Chapter 546: Chapter 448: Yeah, Where Is It?

In a small courtyard, a little girl, looking no older than three, ran to and fro in a little red dress.

Her little feet skipped and hopped as she endlessly chased butterflies. The hem of her dress fluttered with every jump, and she looked incredibly happy.

Not far off, Yu Yunwei watched with a soft smile, her eyes filled with a tenderness she hadn’t shown in a long time.

Standing beside her, Ning Wei found herself captivated by the sight of Sister Yunwei.

’Even though it was just a faint smile, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen Sister Yunwei this happy. It had been years.’

After a long moment, Yu Yunwei finally looked away from the Blood Demon and spoke slowly.

"Ning Wei, have you decided? Will you go to the Central Plains to have a look in the Zhou Kingdom? Or would you rather go to the Great Wall of China to train? The fighting there has intensified recently. It would be a good opportunity for you to kill some of the Demon Race."

Hearing Sister Yunwei’s words, Ning Wei’s small hands clenched into fists. She looked at Yu Yunwei expectantly. "Sister Yunwei, is Brother Xiao’s reincarnation truly in the Zhou Kingdom?"

"I believe so." Yu Yunwei nodded. "That Si Li is bone-idle and never lifts a finger unless there’s something in it for her. If Senior Brother’s reincarnation wasn’t in the Zhou Royal Palace, she would have been long gone. She wouldn’t have stayed there for such a long time."

At this, Yu Yunwei glanced at Ning Wei and couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.

"The Western Regions have been turbulent lately. And for some reason, the recent actions of several other Sects seem to be directed at our Wandao Sect. As the Sect Leader, I cannot leave for the time being. I have to protect this foundation for Senior Brother. Otherwise, I would have gone to the Central Plains myself long ago."

"So, Ning Wei, I’m entrusting this to you. That Si Li can’t be trusted. The moment you find any trace of Senior Brother, send word back to the Western Regions immediately."

"When that time comes, our Wandao Sect will bring Senior Brother home. Then, we at Ten Thousand Flowers Peak can finally be reunited."

"Mm-hmm!"

Ning Wei nodded solemnly.

"Don’t worry, Sister Yunwei! If I find the reincarnation of Brother Xiao Mo, I’ll tell you immediately!"

"Good. Since you’ve made up your mind, there’s no time to waste. You should leave now. Remember, in the Central Plains, you must not stir up trouble. But if something does happen, you don’t need to be afraid. Wandao Sect is behind you, and we are no pushovers. Understand?"

"I understand, Sister Yunwei."

Ning Wei replied firmly.

Yu Yunwei gave Ning Wei a few final words of instruction and some protective Magic. Then, Ning Wei bid her farewell and headed out of the Wandao Sect.

At the foot of the mountain below the Wandao Sect, Ning Wei looked back one last time. She clenched her fists, a mix of nerves and anxiety fluttering inside her, and whispered to herself for encouragement:

"Okay, Ning Wei! You have to complete the mission Sister Yunwei gave you! You *must* find Brother Xiao! Believe in yourself! You can do this!"

Taking a deep breath, Ning Wei, who had never ventured so far from home, started on her way toward the Central Plains.

...

「Meanwhile, at the Minister of Rites’ Mansion in the Zhou Kingdom.」

A carriage of utmost luxury pulled to a stop before the gates of the Minister of Rites’ Mansion.

As the carriage curtain was drawn aside and a Maid helped her lady alight, the women already waiting at the mansion gates curtsied in unison, calling out:

"We humbly welcome Lady Xue back to the mansion."

"There is no need for such ceremony. All of you, rise," Bai Ruxue said gently. Her gaze fell upon her mother’s personal Maid, Yan’er. "Yan’er, are my mother and father in the mansion?"

"My lady, Madam Yan is currently in the reception hall entertaining the Gentleman from the Confucian Academy. The Master had official business and has not yet returned," Yan’er replied respectfully.

"I see."

Bai Ruxue nodded and walked into the main courtyard.

Upon reaching the reception hall, Bai Ruxue saw her mother in the host’s seat, deep in a cheerful conversation with the Confucian Gentleman.

"Mother."

Bai Ruxue curtsied as she entered the reception hall.

"Ruxue, you’ve returned."

Madam Yan rose from her chair and hurried over to her daughter. She took the girl’s delicate hands in her own and looked her over carefully.

"Good, you haven’t gotten any thinner, and you look well. My daughter, are you getting accustomed to life in the Imperial Palace?"

"Mother, the Empress Dowager and His Majesty both treat me very well. I am getting along just fine," Yan Ruxue said with a smile, her gaze flickering to the Confucian Gentleman. "You asked me to return today, Mother. Is this...?"

"Oh, right... I nearly forgot the matter at hand. Come, come, let me introduce you."

Madam Yan pulled her daughter forward.

"This is a closed-door disciple of Kong Sheng, the Academy Master of the Confucian Academy. The Confucian Academy heard of your great talents, my dear, so they came looking for you today. Young Master Jin says the Confucian Academy hopes you will come and study there for a time."

"I am Jin Che. Greetings, Lady Xue."

Jin Che stood before Bai Ruxue and offered a respectful bow.

"Greetings, Young Master Jin," Bai Ruxue replied with a nod.

"Alright then, I’ll let you and Young Master Jin chat," Madam Yan said, looking at her daughter. "As for going to the Confucian Academy, you can decide for yourself. If you wish to go, I will speak with the Empress Dowager on your behalf."

’Madam Yan knew her daughter was a great scholar. Like any other intellectual, she must surely yearn for a place like the Confucian Academy.’

’So, if her daughter truly wanted to go and study for a while, she would be more than willing to plead her case to the Empress Dowager.’

’After all, this was the Confucian Academy. How many people ever got such an opportunity?’

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