Dual Cultivator Reborn [System In The Cultivation World] Chapter 1022: Ana’s hidden feelings

"I am listening..." Yohan uttered, his gaze fixed on Ana, who sat beside him, appearing uneasy with her eyes downcast.

She had considered departing earlier, but Yohan’s intervention prompted her to stay, driven by his desire to understand her distress. As a member of his household, he felt obligated to offer support should she face any troubles.

"Young Master Yohan... I wish to become a Cultivator." After a considerable pause, Ana finally voiced her aspiration, her expression resolute despite her flushed face and unwavering stare.

"You what..." Yohan was taken aback, the statement being the absolute last thing he had anticipated. He found himself at a loss for words.

Witnessing his bewildered reaction, Ana’s face fell, her eyes welling up. Just as tears threatened to fall, Yohan cleared his throat.

"So, you wish to cultivate? My apologies, your words truly caught me by surprise; I wasn’t expecting that!" Yohan remarked with a wry smile, a hint of a bittersweet expression gracing his features. He had nearly forgotten she was still a mortal while everyone else around him was deep in their cultivation journey.

Yohan was aware that Ana possessed some knowledge of his capabilities. Two years prior, when Diya first encountered him, she was an ordinary human. However, after becoming Yohan’s partner, she had transformed into a proficient Cultivator, shedding her mortal limitations. Ana had observed this transformation, much like Natasha had.

"For years, I’ve blamed myself for my inability to do anything for you. Two years ago, that night you were assaulted by the assassin, I truly believed I had lost you. I could only stand by, helpless, watching you in Lady Diya’s arms, unable to alleviate your suffering." Tears streamed down Ana’s face as she finally unburdened her heart to him.

Seeing her distress, Yohan felt a pang of regret. She had always been his steadfast support, but eventually, Diya had taken her place.

Following his rescue of Diya from those thugs, Alena had employed her, and she began working alongside Ana. Subsequently, Yohan and Diya’s bond grew, leading her to become his first partner. From that point onward, Ana faded into the background, with only Diya tending to his needs.

"I vividly recall the day we first met. You were that young boy grappling with your inner turmoil; I perceived in you a potential that others overlooked. Perhaps that’s why you allowed me to remain by your side." Ana gazed at Yohan, tears still tracing paths down her cheeks.

"I hold no regard for status or such matters; my happiness stems solely from serving you. I scarcely recall my parents’ faces... the only memories I cherish are the kindness you and Lady Alena extended to me." Ana added, rising from her seat and bowing her head.

"I beg your forgiveness for burdening you with my personal matters amidst your current challenges. Please pardon my transgression of boundaries... I should not have spoken those words."

Yohan remained seated, observing Ana as she stood with her head bowed, seeking absolution for her heartfelt confession.

’How truly awful I am…’ Yohan reflected inwardly, acknowledging his oversight in considering her feelings over the years of his neglect. She had been incredibly important to the previous Yohan, the one with whom he had shared his childhood. While he might act selfishly towards others, his kindness towards her had been unwavering; as far as his memories served, his past self had never disrespected her.

With these thoughts in mind, Yohan took a deep breath and produced several small, translucent potion vials from his spatial ring.

"How long do you intend to stand there? You might strain your back!" Yohan inquired, his gaze meeting Ana’s. Upon hearing his words, she looked up, her face flushing with warmth at the gentle concern in his expression.

"I’m sorry..." Ana whispered, her lips trembling. She fought to suppress her tears, but her emotions overwhelmed her. Yet, a sense of relief washed over her; she had finally released the pent-up frustration that had weighed her down.

"Thank you for opening up and sharing everything you’ve been holding inside... you know how out of my depth I am with these things," Yohan murmured, a somber expression on his face.

"You’ve endured so much; it must have been incredibly difficult to keep it all to yourself."

"Young master, you mustn’t feel bad about anything. I’m just... I think I’ve lost my mind. I shouldn’t have said those peculiar things to you." Seeing Yohan’s pensive mood, Ana moved closer, a flicker of panic in her eyes, unsure how to comfort him. The last thing she desired was for him to feel distressed because of her own feelings.

Witnessing her sudden anxiety, Yohan erupted into laughter, catching Ana completely off guard.