Xiao Ying, Ji Changle, and the others looked at one another, their expressions tight with awkwardness. After Shun Le Qi and Wen’er left, they remained, a lingering sense of reluctance clinging to them. They were rooted to their seats, enduring an indescribable discomfort.
The reason Xiao Ying’s group of young people were even present here was solely the hope of encountering the women they admired. Now, the objects of their profound affection were completely ignoring them, directing all their attention instead toward Ji Changkong. The taste of that realization in their hearts was something easily imagined.
However deep their resentment, Xiao Ying, Ji Changle, and the rest dared not vent it here.
For one, Zhou Qiangwei, He Li Dong, and Baili Xiu each hailed from distinguished backgrounds, their families possessing immense underlying power. Secondly, Ji Changkong himself was still seated among them.
Over the years, Ji Changkong’s relentless campaigns had secured unimaginable benefits for Xuanyuan Valley. Moreover, he had repeatedly pulled the Valley back from the brink of disaster. Anyone living within Xuanyuan Valley understood that Ji Changkong was the true linchpin today. Even their own family patriarch bowed deferentially in his presence.
With such a powerful connection in place, youths like Xiao Ying certainly dared not utter a word against Ji Changkong.
As for the brothers Ji Changle and Ji Changsheng, they were even less likely to act. They understood clearly that the current status of the Ji family was entirely attributable to Ji Changkong’s existence. Recalling the Ji family’s humble days at Qingyan Mountain just a few years ago compared to their standing in Xuanyuan Valley now, what more could the two brothers possibly say?
Consequently, these young men sat there, their faces etched with bitterness, watching silently as the three women blushed and fluttered around Ji Changkong, yet none dared to speak up.
He Liying, Baili Xiu, and Zhou Qiangwei all rose in unison. Their bright eyes fixed entirely upon Ji Changkong, they waited, clearly expecting him to make the decision.
“I’m heading to the small lake in the back mountains. You three can sort yourselves out; I honestly don't know how to resolve the dispute between you,” Ji Changkong said, having stared at the three women for a long moment. Unable to devise a good solution, he resorted to this last resort.
The moment his words fell, without waiting for the women’s reaction, Ji Changkong suddenly soared away from the bamboo building, vanishing instantly.
The three, He Liying and the others, froze within the structure. After a mere breath of silence, the sound of a burgeoning quarrel filled the bamboo building.
The small lake beyond the garden was an artificial excavation completed in the Houtian era. Its existence was linked to the Star Sea Array, serving to balance the ambient Heavenly and Earthly vital energy.
The lake was not large, but its water was impossibly clear. Upon arriving here, Zhou Qiangwei had invested significant effort into the small lake, planting numerous flowers and trees around its perimeter, cultivating an atmosphere of deep serenity and charm.
Zhou Qiangwei possessed a gentle and quiet disposition, finding solace in nature, mountains, and flora. The area where she usually resided was abundant with vegetation. Perhaps this very affinity was what drew so many young men and women to this spot.
Settling beneath a towering ten-meter tree, Ji Changkong gazed at the crystal-clear lake ahead, a slight frown creasing his brow. His heart was filled with helplessness.
He knew that the three women—Zhou Qiangwei, He Liying, and Baili Xiu—had not sought him out to discuss pleasant matters.
He held a degree of fondness for all three: Zhou Qiangwei was gentle, He Li Dong frank, and Baili Xiu charmingly playful. None of them harbored ill intentions. However, at this moment, his focus was elsewhere. His sole desire was to become stronger, hoping to do something for his maternal grandfather; he simply had no time for romantic entanglements.
Yet, the three women clearly harbored feelings, likely spurred on by their families' elders pushing them. These combined pressures meant that the three had developed resentments toward him.
He understood that he would inevitably have to say some blunt things to them. Some words, once spoken, might cause pain, but withholding them would be just as damaging in its own way.
Ji Changkong sat there, troubled, contemplating silently.
Soon, He Li Dong approached first, suggesting that despite the tension, the women still adhered to some form of protocol.
He Li Dong’s straight, elegant legs moved slowly; her tall figure stood out among the profusion of blossoms, yet her face was cold, as if everyone owed her a massive debt.
