"No, I chose to cultivate dark elements because I like them," Gu Xiaofeng said seriously.
"I never thought dark elements were linked to anything shameful. If I thought they were shameful, I wouldn't have cultivated them myself."
Gu Xiaofeng’s tone was sincere, proving his true feelings about dark elements.
Yan Aohan looked at him intently for a moment before speaking. "Since you believe dark elements are not wrong, why come to us? You should confidently prove their innocence to others."
"I know," Gu Xiaofeng replied. "I only came to tell you that I never felt dark elements should take the blame. If I made a mistake, I will take responsibility."
"If you are sure in your heart, why tell us?" Yan Aohan asked.
Gu Xiaofeng smiled faintly. "I am just interested in your fiancée." He gave a charming, slightly wicked smile. "Those who cultivate dark elements act on their desires. Even if it is immoral, as long as it follows their heart, they will do it. So, I plan to pursue your fiancée."
"You seek death." Yan Aohan’s voice was icy, cold air radiating from him as if it could freeze things miles away.
"I just want to give your fiancée a better choice," Gu Xiaofeng said calmly, then turned to Zhu Yanyi. "Wait for me to pursue you."
"Thank you, but no. I have no interest in your pursuit," Zhu Yanyi refused. No matter what Gu Xiaofeng said, she would not cooperate.
Gu Xiaofeng was surprised by her direct rejection. she looked at her. "You don't need to fear the person behind you. My future achievements will surely surpass her."
"Who are you? Your face is too big for your arrogance," Zhu Yanyi sneered. "Since you don't understand human speech, I will be direct. I don't like you. I will not be with you. Even if all men in heaven and earth disappeared, I would rather be a single noblewoman than be with you. Do you understand? If not, I can make it even clearer."
Zhu Yanyi was usually easygoing, but she would not tolerate anyone insulting those she loved most. Gu Xiaofeng’s words clearly insulted Yan Aohan, so she was angry.
Gu Xiaofeng stared at her for a long time before speaking slowly. "You rejected me so decisively. Aren't you afraid I will cause you trouble?"
Zhu Yanyi scoffed. "Everyone has fears, but we cannot betray our hearts because of fear. This is especially true for cultivators. Cultivators live long lives by doing what others cannot. If everyone feared, there would be no cultivators. We are alive because we follow our hearts. So, even if I fear you, I will still refuse, because that is my true wish."
Yan Aohan did not want Zhu Yanyi to feel wronged. Even if he had no other thoughts, he saw her distress.
She pulled her to her side and looked at Gu Xiaofeng. "You are the one who should be afraid. I will not allow anyone to threaten or bully my fiancée for any reason. If I find out, I will act. Know that if I strike you, it will be simple. Even the Heavenly Dao will not interfere."
Gu Xiaofeng knew this. True Gods transcended the Heavenly Dao. If she truly bullied Zhu Yanyi, Yan Aohan would definitely attack and would not spare her.
Gu Xiaofeng sighed. "Forget it. This was indeed my fault. I was just testing you." She spoke to Zhu Yanyi. "Hei Ru said you use the Human Book and perform Lotus Blessings. I was curious, so I wanted to meet you."
Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow. "This is the first time I have encountered such a way of meeting."
It was true. The first time, she silently used a barrier. The second time, she suddenly confessed. Zhu Yanyi felt that if she encountered such problems more often, her heart’s endurance would need strengthening.
Gu Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow, a hint of evil aura emerging. "It is simple. I am the ruler of the Dark Forest. I dislike rigid rules."
She had guessed she was from the Dark Forest. Hearing her admit it, she felt only that it was as expected.
What a willful master, Zhu Yanyi thought. She tilted her head at Gu Xiaofeng. "The White Great Shaman of the Light Forest and the Elf Queen usually do not leave the Light Forest. Why do you leave the Dark Forest so casually?"
Gu Xiaofeng smiled faintly. "Because of selfishness."
Selfishness? What kind of reason is that? Zhu Yanyi was confused. She looked back at Yan Aohan. Yan Aohan pulled her back to the campfire, took out the roasted wild pheasant, and tore off a wing for her to eat. Watching her eat, he looked up and said, "It seems you have long discovered the flaws of your Dark Forest?"
"Lord Yan, do not mock me. I did not know earlier that the Supreme Black Emperor also cultivated dark elements. But I knew one thing: dark elements cannot represent evil. I insisted on this point, so I wanted to argue with others. Until recently, Hei Ru contacted me and told me about Fairy Yanyi’s understanding of darkness and light. I came out to see Fairy Yanyi, mainly to find out if she spoke from her heart."
Gu Xiaofeng’s eyes were heavy, with a trace of helpless fatigue on his young face. It was clear that the matter of dark elements was a huge burden for him.
For years, Gu Xiaofeng had tried to balance dark elements with other elements but could not find the balance point. Hearing Hei Ru’s words, she felt an impulse. Perhaps meeting Zhu Yanyi would help her find it. So she came to see her, and indeed, she gave her a surprise.
Yan Aohan nodded slightly. "I contacted the Black Emperor recently regarding dark elements. He said that understanding darkness must come from oneself. Others’ guidance is only because they cannot bear the decline of dark elements."