Chapter 1331: Evening Dew Dampens My Robe, Gu Changge's Promise
Chapter 1331: Evening Dew Dampens My Robe, Gu Changge's Promise
Thousands of years? Or tens of thousands?
Lin Qiuhan could no longer remember exactly when she had last seen Gu Changge. It might have been the day he donned festive red robes and married the Saintess of the Mortal Palace in the grand halls of the Divine Nation.
All she recalled was standing in a corner, dazed and lost, watching everything unfold in a daze. Then she had retreated step by step, shrinking into the background, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.
Clutching the hem of her robe, she had hidden in an unnoticed corner before slipping away quietly.
No one had noticed her presence. No one had noticed her departure. She had been like an insignificant wisp of breeze—brushing past lightly, then vanishing just as softly.
Now, after so many years of separation, their unexpected reunion was overwhelmingly joyous.
Especially since Gu Changge had come to see her alone, and specifically for her.
At this moment, Lin Qiuhan felt utterly content, utterly happy. Earlier, she had even mustered unprecedented boldness—she had touched him, felt his warmth, inhaled the spring-like fragrance that clung to him.
Even if the worlds collapsed tomorrow, even if the apocalypse arrived, she would have no regrets.
The courtyard was immaculately clean. Though the moonlight was cool, to Lin Qiuhan now, it carried a certain tenderness.
She sat upright and proper, yet her hands propped up her chin. Her eyes reflected the moonlight as she leaned close to Gu Changge, listening to his voice—smooth as jade, magnetic like clear water trickling over stone—as if it were whispering right by her ear.
The tea steamed gently, its aroma filling the small courtyard, fragrant and rich, like wildflowers blooming in the lingering chill of spring.
Lin Qiuhan wasn't skilled at brewing tea, but she had once learned of Gu Changge's preferences from Su Qingge. She had memorized them and practiced in secret.
She had also carefully stored away precious ancient teas. To Gu Changge now, they might be ordinary, unremarkable—but she had chosen and saved them just for him.
Fortunately, Gu Changge didn't disdain them. After tasting, he even praised her skill.
His compliment made Lin Qiuhan even happier, her face alight with smiles as she cupped her cheeks and gazed at him closely.
She listened as he shared anecdotes of his recent travels, as he spoke of people, events, and things beyond the Boundless Expanse. Even if she didn't understand any of it, she never found it dull. Just hearing his voice was enough for her.
She, in turn, told Gu Changge about her years at the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect—her insights into alchemy techniques, amusing or interesting things she had encountered.
For instance, years ago, an ancient monster who seemed to have awoken from the River of Time had visited various alchemy sects across the Dao Chang True World, demanding the refinement of three lost ancient pills. He knew the names of the pills but not their formulas.
The sects he visited suffered greatly, plagued by his demands. Some who accidentally offended him were even annihilated overnight.
His infamy spread among the alchemy sects of the Dao Chang True World, including the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, which grew anxious, fearing he would come knocking.
Many sects even secretly schemed to redirect the ancient monster's attention toward the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, hoping to shift the disaster onto them.
Sure enough, upon learning that the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect was now the foremost alchemy sect in the Dao Chang True World, the ancient monster rushed over. His cultivation, rivaling an Immortal Emperor's, instantly cowed the entire sect.
At the time, the strongest expert in the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect was barely at the True Immortal Realm, still half a step from the Immortal King Realm. In terms of true heritage, they couldn't compare to the many alchemy sects rooted in the Immortal Domain.
Of course, there were Immortal King experts friendly with the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, but none dared intervene rashly against an ancient monster comparable to an Immortal Emperor, let alone offer help.
Just as disaster loomed over the sect, Lin Qiuhan—who had been secluded in deep meditation on alchemy—was summoned by the elders and ancestors. They begged her to seek aid from the Heavenslayers Alliance, as everyone in the sect knew of her connection to Gu Changge.
With no choice, she prepared to set off for the alliance, hoping to secure assistance.
But who could have guessed? The ancient monster somehow caught wind of this and, mistaking her for Gu Changge's woman, was scared out of his wits. Without a word, he knelt outside the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, swearing he had never meant any offense.
This incident caused quite a stir in the Dao Chang True World at the time.
An ancient monster comparable to an Immortal Emperor—even the Heavenslayers Alliance would have treated him with respect. Yet he had knelt outside the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect without a shred of dignity.
It was proof that even though Gu Changge had vanished from the Dao Chang True World, the terror he left behind still cowed everyone—even those ancient monsters who had returned from the River of Time.
The event also left countless factions and cultivators sighing in amazement, while firmly cementing the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect's status.
Apart from these amusing tales, Lin Qiuhan also shared stories about her and her master, Zi Yan.
Back when Gu Changge first brought her to the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, numerous elders had fought over the chance to take her as their disciple.
