Xu Ping’an’s body needed rest, as the forced exertion that day had taken a heavy toll on him.
Pei Qingxuan stayed by his side day and night, personally looking after him and completely putting aside sect affairs.
Between the two of them, there were fewer constraints of status and more of the intimacy and naturalness of a husband and wife.
Sometimes they just sat across from each other drinking tea, and sometimes Pei Qingxuan would quietly watch him tinker with strange materials. Occasionally, when their eyes met, they shared a knowing smile, needing no words.
Li Yuer, Li Zhi’er, and Xiao Jing’er also stayed obediently at the Autumn Water Hall. Having experienced the danger of that day, they admired and relied on Xu Ping’an even more, and felt closer to Pei Qingxuan.
Liu Yingying did not go back to Blazing Fire Peak but chose to stay by his side. Under Pei Qingxuan’s prestige, even the Liu Family could do nothing about it.
The small Autumn Water Hall actually took on the warm atmosphere of a “home.”
Half a month later, the affairs of the Liuyun Sect were basicially settled, the preliminary framework of the Orthodox Alliance had been established, and the interrogation of the Shamanic Fiend and the investigation into the source of the baleful qi were proceeding in an orderly manner.
On this day, Xu Ping’an’s body had mostly recovered.
After discussing it with Pei Qingxuan, he decided to set out for the Great Qi Royal City.
First was to return the Heirloom Seal of the Realm. This item was of great importance and should not be kept for long.
Second… was to make a final settlement with Great Qi.
They did not alert many people; only the new Sect Master Xiao Yunyuan and several elders came to see them off.
Xu Ping’an, Pei Qingxuan, Li Yuer, Li Zhi’er, Xiao Jing’er, and Liu Yingying—a group of six—boarded an unremarkable small Liuyun Sect flying boat and left Swordsmith Peak, heading toward the Royal City.
On the flying boat, Pei Qingxuan leaned against Xu Ping’an’s shoulder, looking at the mountains, rivers, and cities passing rapidly below, and said softly:
“Really… just letting it all go like this?”
Xu Ping’an held her hand and smiled:
“It’s not letting go, it’s changing the way we live. The sect has the foundation you built, and with Yunyuan and the others, it will be fine. As for the affairs of the world… we have done what we can. The rest should be left to those who ought to do it. For the days to come, I want to live a simple life with you.”
Pei Qingxuan hummed in agreement, leaning her head closer, her heart filled with peace.
Indeed, brandishing a sword across the world and ruling a sect is a Path; holding hands with a loved one and living a quiet life is also a Path, is it not?
A few days later, Royal City, Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Emperor Li Shuo’s complexion seemed a bit better than the last time, but he still couldn’t hide his look of illness and exhaustion.
When he saw Xu Ping’an return safely, his eyes first showed joy. When he saw that Pei Qingxuan had come along and that the two were acting with natural intimacy, a flash of astonishment passed through his eyes, followed by relief and a sense of understanding—to win the heart of the Liuyun Sect Master so completely, this Master Xu was indeed extraordinary.
Xu Ping’an presented the sandalwood box containing the seal with both hands:
“Your Majesty, the Seal is returned to its rightful owner in perfect condition.”
Li Shuo signaled Fu’an to take it. After opening it and verifying it was correct, he let out a long sigh of relief and said solemnly:
“Thank you, Mister. If not for you borrowing the seal that day and turning the tide, I’m afraid…”
Xu Ping’an waved his hand, interrupting his thanks, and looked at him with a calm expression:
“Your Majesty, with the Seal returned, I must also inform Your Majesty of another matter concerning this trip.”
He gave Li Shuo a brief summary of the Shamanic Fiend at the Immortal Destiny Assembly and its plot to erode the Dragon Qi and shake the Human Race Providence.
Of course, he omitted many details, only stating that it had been suppressed by the combined forces of the Orthodox Alliance and that the source of the Dragon Qi’s baleful qi was being cleared.
Li Shuo’s face shifted through various emotions as he listened—sometimes shock and anger, sometimes horror—eventually settling into deep sorrow and lingering fear.
Only then did he understand why national affairs had become so difficult; it turned out there were truly demons acting behind the scenes, plotting against the entire dynasty and even the very foundation of the Human Tribe!
“Although the Dragon Qi has gained a moment of respite,”
Xu Ping’an said finally, his tone flat but his words carrying immense weight.
“But having suffered such a heavy blow, it is like a person who has been sick for a long time. Whether it can truly recover and regain its vitality is no longer something that can be forced by external power. The various sects of the Orthodox Alliance will find a way to uproot the Shamanic baleful qi entangling it, but the restoration of the Dragon Qi itself and the gathering of the dynasty’s providence must ultimately rely on Great Qi itself. It depends on Your Majesty, on the officials of the court, on clear and honest governance, and on the people living and working in peace.”
