Chapter 158

"We're almost there," Caili whispered, "in a little while we'll see my secret base."

As expected, after a short walk, the mist gradually thinned. A cave hidden in the cliff face appeared before the two of them.

Caili tugged Jiangnan's sleeve excitedly: "This is it! We've arrived!"

Jiangnan surveyed the cave before him and had to admit the place was indeed very concealed. Had it not been Caili leading the way, he probably would never have found it.

This place.

Caili went in first, skillfully lighting several torches. The interior of the cave instantly brightened.

Jiangnan looked around and found the cave's interior spacious and rather comfortably arranged. One side held a few simple beds made of branches, the other side

was stacked with some dried provisions and fruit.

"How is it?" Caili asked proudly, "Isn't it much more comfortable than outside?"

Jiangnan nodded and sincerely praised, "Indeed, it's nice. You've arranged this place well."

Caili felt a little embarrassed by the compliment, a faint blush spreading across her face: "These are things I've gradually collected over the years. Every time I come, I bring some items."

Jiangnan sat on a bed, feeling the soft grass mat beneath him. He looked up at Caili, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes: "Thank you for bringing me here."

Caili smiled and shook her head: "No need to thank me. I'm also happy to come here with you."

Jiangnan's gaze swept over the cave's arrangement, finally resting on Caili. He took a deep breath and asked softly, "Caili, can you tell me the exact location of that Five-colored Spirit Stone?"

Upon hearing the question, Caili's expression suddenly grew complex. She lowered her head, her long lashes trembling slightly, as if pondering how to answer.

"Jiangnan..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Jiangnan frowned slightly, noticing Caili's abnormality. He was about to ask when Caili suddenly lifted her head, a veil of watery mist already clouding her eyes.

In the next instant, Caili lunged forward, throwing herself into Jiangnan's arms.

"Caili! You..." Jiangnan instinctively tried to push her away, but felt the body in his embrace trembling slightly.

Caili clutched Jiangnan tightly, burying her face in his chest. Her voice was muffled, tinged with sobs: "Jiangnan, the Five-colored Spirit Stone you want... is me..."

Jiangnan's whole body went rigid, countless thoughts flashing through his mind. He wanted to refuse, wanted to push Caili away, but his body seemed unable to move of its own accord.

Caili lifted her head, her tear‑filled eyes looking at Jiangnan. Her gaze was full of complex emotions, both affection and resolve.

"Jiangnan, I know you need the Five-colored Spirit Stone to break through your realm. I... I can help you..." Caili's voice was as light as a mosquito's buzz, yet every word struck Jiangnan's heart.

Jiangnan took a deep breath, striving to stay calm. He said softly, "Caili, do you know what you're saying? This isn't..."

Caili, however, didn't wait for him to finish, sealing his words with her own lips. In that moment, Jiangnan felt his reason collapsing.

The atmosphere inside the cave instantly grew scorching. The last shred of Jiangnan's reason told him to stop, but his body responded uncontrollably to Caili's passion.

The two quickly became inseparable, their breaths intertwining. Jiangnan felt a strange energy circulating within his body, resonating with his own true Qi.

Suddenly, a surging force erupted from his dantian. Jiangnan snapped his eyes open, astonished to discover he had broken through to the Nascent Soul realm!

The powerful force filled his whole body, and Jiangnan felt an unprecedented exhilaration. Yet when he looked down at the sleeping Caili in his arms, his mood turned unusually complex.

He thought of Murong Wan, the woman who had always silently supported him. Jiangnan closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.

Caili seemed to sense something, frowning slightly in her sleep and murmuring softly, "Jiangnan..."

Jiangnan gently brushed Caili's long hair, a mixture of emotions churning inside him. He knew his life, from this moment on, would become even more complicated.

Dawn gradually brightened, and the mist outside the cave began to disperse. Jiangnan quietly watched the sleeping Caili, countless thoughts flashing through his mind.

He recalled the moments of meeting Caili, recalling everything she had done for him. Jiangnan had to admit that Caili had already quietly entered his heart.

Yet Murong Wan's figure resurfaced in his mind, that gentle and virtuous woman also an inseparable presence for him.

Jiangnan let out a soft sigh, rose carefully for fear of waking Caili. He walked to the cave entrance, gazing at the sky gradually brightening in the distance.

The new power circulated within him, and Jiangnan could feel his strength making a qualitative leap. Yet the price of this power filled his heart with conflict and guilt.

"How should I face Caili? And how should I explain to Murong Wan?" Jiangnan muttered to himself, his brows knit.

A rustling sound came from behind, and Jiangnan turned to see Caili rubbing her eyes as she sat up. Her gaze was a bit dazed, as if not fully awake.

"Jiangnan..." Caili called softly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

Jiangnan took a deep breath, walked to Caili's side and sat down. He gently grasped Caili's hand and said softly, "Caili, we need to talk."

Caili seemed to snap awake, looking at Jiangnan nervously, a flash of panic in her eyes. "Jiangnan, did you... did you regret it?"

Jiangnan shook his head, saying softly, "No, I don't regret it. But..."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. Caili stared at him tightly, afraid of missing any word he said.

"But our relationship needs to be redefined," Jiangnan finally said, his tone carrying a hint of resolve.

Caili was stunned for a moment, then showed a bitter smile. "I understand... do you have another woman?"

Jiangnan did not deny, merely nodded lightly. Caili inhaled deeply, holding back tears as she said, "I know, I've long known a man as outstanding as you..."

Jiangnan pulled Caili into his arms, saying softly, "I'm sorry, Caili. I shouldn't have..."

Caili cut him off, raising her head to stare into Jiangnan's eyes. "No, Jiangnan. You don't need to apologize. It was my willing choice, I don't regret it."

Jiangnan looked at Caili's steadfast gaze, feeling both moved and guilty. He gently brushed Caili's cheek and said softly, "Caili, you deserve better..."

Caili shook her head, offering a forced smile. "To me, you're the best. Even if... even if I can only share a part of you, I'm willing."

Jiangnan fell silent, not knowing how to respond to Caili's deep affection. The two remained quietly embraced, each burdened with heavy thoughts.

Outside the cave, the sunlight had already driven away the mist, and a new day officially began. Jiangnan knew he had to make a choice, to face the upcoming challenges.

He gently took Caili's hand and said, "We should go back."

Caili nodded, silently following Jiangnan out of the cave. The two walked in silence, each immersed in complex emotions.

Back at the foot of the mountain, Jiangnan stopped, turned to face Caili. "Caili, the road ahead..."

Caili spoke first, "I know, Jiangnan. You don't have to trouble yourself; I will stay in Nanjiang and revitalize the Gu Tribe."