The words came so suddenly that Ruyi was completely unprepared.
Now that it was time to say goodbye, she didn't know what to say.
All she knew was that she couldn't bear to see him go.
But she also understood that Uncle Chen had more important things to do. Otherwise, why would he be in such a rush? If she hadn't insisted he stay, he probably would have left that very day.
She understood this perfectly well, yet when the words reached her lips, they still carried a hint of displeasure.
"Go then, go, just go."
Chen Changsheng smiled at the sight and reached out to rub her head. "It's not like I'm never coming back," he said.
Ruyi stayed silent, her heart aching.
Chen Changsheng rose from the rocking chair.
"Hey..."
Ruyi couldn't stop herself from calling out.
Chen Changsheng turned his head to look at her.
She opened her mouth, but for a long time, no words came out.
Perhaps she felt that by acting this way, he would stay just a little bit longer. She couldn't shake the feeling that the moment she looked away, the man beside her would vanish.
She had originally wanted to wish him a safe or smooth journey, but after a moment's thought, she changed her mind and muttered instead, "If you don't come back, I'm going to visit the brothels every single day."
Chen Changsheng offered a helpless smile and reached out to rap his knuckles gently against her head.
"Uncle is leaving now. You need to be good."
As soon as his words fell...
As Ruyi reached out, she watched Uncle Chen take a step forward. His figure rose into the air, and in the blink of an eye, he drifted toward the sunset glow.
Under her watchful gaze, his figure gradually faded away. He dissolved into fine grains of sand that drifted in all directions with the breeze, much like the ash rising from burning brush—vanishing completely the moment the wind blew.
Ruyi stared at the empty air and shouted at the top of her lungs, "I will definitely be good!"
Her eyes reddened, and she reached up to wipe her tears away.
She murmured softly, "Definitely."
.
.
Afterward, Ruyi also left Shangjing City.
It was time for her to return. Her mother was still in Qingshan City, and just as Uncle Chen had said, she was getting older. The number of times they would be able to see each other was dwindling. Over these past few years of traveling extensively, she had completely forgotten about her home. Ruyi felt a deep sense of guilt about this and didn't want to live to regret it later.
Dong Chiyu followed Ruyi.
She had nowhere else to go now, and besides, she hadn't finished learning her spear techniques yet, so she followed Ruyi all the way down to the Southern Region.
She had never traveled out into the world before. Everything outside made her curious, and even a little fearful. Walking on the road, she inevitably felt somewhat flustered, but fortunately, Ruyi was there. This young woman who had roamed far and wide for who knew how many years took this young girl by the hand, leading her down a new path.
"Ruyi, Ruyi, will Chen the Good Man bring back dried fish for Lihua when he returns?"
"With Uncle's memory, don't even dream about it."
"Lihua knew it..."
Ruyi walked with her spear resting over her shoulder, swaying slightly as she moved. She was no longer as wild and unrestrained as before. She possessed a fair bit more discipline now, even if she still looked a bit awkward.
Dong Chiyu followed beside her and asked, "Where did that Uncle go?"
Ruyi thought for a moment, shrugged, and said, "Probably returned to the heavens."
Dong Chiyu felt quite curious about this.
An Immortal...
She had never seen one before.
Actually, that wasn't right. At the very least, she had seen one now.
Were Immortals all this easygoing? She really couldn't tell at all.
After returning to Qingshan City, their days settled into a quiet routine.
A newcomer arrived in Chuanfeng Alley, taking up residence with Ruyi.
Training through the coldest winters and hottest summers.
Two Long Spears danced through the courtyard.
Between the sweeps and thrusts of their spears, their footwork and rhythm were exceptionally synchronized.
Accompanied by the heavy winter snowfall, the snow in the courtyard was carved by their steps. Looking down from above, it resembled a Painted Scroll.
Mao'er slept on top of the wall, its body dusted with a layer of silvery frost.
It didn't actually feel cold; it just loved to sleep deeply once winter set in.
Qingshan City was still Qingshan City, but after the King of Wei's defeat, it had reverted to its previous state of chaotic rules. There were still people coming to collect protection money every month.
In the past, Ruyi would have definitely skewered them with a thrust of her spear.
But she wasn't a child anymore. If she had to pay, she paid. Any problem that could be solved by spending silver taels wasn't a real problem. The main reason, of course, was probably because she was rich now.
The embroidery shop's business was booming. The number of clothes ordered every day was countless. Many noble ladies adored the craftsmanship of her shop, bringing an endless stream of customers and earning her plenty of silver taels.
"Oh, practicing the spear, are we?"
Master Jin San had come over to pay a New Year's visit.
He brought quite a few gifts with him.
Master Jin San was still writing books. The initial "Strange Tales from the Mountains and Wilds" had brought him immense fame, leaving him counting money until his hands cramped. A few years back, he had bought back the Jin Family's estate and opened a bookstore, primarily selling play scripts. His business was ridiculously good.
"Master Jin San," Ruyi greeted.
Master Jin San had grown older as well, the hair at his temples now tinged with white.
"How is the practice going?" Master Jin San asked with a smile.
Ruyi glanced at Dong Chiyu and said, "She finished her apprenticeship a long time ago. She just doesn't know where to go."
Dong Chiyu wasn't fond of talking, but she also politely addressed him as Master Jin San.
The group sat down.
Ruyi went to the Kitchen to gather some charcoal, carrying it into the main hall to start a fire.
Hearing the commotion, Mao'er climbed down from the wall, shook the snow from its fur, and joined them to warm up by the fire.
"Lihua, Lihua! Hurry over, come see what good things Master Jin San brought for you."
As he spoke, Master Jin San pulled a small pouch from his robes.
The moment Lihua caught the scent wafting from the pouch, its eyes instantly lit up.
"Dried fish, dried fish! Dried fish!!"
"That's right." Master Jin San chuckled. He then opened the pouch and handed the dried fish over.
Lihua began devouring it in huge mouthfuls.
It was exactly the same taste as before.
Master Jin San smiled and said, "The last time I heard you grumbling about how Mister Chen forgot to bring you some, I figured I'd ask an old friend from the coast to send some over. How is the taste?"
"Sho good, sho good."
Lihua couldn't even speak clearly anymore.
Ruyi glanced at Lihua and said, "Business has been good this year, so it certainly hasn't eaten any less. The last time I tied it up and weighed it, it had gained another three jin. If it gets any fatter, I'm afraid it won't even be able to climb the wall anymore."
Lihua snorted twice and ignored Ruyi, fully focused on eating its food.
Master Jin San laughed, then brought up the real reason for his visit. "I also came this time to tell you both something."
"What is it?"
"Things have settled down over at the Border Pass, and Prince Yu has set his sights on heading south. Our Yuanchuan is inherently a strategic location. If Prince Yu really makes a move, the very first place he will target is our Qingshan City. The Yan Army's vital strength was severely damaged after being battered by Prince Jin previously. Right now, there is absolutely no way they can stop Prince Yu's forces. Our Qingshan City is probably going to descend into chaos once again."
Master Jin San continued, "What I mean is, you might as well follow me and hide outside for a while. We can come back once the world is in a better state."
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