The Immortal Wife Is Like A Cloud

Chapter 873: The Past

Cheng Xian’s sudden arrival made the atmosphere in the courtyard tense.

Su Jingzhen and the others frowned. From Cheng Xian’s tone and demeanor, it was clear that he had recognized Dantai Mingjing.

Yet, they were still unaware of Dantai Mingjing’s exact identity or role within the Divine Dan Sect or even the greater Divine Dan Realm.

On the other hand, Cheng Xian undoubtedly represented the Divine Dan Sect. If Dantai Mingjing was not well respected there, today’s situation might prove troublesome.

With this thought in their minds, Su Jingzhen and Qiu Yaoyao quietly circulated their spiritual energy. 

Although they had no personal grudge against Cheng Xian and even thought highly of him, if a conflict arose, their loyalty would undoubtedly be to Dantai Mingjing.

However, Dantai Mingjing lightly raised his hand, signaling for them to stay calm.

Cheng Xian’s gaze remained locked on Dantai Mingjing, his eyes betraying a mix of disbelief, joy, regret, and hesitation.

“Cheng Xian, long time no see,” Dantai Mingjing greeted with a faint smile.

Cheng Xian’s expression softened, and after a deep sigh, he spoke.

“May I have a private word with you?”

After glancing at Su Jingzhen and the others, Cheng Xian turned to Dantai Mingjing again.

Dantai Mingjing nodded, and with a single step, the two figures disappeared from sight.

Even with their divine consciousness fully expanded, Su Jingzhen and Qiu Yaoyao couldn’t detect the slightest trace of them.

“Grandfather…” Su Jingzhen’s brows were deeply furrowed, his expression filled with worry.

” Grandfather is in such a state. If that old fox Cheng Xian harbors ill intentions, he might be at a disadvantage.”

Just as Su Jingzhen expressed his concern, Little Ling, who was standing nearby, let out a soft chuckle.

“Brother Su, Sister Yaoyao, you can rest assured. Grandfather would never let anything happen to himself.”

Her trust in Dantai Mingjing was unshakable.

Upon hearing this, Su Jingzhen and Qiu Yaoyao turned their attention to Little Ling.

“Little Ling, can you tell us what Grandpa has been up to lately?” Su Jingzhen’s curiosity finally peaked, knowing how extraordinary Dantai Mingjing was.

“Well… the last time you went to the Divine Kingdom, we went too… and we explored many wondrous places…”

…

While Little Ling had regaled Su Jingzhen and Qiu Yaoyao with tales of the past year, Dantai Mingjing and Cheng Xian had reappeared on a desolate, unnamed mountain outside the Northern Abyss Divine Sect.

Cheng Xian stared at Dantai Mingjing’s scarred and crippled form, a flood of emotions surging through him. 

Without warning, he then dropped to his knees.

“My Lord, all these years, we have all been waiting for you!”

Overcome with emotion, Cheng Xian’s voice trembled as tears streamed down his face.

Before Dantai Mingjing could respond, Cheng Xian’s gaze lingered on his battered appearance, his heart aching with sorrow.

“My Lord, you have suffered so much over the years.”

Dantai Mingjing’s lips curled into a faint smile at his words.

“Suffering? Hardship? None of it matters. The Goddess has returned, and the end will be as we have always imagined.

All the sacrifices I have made along the way will have been worth it.

Besides, my strength has not been affected in the slightest. You need not worry.

I am well aware of the Divine Dan Sect’s intentions behind hosting the alchemy gathering, and I have my reasons for returning this time.

The current leader of the Divine Dan Sect has done an excellent job. She has undoubtedly elevated the sect to new heights.

There is no need for you to expect me to lead you or anyone else. As for that position, I no longer have any desire for it.

The Dantai sect is a thing of the past. The Divine Dan Sect no longer needs me.”

As Dantai Mingjing spoke, his voice was firm yet tinged with a trace of complexity.

Cheng Xian’s body trembled at his words.

This declaration was far away from what he had envisioned.

“My Lord, you…” Cheng Xian began, his voice heavy with reluctance, unable to accept his decision.

However, Dantai Mingjing shook his head and calmly said, “Let’s not discuss that matter for now.

What I need from you is all the details about this Divine Dan Sect’s alchemy gathering.

I need the first place in this competition. You don’t need to ask why or overthink it. I have my own plans for everything.”

Hearing this, Cheng Xian nodded, his demeanor becoming serious. “No matter what you intend to do, this subordinate will give my all, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

Without hesitation, he proceeded to share everything he knew about the alchemy gathering with Dantai Mingjing in great detail.

Once he finished, a curious expression appeared in Cheng Xian’s eyes. “My Lord, since you’re traveling with Su Jingzhen, then he must be the same person who stirred up such a commotion in the Four Waters Divine Realm a month ago.”

“And that young woman beside him, who is not yet thirty but has already reached the late stage of the Celestial Being Realm-she must be Qiu Yaoyao, the Heavenly Dragon Race’s foremost prodigy.

“Yes, only those with a connection to the goddess would possess such an extraordinary talent.”

Until now, Cheng Xian hadn’t doubted the identities of Su Jingzhen or his companions. After all, like most cultivators’ understanding, the sheer number of people in the cultivation world made identical names far from unusual.

However, given his level of knowledge about the recent events in the Divine Realm-especially those linked to the Yunmeng Goddess-he began piecing together the connections.

With Dantai Mingjing present, it was no longer plausible to dismiss all of this as mere coincidence.

In response to this speculation, Dantai Mingjing neither confirmed nor denied anything. Instead, he responded with an enigmatic smile. “There is no need for you to worry about this matter. Just do as you normally would.

By the way, your student, Wang Yingying, has excellent potential. With proper guidance, she will undoubtedly become a pillar of the Divine Dan Sect in the future.”

After a brief pause, he added, “That’s enough for now. Let’s go back.”

“Calm down. At your current level of cultivation, such emotional displays are inappropriate.

And remember, pretend that none of this ever happened.”

With these words, Dantai Mingjing stepped forward and disappeared from the mountain.

Cheng Xian stared in the direction he had vanished, and a spark of excitement once again glimmering in his eyes.

Although he hadn’t received the answers he sought, Dantai Mingjing’s mere reappearance was already the best possible news for someone like him.

“My Lord mentioned needing first place, but it clearly won’t be him competing personally.

That means it must be either Su Jingzhen or that young saintess by her side.

If that’s the case, this alchemy gathering will probably be much more spectacular than I expected.

But what exactly is my lord planning?”

Cheng Xian muttered to himself, a mix of wonder and confusion filling his heart. For someone like Dantai Mingjing, he dared not speculate too much.

All he could do was to await the eventual revelation of their plans.

After adjusting his emotions, Cheng Xian returned to the Northern Abyss Divine Sect without hesitation. 

True to Dantai Mingjing’s instructions, he avoided Su Jingzhen and the others’ courtyard, acting as though nothing had transpired.