A childish, delighted cry sounded behind Yan Jiaojiao, interrupting her thoughts.
Yan Jiaojiao turned her head and saw a small figure rushing towards her, pouncing into her arms like a little cannonball.
Dongfang Xu tilted his delicate little face up at Yan Jiaojiao, grinning, "Jiejie, I missed you so much. You're finally back."
The child's warm smile gradually warmed Yan Jiaojiao's heart. She casually put down the black dog and picked up Dongfang Xu instead, "Yes, I promised I would come back. Have you been good these past few days, Xu'er?"
The little black dog immediately took offense and bit Yan Jiaojiao's skirt, wishing she could pull her down, but it didn't exert any force.
Yan Jiaojiao remained unaffected, holding Dongfang Xu and playfully teasing him, making him giggle with laughter.
Rong'er also caught up and was naturally delighted to see Yan Jiaojiao. She said, "Miss, why have you come here? Is everything alright?"
Yan Jiaojiao smiled, "You don't need to call me Miss anymore. I've severed ties with Yan Zhengfeng and am no longer the eldest daughter of the Yan family."
Dongfang Xu didn't quite understand, but Rong'er was taken aback, staring at Yan Jiaojiao blankly, "Is, is this true?"
Yan Jiaojiao nodded, "I said it today in front of the Yan family patriarch, and Yan Zhengfeng agreed."
Rong'er was silent for a moment, recalling all the unhappiness at the Yan family. She finally breathed a sigh of relief, "It's good not to have that title. The Yan family treated Miss poorly." Then, she smiled at Yan Jiaojiao, "However, Miss will always be my Miss, regardless of the Yan family."
Yan Jiaojiao's heart grew warmer. Rong'er was the first person to show her genuine kindness after arriving on the Wujiang Continent and had always stood by her unconditionally. How could Yan Jiaojiao treat her unfairly?
So, Yan Jiaojiao took out a gold ingot from her spiritual jade space, "Rong'er, this is enough to buy your freedom from the Yan family. With the remaining money, you can start a small business or find someone good to marry. In any case, you won't have to be subservient to anyone anymore."
"Miss, I can't accept this," Rong'er waved her hands repeatedly. She had never seen such a large gold ingot in her life; it would be too hot to handle if she accepted it.
Yan Jiaojiao insisted on putting it in her hand and persuaded her, "Do you want to go back to the Yan family? You are my personal maid. Now that I've offended the Yan family, if you go back, they will surely vent their anger on you. What if they torment you to death? What about your brother? He only has you as blood kin."
Rong'er, who had been resisting, had no choice but to accept the gold ingot. She then knelt before Yan Jiaojiao with a "plop," kowtowing and saying loudly, "Thank you, Miss, for your great kindness. Rong'er will surely repay your favor by working like a horse and an ox from now on."
Yan Jiaojiao tried to help her up, but Rong'er was determined to finish her words before standing up.
Dongfang Xu, always intelligent, had understood the conversation by then. He took Rong'er's hand and asked Yan Jiaojiao expectantly and happily, "Jiejie, does that mean the three of us don't have to go back to the Yan family anymore?"
"Yes, we don't have to go back to the Yan family," Yan Jiaojiao replied affirmatively.
"That's great! Rong'er Jiejie, hurry and buy your freedom!" Dongfang Xu immediately cheered and pulled Rong'er, wanting to leave.
Rong'er stumbled along, pulled by him, exclaiming, "Slow down."
Yan Jiaojiao watched them with a smile from behind, slowly leading the little black dog into the afterglow.
At this moment, everything seemed impossibly beautiful.
Zhao Family Village was not large, and they soon arrived at Zhao Qi's home.
Learning that Yan Jiaojiao wanted to stay for a few days, Zhao Qi naturally welcomed her. Upon hearing that Yan Jiaojiao intended to buy Rong'er's freedom, Zhao Qi was even more grateful. The dinner that night was prepared with utmost care.
Yan Jiaojiao finally had her first truly satisfying dinner.
When one's stomach is full and the mood is relaxed, Yan Jiaojiao, after settling Dongfang Xu to sleep, walked out into the courtyard alone under the moonlight.
Zhao Qi was a diligent man; the small courtyard was planted with many flowers and trees. The moonlight shone upon them, creating a pleasing sight.
Yan Jiaojiao sat on a recliner made by Zhao Qi, leisurely enjoying the evening breeze. In a daze, she felt as if she had returned to a thousand years ago.
That was during the era of Shengfa in another world. Yan Jiaojiao, as the Supreme Venerable Ancestor of a thousand years, was revered by mortals and feared by all demons, living a life of carefree freedom. Looking back, whether it was before or after the Shengfa era, it was during that period that she lived her happiest life.
That was why she was so eager to return to the Shengfa era. She never expected this Shengfa era to be so different from the one she remembered; the treatment was worlds apart.
It was all the fault of that dog-like Heavenly Dao. She had every reason to suspect it was playing tricks on her...
As Yan Jiaojiao thought more, her consciousness grew hazy. Soon, she actually fell asleep in the comfortable environment, occasionally muttering curses at the Heavenly Dao in her sleep.
A tall, dark figure appeared at this moment. Dongfang Cangwu was perched on a branch, looking down at the sleeping Yan Jiaojiao beneath the tree. Something in his heart felt a tickle.
In the blink of an eye, Dongfang Cangwu was standing before her.
Yan Jiaojiao seemed to have a fragrance about her. As the evening breeze blew, Dongfang Cangwu felt surrounded by that alluring scent, prompting him to reach out and caress her neck. Her skin was fair and smooth, making him unable to resist.
Yan Jiaojiao seemed to be tickled and couldn't help but let out a soft moan in her sleep.
Her voice was melodious and carried the naive charm of a young girl, trembling and stirring one's heartstrings.
Dongfang Cangwu, unaware of when it happened, had already placed his lips on her neck. He bit down gently, and the sweet blood slid into his mouth. A surge of power instantly flowed into Dongfang Cangwu's body, making him feel utterly refreshed.
When Yan Jiaojiao stirred slightly in discomfort, Dongfang Cangwu reluctantly let go of her. He extended his tender tongue and licked the wound, which began to heal at a visible speed.
Dongfang Cangwu stood up, waved his hand, and his figure disappeared. Simultaneously, a cloak descended from nowhere, perfectly covering Yan Jiaojiao. She curled up contentedly, burying herself deeper...
The next day, Yan Jiaojiao woke up in the courtyard. The moment she got up, the cloak on her body vanished. Only the little black dog lay beside her, its round eyes open.
Yan Jiaojiao didn't think much of it. After instructing Zhao Qi to take leave and accompany Rong'er to the Yan family to buy her freedom, she stayed home with Dongfang Xu.
Yan Jiaojiao originally intended to test Dongfang Xu's basic skills that he had been practicing for the past few days. However, unexpectedly, Sheng Mobai's figure appeared at the courtyard entrance.
Sheng Mobai looked somewhat disheveled today, still wearing yesterday's clothes. As soon as he saw Yan Jiaojiao, he wore a look of seeking reward and said, "Jiaojiao, I stayed up all night for you. You must reward me!"