Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao Chapter 1525 - 49: A Mortal Love Tied by Fate

Just as Zhou Yan was about to mock Bai Ying and inflict harm, an inexplicable chill swept over his brow, and a figure materialized in his mind.

This apparition, formed by golden Qi, took the shape of a woman.

"Husband, you have not only Zishuang, but Qingyan and Yanyan as well. Steadfastly guard your true self, and only then can you resist the charming Dao of the Jade Fox Monarch."

"Husband, though Zishuang has not arrived, she is with you at all times."

The condensed figure was precisely that of Feng Zishuang.

The method employed was remarkably similar to Zhou Lingyi's golden Qi leaf manifestation, yet distinctly different.

Nevertheless, the underlying essence of both techniques was nearly identical.

At that precise moment, Zhou Yan's thoughts turned to Zhou Lingyi.

Feng Zishuang's actions unequivocally demonstrated her heart and soul belonged to Zhou Yan; this profound connection no longer required questioning or proof due to its sheer depth.

Then, what of Zhou Lingyi?

Zhou Yan's mind gradually settled, his previous confusion dissipating.

However, Zhou Yan now truly grasped the terrifying potency of the Charming King Immortal Principle.

Zhou Yan was aware that in terms of willpower and self-strengthening capabilities, he was exceptionally gifted, perhaps surpassed only by Zhou Gucheng. Even Hou Chen might not have held a greater degree of willpower.

Yet, at this juncture, Zhou Yan had so easily succumbed, nearly meeting his demise!

A sense of humility washed over Zhou Yan. As he lifted his gaze once more, he saw Bai Ying's eyes, filled with a bleak and shadowed despair.

A pang of sadness resonated within Zhou Yan; his actions had indeed wounded Bai Ying's feelings, leaving her on the precipice of hopelessness.

Therefore, with eyes remarkably clear and sincere, Zhou Yan declared, "Bai Ying, do not worry. I am well now; I have broken free from the influence of the Heavenly Fox's Charming King Dao."

Zhou Yan's words caused Bai Ying to tremble. She then regarded him with a look of disbelief.

Witnessing the unparalleled clarity and confidence in Zhou Yan's gaze, completely unshackled from the King Dao's influence, she was instantly overcome with excitement, nearly weeping with joy. "Good, good! You have finally escaped its grip. With this, preaching to you will be considerably easier."

"Zhou Yan, I apologize. I had a premonition you would be affected earlier, but I couldn't reveal too much beforehand. Once one possesses a sense of caution, even if they manage to resist, the effect is diminished, and they will still fall prey in the Dust World."

"I knew this would thrust you into an extremely perilous situation, potentially turning you into a puppet of charm. Yet, I harbored a naive hope that you would be different."

"It seems you have now successfully navigated this trial of the Charming King Principle."

Bai Ying was profoundly moved, her gaze towards Zhou Yan intensifying with fervor.

Zhou Yan lightly touched his neck, a hint of sheepishness crossing his features.

The indignity of facing the King's charming rules was, in truth, already quite evident.

Had it not been for the resonant power emanating from Feng Zishuang's Ancient Life Clan, awakening Zhou Yan's Eternal Life Being, he might have already become a mere puppet.

However, with the protective aura of Feng Zishuang's Ancient Life Clan shielding him, Zhou Yan felt assured that he would not lose himself within the Dust World.

Even if the protective effect of that power were to wane, Zhou Yan had already cultivated a robust self-confidence.

The most significant distinction between him and other Life Forms is this: after experiencing a particular ability once, he would never fall victim to it a second time.

Whether it was the mimicry of form or the data storage of a chip, these abilities, though not exceptionally potent at present, were sufficient for Zhou Yan to erect defenses against future threats.

In his current state, having calmed Bai Ying's emotions, Zhou Yan declared, "Rest assured, we will undoubtedly succeed!"

"Mm, then let us sit cross-legged. Simply follow my instructions and begin acting, then..."

Bai Ying outlined the specific procedures, and Zhou Yan promptly complied.

To embody a life within the Dust World, Zhou Yan had, in fact, experienced it once before – an ordinary existence, a life devoid of extraordinary events.

However, prior to this endeavor, Zhou Yan had imagined that such an ordinary life, lived day by day, would be steeped in profound reality and intricate emotions. So, what of his current existence in this vast world? What of the realm of Eternal Life Beings?

Could similar possibilities exist there?

What is the fundamental essence of life itself?

In living two lifetimes alongside Bi Shui Fairy, did that constitute life? Did it represent two complete existences?

While collaborating with Bai Ying, Zhou Yan found himself unexpectedly contemplating the profound concepts of 'life' and 'Heavenly Destiny'.

As these thoughts consumed him, Zhou Yan gradually submerged himself within a unique illusion, his original true self slowly fading from awareness.

...

A thousand lifetimes of reincarnation, a myriad of Red Dust experiences.

Within the mundane world unfold ordinary life journeys and commonplace ties of the Red Dust.

This particular realm is one inhabited by scholars.

In this world, all things seemed remarkably simple.

With diligent study, one could achieve renown and alter their circumstances.

In this world, Zhou Yan was a scholar, immersed in the study of the 'Book of Changes' and the 'Tao Te Ching'.

Despite his scholarly pursuits, Zhou Yan often felt a void in his life.

He dedicated himself to his readings, seeking profound answers within the ancient texts.

This quiet existence persisted until an opportunity arose with a palace examination, signaling an impending shift.

One rainy day, seeking refuge in a remote temple nestled on a desolate mountain, Zhou Yan discovered a small, injured fox.

Moved by a surge of empathy, Zhou Yan decided to tend to the wounded creature.

From that moment, the little fox became Zhou Yan's constant companion, forming an unbreakable bond.

Zhou Yan, unperturbed, named the fox 'Yingying' due to its pure white fur, endearing nature, and its soft, chirping cries.

Henceforth, Yingying remained faithfully by Zhou Yan's side.

When Zhou Yan studied late into the night, Yingying would sit quietly nearby, observing with silent devotion, occasionally extending a snowy paw to help turn a page or performing other charming antics.

A serene harmony developed between the man and the fox.

Time flowed onward, swift and unheeded.

During his progression from a common scholar to an advanced scholar, the white fox played a significant role; many times, when Zhou Yan faced intellectual roadblocks, the fox's subtle actions provided the inspiration needed for breakthroughs.

This tranquil life might have endured indefinitely, had it not been for a singular dream that irrevocably altered everything.

Lost in his studies, Zhou Yan drifted to sleep, and within his dream, he experienced vividly modern scenarios.

In this contemporary setting, he shared an intensely intimate relationship with a woman.

Their closeness was profound, encompassing shared living and moments of deep passion.

The dream's culmination, particularly an impassioned encounter with the woman, though exquisite, resulted in Zhou Yan's actions leaving streaks of blood on specific areas.

Though perhaps not entirely real, the dream's bloody remnants felt undeniably tangible.

Upon awakening, Zhou Yan was disoriented, finding himself physically aroused, while the white fox slept nestled against his leg, appearing utterly peaceful and innocent.

However, a striking anomaly was present: a distinct patch of bright red blood stained the little fox's abdomen.

Blood.

Yet such ties to the mortal world, such boundless happiness found in worldly affairs, were actually attained through countless sacrifices.