Chapter 624 - 609: Wan Xian’Er’s Decision

Chapter 624: Chapter 609: Wan Xian’Er’s Decision

"I’ll go in and take a look."

Speculating further was pointless. Mu Chen descended directly from the sky, passed through the city gates, and entered. To his surprise, however, the massive Medicine City didn’t even have a single guard at its gates.

But on second thought, Mu Chen quickly understood. Medicine City was under the direct jurisdiction of the Ding Palace. There was probably no one in the world who would dare to openly cause trouble on Ding Palace’s turf. After all, if the Ding Palace wanted to eliminate someone, it wouldn’t even have to lift a finger. A single call would be enough for thousands of powerful experts and Great Powers to swarm their target, leaving them with no escape, no matter where they ran.

Although Medicine City was vast, it wasn’t like other towns. Here, the streets were bustling with activity right from the outskirts. All around were dazzling arrays of various goods for sale: pills, pill formulas, medicinal herbs, weapons, and even some peculiar items.

However, Mu Chen lost all interest after just a cursory glance. While many of the medicinal herbs on the market were rare, they were all relatively young and could only be used for refining some Middle Tier, Fifth or Sixth Grade pills. The pills for sale were also around the Fifth or Sixth Grade. The prices weren’t outrageous, but none of it was of much use to him.

Mu Chen’s interest waned, but his presence had quieted the bustling street considerably. A closer look revealed countless gazes fixed upon him with great interest—some filled with jealousy, some with envy, some with affection, and others with admiration. In short, he had become the center of attention. He had grown used to this over the past month. What surprised him, however, was a certain suggestive quality in all their gazes. Just as Mu Chen was about to slip away, a conversation drifted to his ears.

"This man is incredibly handsome. Could he also be here for the position of the Palace Master’s son-in-law?"

"Most likely. Ever since the Ding Palace announced they were selecting a son-in-law, countless handsome and talented young men have been flocking to our Medicine City. What else could they be here for? If they succeed, not only do they win the hand of a beauty, but they also get to marry into power and enjoy endless glory and riches."

"Tsk, tsk. You say that like you’ve seen the Palace Master’s daughter."

"You bet I have. Quite a few people saw her that day. She wore a veil, but her graceful figure and enchanting eyes were absolutely those of a true fairy. The only unfortunate thing is, she already has a child."

"Huh? She has a child? What’s the story there?" The crowd was baffled.

The man chuckled smugly. "You’ve come to the right person," he said proudly. "The princess of our Ding Palace said it herself. She has a three-year-old daughter, and this whole thing is to find a father for her. As for the exact circumstances, I’m not too clear on them, and I can’t just go spreading rumors. If word got back to the Palace Master, my head would be on the line."

"I see, I see. I never would’ve thought... Brother, you’re really something. Let me buy you a drink."

"Count me in."

"Me too."

"Heh heh, don’t mind if I do. Let’s all go."

Strolling forward, Mu Chen watched the group of men disappear into a tavern, a look of realization dawning on him. ’No wonder the atmosphere in Medicine City felt so festive, and no wonder everyone was giving me those suggestive looks. They think I’m here to compete to be the Palace Master’s son-in-law. But they couldn’t be more wrong. I’m not the least bit interested in something like that.’

’To run into something like this right after arriving in Medicine City... I don’t know whether to call it good luck or bad luck.’

With a soft chuckle, Mu Chen’s figure flickered and vanished into the crowd. His destination wasn’t this outer area, but the central district of Medicine City.

...

「Zhongling Mountain, Ding Palace」

"Oh, Xian’Er, what am I supposed to say to you? Why on earth did you have to recruit a son-in-law out of nowhere? And fine, if you insist on recruiting one, so be it. But to announce in front of everyone that you already have a child? Where does that leave my pride?!" Wan Xianzhong looked at the breathtakingly beautiful woman reclining in her chair, his expression a mixture of anger and helplessness as he sighed again and again.

The beautiful woman was none other than Wan Xian’Er. Compared to a year ago, she was even more enchanting and mature now; her every gesture and smile exuded a captivating charm. And yet, an unshakeable sorrow always lingered between her brows, and a deep sadness perpetually clouded her eyes.

"Father, I know I have wronged you. I know I’ve brought shame upon the Ding Palace. But for Ying’Er’s sake, I had no other choice." As she spoke, Wan Xian’Er’s tears began to fall uncontrollably. The scene from three days ago flashed through her mind, replaying itself over and over...

「Three days prior...」

"Xian’Er, your grandfather is useless. I’m afraid Xiao Ying’er can only hold on for two more months at most. For these next two months, whatever she asks for, just do your best to give it to her. Such a wonderful great-granddaughter, such a wonderful girl... Aih..." With a heavy sigh, Wan Xianlin stamped his foot and turned to leave, leaving Wan Xian’Er to collapse into her seat, utterly stunned. Tears fell uncontrollably. Her shoulders trembled uncontrollably. A sob escaped her throat, uncontrollably...

Just then, a tiny figure in a snow-white princess dress emerged from the room. As she drew closer, the morning light illuminated her silhouette—slender and frail. She had back-length, ice-blue hair that wasn’t braided but draped neatly down her back. Her skin was as smooth and delicate as fine porcelain; though it lacked a healthy, rosy blush and was instead rather pale, this couldn’t hide her exquisite, doll-like features. Her large, ice-blue eyes were full of hope and optimism, and her small, pink lips were curved in a faint smile that held less childish innocence and more quiet strength. Even at only three years old, her ethereal, otherworldly beauty was impossible to conceal—the makings of a peerless beauty, without a doubt... if only she could live long enough to grow up.

