A Fateful Departure and Unyielding Resolve

Moreover, this fact also proved…

He was indeed a mysterious prodigy hidden from the world.

Not only was he unfathomably wise, he had even created a cultivation method suitable for her ordinary mortal body.

He allowed her to forge a different path, to enter the Dao in a new way.

Although this cultivation might take a long time…

It was already an immense debt of rebirth.

On top of saving her twice before.

Jiang Ningwan now trusted him unconditionally.

If she met him again, she would cling to him tightly and never let go again.

But…

Would that moment of reunion ever come?

Jiang Ningwan shook her head, clearing her thoughts.

Then she walked to Jiang Lishuang’s side and softly called, “Alright, Lishuang, stop fussing. Come with Mother to meet that honored guest.”

“Mmm… No!”

Jiang Lishuang pouted her delicate, cute lips and looked away.

She refused to go meet the person Zhuang Xun had mentioned.

[Let me worship someone else as master? Impossible!]

[In my heart, only Brother Zhuang Xun is fit to be my master!]

“Don’t you want to catch up to your Brother Zhuang Xun as soon as possible?” Jiang Ningwan knew her daughter well, so she brought up Zhuang Xun.

“…” Jiang Lishuang tilted her head slightly.

“Besides, your Brother Zhuang Xun said this was a destined encounter for you…”

“If you don’t go, wouldn’t that be slapping your Brother Zhuang Xun in the face?”

“…”

“Mmm…” Jiang Lishuang’s lips drooped.

“If you go, maybe that immortal aunt will take you to the cultivation world, and you might find him…”

“Isn’t that right?”

“But… I only want to worship Brother Zhuang Xun as my master…”

Jiang Lishuang was still childlike at heart. The moment she heard she might see Zhuang Xun again, her resolve softened.

“Your Brother Zhuang Xun is also a cultivator, part of the cultivation world…” Jiang Ningwan stroked her head and said gently, “If you master the techniques he taught you, maybe you’ll catch his attention?”

“If you don’t achieve anything, wouldn’t you be disappointing his expectations?”

“…”

“I don’t want to disappoint Brother Zhuang Xun’s expectations…”

“Then come with Mother and join that immortal aunt’s sect to cultivate. That way, your strength will greatly advance.”

“Mm… but after I leave, what about Mother?”

Although Jiang Lishuang didn’t want to disappoint Zhuang Xun’s expectations, she still had a mother who loved her and cared for her…

She didn’t want to abandon her mother just yet.

“I promise that if this child passes the spiritual root test and becomes my disciple…”

“After three years of cultivation, she may return home for one month to visit her family. How about that?”

At that moment, the plain-robed Taoist nun’s voice came from somewhere.

She had already used her divine sense to inspect the girl and couldn’t help but sigh: truly a fine seedling for cultivation. She hadn’t seen such talented stock in centuries.

But her worldly attachments were too strong.

Still, it was fine. If she could enter the Mysterious Maiden Palace, that would be great fortune.

“Thank you, immortal aunt, for granting this immortal fate.”

Jiang Ningwan hadn’t expected the Taoist nun to be so considerate, not resorting to coercion.

“It’s nothing. This girl’s bone structure is excellent, worthy of my careful nurturing.”

Then the Taoist nun promised Jiang Lishuang, “So? If you enter my sect, I will grant all your requests.”

“…”

“I… want my mother to live well…”

“And to revitalize the family…”

The Taoist nun smiled. “Knowing filial piety is a good thing.”

“Is that all?”

Aside from her mother, Jiang Lishuang couldn’t think of anyone else important now.

She shook her head. “That’s all.”

“Good.”

The Taoist nun waved her sleeve, and a jade token engraved with the words “Mysterious Maiden” appeared in her hand.

“This is a protective token of the Mysterious Maiden Palace, with the power to calm the spirit and nurture life. It can also save your life in times of danger.”

“Most importantly, it’s a symbol of identity in our palace. Wearing it makes you half a disciple.”

She placed the token in Jiang Ningwan’s hand. “Among the six kingdoms of this mortal world, the Mysterious Maiden Palace has some secular foundations.”

“You can also use this to seek cooperation, expanding your network.”

“Thank you, immortal aunt, for bestowing this treasure.”

“So, are you willing to follow me to the spirit world?”

“Spirit world…” Jiang Lishuang asked doubtfully, “What place is that?”

“It is the most blessed land of the Azure Domain, a place many cultivators yearn for. All the top-tier immortal sects gather there.”

“There, you will see more and have more room to display your talent.”

“Not like this tiny place, which would only bury your gifts.”

“…”

[The most blessed land…]

[Could Brother Zhuang Xun be there?]

“Alright… but I still want to say a few words to my mother. Is that okay?”

“Make it quick.”

The Taoist nun agreed, then her figure vanished.

“…”

Plop.

Jiang Lishuang bent her knees and suddenly knelt before Jiang Ningwan, bowing with her head to the ground. “Mother… I will definitely come back to see you when the time comes…”

“So… Mother… you must not… come to any harm…”

Her eyes reddened, and she bit her lower lip tightly, trying not to cry.

This was her first time leaving home. This parting would last four years. She couldn’t predict the future path.

So all she could do was say a proper goodbye to ease her heart.

“…”

“Silly child, it’s not a farewell forever. Why so solemn?”

Jiang Ningwan half-crouched, helped her up, and embraced her, gently stroking her silver hair. “Mother promises you… I’ll take care of myself, live well. Go on…”

Finally.

Jiang Ningwan watched the fading figure at the horizon, a single clear tear trailing from the corner of her eye.

Thank you… for accompanying me through that lonely time…

Giving me the will to live…

“May you, in that world…”

“Rise as a dragon or phoenix…”

…

In Anyang City.

Qin Zhaoyu, now restored to her prime, stood atop a high rooftop.

Staring at the setting sun over the distant river, her heart was filled with melancholy.

“Heaven and earth share one hue; when will the dusk ever end?”

Her gaze sharpened. A spiritual sword materialized in her hand, and she swung her arm…

A hundred-meter tall wave instantly rose from the river, ten li away.

“Whatever Master wishes me to become, I will do my utmost to fulfill his requirements…”

“But I also don’t want Master to meet with any mishap…”

“So, you must live well!”

“Otherwise… even if only a wisp of your soul remains… I won’t let you off!”

Though fleeing from a stronger foe was not wrong, she felt deeply aggrieved and indignant.

“…”

“Huh…”

After a long while, she let out a long breath, and her resolve to become stronger grew even firmer.

Only then could she obtain what she most desired…

To protect those she should protect.

…