71. Is This Really, Really, Really Goodbye?
“Speaking of which…”
Lu Xinyao quickly changed the subject. “Big Sister, did you need me for something?”
“Oh, right. I got sidetracked.”
Gong Yiling took out a letter from her robes and placed it on the table. “Actually, I came to say goodbye.”
Hearing this, Lu Xinyao’s heart skipped a beat.
“G-goodbye?” The girl’s voice was filled with confusion and a sudden panic.
“I’m heading to the Qian Yue Academy on Bai Dao Mountain.”
Qian Yue Academy, in modern terms, was Bai Dao Mountain’s joint elite training camp.
Bai Dao Mountain was a general term for a Daoist alliance consisting of two hundred and one sects.
These sects were scattered throughout the Qian Yue Mountain Range, each named after the mountain they resided on.
Only the top five sects were allowed to choose their own names, like the Cloud Rainbow Sect.
There was a gentleman’s agreement between the sects, forbidding the plundering of resources, but they could exchange territories based on their rankings.
The sects with superior resources and fortune could easily rise to prominence, and their advantage was self-perpetuating.
Therefore, except for the time the old sect disbanded, allowing the Cloud Rainbow Sect to take its place, the top five had remained unchanged.
However, the sects were not a unified front.
The top five, having held their positions for so long, had developed a sense of superiority, leading to many unwritten, tyrannical rules.
For example, if a member of a top five sect fancied a woman from another sect, unless there was a huge disparity in status, they could “amicably” “negotiate” and force the other party to agree.
And during joint explorations of secret realms, the top five sects had priority in choosing treasures.
These rules were clearly unfair, but everyone accepted them because the top five sects were responsible for leading the fight against the demonic sects.
In every battle, the top five sects suffered the most casualties. The Cloud Rainbow Sect was even almost completely annihilated.
This was a case of “with great power comes great responsibility.”
But of course…
The other sects were not content with being suppressed. They jointly established Qian Yue Academy to strengthen their ties and communication.
And that was where Gong Yiling was headed.
“Why… so suddenly?”
Lu Xinyao, who had heard of this place, couldn’t help but ask, “Is the Heartflame Empire not good enough?”
“Xinyao, you’re smart enough to know I can’t stay here forever.” Gong Yiling turned around and said calmly, “And I’m going to Qian Yue Academy to rescue someone.”
“Rescue someone?”
“The reason is a bit complicated.” Gong Yiling said, “Just know that it’s Qiu Shui’s mother.”
“Eh?”
Yes, if it weren’t for Mo Ke’s investigation, Miss Gong would have gone on a wild goose chase.
Because of Qiu Shui’s portrait, her mother wasn’t where she thought she was, but had been transferred to Qian Yue Academy as a cleaning lady.
Qian Yue Academy was a joint institution of over a hundred sects. Not just any guest elder could enter, and it was impossible for the Hehuan Sect to infiltrate.
Therefore…
Miss Gong had to go herself.
As for the invitation, it was related to Yan Chuyue.
It was a rather dramatic series of events.
Years ago, General Yan had saved a cultivator from Ruohuai Daoist Mountain. In gratitude, after becoming a Grand Elder, he sent an invitation to the Yan family, inviting the late general’s daughter to study at his sect.
Of course, in the original story, this letter never reached Yan Chuyue, but was suppressed by the Yan family.
But this time, the messenger learned that Yan Chuyue was in Yanlie City and delivered the letter directly to her.
He also brought a message:
The Ruohuai Daoist Mountain hoped Yan Chuyue would represent them at Qian Yue Academy.
The specific reason would only be revealed after she arrived.
Of course, with such an opportunity, Miss Gong would definitely hitch a ride and further her relationship with the protagonist.
The events in the Heartflame Empire, except for that roaming Ghost Lord Nine, could be considered concluded.
Hearing this…
Lu Xinyao knew she couldn’t ask her to stay, so she pretended to be nonchalant and asked, “Will Big Sister come back?”
“I think so, but I can’t say how long it will take.” Gong Yiling, sensing her disappointment, gave a hopeful answer. “The next time I see Xinyao, she’ll probably be an outstanding Empress, right?”
Will it… take that long?
Lu Xinyao couldn’t help but clench her skirt, biting her lip, trying to hold back her tears.
“Yes.” The girl suddenly looked up and smiled. “Then Big Sister must take care. Xinyao will be waiting for you here.”
Her demeanor and words made Gong Yiling pause.
“Silly girl, are you worried I’ll get into trouble?” She flicked the girl’s forehead gently. “Actually, I was planning to take you with me, but as your Big Sister, I can’t be so selfish.”
“Big Sister… wanted to take me with you?” Lu Xinyao was stunned, her disappointment fading.
—Big Sister… still cares about me.
“Of course, but you’re the Empress now. If I take you away, those old officials will probably throw me into the depths of the Heart of Blazing Flame—”
“I want to go.” Lu Xinyao suddenly looked at her seriously. “If I were just Lu Xinyao, I would definitely go.”
“But I’m not just Lu Xinyao. I’m also Shangguan Ziyuan, the Empress of the Heartflame Empire.”
She turned away, secretly wiping away a tear.
“So, have a safe journey.”
