Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 355 - I Just Want to Look at You More (Two in One Chapter)

In the courtyard.

Xu Ming sat inside the courtyard, holding the teacup on the stone table while watching the distant morning sun slowly rise.

The red dawn painted the entire sky in its hue, casting a crimson veil over the world. But unlike the evening glow, the morning light appeared somewhat paler.

The night had just passed, and autumn in Wudu was indeed a bit cold.

In truth, Xu Ming had already been awake long before Chen Suya stirred.

“Aren’t you going to see your mother off?”

Zhou Wanfeng stepped out of her room and looked at Xu Ming sitting in the courtyard.

Just from Xu Ming’s silhouette, Zhou Wanfeng could sense a certain melancholy in him.

Both of them had known that Chen Suya would leave, but neither had spoken about it.

Xu Ming shook his head. “There’s no need. Since Mother chose to leave early this morning, it means she doesn’t want me to send her off.”

Zhou Wanfeng nodded. “That makes sense. Your mother is probably afraid that if you were there, she wouldn’t be able to bear leaving.”

“Actually, if you think about it positively, your mother’s personality won’t be erased, and she’s also a powerful cultivator with a long lifespan. This way, even after a hundred years, you won’t have to endure the pain of losing her forever. She can stay by your side for a long, long time.

And besides, she doesn’t really have a choice—she has to go to Northern Wastelands.”

Xu Ming smiled faintly. “In this world, everyone cultivates desperately, striving to become stronger, just so that when the time comes, they’ll have more choices.”

Zhou Wanfeng glanced at him. “So, what do you plan to do now?”

Xu Ming took a sip of tea, though it had already gone cold. “What else? I’ll enter the palace to meet the emperor. In a few days, I have to head to North Sea as an envoy.

From now, it will take about two months to reach North Sea, just in time for the Four Seas Grand Celebration at the North Sea Dragon Palace.

If I’m even an hour late, it won’t just be my personal failure—it would bring shame to Wuguo (Wu Kingdom).

Even though I don’t have a particularly strong sense of belonging to Wuguo, I have to admit that Emperor Wu has helped me a lot. I owe him this favor.”

“Not just because of Emperor Wu’s help, right? More importantly, it’s because of your little princess lover in Wuguo.” Zhou Wanfeng smirked.

Xu Ming: “…”

He didn’t deny it. And in this situation, not denying was as good as admitting.

“You really do get around, huh?” Zhou Wanfeng chuckled but didn’t push the topic further.

Xu Ming was a genius—not only that, but he was also quite good-looking, responsible, and reliable. It was natural for women to be drawn to him.

Not to mention the young girls, if she were a few hundred years younger, she might have taken a liking to this young man herself.

“I don’t particularly want to be running around, but that person specifically named me. Do you think I have a choice?” Xu Ming shook his head helplessly.

“Though, to be fair, I do have some matters to take care of in North Sea, so it works out conveniently.”

“The one from North Sea named you personally?” Zhou Wanfeng looked at him in disbelief. “Since when did you have any dealings with her?”

Although Zhou Wanfeng had never met the North Sea Dragon Empress, her reputation was legendary.

She had dominated the Beauty Rankings for ten thousand years until a certain Buddhist nun took the top spot. But beyond that, what was even more remarkable was that the North Sea Dragon Empress had consistently ranked in the top ten of the World Rankings—one of the few in existence to have reached the Ascension Realm.

The ruler of North Sea was incredibly proud and deeply devoted—so devoted that it was almost incomprehensible.

Other than that one former lover, this ruler had never cared for anyone else, let alone taken the initiative to show interest in a mere human.

Even though Xu Ming was well-known on the Qingyun Ranking, the problem was that many people had come and gone on that list. Yet, had the North Sea Dragon Empress ever personally invited any of them? Never.

So Zhou Wanfeng was extremely curious—just what was it about Xu Ming that had caught the Dragon Empress’s attention?

“Alright then, since you’re leaving Wudu, there’s no point in me staying here alone. I might as well tag along. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Zhou Wanfeng asked.

Xu Ming nodded. “Senior Zhou, do as you please.”

Although he didn’t expect anything major to happen during this trip to North Sea, it was always better to be safe than sorry. Having a powerful Upper Five Realm cultivator around for protection certainly wasn’t a bad thing.

“Great, I’ll go get ready then.” Zhou Wanfeng smiled. “I’ve never seen the legendary Dragon Empress in my life—this time, I get to see her thanks to you.”

Xu Ming didn’t take her joke to heart and instead changed the topic. “Previously, Senior and I made a deal—while I ventured into the Rootless Secret Realm, you would protect my mother. Now that I’ve returned, I owe you a favor within my capabilities. What would you like me to do?”

Hearing Xu Ming bring up his promise, Zhou Wanfeng’s lips curled into a slight smile. She took a step forward, bent down slightly, and looked up at him from below.

“No rush. Even if you forget, I won’t. I’ll tell you tonight.”

Xu Ming: “…”

He had a vague guess about what she wanted.

And if it was really that, he wouldn’t be able to refuse.

After all, it wasn’t against his principles, nor did it harm anyone.

In fact, in a certain sense, he might even be the one benefitting.

Though he wasn’t particularly interested in “public transportation,” he had to admit that Zhou Wanfeng was indeed stunning.

Since Xu Ming had tacitly accepted her request, he left the courtyard and made his way back to the imperial palace to meet Emperor Wu.

