Chapter 358

Chapter 358: I Want to Look at You More (4000 words)

Within the courtyard.

Ming sat in the courtyard, one hand pinching the teacup on the stone table, the other gazing at the distant sunrise slowly ascending.

The red morning glow dyed the entire sky crimson, painting the whole world with a layer of red makeup. But unlike the evening glow, this red of the morning glow was somewhat lighter.

The night had just passed, and it was indeed a bit cold in Wudu during autumn.

In fact, Ming had already awakened when Suyan woke up.

“So, aren’t you going to see your mother off?”

Zhou emerged from her room, looking at Ming sitting in the yard.

Just by looking at Ming’s silhouette, Zhou could feel a hint of melancholy in him.

Actually, both Zhou and Ming knew that Suyan would leave.

But neither of them wanted to expose it.

Ming shook his head: “There’s no need to go see her off. If Mother chose to leave early this morning, it means she didn’t want me to see her off.”

Zhou nodded: “That’s true. Your mother probably feared she wouldn’t be able to part with you if you were there to see her off.

Actually, you can think positively about this. Your mother’s personality won’t be erased, and as a powerful cultivator, she has a long life ahead of her.

This way, even after a hundred years, you won’t have to experience the heart-wrenching pain of separation.

Your mother can accompany you for a very, very long time.

And she has no choice; she must go to the Northern Wilderness.”

Ming smiled: “In this world, everyone strives desperately to cultivate and enhance their strength, all for having more choices when certain moments arise.”

Zhou looked at Ming: “So now, what are your plans?”

Ming took a sip of tea from the cup, but the tea had already gone cold: “What else can I plan? I’ll go to the palace to meet the Emperor. In a few days, I’ll be sent as an envoy to the North Sea.

If we start calculating now, it will take about two months to reach the North Sea.

Just in time for the Four Seas Celebration of the North Sea Dragon Palace.

If I’m late by even an hour, it’s not just my problem; it will embarrass Wu Kingdom.

Although my sense of belonging to Wu Kingdom isn’t that strong, I must admit the Emperor has helped me quite a lot, and I owe him a favor.”

“It’s not just because the Emperor has helped you a lot, right? The main reason is that your little princess lover is in Wu Kingdom, isn’t she?” Zhou chuckled.

Ming: “…”

Ming didn’t deny it, and not denying it under these circumstances equates to admitting it.

“You’re really running around everywhere, aren’t you?” Zhou chuckled, not continuing on this topic.

Ming was a genius, good-looking, responsible, so it’s normal for women to like him.

Not just those young girls; if I were a few hundred years younger, I might fancy this boy too.

“I don’t want to run around everywhere, but since that person specifically requested me to go, how could I refuse?” Ming also helplessly shook his head. “But luckily, I do have something to do in the North Sea, so it’s kind of a side trip.”

“That someone from the North Sea personally invited you?” Zhou incredulously looked at Ming, “Do you have any connection with that someone from the North Sea?”

Although Zhou hadn’t met the Dragon Empress of the North Sea, the reputation of the Dragon Empress of the North Sea was well-known to her.

This Dragon Empress had occupied the top spot on the Red Beauty List for ten thousand years until she was pushed down by that female monk. Besides the Red Beauty List, she was even more famous for consistently ranking among the top ten on the World List, being one of the few Ascension Realm cultivators in the world.

This ruler of the North Sea was extremely arrogant and deeply emotional, even to the point where it seemed incomprehensible.

This ruler of the North Sea cared only for her previous old flame and never paid attention to anyone else, let alone actively focusing on a human.

Even though Ming was indeed famous on the Azurecloud List, many people came and went on that list. Who had ever been personally invited by the Dragon Empress of the North Sea? Never.

So Zhou was curious—what special qualities did Ming possess to catch the Dragon Empress’ eye?

“Alright, since you’re leaving Wudu, staying here alone doesn’t mean much to me either. I guess I’ll follow you along. That should be fine, right?” Zhou said to Ming.

Ming nodded: “Senior Zhou, please do as you please.”

Although this trip to the North Sea shouldn’t involve any issues, better safe than sorry. Having another high-level cultivator escorting him is still pretty nice.

“Alright, then I’ll prepare a bit.” Zhou smiled, “I’ve never met the legendary Dragon Empress in my life. This time, I’m riding your luck.”

Regarding Zhou’s joke, Ming didn’t take it to heart but instead changed the subject: “Previously, I made a deal with Senior. During my time in the Rootless Mystic Realm, Senior protected my mother. When I return, I’ll agree to do something within my capabilities for you. What is it that you’d like me to do?”

Hearing Ming’s intention to honor his promise, Zhou’s lips curled into a smile. She took a step forward, bent down, and looked up at Ming from below: “No rush. Even if you forget, I’ll remember. I’ll tell you tonight.”

Ming: “…”

Ming felt he could vaguely guess what it was about.

If it was truly something like that, Ming indeed couldn’t refuse.

Because it wasn’t against righteousness, nor did it harm others.

In a certain sense, he might even be getting a bargain.

Although he had no particular interest in such things, he couldn’t deny that Zhou was indeed quite beautiful.

After tacitly accepting Zhou’s request, Ming left the courtyard.

Ming once again entered the Imperial Palace and paid respects to the Emperor.

The Emperor naturally knew that Suyan had left, but he didn’t bring up Suyan’s matter again. Instead, Ming directly stated that he was ready to be dispatched to the North Sea Dragon Palace.

The Emperor was pleased.

This Four Seas Grand Ceremony held by the North Sea Dragon Palace wasn’t something just anyone could attend.

