Chapter 264

Chapter 264

After repairing the teleportation array, Ning Yuzhou went to rest nearby and did not concern himself with anything else.

Only Iron Granny stubbornly guarded the teleportation array, waiting for Su Molan's return.

Wen Qiao glanced at Iron Granny's figure. When they first met, although she was somewhat thin, her face, aside from a scar, looked like that of an ordinary woman. However, now her skin was loose and wrinkled, and her back was slightly hunched. It seemed as if in just a few days, she had aged several decades, transforming from a young woman into an old lady.

Because of her sudden aging, the scar on her face no longer appeared as terrifying.

Wen Qiao walked to Iron Granny's side and handed her a pill bottle.

Iron Granny raised her head, her eyes somewhat cloudy, and smiled at her, her voice calm, "Thank you, but there's no need to waste your spirit pills on me; my injuries cannot be healed."

Wen Qiao said, "It's fine, I have plenty of spirit pills."

Iron Granny: "..."

Iron Granny could only accept her kindness.

Every time she saw Wen Qiao, Iron Granny couldn't help but think of Su Molan when she was thirty years old. Her heart would become very soft. Her little mistress had led a life full of hardships, destined since birth. She felt sorry for her little mistress, but unfortunately, she alone could not stand against the entire continent. She could only do her best to help her.

If the Suzhou Valley hadn't been destroyed back then, her little mistress wouldn't have suffered so much.

Iron Granny sighed deeply and continued watching the teleportation array.

A few days later, the teleportation array lit up with a spiritual glow. When the light faded, a person appeared within it.

"Little Mistress!" Iron Granny exclaimed in surprise and quickly stood up.

Su Molan, who had just arrived via the teleportation array from the No Return Sea, had not yet fully taken in her surroundings when she heard Iron Granny's voice. Looking up, when she saw the old woman standing in front of the teleportation array, she was shocked and widened her eyes.

"Granny..."

Su Molan's eyes instantly turned red, and before she could speak, tears streamed down her face. She rushed over to Iron Granny, embracing her hunched body and sobbing loudly, crying out, "Granny... how did you become like this? Did those people bully you..."

Although Iron Granny was very moved, she wasn't frightened by her cries.

She was used to this child's behavior and gently patted Su Molan's back, smiling, "How old are you now? Why do you still cry at the slightest provocation? Aren't you afraid of being ridiculed? Young Master Ning and Miss Wen are here too."

Su Molan's tears instantly stopped, and she sniffled, lifting her head. Through her tear-filled eyes, she saw Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou nearby. Her tears were completely gone, not a single drop remained.

Iron Granny: "..."

Su Molan nervously and awkwardly said, "Miss Wen, Young Master Ning, you're here too..."

Wen Qiao replied, "Yes, we've been waiting for your return."

Su Molan continued to smile nervously and awkwardly. Fortunately, she now looked like a round-faced little girl, vastly different from her original appearance, which prevented any urge to hit her.

Iron Granny watched her with mixed emotions, feeling heartache. Her little mistress must have endured a lot to develop the ability to stop her tears so abruptly. In the past, she had tried to correct her crying habit, but due to various reasons, she had not succeeded.

Although Su Molan still wore her disguise, Iron Granny recognized her immediately. After all, some habits don't change easily, and Su Molan didn't try to alter them in front of Iron Granny.

Though Iron Granny called Su Molan "little mistress," their relationship was more akin to family than master and servant.

After fifty years apart, they had countless things to say to each other.

Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou tactfully left them alone, walking out of Chuanyun Hall together and sitting on the viewing platform outside, enjoying the misty scenery of Suzhou Valley with their cloud beasts.

"Husband, the scenery of Suzhou Valley is truly beautiful," Wen Qiao said, gazing at the constantly gathering and dispersing clouds in the distance, recalling the night view of Suzhou Valley. "Especially at night, it looks like a fallen Milky Way, really beautiful."

"Then let's enjoy it together tonight," Ning Yuzhou said with a smile.

Wen Qiao happily replied, "Sure."

As night fell, the two sat on the viewing platform, a basket of spirit fruits beside them, their fragrance attracting many cloud beasts.

The fluffy white cloud beasts resembled clouds in the sky. As they lay one by one next to the couple, it felt as if they were surrounded by mist.

Wen Qiao fed the spirit fruits to the cloud beasts, her face filled with a sweet smile, her dimples soft and endearing.

Ning Yuzhou couldn't resist picking up a red spirit fruit and feeding it to her.

Wen Qiao glanced at him and obligingly took a bite.

Thus, Wen Qiao fed the cloud beasts while Ning Yuzhou fed her. Before long, the basket of spirit fruits was empty. Wen Qiao took out another basket, and her peripheral vision caught sight of the distant night sky, causing her to suddenly exclaim in delight.

"Husband, look, the stars are coming out."

Wen Qiao pointed to the sky above Suzhou Valley, indicating for Ning Yuzhou to look.

