chapter 83

"Together, we will face this prosperous world."

Zhan Yunwei thought this would be her last time seeing Yue Zhiheng.

In the winter of the fourteenth year of the Shengping era, she had watched indifferently as Yue Zhiheng died in the heavy snow, receiving the scorn of the people. Yet, two years later, in the sixteenth year of Shengping, she was the first to realize that she should have done more for him.

Even if it was just to keep him warm, wipe away the dirt, or give him another sip of clean water.

But at that time, she couldn't do anything in time. That regret lingered, stretching into today.

Zhan Yunwei felt the sting of water droplets falling on her face and suddenly realized that in her past life, she had never shed even a single tear for Yue Zhiheng.

She felt a pang of sadness, the first time she truly wanted to be with him longer.

What if she had persevered until this winter? If she had sat on the swing Yue Zhiheng had built in the yard, she would surely have seen the countless falling leaves.

Perhaps her thoughts were too strong, for before losing consciousness, she even saw the figure of the Lord of Changya Mountain.

When she opened her eyes again, she had been in the Xumi Valley for many years.

The old site of Xumi Valley was where the Divine Mountain was located. Only this place in the world could save Zhan Yunwei's life and heal her severe injuries.

For the Lord of Changya Mountain, one slip-up had almost cost him his daughter's life. If he hadn't arrived just in time and taken her to Xumi Valley, it might have been too late.

Fortunately, her condition was now stabilized, and her body was slowly recovering.

Meanwhile, both the Spirit Domain and the human world were improving.

Though it came three thousand years late, the divine blood of death finally dripped into the world, dispelling all evil energy.

The Spirit Emperor was annihilated, and the world was in ruins. The once-glorious dynasty was no more. Now, only the wandering evil spirits remained to be dealt with.

Once these insignificant evil spirits were eliminated, peace would be restored.

When Zhan Yunwei was first brought back to Xumi Valley, her situation was not good. She slept for two whole years, and it wasn't until the third year that she opened her eyes and recognized the immortal cultivator before her as her father.

From then on, she was forced to endure a long period of recuperation.

Every morning, she would go to the most spiritually abundant place in Xumi Valley to absorb the spiritual energy and heal her frail body. She would only return to the bamboo hut to practice after nightfall.

Time in the mountains passed without notice. It was hard to say how long it had been.

But considering her body would collapse the moment she went outside, Zhan Yunwei could only stay obediently inside.

The Lord of Changya Mountain comforted his daughter: "Don't worry. When you're better, you can go home."

That was truly the best wish.

Home, back to Changya Mountain. Zhan Yunwei wondered if Changya Mountain had been rebuilt over the years, and how Chang Shu Jing was doing.

Had the mute girl come back to life? Had the Yue family returned to Qiyang County? How about the other immortal mountains, like Penglai?

And that person… Had he gotten better? Did he know that she was still alive?

As for this, the Lord of Changya Mountain was also uncertain. He didn't know if the descendants of the Yue family were aware that Zhan Yunwei was now in Xumi Valley.

After all, when she was taken away by Xumi Valley, Yue Zhiheng had not seemed well.

Strictly speaking, Yue Zhiheng, whose meridians had been destroyed by the Ice Lotus and whose life force had been forcibly injected into him, hadn't been in a better state than Zhan Yunwei at the time.

The ancient Divine Mountain could only allow Zhan Yunwei to enter. Even the Lord of Changya Mountain was merely a soul without a body here.

But soon, they discovered that he knew.

In the fifth year, there were signs of an intruder in Xumi Valley.

A year later, a magical tool was even sent inside. It was a small mechanical spirit bird. Although it only flew for a short while, the spiritual energy was immediately shattered by Xumi Valley's forces. Yet, Yue Zhiheng picked it up, happily tucked it under his arm, and looked at it the entire day.

That day, she was so joyful that she didn't even perform her usual healing rituals.

The Lord of Changya Mountain sighed helplessly but didn't force her.

In the past, the Lord of Changya Mountain had been cautious, unsure of what kind of person this former imperial guard of the lost dynasty was, and whether he could be entrusted with such a responsibility.

But the person outside… what kind of tenacity did he have to achieve what seemed impossible?

From then on, Zhan Yunwei became more serious. Finally, when the next autumn arrived, her body was completely healed.

With the mechanical spirit bird silent in her arms, she set out on the journey back home.

According to plan, the two of them should have been heading toward Changya Mountain. However, the Lord of Changya Mountain looked at Zhan Yunwei and said, "If you're really worried, go to Qiyang County first."

Zhan Yunwei's eyes lit up as she replied, "Then I'll go see first. Father, wait for me at Changya Mountain."

The Lord of Changya Mountain laughed silently and waved his hand.

"Alright, alright."

Otherwise, that person would probably go mad waiting.

In the years that had passed, the changes in the Spirit Domain were immense.

