The Saintess of the Qing Yan Sect received news that Zhao Yangzi had returned a few days ago. Her thoughts stirred, and she summoned the messenger. She then presented a visiting card to Madam Zhu, the sect leader of the Chao Tian Immortal Sect.
Zhao Yangzi returned to the sect and handled some trivial matters, feeling mentally and physically exhausted. He dealt with the traitors within the Imperial Guard. Money and power had moved hearts since ancient times. Dark Fang, the leader of the Imperial Guard, went to accept his punishment, feeling he had failed his young master. The news about the Imperial Beast Sect was leaked by one of his Golden Core cultivators, who merely wanted a Spirit Cultivation Pill. Although Zhao Yangzi was not afraid of his good elder brother seizing credit, he could not tolerate betrayal.
Dark Fang received thirty lashes in the Enforcement Hall and was punished for his lack of oversight. He had failed to discover the leak in time and was also removed from his post. As a member of the Imperial Guard, one could only obey and execute the orders of their master. Furthermore, someone had obstructed the delivery of two prime spirit stone mines promised to the Divine Lord. It was no wonder that the Qilin and Chizu, who were escorting supplies from Penglai Immortal Island, had not returned promptly. It seemed the people within the sect were too greedy.
Thinking of how someone had once stolen from the Divine Lord and was later beaten to his doorstep, only to be stripped clean by the Divine Lord... Zhao Yangzi's lips curved upwards at the thought.
"Young Master, the Sect Leader's wife requests your presence!" a servant's voice came from outside.
Zhao Yangzi rubbed his temples. He had been negligent. He should have paid respects to his mother first upon his return.
Upon arriving at Lan Xi Garden, the maidservants at the entrance hurried to announce Young Master Yang's arrival. Zhao Yangzi casually followed the maidservant, making no attempt to stop her. Before reaching the entrance, he heard his mother's hearty laughter from within. Zhao Yangzi couldn't help but smile, realizing his mother was in good spirits.
The Saintess of the Qing Yan Sect, Yu Yao, had already sensed footsteps at the courtyard gate and knew her Yang Gege had arrived. She happily continued to banter with Madam Zhu. Everyone knew that the two sect princes of the Chao Tian Immortal Sect were most filial to the Sect Leader's wife.
From the moment Zhao Yangzi stepped into the courtyard, Yu Yao's eyes never left him. He wore a moon-white robe with a jade crown and a light gold belt at his waist. He was handsome and noble, truly a noble young master from the immortal realm, like jade among the people.
Madam Zhu looked at the Saintess and smiled knowingly.
"Your son pays his respects to Mother. Please forgive me, Mother, for not returning to visit you immediately." Zhao Yangzi bowed to his mother.
"No blame, no blame. Yang'er is busy with official duties, your mother understands." Madam Zhu, having not seen her son for a long time, quickly got up to help Zhao Yangzi. How could she not know that before Zhao Yangzi had even finished a cup of hot tea upon his return, he went to handle the case of stolen spiritual fruits? It was said to be the Qilin's fault, and it was only resolved after Yang'er brought many rare spiritual plants and herbs.
"Yu Yao greets Yang Gege. Did you encounter any danger on your journey? Winter has arrived, and snow beasts are active. It must have been arduous and perilous!" Yu Yao's concern was evident.
Madam Zhu quickly looked him up and down. She then cast a satisfied glance at Yu Yao and voiced the question on her mind. Ordinarily, her sons would never mention any danger or injuries they sustained while out. But as a mother, how could she not want to know every detail about her son?
Zhao Yangzi was helpless and glanced at Yu Yao. From childhood to adulthood, it was no wonder his mother favored her. Seeing the silent communication between his mother and Yu Yao, he knew he couldn't avoid it. He had intentionally delayed visiting his mother, wanting to wait until his injuries healed so she wouldn't notice. Since giving birth to him and his younger brother, his mother's health had always been delicate. Countless spiritual pills and herbs had been ineffective. Although he had recovered his memories from his previous life, his mother in this life loved him and his second brother dearly. How could he betray such profound maternal love?