However, it was ultimately Zi Yan, the sect's sovereign, who personally accepted Lin Qiuhan as her disciple and presented Gu Changge with a token that granted him authority to mobilize all the sect's alchemists.
From then on, Lin Qiuhan remained by Zi Yan's side, devoting herself to the study of alchemy. Her progress was astonishing—from a woman from the lower realms with little foundational knowledge, she steadily rose to become the sovereign's chief disciple, a renowned alchemy prodigy within the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, and even gained some reputation among neighboring alchemy sects.
Without her master Zi Yan's unreserved guidance, she would never have achieved her current standing and progress.
Despite knowing Gu Changge's intentions in sending her to the sect, Zi Yan had selflessly imparted all her knowledge of alchemy, ancient techniques, and medicinal principles upon Lin Qiuhan, pouring vast resources into her cultivation.
To Lin Qiuhan, Zi Yan was both a mentor and an elder sister—a kindness she could never repay in this lifetime.
Time passed swiftly, and before she knew it, the first light of dawn tinged the horizon. The sun was rising when Lin Qiuhan suddenly snapped back to the present.
She and Gu Changge had talked from deep into the night until daybreak, yet she remained spirited, without the slightest trace of weariness, completely unaware of how much time had slipped by.
Aside from the sorrow she felt when mentioning her master's passing, the entire night had been filled with joy and contentment. It had been so long since she had spoken with Gu Changge like this—sharing her grief, worries, joys, and sorrows.
"Take me to see your master's grave."
Gu Changge rose to his feet, gazing at the pale morning sky. After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke with a faint smile.
Lin Qiuhan was momentarily taken aback before nodding in agreement. She stood and returned to the house, emerging with a bamboo basket in hand.
"Young Master, please wait a moment. I'll prepare some of the dishes and wine my master used to love."
Holding the basket, she ignored the morning dew clinging to the ridges between the vegetable plots and lifted the hem of her skirt as she crouched to pick fresh greens.
These were all vegetables she had planted herself during her leisure time. Adjacent to the garden was her herb plot, which, under her care, flourished spectacularly, exuding a misty, radiant glow.
A gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of herbs and the earthy scent of soil.
Gu Changge watched this scene from outside the garden, his gaze calm, yet his mind superimposed it with another familiar memory.
Back in Green Mountain Village, Su Qingge had often done the same—rising early with a basket in hand, diving into the vegetable patch to gather fresh greens and vines, her face radiant with natural joy.
"At dawn I rise to clear the weeds away, / Shouldering my hoe, I trudge home at dusk. / Narrow the path, with wild growth overgrown, / Evening dew dampens my clothes..."
Gu Changge couldn't help but softly recite these lines.
This harmony between humanity and nature, this unity of all things—perhaps this was the ultimate law governing the evolution of all existence.
Heaven had its Heavenly Dao, man had his own laws, and when the two converged, it became nature itself.
Soon, Lin Qiuhan returned with the bamboo basket and headed to the kitchen, tying an apron around her waist and rolling up her sleeves as she began preparing the dishes. Gu Changge did not rush her.
After bringing her to the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, it had been Zi Yan who had cared for her all these years. To Lin Qiuhan, Zi Yan was far more than just a master.
Thus, Gu Changge understood the depth of her sentiments.
Several hours later, in a picturesque area of the mountain range shrouded in mist and bathed in rosy clouds, Gu Changge stood before the grave of Lin Qiuhan's master, Zi Yan.
The tomb was simple and unadorned—a jade-green headstone, slightly taller than half a person's height, bore a few delicately inscribed words: "Tomb of My Honored Master, Zi Yan." There was nothing else.
The surroundings were free of overgrown weeds. Lin Qiuhan frequently came to clean and tend to the site, even leaving behind Prohibition Arrays to ensure it remained pristine.
Her master had always cherished cleanliness and serenity in life, so in death, Lin Qiuhan refused to let anyone disturb her rest.
"Master, Young Master and I have come to see you today..."
Lin Qiuhan gazed at the headstone, her eyes brimming with sorrow and longing, before carefully arranging the prepared dishes and wine before it.
Gu Changge observed silently.
He had not been close to Zi Yan. Aside from their single encounter when he first brought Lin Qiuhan to the sect, they had never interacted again, and he could no longer recall her face or voice.
Of course, if he wished, he could easily trace back to that moment—or even reverse time itself to revisit it.
But birth, aging, illness, and death were the immutable cycles of existence. Though Zi Yan's passing had brought Lin Qiuhan grief, Gu Changge had no intention of interfering.
The revival of an insignificant figure might mean little in the grand scheme of an era, but tampering with the Heavenly Dao's ordained cycle of life and death could lead to unforeseen ruptures and flaws.
Gu Changge had no desire to steer the now-stable Dao Chang True World toward an unpredictable path.
"Thank you for taking care of Qiuhan all these years."
