In the evening, holding Shangguan Mo in his arms and with Xiaoqiu slung over his shoulder, Chen Wuyou flew back to Bishui Peak on his flying sword.
At that moment, Shangguan Danqing was lying lazily in a rattan chair in the courtyard, squinting as he bathed in the gentle twilight.
Chen Wuyou stepped into the courtyard.
Almost the instant he laid eyes on Chen Wuyou, the knowledgeable Shangguan Danqing recognized Xiaoqiu, who was sound asleep with its belly exposed against Chen Wuyou's shoulder.
"Well, well, isn't that the 'little fellow' you two raised?" Shangguan Danqing said with mild surprise. "It hasn't even reached maturity yet, and it's already awakened its transformation divine ability?"
"Naturally." Keeping a straight face, Chen Wuyou walked into the house first to lay Shangguan Mo down on the bed. Then, coming back out, he patted his chest and said with smug pride, "You tell me, and look whose hands it was raised in."
Like a magician, Shangguan Danqing produced a long-stemmed pipe, took a fierce draw, and blew out a cloud of white smoke as he casually asked, "You're planning to take it with you?"
"Yeah. With a Xuanling Sixth Layer Crimson Flame Qilin by my side, wouldn't my sense of security be off the charts?"
Shangguan Danqing cast a sidelong glance at Chen Wuyou and curled his lip. "Let's just hope this little fellow isn't like its master—day in and day out, with nothing on its mind except pretty young girls."
"Hey, old man, don't go slandering people! I happen to be a man of upright character!"
"Hmph."
Chen Wuyou: "......"
"The day after tomorrow, have Chen Long and Yun Qing go with you."
Chen Wuyou nodded without objection.
If news of this matter were to leak, it would bring no benefit to the Xuanyang Sect, whether internally or externally. Therefore, the people accompanying him must not be individuals with powerful backgrounds.
Take Wang Meng and Sikong Ye, for example: while their strength was certainly sufficient, they both hailed from prominent aristocratic families. Letting them tag along would undoubtedly carry the risk of exposure.
"Here, take this."
Suddenly, Shangguan Danqing tossed a perfectly round bead over to Chen Wuyou.
"Oh ho, the Shattering Void Sword Array." Examining the bead, Chen Wuyou watched as starlight shimmered within it and spiritual arrays flickered across its surface. A grin immediately spread across his face. "Old man, you really are willing to part with this."
"Hmph, it was just sitting around gathering dust anyway, so I'm giving it to you kid as a toy." Puffing on his pipe, Shangguan Danqing spoke in an unkind tone, "Though this old man has a feeling this gadget won't be of much use to you anyway."
"Nonsense." Chuckling, Chen Wuyou put the bead away.
Don't let its unpretentious appearance fool you. A cultivator only needed to infuse a tiny trace of spiritual power into the bead for the sword array engraved inside to unleash a sword tide comparable to that of a Xuanling Seventh Layer cultivator, up to three times.
If one were to release all three sword tides in a single breath, it could even slay a Xuanling Eighth Layer cultivator.
"Old man, it's rare to see you just lying here like this. What's the matter, got something on your mind?"
Abruptly, Shangguan Danqing put away his smoke pipe, closed his eyes, and said to Chen Wuyou, "Actually, this old man wanted to go himself in the beginning... but alas, that place ran into trouble yet again."
Chen Wuyou's smile faded as his brows knitted together. "When did this happen?"
"Quite a while ago." Hearing this, Shangguan Danqing let out a chuckle, as if comforting himself. "Though, come to think of it, those old coots and I haven't gotten together for a drink in a long time. I suppose I can just use this opportunity."
Watching the old man like this, Chen Wuyou refrained from his usual flippancy.
He understood just how agonizing it felt to be burning with anxiety inside yet utterly powerless, forced to put on a carefree and unbothered facade.
"Old man." Lowering his head slightly, Chen Wuyou's gaze turned profound. "I've actually said these words countless times... I, Chen Wuyou, just want to live cheerfully until the day I die of old age in this lifetime. I don't want to take risks, nor do I care to fight with people."
"However, I reckon that kind of happiness—heh, besides having pretty girls around..."
"I think one also needs a home."
Shangguan Danqing snapped his eyes wide open, a rare wave of emotion washing over his aged face.
"So this time, I definitely won't turn back halfway."
"You brat..."
Chen Wuyou chuckled and abruptly raised his head. "Old man, care to make a wager on who makes it back first?"
"Who's going to lower themselves to your level, you little punk... Hmph, a wager it is, then. You think this old man is afraid of you?"
With that, the grandfather and grandson locked eyes and burst into hearty laughter.
"What are you two chatting about that's got you so happy?"
With a gentle expression, Ye Xiya walked out from the house and asked with a soft smile.
"Hehe, nothing much." Scratching his head, Chen Wuyou explained, "We were just exchanging some heartfelt sentiments... Oh, Grand-aunt, when is dinner ready? I'm getting a bit hungry."
Hearing this, Ye Xiya stepped forward, gently patted Chen Wuyou on the head, and looked at him with utter fondness. "Then what did you think Grand-aunt came out here for? Come on, let's go inside."
And so, true to routine, Ye Xiya completely ignored the reclining Shangguan Danqing nearby and led Chen Wuyou by the hand into the house.
Shangguan Danqing: "......"
What on earth was he feeling touched about just a moment ago??
It was a calm and peaceful night.
...
The next day.
Early in the morning, Chen Wuyou left Bishui Peak and headed straight for the Jiuyang Imperial Capital.
He had no idea when he would be able to return from this trip, so he needed to go properly bid his farewells—and by the way, make a few advance withdrawals...
