Jing Li’s heart stirred. He tentatively called out, “Senior Brother?”
After a brief silence, Jing Yu couldn’t help but chuckle softly before responding tenderly, “Mm.”
That low laugh seemed to traverse millennia, instantly bridging the distance between them.
Since Senior Brother’s ascension, they hadn’t seen each other for ages.
Jing Li could barely contain his joy, his smile stretching to its fullest.
He lunged forward, embraced his brother tightly, and exclaimed, “Senior Brother, I’ve missed you so much.”
Jing Yu sank slightly from the impact, but his smile grew even gentler.
He reached up to ruffle Jing Li’s hair, saying warmly, “I’m glad you’re alright.”
Those five simple words conveyed a wealth of care and affection for Jing Li.
It felt like they were back at the sect, where no matter how mischievous he was, Senior Brother always silently stood guard behind him.
Jing Li couldn’t resist nuzzling against his chest again, only stopping when Gu Tingshen, unable to bear it any longer, pulled him away.
Noticing this, Jing Yu cast a sidelong glance at him, his smile fading, though he said nothing.
“Ge, you say you remembered everything?”
Jing Li hadn’t noticed his brother’s subtle mood change. His mind was wholly focused on his brother’s condition. Realizing his slip in address, he quickly corrected himself, “…Senior Brother, I’m used to calling you ‘Ge.’ I wasn’t thinking.”
Of course, it wasn’t that he truly hadn’t noticed. Subconsciously, he preferred the term “Ge,” feeling it created a deeper bond of kinship between them.
“It’s fine,” Jing Yu, understanding his thoughts, smiled warmly. “I like hearing Xiao Jin call me brother too.”
The brothers exchanged smiles, a current of affection flowing between them.
“Earlier, I sensed a surge of spiritual energy that unlocked the sealed memories in my mind,” Jing Yu explained gently, gazing at his brother. “Before ascending, Master foresaw you facing a tribulation, but he was taken by the Stairway to Heaven before he could elaborate.”
“I continued to contemplate this afterward, finally glimpsing the threshold of your tribulation just before my ascension. But the tribulation was unpredictable. I could only determine it was related to your ascension lightning trial, yet it remained elusive. So, I devised a plan, seeking another world beyond the void as a temporary sanctuary for you.”
“I also left a trace of my divine consciousness within you. Should you face danger, it would trigger, bringing you there at all costs.”
“So this is the world you found for me?” Jing Li finally understood. Then, recalling something, he added, “And you appeared here because you were worried about me, so you came first?”
Seeing Jing Yu nod in confirmation, he glanced at Gu Tingshen, thinking how coincidental it was that they both ended up here.
Noticing his glance, Jing Yu coolly stated, “He’s an unexpected variable.”
“I didn’t expect him to come here.”
He had only just awakened his memories and detected the unusual aura surrounding Gu Tingshen. One look at the rich purple-gold color nearly overflowing from him, and it was clear this man was the embodiment of Heavenly Dao.
Had he known this man would be Heavenly Dao, he never would have handed Xiao Jin over so easily.
Even now, though…
“But even if you’ve come here, it’s useless. If you dare harm Xiao Jin in the slightest, I’ll make you pay dearly, even if it costs me my life.”
“Don’t worry, I’m even more reluctant to see him hurt than you are,” Gu Tingshen met his gaze, his eyes filled with sincerity. “I swear on my primordial spirit, if I do anything to harm Xiao Jin, I will suffer karmic retribution and never recover.”
As he spoke, a golden light flashed around him, first flying out the hospital room window, circling the horizon, then returning to his body.
This signified the oath taking effect.
Jing Yu snorted coldly at the sight. Though his expression remained displeased, he said nothing more.
After explaining everything, Jing Li spent more time cuddling with his brother. When he casually mentioned why Gu Tingshen had followed him here, Jing Yu’s expression improved considerably.
After a day of recuperation in the hospital, Jing Li brought his brother home.
With the Dark Forest threat fully resolved and work winding down, Jing Li had little to do lately. He contentedly stayed home, cooking for the two men in his life. Life couldn’t be more satisfying.
This peaceful existence continued until Director Wen’s phone call half a month later.
Their previously filmed movie had been nominated for an international film festival award. He was notified to attend the award ceremony with the team.
