Chapter 428

Chapter 428: I’ll Find You in the Wu Kingdom

Ao Yiner’s eyes blinked as she stared at Ming.

Ao Yiner had never heard that she possessed a Sea Spirit Body until now.

Her brother and father had never mentioned it to her before.

If it were anyone else, Ao Yiner would’ve thought they were just spouting nonsense.

But this was Ming.

Had it not been for Ming, she wouldn’t have survived the North Sea, let alone her brother.

Moreover, Ming had no reason to deceive her. What benefit would lying bring him?

At this moment, Ao Yiner finally understood why she couldn’t go to the mainland—this was the reason.

“Did my brother tell you about this?” Ao Yiner asked again.

Ming nodded: “Yes, your brother told me. Originally, your father and brother wanted you to cultivate properly, then after seizing the Dragon King Ascension, you could enter the Ascension Realm. At that time, you’d be able to stand on equal footing with the Dragon Empress of the North Sea.

But now, there’s no need for that anymore.

Your brother said it’d be best to break your Sea Spirit Body.

Your Sea Spirit Body will definitely attract unwanted attention, and the East Sea is currently in chaos. Without the protection of the East Sea, many people might take dangerous risks.”

Ao Yiner lowered her head, falling silent.

“Of course, whether or not you need the Sea Spirit Body is entirely up to you,” Ming added, then waited for Ao Yiner’s response without saying more.

Ming wouldn’t force Ao Yiner to come to the mainland and break her Sea Spirit Body.

This decision affected her own path, so it should be made by her alone. No one—not even her father or brother—could decide for her.

After much consideration, Ao Yiner looked up, gazing nervously at Ming: “Ming, what do you think? Should I keep the Sea Spirit Body?”

Ming shook his head: “I don’t have an opinion, nor can I make the decision for you. But I can offer some advice—if you want an easy life and aren’t pursuing the Great Way, then I suggest you come with me to the mainland. Once your Sea Spirit Body is broken, others won’t bother you.

In the Wu Kingdom, you’ll likely be safe. Although our strength isn’t as strong as the North Sea, protecting you shouldn’t be a problem.

But if you need the Sea Spirit Body to pursue a higher path, stay in the North Sea. All these choices depend on you.

The Dragon Empress will protect you, but not all the time. Once you leave the North Sea, you’ll have to rely on yourself. No one can help you.”

“I understand…”

Ao Yiner nodded, her gaze becoming firmer than before.

“Ming, I’ve decided to stay here. I want to cultivate well, avenge my father, and help my brother.

I’ve always been protected by others, hiding behind them when trouble comes. I don’t want to live like that anymore.

And I owe you a great favor; both my brother’s and my life were saved by you. With my current cultivation level, I can’t repay this debt. I don’t want to continue living like this.”

Ming nodded: “Since you’ve made your decision, I won’t say anything more.”

Ming stepped forward and handed Ao Yiner a jade token symbolizing his identity: “When you want to visit the mainland, feel free to find me in the Wu Kingdom.”

Ao Yiner extended her delicate hand to receive it: “Are you leaving too, Ming?”

“Yes, I’m originally a messenger. After the Four Seas Ceremony ended, I should’ve returned to the Wu Kingdom long ago. I’ve already delayed for several days. It’s time to go back.” Ming replied, “I’ll leave soon.”

Ao Yiner: “…Take care of yourself in the North Sea. If you have any questions during cultivation, ask the Dragon Empress. Actually, I feel like His Majesty likes you quite a bit. Even if I hadn’t pleaded on your behalf, His Majesty probably wouldn’t have killed you.”

Ao Yiner looked at the man in front of her and nodded: “You too, take care and be safe on the road.”

“Thank you for your concern.” Ming bowed, “Farewell.”

Ming left the courtyard, and Ao Yiner watched his gradually disappearing figure.

Once Ming left, there truly wouldn’t be anyone she knew left in the North Sea.

“Ming…”

Just as Ming was about to disappear from Ao Yiner’s sight, she called out.

Ming turned around and looked at the elegant girl standing in the courtyard.

The girl lightly bit her lips: “Ming, I will definitely come find you in the Wu Kingdom.”

Ming smiled and nodded: “If you come, I will surely entertain you well.”

Ming walked further away, Ao Yiner took a step forward as if wanting to follow, but eventually stopped.

The girl tightly gripped the warm jade token in her hand.

After leaving Ao Yiner’s courtyard, Ming headed straight toward the capital city’s exit.

Ming didn’t inform the Dragon Empress that he was leaving.

He planned to leave quietly, without saying goodbye.

It wasn’t exactly leaving without a word though.

Because Ming believed every move he made was under the Dragon Empress’s surveillance.

If the Dragon Empress didn’t want him to leave, she wouldn’t have allowed him to walk out of the capital.

Even their conversation earlier probably reached the Dragon Empress’s ears clearly.

Sure enough, Ming left the capital smoothly, with no one stopping him.

This meant the Dragon Empress tacitly approved of his departure.

However, at the city gate, a woman dressed in palace attire stood with her hands folded in front of her, smiling at Ming.

“Hello, Miss Xia Zhu.” Ming bowed politely.

Ming recognized this woman. She was one of the Dragon Empress’s personal maidservants, and her cultivation level was higher than Little Blue’s.

A woman at the Xiānrén Jìng willing to serve the Dragon Empress as a maid—it showed how great the Dragon Empress’s charisma was.

“Master is being too polite.”

Xia Zhu bowed in return, then took out a bottle of wine and a cup from her storage bag.

“Master is leaving, and His Majesty specially sent me here to see you off. She also has a message for you.”

“I just realized something…”