At this very moment, outside the Mu Residence.
Steward Li stood at the entrance, watching the bustling crowd of pedestrians and the endless stream of carriages on the street. At present, her mood was simply wonderful.
Ever since he left the day before yesterday, that young master Chen hadn't shown his face even once—a rare miracle that had granted her some much-needed peace and quiet.
Just thinking about what she'd been through the past few days... She had tried every argument in the book and worn her tongue out to a nub, yet she still hadn't managed to chase away that God of Wealth.
Right as Steward Li was about to turn and head back inside, Chen Wuyou's grinning face quite abruptly reflected in her field of vision.
"Long time no see, Steward Li."
To her surprise, Steward Li merely glanced at Chen Wuyou, then rubbed her eyes and started walking back inside, muttering under her breath, "Why am I starting to hallucinate now?"
Chen Wuyou's smile instantly froze, and he hurriedly stepped forward to grab Steward Li by the sleeve.
"Steward Li, this isn't a hallucination. I've come to visit Miss Shuying again."
Feeling the genuine warmth of his grip, Steward Li froze for a brief moment. Then, wearing an expression of utter despair, she slowly turned around.
"Hehe, Young Master Chen, you're back again... Let me go inside and announce your arrival." Steward Li forced a smile that looked worse than crying.
"Ah, sounds good."
And so, Chen Wuyou watched cheerfully as Steward Li sighed heavily and shuffled into the Mu Residence.
Outside Mu Shuying's boudoir, Luoyun's cheeks were flushed red as she bustled about.
The moment she caught sight of Steward Li, Luoyun cheerfully greeted her, "Steward Li, morning."
"Oh, Luoyun, has the Young Miss woken up yet? That Young Master Chen is here again."
"Ah? Why is he here again?" Hearing this, Luoyun's pretty face instantly fell. Pouting her lips, she grumbled, "The Young Miss finally got a couple of days of peace and quiet, really now."
"If only the Master and Madam were still in the residence."
Hmph.
Steward Li managed a forced smile, though inwardly she sighed with helpless resignation: even if the Master and Madam were home, they wouldn't have the heart to chase this Young Master Chen away either.
"Alright, Luoyun, come what may, go inform the Young Miss first."
"There is no need." A gentle and melodious female voice drifted out from the boudoir behind them. "Let Young Master Chen in, and bring him to the main hall."
"Young Miss, this..." Steward Li was somewhat surprised. What had gotten into her young miss?
Could it be that she was actually moved by that Young Master Chen?
Are you kidding me?!
"Go on, Steward Li, don't keep Young Master Chen waiting."
"I... I'll go right now."
Originally, Chen Wuyou hadn't held out much hope for this trip. But when Steward Li walked out and told him that Mu Shuying had invited him in, he almost couldn't believe his ears.
"Steward Li, did you say Miss Shuying invited me in?"
"Yes, Young Master Chen." Although she was reluctant in her heart, Steward Li could only tell the truth.
Hearing this, Chen Wuyou suddenly threw his head back and laughed aloud.
His perseverance had finally paid off!
And so, as he followed Steward Li toward the main hall of the Mu Residence, Chen Wuyou let his imagination run wild.
By the time they neared the main hall, Chen Wuyou had already figured out where he wanted to hold the wedding banquet.
Stepping into the main hall, Chen Wuyou's eyes instantly locked onto Mu Shuying, who was seated in the main host's chair.
Her brows were like crescent moons, her enchanting eyes like stars, her red lips curving in a smile, exuding elegance and refinement.
She gave off a gentle and tranquil aura, completely opposite to Yu Luo's chilling demeanor.
Though it wasn't their first meeting, Chen Wuyou still almost drool all over the floor.
If he could actually marry her and bring her home, he'd wake up laughing even in his dreams!
"Hehe, Miss Shuying, long time no see." With a smile, Chen Wuyou cupped his fists in greeting toward Mu Shuying, then took a seat right in front of her.
"Trust has been well since we last met, Young Master Chen." Mu Shuying said as she poured half a cup of tea for Chen Wuyou.
Picking it up, Chen Wuyou took a sip and immediately savored the lingering sweetness.
"I wonder what brings Young Master Chen here to visit today?"
Hearing this, Chen Wuyou hurriedly set down his teacup and smiled. "Miss Shuying, you jest. I've come here so many times already—surely you must know my purpose by now?"
With a smiling shake of her head, Mu Shuying replied, "Young Master Chen, you and I have only met a handful of times, and besides, we are right here in my Mu Residence. To start discussing matters of romantic love so abruptly, don't you think it's a bit too rash?"
"As the saying goes, 'graceful and demure maidens are a gentleman's good match.' Ever since the first time I set eyes on Miss Shuying, I have been deeply captivated by you."
Chen Wuyou pulled out his tried-and-true theory, one he never grew tired of repeating.
"Is that so? But I've heard that Young Master Chen is a regular guest at Tianxiang Pavilion. That certainly makes it a bit hard to doubt the sincerity of your feelings."
"If... if the young lady is willing to give me a chance, I will naturally prove the sincerity of my heart."
"Oh? And how does the young master plan to do that?"
Reaching out, Chen Wuyou gestured toward the sky outside the hall. Casting a sidelong glance at Mu Shuying, he said, "Take today, for instance. The imperial city is as lively as ever, and naturally the streets are filled with all sorts of festive sights. Miss Shuying, would you be willing to accompany me for a stroll outside?"
"Could it be that the young master is unaware that Shuying never steps even half a step out of this Mu Residence?"
Hearing this, Chen Wuyou's expression instantly froze.
There were actually people like this?
She was literally raising herself like a potted flower in a greenhouse!