Finally reaching Ji Changkong, He Li Dong’s beautiful legs halted abruptly. She gazed coldly at him and said, “Ji Changkong, are you very proud? Do you gain a sense of accomplishment watching the three of us fight amongst ourselves in the background because of you?”
Ji Changkong was speechless, caught between a laugh and a cry. “No, I just… I just feel a bit troubled.”
“Troubled?” He Li Dong sneered dismissively. “You mean one thing and say another. Will any man ever be troubled by having too many women interested? I don’t believe it.”
“He Li Dong, what exactly do you want to say? Can’t you just speak plainly? I don’t recall offending you anywhere. If I recall correctly, back in the Earth Rift Valley, our relationship was quite amicable. Why has your attitude toward me changed so drastically over these past few years?” Ji Changkong asked, steeling himself.
“You know yourself!”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” He Liying’s voice rose, her eyes filled with resentment as she stared at him. “Did my family patriarch ever speak to you about the possibility of us? And did you reject it cleanly and decisively?”
“Yes,” Ji Changkong answered honestly, feeling it was a matter of course. He explained, “We’ve known each other for a very short time. I’ve always considered you a good friend, nothing more. Uncle He was trying to force a match, which was improper. To protect both our interests, I gently refused. I don't see an issue there.”
“No issue?” He Li Dong shrieked. “You see no issue, but I see a massive one!”
He Li Dong’s emotions grew slightly agitated, her delicate chest trembling slightly. Gritting her teeth, she continued, “I—even if I don’t have particular feelings for you—did you ever consider how others view me after your rejection? And since my patriarch held onto this idea, everyone assumes I’ve been shamelessly clinging to you, thinking I’m… thinking I’m unwanted. Thinking I’m… thinking I’m shameless!”
He Li Dong was clearly bottling up a torrent of frustration and unleashed all her resentment.
Ji Changkong watched her with a wry smile, listening to her finally voice her true feelings. He suddenly realized that He Li Dong’s mood wasn't necessarily about him not liking her, but rather that his rejection had caused her to lose face. He Li Dong was a proud person; she likely viewed this as a failure, a huge humiliation.
“This…” Ji Changkong frowned deeply, his face strained. “Then tell me, what should I have done? Our relationship is truly just that of ordinary friends. If I had said yes, our potential marriage might have been…”
This statement made He Li Dong pause. It seemed she had never considered this angle. After a moment of hesitation, He Liying shook her head suddenly and said, “I also cannot accept such an arrangement.”
“That’s exactly it!” Ji Changkong sighed in relief, spreading his hands. “If we sacrifice both our futures just to save face, that would be the greatest misfortune! Don't you agree?”
He Li Dong’s delicate eyebrows furrowed. After pondering for a moment, she suddenly looked up at him. “Are you saying I’m not good enough for you?”
Ji Changkong shook his head repeatedly, hurriedly reassuring her. “No, never. I’ve never thought that. I just… I just dislike having my affairs dictated by others. I have my own ideas. If I felt a woman was right for me, I would express my true feelings myself, not have everything arranged while I remain ignorant. Any arrangement made by someone else immediately sparks resistance and refusal in me!”
“You are a strange one,” He Li Dong muttered, momentarily surprised, then huffed. “No! You’ve caused me to lose face completely; you have to compensate me!”
“Compensate me?” Ji Changkong’s mouth fell open. “I made the correct decision! My decision is a good outcome for both of us; you should be thanking me! Why am I paying you compensation?”
“I don't care. Regardless, because of your rejection, everyone looks at me strangely. This is your fault,” He Li Dong suddenly became unreasonable, acting as if Ji Changkong absolutely had to compensate her.
“Forget it. Tell me what you want,” Ji Changkong thought inwardly. Women are truly difficult.
“Go tell my patriarch that you wish to form a marital alliance with my He family!” He Li Dong declared with mock seriousness.
Ji Changkong was alarmed. “How can that be?”
“Do I really annoy you that much?” He Li Dong snapped, angered.
“No, no, no!” Ji Changkong shook his head repeatedly, hastily saying, “Didn’t we just clarify this?”
“I haven't finished speaking,” He Liying looked at him. “First, you express this intention to my patriarch, and then I will vehemently reject you. Wouldn't that solve it? As long as people know that I was the one who rejected you, that’s enough!”
