The lunch lasted until the sky was about to change color.

When they left, several people stood on the roadside, bidding farewell to each other reluctantly. Lin Huan held Uncle Hu's arm and listened to him chatting with Mr. Zhongli, while Xiao stood on her other side, quietly keeping her company.

"Ahuan, Xiao...if nothing else, would you be willing to accompany me back to Yiyan Palace first?" Mr. Zhongli smiled and spoke softly.

"Yeah." The two responded at the same time. Naturally, they had no objection.

"There will be a fireworks display downstairs on the boat deck at the seaside of Liyue Harbor tonight. Would you like to join us?" Hall Master Hu saw this and couldn't help but greeted him with a smile.

Mr. Zhongli nodded and smiled, "Of course I am happy to do so... But at this time, I suddenly have something to deal with... I have to go back to the palace before I can come out..."

"That's fine." Master Hu said with a smile, "The fireworks will not start until dark. It's still early now, and there's still a lot of time before dark. Before that, we are free to do whatever we want. Those who want to go home and rest are welcome to do it. Sir, you can go do your own thing first and ignore us."

"Well... that's fine." Mr. Zhongli smiled, "Let's meet here before the fireworks festival starts."

Master Hu nodded, "Then we'll go first."

"Well, walk slowly."

After watching the few people walk away, Zhongli turned around and walked towards the Feiyunpo archway.

Walk through the arch, cross the corridor, turn up the mountain, and stop in front of the Yiyan Palace at Yujing Terrace.

"Emperor, happy birthday." Pingxian, who was sitting at the tea table next to the old tree, greeted them with a smile, "Ah Huan, hello... and Xiao, it's rare to see you come to the city. It turns out that only the Emperor can invite you..."

"You're just joking." Xiao's tone was light. He stood beside Lin Huan and responded briefly.

"Hahaha, okay, I won't tease you anymore. Come sit with me for a while, have a cup of tea, and moisten your throat."

"Well, thank you." Lin Huan nodded and sat down next to Immortal Ping. He looked up at Mr. Zhongli and smiled.

"Sir, please go and do your work. Xiao and I will sit with Aunt Ping for a while." Lin Huan said softly.

"Yeah, okay." Zhongli smiled and nodded in agreement.

At this time, a woman walked slowly from not far away. She was wearing clothes that were not native to Liyue. She was dressed simply and neatly, with golden hair draped over her shoulders, sharp eyebrows and eyes, and a cold face.

Mr. Zhongli stopped and continued to face the direction of Yiyan Palace, speaking slowly.

"Banasha...long time no see."

The woman said calmly, "Well, it's been a long time, senior."

Zhongli nodded, "How are you doing lately?"

The woman was silent for a while, then replied: "Everything is going well, so when I heard that it was your birthday today, I came here to congratulate you."

"It's an honor to have the Ice Queen of Winter come here in person." Zhongli smiled and said slowly. "You're welcome."

The woman hesitated for a moment, then took a step forward and followed Mr. Zhongli into the Yiyan Palace.

"Feel free to sit down."

Walking up to the second floor and entering the study, Mr. Zhongli asked the servants to serve tea, then pointed to a chair beside him and spoke gently.

The queen nodded and sat down.

Mr. Zhongli then sat on another chair and picked up the tea on the table to taste it carefully.

The woman raised her head and looked at him, but did not speak, as if she was waiting for something.

After a while, Zhongli put down the teacup and sighed softly.

"The little fairy who was drinking tea under the old tree just now, Ah Huan, Xiao, and Ah Ping... they are all my followers."

"Is that so?" The Queen whispered, "So... Senior, have you decided..."

“No!” Mr. Zhongli shook his head. “On the contrary, for them and for Liyue, I choose to sign this contract with you.”

"I will give you the Heart of God, but not now. One day in the future, when Liyue grows up to be able to deal with crises on its own..."

Mr. Zhongli stood up, holding a cup and walking to the window, looking at the dim sky, and saw flags flying on the ship building, crowds of people, bright lights, returning ships docked in the harbor, sails still hoisted high, and people coming and going in the cabins. He could also clearly see people's happy smiles, and he could even feel people's anticipation for tonight's fireworks display.

"Just as you thought, one day, people will be able to face the cruel reality alone without the blessing of gods, find life from it, and strive to survive on their own. And I believe in Liyue, they can do it!"

"Senior, yes, I understand." The Queen stood up and shouted.

"Hmm?" Mr. Zhongli turned around, looked at her with a smile, and motioned for her to continue.

"This is a road that you cannot turn back from once you've made the decision. Even if this road is covered in blood and corpses... the sky is falling and the earth is sinking..." The Queen stood up, her expression cold and resolute, "Are you... sure?"

"Of course I am sure." Mr. Zhongli looked at her with a smile, "Because, like you, I hope this road can be passed more than anyone else. It doesn't matter if it is a little tortuous... and the weight you put on the scale must be more than mine, and it must be more irreversible, right?"

The Ice Emperor did not answer the question, but just whispered.

"They have the right to know the truth about the world, they have the right to take their own steps to explore their own future, they have the right to control their own destiny... None of these can be deceived, deprived, or crushed... Even if the truth is cruel, the jungle is dangerous, even if it may bring destruction..."

"Okay, let's not talk about me anymore. Let's talk about you..." The Ice Emperor walked to Mr. Zhongli and looked at the people sitting under the big tree downstairs with him. "In fact, that little girl is your dependent... I can feel that her power comes from the same source as yours."

"You are still as perceptive as ever... Yes, she is the same as me." Mr. Zhongli chuckled, "However, we are not from the same clan... But indeed, she is a very important dependent."

"Then...are you reluctant to part with her?"

"Of course I'm reluctant. I'm very reluctant." Mr. Zhongli smiled and seemed very calm.

"I didn't expect... that you would have something you are reluctant to give up. I thought that since you have made the decision, you would no longer have anything to worry about." The blonde lady laughed mockingly.

"You're joking. Rocks also have hearts, and I also have my own selfishness and reluctance..."

Mr. Zhongli turned sideways and looked at Lin Huan who was sitting next to Ping. She was making tea with her head slightly lowered, without saying a word.

"Then...will this reluctance hinder the contract between you and me?"

"No hindrance. Even if the heaven and earth collapse, once the contract is established, it will be observed and no one can hinder it. Don't worry, I won't go against the agreement between you and me." Yan Shen stood by the window with his back to her, his back straight, looking at the semi-dark sky, his whole body blending into the semi-bright and semi-dark halo.

"I see. I understand." The Ice Emperor laughed softly. "I will not disturb you from going to the appointment with your people. I will leave first. In the future, God's Heart, if you need it, I will send someone to get it... May you have a happy birthday, senior."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like