Of course, Jing Li had no objections. When he learned the film had been nominated for an international festival, he immediately congratulated Director Wen.
After exchanging pleasantries, they ended the call.
Online, news of Jing Li’s film being nominated for an international festival once again stirred up a frenzy of public opinion.
“Aaah! As expected of Director Wen!!!”
“Aaah! Jing Shao is amazing! Support Jing Shao!”
“Damn! Jing Li must be the fastest-rising and award-winning person in the industry, right?!”
“I finally believe Jing Li really is the incarnation of a koi!”
“Congratulations to Jing Li! Hope the film does well at the festival.”
…
Friends close to Jing Li also sent their congratulations.
For a time, the internet was abuzz with activity.
*
As online discussions intensified, Jing Li departed with the team for Cannes, where the international film festival was being held.
As one of the four most prestigious international film festivals, Cannes attracted media attention worldwide, with throngs of fans and film enthusiasts in attendance.
Even inside the car, Jing Li could hear the clamor outside.
When the car door opened, the noise instantly reached its peak.
Jing Li adjusted his expression, stepping out of the car with a smile.
The moment he emerged, the venue fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting into even louder cheers, accompanied by whistles.
“Ah! Who’s that Asian boy? He’s so handsome!”
“Oh! Sweetheart! He’s so cute!”
“I’ve never seen an Asian boy so captivating before!”
“Oh God! It’s Jing Li! Jing Li! That beautiful, magical Chinese star Jing Li!”
…
Such praises echoed endlessly, instantly drawing more attention to Jing Li.
Even Western media, who originally didn’t pay much attention to Jing Li, now aimed their cameras at him, continuously pressing their shutters.
Some enthusiastic fans even began shouting confessions to the beautiful Asian boy.
Jing Li smiled and nodded to fans in all directions before reaching the end of the red carpet.
The host, an exuberant Black woman, had noticed him since his arrival. Finally able to speak with him up close, she chatted enthusiastically until their allotted time ended, reluctantly letting him go.
Chinese netizens watching the livestream swelled with pride.
In the past, few Chinese celebrities attending international film festivals received such attention from Western media, let alone such enthusiasm.
“Beauty truly knows no borders!!!”
“Ahhh! That moment when Jing Shao smiled at the camera, I was done for!!!”
“As always, Jing Shao’s fashion sense never disappoints!”
“Somehow, seeing how foreigners treat Jing Shao makes me feel a sense of national pride!!!”
…
While the scene outside and online buzzed with excitement over Jing Li, the atmosphere inside was much calmer.
Jing Li entered, found his seat, and sat down next to Director Wen and his crew.
After not seeing each other for a long time, the group began chatting casually, creating a warm atmosphere until the award ceremony began, at which point they stopped talking.
The international film festival’s award process wasn’t much different from domestic ones, though the host was quite witty and humorous, conducting the ceremony with vivid enthusiasm.
When it came time for the awards, the host managed to build tension among the guests.
After a series of awards, they reached the highly anticipated Best Actor and Actress categories.
The host first read the list of nominated films, then, after sufficiently building suspense, announced, “This year’s Best Actor award goes to the Asian boy from China—Jing Li!”
Hearing his name, Jing Li felt both surprised and excited.
Although he knew he had been nominated for Best Actor during his earlier phone call with Director Wen, he hadn’t held out much hope.
Compared to domestic competitions, the international stage had many more excellent actors.
Especially on a platform that traditionally favored Western faces.
However, he maintained his composure, showing only slight surprise before standing to hug his team members, then walking gracefully to the stage.
Accepting the trophy from the presenter, he smiled and raised it to acknowledge the audience. Amidst applause, he said warmly, “I’m deeply grateful to the judges for this recognition and affirmation. It’s a great honor.”
“I want to thank my team and fans for their tremendous support…”
Jing Li addressed the audience eloquently, his fluent English instantly winning over many.
“Though my time in the industry has been relatively short, with potentially many long years ahead, at this moment, I’m happy and satisfied. I’ve achieved my dream, reaching the first milestone in my acting aspirations.”
“None of this would be possible without the constant support of my loving fans. Thank you, I love you all.”
“But finally, I want to thank two people most: my infinitely supportive and loving brother, and the one who gave me new life.”
Jing Li looked directly at the camera in front of him, smiling sincerely. “Thank you for your careful nurturing. I hope in the days to come, we can continue to walk side by side, supporting each other.”
