In the Eastern Continent.
This year.
It was extremely bustling.
That sacred mountain.
Now it had become a prosperous scenic spot in the Eastern Continent.
Regarding the events back then, although the senior practitioners who had participated kept silent, considering that tens of thousands of practitioners had gathered on the sacred mountain at that time, it was hard for anyone to believe that nothing significant had happened.
That was exactly the reason.
All kinds of rumors spread across the Nine - Continent Continent, adding a touch of mystery to the sacred mountain in the Eastern Continent.
Many junior practitioners.
Even if it was just for the legendary allure, would visit the sacred mountain in the Eastern Continent several times.
In the early morning.
A mighty procession had already entered the mountain.
From the mountaintop to the foot of the mountain.
Pedestrians could be seen everywhere.
Some of them looked haggard and sad.
Some were full of interest and excitement.
Some had come specifically to participate in the memorial ceremony.
Some had come specifically to witness this unprecedented grand occasion.
Many people had come.
There were quite a few well - known figures among them.
However.
When going up the sacred mountain to pay their respects, many leaders from the Nine Continents had all unconsciously made way.
At the head of the procession.
It was just a large family from the Eastern Wilderness.
A cursory glance.
Although the family was powerful, not many people recognized them. However, since so many big shots had made way for them, it was likely that they had a certain background.
Old Mr. Zhao walked at the front, supported by two of his grandsons.
Right behind him was Zhao Zheng, who had a lame leg and was supported by Lin Min'er.
After them.
Were Zhao Shuning's uncles.
Next.
Were Zhao Xiangxiang, Xie Yu and the others.
Finally.
Were the descendants.
In just over twenty years.
The power and population of the Zhao family had developed so greatly.
In the past.
That cute little girl had grown up into a beautiful young woman.
She followed behind Yan Ran.
Telling her younger brothers and sisters some stories about what had happened to Zhao Shuning in the Yunmeng Marsh. Seeing the look of yearning on the faces of her younger siblings, a proud smile appeared on her face.
Counting it up.
Among their generation.
Lian Jie was probably the only one who had ever met this legendary figure of the Zhao family.
Old Mr. Zhao led many descendants.
They arrived under the big tree where Zhao Shuning had died.
Time had passed.
That big tree.
Now it had grown even more lush, with red ribbons for praying hanging all over it. If Zhao Shuning had known that the place where she had lain had become a scenic spot and a place for praying after her death, she would probably have been both amused and annoyed.
After leading the descendants to offer incense to Zhao Shuning.
Zhao Zheng and Lin Min'er had a private conversation with Zhao Shuning.
For fear of being heart - stricken by the sight and triggering unnecessary disputes.
After dealing with those matters.
Old Mr. Zhao led the descendants of the Zhao family down the mountain.
Next.
It was the turn of the big shots from various continents to pay their respects.
They had all brought very interesting gifts.
Not very valuable.
But quite interesting.
For example, Dongfang Yuxi, the king of the Eastern Continent, had brought a little golden fish.
The city lord of the Sea - Swimming City had brought a scroll painting depicting an endless starry sky. Beside the starry sky, several bright constellations revolved around a red star in the middle.
The most solemn one was Xia Rui, the duke of the Sea - Spirit Kingdom.
He had brought some things that seemed to be from ancient times. He placed them solemnly under the tree, muttered something under his breath, and led his grandsons to kowtow.
Those who were close might be able to hear what he was saying.
Descendant Xia Rui and his family have come to visit the ancestor.
But although they heard it.
Many people didn't take it to heart.
They had heard the legend that this big tree was transformed from a fairy. That fairy was extremely beautiful and young, and it was hard to associate her with the title of "ancestor".
The grand occasion.
Didn't end until late at night.
Those practitioners who had come to watch the excitement didn't get to see the spectacle they had been expecting.
They sighed.
And then went down the mountain.
Who had said that? It was possible to see the Millennium Imperial Teacher, Yan Ruyu, here. The founding ancestor was someone that countless practitioners were eager to see.
It was said that the Imperial Venerable was peerlessly handsome.
Holding a jade flute in his hand.
He could control life and death. Whether the world thrived or perished was all in his thought.
These junior practitioners might never reach even one - thousandth of the height of the Imperial Venerable in their entire lives. If they could see the true face of the Imperial Venerable.
Their lives would be fulfilled.
After midnight.
The sacred mountain.
Had returned to tranquility.
After everyone had left.
The whole mountain had become desolate.
A little white beast jumped down from the towering tree.
It was lively in its movements.
After it landed on the ground.
It looked up at the tree.
Then.
It obediently waited on one side.
Not long after.
A man in green robes with gray hair descended from the sky.
His face was as cold as frost.
There was not a trace of expression on his fair and beautiful face.
In his hand.
He was holding a jar of fine wine.
Walking under the big tree.
His expression softened.
" Ning'er, I've come to see you."
Only at this moment.
A rare hint of tenderness would appear on the man's face.
The phoenix had died, Luo Qiusheng had sacrificed himself, Gu Hanxun had entered nirvana, and Mo Bai had died. They were all lucky, for they had all followed Zhao Shuning.
Those who were left behind.
Were the most miserable.
" I've brought some Peach Blossom Drunk. I'll stay with you for a while."
Yan Ruyu slowly sat down.
Facing the big tree directly, his expression was melancholy.
His back.
Was extremely lonely.
" They said that after more than twenty years, some things should be let go."
The man gave a self - mocking smile.
" They also said that the Peach Blossom Drunk brewed by my mother was the best medicine and the best wine in the world. It could make people forget all their troubles."
Yan Ruyu's eyes curved.
It was neither a real smile nor a frown. It seemed as if he wanted to smile at the woman he loved, but also as if there was boundless grief hidden in his heart, preventing him from smiling.
" But why, no matter how much I drink, no matter how much Peach Blossom Drunk goes into my stomach, although my body sways, my mind is still as clear as ever?"
Bai Ze stood quietly on one side.
Alas.
Only on this day, at this moment, would the master talk a bit more.
In a year.
The total number of his words was probably less than what he said on this day.
" My mind is full of your figure. Maybe after another ten years, twenty years, a hundred years, or even forever, you'll always be here."
Yan Ruyu pointed at his head.
Then he placed his hand on his chest.
There.
It ached faintly, as if it was about to tear apart.
How could he forget her?
Every glance and every smile of hers.
Her cuteness, her tenderness, the way she had looked at him timidly, the way she had stretched out her hands like a coquettish girl asking for a hug, and the way she had brazenly said that she wanted to be with him forever.
How could Yan Ruyu forget?
And how could he forget?
Gently stroking every inch of the land where Zhao Shuning had once lain, Yan Ruyu closed his eyes in peace. He curled up his body like a startled hedgehog.
Lying on the grass, he slowly fell asleep.
In his dreams.
It was probably the fastest place for him to see her.