A hurried knock on the door broke the valley's tranquility, shattering the peaceful life Qu Chen and I shared. I put down my hoe, exchanged a glance with Qu Chen, and saw a trace of helplessness and worry in each other's eyes. It seemed that truly escaping from the world was easier said than done.
"I'll get the door." Qu Chen patted my hand and stood up, walking toward the courtyard gate.
I watched his retreating figure, a whirlwind of emotions stirring in my chest. Living in seclusion among the mountains, working at sunrise and resting at sunset, had always been our shared dream. Yet, fate liked to play tricks; bearing the responsibility of protecting the Cultivation World meant we were ultimately destined never to truly distance ourselves from worldly entanglements.
Chapter 146