Ji Changkong was stunned. He considered the plan; though slightly bizarre, it held a measure of logic. After hesitating, he slowly nodded. “I… I can agree to that.”
After a moment of hesitation, Ji Changkong’s face took on a strange expression. He suddenly said, “He Li Dong, if that happens, if you actually agree, we’ll both be doomed…”
He Li Dong’s face instantly flushed scarlet. She glared fiercely at Ji Changkong and muttered low, “You scoundrel! Do you think you’re such a treasure? I would never have any thoughts about you! You’re just full of wicked ideas!”
“That’s good, that’s good!” Hearing her words, Ji Changkong finally relaxed. He quickly added, “Alright, I know what to do. Don't worry, I will speak with Uncle He about this. I’ll wait for your rejection.”
He Li Dong nodded proudly, a flicker of joy crossing her eyes. “Okay, that’s all regarding my matter. Now you go deal with the others.”
As soon as she finished speaking, He Li Dong turned immediately and walked toward the garden behind her without a backward glance. Her beautiful legs swung rhythmically as her tall figure gradually disappeared among the flowers.
A short while later, the second young lady arrived.
Baili Xiu skipped merrily, looking quite delighted. Upon reaching him, Baili Xiu leaned in conspiratorially, her gossipy little face close to Ji Changkong’s ear, whispering curiously, “So? What did that hothead say to you? Did she try to force you to marry her?”
Baili Xiu looked completely knowledgeable. “Let me tell you, that girl He Li Dong has a terrible temper. Back at Bloody Rain Mountain, many guys who pursued her met terrible ends. If you end up with her, I guarantee your next life will be ruined. Listen to me, don't let her serious demeanor fool you—that firecracker is actually lazy, no, she’s dirty and lazy. She rarely washes her feet; they stink terribly. Plus, she farts indiscriminately. You have no idea…”
“Ahem! Ahem!” Ji Changkong felt a profound headache coming on as he watched Baili Xiu gleefully detailing He Li Dong’s flaws. “Stop, stop, stop!”
“And there’s more, Elder Brother Changkong, you really don’t know. That girl…” Baili Xiu was clearly enjoying herself and didn't want to stop immediately.
“Baili Xiu!! If you dare slander me again, I will kill you!” A furious, explosive roar came from the distance—He Liying was absolutely livid, on the verge of an explosion.
“Ah,” Baili Xiu shrunk back, looking timid, and quickly clamped her mouth shut. After a while, she mumbled, “That firecracker actually guessed I was talking trash about her.”
Hesitantly, Baili Xiu looked at Ji Changkong and huffed, “Don’t you dare laugh! You knew she was eavesdropping and didn’t warn me! You are utterly wicked!”
“I was going to tell you, but you were speaking so happily that I didn't have a chance to finish,” Ji Changkong protested weakly.
“Oh, I see…” Baili Xiu paused, then giggled, glancing back over her shoulder before asking Ji Changkong, “That girl, is she far away now?”
“Yes,” Ji Changkong replied, shaking his head in exasperation. “She was walking back toward the bamboo building. You were too impatient; you started rambling before she was far enough away, and that's why she heard. She’s in the bamboo building now; she shouldn't be able to hear us.”
“That’s good, that’s great, as long as she can’t hear,” Baili Xiu breathed a sigh of relief and continued, “Let’s keep talking. Besides not washing her feet and farting often, that firecracker also likes to…”
Ji Changkong felt his scalp tingle. He thought to himself that anyone who crossed this girl would surely suffer. Her tongue was simply too venomous. Seeing her enthusiasm reignite, Ji Changkong hastily interrupted. “If you have nothing else to say, let’s stop here and let Zhou Qiangwei come over.”
“I do!” Baili Xiu quickly changed tack. “Speaking of Zhou Qiangwei, there are things you definitely don’t know. Actually, her bad habits are even worse than that firecracker’s. Do you know why Zhou Qiangwei loves growing flowers so much?”
