Xue Yang does indeed make sure to keep Xingchen on the path, but it's not why he's holding on. One mistake. He doesn't want to make it ever again, and that clearly means he must pay more attention to Xingchen!

And avoid anyone familiar. Another dream. Borrowed time.

He doesn't hurry them along, or swing their arms between them. Just a rather gentle hold, that would none-the-less be difficult to break before he's willing.

He knows the answer before he asks it, but figures it's expected of him. "If you could choose, who would you bring here, Daozhang?"