Ye Ziling's gaze flickered, and she snapped back to attention. Seeing Mu Heng's struggle, she asked, "I only have a few clothes here, why are you carrying so much stuff?"
Mu Heng pouted, "Don't you care for this gold and silver jewelry? This is from the Heavenly Realm, much more precious than anything in the mortal world. If it's free, why not take it!"
"Also, you really don't want this grand palace?" Mu Heng looked around at the surrounding buildings, his gaze lingering on the gleaming silver palace walls, and muttered with some regret, "In modern times, this would be worth a lot of money... what a shame."
After packing their belongings, the two boarded the Teng ship.
Ye Ziling glanced back, still not seeing the familiar figure.
"Stop looking, we're leaving. Second Young Master is waiting," Mu Heng urged again.
Ye Ziling turned her head, sighed softly, and walked to the stern of the ship to sit.
As the Teng ship sailed away, the radiance of the Heavenly Palace gradually faded from view, receding further and further until it disappeared completely.
Meanwhile, the people in Peach Blossom Valley had prepared dishes and peach blossom wine, ready to raise a toast to celebrate.
They were grateful to the Saintess this time; they didn't know how she broke the formation, but it was good that everyone was safe.
Suddenly, a graceful figure flitted in and took a seat, followed closely by a blue-clad figure carrying a bundle.
"Saintess Sister!"
"Is that the Saintess returning?"
...
Aunt Li, who was busy tending the fire, her eyes lit up, and she quickly went forward to greet them and offer tea.
Shortly after Ye Ziling sat down, a group of children surrounded her, their eyes wide and round.
"Saintess Sister, why didn't Immortal Lord Bai Yu come down with you? I picked a branch of peach blossom, intending to give it to him. He loves these blush-pink things the most."
"Blush-pink?" Ye Ziling looked at the little dumpling in front of her and reached out to pinch his cheek.
To think that the aloof Divine Lord Bai Yu would like pink things. The decorations in his palace were all black or white. So he actually liked pink, and it seemed there was a reason for his fondness for peach blossoms.
"Little sister."
Ye Ziling looked up and saw Ye Jinghuai pushing through the crowd. He examined her from head to toe with a worried expression, asking, "You're returning to the valley this time... and you're not leaving again, right?"
Every time she went out, she came back with injuries. As her elder brother, he really wished he could tie her to his side. Although he couldn't do much, at least he could help tend to her wounds.
"I'll be staying for a few days," Ye Ziling avoided Ye Jinghuai's gaze, lowered her eyes, and pursed her lips.
She knew that once she said this, she would inevitably be lectured. Since she had already accepted it, if she left, no one would probably be able to scold her anymore.
As expected, Ye Jinghuai began to grumble in front of everyone, "Should I tie you down in the valley so you don't run around all day?"
"You're as grown up as you were as a child, shouldering everything yourself."
"If something were to happen to you outside, what would you expect me... what would you expect our clan to do?"
"How could I face the Holy Lord?"
...
Everyone fell silent, and the lively atmosphere suddenly became stiff. Due to the Valley Master's authority, no one dared to retort.
At this moment, Ye Jingxian couldn't stand it anymore. He rushed into the crowd and said sternly, "Alright, alright, stop talking. Ling'er's health is already poor. If it weren't for her saving us, Peach Blossom Valley would truly be gone... Everyone was quite happy, don't spoil the mood."
Mu Heng put down his bundle and before he could catch his breath, Ye Jingxian pulled him by the shoulder and dragged him aside, "Brother Mu, don't you agree?"
Mu Heng waved his hand, "Ah, yes, yes, yes..."
"Exactly, Valley Master Brother is too fierce."
The children on the side chimed in.
With everyone's support, Ye Jinghuai finally relented and said helplessly, "Fine, as long as you're safe."
Aunt Wang brought out the last dish. Seeing a crowd gathered, she quickly said, "What are you all staring at? The food will get cold..." She then beckoned to a boy nearby, "Shanzi, quickly go get a few jars of our best peach blossom wine!"
"Right away!"
Ye Ziling had narrowly escaped trouble and silently breathed a sigh of relief.
