Chapter 4795: Meeting Again It felt to her as if Mo Chen’s ascension day had occurred just yesterday, yet in the blink of an eye, a full year had already come and gone. The passage of time was sometimes startling in its swiftness, and this particular year seemed to have flown by with an almost unsettling speed. Feng Jiu found herself reflecting on the myriad changes and challenges that had unfolded during this period, all while the memory of Mo Chen’s departure remained so vivid in her mind. “Master, news of Young Master Mo Chen’s ascension has gradually spread throughout the land,” Leng Hua reported, her gaze fixed on Feng Jiu. “Many people are quite surprised. After all, so many witnessed his disappearance from the heavens, so they didn’t anticipate him ascending first.” Leng Hua then shifted the conversation, her tone becoming more cautious. “Master, in the past year, have those people sent anyone to hunt you down? We’ve been vigilant, but the world is vast, and their reach could be extensive.” Feng Jiu’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. “Even if they wished to kill me, they couldn’t reach me here. The disparity in strength is far too great; how could they possibly take my life?” Her confidence was unwavering, rooted in an understanding of her own power and the formidable defenses she had established. The threats of mere mortals seemed trivial against her might. “Master, in the past year, the Black Tortoise Monarch has come looking for you several times,” Du Fan interjected, his eyes on her. “The last time was only a month ago. He arrived with his wife, stating that they wished to see the eldest young master, Hao’er.” Du Fan’s expression was unreadable, but a hint of weariness could be discerned. “He wants to see Hao’er?” Feng Jiu’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold expression. “Does Hao’er still have any relationship with them? That connection ended eight hundred years ago. How dare they come here now and claim they want to see Hao’er?” Her voice held a sharp edge, betraying the lingering resentment she harbored. The past, for her, was not something easily forgotten or forgiven, especially when it involved her son. Du Fan and the others remained silent, understanding the depth of their master’s feelings. They knew that when Feng Jiu had taken Hao’er away, there had been significant unpleasantness and a profound rift between him and the Black Tortoise Monarch and his wife. Perhaps with the inexorable passage of time, the Monarch and his wife had begun to remember their eldest son, perhaps they had come to realize the extent of their past mistakes and how truly far they had gone in their actions. However, for now, it was simply impossible for them to see Hao’er. The wounds were too deep, the betrayal too profound. “I sent people to persuade them away each time,” Du Fan continued, breaking the silence. “The last time, I was the one who personally urged them to leave. They claimed they wanted to see Master and apologize to him in person, and they sincerely hoped that the eldest young master would find it in his heart to forgive them.” He delivered the message faithfully, even though he knew the likely reaction it would elicit. Feng Jiu’s eyes turned to ice. “In the future, simply send them away. As for everything else, especially any news about Hao’er, do not let them know anything. Do you understand?” Her command was absolute, leaving no room for negotiation or interpretation. “Yes,” they replied in unison, their voices firm. In truth, only their most trusted confidants knew the true whereabouts of Hao’er, Muchen, and Muyue. The others, the vast majority of their associates, had no idea, a secret carefully guarded to protect them. “I’m going out to sea tomorrow, so I won’t be drinking tonight. You all should drink less too,” Feng Jiu announced, rising from her seat and addressing Leng Shuang. “Is the hot water ready for my bath?” “Yes, Master, it’s ready,” Leng Shuang affirmed, also standing and leading her toward the cabin. Du Fan rubbed his nose, a hint of regret in his posture. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have told the Master about this.” He knew that this particular news would invariably put their master in a somber mood, and he felt a pang of responsibility. Leng Hua patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. “The Master is probably just tired, Du Fan. Besides, this information had to be conveyed eventually. You didn’t do anything wrong by telling her the truth.” “Alright, clear everything away!” Du Fan commanded, turning to the others. “The Master will go out to sea tomorrow, so don’t drink any more wine tonight, lest it interfere with his work. We need to be alert and prepared.” He then ordered everyone to clear away the remaining wine and food, ensuring a focused and sober evening. Early the next morning, as the first rays of dawn touched the horizon, Feng Jiu descended alone into the depths of the sea. Her destination was the sacred place where Mo Ze was still slumbering, awaiting his full recovery. Perhaps after another year of the ocean’s silent nourishment, his body seemed to have become much more solid at the bottom of the sea, his form more defined, less ethereal. Looking at his familiar face, which appeared as serene as if he were merely asleep, her eyes were filled with an overwhelming tenderness and profound affection. The sight of him, even in this suspended state, brought a solace that transcended words. He was still there, even if it was at the very bottom of the sea, even if he hadn’t fully woken up yet. But to her, his presence was undeniable, a constant anchor in her life. She held an unshakeable belief that one day, he would indeed awaken fully, rise from his deep slumber, and return to her and their beloved children, completing their family once more. With a gentle resolve, she removed the protective barrier she had placed at the bottom of the sea, allowing herself passage. She then walked step by step toward him, her movements deliberate and full of purpose. In the very next moment, the potent spirit energy within her body surged forth, a powerful current of life. Simultaneously, the unique Blue Lotus energy, an intrinsic part of her being, also surged out, flowing directly towards his body, intending to accelerate his recovery and bring him back to her.