Baili Xiu adopted a tone suggesting he couldn't possibly know the answer. Without waiting for a reply, she burst out, “Let me tell you, Zhou Qiangwei actually has body odor, and it’s severe! You can’t imagine, if she doesn't use those rare flowers to wipe herself down for a single day, she reeks so badly you can smell her three miles away! Besides that, Zhou Qiangwei is actually frigid. Don't let her gentle appearance fool you, but she…”
Listening to Baili Xiu speak, Ji Changkong nearly vomited blood. This girl was too ruthless. If he hadn't had some relatively 'intimate' contact with Zhou Qiangwei before, hearing this would have sparked strange ideas in his heart.
“Baili Xiu, our conversation ends here!” Ji Changkong interrupted her continued slander with a solemn expression, saying sternly, “You should go back!”
Baili Xiu just grinned, assuming he understood. Finally, she turned the topic to herself, blushing slightly. “Elder Brother Changkong, my father told me I have a destiny to bring prosperity to my husband—I’m sure to have a boy when I bear a child…”
Ji Changkong gaped, completely stunned by Baili Xiu. She was slightly younger than He Li Dong, yet spoke with such startling audacity!
“Fine, I know. I know you’ll bring fortune and have a boy! That’s wonderful, incredibly powerful,” Ji Changkong looked at her. “However, I prefer girls. You should go back now.”
“Huh?” Baili Xiu was greatly surprised, shrieked, “Why would you prefer girls? I heard people say, I heard people say…”
“Enough, enough! Talking to you is too much pressure for me. Please leave now; we are not meant to walk the same path,” Ji Changkong was practically chasing her away. “Blast it, my estimation was wrong. I need to rethink this,” Baili Xiu muttered, looking crestfallen, slowly following in He Li Dong’s footsteps.
After a little while, Zhou Qiangwei approached quietly, her head lowered.
Ji Changkong’s heart suddenly tightened; he felt a pang of nervousness.
Among the three women, he felt he owed Zhou Qiangwei the most. On the journey to Nan Yi years ago, he had committed some improper acts toward her under a lapse of judgment. And Zhou Qiangwei was Zhongli Jingyi’s fiancée, yet she had run away for him before their wedding. Originally the eldest daughter of the Ye family, she now lived alone in Xuanyuan Valley, diligently and faithfully serving its needs.
Toward her, Ji Changkong felt a blend of guilt and deep gratitude.
Approaching Ji Changkong, Zhou Qiangwei looked up and smiled softly, murmuring, “What did Xiu’er just say to you? That girl has been misled. She dares to say all sorts of nonsensical things.”
“Who misled her?” Ji Changkong asked, surprised.
“Who else but Xiao Ying,” Zhou Qiangwei smiled. “Xiao Ying is full of malice, and that girl Xiu’er is terribly bold. When Li Dong returned, burning with rage, she went looking for Xiao Ying to settle accounts. I knew Xiu’er must have said something wild.”
Nodding, Ji Changkong said, “She did say wild things. She said He Li Dong has smelly feet and farts randomly.”
“Pfft!” Zhou Qiangwei couldn't help but laugh, chiding, “She actually dared say that! What else? What did she say about me?”
“She said you have body odor and need to use flower juice to wipe yourself down every day, and that you’re frigid and prefer women,” Ji Changkong pursed his lips, then chuckled himself.
Zhou Qiangwei’s face burned with shame, and she cursed him inwardly. Then, she suddenly looked up at him. “Whether I have body odor or not, I think… I think my family should know, right?”
“Ahem! Ahem!” Ji Changkong felt deeply awkward and dared not meet Zhou Qiangwei’s gaze, looking everywhere but at her. “This lake you’ve arranged is very beautiful. Xuanyuan Valley seems very suitable for you…”
Zhou Qiangwei shot Ji Changkong a sharp look, resentful that he changed the subject, but she followed his lead. “Yes, I really like Xuanyuan Valley. I feel very relaxed here. Even if… even if my family ignores me, I feel that being close enough to see them from time to time is enough.”
Ji Changkong’s heart was suddenly deeply moved. His gaze grew complex, and he stared blankly for a long moment.
Zhou Qiangwei just watched him. “As long as he is here, as long as he doesn't drive me away, I think… I will stay forever, without asking for any promises!”
“No one will drive you away. Stay as long as you wish!” Ji Changkong suddenly stated, hesitating slightly. “If I have time later, I will come here often to check in. There are some things I still haven’t sorted out, so…”
“Good!” Zhou Qiangwei abruptly cut him off, her face alight with surprise. “That’s enough! More than enough.”