Ning Yuzhou glanced at the night sky, his gaze returning to the female cultivator beneath the stars. She still wore her disguise, with ordinary features except for her bright, clear eyes, which stood out. Those eyes seemed to hold a galaxy, captivating him more than any scenery in the world, making him lose himself in admiration.

Not hearing his response for a long time, Wen Qiao turned to look at him, meeting his dazed gaze, and asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Ning Yuzhou snapped back to reality, drew closer, and wrapped his arm around her waist, smiling, "Indeed, it's very beautiful."

Wen Qiao became happy instantly, unaware that his praise was not for the stars of Suzhou Valley but for her.

Even without knowing, she instinctively felt joy from the affection in his tone, resting her head on his shoulder as they quietly leaned together.

The gentle night breeze made the whole world feel tender and beautiful.

***

With red, swollen eyes, Su Molan stepped out of Chuanyun Hall and saw the couple on the viewing platform nearby. She silently withdrew her foot.

Iron Granny, seeing her return, asked curiously, "Didn't you see Young Master Ning and the others?"

"Seen it."

Su Molan said gloomily, thinking of the two people under the starry sky and the group of cloud beasts lying beside them. That peaceful scene suddenly made her feel a bit melancholic.

When Iron Granny noticed her unusual expression, she scanned the surroundings with her divine sense and saw the same scene, sighing heavily.

Back when Shen Yuanjin escorted her back to Pleiades Valley, they had stayed there for quite some time.

Pleiades Valley had different landscapes during the day and night. The clouds in the daytime and the stars at night were renowned across the Pleiades Continent. This engaged couple had seen all the clouds and stars of Pleiades Valley, and even if they were strangers, a unique bond had formed between them.

Thinking about what happened fifty years ago, Iron Granny's expression turned stern as she suddenly asked, "Molan, tell me, you and Shen Yuanjin..."

"We have no relationship anymore," Su Molan hurriedly replied. "If Mother hadn't entrusted me to her on her deathbed, the Xiao and Shen families should have been united through marriage. Shen Gongzi's fiancée should have been Xiao Minxin, not me who was thrust into the middle. I was the one who hindered them..."

"Nonsense!" Iron Granny shouted sternly, her aged face showing an unquestionable severity. "What were the Xiao and Shen families plotting back then? Do they think I don't know? They proposed this marriage themselves! Miss knew she couldn't protect you as you grew up and was worried about angering them, so she accepted the marriage proposal, not forcing you to comply. If Miss were still here, how could she let you suffer such indignities..."

As she spoke, Iron Granny also became sorrowful.

The Xiao and Shen families had a good plan, thinking that by capturing the last heir of Pleiades Valley, they could control it and conveniently obtain the Twenty-Eight Constellations Map. However, they raised her in the Xiao family without even pretending to care, turning a healthy child into someone weak and innocent, even forcing her to this point.

Fifty years ago, Demon Sect suddenly attacked the Xiao family. Do they think she doesn't know why?

If not for the Xiao family's self-inflicted predicament, how could they have attracted Demon Sect? Ridiculous that they used this as an excuse to seal Pleiades Valley and imprison its only heir.

Iron Granny became increasingly angry as she thought about it.

"Granny, don't be angry," Su Molan said, worried about her health. "Anyway, I don't like Shen Yuanjin. The marriage is over."

Iron Granny's face darkened as she suddenly asked, "Tell me honestly, did you and Shen Yuanjin already practice dual cultivation?"

"..."

"Speak!" Iron Granny commanded coldly.

Su Molan lowered her head and whispered, "No... not yet."

"Who ruined your Yin body?"

Su Molan pursed her lips and remained silent.

Iron Granny's face turned livid. "Then tell me, was it voluntary or forced?"

"It wasn't forced..."

Iron Granny's brows furrowed deeply, then she heard her say softly, "It wasn't voluntary either."

"Speak clearly!" Iron Granny glared at her, frustrated.

Su Molan, like a child who had done something wrong, knelt before Iron Granny, her face full of shame. "I was framed by Xiao Minxin, my mind was confused, and I made a mistake..."

Iron Granny tightened her lips, her expression grim, but ultimately didn't ask any more questions.

What was the point of asking more? It would only make her see the true nature of those people more clearly. They were all demons, willing to force a young girl to her death for their own schemes.

**

Dawn broke, and the clouds of Pleiades Valley surged again, dyed into splendid mist by the rising sun, beautiful and vibrant.

Hearing footsteps, the two people on the observation platform turned around.

Su Molan, looking haggard, walked out of Chuanyun Hall, her expression strained as she said, "Young Master Ning, Miss Wen, Granny wants you to come in."

Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou left the observation platform and entered Chuanyun Hall.

Su Molan followed them into the hall like a timid wife, then stood behind Iron Granny, who gave her a sharp glance, prompting her to straighten up and sit beside her, looking serious and composed.

But with her haggard appearance, she looked truly pitiful.

Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou didn't know what had happened between the master and servant, so they didn't ask.