"Mommy, why are you crying again... Be a good girl, Mommy. Don’t cry. Great-Grandpa came to see me today, and I didn’t cry, so Mommy isn’t allowed to cry either..." the tiny girl said in her soft, bell-like voice. She stretched out a pale little hand, trying with all her might to stand on her tiptoes and wipe away Wan Xian’Er’s tears. But she was too small, her body too weak. Before she could even lift her hand high enough, it fell limply to her side. Staring at her own powerless hand, a flash of disappointment far beyond her years flickered in her large, ice-blue eyes.

At this sight, a fresh wave of tears burst forth from Wan Xian’Er. She pulled the tiny girl into a tight embrace and choked out, "My good girl, Ying’Er... Mommy isn’t crying..."

After a long time, Wan Xian’Er finally managed to stop crying. Wiping the tear tracks from her eyes, she looked gently at the small girl in her arms and said softly, "Ying’Er, let Mommy ask you something. Do you have any dreams? Or is there anything you’ve always wanted to do, or anything you really, really want? No matter what it is, Mommy will get it for you."

The small girl looked up abruptly at her words. "Really? Mommy... can you really give me anything?"

Wan Xian’Er’s heart trembled. She gently stroked the little girl’s ice-blue hair and whispered, "Yes, really. Mommy won’t lie to you."

"Mommy... I don’t want anything. I just... I really miss Daddy. Mommy... when is Daddy coming back? I really, really miss him... so much... Mommy... please take me to find Daddy... I promise, just one look. I just want to know what Daddy looks like..."

"This... is this your dream, Ying’Er?"

"Mhm... yes... yes..."

Wan Xian’Er would never forget the look of infinite longing and pleading in her daughter’s eyes at that moment. She would never forget the expression of boundless yearning on her face. It was these two things, carved indelibly into her heart, that forced Wan Xian’Er to make a decision.

She... could not let her child spend her final days with this regret. Even if it meant telling a well-intentioned lie, she had to let her meet her "father."

...

The dark expression on Wan Xianzhong’s face instantly crumbled. Though he was the majestic Palace Master of the Ding Palace, he now sighed in sorrow, tears streaming down his aged face. How could he not understand his daughter’s intentions? But he hated himself even more for it. He was a dignified Peak Eighth Grade Cauldron Master, yet he couldn’t even save his own granddaughter. She was so beautiful, so well-behaved, so brave, strong, and optimistic—like an angel sent from the heavens. Just looking at her filled him with immense happiness and joy.

But it was this same perfect child who had to suffer a pain no ordinary person could bear: a shattered Dantian! A congenitally shattered Dantian! And the extent of the damage was simply horrifying. A Dantian in such a state couldn’t withstand even a sliver of Primordial Power from the Outer Realm, which had made it impossible to even perform a proper diagnosis.

If Ying’Er hadn’t grown a bit older, her constitution strengthening slightly, he, her maternal grandfather, would still have no idea what illness tormented her. But when he finally discovered the truth, he was left utterly dejected and helpless. An Innate Dantian, shattered from birth. No one in this world could save her. Not unless a miracle happened.

"Father understands. Go and do as you see fit. All the Elders in the palace adore Ying’Er; not a single one of them will object. What you’re doing isn’t shameful—it’s noble!"

"’It’s not shameful, it’s noble~’ Tee-hee~ Grandpa, Mommy, what are you guys talking about?"

Just as Wan Xianzhong finished speaking, two figures, one tall and one small, entered from outside. One was a beautiful young woman of about sixteen, clad in a white dress. The other was the lovely, porcelain doll-like girl, Xiao Ying’er.

"My Lady, Palace Master." The young woman bowed hastily upon seeing Wan Xian’Er and Wan Xianzhong.

Wan Xianzhong nodded, his mournful expression instantly blossoming like a flower. He swept Xiao Ying’er up into his arms and said lovingly, "And whose little beauty is this? Let Grandpa get a good look at you. Mmm, you’ve gotten even prettier! Haha."

Xiao Ying’er giggled at his teasing, grabbing his beard. "Grandpa~ I want to go out and play~ I heard there are lots of fun things down the mountain. Can Sister Yalan please go with me?"

Wan Xian’Er was about to object, but Wan Xianzhong stopped her with a look. "If she wants to go, let her go," he said gently. "With Yalan there, she’ll be fine. Yalan, take this. If there’s any trouble or an emergency, crush it immediately. I’ll be there in an instant."

As he spoke, Wan Xianzhong tossed out a Jade Token engraved with a Medicine Cauldron. The young woman, Yalan, caught it and exclaimed with delight, "Thank you, Palace Master!"

Xiao Ying’er cheered, throwing her arms around Wan Xianzhong’s neck and planting a loud kiss on his cheek. "Grandpa is the best!" she cried, making him puff up with pride. But as he watched her small figure leave the palace hall, the smile on his face slowly faded, replaced by an even deeper anguish.

’Heavens, what did I, Wan Xianzhong, ever do in this life to deserve this?!’