Xiao Ling still hadn't left his room after his last conversation with Mo Shatian. He recalled the previous conversation several times until he came to his own conclusion.
Just as I thought, Shatian's words caused something that was holding back within me to finally be released.
It was like a key that unlocked the lock that had long confined Xiao Ling—a lock called guilt and regret.
Not long after, the sound of a knock on the door roused Xiao Ling from his reverie. It was Elder entering his room, led by Xiao Ning.
"Elder, I'm glad to see you back in good health." Xiao Ling welcomed him into his room.
Xiao Ling immediately invited him to sit down—the same seat Mo Shatian had occupied earlier.
This room was Xiao Ling's private room where he welcomed his guests; it was also where he had confidential and private discussions—it was also the same room where he first welcomed the Elder.
"I just returned from Misty Mountain to keep an eye on what's going on with the Heavenly Tribulation. But to my surprise, Misty Mountain turned out to be a much more dangerous place than I expected."
"—Much more dangerous than you thought?" Xiao Ling said, surprised by the revelation.
Elder's words made Xiao Ling recall the journey he made back then, although he only reached the middle of the forest back then, he could feel the extraordinary atmosphere of the Misty Mountain.
Especially the Spiritual Energy that was extremely abundant.
"That's right. I knew that a place with abundant Spiritual Energy would have its own inhabitants, after all, Magic Beasts are attracted by Spiritual Energy. But what surprises me is that, there aren't just Demon Beasts undergoing the Heavenly Tribulation living in the Misty Mountain."
"You mean..."
"Yes, I saw that there were three other Demon Beasts guarding and helping the Demon Beast going through the Heavenly Tribulation at the same time—they didn't even let me get close." Elder replied in a calm voice.
Xiao Ling became very worried after hearing that there were three more Demon beasts living in Misty Mountain. "...In that case, do you know which level those Demon Beasts are at?" Asked Xiao Ling, his voice trembling.
"Of course. I can tell you which level they are at based on the Spiritual Energy emitted by them. I think the Demon Beast that experienced the Heavenly Tribulation is at the First-tier and is trying to ascend to the Second-tier, and two of them are at the same level, which is at the Third-tier, but..." Elder paused, holding his voice. "But, there is one that is the most dangerous, and I think she is the leader, who is on the Sixth-tier."
Xiao Ling was surprised. "T-The Sixth-tier! So how was it when I and the others were able to return safely after going to Misty Mountain?"
Demon Beast at the Sixth-tier was not something cultivators at the Essence Condesation Realm could hope to fight against.
"I think in your case, it was probably because you were still in the forest surrounding Misty Mountain. But, when I tried to approach, and entered the mountain, I felt a strong killing aura. It was a warning given to anyone who tried to force their way into Misty Mountain. That Demon Beast has made Misty Mountain its territory," Elder said it in a clear tone.
I had no idea that there was something so dangerous like that. Could it be... could this be the reason why Misty Mountain is considered a restricted area?
Xiao Ling realized how foolish he was back then, it was probably his luck that he didn't push himself any further at that moment.
There seems to be something I'm missing... Ah, right.
"I forgot to ask, what about the Demon Beast experiencing the Heavenly Tribulation?"
"What do you think? Of course, it should succeed. The possibility of success is very high. Because there are some Demon Beasts helping it," Elder replied.
There was a moment of silence in the room. "I met the boy on the way to this place, and I think I know what he's thinking, more or less." Elder said, with a smile on his face.
"After today's incident, I have said everything to the boy. I'm sure he must be very shaken and shocked right now." Xiao Ling said, his tone slightly guilty but also relieved.
"I understand your decision. It must have been very difficult to hide all this from him, after all, you are the one who has taken care of him until now. And I see that you have also taken his in as your own child, right?"
"Yes... That's what makes it even more difficult. Even my own daughter wasn't happy with my decision, but I'm relieved that I was finally able to be honest with him," Xiao Ling said, a smile on his face.
"Hmm... Don't worry about him, like I said, I've already met him. I think he'll be fine."
Xiao Ling let out a long sigh, feeling relieved that his worries were unnecessary.
"Upon closer inspection, it seems that something has changed—or, should I say, something has been set free within you. Has anything happened since you spoke with that boy?" Elder said as he narrowed his eyes.
"As expected, nothing escapes your sight, Elder," Xiao Ling said, "Ever since I started confessing everything to him, I've felt liberated. Without me realizing it, he has grown up to be much more mature than I imagined."
During his conversation with Mo Shatian, Xiao Ling realized that he had never moved on from the past. Guilt continued to shackle him, and those lingering feelings began to lock his heart. Perhaps, he could not forgive himself.
In the end, it was what the boy said that set him free. He had accepted his past, as he began to forgive himself.
That boy—Mo Shatian—was very similar to his own father. Whenever Xiao Ling looked at him, he sometimes saw a shadow of his best friend.
"I see. It seems like your conversation with that boy gave you forgiveness for yourself," Elder said.
"Yes. That's right," Xiao Ling replied, his face full of serenity.