Yue Qingluo sat in the Xuanwu carriage, lifting the curtain and feeling somewhat dazed. After the battle ended, the only person who had vanished without a trace was Zhan Yunwei. Everyone had seen her disappear into thin air.

Old Master Yue had finally managed to save Yue Qingluo with all his strength.

Yue Qingluo woke up a year earlier than Yue Zhiheng. She was now just a mortal, and after returning to life, she had no intention of staying long in the Spirit Domain. Instead, she had opened a medical clinic in the human world.

The Yue family had returned to their former immortal mountain, and every few months, Yue Qingluo would go back to Qiyang County to check.

She was worried about Yue Zhiheng.

After all, Zhan Yunwei had disappeared with both her body and soul, and she was afraid her brother wouldn't be able to bear it. For the past two years, no one dared to mention Zhan Yunwei in front of Yue Zhiheng.

After Yue Zhiheng woke up, everyone was cautious, trying to maintain the appearance of peace.

But Yue Zhiheng was far calmer than anyone had imagined.

Yue Qingluo remembered that day clearly. He had only sat by the window from morning until nightfall, not showing any sign of agitation. No one knew what was on his mind.

When Yue Qingluo worriedly tried to advise him, he calmly ate his meal, closed his eyes, and began meditating.

When he was able to walk, he locked himself in the refining room.

He had been making lamps to trace the essence and souls of people. Over the years, he had traveled nearly the entire Spirit Domain and the human world, carrying his magical tools, and wherever he went, he killed any evil spirits he encountered.

He appeared as normal as could be, just like any other immortal sect disciple who traveled around to eliminate evil spirits.

But it was this calmness—this silence about Zhan Yunwei—that made Yue Qingluo uneasy.

On that rainy night, she managed to catch hold of Yue Zhiheng: "Ah Heng, if you're truly suffering, you... should seal away that memory."

Yue Zhiheng silently looked at her.

"No need," he said. "I can find her. Yangyang will return."

Yue Qingluo felt a pang of bitterness: "What if you still can't find her this year?" To her, it seemed like Zhan Yunwei had already left this world.

"Then I'll search for five more years, ten more years, a hundred years." He spoke those words as naturally as if he were talking about eating or drinking, as if he didn't feel any burden. "Elder sister, it's late. You should go back."

His expression was indifferent, and his tone calm.

What seemed like a matter of utter despair to Yue Qingluo didn't make him falter in the slightest.

Yue Zhiheng knew that if Zhan Yunwei was still alive somewhere in this world, that place would most certainly be Xumi Valley.

But Xumi Valley was in the Fourth Realm, a place they couldn't reach.

After the dissolution of the Chutian Manor, Yue Zhiheng continued to serve as the head of the Yue family. He still handled his duties with great care. Every season, he would return to handle family matters, calmly pointing out issues with the magic tools from the Spirit Refining Pavilion.

He even attended Yue Wujue's engagement ceremony.

At least, to everyone else, he still seemed as powerful and invincible as ever.

Then, in the spring of the following year, things took a turn. The soul tool Yue Zhiheng had made sensed the presence of Zhan Yunwei's aura.

That day, Yue Zhiheng stared at the soul tool for a long time. In his dark, ink-colored eyes, there was the rippling calm of a lake, the broken ice of winter.

Yue Qingluo couldn't help but lower her head and smile.

Knowing that Zhan Yunwei was still alive was good news for everyone.

She entered the Yue household, today bringing her homemade nourishing soup. The medical clinic she had just started wasn't doing particularly well, and she was by no means a remarkable doctor, but she had worked diligently and studied hard.

She had prepared a serving of soup for her grandfather and mother.

Yue Qingluo had never thought about how she was truly a Yue family child. She was happy, of course, but like Yue Zhiheng said, they had long passed the days when they needed that kind of love.

Now, she could live well on her own.

With Chutian Manor disbanded, Shen Ye and the others had stayed with the Yue family as disciples, mentoring the new generation. Miss Qu had taken her brother and founded her own sect.

Yue Qingluo would usually drop off the soup, chat with Yue Huilu and her grandfather, and then leave, not wanting to disturb Madam Xuan.

However, today, as she was leaving, she felt something and turned around. She saw Madam Xuan standing at the corridor, watching her.

Yue Qingluo couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart. There was bitterness, and a sense of belated sentiment.

In the end, she gave Madam Xuan a distant bow before turning and leaving.

No longer dwelling on what she couldn't have in the past, she had a new life to live.

Zhan Yunwei never expected that Yue Zhiheng wasn't at the immortal mountain in Qiyang County.

The changes in the Spirit Domain over the years had been massive, with bustling activity everywhere. After inquiring, she learned that the fallen immortal mountains had regained their former glory, and many sects, both large and small, had risen, now accepting disciples.

No longer was it only the privileged and noble who could join these sects; even common folk could become disciples, and those with talent among mortals could even enter the Spirit Domain.

