During the banquet, when Xiao Man appeared, she saw Nangong Yu getting along very harmoniously with others and couldn't help but smile. Nangong Yu was such a person, adept at turning enemies into friends, especially at turning men into his comrades.
"Man'er, here," Nangong Yu waved. Huo Lei immediately moved aside, leaving a spot for Xiao Man.
Xiao Man sat between the two, "What were you two talking about so happily?"
"This afternoon, we went hunting together, killed quite a few prey, and discussed some combat methods," Nangong Yu said warmly. "Huo Lei has great talent."
"He's very capable, and his explanations are easy to understand," Huo Lei explained. "I didn't read much, but I could still understand."
"He is indeed very capable, with many renowned generals under him!" Xiao Man praised without reservation. "His talent in military affairs is unmatched by few."
"You're boasting about yourself; I was also trained by you," Nangong Yu cut a plate of meat for Xiao Man, then took some fruit, peeled and diced it, placing it in front of her. "Don't just eat meat, eat some fruits and vegetables too."
"What's so good about fruit? Meat is better," Taotie tore off a leg of roasted lamb and offered it to Xiao Man. "Eating meat should be done like a man. What's the point of eating it piece by piece?"
"It's all meat, but the way you eat it makes a difference in taste," Nangong Yu poured another bowl of fruit wine by Xiao Man's hand, not forgetting to place a handkerchief for her to wipe her hands.
"I finally understand where you lost," Jun Ru whispered into Huo Lei's ear. "Look at how thoughtful and considerate he is, and then look at you. It's no injustice for you to admit defeat."
Huo Lei shot Jun Ru a glare. He found this Jun Ru to be truly detestable. He had a face as beautiful as an immortal, yet his mouth was more venomous than a serpent in the forest!
"Young Master Jun Ru, I sincerely wish them well," Huo Lei stated resolutely. "I know we are not from the same world. I just didn't want to have any regrets. Now that I know she has such an excellent man by her side, I am at ease."
Jun Ru took a serious look at Huo Lei, then filled his bowl. "Drink up. We won't go home until we're drunk."
Huo Lei raised his bowl and drank it in one gulp. "To myself!"
"To you being a true man!"
Everyone drank until past midnight, then dispersed, somewhat intoxicated. Xiao Man sat outside, letting the alcohol fumes dissipate. Old Bai walked over, and Xiao Man quickly rose to pay her respects.
"Old Bai."
Old Bai waved her hand, indicating Xiao Man need not be overly formal, and sat beside her. "When do you plan to leave?"
"Slowly, three days; quickly, one day."
"So soon?" Old Bai was a little surprised. "Won't you stay a few more days?"
"The Ruoshui River will soon return to normal, and then people on both banks can communicate normally. Before I leave, I will sever the connection between the wilderness and the outside world. Outsiders won't be able to enter, and you won't be able to leave. Is that truly alright?"
"Didn't you say the outside world was about to descend into chaos?" Old Bai said calmly. "Staying in the wilderness is the best choice for us. After all, it is also for our protection."
"Old Bai, I've brought the Pseudo-God tribe here. Will you blame me?"
"Our hatred for the Pseudo-God tribe is long-standing. Even if it weren't you, it would be someone else. So, you can't be blamed," Old Bai stood up. "Child, it's late. You should rest early."
"Alright, Old Bai. You rest early too."
Xiao Man stood up and watched Old Bai leave. She then simply lay on the ground, gazing at the myriad stars, her thoughts drifting somewhere unknown.
"Are you homesick?" Nangong Yu stood behind Xiao Man, bending down to ask.
"Homesick?" A child's face flashed through Xiao Man's mind. Small, fair, soft. Her child. She hadn't seen him for fourteen years. Her child was already fourteen years old. "I miss Xiao Junyan."
"In the blink of an eye, more than ten years have passed. Xiao Junyan must be grown up by now."
"I wonder what he looks like. Is he eating well? Is he sleeping well?"
"If you want to know how he is, we'll find out when we go back," Nangong Yu said softly. "I'll go with you."
"Go back and see?" Xiao Man's eyes held a trace of confusion. She didn't know how to go back. "How do I go back?"
"Catch Yue Tianxia. He has been to Yong'an Continent multiple times. He must know how to return!"
Xiao Man sat up abruptly, bumping her head against Nangong Yu's. Her vision went black, and she fell back down. Nangong Yu also stumbled, falling to the ground.
"Did that hurt?" Nangong Yu quickly crawled over to ask.
Xiao Man clutched her head. "How did I not think of this? Yue Tianxia's cultivation is only at the peak of Soul Transformation, yet he's been to Yong'an Continent so many times. As long as we find Yue Tianxia, we'll find the way back!"
"Once we get out of here, we'll go to the Heavenly Sword Sect and capture Yue Tianxia. Whether by coercion or by torture, we'll definitely make him reveal the method," Nangong Yu said warmly. "It's not just you who misses Xiao Junyan; I miss him too. I want to hear him call me Father-Emperor."
Xiao Man was slightly stunned. She looked up at Nangong Yu, then after a long while, asked blankly, "What if he doesn't recognize us?"
"If those brats taught Xiao Junyan not to recognize us, I'll break every single one of their legs!" Nangong Yu gritted his teeth.
"Yes, my brother and sister-in-law would definitely not teach their child to not recognize me!" Xiao Man nodded with certainty. Moreover, her sister-in-law was her good friend, and with several other sisters also present, if Xiao Junyan still didn't recognize her as his mother, he truly deserved a beating!
"So, you shouldn't worry too much. Xiao Junyan will surely recognize us."
Xiao Man nodded fiercely. "If we're going back, what should I bring him? And my brother and sister-in-law, our friends, and Minister Wen and his wife..."
Speaking of which, Xiao Man quickly glanced at Nangong Yu, then cursed herself for being suspicious. "Ah Yu, once we return to Yong'an Continent, we won't leave again, okay?"
A flicker of worry crossed Nangong Yu's eyes. Given their current situation, they might not be able to stay in Yong'an Continent for long. Their cultivation had far exceeded the limit that Yong'an Continent could accommodate. At that time, the spatial laws of Yong'an Continent would likely force them out.
"Alright, I'll listen to you," he said.
"Then, we'll watch Xiao Junyan get married and have children, and enjoy our old age with grandchildren around," Xiao Man's face was filled with longing. "It feels like no time has passed, yet I feel a bit tired. I don't want to live a life of swords and blood anymore."
"Once we capture Yue Tianxia and settle things here, we'll return to Yong'an Continent. We'll watch Xiao Junyan get married, have children, and perhaps have a few more children ourselves. We'll grow old surrounded by our children and grandchildren," Nangong Yu's voice became increasingly gentle and lingering. "Wherever you go, whatever you want to do, I will always be with you."