Hearing Ling Jin's words, Ling Xuan and Ling Yan were both surprised.
If the barriers between countries were broken, wouldn't that make it easier for the superior countries to invade them!
The Emperor would never agree!
"Luo'er, do you know the consequences of what you're doing?"
"Little Uncle, I've thought it through. The teleportation array built within the city is for domestic use within Tianwu. If people from other countries want to come, they will have to use the teleportation array outside the city."
"Luo'er, you've also built a teleportation array outside the city?!"
"Not yet. I've only built six locations so far, these six shops. The ones outside the city will take time."
"Luo'er, have you discussed this with the Emperor?"
"I told the Emperor I wanted to establish a teleportation network within Tianwu, and he agreed."
"It's good that the Emperor agreed. But did you discuss the matter of breaking down the barriers between countries with him?"
"Not yet. However, even if we were to do it, it would have to wait until everything within Tianwu is completed before we can expand outwards."
"Then what can these six shops of yours do?"
"Third Uncle, I haven't finished setting everything up yet, which is why I called you here. I need your help."
"Help with what? What can we do?"
"The six shops within the city can already teleport to each other. However, I will be leaving tomorrow for at least a month, and I won't have time during this period. So, I was hoping my uncles could purchase shops in other cities within Tianwu and set them up just like these."
"Luo'er, since the Emperor has agreed, then we agree as well."
"Then I'll trouble my uncles. The teleportation arrays are under the Ling family's name, so in the future, when family members enter the small world in front of outsiders, it won't arouse suspicion."
"Luo'er, you're thinking of this too!"
"Yes. Teleportation arrays are very precious items. If Ling family members enter the small world in front of outsiders, people will naturally assume they used a teleportation array, which could easily incite greed. If there are too many teleportation arrays in the outside world, then the danger to the Ling family will be greatly reduced."
That's right. If there were too few teleportation arrays in the outside world, and a family member were to be accidentally exposed, they would be in great danger trying to protect the array. If there were many teleportation arrays in the outside world, then even if a family member was exposed, it would only be assumed they used a teleportation array to go elsewhere.
Moreover, as the saying goes, rarity breeds value. Once teleportation arrays become common, they won't be as precious.
"Luo'er, you've sacrificed too much for the Ling family."
Hearing Ling Yan's words, Ling Luo Yi felt a little guilty, as her original intentions weren't quite like that.
"So, Third Uncle, Fourth Uncle, Little Uncle, I'm leaving tomorrow. I'll leave these matters to you."
"Alright. Luo'er, Third Uncle will definitely do a good job, so you won't have any worries."
"Thank you, Third Uncle."
"Third Brother, what about me?" Ling Yan's dissatisfied voice rang out.
"Fourth Brother, how old are you now?"
"Third Brother, how much older are you than me!"
As the brothers bickered, Ling Luo Yi and Ling Jin watched from the side.
*
At Qing Yin Pavilion, after returning from the new shop, Ling Luo Yi entered a state of cultivation.
In Ling Luo Yi's spiritual world, within a gray courtyard, Ling Luo Yi stared expressionlessly at another version of herself with crimson eyes.
Her red eyes flickered with a strange light as she said, "I thought it was someone else. So it's you. You're truly a rare visitor. I didn't expect you to come looking for me. Don't you remember how you used to flee in embarrassment whenever you saw me? Or have you realized that you need me, and that's why you've come?"
The last sentence was loaded with unspoken meaning.
Ling Luo Yi looked at her, unconcerned by the mockery in her words. Suppressing the disgust and fear in her heart, she calmly said, "I've only come to say one thing. I've decided to try and accept you."
Upon hearing Ling Luo Yi's words, the other Ling Luo Yi burst into laughter as if she had heard a joke.
Ling Luo Yi let her laugh. She herself felt that her words were ridiculous.
After laughing for a moment, she suddenly approached Ling Luo Yi. Ling Luo Yi didn't dodge, meeting her red gaze directly. The disgust in her eyes couldn't be hidden and was seen clearly.
A flicker of loss that Ling Luo Yi couldn't understand crossed the other Ling Luo Yi's eyes. As if to conceal something, she mockingly said, "Are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten who I am? Idiot!"
"My mind is perfectly clear, and I know what I'm saying. No one is forcing me," Ling Luo Yi tried to speak calmly.
Her mockery intensified. "Then you still dare to say that to me! Since you know what you're saying, you also know that I am the past you least want to face, the self you most dislike, the self you hate the most! How many years have you hated me, and now you say you want to accept me!"
Ling Luo Yi sighed deeply and said, "You understand me best. When I decide to do something, no matter how difficult, I will achieve it. Perhaps not now, but I have plenty of patience. Don't forget, I have a very long future ahead of me. We can take our time."
After saying this, Ling Luo Yi turned to leave. The moment she stepped out of the gray courtyard, she sealed the courtyard's door.
Because the door was sealed, Ling Luo Yi didn't hear the words the other Ling Luo Yi spoke.
Ling Luo Yi opened her eyes, exhaled a breath of turbid air, and looked at the bright sky, her mood also clearing up.
It was difficult to accept a self one disliked, but she knew she could do it, she definitely could!
Definitely!
Seeing Ling Luo Yi return to her usual self, Gu Yun Cheng jumped to her side, carefully tugged at her clothes, and asked, "Luo Luo, are you feeling better?"
Seeing Gu Yun Cheng's cautiousness, as if afraid of angering her, a pang of heartache went through Ling Luo Yi. She scooped him up and said happily, "A Su, I'm fine now. I'm sorry for being rude to you these past few days."
Gu Yun Cheng was stunned by the hug. What was going on? He woke up this morning and she was ignoring him, but after just a short period of meditation, her mood had changed again? Did girls' tempers change that quickly?
Even so...
"Luo Luo, did I say something wrong yesterday, which made you unhappy?" Gu Yun Cheng asked cautiously.
Looking at his careful demeanor, afraid he might say something wrong again, Ling Luo Yi's mind suddenly flashed back to when she first met him. He was so arrogant, so aloof and proud, so majestic and imposing, so detached from the mortal world. Now, looking at this little fox filled with guilt and fear, Ling Luo Yi couldn't imagine these two people being the same person.
Ling Luo Yi kissed him and said, "A Su, I'm sorry for making you worry."
"Luo Luo?"
"Don't worry, A Su, I'll get better soon. When I do, I'll tell you everything you want to know."
Gu Yun Cheng was a little anxious, fearing she was forcing herself. He said, "Luo Luo, I don't necessarily need to know your secrets. I don't want you to be unhappy! If telling me makes you unhappy, then..."
"A Su, I know, I understand, I know it all. I'll tell you when I'm willing. So, you don't need to be so cautious. Besides, I'm not that prone to losing my temper, am I?"
"Luo Luo."
"Alright, let's stop this."
They both heard steady footsteps ascending the stairs and stopped in unspoken understanding.
Ling Luo Yi identified the footsteps. It was Grandpa!
Ling Luo Yi opened the door and saw Ling Hua Yu walking towards her.
Upon seeing her, Ling Hua Yu's face lit up with joy. He said, "Luo'er, you're here. Grandpa has something to tell you."