Iron Granny coughed a few times, then stood up and bowed solemnly to them.

"You two saved our young mistress's life, and I will never forget your kindness," Iron Granny said gratefully.

Having an Elder in the Emperor Yuan realm bow so solemnly made Wen Qiao uncomfortable, and she said, "Granny, there's no need for this."

Iron Granny insisted on completing the bow before letting Su Molan help her sit down.

Then, she took out two tokens from her storage bag and pushed them towards them, saying, "These are the tokens to enter Cangyun Peak. All the important collections of Pleiades Valley are inside. Molan has permission to access anything there, and she will lead you in."

Iron Granny's straightforwardness earned Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou's favor. They accepted the tokens and thanked her.

Iron Granny waved her hand, telling them not to be too formal.

Although Cangyun Peak contained the legacy of Pleiades Valley, representing its essence, Iron Granny believed that Pleiades Valley was already in name only. These things were neither brought into life nor taken away upon death; what was the use of hiding them? Besides, this was a promise Su Molan had made to them, and she wouldn't let her young mistress become someone who breaks promises.

Moreover, Su Molan was the heir of Pleiades Valley, and whatever happened to it was her decision.

This was a very wise old woman.

Iron Granny brought them back to Chuyun Peak and arranged a new identity for Su Molan.

She was still a disciple of Suyun Peak, not very old and with low cultivation, transferred to Chuyun Peak under Iron Granny's pretext. As for the disciple Su Molan replaced, Iron Granny had dealt with them thoroughly.

After some time, Iron Granny found another pretext to transfer Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao, disguised as disciples of Suyun Peak, to Chuyun Peak.

Leading them to Chuyun Peak was a middle-aged male cultivator who had once served Iron Granny. Looking at the three of them, he said sympathetically, "Junior brothers and sister, be careful from now on. Although Iron Granny is powerful, her temper... well."

The middle-aged cultivator was very afraid of Iron Granny and didn't dare speak too bluntly, but in his heart, Iron Granny was an ugly and strange old woman who would die sooner or later. Once she died, there would be no one in Pleiades Valley to suppress them, and they could finally escape this miserable place.

Listening to the middle-aged male cultivator's seemingly well-intentioned advice, which was filled with blame for Grandma Tie, Su Molan clenched her jaw and barely restrained herself from acting against him.

Ning Yuzhou glanced at Su Molan, who was silent with her head lowered, and smiled, "Thank you, Senior Brother Wang. When I have the chance, I'll buy you a drink."

"Sure, sure." Senior Brother Wang wore a delighted expression. "I remember you, Junior Brother Xu, still have a few jars of good wine stashed away that you've been keeping to yourself. It's making everyone drool."

"What can I say? Good wine is hard to come by. With the valley's protective barrier always closed, we can't go outside to buy more. Every jar we drink is one less jar, so how could I bear to part with it?"

"Junior Brother Xu has a point," Senior Brother Wang said with a sigh. "I wonder when this protective barrier will be opened? I really don't know when this situation will end. Those people should hurry up and deal with that dead girl..."

His voice was very low, almost like a mumble, but all present were keen-eared cultivators and couldn't help but hear it.

A flash of murderous intent flickered in Su Molan's eyes.

After complaining a bit, Senior Brother Wang escorted them to Chuyun Peak. Not wanting to see Grandma Tie, he quickly found an excuse to leave, leaving them to enter Chuyun Peak on their own.

The three arrived at the medicine room on Chuyun Peak to meet Grandma Tie.

Grandma Tie said, "There's nothing here for you. Go to Cangyun Peak instead, and be careful not to reveal your identities."

After Elder Wan was taken care of by Grandma Tie, there was no longer anyone in Suzheng Valley who could threaten them. However, if those outside learned that Su Molan was in Suzheng Valley, even with the protective barrier, they wouldn't stand a chance against several Emperor Yuan Realm cultivators working together.

Grandma Tie feared the four major clans and wanted to keep Su Molan hidden for as long as possible, giving her a chance to grow stronger.

Thus, Su Molan, Wen Qiao, and Ning Yuzhou settled into their roles temporarily within Suzheng Valley.

After searching for a day, Su Molan led Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao into Cangyun Peak.

Once inside Cangyun Peak, Su Molan brought them to a secret place deep within the mountain. This area was heavily guarded with numerous restrictions, accessible only to the valley master of Suzheng Valley. Anyone who entered without permission would trigger the valley's protective barrier, drawing everyone's attention and suffering the backlash of the restrictions.

These restrictions were set up by the founder of Suzheng Valley and had remained intact since then, with very few able to break them.

Su Molan led them through the mountain, using the valley master's token and the blood of the Su family's direct lineage to pass each checkpoint. Worried about her losing too much blood, Wen Qiao gave her a blood-replenishing pill to replenish what she had lost.

Su Molan couldn't help but laugh, "It's just a little blood; it's no big deal."

The journey was long, and as they walked, Su Molan chatted with them about the origins of Suzheng Valley and Grandma Tie.