Her second brother was finally reliable for once.
This guy, usually quite timid, was surprisingly brave this time.
At the dining table, everyone chatted and drank, the atmosphere harmonious and convivial.
Mu Heng: "Brother Jingxian, I'll toast you!"
Ye Jingxian waved his hand, "I can't drink anymore."
...
After staying in Peach Blossom Valley for a few days, Ye Ziling also prepared to set off. This time, she planned to travel along the route to the Divine Spring in the Demon Capital, dealing with demons and monsters along the way.
This way, everything would be perfect, and she could slay some demonic beasts.
Ye Ziling leaned on the railing, gazing into the distance. Mu Heng, after quickly packing his things, came out and said solemnly, "Let's go, my Palace Mistress."
Ye Ziling frowned in confusion. Seeing him carrying two bundles, she asked, "Aren't you returning to Jiuling Palace?"
Currently, there was no reliable person in Jiuling Palace, so she planned to travel alone and entrust Jiuling Palace to Mu Heng for the time being.
Mu Heng glanced at her and said calmly, "I'm tired of it. I've handled everything at the palace, you can rest assured."
How could Ye Ziling rest assured? Her journey was fraught with peril, and following her would likely mean suffering.
"I told you to go back to the palace, so..."
Before Ye Ziling could finish speaking, Mu Heng had already walked out and waved to the farewell crowd, "Everyone, no need to see us off!"
Ye Ziling had no choice but to follow, bidding farewell to her clan members.
Ye Jinghuai asked Qingfeng beside him to fetch a medicine box and instructed earnestly, "When you go this time, be extra careful."
He then turned and instructed, "Qingfeng, bring the medicine box."
"Yes."
Ye Ziling took the medicine box. Immediately after, everyone else also took out their gifts.
Aunt Li smiled and said, "This is the peach blossom crisp and peach blossom wine made by everyone. Take more with you; it's much tastier than those dry rations on the road."
Just then, Shanzi, leading a few little ones, ran forward.
"Saintess Sister, this is tanghulu!"
"I brought the sugar figures too."
"And pear paste candy!"
...
Ye Ziling smiled gently, "There's too much stuff, I can't carry it all. Keep it for yourselves and don't tire your Brother Mu to death."
Mu Heng got into the carriage and urged Ye Ziling, "Alright, alright, it's not like we're not coming back. After we seal the Divine Spring, you won't be able to get rid of us!"
"Brother, I'll leave the matters of the valley to you," Ye Ziling said, then turned and got into the carriage.
Mu Heng drove the horse-drawn carriage, the wheels rumbling as they gradually moved away from Peach Blossom Valley.
Ye Ziling lifted the curtain and saw the crowd not far away still gazing at the carriage. She sighed softly.
Well, parting was inevitable.
Since there would be opportunities to return, she would stay in the valley even if it meant dying.
Mu Heng whipped the horse and shouted into the carriage, "It's your hard work too, why haven't I seen you be so reluctant to leave Jiuling Palace?"
Indeed, the in-laws were different from one's own family.
Ye Ziling said leisurely, "Between your family and others, which is closer?"
Mu Heng thought about it and felt it made sense. He laughed heartily, "Hey, Ye Ziling, you think after we come back this time, we should expand Jiuling Palace?"
"There's a medicinal category in the Immortal Examination, right? If we bring the Saint Physician clan over, then we can cultivate and take the Immortal Examination together. This not only adds a subject but also allows your clan members to participate in the Immortal Examination. It's a win-win situation!"
After listening to Mu Heng's words, Ye Ziling actually found some sense in them. Anyway, she couldn't manage both sides. Jiuling Palace was currently the top academy in the mortal world, and if a medical category were added, it would be icing on the cake!
"Commander Mu, that's a good idea. I'll promote you when we get back," Ye Ziling praised with a smile.
Mu Heng was not polite at all, leaning out of the carriage and shouting, "Then I want to be the Vice Palace Master!"
"We'll see how you perform," Ye Ziling's words seemed to pour a bucket of cold water on Mu Heng's head, dousing his enthusiasm.
"Ye Ziling, can you not be so stingy!"