Yuan Mingzhen's direct question left Tao Qian in a state of confusion.
He knew that the connection between Ancestral Divine Treasures and Human Dao Fortune was close, each resonating with the other.
However, the guidance was often vague, consisting of methods to obtain treasures and certain requirements. Only someone at Tao Qian's level could learn more.
But after another thought, considering the relationship between Yuan Mingzhen and Senior Sister Lingji, although not a split manifestation, she should possess some special talents that allowed her to perceive messages related to her, which wasn't particularly strange.
While pondering, Tao Qian shook his head and responded to Yuan Mingzhen,
"How can there be so many 'what ifs' in such matters?"
"Moreover, based on my limited understanding of Senior Sister Lingji, even if it were her sitting in the Phoenix Chariot that day, it wouldn't be my place to choose; she has her own methods to deal with such difficulties."
"What I do know is that Yuann Daoist also has ways, that day I saw your Heavenly Phoenix Destiny stirring without danger, your fortune soaring to the heavens. And I was being pursued by the Alchemist old monster Li Wanshou at the time; this is why I did not reveal myself to meet with you, I hope Daoist doesn't take it to heart."
"I've also heard some news about you since then, especially your meritorious work in managing the disaster in the Imperial City, which I deeply admire."
"Not long ago, my Divine Soul traveled and sensed some connection with the Spring and Autumn Chariot and learned that you were trapped at the old site of Han Mountain Temple, so I came to your aid."
Tao Qian's explanation was thorough.
He didn't usually like to be so verbose, but noticing that something was off with Yuan Mingzhen before him, he said a few extra words.
His kindness was apparent to Yunrong, as it was to Yuan Mingzhen.
The latter, snuggled in Tao Qian's embrace, curled her lips slightly, her plump plum-blossom-like paws gently nudging her husband as she muttered to herself, "My good little brother seems honest and simple, but his words are so sweet, no wonder he can attract so many aunts and sisters."
The latter, upon hearing these words, indeed showed a slight relaxation in his peculiar expression.
But he did not engage in further conversation with Tao Qian, instead he candidly said,
"Mingzhen recently met Yunhua Immortal from the Spirit Treasure Sect, the immortal treated me very well and even gifted me a set of Array Flags to protect my life before leaving."
"Sadly, I disappointed the immortal by revealing that I am not a remnant manifestation of the Lingji Fairy, but merely a few strands of her hair combined with some strange and rare methods, resulting in this monster that was forcefully conceived."
"True Master, you've been seeking the Lingji Fairy's whereabouts as well, but this time, I'm afraid you will be disappointed as well."
Upon hearing these words from Yuan Mingzhen, Tao Qian recalled the disgusting scenes he had seen in his dream, as well as the sight of Yuan Mingzhen standing in front of the throne, adamantly refusing to sit.
Suddenly, he had some guesses in his heart.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Who would have thought that I, Tao Da, would also have a day to be a compassionate big brother."
Settling his thoughts, Tao Qian then continued,
"I've long been aware of this matter; my mentor has already made it clear to me."
"Yuann Daoist need not belittle yourself. I am determined to lend a hand, and not one of the reasons is because of Senior Sister Lingji."
"In fact, when I became aware of Yuann Daoist's plight and thus stepped into Qiantang, I wasn't yet aware of the connection between you and my Senior Sister Lingji."
"I wanted to set Yuann Daoist free because of the virtue you showed in the Imperial City."
"In the Northern Land Provinces, everywhere are Evil Demons and Heretics, warlord beasts. Beings like Yuann Daoist are sadly few, so if there's even a sliver of possibility, I would not stand idly by and watch you be harmed by that group of demons monks and warlords."
"Having the Spring and Autumn Chariot, you should know whether what Tao says is true or false."
"Mingzhen knows."
Unexpectedly, Yuan Mingzhen did not dwell on the matter.
She simply nodded and then began stepping down from the high platform.
This place was actually Yuan Mingzhen's dreamscape, naturally, everything was subject to her thoughts.
As she walked away, the shapes of the civilian and military officials, the Xie Family, Guanyin Temple, and the large family clans, along with the Imperial Palace and throne, all vanished without a trace, including the lavish robes of the Empress that adorned Yuan Mingzhen's body.
What replaced them were the many scenes brimming with the atmosphere of city life – streets, shops, morning markets, stalls, townspeople, city walls, rivers, willows – as if a slow-scrolling ink painting was unfolding, encompassing the entire bustling Imperial City.
As Tao Qian, Yunrong, and Yuan Mingzhen found themselves in it, the painting immediately became colored, remarkably vivid.
It was as if it were not a dream, but reality.
Tao Qian could hear the calls of street vendors, the dust flying, the aroma of snacks, the rich scent of human life.
"This Heavenly Track Secret Skill of Zheng Yin Daoist is extraordinary."
"Mingzhen had originally thought I would never return to the Imperial City, never taste these delicious foods again."
While speaking, Tao Qian, holding Yunrong, unconsciously followed Yuan Mingzhen and sat down in a small eatery at the corner of the street.
Quirky aromas wafted over, and as he turned his head, he saw the last Empress of the Longevity Heavenly Dynasty, who, unknown to him, had changed her attire.
Coarse clothes, big braids, rosy cheeks on her face.
Despite still possessing extraordinary beauty, who could see in this one image the decisive and wise Empress?
Most would likely assume she was just a pretty village maiden.
Dual personalities!
The origin of the Heart Soul?
Only at this moment did Tao Qian remember: Yuan Mingzhen was, in fact, not as old as his original self.
A girl who was supposed to be naive!
How many complex reasons must have precipitated to place her on that throne, to become an Empress who could intimidate the world?
But now, this earthy and pretty maiden, with no trace of stern coldness on her face, brought bowls of food with a bright smile.
One bowl contained mushy pig offal, and the other a slightly murky drink that seemed like swill. Both were steamy, emitting a fragrant stench that, like some sort of magic, burrowed into Tao Qian's nose and pulled him, in a flicker, from his exile as an immortal, down into the mortal realm.