Zhao Yangzi's mind raced. He thought of the Divine Lord's spiritual spring water and decided to try it for his mother.
"Mother, I am fine! How about you? Are you still taking your medicine?"
"It's good that you're fine. While you were away, Yu Yao often came to keep me company, and my health has improved greatly. It's just old ailments; you don't need to worry!"
"Dry mother, this is what I should do." Yu Yao cast a shy glance at Zhao Yangzi.
The mother and son chatted about family matters for a while. Madam Zhu then shifted the conversation to Zhao Yangzi's marriage.
"Now that you're back, get married properly. Yu Yao has been waiting for you for hundreds of years. Before, you said you wouldn't marry until you found the Divine Maiden. Yesterday, your father happily told me that those spiritual grasses and plants came from Penglai Immortal Island. With Penglai Immortal Island appearing, the Heavenly Divine Maiden is revealed!"
Madam Zhu was never a woman content with staying in the inner chambers. She had her ways of knowing some of the secret matters of the Chao Tian Sect. She had a hand in instigating the matters of the Imperial Beast Sect because Zhao Yangzi had pursued a female immortal surnamed Ye and was unwilling to return to the sect. Madam Zhu became suspicious. She knew her elder son had never shown favor to female immortals, so why would he chase after someone? This would not do; her daughter-in-law could only be Yu Yao, whom she had watched grow up and knew thoroughly! Yu Yao was also the Saintess of the Qing Yan Sect. A marriage alliance between the two sects would be a perfect match of equal standing! As for an unknown little immortal, it was best to forget it. Thus, the news was intercepted, and the messenger did not arrive in time, causing a mistake. Yang'er must return to the sect! Fortunately, the outcome was good.
"Mother, we can discuss this matter later." Zhao Yangzi was not interested in marriage.
Madam Zhu quickly glanced at Yu Yao and saw tears falling from her eyes like pearls on a string.
"No, I have already chosen the wedding date, waiting for you to return and get married. Rest assured, once married, you can go wherever you want with Yu Yao. Your missions or responsibilities will not affect your marriage." Madam Zhu's attitude was firm.
Yu Yao was also surprised and delighted to hear her dry mother's words. She had intended to find an opportunity to remind her dry mother today, but little did she know that her dry mother had already set the wedding date. She became shy at this moment, only saying that she would abide by her dry mother's arrangements before running out with a blush. The maidservant Shui Qin also happily followed her. They needed to return to the sect quickly to inform the Sect Leader, so the Chao Tian Sect could propose marriage.
Madam Zhu watched Yu Yao and her maidservant flee with a chuckle. It was understandable that the young lady was bashful and easily embarrassed.
Zhao Yangzi looked at his mother in surprise. The wedding date was set? Why the rush?
"Mother, this matter needs long-term consideration. Has the Qing Yan Sect discussed it? And the wedding date has been set!" Zhao Yangzi was very surprised by his mother's decision. She was never one to act so hastily. He had always regarded Yu Yao as a sister. Even though they had a verbal engagement made in childhood, he had never taken it seriously. Sometimes, when his mother spoke of it, he had even considered Yu Yao as a potential future sect leader's wife. After all, Yu Yao was capable, came from a good family, and had an excellent character and temperament! But this was before he recovered his memories. Now that the Divine Lord had been found, his mission was not over; it had just begun.
When he was an Immortal Lord, he had never considered romantic relationships, earning him the moniker "Heartless Gentleman" for his merciless rejections of countless fairies. But after meeting Ye Ju in Pearl City, he realized that women could be so vibrant and lively. At that time, Ye Ju was also different from her persona as the Divine Lord. The Divine Lord was aloof and noble, beautiful beyond mortal reach, the leader of the Azure Sky God Army...
"Yang'er, you don't need to worry. Your father and I have already discussed this with the Sect Leader of the Qing Yan Sect." Madam Zhu looked at Zhao Yangzi with affection.
Madam Zhu knew that the Divine Maiden had appeared, and her son would drift further and further away from her. Moreover, she knew that both her sons were among the Seven Star Guards of the Divine Maiden...