Zhang Tianshi continued, "Don't play clever tricks. Based on past experience, those who play clever tricks never end well. The Northern Territory has too many ways to deal with us."
Seeing that everyone seemed stunned, Zhang Tianshi continued, "You can act separately or together. Your current rankings are not final. The Northern Territory will adjust your assigned sects for future trials based on your mission completion. Furthermore, the missions you complete now will also be counted towards your future contribution points."
Seeing everyone below deep in thought, Zhang Tianshi said again, "The above remarks represent the stance of the Northern Territory. Now, I have a few words of heartfelt advice to share with you all. Please lend an ear."
This was likely the main point, and everyone perked up their ears again.
Zhang Tianshi said, "After all, you are people who have come from our Nine God Realm. No matter where you go in the future, always remember that you are from the Nine God Realm. You are mostly going out for trials with the intention of returning. Since ancient times, only a few people have traveled north from the Nine God Realm all the way to the Nine Heavens and successfully achieved deification, hence the name Nine God Realm. Since the possibility of your return is high, when carrying out missions in the future, please ponder carefully on matters involving the Nine God Realm. Should you not? Leave yourself a way out. Don't be used as a tool by others; keep your wits about you. As for missions… ah, isn't that right?"
His final words were hesitant, but everyone basically understood the implication: missions were for tools, and smart people had to find their own way.
After Zhang Tianshi finished, Apothecary Lai also spoke a few words, generally emphasizing responsibility, caring for plants and children, taking trials seriously, always remembering they were from the Nine God Realm and not to forget their roots. He also subtly indicated the need for flexibility and weighing options when acting.
After Apothecary Lai finished, Zhong Gui added a few more points, saying they were the hope and future of the Nine God Realm, that the Nine God Realm was proud of them, and that one should not forget friends in prosperity, nor should one push things to the absolute extreme.
When Zhong Gui finished, Liu Yazi added a few more points, essentially reiterating what the previous three had said. He then added that everyone must strive, remain consistent, avoid lust and greed, and aim to change the name of the Nine God Realm to the Ten God Realm, Eleven God Realm, Twelve God Realm…
Listening to their successive speeches, Mo Qi even fell asleep. He shivered suddenly and woke up with a start.
The sect leaders of the four great sects were distributing tokens to the disciples of each sect who were undertaking missions. They explained that these tokens were clearance tokens issued by the Dome, and with them, they would be able to pass unimpeded in the Annan region, facilitating their mission execution. Each sect received one token.
As for the Divine Pill Sect's token, Apothecary Lai handed it to Mo Qi, signifying his utmost trust and affirmation of Mo Qi.
After the sect leaders of the four great sects departed, everyone stood up and left.
As Mo Qi exited, he happened to be squeezed at the doorway with Lu Xiaoyue. Their eyes met briefly before they quickly looked away.
Mo Qi quickly took a step back. Lu Xiaoyue hesitated for a moment before quickly walking out. Only then did Mo Qi slowly follow.
Outside, Mo Qi waited for Xue Nu and Wu Siqi to emerge. After a brief discussion, the three decided to undertake the mission together, as there was only one token, seemingly necessitating joint action. Xue Nu also suggested they first purchase some magical artifacts for any unforeseen needs, a proposal Mo Qi and Wu Siqi readily agreed to.
Above the residence of Steward Lu in Fengxi Village, the weather had been clear and cloudless. Suddenly, the sky was filled with myriad rays of auspicious light and swirling mist. The servants of the Lu family all exclaimed at the marvel. Then, a figure resembling a celestial maiden, clad in a red dress, appeared in the clouds, looking as if a sun spirit had descended to the mortal realm.
However, some people mistook her for a demon, took one look, and fled.
Others stood there, dumbfounded.
The red-clad celestial maiden descended gracefully, landing in the center of the courtyard.
"Who's here? Why are you all so surprised?" Chun Lan walked out from the house. She saw Lu Xiaoyue examining her in the courtyard, froze for a moment, and then asked in a hoarse, cautious voice, "Are you Xiaoyue?"
Lu Xiaoyue's eyes also glistened with tears. She softly called out, "Mother!"
Chun Lan immediately broke down, tears streaming down her face. She rushed forward, hugged Lu Xiaoyue's head, and cried for a while.
Lu Xiaoyue's eyes were filled with tears, but they did not fall.
The other servants, witnessing this deeply moving reunion of mother and daughter, cast indifferent glances and went about their own business. After all, there were too many worldly matters to attend to, and they were never-ending.
"Mother! What are you doing? Hurry and take me to play horsey!" A little boy, about four or five years old, ran out and tugged at Chun Lan's hand, wanting to leave.
Chun Lan's tears vanished instantly, her face beaming with smiles. "Okay, son, let's go play horsey." She then hurried into the house with the child, calling back as she ran, "This is your younger brother, his name is Xiaoming."
Chun Lan, being young, was resourceful. In the first year, she was still immersed in the pain of losing Lu Xiaoyue, but in the second year, she gave birth to a son for Steward Lu, quickly washing away all pain and sorrow, and forgetting Lu Xiaoyue completely. Gradually, the Lu family almost all believed that Lu Xiaoyue would never return.
"She's already dead!" and "Just pretend I never had this daughter!" were phrases Steward Lu often uttered. However, after Chun Lan gave birth to a son, Steward Lu not only stopped blaming Chun Lan but also doted on her even more.
