Inside the Wu Xuan Cave’s main hall, the Grand Witch idly played with her teacup as the masked man spoke.
“Grand Witch, have you made a decision?”
“Sigh,” the Grand Witch sighed dramatically and glanced at him sideways. “Does Shen Li really need that much?”
“Your talent is exceptional, Grand Witch. We at Shen Li value talent and would be honored to have you join us.”
“But I’m not sure I want to get involved in your affairs.”
The Grand Witch’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. After a mont, she said,
“Tell you what.”
“I’m about to enter a secret realm with Chen Yin and the others to retrieve the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma.”
“Whoever brings the Ganoderma first, I’ll grant their request.”
The masked man fell silent.
“What?”
The Grand Witch narrowed her eyes. “You don’t like my offer?”
“I think it’s quite generous.”
“Not at all,” the masked man replied respectfully. “As you wish, Grand Witch.”
He bowed and left the hall.
The Grand Witch watched him go, a thoughtful expression on her face. Lian’er’s voice suddenly ca from behind her.
“Grand Witch, if you don’t want to join them, just refuse.”
“You don’t understand,” the Grand Witch rolled her eyes. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Shen Li and the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion are enemies, and behind the Pavilion stands Immortal Yu Ling.”
“Chen Yin’s visit is not as simple as it seems. Perhaps Immortal Yu Ling is trying to force our hand, to make us choose a side.”
“The Triennial Day is approaching, and the Heavenly Tribulation is almost certainly real.”
“We have to be cautious…”
The Grand Witch continued her explanation, then turned around and almost burst out laughing.
Lian’er was happily licking a lollipop, her face beaming with delight.
“You…” The Grand Witch sputtered, then waved her hand dismissively.
“Forget it! I’m a fool for even trying to explain such complex matters to you.”
Lian’er blinked at her innocently.
“But Grand Witch, Lian’er doesn’t know anything about the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion or Immortal Yu Ling.”
“Those are secrets of the cultivation world, only known to high-ranking mbers of major sects. Of course, a little servant like you wouldn’t know.”
“Then why did you call Lian’er stupid…?”
Seeing her pouty lips and teary eyes, the Grand Witch snatched the lollipop from her hand.
“Waaaaah!”
Lian’er’s eyes welled up with tears.
“My candy…”
“You’re my servant. What’s yours is mine.”
The Grand Witch licked the lollipop, her eyes widening slightly.
“Hmm. This is quite good. Where did you get it?”
“Big Brother gave it to … but you took it…”
The little girl looked like she was about to cry.
“It’s not bad.”
The Grand Witch nodded with satisfaction. “Go get so more.”
“Huh?”
Lian’er looked up at her with teary eyes. “B-but Big Brother said that if Lian’er wants more, I have to—”
“Just agree to whatever he asks.”
The Grand Witch waved her hand dismissively. “Go on, go on, don’t bother .”
Lian’er pouted and left the hall.
As soon as she was gone, the Grand Witch took the lollipop out of her mouth.
Her eyes were calm and distant as she whispered, “System.”
“…Are you going to ask about that again?”
“She’s started cultivating. She ets the basic requirents now.”
“I can complete so missions and earn enough points in the next few days.” The Grand Witch’s voice was serious.
“Transferring the Heavenly Dao Fragnt isn’t just about having enough points.” The System sighed. “If you want to give it to that little girl, you have to convince first.”
“Don’t you approve of her?”
“…I need more ti to observe.”
The System suddenly changed the subject. “Besides, why would you give up so easily? You’re such an excellent host. Why would you want to be with a little girl? Is she really that important to you?”
The Grand Witch didn’t answer.
The only sound in the hall was the soft jingling of her silver bracelets.
“Think about it carefully,” she finally said.
The System sighed and fell silent.
The masked figure left the main hall and went to his secluded cave.
“System, contact the Divine Son.”
The Divine Son’s image appeared before him.
“…That’s the situation. The Grand Witch is still hesitant, but if I can help her obtain the Phantasmal Harmony Ganoderma, she’ll join us for sure.”
“That’s good. But our plans are being delayed.”
The Divine Son’s voice was cold and indifferent. “The Triennial Day is approaching. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”
“Please give another chance, Divine Son!” The masked figure’s voice was filled with a desperate urgency.
“Don’t worry, I’m not blaming you.”
The Divine Son’s voice softened slightly. “We’re all family in Shen Li. We’ve dealt with the Grand Witch before. She’s always been fickle. It’s not your fault.”
“Continue with your plan. Regardless of the outco, you’ll be promoted to Divine ssenger after this. We’ll handle the rest.”
The masked figure hesitated, then bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Divine Son.”
The image disappeared, and the masked figure looked up, his gaze distant.
“…What are you worried about?” The System asked.
“The Divine Son’s last words…” The masked figure’s voice was filled with uncertainty. “It seems he’s planning to get personally involved in the Wu Xuan Cave matter.”
“Are you worried about his safety?”
“At least for now, I’m not a Divine ssenger yet. I don’t know enough about the situation. If the Divine Son intervenes, things will be beyond my control.”
The System sighed. “It’s too difficult for you alone. Why don’t you just tell him the—”
“You promised .” The masked figure interrupted sharply.
The System fell silent.
The cave was silent and dark.
After a long pause, the masked figure whispered,
“No goodbyes, no partings.”
“I’ve made up my mind.”
“Don’t try to dissuade .”
The System nodded silently.
Outside, the wind howled through the mountains.
The masked figure stared out into the darkness, his gaze distant and filled with a quiet resolve.
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