The three reappeared gently in the outer courtyard of Yun Qinghong's cabin within the Yun Family territory. The air there was calmer, filled with the subtle fragrance of cultivated flowers and the distant sound of running water from a small artificial stream that had been commissioned a year ago.
Ren Zu and Xia Qingyue exchanged a brief, understanding glance. He lightly squeezed her hand, a silent gesture of affection, before murmuring something quietly to her. Xia Qingyue nodded calmly, and the two of them walked together toward the main wing of the residence, where Mu Yurou, Yun Qinghong, Xiao Lingxi, and Xiao Lie usually spent most of their time.
Jasmine stayed behind, standing in the center of the courtyard for a few seconds. Her black eyes followed the two figures as they walked away. She let out a quiet huff, crossing her arms tightly.
"Hmph… sappy idiots…" she muttered coldly to herself, though the tone lacked the venom she wished it had. Knowing Ren Zu as she had over the past two years, he understood her purpose in visiting the Yun family and wanted to let her be alone to do so—there was no need for further words between them.
So, without saying another thing, she turned in the opposite direction, walking across the well-kept courtyard toward the small, isolated wing where Yun Che—or what remained of him—lived.
The path was short, lined with low trees and stone benches. Each step seemed to echo in Jasmine's memory, as if time had stretched the distance. A strange tightness gripped her chest, a mixture of anxiety and nostalgia. Though it felt like an eternity, only two years had passed since those events with her disciple. At that time, Yun Che had been anything but prudent: arrogant, perverted, full of life… a truly incorrigible fool, yet somehow he had carved a space in her heart.
Now, standing before the simple wooden door of the chamber, everything seemed different. Her delicate hand rose hesitantly, suspended in the air. Her fingers trembled slightly, as if each movement carried accumulated memories and regrets. For a moment, she wondered if she had the courage to cross that threshold, whether she was prepared to face not just the disciple she had known, but also the person he had become. Her breath caught, and the world around seemed to fall silent, as if waiting for that single gesture.
Finally, she knocked lightly.
"…Yun Che."
The door was ajar. From inside came a female voice, sweet, yet strangely empty and infantilized:
"Who is it? Got candy? Little Che'er wants candy… or maybe shiny poop to eat… hehe~"
Jasmine felt a tightening in her chest. She slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was clean and airy, with light curtains letting daylight in softly. Yun Che, now a young woman with delicate features, pale skin, and long black hair, sat on the bed, wearing a simple white robe. Her legs remained useless, covered by a thin blanket. Her eyes, once sharp as blades, now carried a confused, almost childlike gleam. She recognized Jasmine immediately. For a brief instant, something resembling lucidity passed through her gaze.
"Master…?" she murmured, her voice low and hesitant.
Jasmine felt a momentary relief. She opened her mouth to respond, but Yun Che continued, her gaze already drifting again:
"Master… why is the sky blue? Is it because the fish sing at night? Hehe… I saw a fish yesterday… it had legs… or was it a leg with a fish? I don't know… but it danced for me. Want to dance too, Master? Che'er can dance if you give me candy…"
The words came quickly, disjointed, mixed with silly giggles and random hand movements, as if trying to grab something invisible in the air. Her gaze wandered around the room without focus, sometimes fixing on Jasmine or the ceiling.
Jasmine remained standing at the entrance, arms still crossed. A long, heavy sigh escaped her pink lips.
"…Idiot…" she muttered, almost inaudibly. There was no real anger in the word. Only exhaustion and sadness. A pang of guilt she would never admit aloud…
Yun Che tilted her head, smiling innocently and emptily.
"Idiot? I'm an idiot? Then… does the idiot want candy too? Hehe…"
Jasmine closed her eyes for a moment, pressing her lips tightly. When she opened them again, her expression had returned to its usual demeanor. She stepped into the room, closing the door softly behind her.
"Stay quiet for a moment," she said, her voice low but firm. "This little princess… just came to see how you are."
