Zhao Shuning was walking on the street. Since Zhao Xiangxiang had never been south of the Huai River before, the bustling market streets here were much more prosperous than those in Qinghui Town.
After all, Zhao Xiangxiang was just a child from a small family, so she was attracted by many scenes along the way and couldn't help but stop.
Zhao Shuning didn't mind either. She told the others to return to the Xie family first, and then she and Zhao Xiangxiang strolled in the market for a long time.
"Zhao Shuning, do you think it would be nice if I bought this wine skin for Uncle?"
"Sure."
Zhao Xiangxiang might be a bit hot - tempered, but whenever she saw something fun or interesting, the first people she thought of were those in the Zhao family.
"Zhao Shuning, look at these yimi flowers! They're even being sold in the market. It's so much better south of the Huai River than I thought."
Zhao Shuning couldn't help but smile as she watched Zhao Xiangxiang's bright and lovely appearance.
A long time ago, she was just like Zhao Xiangxiang. Back then, she was just a child. Thanks to her master's kindness, she had once been to Qingyun Country with him.
The first time she went to Qingyun Country and met the people of the Su family, and saw the decorations in the palace, she was exactly like Zhao Xiangxiang. Fortunately, her master didn't blame her for her lack of experience at that young age.
In the inn, Yan Ruyu had just picked up a chess piece when he gently put it back in place.
"Xiaobai, it seems we've come to the right place this time."
Bai Ze let out a howl, clearly in a great mood.
The smile on the man's flawless face was truly captivating. When the Emperor - Master smiled, he was truly a rare beauty in the world.
Yan Ruyu closed his eyes, and his consciousness flew to the market.
First, what came into view was a little girl in light purple. The smile on her face was so familiar to Yan Ruyu. He had seen this face before through the Chaotic Realm on that underground river.
The man sitting on the seat slowly relaxed his furrowed brows. It was really her! His little Ling'er had truly come back.
When he opened his eyes again, Bai Ze leaped to his side.
Yan Ruyu reached out his hand and gently placed it on Bai Ze's head.
"Xiaobai, you're anxious and nervous too, and you can't wait to see her, right?"
Bai Ze nodded.
Yan Ruyu then said, "But we can't rush. Ling'er has her own things to do this time."
He knew Ye Ling's mind. When he was observing just now, he found that little Ling'er was different from before. Maybe he didn't need to act so hastily. Perhaps little Ling'er could bring him a different kind of surprise.
"Xiaobai, go find the person behind this joint competition of disciples. Ask him to arrange my identity. I want to watch her during the competition."
Bai Ze nodded and instantly disappeared in front of Yan Ruyu.
Not long after, the Xie family received a letter with a golden border. The words in the letter were even written in purple - golden ink.
"The Grand Master is coming?"
The Grand Master? As soon as this was said, the impact was like a change of power in the Dongze Great Wilderness.
Xie Yuan was holding the letter in his hand. At this moment, his hand was trembling slightly.
The Grand Master was the most powerful figure in the Chang'an Association of the metropolis, which was in charge of all the alchemists in the Dongze Great Wilderness. Such a big shot was only something the Xie family could hear about in legends. They had never even dreamed of seeing him.
But this letter sent from above couldn't possibly be fake. If the Grand Master came south of the Huai River, with just a wave of his hand, he could destroy a city.
"What does the Grand Master want here in the south of the Huai River?" Xie Yuan stammered as he said this.
"The Grand Master said that he would trouble the Xie family to arrange a seat for him. He just wants to quietly watch the joint competition of disciples. Also, don't tell anyone about the Grand Master's coming."
Xie Yuan knelt down tremblingly and quickly replied, "Yes."
The Grand Master was a figure that even the leaders of the four great families feared. His every word and deed could determine the fate of countless small families like the Xie family.
After the messenger left, Xie Yuan's legs went weak. If it weren't for the family members holding him up from behind, he might have fainted from such a great shock.
"My lord, you have to calm down!"
Xie Yuan looked at his retainers beside him. Their legs were shaking even more violently.
Knowing the severity of this matter, Xie Yuan managed to steady his mind and stand firm. He tried his best to make his voice sound calm.
"Everyone, listen to my order. Today's matter is the biggest secret of our Xie family. Remember, never let it out."
Otherwise, it would be a disaster for the entire south of the Huai River.
"Understood, my lord."
A figure like the Grand Master was feared even by the four great families. For a small family like theirs, they were no more than ants in the eyes of the Grand Master.
"Good. Let's adjourn the meeting for now. Remember to come with me later to welcome the senior alchemist."
The Grand Master didn't say when he would come, but according to the time, it was estimated that he was just passing by and would stop by to watch the new disciples during the joint competition. So the most important thing at present was to welcome the senior alchemist of the fourth - rank.
Xie Yuan felt that the burden on his shoulders had become much heavier. What on earth was going on? What great or immoral things had the south of the Huai River done? The matter of Nan Feng hadn't been resolved yet, and now so many problems were popping up one after another. Each one was more troublesome than the last. And all the people coming were those the Xie family couldn't afford to offend.
At this time, Bai Ze had already returned to the inn.
When Yan Ruyu saw it, he gently asked, "Is it done?"
Bai Ze nodded.
"What identity?"
After hearing Bai Ze's response, there was a hint of helplessness on Yan Ruyu's face.
"Xiaobai, this identity is a bit too ostentatious."
Bai Ze tilted its head.
Yan Ruyu then said, "Since it's already arranged, there's no need to change it." Otherwise, a small Xie family might be tortured to death by this order.
"Xiaobai, we'll be able to see her soon. Are you nervous?"
Bai Ze obediently lay on the ground.
Yan Ruyu looked at the horizon. He silently thought in his heart that it had been a long time since he last saw that little girl. She was the only one in the past thousand years who had ever stirred his heart.
He had thought that she had disappeared forever. Fortunately, God had shown mercy, and she had come back. The new her would surely become even stronger.
In this life, he, Yan Ruyu, would surely protect her well.
Bai Ze knew that its master was in a good mood, so it transformed into a small spiritual beast and lay in Yan Ruyu's arms.
Its master was the most powerful man in this otherworld. The thousand - year imperial teacher, with a mysterious identity and a strange origin. He had been lonely for more than a thousand years. Now, finally, there could be someone to accompany him.
One person and one beast had been lonely for a very long time.