After some time passed, everyone gradually forgot about Lu Xiaoyue, as if she had truly died, and no one mentioned her anymore.
Lu Xiaoyue was left standing there, feeling strange. This was clearly her home, yet it felt so alien.
An elderly servant cautiously approached, "Is it Miss Yue?"
Lu Xiaoyue immediately recognized him and smiled, "Yes, Uncle Fu, I am Xiaoyue."
Uncle Fu grinned, revealing a single shining tooth, as the rest had fallen out.
"The master will be so happy to see you. The master is in the study. Come, I'll take you to see him." Uncle Fu said, turning towards the study. Lu Xiaoyue followed him.
This place was certainly not unfamiliar to Lu Xiaoyue, but she still let Uncle Fu lead her. Along the way, she encountered the elder and second aunt, each of whom was first surprised, then enthusiastic, saying Xiaoyue had become more beautiful, that she was now an immortal who had graced the Lu family, bringing them glory. After putting on a good show, they departed. Lu Xiaoyue placated them all.
When Uncle Fu brought Lu Xiaoyue to Steward Lu's room, Steward Lu was sitting behind a table, checking account books. Hearing Uncle Fu announce the young lady's return, he looked up briefly before lowering his gaze and continuing with his accounts. Lu Xiaoyue stared blankly at her father, who didn't even glance her way. Her father, who was so familiar yet so strange. The father in her memory was kind and loving, doting on her and yielding to her every whim. No matter how busy he was, as long as she stood before him, he would drop everything to accompany her.
Uncle Fu gave Lu Xiaoyue a look and quietly withdrew. The master's unusual attitude today surprised him, and he felt it inappropriate to say anything more. Remaining in the almost frozen air was also uncomfortable, so he chose to leave.
Lu Xiaoyue also seemed to be gradually understanding. Because of the new brother, her parents had likely shifted their affection and longing from her to their son.
The excitement that had been simmering within Lu Xiaoyue instantly vanished. She strode forward a few steps and slapped two torn pieces of paper onto the table: "Father, what is this engagement contract?"
Steward Lu merely glanced at it before averting his gaze, his expression still impassive.
Steward Lu was already annoyed, and seeing this marriage contract only increased his anger. He hadn't expected her to return because of this contract. If it weren't for this, meeting her would have been impossible.
"I married you off. It's as simple as that," Steward Lu said after a long silence.
Upon hearing this, Lu Xiaoyue felt as if struck by lightning. She was stunned for a long time. The reason she had returned was to verify the authenticity of this contract. In her opinion, given the disparity in their statuses at the time, her parents would never have betrothed her to Mo Qi. He must have used some despicable means, such as forging the contract or employing coercion or deception to get her parents to sign it.
But Steward Lu's answer greatly disappointed her; he had done it willingly.
"Why?" Lu Xiaoyue asked, unwilling to accept it.
Steward Lu stopped looking at the account books and looked up at Lu Xiaoyue. "You mean why I married you off to that poor boy Mo Qi?" Lu Xiaoyue remained silent. Steward Lu's face showed a hint of a cold smile. "I think that boy is quite reliable. He said he would bring you back, and look, you're back, aren't you? Compared to some irresponsible and uncommitted children, he's probably a thousand times better. From a certain perspective, I think you're not even worthy of him."
"Did you ask for my consent?" Lu Xiaoyue ignored her father's disdain and asked in a slightly questioning tone.
"Nonsense! From ancient times to the present, marriage has always been decided by parents and matchmakers. When has the consent of the children ever been needed?" Steward Lu was slightly moved.
"Moreover, you ran away to seek immortality, and then there was no news from you. Did you ask for my consent then?"
Lu Xiaoyue fell silent. So, her father betrothed her to a poor boy simply out of spite?
"I, I don't agree!" After a long pause, Lu Xiaoyue grabbed the two torn pieces of paper from the table and turned to leave.
Steward Lu knew she was about to leave again, and this departure might be a final one. He shouted after her retreating figure, "If you don't agree, then don't ask me. Anyway, no one can control you now. You are an immortal, and we are all mortals. If you want a mortal's opinion, then I stand by Mo Qi." He didn't genuinely stand by Mo Qi, but he believed this connection should not be severed.
Lu Xiaoyue stopped upon hearing this but did not speak or turn back. After a moment, she calmly walked out.
Upon reaching the courtyard, she encountered Chun Lan again, who was chasing Xiaoming around the yard. Seeing Lu Xiaoyue walking out, Chun Lan's face was filled with smiles. "Leaving? Won't you stay a few more days?"
Seeing her carefree demeanor, Lu Xiaoyue's heart sank. She said faintly, "No, I'm leaving."
Leaving the Lu residence, Lu Xiaoyue did not immediately fly away. Instead, she strolled to the riverbank and found a clean stone slab to sit on.
It seemed all the turning points of her fate began here.
She couldn't help but wonder, if she could start over, how would she choose?
She had disliked Mo Qi since childhood, but over the years, she had never considered the hurt she had inflicted upon him.
As she was lost in thought, a timid voice sounded in her ear, "Sister Xiaoyue, is that you?"
Lu Xiaoyue looked up and saw a beautiful young girl standing before her. She was in her prime, with red lips and white teeth, and a delicate, pretty face.
Lu Xiaoyue nodded.
The girl immediately jumped up, her smile blooming like a flower, her voice clear and melodious, no longer shy as it was at first. "I knew it was you."
Lu Xiaoyue, however, looked confused. "You are..."