs of sudden outbreak.

Before Chen Yi could organize his words, Donggong Ruoshu wrinkled her nose, feeling somewhat aggrieved, "They told me to wait for you, otherwise I wouldn't be able to be nice to you."

"They tell you to wait, and you wait?"

"Yes, because we're a couple."

"Playing cute." Chen Yi couldn't help but knock on her head.

Yin Weiyin was momentarily stunned, along with Donggong Ruoshu, as if not expecting such intimacy in his actions.

Just like when Master Puti knocked thrice, Sun Wukong had a moment of enlightenment.

The female crown paused for a long time, pondering over this matter, realizing their relationship… actually unknowingly had gotten a lot closer…

Is he really seeing someone new? Asking directly definitely won't get the answer. Blind guessing like this isn't a solution either; maybe it's another misunderstanding like before. With previous experience of catching an affair, Yin Weiyin suddenly had a bold idea.

Since that's the case, why not… test him with her body?

Anyway, although this Miss Donggong isn't as good as her, she still has some charming qualities, and his mind is easy to predict, always in her palm. Actively testing him a bit to see if he's really so easily swayed.

If he truly changes his heart, give him a slight warning. If he remains stubborn, she'll "die" in front of him, pulling off a cicada shedding its skin maneuver—teaching him what it's like to be hurt by love.

No need to use a sword to kill, Yin Weiyin thought about this and her thoughts surged like waves, secretly praising the ingenuity of this plan.

Chen Yi was just wondering whether his knocking had activated some switch, awakening the unknown presence's memory or something, brows furrowed in alertness, his hand already slowly moving down.

Thinking like this, she suddenly snuggled close, softly seemed to touch through the clothes, then slightly shrank back, as if not quite touching.

Chen Yi was momentarily flabbergasted.

"Chen Yi, they all say we're not close enough, always bother me, saying things like women chasing men across a veil…"

"…So?"

Before the words were even finished, she silently moved even closer, her chest pressing against him.

"So,"

Her face blushing with shyness, she cautiously asked:

"Can I call you… husband?"

Without showing any emotion, Chen Yi swallowed.

His heart pounded heavily, making it somewhat hard to bear,

Without knowing why, inexplicably, as if fortune had descended upon him, he started to feel a bit guilty towards Yin Weiyin…

...…

"Found it! Found that tower!"

The news was reported back to the opera house, and the whole building became excited, dust falling from the beams with a puff.

After days of hard searching, the tower's location was finally determined, how could one not be excited, the White Lotus Sect and Daoists were all greatly pleased, even began seeing each other more favorably.

The leaders of both sides congratulated each other, with no trace of animosity.

However, just as they turned the corner, Violet Compassion Sage pushed open the door deep inside, this room was set with prohibitions, a place where a few Saint Heirs secretly discussed strategies.

Violet Compassion Sage paced a few steps, only then slowly spoke, "These Daoists seem determined to have it, but unfortunately, so are we. If it really comes down to it, things will get ugly inside, so be prepared."

"Aren't we supposed to break into the tower first, and also… join forces to kill Battalion Commander Chen."

"When did I say not to kill, after dealing with Chen Yi, find a way to deal with them as well," Violet Compassion Sage said slowly, "These Daoists, all double-dealing, if we don't strike first, they definitely will. Just think about how Dragon and Tiger Mountain became prosperous, how it suppresses demons from all around, isn't it just false dealings upfront and then ravaging temples later?"

A few Saint Heirs nodded, except Azure Lotus Adept, who hesitated.

Violet Compassion Sage then asked, "Brother Qing, what do you think?"

Azure Lotus Adept hesitated for a moment before saying, "Things shouldn't be thought of too fully, this Battalion Commander Chen… is he really fish on the cutting board? This person still has some weight."

"Ha, however much weight he has,"

Violet Compassion Sage laughed coldly,

"Once on the cutting board, everyone is fish meat."

Beside him, Chen Yi nodded, unlike Violet Compassion Sage, he displayed a warm smile.