As if afraid Ji Changkong might change his mind, Zhou Qiangwei suddenly turned. “I have nothing more to say. As long as, as long as you can visit here often, I’ll… I’ll be satisfied. I know you are busy and your responsibilities are great. I can’t help you with anything, so I won’t ask for too much.”
Zhou Qiangwei departed gracefully.
Ji Changkong stood watching her retreating figure blankly, unable to regain his composure for a long time.
This gentle woman, who asked for nothing, had suddenly stirred something deep and soft within his heart.
Three days passed in a flash.
Xiao Poshan, Xiao Xing, Gui Rong, Gui Hai, Han Feng, and the others stood in the center of Xuanyuan Valley, waiting silently for something.
A moment later, Ji Changkong arrived. He scanned the assembled group and asked, “Have you handled all the necessary arrangements?”
“Rest assured, everything that needed saying has been said. As long as the threat of the Ghost Demon King is removed, our Xuanyuan Valley has nothing to fear. Moreover, we have established a strong rapport with the Heavenly Mountain Sect. If anyone dares cause trouble here, they’ll only be asking for trouble,” Xiao Xing nodded with a smile, assuring Ji Changkong not to worry.
“That’s good. Then we can leave Xuanyuan Valley with peace of mind,” Ji Changkong nodded, his expression turning serious. “For the past three days, the Northern Barbarians have been relentlessly attacking the Tian Shi sects and families in Great Chu. Even the combined forces of the Great Chu’s major clans seem unable to hold back the Northern Barbarian Tian Shi.”
“Indeed, we must head to Great Chu immediately and must not allow it to fall into Northern Barbarian hands,” Xiao Xing urged.
“In that case, let’s depart,” Ji Changkong turned to Mo Yunyi, who had emerged from seclusion. “Granny Mo, we will trouble you to look after the Valley.”
“Go, and be careful,” Mo Yunyi looked at him kindly. “You have truly grown up, child. Watching you achieve this step by step, I am deeply gratified.”
He smiled sheepishly. “Granny Mo, you be careful too. We’re leaving now.”
Xuanyuan Valley was quite a distance from Great Chu. However, this contingent heading to Great Chu consisted entirely of the experts from Xuanyuan Valley.
Among those in the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm were Xiao Poshhan and Xiao Xing of the Xiao family, as well as Gui Rong and Gui Hai of the Ghost Sect, in addition to Han Feng. Accompanying this contingent were about a dozen more experts at the Seven Star Heaven Realm from the Xiao family and the Ghost Sect. Not a single one was merely a Six Harmonies Celestial; all could harness the power of the stars and the sun and moon to traverse distances.
Experts at the Seven Star Heaven Realm, simply by manifesting the power of the stars to fly, possessed speeds far exceeding those at the Six Harmonies Heaven Realm, who were confined to ground travel. After departing Xuanyuan Valley, this group took barely half a day to reach Tianshui City in the Water Cloud Kingdom.
At Tianshui City, the elders from the Chen family, Duan family, and Moon Splendor Sect were already waiting as arranged. Dozens of masters from the Wu Lian, Duan family, and Moon Splendor Sect possessed cultivation in the Seven Star Heaven Realm. Leading the reception were the Chen family Patriarch and Bai Canghai of the Moon Splendor Sect, who had come out personally.
It was here that Ji Changkong finally saw Bai Qingya after a long absence.
Bai Qingya remained as serene and softly gentle as ever. Only upon seeing Ji Changkong did a hint of excitement surface, her bright eyes suddenly sparkling. She reached out a hand and gave Ji Changkong a slight wave.
Bai Qingya had also advanced to the Seven Star Heaven Realm. Though only just stepping over the threshold, she had formally entered that level of cultivation, which spoke volumes of her inherent talent and comprehension.
"Changkong has arrived," Bai Canghai said with a gentle smile, his satisfaction with Ji Changkong evident. He spoke warmly, "You young man, immediately went into seclusion after returning from the East Sea and didn't even stop by our Moon Splendor Sect to check in. Heh heh, our girl here has been thinking about you constantly."
"Father! Everyone is discussing important matters," Bai Qingya chided softly with a laugh. "Alright, alright, I won't say another word." Bai Canghai waved his hand and chuckled heartily.
