After the confrontation with Yun Qingxue last night, Chen Qing returned to the city and immediately dispatched one of his disciples to track her movements in the direction she had left.
Meanwhile, after all the cultivators had left the city to hunt the demon, Prince Ning had been waiting for news—until Chen Qing returned.
The two met, and Chen Qing recounted the events outside the city to Prince Ning without holding anything back.
Late into the night, the disciple Chen Qing had sent out returned with news: Yun Qingxue had retraced her steps back to the site of their battle, seemingly searching for someone.
Chen Qing and Prince Ning barely slept that night. At dawn, Chen Qing ordered his entourage to set off for the capital.
Originally, the capital lay to the southeast, meaning they should have departed through the eastern or southern gates. But to “coincidentally” encounter the Flower Monarch Yun Qingxue, Chen Qing deliberately chose the northern gate—all to get closer to her once more.
And now, this Flower Monarch had surprisingly agreed without hesitation to Prince Ning’s invitation to visit the capital.
Chen Qing naturally didn’t believe she had no ulterior motives. They were all cunning foxes—who could be that naive (or foolish)?
Still, regardless of her reasons for accepting the invitation, keeping her under close watch was undoubtedly the best course of action.
There was only one luxurious carriage, and due to propriety between men and women—as well as Yun Qingxue’s status—Prince Ning and Chen Qing naturally couldn’t ride in it.
Thus, the sole lavish and comfortable carriage was given to Yun Qingxue, while Prince Ning and Chen Qing switched to horseback. The group took a detour before setting off in a grand procession toward the capital in the east.
Inside the carriage, Yun Qingxue sat on plush cushions. A sandalwood table held an exquisite porcelain teapot filled with fine tea.
The carriage moved smoothly, without the slightest jolt—as if she were sitting on a soft, comfortable sofa at home.
Yun Qingxue lifted the curtain and took one last look at the distant wasteland behind her. It was there that she had lost A’Dai.
After a moment, she let the curtain fall, her face colder than ever before. In this life—and even in her past one—she had never wished harm upon anyone. Yet, ironically, there were always those who sought to harm her. They said vengeance only bred more vengeance.
But in her past life, she had treated others with sincerity. In this life, Qian Dai and A’Dai had been kind to her—yet they had both been harmed. Was she supposed to forgive those responsible with a saintly heart?
No. She would never forgive them!
Yun Qingxue had already made up her mind. If she could kill Chen Qing in the capital to avenge A’Dai—and if she survived—she would continue southeast to Mount Chuxia in search of the Shuo Na Fruit, then take it to her master.
If she didn’t survive… Well, she would reunite with Qian Dai and A’Dai in the afterlife.
But… she had ultimately let Qian Dai down.
Back then, Qian Dai had sacrificed her life to help Yun Qingxue escape the Flower and Wood Clan—all so she could live on and one day reclaim the clan’s power.
So be it. If she truly died, she would apologize to Qian Dai in the underworld.
Resolved, Yun Qingxue leaned back in the carriage and closed her eyes to rest.
Though her body wasn’t that of a mortal, her spiritual energy was weak. After a full day and night of turmoil, exhaustion weighed heavily on her. Unconsciously, she drifted into sleep.
Of course, her rest was uneasy. Surrounded by enemies, no matter how tired she was, she couldn’t sleep as soundly as she would at home. Only a fool would be that carefree.
As the sun set, the convoy reached the next town’s relay station before night fully fell.
“Flower Goddess, it’s late. Let us rest here for the night,” Prince Ning said gently as he approached the carriage.
Yun Qingxue lifted the curtain and stepped out, replying indifferently, “Fine.”
Once inside the relay station, she went straight to the room prepared for her.
Soon after, a lavish meal was brought to her. But after the day’s events, she had no appetite.
She stood by the window as the night breeze drifted in, lifting her ink-black hair.
Outside, the sky was filled with stars. Legend said that the dead became stars in the heavens…
Yun Qingxue gazed quietly at the sky when suddenly, one star grew brighter and brighter.
A shooting star? She frowned—but then realized the star was hurtling straight toward her, aiming directly for her room.
Her expression darkened as she swiftly stepped back. At the same moment, the “star” crashed through the open window and landed on the floor with a loud **”Boom!”**
“Owwww! That hurt like hell!”
The “star”—now revealed to be a woman—groaned in pain.
Yun Qingxue steadied herself and examined the woman who had flown in like a meteor.
She wore a simple white T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers—clearly modern attire!
“Ugh!” The woman sat up, rubbing her face and muttering, “Why am I always so unlucky? Time-traveling to the past, and I face-plant every damn time!”
“Are you alright?” Yun Qingxue asked, confirming that this was indeed a modern person who had physically crossed over. But… landing face-first—wouldn’t that ruin her face? She suddenly felt concerned for the woman.
“Huh?” The woman seemed to notice Yun Qingxue for the first time. She peeked through her fingers, studying her.
“Are you hurt?” Yun Qingxue asked again.
The woman lowered her hands, revealing a round, cheerful face with two adorable dimples when she smiled.
“I’m fine,” she said brightly.
Yun Qingxue smiled back.
Just then, a knock came at the door. Prince Ning’s voice called out, “Flower Goddess, are you still there?”
“What is it?” Yun Qingxue’s smile vanished as she replied coldly.
“We heard a loud noise. I came to check—are you unharmed?” Prince Ning’s tone was gentle, laced with concern—neither forced nor overly familiar.
But because of Chen Qing, Yun Qingxue couldn’t muster even a shred of goodwill toward Prince Ning.
The woman who had crashed into the room pressed a finger to her lips, signaling silence.
Understanding, Yun Qingxue turned back to the door and replied indifferently, “I’m fine.”
But Prince Ning didn’t leave.
“Flower Monarch, the noise was quite alarming. For our peace of mind, could you open the door?” Chen Qing’s voice came through next.
Hearing him, Yun Qingxue felt hatred surge uncontrollably within her. She sneered. “What, do you intend to search my room? I wasn’t aware the human race had such hospitality toward guests.”
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