“Hmm?” The Captain was so taken aback he didn’t really understand what Xu Qing was getting at. “What does that have to do with me? Are you trying to show off, little Ah Qing? If it weren’t for that letter of mine....”12

Xu Qing looked at the Captain.1

The Captain cleared his throat. “If it weren’t for that letter of yours....” The Captain suddenly looked very serious. “Speaking of that, I have to give you some more constructive criticism. Truth be told, I’ve been telling you this same thing for a long time. We cultivators should live alone in the world. That’s the only way for us to develop an iron will. That’s the only way for us to develop true self-confidence. That’s the only way for us to confidently face life’s difficulties! Women? Hah! Could they possibly be as good as apples?” The Captain viciously took a bite of his apple, his eyes glittering with scorn.23

“Women are like boulders blocking our path forward. Mountains! They’re like fetters preventing us from wielding our swords. No, they’re like hells! You really need to be careful in this matter. Don’t be like Third Sib. I mean, come on. All my advice earlier about Arch-Immortal Plumdark was mostly just harmless banter.”5

Xu Qing listened thoughtfully to the Captain’s assessment, and had to admit that what he said made sense. Finally, he nodded. “You’re right, Eldest Brother. In that case, I guess I won’t introduce you to Arch-Immortal Plumdark’s friend.”1

The Captain was so stunned his eyes went...7