He paused, looked into Li Shuo’s eyes, and slowly spoke the words he had long prepared:
“Your Majesty, this is Great Qi’s last chance. Whether you can grasp it, regain the heart of the people, regather the nation’s providence, and allow this remaining Dragon Qi to be nourished and grow… depends on Your Majesty, the civil and military officials, and the people of this world.”
Li Shuo’s whole body shook as if struck by lightning. He sat blankly on his dragon throne, repeatedly chewing over the words “last chance.”
He looked at Xu Ping’an’s calm and ripple-less face, then at the nearby Pei Qingxuan, whose ethereal temperament made it clear she had already transcended the mundane World. The final spark of hope in his heart that the other party might “perform Immortal Art again” to save the dynasty was completely extinguished.
It was true; the Immortal had already helped Great Qi slay the greatest External Demons, winning a precious chance for a reprieve.
If he, as the Emperor, along with the civil and military officials and the officers of the World, could not seize this opportunity to govern diligently, appease the common people, and restore the court’s discipline and Great Qi’s Nation’s Destiny, then it would truly end here.
This was no longer a natural disaster or a demonic calamity, but a naked test of human hearts and ability.
Li Shuo remained silent for a long time before he slowly stood up. He gave a deep bow to Xu Ping’an and Pei Qingxuan, his voice hoarse but carrying an unprecedented gravity:
“The kindness of the guidance from Mister and Pei Sect Leader… Li Shuo will keep it engraved in his heart. I… will certainly do my utmost to not fail this ‘last opportunity’.”
Xu Ping’an and Pei Qingxuan returned the bow and said no more. Everything that needed to be said had been said, and everything that needed to be done was finished.
Separation of Immortals and Mortals; the dust of their affinity was about to settle.
When they departed, the sun was warm.
Xu Ping’an did not use any direct means to leave. Instead, he hired a spacious and comfortable Carriage and let the driver head toward a certain direction at a leisurely pace.
Inside the Carriage, Pei Qingxuan was somewhat curious: “Are we not going back directly?”
Xu Ping’an smiled, lifted the curtain of the Carriage, and pointed toward the distance where a stretch of mountain fields and cottages shrouded in faint cooking smoke was vaguely visible:
“Going home should, of course, be done step by step. Along the way, we can see the scenery.”
Home? Pei Qingxuan looked in the direction he pointed, her heart stirred slightly.
Li Yuer and Li Zhi’er also poked their heads out curiously to look, and Xiao Jing’er was even more excited, chirping away.
Liu Yingying looked outside with a hint of disdain, yet her eyes were filled with quite a bit of curiosity.
Leaving the Royal City, the Carriage swayed as it drove toward the mountains and fields.
Inside the car, the atmosphere was different from when they arrived.
There was less heaviness and more lightness, along with a longing for the future.
Xu Ping’an looked at Pei Qingxuan by his side, then at Li Yuer, Li Zhi’er, Liu Yingying, and Xiao Jing’er sitting opposite him, and suddenly spoke:
“There is something that should be settled.”
Hearing this, all five women looked toward him.
Pei Qingxuan’s gaze was soft, as if she had already guessed.
Li Yuer’s heart rate accelerated slightly, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the corner of her clothes.
Liu Yingying’s eyes held a smile, and her pretty face was slightly flushed.
Li Zhi’er was somewhat dazed, while Xiao Jing’er blinked her eyes curiously.
Xu Ping’an smiled, his tone gentle yet solemn:
“Qingxuan is my legally wedded wife; the whole World knows this.”
He looked at Pei Qingxuan, and she returned a firm gaze.
“Yingying.”
Xu Ping’an’s voice softened.
“We met the earliest and grew up together. We have argued and fought, but we have also supported each other. You have a proud nature, but your heart is the truest. Over these years, it has been hard on you to keep me in your thoughts.”
“This affection is something I, Xu Ping’an, have always kept in my heart.”
“Now, I want to ask you: are you willing to put down your airs as the Miss Liu, marry this country lad, and live a life of simple food but warmth and stability together with Qingxuan, Yu’er, Zhier, and Xiao Jing’er?”
Liu Yingying’s tears fell instantly. She was no longer that proud and pampered Miss Liu from the past, but like a child who had been wronged and finally received a response.
She nodded vigorously, her voice choked with sobs but exceptionally clear:
“I am willing! I have been willing for a long time! You bastard, making me wait for so long…”
As she spoke, she couldn’t help but break into a smile through her tears, her cheeks completely red.
Pei Qingxuan gently pulled Liu Yingying’s shoulder to comfort and accept her.
Li Yuer handed over a handkerchief, and Li Zhi’er and Xiao Jing’er also showed joyful smiles.
“Yu’er.”
He turned to Li Yuer.
“Back then at the Prince’s Residence, you spoke of your feelings, and I did not refuse. After everything that happened, our affection is no longer ordinary. I once promised your father that I would take care of your well-being. This ‘well-being’ should not just be protecting your life, but should also grant you a home and a status.”
Li Yuer’s cheeks turned crimson, but her eyes were instantly filled with tears as she nodded heavily: “Mister…”
“And Zhier.”