However, Kong Hou was rather silly. If she didn't like humans, she could just keep it to herself, so why couldn't she help but speak out? It's not like she didn't know the boss was very fond of humans, yet she kept mocking those humans the boss found cute. Isn't she just courting trouble?
On the surface, Dong Xiao appeared kind and gentle, unperturbed by anything, and his words were always concise. Yet, his mind was constantly overflowing with complaints.
"So, the vase..." The Emperor gathered his courage to ask again. The vase was offered at the highest and safest place, with heavy guards watching it day and night.
"Leave it to fate." Dong Xiao still wore a loving smile, looking at the perplexed Emperor and kindly added, "When fate runs its course, it will naturally depart."
The Emperor understood, although he felt somewhat reluctant, he accepted this without resentment. Such an auspicious beast was originally a miracle. How could he be so presumptuous to ask for more? He had already received the favor of immortals, and he was very much content and thankful.
On the day Tianmiao, Kong Hou, and Dong Xiao disappeared, it was silent and unnoticeable. When a palace attendant reported to the Emperor that the mysterious lady was gone, he realized the immortals had left, never to appear again.
Standing at the highest pavilion of the Imperial Palace, the Emperor gazed into the endless firmament, silently reciting in his heart.
Thank you, Immortal.
...
At this moment, Tianmiao and the others returned to the Magical Store of All Things.
Standing at the store's entrance, a beam of golden light swiftly flew from afar. In the next instant, a Qilin appeared before them, prostrating on the ground, performing the most respectful ceremony to Tianmiao, and spoke with reverence and gratitude, "Thank you for fulfilling the promise, Lord." Having waited a thousand years, finally, he met his master's reincarnation. However, the fate between him and his master would only last for this lifetime.
"No need, it is your destined fate." Tianmiao said indifferently. After speaking, Tianmiao turned and walked towards the store's entrance.
Kong Hou and Dong Xiao followed closely behind. Dong Xiao took a few steps, thought for a moment, then turned back to advise the Qilin, "Remember, when fate ends, leave."
"Yes." The Qilin nodded in agreement. He watched as the three of them entered the Magical Store of All Things. When the three stepped through the door, the entire store suddenly vanished before his eyes, transforming into a forest, as if the store had never appeared here.
The Qilin stood up, raised his head to look into the firmament, let out a low growl, transformed into a burst of golden light, and soared into the sky, heading towards the Imperial Palace.
Tianmiao had already entered the store. Kong Hou slowed his pace, turned his head to look at Dong Xiao, squinting his eyes, "It's rare to see you being so kind, actually offering a reminder."
"There aren't many Qilins left. I don't want yet another Qilin to dissipate into the world." Dong Xiao's voice was somewhat solemn.
"So, do you think after fate ends, the Qilin will leave on its own?" Kong Hou asked, frowning.
Dong Xiao was silent, after a long while, he slowly replied, "I don't know. I don't understand their affection for humans either."
"Forget it, don't worry. Let's go inside. If we keep dawdling, the boss will get angry, and that'll be troublesome." Kong Hou patted Dong Xiao's shoulder, "Everything has its own destiny; you can't control it all."
Dong Xiao sighed softly, nodded to Kong Hou, and the two of them walked into the door together.
Tianmiao stood in the hall, and when he saw the two enter, he led them directly towards the third floor.
Reaching the staircase to the third floor, Kong Hou and Dong Xiao each took out half of a Jade Pendant from thin air and moved closer to each other. The two halves of the Jade Pendant immediately merged into one, turning into a black and white Tai Chi Diagram Jade Pendant. They embedded the Jade Pendant into the groove at the center of the ancient bronze door on the third floor. The door slowly opened.