With that, he bowed to the audience and left the stage with his trophy.
Online, the livestream exploded with comments over his speech.
“What the hell? What’s going on?!”
“Is Jing Li confessing on stage?! Damn! I want to know who ‘he’ is! Male or female!”
“Wow! Saying this on such an occasion! As expected of Jing Shao!”
“Ahh! Why do I find Jing Shao so romantic!!!”
“No!!! I don’t believe it!!!!”
“So who is this ‘he’ Jing Shao mentioned?!!!!”
……
Jing Li remained oblivious to the earth-shattering changes his recent speech had caused in the outside world. At that moment, he was quietly sending messages to Gu Tingshen while cradling his award.
However, Gu Tingshen seemed preoccupied with something, as he didn’t reply even after a long wait.
Jing Li assumed he was busy and stopped after sending two messages, though he couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed.
When the awards ceremony ended, everyone else went to the banquet. Uninterested, Jing Li informed his team and returned to the hotel alone.
As soon as he arrived, he received a message from Gu Tingshen saying there was an issue on Blue Island and asking if he could come to the villa right away.
Hearing that something had happened, Jing Li dropped everything and teleported to Blue Island without hesitation.
The island was as tranquil as ever, just like every previous visit.
The villa’s main door stood open, with the water screen inside projecting a kaleidoscope of colors.
But Jing Li had no time to appreciate the scenery. He hurried straight to the villa.
Bypassing the courtyard, he reached the front door.
Just as he was about to knock, the door opened on its own.
Looking up, he froze in astonishment.
The open doorway revealed a room identical to his quarters in the Spiritual Realm. Specks of starlight floated in the air, suspended by spiritual energy, making him feel as if he had returned to his sect.
At that moment, a figure emerged from the depths of the hall. Clad in a snow-white, wide-sleeved robe, his jet-black hair neatly bound in a white jade crown, he held a somewhat mismatched bouquet of baby’s breath. His eyes brimming with tenderness, he approached step by step.
Who else could it be but Gu Tingshen?
Jing Li stared at the man before him, sensing something that made his heart inexplicably nervous.
Gu Tingshen stopped in front of him.
“Xiao Jin, I’m not one for flowery words, but I’m willing to do my utmost to bring you anything you like.”
“Whether in the Spiritual Realm of the past, the world we live in now, or any future world you wish to explore, I want to hold your hand and accompany you every step of the way.”
“So, will you marry me and be my cultivation partner?”
As he spoke, he presented the bouquet, his eyes betraying a hint of nervousness.
Jing Li gazed into those eyes, seeing the profound affection that threatened to drown him. His heart began to race uncontrollably.
He reached out and took the bouquet, opened his mouth, and after a long moment, uttered in a hoarse voice, “Yes.”
The smile on Gu Tingshen’s face deepened instantly as he pulled Jing Li into a tight embrace.
As if finally obtaining his most precious treasure, he gently kissed the forehead of the person in his arms. Then, looking directly into his eyes, he spoke with deep affection and sincerity:
“I swear by my primordial spirit that from this day forward, I will be Jing Li’s cultivation partner. I will love him as my own life for all eternity. If I break this vow, may I suffer the agony of ten thousand thunderbolts piercing my heart and vanish from this world.”
Jing Li looked up at him, then smiled and repeated:
“I swear by my primordial spirit that from this day forward, I will be Gu Tingshen’s cultivation partner. I will love him as my own life for all eternity. If I break this vow, may I suffer the agony of ten thousand thunderbolts piercing my heart and vanish from this world.”
As soon as the words were spoken, two beams of white light descended from the sky.
This was the recognition of the Dao for cultivators who had formed a bond, and the greatest blessing for those who had become cultivation partners.
Jing Li and Gu Tingshen instinctively glanced at the light emanating from each other’s bodies, then exchanged smiles.
From this moment on, I am in you, and you are in me.
Our chapter of happiness begins here, and it will never end.
Raine: This is the end and there are no extras huhu. Thank you so much to everyone who accompanied me, the Jing Brothers and Mr. Gu in this journey. I still feel lacking and hope to improve my translations in my next series. If you have not yet done, the poll for my next project is still open until tomorrow, July 3. I would appreciate if you can give your input which one I should pick up.
With that said, KMCF is signing off.
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