“If there is a way to heal him, I unfortunately don’t know it,” Yao Huizhong said apologetically. The expressions of the four disciples, which had just begun showing some signs of hope, immediately turned dark once again. Seeing this, Yao Huizhong hurriedly continued.

“Ahem, I might not know of a way to cure him, but that doesn’t mean a cure doesn’t exist. Healing isn’t my specialty, after all.” The faces of his disciples immediately brightened up once again.

“And while we try to find a cure, there may be a way to prevent A-Wei from succumbing to Qi-deviation but…” Yao Huizhong gave Wei Yao an empathetic look, which made both Song Qingge and Wei Yaozu feel a bit nervous.

“Shizun, just tell us already, what's the solution?” Luo Jie asked, becoming somewhat impatient with his Masters constant pausing. His Shidi’s life was on the line!

“Well…It’s not ideal, but A-Wei, if you were to cultivate the Path of Emotionlessness-”

“NO!” The simultaneous protests of both Wei Yaozu and Song Qingge abruptly cut Yao Huizhong off.

Yao Huizhong had expected some pushback from Wei Yaozu, the Path of Emotionlessness requires one to give up feeling any emotions, like sadness, hate, happiness, and love. It wasn’t any easy path to follow, but any cultivator who could completely master their emotions would be granted with immense power.

His youngest disciple had faced many hardships in his past, his injury was more than enough evidence of that, so while Yao Huizhong had expected him to be hesitant, he thought Wei Yaozu would ultimately agree as a way to put his turbulent past to rest. So when Wei Yaozu completely rejected the idea, he was a bit surprised.

But he was even more surprised by Song Qingge’s outburst. These two disciples of his didn’t seem to get along very well, so whether or not Wei Yaozu practiced the Path of Emotionless shouldn’t matter to her. Unless….

Yao Huizhong once again thought back to the conversation he and Song Qingge had last night. Along with apologizing, Song Qingge had also asked him how to make someone fall for her. At the time, he had assumed his young disciple had finally decided to seriously pursue her Shixiong but…

Perhaps she actually wanted to pursue her Shidi?!

And if that was the case… maybe their whole fight was actually a lovers quarrel?!

A-Wei was probably trying to flirt with A-Feng, which made A-Song jealous and lash out…

No wonder A-Feng asked for me to be lenient with both of them! She’s always been sensible and wouldn’t want A-Song to resent her, or have A-Wei start to resent A-Song!

I almost made a huge mistake! 

Yao Huizhong gave both of his junior disciples a ‘knowing’ look before swiftly continuing.

“Well, practicing the Path of Emotionless is a bit extreme, after all. Since A-Wei is against it, Shizun won’t force you.”

“But, Shizun, isn’t that the best option for Wei Shidi right now? Luo Jie suddenly chimed in, “Shouldn’t he at least consider it a little more before making a decision?”

“Stinky boy, do you even know what you're suggesting?! If A-Wei finds someone he likes in the future, if he practices the Path of Emotionlessness, they wouldn’t be able to be together!”

“Is that really important right now…?” Luo Jie asked, confused.

And weren’t you the one who suggested it first?

“Of course it’s important!” Song Qingge interjected  “Shixiong, if you liked someone, wouldn’t you want to be with them? How can we force Wei Shidi to give up on love!?”

“I’ve never really thought about that before… but Wei Shidi doesn’t even like anyone right now, so shouldn’t we… um...” The fierce glares directed at him from his Shizun and Shimei caused Luo Jie to trail off helplessly. He quickly looked at Feng Wenling, his eyes pleading for help.

“...While I agree that we should think about Wei Shidi’s future, Shixiong does have a point. Wei Shidi, your life is in danger. Are you really willing to put yourself at risk for a love that may never be realized?”

Wei Yaozu’s heart began to ache as the memories he carried from his past life replayed in his mind. He knew that the Path of Emotionlessness would free him from the pain in his chest, but it would also erase the fluttering of his heart whenever he saw his Shixiong, the happiness he felt when he stood by his side, and the complete and utter joy he had felt when his Shixiong had saved him from his tormentors on that fateful day. He didn’t ever want to forget that feeling.

But he was just a character in a novel, one who was destined to be a villain.

Did his choice even matter? He was fated to meet his end by the hand of the man he loved. 

Feeling nothing would be better than experiencing that heartache once again…

As Wei Yaozu considered his reply, his eyes met with Song Qingge’s. To Wei Yaozu, it appeared as though her eyes seemed to be echoing the words she had said to him the day before: “Just trust me! I can help you change the ending!”

Trust, huh…

Well, since that foolish girl believes that fate can be changed… for now, I’ll believe it too.

So, with a face as red as a lycee, he resolutely answered Feng Wenling:

“Yes, I’m willing.”

“Shixiong, since Wei Shidi is willing to put his life on the line, let’s not push him to cultivate the Path of Emotionless anymore.” Feng Wenling said with a smile.

With all of Zhuzi Peak against him, Luo Jie could only agree with a sigh.

___

“For now, let's all try to avoid causing A-Wei’s emotions to fluctuate.” Yao Huizhong said before bowing deeply before his eldest three disciples.

“I’ll have to burden you three, please take care of A-Wei and be patient with him in the future.”

All three of them quickly rushed over to help Yao Huizhong stand up straight.

“Shizun! Please stand, there’s no need to bow to us!” Luo Jie said frantically.

“Shixiong is right, it’s our duty as the Seniors to look after the Juniors.” Feng Wenling hastily agreed.

“Ah, but if it wasn't for my inability to heal A-Wei, I wouldn’t need to burden you…”

“No, Shizun! I’m sure you’ll be able to find a cure!” Song Qingge objected “Shijie is right, it’s our job to look after Wei Shidi, so please don’t worry about it!”

“This Master is so blessed to have such filial disciples!” Yao Huizhong said as he dabbed tears from the corners of his eyes. He opened his arms wide, and all three of his three eldest disciples willingly fell into his embrace.

Wei Yaozu couldn’t help but cringe as he watched this sickenly sweet display, and his heart began to ache painfully once again.

Perhaps I should cultivate the Path of Emotionless after all… he thought as he gazed at this foolish display of filial piety. 

But his eyes soon drifted to his Shixiong, who was grinning ear-to-ear, and any regrets he felt were quickly pushed aside.

Extra:

Wei Yaozu: Hmph! It’s not like I wanted a hug too or anything!

Song Qingge: That’s too bad, you’re really missing out! Shizun gives the best hugs!

WYZ: A-as if I’d stoop as low as hugging him!

SQG: Yeah, yeah, I know, you only like Shixiong. I won’t force you since it makes you uncomfortable.

WYZ: Yeah…don’t even dare suggest that I should join…

SQG: Ok, I won’t.

WYZ: …