Even though Chen Miaomiao had mentally prepared herself, hearing the word “three years” still made her head buzz.
The original host’s memories stopped three years ago—at the moment she was drugged, framed by the Chen family, and thrown into the Shihun Jiang. After her transmigration, she had coincidentally appeared on the banks of the Shihun Jiang, so she naturally assumed everything had been seamlessly connected.
Unexpectedly, a full three years had passed in between!
Three years…
In these three years, the original host had transformed from a pitiful wretch into a lucky charm, dressed head to toe in treasures, nurtured into a figure of icy skin, jade bones, snow-like complexion, and flower-like beauty.
Could it be that during these three years, the original host had really run off with a lover? That would explain how she had thrived so luxuriantly and flourished so splendidly?
No, no, no, impossible!
The original host’s memories contained no trace of any lover!
Then what had happened?
Chen Miaomiao racked her brains but couldn’t figure out the reason. Suddenly, a blurry scene flashed through her mind.
An oppressive atmosphere, a scorching restraint, and that low, hoarse, faintly audible panting lingering at the edge of her hearing…
Chen Miaomiao’s face flushed red, and she pinched the soft flesh of her palm hard.
No, no, no, Chen Miaomiao, stop thinking!
That was just a strange dream, what are you imagining!
Chen Miaomiao shook her head to dispel the lingering sensual thoughts and said indifferently, “Benzun understands. You may withdraw now. Oh, and don’t forget to take this trash with you. Benzun does not kill ants.”
Li Cun shuddered, trying to curl himself up, not daring to cry out even in pain.
Chen Chuqing was puzzled. Just a moment ago, the senior had been all smiles, so why had her expression suddenly changed? Could it be because of Chen Miaomiao?
Indeed, Chen Miaomiao’s father had been famous for a long time and was somewhat renowned across Dongzhou Dalu. Perhaps the senior had shown some concern for Chen Miaomiao out of respect for her father?
Had her own words just now displeased the senior?
Chen Chuqing grew secretly anxious. She had already gifted the Qiankun Dai; no matter what, she must invite this Ying Qianbei back to her home.
Her eyes darting, Chen Chuqing said, “By the way, senior, when Chen Miaomiao left back then, she was in such a hurry that she left many things behind at the Luoyun Chenjia. Since you are traveling to relax, you must have plenty of time. Why not come as a guest to our Chen family? You could also take a look at the things Chen Miaomiao left behind.”
Chen Miaomiao was tempted. Those were the original host’s belongings, and by all rights, she should retrieve them on her behalf, to comfort her spirit in heaven.
“What does Chen Miaomiao’s belongings have to do with Benzun? Benzun was merely curious about what kind of existence the only bloodline left by that Chen family prodigy of the past would be. Tsk, tsk, but Benzun’s thoughts were wasted—that Chen Miaomiao is simply unworthy of Benzun’s concern.”
Hearing this, Chen Chuqing breathed a sigh of relief. So the senior didn’t know Chen Miaomiao at all and even held a slight disdain and disgust for her. That was good, very good.
“Senior, you are mistaken. Since you and Chen Miaomiao’s father are old acquaintances, the things Chen Miaomiao left behind should rightfully be entrusted to you for safekeeping, to be returned to her father in the future. Moreover, Chen Miaomiao’s father was a world-renowned genius, so among the items he left for her, there might be… unexpected treasures?”
Chen Miaomiao would be a fool to believe her. If there were treasures, they would have surely claimed them for themselves long ago, wouldn’t they?
Knowing how to use this to lure her, this “Yuanying Laozu,” Chen Chuqing was indeed clever.
But she had to maintain her persona and couldn’t let Chen Chuqing succeed so easily.
Chen Miaomiao raised her brows slightly and said coldly, “Hmm, that won’t be necessary. Benzun is not interested.”
Chen Chuqing was at a loss, but as a lofty figure, she naturally wouldn’t care about such trivial gains. After a moment of silence, she added, “Well… there’s one more thing I must inform you, Senior. The main family from Fancheng will also arrive in Yunluo Zhen in a couple of days. Perhaps you might encounter some old acquaintances among them.”
“The main family of Chenjia is coming too?”
“Yes, they are here to deliver an invitation to our family’s elder. Our elder is a third-level Liandanshi. Even the main family must treat him with the utmost respect.”
As she spoke, Chen Chuqing proudly straightened her chest. After all, in the eyes of Xiushi, a Liandanshi was an exceptionally noble and revered existence. No matter how arrogant or disdainful the main family might be, they still had to defer respectfully to her family’s elder.
Chen Chuqing deliberately mentioned her family’s elder to capture Chen Miaomiao’s attention. No Xiushi could resist the opportunity to befriend a Liandanshi.
Regarding alchemy, “Chen Miaomiao” had some basic knowledge.
Xiushi absorbed the Lingqi of heaven and earth for their own use, treading a path of defying the heavens. Ordinary medicines and medical techniques were utterly ineffective in alleviating their injuries or ailments—only spiritual elixirs infused with Lingqi could help.
The higher the level of the Liandanshi, the greater the Lingqi contained within the pills they refined.
Pills crafted by a third-level Liandanshi were highly sought after even by Jindan Xiushi. Their extraordinary status and esteemed position spoke for themselves!
No wonder Yunluo Chenjia had the confidence to be proud, earning respect even from the main family in Fancheng.
But in the original owner’s memories… three years ago, Yunluo Chenjia was clearly in a state of decline. If not for that, why would the original owner’s so-called “loving family” have sent her to Yunluo Chenjia?
Why had Yunluo Chenjia suddenly produced a third-level Liandanshi, elevating them to such heights overnight?
It was all too strange, wasn’t it?
Since the other party was so earnest in her invitation, Chen Miaomiao pondered for a moment before “reluctantly” agreeing, “In that case, I shall trouble Chenjia with my presence.”
“Not at all! Having you visit our Yunluo Chenjia brings immense honor to our humble home! Please, Senior! Please, Senior!”
Overjoyed, Chen Chuqing personally led the way for Chen Miaomiao. Before leaving, she didn’t forget to store the mountain-like Tiejia Shou into her Qiankun Dai.
Seeing this “space-warping” spectacle, the unsophisticated Chen Miaomiao couldn’t help but think of the small, worn-out money pouch hidden in her sleeve.
Chen Miaomiao: “!!”
Was the gift Chen Chuqing had given her earlier also a spatial pouch like this?
Incredible!
Although she didn’t understand the intricacies of the Xiuzhenjie, spatial compression technology was an extraordinary feat, something even the world she had lived in during her previous life had yet to achieve.
For Yunluo Chenjia to casually gift one away—such extravagance was truly remarkable.
It seemed Yunluo Chenjia was a den of dragons and tigers, a place she needed to tread carefully.
…
With Chen Miaomiao, this “Yuanying Laozu,” present, everyone naturally prioritized her wishes. Chen Chuqing even offered to give up her own mount for Chen Miaomiao, but she declined with a faint wave.
It wasn’t that Chen Miaomiao was putting on airs—she was merely an ordinary mortal. How could she dare to ride a Moshou?
If she were thrown off, wouldn’t her bluff be exposed?
What would become of her dignity as a “Yuanying Laozu” then?
Chen Miaomiao put on a profound air and said, “Cultivators must toil their muscles and bones, starve their bodies, and temper their will. You are at a critical moment of laying the foundation, yet you even ride Moshou to go out. With such an indulgent attitude, how can you advance further?”
Everyone lowered their heads in shame: “Senior is absolutely right. We have learned our lesson.”
“Hmm, follow Benzun and walk back together.”
What?
Wa-wa-wa… walk back?!