Ji Changkong stepped forward, offering formal salutations to the Chen family Patriarch, Bai Canghai, and the other elders. He then stated in a deep voice, "Everyone is already aware of the situation in the Great Chu Kingdom, so I won't waste breath on platitudes. Our expedition into Great Chu is not for the Chu family; it is solely for the safety of the people of our Central Lands, to ensure our homeland is not violated by foreign races."
The expressions of the assembly turned serious, and they nodded in unison, indicating their understanding.
"Time is pressing. We can discuss any necessary details while traveling," Ji Changkong added.
Everyone followed his lead without question; every head nodded, and not a single dissenter was present.
Since the Huangfu family and their remnants were driven out of the Water Cloud Kingdom, the major sects of the Duan family, Chen family, and Moon Splendor Sect had jointly managed the kingdom's governance. These great clans were filled with talented individuals. When the Huangfu family was in power, their members already held important positions within the court. With the Huangfu family gone, their status merely elevated a step, and handling domestic affairs was routine, presenting no difficulty whatsoever.
Although the administration of the Water Cloud Kingdom was now overseen by the coalition of these powerful families and sects, neither the Duan family nor the Chen family, nor the Moon Splendor Sect, was unaware of whose voice truly carried the most weight within the kingdom.
The formidable rise of Xuanyuan Valley, coupled with the strength of Mount Tian, was the very reason the Water Cloud Kingdom now possessed the confidence to disregard external threats. Therefore, in handling major matters of state, the Duan and Chen families still sought consultation from Xuanyuan Valley and Mount Tian.
However, neither Xuanyuan Valley nor Mount Tian imposed excessive restrictions on them, nor did they employ the insidious methods the Huangfu family once used to stifle their development.
To them, this was the most satisfying aspect. It brought them peace of mind, assuring them that they were being given the respect and consideration they deserved, and highlighting the close relationship they now shared with Xuanyuan Valley and Mount Tian—a stark contrast to the constant anxiety they lived under during the Huangfu era, always fearing an arbitrary move against them.
They cherished the current arrangement, understood the imperative of righteousness, and thus, upon receiving word from Xuanyuan Valley, they cooperated without objection, achieving remarkable efficiency.
The group slowly flew toward the direction of the Great Chu Kingdom, with Ji Changkong walking alongside Bai Qingya.
Looking at Bai Qingya beside him, Ji Changkong noticed she seemed virtually unchanged from before. For some reason, walking beside her brought him an immense sense of relaxation, as if all his burdens had been lifted away.
Bai Qingya was intensely curious about his experiences in the East Sea. She listened quietly throughout their journey, occasionally widening her eyes in feigned alarm during the perilous parts of his tale, yet she rarely interjected with commentary.
After recounting his trip to the East Sea, Ji Changkong said, "I heard you visited Xuanyuan Valley some time ago. I was refining my Divine Soul on the Moon then and missed your arrival. I apologize for making you wait for a while."
"It's fine; I wasn't doing anything important. I just happened to be passing by Xuanyuan Valley and decided to look in," Bai Qingya replied with a smile. Then, as if a thought struck her, she asked, "Oh, right, when I was at Xuanyuan Valley, I stayed with Zhou Qiangwei. She made that area stunningly beautiful! I truly never expected there to be such a wonderful place within Xuanyuan Valley; the exotic flowers and rare herbs there surpassed anything I've seen elsewhere."
After a brief pause, Bai Qingya added with a smile, "Young Mistress He and that girl Xiu'er also got along wonderfully with me. If I hadn't had pressing matters, I truly would have liked to stay in the Valley longer."
Ji Changkong started slightly, a new thought suddenly forming in his mind.
Bai Qingya remained silent, merely smiling at him.
After a moment, Ji Changkong let out a soft laugh. "Yes, Zhou Qiangwei manages that area exceptionally well. Heh heh, Xiao Ying, my second and third brothers, and several other younger people from the Valley love going there; they run off there often when they have free time."
"I am aware of that," Bai Qingya nodded. "Those fellows aren't going there for the flowers; their real objective is the beauties."
Ji Changkong chuckled and nodded in agreement.