The disciples guarding the gate of Qiyang Immortal Mountain didn't recognize her. When they saw her—young and beautiful—they were a little stunned, thinking she was here to join the sect. But then they heard her ask, "Is your sect leader here in the mountain?"

The disciple hesitated: "Do you mean…"

"Yue Zhiheng."

The disciple looked at her in surprise: "Senior Brother Yue is no longer the head of the family. The current head is our ancestor."

Had it really gone back to Old Master Yue? Where had Yue Zhiheng gone?

Under her gaze, the disciple scratched his head: "We don't know either. Senior Brother Yue only comes back occasionally."

It was the first time Zhan Yunwei heard someone call Yue Zhiheng "Senior Brother," which made her a little curious and puzzled.

If he wasn't at the Yue family, then where could he be?

Even though the evening was growing late, the Spirit Domain was unusually lively due to the recruitment of disciples.

"I want to go to Penglai. I heard that the sect leader there is young and handsome, and also a swordsman with a ninth-grade spirit vein. If I could become his disciple, my life would have no regrets."

"Qiyang Immortal Mountain is also great. The Yue family's artifact refiners are as rich as a country, and the potential for wealth is unlimited!"

"Is anyone going to Changya Mountain?"

Zhan Yunwei looked over and saw a bright-eyed young girl speaking: "Changya Mountain produced the most powerful Spirit Controllers! Their spirit control techniques can even destroy great demons!"

Zhan Yunwei froze for a moment before smiling.

In the seven years since, spirit control had finally become something admired, a technique that walked in the light of day.

She took a step toward home.

She thought to herself, she knew where Yue Zhiheng was.

In these two years, Chang Shu Jing had completely lost his temper.

Without his father, Changya Mountain needed to be rebuilt. He worked tirelessly, exhausted like a dog, only occasionally, in the middle of the night, recalling the girl buried deep in his memory.

Rebuilding the sect wasn't easy; there were shortages of both people and money.

At first, Pei Yujing helped out a little, but Pei Yujing had to focus on building Penglai and couldn't oversee everything.

The biggest problem with rebuilding was the lack of spirit stones.

Penglai was being built the fastest. They had spirit veins, while Changya Mountain was only halfway done. By the time Changya Mountain's progress had reached that point, Pei Yujing had already become the new sect leader.

The last time Chang Shu Jing saw Pei Yujing, he looked as pure and tranquil as ever, almost as if he had become that unfeeling sword.

He had also heard that Madam Pei hadn't been released yet, and Ming Xiu was never allowed to enter Penglai.

After years of struggling, three years ago, a large batch of spirit stones was transported to Changya Mountain.

Another person also moved in openly, and what was even more infuriating was that Yue Zhiheng had moved into his sister's old residence.

Chang Shu Jing had the urge to resist, but Yue Zhiheng only gave him a light glance.

He brought news that Zhan Yunwei was still alive.

Chang Shu Jing froze for a long time, accepting the reality that Yue Zhiheng would stay.

From that year on, the rebuilding of Changya Mountain progressed rapidly.

Until the elders asked whether they should build a tool pavilion for Yue Zhiheng, Yue Zhiheng glanced up. "No need."

He was waiting for someone to come home. He was waiting for her to fulfill her promise in person.

When Zhan Yunwei returned to Changya Mountain, the lights were already glowing everywhere.

The place she had grown up in since childhood was rebuilt, just like it used to be.

The little mountain lord walked in the moonlight, her heart full of anticipation.

On her way, she saw many familiar faces, and they greeted her with joy. Even Bai Rui and Second Aunt were there.

Although it was years later than she had expected, she finally saw the autumn she had waited for so long.

It was the season when the fruits ripened, and the leaves had turned yellow.

As she approached her courtyard, she felt a hint of nervousness, as if she were returning to her hometown.

The once dilapidated place had been restored, and there were now big trees planted in the yard, with a swing beneath them.

Her main house was lit, and in the light, the shadow of a man could be seen as he studied the tool manual.

For a moment, time seemed to rewind to that distant year, the year when she and Yue Zhiheng had become companions.

But back then, she had been forced to leave her hometown and family, trapped by him by her side.

Years later, the once-feared ruler of that dynasty now stood in her world.

The door was open. When she appeared at the entrance, the man under the light looked up.

His eyes were calm, and for a moment, it felt as though he were looking through thousands of mountains and rivers, with his unique calmness and serenity. But when he saw her, he slowly smiled.

"Little Mountain Lord, welcome home."

She could no longer hold back. Like a butterfly fluttering toward the glowing light, she rushed into his arms, where Yue Zhiheng caught her firmly.

"Yue Daren," she held back her tears and smiled, "Tomorrow, we will build the Tool Pavilion."

"We will build you the best one."

Autumn leaves fell in the courtyard, blanketing everything in golden yellow.

The memory of that snowstorm, so full of regret, finally stopped on this day.

Though their acquaintance had been unpleasant, their understanding was fraught with obstacles, and their love had gone through many trials, they now had a lifetime to share, together to experience this prosperous world.