Faceted Jade a.k.a Carven Jade [ENG Translation]

CHAPTER 93

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Shīxiōng, you love me, it's just that you...
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Upon hearing Qin Yan's voice, Jiang Yebai was slightly flustered, which was rare for him. Quickly regaining his composure, he set the writing brush aside.

Observing the expression on Jiang Yebai's face, Qin Yan softly asked, "Shīfu, do you think... there's anything wrong with that?"

"It's a bit unexpected," replied Jiang Yebai, smiling. "I thought that you and Yuqing would become cultivation companions."

"I have no relationship with Shījiě beyond our sect bond," Qin Yan replied honestly, and Jiang Yebai followed up, "Do you have one with Shen Xiufan then?"

Given Jiang Yebai's level of skill, it wasn't easy for Fu Changling to sneak around undetected. However, fortunately, Jiang Yebai had been injured recently, and Qin Yan, accustomed to his presence, wasn't particularly wary of him. So he carefully concealed himself with a talisman and leaned over to discreetly peek inside.

Upon returning, Fu Changling immediately overheard Jiang Yebai pose this question, and his heart sank. He felt a sudden regret for coming here to seek this trouble for himself.

However, since he was already here, Fu Changling hesitated to leave again, fearing being discovered if he did so. So he decided to simply lurk and eavesdrop. He listened to Jiang Yebai say, "Given your current level of the Emotionless Path, it's unlikely for you to have any feelings for anyone."

Qin Yan offered no denial, leaving Fu Changling stunned. After a moment, Qin Yan said softly, "But I want to give it a try."

Jiang Yebai said nothing, lowering his head to look at the letter before him. After a moment, a smile graced his lips as he said, "What's the point of trying? Ah Yan," Jiang Yebai looked up at him, "you are incapable of loving anyone."

Qin Yan found himself speechless, acknowledging the truth in Jiang Yebai's words. However, as he listened, a certain inarticulate discomfort lingered within him.

As the master and disciple locked eyes in silence, Jiang Yebai could make out a hint of bewilderment in Qin Yan's gaze. His eyes wavered a little, as if he were unable to bear it, so he stood up and walked over to Qin Yan. "Ah Yan, do you know why I taught you the Emotionless Path?"

"Shīfu said back then," Qin Yan murmured, his head lowered and his gaze fixed on the sword pattern on Jiang Yebai's attire, "that I am an ideal candidate for cultivating the Emotionless Path."

"Not just that," Jiang Yebai's gaze bore into him, "but I also wish that if a time comes when I'm no longer here, you'll still be able to lead a fulfilling life."

Qin Yan's heart quivered, and he lifted his gaze to meet Jiang Yebai's. "What do you mean by 'no longer here'?"

"The path I have chosen is fraught with hardships and perils," Jiang Yebai smiled. "I can't predict which day I won't be able to be by your side anymore. But you, with your pure nature, may seem cold and detached, but in reality, you are deeply affectionate. Your choice of companion and whom you trust could easily lead you astray. You are not an ideal candidate for cultivating the Emotionless Path; Yuqing is. However, I didn't want you to be distracted by your feelings, so I taught you the Emotionless Path."

"I thought, if the day comes when I'm no longer here," Jiang Yebai paused briefly, then finally spoke up, "you won't be too heartbroken."

"Nothing in this world will leave you utterly heartbroken."

Qin Yan said nothing, feeling something heavy lodged in his chest, making him incredibly uncomfortable.

"What does Shīfu mean by telling me all this?"

He understood Jiang Yebai well, knowing that if Jiang Yebai tried to appease him extensively, it would inevitably mean that he was about to say something unpleasant.

After pondering for a while, Jiang Yebai said slowly, "You have reached the final level. I hope you won't trouble yourself unnecessarily."

"Since there is no love," Jiang Yebai's tone was flat, "there is no need to give it a try."

Hearing this, Fu Changling, who was hiding outside, froze in place.

He felt a chill run down his spine.

He fully grasped Jiang Yebai's significance to Qin Yan, and he also knew too well that, in Qin Yan's eyes, his own significance actually counts for nothing.

Qin Yan's feelings towards him were more of guilt and pity, as well as concern and patience typically shown by a senior brother to his junior brother.

The idea of reciprocating only arose just as he was on the verge of collapse and plunging into darkness. Even though the reciprocation might not carry equal significance for Qin Yan, he reasoned it was worth trying.

Now that Jiang Yebai has advised him not to try, he should not refuse.

Fu Changling felt like his heart was being clutched in someone's hand and squeezed to the point of pain.

He tried to hold his breath for fear of losing control and revealing himself.

For a prolonged moment, Qin Yan remained silent, leaving both of them in suspense for his response.

Eventually, Qin Yan spoke up, "Shīfu," he said with certainty, "I still want to give it a try."

Hearing this, Fu Changling was stunned but soon felt a surge of joy. He quickly leaned closer to the door, despite the fact that he could hear very clearly. This action gave him the illusion of being able to hear even better.

Jiang Yebai lapsed into silence for a while, and then his voice sounded somewhat hoarse, "Why?"

"I don't know." Qin Yan smiled. "I just feel like if I can give it a try, it would be for the better."

"I can't bear to..." Qin Yan slowly added, "Xiufan is a very good person. If possible, I'd also like to have feelings for him. I hope he can live a good life."

Jiang Yebai clenched his fists, saying nothing.