In Ye Qingzhu's memory, all her actions were dictated by the elder before her. She was merely an executor.
However, one point was worth noting.
That was Ye Qingzhu herself, who harbored considerable doubt about the elder's prior command to "directly expose her identity as the successor's guardian."
Furthermore, she was instructed to reveal the truth of twenty years ago to Ye Ming.
This series of directives left her utterly perplexed.
It seemed this confusion was not exclusive to Ye Ming; Ye Qingzhu herself was equally bewildered.
"What... what happened to me?"
As her pupils regained their luster, Ye Qingzhu's thoughts and senses slowly returned. Her expression, however, remained one of utter bewilderment.
She had no idea what had transpired before.
"The barrier... it's gone!"
But as she instinctively checked her physical condition, she was horrified to discover that the golden barrier protecting her soul had been destroyed.
Realizing this, she could already surmise what had happened.
At this moment, she looked at the young man not far away.
Her expression was a mixture of complexity and helplessness, but more than anything, it was shock.
Her face was somewhat pale.
She knew better than anyone the cultivation realm of the owner behind that golden barrier. Yet now, Ye Ming had managed to erase it without harming her.
Then, to what extent had the strength of this young man before her reached?
"You're awake!"
Ye Ming, still with his back to her, spoke indifferently.
"Young... Master!"
Ye Qingzhu knelt on the ground, her voice trembling, not daring to look up.
She had been given a chance before, but alas, she had failed to seize it.
Looking back now, Ye Qingzhu suddenly felt a sense of absurdity. With her meager abilities, what right did she have to brandish her sword before this esteemed individual?
"Two matters. Handle them well, and I will overlook your previous actions! Otherwise..." Ye Ming turned around, his face devoid of emotion.
"You die!"
Hearing this, Ye Qingzhu's heart pounded violently, and large drops of cold sweat trickled down her forehead. In this moment, she felt as if she stood before a god who controlled the destiny of her life and death. A single glance from him was enough to plunge her into eternal damnation.
"Your subordinate swears to complete the mission, even unto death!"
Ye Qingzhu's forehead pressed firmly against the ground as she stammered.
"Very good!"
Ye Ming extended a single finger and said, "The first matter: the Black Tower shall continue to act as my representative here, and you will remain its mistress. Do you understand?"
"Your subordinate understands! I will personally oversee all operations involving elixirs and spiritual artifacts around Takahashi Country. There will be absolutely no mistakes!"
Ye Qingzhu nodded solemnly.
"The second matter..."
At this point, Ye Ming's gaze turned cold. "Tell the person behind you that if they wish to live, they must come to Hua Country within seven days to find me."
"Exceed the deadline, and your soul will be annihilated!"
As the words fell, Ye Ming vanished.
Even though he had left, the atmosphere surrounding Ye Qingzhu became even more oppressive.
This second matter made Ye Qingzhu feel a powerful killing intent.
Although it was not directed at her, as the messenger, how could she not feel a sense of "shared experience"?
"Your subordinate... will definitely deliver the message."
...
"Brother! How was it? Did you gain anything?"
As soon as Ye Ming returned to his room, Su Chirui eagerly inquired.
Beside Su Chirui were Nangong Qianhe and Xu Jingyao.
However, Ye Ming did not wish to discuss matters that would spoil the mood. Shaking his head, he smiled and said, "Don't worry about those things for now. Weren't you going shopping? Hurry and go!"
"We'll set off for Hua Country tomorrow. We might not have such an opportunity again!"
Return to Hua Country!
Hearing these three words, Nangong Qianhe's delicate eyebrows knitted slightly. She cast a deep glance at Ye Ming but ultimately said nothing.
Because she already understood Ye Ming's next plan.
"Alright! Then let's go!"
Nangong Qianhe stood up with a smile, taking Su Chirui and Xu Jingyao by their hands, and the young ladies went out to have a blast.
This spacious room was once again occupied only by Ye Ming.
However, he was not idle. Some matters should be discussed with them.
...
The next morning, Nangong Qianhe and Su Chirui, who had been out all night, finally returned. Fortunately, they were both immortal cultivators and did not feel fatigued by it.
Xu Jingyao, however, did not possess such a constitution. She was currently fast asleep in her own home.
Fortunately, when Nangong Qianhe bid farewell to her, she personally selected several cultivation techniques suitable for her. It was likely that they would have opportunities to meet again in the future.
"Chirui! What are your plans next?"
Ye Ming looked at Su Chirui, whose expression carried a hint of worry as soon as she returned, and he guessed that something was on her mind.
"I..."
Su Chirui opened her mouth, her gaze evasive, as if she were hesitant to meet Ye Ming's eyes directly.
"Silly girl! It's time you went back to the Su Clan to take a look!"
Ye Ming gently ruffled her hair, knowing that she was undoubtedly nervous because of the circumstances involving him and the Su Clan.
"Brother! Are you... going to..."
Su Chirui was truly in a dilemma at this moment.
On one hand was her biological brother, and on the other was her family. She genuinely did not know how to balance the relationship between the two.
To be honest, Su Chirui secretly hoped that Ye Ming would return to the Su Clan. Only through a meeting could there be a chance to resolve the conflict.
However, when she wanted to ask, "Brother! Are you going back with me?" she simply couldn't bring herself to say it.
"You want to ask if I'll go back with you, right?"
Ye Ming smiled, not at all angered by Su Chirui's thoughts.
He was fond of this sister, despite not having known her for long. Ye Ming genuinely accepted her from the bottom of his heart.
He accepted this familial bond.
But! That was all!
Some things could not be easily let go of just by wishing.
"Brother! Are you... not angry with me?"
Su Chirui cautiously lifted her head, her eyes slightly red.
"Why would I be angry with you?"
Ye Ming gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes and said in a soft tone, "You are you! The Su Clan is the Su Clan! I will not associate you with them."
"I know you want to resolve the conflict between me and the Su Clan. I understand." Ye Ming sighed deeply. "Give your brother a little more time, alright?"
"I promise you, after I've finished dealing with things here, I will go back!"
As he had said before, what needed to be faced would eventually be faced.
"Okay! Okay!"
Upon hearing this, Su Chirui suddenly hugged Ye Ming, brimming with emotion.
"I'll wait for you!"
As long as Ye Ming was willing to return, everything still had a chance.
"Alright! Go now!"
Ye Ming patted her shoulder and shook his head.
"Qianhe! You are welcome to visit the Su Clan!"
Su Chirui turned and gave Nangong Qianhe another big hug, extending a sincere invitation.
"Alright! I'll come with Ye Ming then!"
Nangong Qianhe also greatly liked Su Chirui, who was older than her but nominally her sister.
"Goodbye!"
Su Chirui waved goodbye to the two, her figure transforming into a streak of fire, and left with a sense of satisfaction.