Yun Che blinked slowly, still smiling foolishly, but obeyed for a few seconds, rocking lightly on the bed like a child.
Jasmine remained standing, observing in silence. Her heart, which over the past two years had learned to feel things it once ignored, tightened again. She said nothing for a long time, simply watching, her expression a mix of wounded pride, regret, and deep sadness she would never show to anyone else.
.
.
.
.
Ren Zu and Xia Qingyue continued to the main wing of the residence. The door was open, as always, inviting the family to enter and leave freely. Upon entering the spacious and welcoming room, the familiar scent of polished wood and medicinal herbs greeted them.
Yun Qinghong sat at the main table, speaking quietly with Xiao Lie, who held a teacup in his aged hands. Xiao Lingxi, beside her grandfather, carefully arranged some books. Mu Yurou emerged from the kitchen at the exact moment they entered, carrying a tray with a steaming teapot and several fine porcelain cups.
"Zu'er! Qingyue! Finally out of isolation?!" exclaimed Mu Yurou, her face lighting up with a warm, maternal smile. "You arrived just in time. The tea is freshly ready."
She placed the tray on the table delicately and began serving everyone with gentle, practiced movements. The sweet, comforting aroma of herbal tea spread through the room.
Ren Zu smiled, sitting next to Yun Qinghong. Xia Qingyue sat beside him, elegant as always, but with a slight softness reserved only for family.
"Father, grandfather, Aunt Lingxi… how have you been these past two years?" Ren Zu asked calmly.
Yun Qinghong let out a light, contented sigh, accepting the cup Mu Yurou handed him.
"It has been… calm. Better than we expected, actually…" he replied calmly before asking, "And you? Since you finished your isolation, you must have advanced another step in the Divine Profound Realm, right?"
Xiao Lie chuckled softly, raising his cup in a silent toast.
"…I've heard that the Divine Cult of the Celestial Demon is also growing impressively."
"…Yes, about that…" Ren Zu spoke slowly. "With the Divine Cult of the Celestial Demon being the dominant force in the world, I am considering ascending to the Realm of the Gods. My goal has always been to reach the pinnacle of the profound path; staying here would only slow my growth."
He had mentioned the Realm of the Gods on other occasions, speaking of it as a distant ambition, a goal for the future. But now, those words were no longer just a plan or a daydream. The future had arrived, and the idea that had once existed only as a possibility had become reality. The tone of his voice, calm and firm, made it clear that there was no turning back: it was time to leave. That was why he came to visit his family one last time. Later, he would be busy managing the Cult as its Ruler and "reuniting" with his wives. With these responsibilities ahead, he knew he could no longer return frequently, and this visit marked a temporary farewell, as he would be away for many years.
Everyone in the room paused what they were doing.
Yun Qinghong was the first to react. He let out a long, deep sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he placed the cup on the table. His eyes, full of weary wisdom, fixed on his adopted son with a mixture of pride and resignation.
"This moment would come sooner or later…" he said calmly, his voice low and firm, without surprise. "The fish has already become a dragon, and the lake is too small for him to stay. It's time to spread your wings and fly high, Zu'er. We always knew you would not belong to this world forever…"
Xiao Lie frowned, cup paused midway to his lips. Clear concern marked his aged face, but he did not object. Instead, he nodded slowly, gaze steady.
"Your father is right. A dragon cannot stay trapped in a lake. But… be careful. The sky above is vast and full of storms. Don't forget where you came from, and know that you can return whenever you feel weary…"
Xiao Lingxi looked silently at her nephew. Her eyes filled with gentle sadness, but she tried to maintain a smile.
"How long exactly will you be gone, Little Zu?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.
"At least ten years… or more…" Ren Zu replied honestly. "Perhaps much longer. The Realm of the Gods is not a place one can enter and exit easily. But I will return. I promise."
Mu Yurou felt tears well up almost instantly. Like any mother, her protective instinct came first.