Bai Qingya suddenly looked directly at Ji Changkong, teasing him innocently, "Changkong, what do you think of Zhou Qiangwei, He Liying, and that girl Baili Xiu? Do you think your second and third brothers might actually manage to win the hearts of those beauties?"
"I don't know," Ji Changkong replied with a wry smile.
"I noticed those three girls cared for you quite deeply while I was there, constantly mentioning you. Now that you're out of seclusion, have they sought you out?" Bai Qingya asked casually.
"We chatted for a bit."
"Oh."
Silence settled between them.
"Sister Bai, while I was on the Moon this time, I acquired something that should be useful to you." Ji Changkong reached into his spatial pouch and withdrew a piece of Moon Essence Tungsten, handing it out to Bai Qingya. "I heard that blending this metal into a divine weapon allows it to gather the essence of moonlight. Heh heh, your Moon Splendor Sect's cultivation methods are quite unique; I imagine this Moon Essence Tungsten should be helpful to you."
"Moon Essence Tungsten? I think I heard of this metal somewhere before," Bai Qingya murmured in surprise, furrowing her brow as she tried to recall.
At that moment, Bai Canghai, who should have been ahead with the main procession, suddenly sensed something. His eyes lit up sharply, and he immediately halted his flight.
When Ji Changkong and Bai Qingya arrived beside him, Bai Canghai's body trembled slightly. Staring intently at the Moon Essence Tungsten in Bai Qingya's hand, he exclaimed, "Ya'er, what is that you are holding?"
Bai Qingya looked up at him, puzzled, "Changkong said it's Moon Essence Tungsten and asked me to integrate it into my divine weapon. I was planning to try it out."
"Moon Essence Tungsten! Is it truly Moon Essence Tungsten?" Canghai’s body shook, his gaze intensely sharp as he focused on the metal in Bai Qingya's hand, appearing utterly overwhelmed with excitement.
"I obtained this piece accidentally on the Moon Peak within the Moon's Core. Gui Rong mentioned to me that Moon Essence Tungsten has a marvelous effect on divine weapons, allowing them to gather the essence of moonlight. Heh heh, I figured it should be useful to you, Sister Bai, so I gifted it to you," Ji Changkong explained, his expression perfectly natural.
Bai Canghai drew a deep breath, his eyes blazing as he looked at Ji Changkong, then turned to Bai Qingya, "Ya'er, you truly have good fortune! This Moon Essence Tungsten is more precious to you than you can possibly imagine!"
"Ah!" Bai Qingya gasped, immediately trying to return the Moon Essence Tungsten to Ji Changkong. "Changkong, this item is far too valuable; I cannot accept it. Please take it back."
Smiling, Ji Changkong shook his head and retreated a short distance. "I intended this Moon Essence Tungsten for you from the start, so there's no reason for me to take it back. If Uncle says it is so useful to you, you must keep it. This material isn't particularly useful to me."
After obtaining the vital blood essence of the Sacred Beast Xuanwu, his physical body could now directly and rapidly absorb the essence of moonlight. Moreover, after his soul wandered through the Moon's Core, it had already been tempered by the power of moonlight. Now, both his soul and body functioned like massive containers capable of holding vast amounts of moonlight essence.
For him, the utility of this single piece of Moon Essence Tungsten was not immense. Moon Essence Tungsten only endows a divine weapon with the ability to absorb moonlight essence; its effect pales in comparison to the efficacy of the Sacred Beast Xuanwu's blood—it's a difference of eighty thousand miles.
"Ya'er, since it is Changkong's thoughtful gift, you should accept it," Bai Canghai said after a long, dazed stare at Ji Changkong.
Bai Qingya nodded slightly.
"Ya'er, don't be in a hurry to integrate the Moon Essence Tungsten into your divine weapon yet. Let Father find some suitable metals to mix with it, and after we return to the Moon Splendor Sect, we will ask your Master to handle the process," Bai Canghai instructed.
"What?" Bai Qingya sensed the extraordinary nature of the Moon Essence Tungsten in her hand. "Father, is this Moon Essence Tungsten truly so precious that we need to involve Master?"
"You foolish girl! Do you realize what it means to integrate this Moon Essence Tungsten into your divine weapon?" Bai Canghai chided.
Bai Qingya shook her head, clearly not understanding.
