The following days saw Gu Qianying and Su Cheng, along with the third person, living with Lu Zhu, visiting and exploring the entire Wu Clan tribe.
After familiarizing themselves with the local customs and traditions, Gu Qianying and the other two decided to leave.
"Lu Zhu, now that you have safely returned to the Wu tribe, you must bear your responsibilities and be a good Saintess. It is time for us to leave now."
"Are you leaving so soon? I'll miss you," Lu Zhu's voice was tinged with emotion.
"I'll miss you too, but all good things must come to an end. We each have our own responsibilities and cannot be swayed by emotions."
"I understand, but you must promise me one thing: before you leave, I want to prepare a farewell banquet for you."
Gu Qianying smiled knowingly, "Of course, I'll be counting on your hospitality."
The banquet was filled with guests.
The tables were laden with various delicacies, including boiled chicken, roast duck, cilantro-marinated beef tripe, peanuts, cold-mixed fungus, shredded potatoes, and all sorts of fine wines.
Even before entering the banquet hall, guests could smell the rich aroma of wine.
"Please, have a seat."
Lu Zhu enthusiastically pulled out chairs for Gu Qianying and Su Cheng, and the three of them were seated at the very center of the banquet.
At the same time, Lu Zhu stood up, holding a wine cup, and addressed the people of the entire Wu Clan tribe: "Friends, tonight I have specially organized this farewell banquet for my savior, Divine Doctor Gu. Let us all raise our glasses to her and wish her a safe journey."
The people of the Wu Clan tribe, knowing that Gu Qianying was also their savior, raised their wine cups and stood up.
"We wish Divine Doctor Gu a safe journey."
Gu Qianying had no choice but to pick up her wine cup and stand up, "Thank you all. I also hope everyone can eat, drink, and have a good time tonight. I'll drink this glass."
Immediately, the entire banquet erupted in cheers.
After sitting down again, Lu Zhu deliberately sat next to Gu Qianying, separating Su Cheng and Xiao Yihao from Gu Qianying.
However, Su Cheng understood that Lu Zhu was doing this because she had many private matters to discuss with Gu Qianying in detail. Therefore, he had no objection to her actions, as there would be plenty of opportunities to sit with Gu Qianying later.
"You two chat well. This little rascal Xiao Yihao is too picky about food; I need to impress upon him to eat more nutritious food."
"How do you find the wine from our Wu tribe? Does it smell good?" Lu Zhu asked Gu Qianying with a sincere expression.
Gu Qianying nodded with satisfaction, "If I were to say this is one of the best wines I have ever tasted in my life, it would not be an exaggeration. To be able to brew such fine wine, your role as Saintess must have been instrumental."
However, Lu Zhu could only manage a wry smile, "Then, between brewing fine wine and being the Saintess of the Wu tribe, which do you think is easier?"
"What's wrong? Lu Zhu, are you unhappy being the Saintess?"
A complex expression flickered across Lu Zhu's face, "How should I put it? The people of this tribe are very warm and simple. They respect me greatly, and my status is high. But it seems I have lost many things, things that I can't seem to find again. This is probably a case of 'you can't have your cake and eat it too'."
After speaking, Lu Zhu downed the full cup of wine in front of her. A blush appeared on her fair complexion.
Bathed in the moonlight and candlelight, she looked like a celestial maiden descended to earth. However, she lacked the ethereal grace and freedom of a celestial maiden; instead, there was only bitterness.
Gu Qianying understood that the woman before her had changed a lot compared to her former maid. She had gained a sense of hardship and maturity but lost her liveliness and innocence.
"Lu Zhu, have you ever thought about going back to the past?" Gu Qianying asked boldly after a moment of thought.
"Going back to the past? Is that even possible?"
Faced with Lu Zhu's question, Gu Qianying couldn't help but scold herself inwardly. How could she have had such a thought? Since Lu Zhu was no longer her maid, she had her own life, and no one else had the right to interfere.
"Never mind, Lu Zhu. Just consider what I said as nonsense. Let this drink be my apology to you."
After a few drinks, both Gu Qianying and Lu Zhu were slightly tipsy.
Su Cheng had to help them to a resting place, and before long, both Gu Qianying and Lu Zhu had fallen asleep.
The next morning, Su Cheng woke up early, packed their belongings, and prepared to set off with Xiao Yihao and Gu Qianying.
"Lu Zhu, take good care of yourself. We will see each other often in the future if we have the chance."
Gu Qianying bid her final farewell to Lu Zhu.
"You too, take care on your journey."
Gu Qianying and Lu Zhu held each other's hands tightly and looked at each other for a long time. Then, Gu Qianying, without looking back, mounted her horse with Su Cheng and Xiao Yihao and quickly disappeared from Lu Zhu's sight.
Watching Gu Qianying's receding back, Lu Zhu clenched her fists and made a sudden decision.
The journey was pleasant, with clear skies and a smooth road. The air was fresh, and the surrounding flowers and plants exuded a faint fragrance.
Gu Qianying and Su Cheng unconsciously slowed their horses.
"Giddy up!"
Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed from behind. Gu Qianying looked back, a look of surprise in her eyes.
Although they were some distance apart, Gu Qianying recognized the person on horseback as Lu Zhu at a glance.
"That's great. Fortunately, you didn't go too far; I finally caught up with you."
"Lu Zhu, what is this?"
Although happy to see Lu Zhu, Gu Qianying was still filled with confusion.
"Miss, I want to go with you."
"What do you mean, 'go with us'? If you leave, what will happen to your Wu tribe?"
"I am no longer the Saintess of the Wu tribe. I am just an ordinary commoner. You don't dislike me, do you?"
"What? You mean you're not going to be the Saintess anymore?"
Lu Zhu nodded. "Actually, I wasn't truly drunk last night; I was just a bit dizzy. Lying in bed, I thought a lot. I'm not happy here at all. Moreover, the Wu tribe can survive without me, especially since I've found a more suitable successor."
Understanding that Lu Zhu had made arrangements for the Wu tribe, Gu Qianying happily took Lu Zhu's hand. "Since this is a decision you've made after a night of thought, I believe it