Among the ten great kingdoms of the human race, five kingdoms weren’t invited, and those kingdoms had existed for several thousand years.

Let alone that Wu Kingdom had only been established for three hundred years and had no significant ties with the North Sea Dragon Palace. Why would they invite Wu Kingdom?

Thus, without surprise, Wu Kingdom would definitely be overlooked by the North Sea Dragon Palace for this grand ceremony.

But due to Ming, Wu Kingdom secured a spot at this ceremony.

If through this ceremony Wu Kingdom could establish a friendship with the North Sea Dragon Palace, it would undoubtedly benefit Wu Kingdom’s future development immensely.

Regardless of whether the North Sea Dragon Palace would help Wu Kingdom in times of crisis, simply having a good relationship with them served as an intimidation factor.

Others who intended to attack Wu Kingdom would have to consider this aspect first.

The Emperor indicated that he had already formed an envoy group, and Ming would serve as the chief official of this group, departing in two days. Ming originally thought it would take three or four days, but unexpectedly, the Emperor decided to send him off in just two days.

This clearly showed how much the Emperor valued the relationship with the North Sea Dragon Palace.

However, for Ming, whether it was a few more or fewer days didn’t matter since he had nothing to do in Wudu anyway.

After leaving the Imperial Study, Ming just stepped out of the palace when he saw a woman in a cassock waiting for him outside the palace.

Seeing Ming walk out from the palace, Shixin blinked her eyes.

“What’s wrong? Why are you here?” Ming approached and asked.

“Waiting for you.” Shixin replied straightforwardly.

Ming smiled: “Why not say whatever you have to say when I get back?”

Shixin shook her head: “My master just sent me a golden paper bird, asking me to return.”

Ming: “Is it that urgent? Are you leaving now?”

Shixin nodded: “Judging from my master’s tone, it seems quite urgent.”

Ming sighed: “That’s a pity. I actually planned to take you to visit the North Sea Dragon Palace and then go to the Western Regions with you.”

“There’s nothing to regret. I’ve been out for a long time, and it’s indeed time for me to return.” Shixin said calmly.

“Alright, then I’ll see you off.” Ming didn’t try to persuade Shixin to stay. Superficial courtesies were useless and unnecessary for Shixin.

Our relationship has always been straightforward.

Shixin nodded, not refusing.

The two walked on the streets of Wudu. Shixin’s appearance once again drew everyone’s attention, but neither Ming nor Shixin herself cared about it.

The two walked side by side, saying nothing. Though they were nearing farewell, Ming felt no sadness. He figured that when he returned from the North Sea Dragon Palace, he would also make a trip to the Western Regions to see her.

As for Shixin, she actually wanted to talk to Ming, but she didn’t know what to say.

Shixin wasn’t skilled with words anyway.

When Ming didn’t initiate the conversation, Shixin naturally wouldn’t either.

Moreover, Shixin had a strange feeling deep in her heart.

This strange feeling started when the abbot of Leiming Temple sent her a letter.

When Shixin realized she had to leave Wudu, a faint sense of loss crept into her heart.

Shixin didn’t know why. She had nothing left to do in Wudu, yet she somehow didn’t want to leave.

It was an inexplicable reason. Shixin just felt like she wanted to spend more time with Ming.

This was a feeling she had never experienced before.

“Maybe I’ve gotten used to being with him all this time,” Shixin explained to herself internally.

“Let’s stop here. There’s no need for you to see me off further, Layman Xu.”

When Ming escorted Shixin to the city gate, Shixin stopped, turned around, and said to Ming.

Ming nodded and didn’t act formally with Shixin: “Alright, then I’ll see you off here. Be careful on your way back.

Remember not to trust others too easily. Often, preserving your own life is the most important thing.

Also, regarding that Chaos creature, you should show it to your master immediately upon returning and keep a close watch on it. Don’t let it harm humanity.”

“It won’t.” Shixin’s tone carried a hint of stubbornness. “I have a feeling that this Chaos creature will be very obedient.”

Ming laughed: “Alright then. I’ll come to your place later to check it out. Don’t let it still be asleep when I arrive.”

“Um-hmm.” Shixin nodded.

Upon hearing that Ming would visit Leiming Temple to see the little Chaos creature, Shixin couldn’t help but feel a bit happy inside.

“Then that’s it. I’ll head back. Take your time walking. Try to find a way to send me a message when you arrive. Although, I doubt I’ll receive it since I’ll be in the North Sea by then.”

“Um-hmm.” Shixin nodded.

“Goodbye.” Ming waved and turned to walk back into the imperial capital.

Shixin watched Ming step by step walk back into Wudu.

Ming constantly felt Shixin’s gaze from behind, so he turned around: “What’s wrong? Is there anything?”

Shixin shook her head: “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Then why don’t you leave? Why are you staring at me?”

Ming laughed, puzzled. This female monk kept doing things he couldn’t understand, making it seem like she was the one seeing him off.

“I don’t know.” Shixin shook her head.

Ming: “Don’t know?”

“Um-hmm.”

Shixin nodded.

“I don’t know why.

I just want to keep looking at you.”

…

…

[Without checking the word count all along, while writing today, I realized I’ve written almost a million words. This was indeed unexpected.

Although the performance of this book isn’t great, it’s been fun writing it.

Unless something unexpected happens, this book will conclude after another million words.

After its conclusion, I plan to try a different genre.

The style will remain light-hearted and humorous, but the genre will be something new.

Although it will still be published under this account, I’ll be starting anew as a newcomer, hoping for some breakthroughs.

Thank you to all the readers who’ve reached this point. Rest assured, although the book’s performance isn’t great, I will definitely finish it properly.]