Wang Wei proceeded to absorb the [Secret Spirit] since he understood it well. He was in tune with his emotions and had a great understanding of the interaction and attraction that drove people–especially himself.
Because he understood these aspects of the souls, he could fuse the [Secret Spirit] with the Primordial Spirit. The Three Immortal Stage is the cultivation stage where a cultivator’s comprehension is more important than their body.
Without understanding the different aspects of the Three Immortal Stages, it is impossible to combine them with the Primordial Spirit and enter a stage of completion.
After fusing with the [Secret Spirit], Wang Wei felt that some missing part of him had returned. He felt complete and fulfilled; at least, he was in the process.
Additionally, he discovered that he lighted up more than 50 billion new spirit particles by completing the Primordial Spirit. The power of his soul increased drastically.
Wang Wei was pleased with this discovery. When he first created the spirit particles, he was prepared to lit all of them for an extended period, even after entering the next realm.
However, once he learned about the Three Flower Crowns, he decided to light them all up before condensing the Spirit Flower. As such, he prepared to spend quite some time in the process.
After his breakthrough into the Three Immortal Stage, Wang Wei did not continue. He made a few consecutive breakthroughs, so he needed time to relax and digest.
So, he decided to leave his Sea of Consciousness and focus on something else. Unfortunately, he found himself sitting cross-legged with a small table in front of him and another eerie-looking person with the same face as him on the opposite.
“It’s you again,” he gestured.
“Of course, it’s me,” replied his Heart Demon. “As long as you’re still in this cultivation stage, I can appear anytime.”
Wang Wei squinted his eyes at this person that looked like a cheap evil version of himself; he was not in the mood.
“I know you wished you could use your domineering spirit and supreme strength to blow your Heart Demon away. Unfortunately, this is not how Heart Demon functions in this world.
“Without knowing yourself, your mind, and processing your emotions, I can never go away.”
Wang Wei sighed aloud before taking a sip of the tea; it tasted like Longjue, his favorite tea.
‘Granma usually brought me some when she called or visited. *Sigh*.’
“No illusion today?” gestured Wang Wei.
“I figured there was no point, so let’s have our usual chat,” replied the Heart Demon, who also took a sip of tea. “Despite how I may go about things, I have your best intention in mind.”
‘Why do these words sound like something an abuser would say to justify their actions?’
“I’m sure you’re thinking of something rude right now, but forget it. Let’s begin.
“I will not mention the new crimes like kidnapping that you added to your list. We have already established that you feel little to no remorse.”
“Harsh. Why are you portraying me as a psychopath?”
The Heart Devil ignored him.
“I will also not mention the ordeal with grandma. You went through the stages of grievances and adequately processed the event. Albeit a bit dramatic, it was understandable considering what was at stake.
“However, now, let’s talk about Yu Yong. Don’t you think you are treating him a little unfairly? Isn’t about that tie you forgave him?”
As soon as he uttered these words, countless runes appeared in the surrounding, and the Heart Devil knew they could seal him to delay his appearance.
“Don’t do anything stupid. If you seal me now when I appear again, I will be a hundred times more powerful.” he paused before taking another sip of tea.
“I know this is a touchy subject for you, but it still needs to be addressed.”
The runes disappeared before words appeared in front of Wang Wei.
“Why do I need to forgive him?”
“To better heal, of course. Anger is not good for your health or spirit.”
“There is nothing wrong with anger; it’s as destructive as any emotions once not controlled properly,” wrote Wang Wei. “And my anger is justified and well-controlled.”
What about your family and grandfather? I’m sure he didn’t want to put his family through this; he had no choice. So, the least you can do is remove your anger and forgive. It would be great for your healing process.
“There is no need for a correlation between anger and forgiveness. I can forgive him but still, be mad. Plus, it is my emotions, my state of mind.
“And if I decide never to do so, I am entitled to that conclusion. As long as I do not let how I feel about him affect my family, everything will be fine.”
The Heart Demon suddenly laughed out loud: “You are correct. You can grieve and process emotions any way you feel most suitable to you, as long as you heal. Alright, let’s move on to another topic then.”
It waved its hand to manifest the picture of a beautiful woman, making Wang Wei frown deeply after seeing it.
“Congratulations on your marriage, by the way. It is your luck of a thousand generations to marry such a beautiful, capable, and perfect wife. Sometimes I envy you because of her: I wish we could trade places.”
“Get to the points,” wrote Wang Wei/
“Can’t you be more patient? Alright, I can see your face is not looking well, so I’ll be direct.
“It always bothered me, the whole concept of [Fated Lovers]. You met for the first time at the Academy and instantly fell in love; you did not know anything about her personality, history, likes and dislikes, but you fell in love at first sight. Pretty superficial if I say so myself.”
“What’s wrong with superficial?” replied Wang Wei back. “I could argue that falling in love, at first sight, requires a great deal of faith. You believe that this person you met for the first time matches your personality, likes and dislikes and that you could spend the rest of your life with them no matter the odds.
“Plus, things between Wu Hong and I worked out for the best in the end.”
“Did it, though?” replied the Heart Demon. “The moment you met, she knew you better than you knew yourself. She knows you’re from Earth and your other deep secrets. And yet, you cannot say the same.
“With how many secrets she is hiding from you, I’m surprised you can sleep peacefully in the same bed as her.
Wang Wei did not say anything, but the Heart Demon continued talking, his voice containing a very hypnotizing effect, capable of magnifying the doubts in people’s minds.
“Now, I’m sure you’ll use the excuse that it is because of how weak you are that she has to keep these secrets. But I don’t buy it, and you shouldn’t too.”
Wang Wei looked dazed in the distance, his eyes a little unfocused.
The Heart Devil continued, “What if she is scheming against you? What if she’s planning your doom?
“Then, I’ll die,” he wrote in the air after a few minutes of silence.
“Just like that?”
“As I said, our love began with me taking a great leap of faith, and I will continue believing in that leap. And if one day she proved to me that I was wrong, then I’ll accept the consequences–even if it meant death.”
“Won’t you have any regrets? Dying while knowing that the person you love most in the world betrays you must be painful.”
“Maybe for others, but not for me. I made this choice, fully knowing the possible outcome. And if that day truly ever came, I will die with a smile on my face while remembering the happy memories between the two of us.”
“Haha, what a strange person you are,” said the Heart Devil with a calm smile instead of his usual sneer or cunning one.
“You practice a Dao that involves control, and yet, when it comes to your love life, you choose to rely on faith; you allow fate to determine who you spend the rest of your life with and let of your control.
“How contradictory.”
“I never thought of that,” wrote Wang Wei. “It seems that you truly know me better than me.”
“Of course. Well, the tribulation ends, and you pass with flying colors. But we will meet again.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not for you to determine.”
The Heart Devil disappeared. Wang Wei sensed his mind and spirit became refreshed and his state of mind sublimated. He felt he had removed a veil from his eyes, allowing him to see the world clearer.
‘Although Heart Devil can help cultivators with their state of mind, it is always unpleasant to talk to this guy. However, he did give me an idea.’
He planned to talk to Wu Hong about this conversation to better their relationship. He will tell her about all his doubts and insecurity. That way, they can grow closer as Dao Companions.
He returned to his cottage and took out the [Ancient Desolate Body Refining Scripture]. He planned to temper his Star Acupoints during this retreat.
Although the old beggar told him that he could not rely on strength to pass the trial, he also knew that he would never have a chance of surviving without it.