Perhaps, in the eyes of others, Zhao Shuning stands on a pedestal, a paragon that many cultivators can hardly reach.
But in the hearts of Lin Min'er and Zhao Zheng, they would rather their daughter not be so successful, not be so filial, not be so responsible. She always says she is not a kind - hearted and passionate person. However, every single thing she has done is far from evil.
When facing the masses, she would grumble about them, yet never give up on them.
"Child, if you're tired, remember to come back. No matter what decision you make, your father and I will always be on your side."
"I know."
"Shuning, you know that your father is not good at expressing his feelings. But he loves you even more than you can imagine. Over the years, others have only seen my sorrow, and I've been drowning in my grief of losing you. I never considered others' feelings, especially your father's.
"Actually, I know that when I lie awake at night, unable to fall asleep, your father is also wide - eyed. He just hides his emotions for my sake. He's endured the most hardships these years."
Zhao Shuning replied gravely, "Mother, I'm aware of all this."
"You left home when you were young, and we didn't give you enough love. Many times, your father would regret agreeing to send you to the Misty Rain Tower. One wrong step leads to a series of mistakes."
"It's okay, mother."
Zhao Shuning stood up. Lin Min'er looked at her and composed herself. She was always so sentimental. Having finally met her daughter, she had so much to say.
"Mother, father will be fine."
He would surely be okay. Zhao Shuning guessed that her mother must have heard about her father's illness. She had prepared for the worst. Her father might never be able to tell his daughter he loved her again. That's why Lin Min'er said these touching words on his behalf.
"Yeah."
Lin Min'er lowered her head and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. When she looked up again, her face was full of a kind smile. Looking at her daughter in front of her, with a beautiful face that would surely be stunning if groomed, she slowly reached out her hand and gently hugged Zhao Shuning.
"Come back safely."
"Okay."
With her father in such a state, Lu Tianshi and Yang Hun had already received their due punishments. But their arrogance stemmed from having a powerful backer. Her father was now lying in bed, and no one knew if his life was coming to an end. She decided to make a move on the "big cake" that was Cangwu Country.
After a busy day, Zhao Shuning finally had time to rest. In a daze, she seemed to hear noises outside. It sounded like Luo Qiu's voice, but it was blocked by someone else.
"The young lady is resting." It was Gu Hanxun.
Was he still awake? He was actually guarding outside her room.
After that, Zhao Shuning felt her eyelids were too heavy and fell into a deep sleep.
Early the next morning, Zhao Shuning stretched and sat up in bed. After a simple grooming, she remembered an important thing. She had planned to report Gu Hanxun's matter to Bu Ran last night, but she had talked to her mother too late. Then things got busy, and she completely forgot.
Zhao Shuning quickly concentrated her spiritual power. As soon as the image was sent out, within a short while, Yan Ruyu's figure appeared. As expected of her master, no matter what he wore, he always exuded an otherworldly aura. Even with his white hair, he looked like a celestial being. He was just too beautiful.
Bu Ran seemed to be speaking. Zhao Shuning stared at him intently, and a look of fascination gradually appeared in her eyes. It was not until he coughed softly that Zhao Shuning came back to her senses. She had been indulging in Bu Ran's good looks again.
"Ning'er, what's wrong?"
Zhao Shuning straightened her body, as if trying to gather some courage.
"Ning'er? Did something happen?"
Zhao Shuning said, "I met an old acquaintance."
Yan Ruyu showed a puzzled look, gesturing for Zhao Shuning to continue.
"It's, it's Gu Hanxun—"
As soon as the name Gu Hanxun came out, a look of surprise flashed across Yan Ruyu's face. He was very familiar with this name. Hundreds of years ago, Gu Hanxun was the first man who made him extremely jealous. Although Ning'er was just pretending to be with Gu Hanxun for Ye Feng's sake at that time, Yan Ruyu still felt uncomfortable.
Seeing Bu Ran's expression, Zhao Shuning shrank her shoulders. She was most afraid of making Bu Ran angry.
"And then?"
Zhao Shuning told Yan Ruyu everything that had happened in Jiangning in great detail. After listening, Yan Ruyu frowned even deeper.
"Why didn't you tell me all these things? How are father and mother?"
"Huh?"
Zhao Shuning quickly realized that Bu Ran was referring to her own parents. Since they were engaged, such a way of addressing was normal. She just wasn't used to it at first.
"They're okay. It's just that my father is in danger."
"I'll ask Bai Ze to send a medicinal herb to your place later. It's Wu Chuanzi. Let your father take it. It can prevent any unexpected situations in the later stage."
Zhao Shuning nodded and then looked at Bu Ran cautiously.
Yan Ruyu said, "What about you, Ning'er? Are you injured?"
"Of course not. Those people are no match for me."
Yan Ruyu added, "Gu Hanxun voluntarily let you plant your spiritual power in him?"
Zhao Shuning nodded again. Yan Ruyu felt a bit uncomfortable. If that was the case, it seemed that Gu Hanxun's feelings for Ning'er were special. A ninth - rank mid - level alchemist doing such a thing was unheard of in hundreds of years. Moreover, Gu Hanxun was also a dual - cultivation practitioner. His abilities were more than enough to become a sect saint.
"Ning'er—"
His tone softened a bit, and he continued, "Gu Hanxun is right. If you take him to the Eastern Continent, it will be much more convenient."
"But—will Bu Ran be unhappy?"
Hearing Zhao Shuning say this, Yan Ruyu felt much better. He smiled and said, "I'm fine. He's an alchemist, and his willingness to let you plant your spiritual power in him shows his recognition of you. I trust you, Ning'er. If he can protect you in a critical moment, I won't be so petty as to reject someone who can help you so much."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Zhao Shuning finally felt relieved.
"That's good. Don't worry. Gu Hanxun and I will behave ourselves. My heart is filled with only you, Bu Ran."
Yan Ruyu gave a charming smile, looking truly magnificent.