"Because of your kindness, the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect shall endure for generations, its flame unextinguished."
However, seeing Lin Qiuhan's sorrowful expression, he still picked up a cup of wine from the side and poured it out evenly.
This gesture was his promise to Zi Yan and the entire Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect.
"Young Master..."
Lin Qiuhan turned to look at him in slight astonishment.
Gu Changge didn't explain anything, only telling her, "In twenty years, you will see your master again."
As for how she would see her, he didn't elaborate.
He had just glimpsed Zi Yan's fate. Though she had passed away thousands of years ago, her reincarnation was destined to reunite with Lin Qiuhan in twenty years.
"Young Master, is... is this really true?"
Lin Qiuhan was stunned by his words, her face filled with disbelief and joy, her voice trembling slightly.
She didn't know how Gu Changge could see this, but his current abilities had long surpassed comprehension.
She had no reason to doubt his words.
"It's true," Gu Changge nodded.
"Wonderful, truly wonderful..."
Lin Qiuhan threw herself into Gu Changge's arms, her face radiant with happiness, nearly moved to tears.
Twenty years...
For someone of her current cultivation, twenty years was but the blink of an eye—the time it took to complete a single meditation session.
The day she would see her master again was not far off.
A few days later, under Lin Qiuhan's reluctant gaze, Gu Changge left the Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect.
He left behind numerous alchemy manuals and ancient texts, none of which originated from the Dao Chang True World. It would likely take Lin Qiuhan a long time to fully comprehend them.
But this period would be enough for her strength and alchemy skills to undergo earth-shaking transformations.
Gu Changge didn't expect Lin Qiuhan to forge her own path in alchemy within the current Dao Chang True World. Though her talent was decent, it was far from enough to establish an entirely new school.
If she wanted to be of help to him, she would likely need to reach the Dao Realm first.
Truthfully, Gu Changge wasn't counting on her to repay him. Whether his actions now were in some way compensation for how he had once used her—only he knew for sure.
Back in the Divine Nation, Yao Yao was still refining her foundation. In just these few short days, her strength had undergone a near-complete metamorphosis.
From a little girl with no cultivation at all, she had now laid the foundation of a Saint Realm cultivator, astonishing even Wang Zijin, who had been watching over her. Zijin couldn't help but exclaim that it was like cheating.
After all, when Zijin was born, she had drained the essence of several star domains and barely reached the Saint Realm.
Yet Yao Yao, still in the early stages of refinement, had already achieved such staggering results. It was clear that the opportunities and benefits Gu Changge had bestowed upon her as her master were immense.
Of course, as Yao Yao refined her foundation, her body also grew—transforming from a porcelain-doll-like child into a young maiden of thirteen or fourteen.
Her true bone age was difficult to determine, but reshaping her foundation was akin to erasing her previous bone age and starting anew. To any outsider calculating her age now, she would appear no older than a few months old.
This was a method of reversing the natural order, something no one but Gu Changge would dare attempt.
The older Yao Yao bore some resemblance to Gu Xianer and Tao Yao in appearance.
However, a small peach-blossom-shaped mark had appeared near the corner of her right eye, like a teardrop mole, giving her a strangely fragile yet enchanting aura despite her youth.
After returning to the Divine Nation and checking on Yao Yao's progress, Gu Changge left once more.
He visited the clans and factions of his former followers. Some of those who had once followed him had perished, some had fallen in battles for the Dao, while others had risen to become mighty figures, commanding respect across the land.
Ye Han, the young master of the Yaksha Clan whom Gu Changge had once highly valued, had long since become the clan's patriarch. Under his leadership, the Yaksha Clan had risen to rank among the top thousand great clans in the Dao Chang True World.
After Gu Changge's purge of the Upper Realm, vast cosmic worlds had collapsed, and countless ancient clans and factions had either been wiped out or declined. Very few had endured.
But the Yaksha Clan, having remained loyal to him, had continuously expanded and grown stronger. Their current status was no surprise.
After all, among the former clans of the Upper Realm, aside from those with ties to the Immortal Domain, nearly all had fallen beyond the ten thousandth rank, now insignificant in the current Dao Chang True World.
Gu Changge observed the Yaksha Clan's territory from afar before leaving without revealing himself. Meanwhile, Ye Han, seated deep within the clan's palace while conversing with his descendants, suddenly frowned as if sensing something.
"Strange..."
He shook his head, feeling as though someone's gaze had brushed over him—or perhaps it was just his imagination.
Dismissing it, he resumed regaling his children with tales of the past, of the battles he had fought alongside Gu Changge.
Though he had once been Gu Changge's follower, after the war in the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, he had rarely seen him again and had no further opportunities to serve him.
Time had passed, and the man he had once followed had long since become an existence beyond the reach of ordinary beings. Yet, blessed by his favor, Ye Han had attained his current status and achievements—and for that, he was content.