Chapter 830: Departure
Two weeks had already passed.
The winds of the outer city plaza were calm, and an ark is floating silently on a stone platform suspended in the skies.
It was one of the many designated Ark Points, reserved for cultivators and nobles venturing beyond the boundaries of the star.
Before the ark Zhao Tian, Rui Lian, Ji Shuang, Yan Zijin, and Wei Ruyin were standing as teh winds fluttered their robes
Rui Guzhi, Long Xuan, Rui Lian’s parents, her grandfather, and the matriarch Rui Yuying were standing opposite to them.
Looking at them, Zhao Tian smiled gently "Then... we are taking our leave."
Rui Guzhi stepped forward with a solemn expression and gave Zhao Tian a low bow, his long hair falling across his shoulder "Thank you, Young Tian... for what you did in the Star. Without you... we might’ve perished in the darkness."
Long Xuan followed suit, bowing respectfully "We are truly grateful."
Seeing the two bow, the rest of the Rui elders followed. Rui Lian’s father and mother and her grandfather all dipped their heads in gratitude.
Zhao Tian looked at them and shook his head softly "There’s no need to bow."
Rui Lian’s mother stepped forward next, smiling warmly at her daughter "We are leaving our precious daughter in your hands, Young Tian. We trust you will take good care of her."
"E-Eh?" Rui Lian’s eyes widened and a faint blush took over her cheeks "M-Mother, what are you saying...?"
Her mother only chuckled "Of course, I meant as a brother and sister... or something more, if the Heavens so will it."
"Mother!" Rui Lian looked utterly flustered, and her face grew crimson.
Zhao Tian gave a helpless, wry smile, "Sure..." he muttered and the corners of his lips twitching slightly.
Long Xuan let out a heartfelt laugh, "Then, let us meet again, should the Heavens allow our paths to cross once more."
Zhao Tian inclined his head "We will. One day."
Just as the mood began to settle, a calm, "Oh, by the way..." Rui Yuying’s voice rang out, drawing everyone’s attention. "I’m also leaving with Zhao Tian."
Everyone froze.
"What? Matriarch too?" Rui Guzhi staunned to hear this.
Even Rui Lian turned her head, "You... you’re coming too?"
Yan Zijin blinked her eyes in surprise ’Her... too?’
She turned to look at Zhao Tian and noticed that he is not surprised ’Seems like he already knows.’
Rui Yuying stepped forward and stopped in front of Rui Guzhi "Yes. From this moment on, the Rui Clan is under your command, Guzhi. As Matriarch, I release my active post and hand the responsibilities to you."
"But... Matriarch, why now?" Rui Guzhi asked in shock.
She turned her gaze toward the horizon, where clouds drifted lazily in the sunlight "I’ve been bound to this star for thousands of years. My roots are deep here, but they’ve also become my chains."
"I think it’s time I see the world again. And I think Zhao Tian will be the rightful companion for my life."
She turned and walked beside him without hesitation while the RUI clan elders looked at each other in confusion.
Rui Guzhi lowered his head slowly, then bowed again, "Then I accept this responsibility, Matriarch. I will protect the Rui Clan with everything I have."
Long Xuan looked at Zhao Tian and smiled "Seems like you attract more than trouble, my friend."
Zhao Tian laughed softly "Trouble follows me even when I don’t want it."
Ji Shuang crossed her arms, watching Rui Yuying quietly ’Interesting. Another powerful woman walking into the storm willingly...’
Yan Zijin glanced at Rui Lian, who was still frozen in a half-blush, half-shocked daze "Come on, Li’er."
Zhao Tian looked at the ark, then at the people gathered before him and spoke "We’ll return someday. Until then... live well."
As the final goodbyes echoed, the ark’s entrance shimmered with light.
One by one, the group stepped aboard, Zhao Tian, Rui Lian, Ji Shuang, Yan Zijin, Wei Ruyin, and Rui Yuying.
The platform beneath the ark hummed and then, whoosh.
With a rush of wind and a blinding flare of light, the ark ascended, leaving the city below as the clouds parted.
...
As the door of the ark slid open, a soft pulse of energy rolled out from within, brushing over everyone like a warm breeze.
Zhao Tian walked inside first and glanced at the women "Make yourselves comfortable. This ark may not be a palace, but it has everything we need."
Rui Lian stepped inside and let out a soft whistle as she looked around the interior, ’Junior Brother’s ark looks... nice. Very nice.’ She stepped further in, her fingers brushing against a table.
Before Zhao Tian could take another step, a soft giggle rang out behind him.
"Tian~ I can finally be with you!" Rui Yuying spoke in a honeyed voice as she leaped gracefully into his arms.
With a chuckle, Zhao Tian caught her effortlessly and wrapped his arms around her waist "Ying’er..."
Huh?
What?!
Rui Lian, who was admiring the table, froze mid-step and turned to them "...M-Matriarch?" she stuttered as she watched Rui Yuying cuddling in Zhao Tian’s arms like a young maiden in love.
Ji Shuang slowly crossed her arms and the corners of her mouth twitched as she let out a soft sigh ’As I thought... he even wooed the Matriarch?’
Yan Zijin choked slightly and coughed. "No way..." she muttered under her breath and her eyes darted between Rui Yuying’s face and Zhao Tian’s face "This guy... seriously?"
Wei Ruyin also blinked her eyes in surprise but then she looked at Zhao Tian’s face.
She looked away, ’Well... considering Mister Tian’s charm... I suppose it’s not... impossible.’
Meanwhile, Rui Yuying didn’t seem to care for the stares.
She smiled like a woman who had already made up her mind, "Haa... now I can openly be affectionate with you, Tian."
Zhao Tian gently set her down, but not before brushing a strand of hair from her face tenderly "Surely."
"Now, if you let me... I will go and start the ark."
Hearing this, she hugged him arm "Sure, let’s go. Come and show me how you do it."
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I hope you guys liked this Chapter!