The emperor was well aware that Chen Suya had left, but he didn’t bring it up. Xu Ming, too, got straight to the point—he was now ready to serve as an envoy to the North Sea Dragon Palace.

Emperor Wu was delighted.

The Four Seas Grand Ceremony held by the North Sea Dragon Palace was an event that not just anyone could attend.

Among the ten great human dynasties, five had not even received an invitation, despite having existed for thousands of years.

Let alone Wuguo, which had only been established for a mere three hundred years and had no significant ties to the North Sea Dragon Palace. Why would they even consider inviting Wuguo?

So under normal circumstances, Wuguo would have been completely ignored in this event.

But thanks to Xu Ming, Wuguo had now secured a seat at the ceremony.

If this opportunity led to the establishment of friendly relations between Wuguo and the North Sea Dragon Palace, it would be of immense benefit to Wuguo’s future.

Even if the Dragon Palace didn’t offer direct aid in times of crisis, simply having a good relationship with them would serve as a deterrent. Anyone considering making a move against Wuguo would have to think twice.

Emperor Wu then informed Xu Ming that a diplomatic envoy group had already been assembled, and Xu Ming would serve as its leader. They would depart in two days.

Xu Ming had expected at least three or four days to prepare, but to his surprise, Emperor Wu had already made arrangements for an immediate departure.

From this, it was clear that Emperor Wu truly valued a good relationship with the North Sea Dragon Palace.

However, for Xu Ming, a few days more or less made no difference. He had nothing left to do in Wudu anyway.

After leaving the imperial study, Xu Ming had just stepped out of the palace when he saw a woman in monastic robes waiting for him outside.

Seeing him emerge, Shi Xin blinked her clear eyes.

“What’s wrong? Why are you here?” Xu Ming walked up and asked.

“Waiting for you,” Shi Xin replied bluntly.

Xu Ming chuckled. “If you needed something, couldn’t you have just waited for me to return?”

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Shi Xin shook her head. “Master just sent me a golden paper bird, telling me to go back.”

Xu Ming raised a brow. “So urgent? You have to leave now?”

Shi Xin nodded. “Judging from Master’s tone, it seems quite urgent.”

Xu Ming sighed. “That’s a shame. I was planning to take you to the North Sea Dragon Palace for a tour before heading to the Western Regions with you.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’ve been away for a long time—it’s time for me to go back.” Shi Xin spoke calmly.

“Alright, then let me see you off.” Xu Ming didn’t try to persuade her to stay. A token farewell meant nothing to Shi Xin, nor was it necessary.

Their relationship had always been straightforward.

Shi Xin nodded, not refusing.

The two walked side by side through the streets of Wudu. Shi Xin’s striking appearance once again drew countless stares, but neither she nor Xu Ming paid any attention to them.

They walked in silence. Even though a farewell was approaching, Xu Ming didn’t feel particularly sad. He would be heading to the Western Regions after returning from the North Sea Dragon Palace anyway—he would see her again.

As for Shi Xin, she wanted to say something, but she didn’t know what.

She had never been someone skilled with words.

And since Xu Ming didn’t take the initiative to start a conversation, neither did she.

Yet, a strange feeling lingered in her heart.

It had been there ever since she received the letter from the abbot of Leiming Temple.

When she learned she had to leave Wudu, a subtle sense of loss surfaced within her.

She didn’t understand why.

She had nothing left to do in Wudu, and yet, she just didn’t want to leave.

There was no logical reason—she simply wanted to stay by Xu Ming’s side a little longer.

A feeling she had never experienced before.

‘Maybe I’ve just gotten used to being around him,’ she told herself.

“This is far enough. Benefactor Xu, you don’t need to go any further.”

When they reached the city gates, Shi Xin stopped and turned to face Xu Ming.

Xu Ming nodded, not bothering with unnecessary politeness. “Alright, I’ll stop here. Be careful on your way back.

And remember—not everyone is trustworthy. Sometimes, keeping yourself alive is the most important thing.

Also, about that Chaos Beast—show it to your master as soon as you return. Keep a close watch on it. Make sure it doesn’t bring harm to the mortal realm.”

“It won’t,” Shi Xin’s tone was firm, carrying a hint of stubbornness. “I have a feeling that this one will be obedient.”

Xu Ming smiled. “Alright then. I’ll come visit you later and see for myself. Just don’t let me arrive and find it still asleep.”

“Mm-hmm.” Shi Xin nodded.

Hearing that Xu Ming would visit Leiming Temple to check on the little Chaos Beast, she couldn’t help but feel a small, unexplainable joy in her heart.

Xu Ming: “Alright then, I’m heading back. Take your time on the road. If you find a way to send me a message when you arrive, let me know… No, never mind. I probably won’t see it anyway—I’ll be in the North Sea by then.”

“Mm.” Shi Xin nodded.

“Goodbye.” Xu Ming waved his hand before turning around and walking back toward the capital.

Shi Xin simply stood there, watching as Xu Ming took step after step back into Wudu.

Xu Ming could feel her gaze lingering behind him the whole time. He finally turned around. “What is it? Something on your mind?”

Shi Xin shook her head. “No, nothing.”

“Then why are you still standing there staring at me?” Xu Ming laughed helplessly.

This nun always had a way of doing things that baffled him. It almost felt like she was the one seeing him off instead.

“I don’t know,” Shi Xin said, shaking her head again.

Xu Ming: “You don’t know?”

“Mm.”

Shi Xin nodded.

“I don’t know why.

I just… want to keep looking at you.”