"If this piece of Moon Essence Tungsten is mixed with certain special metals and incorporated into your divine weapon, that weapon will become the treasured cornerstone of our sect! When you utilize your sect's secret technique, the power channeled through the weapon infused with Moon Essence Tungsten can be enhanced three to five times!" Bai Canghai enunciated every word.
Bai Qingya was instantly struck speechless.
"Ya'er, please move ahead for a moment. Father needs to discuss something privately with Changkong," Bai Canghai said, waving his hand to signal her to move to the front.
Bai Qingya, looking dazed, clutched the Moon Essence Tungsten and mechanically walked forward.
"Changkong, this gift you've offered is too great," Bai Canghai said, facing Ji Changkong with a wry smile. "How can my Moon Splendor Sect possibly repay such a favor?"
"Uncle, must you be so formal?" Ji Changkong grinned. "If it weren't for you back then, I probably wouldn't be alive today. Sister Bai has also helped me immensely; I have always been deeply grateful to her. It is merely a small piece of Moon Essence Tungsten; please, Uncle, don't be so taken aback."
Bai Canghai’s grave demeanor made Ji Changkong feel slightly uneasy.
"To you, this piece of Moon Essence Tungsten might seem insignificant, but to our Moon Splendor Sect, its value is immense," Bai Canghai stated with utmost seriousness. "In the past, a predecessor of our sect attempted to acquire Moon Essence Tungsten, even risking an expedition into the Moon's Core. Alas, he suffered grievous injuries in fierce combat and died shortly after returning. Before his death, he constantly spoke of the Moon Essence Tungsten, claiming he sensed its magical potential for our Moon Splendor Sect."
"For generations, any celestial master from our sect who reached the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm invariably ventured into the Moon's Core seeking Moon Essence Tungsten. Yet, every master of the Moon Splendor Sect who entered the Moon's Core returned empty-handed. Some never returned at all, lost within the Moon's Core. For us, Moon Essence Tungsten is not just something with tangible benefits; it is an object of yearning, the unfulfilled desire passed down through generations!"
Only when Bai Canghai explained this did Ji Changkong vaguely grasp the significance. "So that is the story."
"Changkong, from this day forward, no matter what you ask of the Moon Splendor Sect, we will offer our absolute compliance!" Bai Canghai declared solemnly. "Even if you command our disciples to walk to their deaths, we will obey without question!"
"Uncle, please do not speak of such things!" Ji Changkong quickly said, feeling overwhelmed.
Bai Canghai smiled faintly, then abruptly asked, "Changkong, what are your thoughts on Ya'er?"
"She's wonderful, Sister Bai is wonderful! What's wrong?" Ji Changkong blinked in surprise.
Bai Canghai nodded with a smile. "Changkong, I wish to betroth Ya'er to you. What do you think?"
"Ah!" Ji Changkong gasped, momentarily stunned.
He did harbor some feelings for Bai Qingya; he also knew that she seemingly—seemingly—did not dislike him. However, nothing had ever been confirmed, and currently, he lacked the mental space for such matters. All he desired now was to grow stronger quickly, to be capable of doing more for Xuanyuan Valley and for those around him.
"What? You don't like Ya'er?" Bai Canghai frowned, looking slightly confused. He can give away such a precious item, surely he has some feeling for her?
"It's not that I don't like her, it's just that... right now, I don't have those thoughts. Besides, I prefer to let things happen organically in matters of the heart; I dislike having things predetermined," Ji Changkong admitted, forcing the words out.
"You like Ya'er, and I believe Ya'er likes you. Isn't that enough? What more is needed?" Bai Canghai sounded perplexed.
"Not for now. I hope the matters between Sister Bai and me can be decided by us alone. Uncle, I know your intentions are good, but I don't want you using your status as her father to pressure Sister Bai in this, nor do I want them to lose their judgment because of gratitude toward you," Ji Changkong stated firmly.
"You young people are so perplexing. You clearly have feelings, yet you are burdened by so many reservations. I truly don't understand what you are thinking," Bai Canghai shook his head, exasperated. "Fine. Since you put it that way, I won't interfere further. It's up to the two of you."
Ji Changkong let out a breath of relief.
[End Note: Dear readers, the current chapter has reached the final page of this book.]