"Ten years or more? Zu'er… You'll be away that long? The Realm of the Gods is dangerous, isn't it? And if something happens to you? We… we will be worried every day." Her voice trembled, full of maternal concern.
"Darling, trust Zu'er, look at how many miracles he has accomplished… He will be fine…" Yun Qinghong tried to ease her worries.
"But… I can't help worrying…" Mu Yurou shook her head. She had already lost Che'er to the cruel world of profound practitioners; she did not want to lose another child…
"I will be fine, mother… I am very strong, okay?" Ren Zu assured calmly.
A heavy silence fell over the room. No one spoke for a few seconds, only the distant sound of the artificial stream filling the void. Mu Yurou discreetly wiped her eyes with her sleeve while Yun Qinghong lightly squeezed his wife's hand in silent support.
Xiao Lie then turned his gaze to Xia Qingyue, who remained sitting elegantly beside Ren Zu.
"Qingyue… will you go with him?" he asked. "Take good care of my grandson up there, alright?"
Xia Qingyue bowed respectfully, a soft and determined smile curving her lips.
"Yes, we will all go with my husband. I promise. I will protect him with my life. Wherever he goes, I will go."
Yun Qinghong cleared his throat, regaining his patriarchal composure.
"And what about the kingdom's governance? With you and the Little Demon Empress leaving… who will be in charge here?"
Ren Zu took a calm sip of tea before answering:
"Since Caiyi is also going with me, I have made some preparations. The Divine Cult of the Celestial Demon will continue to operate with the structure we built. Additionally, I left resources and automated governance processes enough for the kingdom not to suffer instability during our absence. Everything was planned in advance."
Silence returned for a few more moments, but now it was a silence of acceptance, difficult but necessary. After everyone had more or less absorbed the news, they continued talking for long hours in the cozy room.
Tea was served more than once, and Mu Yurou brought light snacks, sweet rice cakes, and fruits to accompany it. The conversation flowed naturally, though with a faint sense of farewell in the air. They spoke of simple, everyday things: how Xiao Lingxi was gaining favor among the Yun family disciples because of her appearance, how Yun Qinghong had advanced to a higher level in his profound strength, that kind of thing.
Ren Zu listened attentively, responding calmly and briefly recounting stories from his period of isolation to grow stronger, without going into details. Xia Qingyue stayed by his side, occasionally interjecting with comments.
Mu Yurou, though worried, could not hide her pride as she looked at her adopted son. From time to time, she reached out and touched his arm, as if needing to make sure he was really there.
When the sun began to set and the sky turned shades of orange and pink, golden light filled the room through the windows, stretching shadows across the polished wood.
Ren Zu looked toward the horizon through the window and let out a light sigh.
"It's getting late…" he said calmly. "We should return to the palace. Xue'er and Caiyi will likely be leaving isolation soon."
Mu Yurou quickly stood, eyes wet again.
"Already? Stay a bit longer… just a little longer…"
Yun Qinghong held his wife's hand gently but firmly.
"Let them go, dear. They have responsibilities. And Zu'er promised he will return when he can."
Xiao Lingxi hugged Ren Zu tightly for a moment, murmuring softly:
"Take care, Little Zu. And come back soon."
Xiao Lie just gave a firm pat on his shoulder, gaze serious but full of affection.
"Return soon. Take care, both of you."
Xia Qingyue nodded.
Ren Zu smiled one last time at his family, etching the moment into memory.
"I will return. I promise."
With that, he and Xia Qingyue left the residence. In the outer courtyard, the sky was already darkening, the first stars appearing. They walked side by side in comfortable silence, their hands intertwined once more.
In the next instant, space rippled gently around them.
They disappeared, returning directly to the Leader's Palace of the Divine Cult of the Celestial Demon.
The Yun Family courtyard was empty once more, leaving only the gentle sound of the artificial stream and the night wind rustling through the trees, carrying the bittersweet melancholy of a farewell that, though temporary, bore the weight of many years to come.
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