"Refugees?"

"Yes, little Daoist Priest, you have no idea how troublesome these refugees have become!"

The young maid beside Mu Wei said indignantly, "On our way here, a group of them surrounded our carriage, trying to take my lady and me away to... you know."

"You know... you know?"

Gu Changge looked at her with a somewhat peculiar expression.

The young maid nodded earnestly and said to him, "That's right, you know what I mean, little Daoist Priest."

Gu Changge's gaze was subtle as he replied, "Perhaps, maybe, I don't know as much as you do."

His gaze gradually shifted to Mu Wei.

You know?

Mu Wei's face turned slightly red as she glared at Gu Changge, biting her lip, "Why are you looking at me? Luckily, Uncle Wu was strong and drove them away in no time."

Gu Changge chuckled.

He hadn't expected the road to become so dangerous.

He frowned slightly and said, "These refugees are getting bolder. Why doesn't the yamen clear them out?"

"There are too many refugees!"

The young maid sighed, "We often see patrols on the main road, but this place is too remote, little Daoist Priest. Many people are afraid to come this way now."

Hearing this, Gu Changge nodded thoughtfully.

Afterward.

Mu Wei and the young maid went to the main hall to pay respects to the Dao Lord enshrined at Lingyin Temple and then stayed in the guest room.

The guest room wasn't far from Gu Changge's residence at Qingsong Courtyard.

Otherwise, Mu Wei wouldn't have mistakenly gone to Gu Changge's courtyard before.

Until noon the next day.

After having lunch, the master and servant prepared to return to Rising Dragon City.

Gu Changge, as usual, saw them off.

It was July.

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Lingyin Mountain was lush and green.

Unknown flowering trees were in full bloom in the forest beside the mountain path.

A faint fragrance filled the air.

As they reached the mountain gate.

Mu Wei suddenly stopped, hesitated for a moment, and then looked up at Gu Changge, "My father says it's chaotic outside the city now, so I might not be able to come here starting next month."

Since that incident a few years ago.

She had been coming to Lingyin Temple once or twice each month, supposedly for meditation, but everyone knew the real reason.

Gu Changge nodded, "That's probably for the best. It's not safe outside now, staying in the city is indeed much better."

Mu Wei tried to see something in Gu Changge's eyes, but after a while, she was disappointed.

The girl pursed her lips and gathered the courage to ask, "Is there nothing you want to say to me?"

Mu Wei looked at Gu Changge with some expectation in her eyes.

She wore a light blue gauze dress, with pale purple peonies embroidered on the cuffs. Her charming face was untouched by makeup, yet still beautiful and captivating. Her shimmering eyes were like deep pools, enchanting and mesmerizing.

Gu Changge's heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained calm as he looked at her, his eyes devoid of any emotion, "Be careful on your way back."

A trace of disappointment flashed in Mu Wei's eyes.

She remained silent for a moment, then softly acknowledged, turned around, and walked away.

The young maid standing beside them gave Gu Changge a look of frustration, lowering her voice.

"Little Daoist Priest, don't you understand why our lady comes here every month?"

"Xiao Yun!"

Mu Wei, ahead, turned and glared at her.

The young maid chuckled and quickly caught up with Mu Wei.

Mu Wei glanced again at the indifferent Gu Changge, clenched her teeth, and turned to leave.

Gu Changge watched calmly.

He looked up.

The view between heaven and earth was vast.

In the distance, the mountains stretched out like a green dragon, and the mighty Han River flowed like a silver ribbon.

The landscape was picturesque, so enchanting.

Gu Changge's heart was clear as a mirror.

To achieve immortality, one must forsake worldly attachments!

The path to immortality is filled with solitude.

Ordinary people, after decades, will eventually age and turn to bones.

If one indulges in it.

Then immortality becomes a punishment.

Gu Changge knew very well what he needed to do when he chose this path.

At the same time.

This was also why he left home to cultivate.

With that thought.

Gu Changge prepared to return to his residence to continue his cultivation, but suddenly felt a sharp tug at his heart.

He frowned slightly and touched his chest.

What was going on?

Gu Changge felt this sensation was inexplicable, as if it was hinting at something.

Suddenly.

He turned to look at Mu Wei and her maid walking down the mountain.

After a brief consideration.

Gu Changge used the Kanxu Eye to look at the top of their heads.

In a vision filled with strange colors, he saw a grayish aura above their heads, with flashes of blood-red light within.

His brows furrowed deeply for the first time.

Kanxu Pupil!

It could see through the fog of reality and perceive fate.

Fate.

Fate is destiny.

Fortune is luck.

Destiny is predetermined and hard to change.

Fortune, however, is constantly changing.

Some people occasionally have great fortune, surrounded by auspicious clouds, while others might spill water while drinking, and some... face bloodshed calamities!

Gu Changge's expression turned serious.

He hesitated slightly, watching Mu Wei and her maid stop in their tracks.

...

At the foot of the mountain.

A carriage was waiting.

The driver was a middle-aged man who looked like an ordinary farmer.

He had a simple and honest demeanor.

Seeing Mu Wei and her maid coming down the mountain, he chuckled, "It seems the falling flowers are willing, but the flowing water is heartless."

The young maid glared at him, "Uncle Wu, stop with the sarcastic remarks. My lady is already upset."

"Hehe, alright, I won't say more."

Uncle Wu shook his head with a smile, looking at the somewhat dejected Mu Wei, and sighed, "Miss, I've seen that little Daoist Priest. He's a determined person. Winning him over might be harder than grinding an iron rod into a needle."

The young maid waved her delicate fist indignantly.

"Hmph! That guy just doesn't know a good thing when he sees it. My lady is so wonderful, not only beautiful and generous but also understanding. You can't find a better girl even with a lantern!"

"It's just that guy who's indifferent. In Rising Dragon City, the line of people wanting to marry my lady could stretch from the west gate to the east gate!"

"Miss, let's not waste time on him, find someone else!"

The young maid said to Mu Wei.

Mu Wei snapped out of her thoughts, hearing the young maid's words, she rolled her eyes at her, using her slender fingers to poke her maid's fair forehead, "Little girl, what do you know? Your lady is a devoted person!"

The young maid retreated, rubbing her forehead, pursing her lips, "But what if he doesn't appreciate it?"

Mu Wei's expression froze.

Then, she clenched her fists, her gaze firm, "Watch me, your lady will definitely win him over."

"As for those unworthy suitors in Rising Dragon City, I don't care for any of them!"

"But miss, I heard the Patriarch of the Gu Family is planning to propose to your father for their Eldest Young Master!"

"I... I won't marry! If father agrees, then let him marry her himself!"

A hint of panic flashed in Mu Wei's eyes as she feigned composure.

But... that's the Gu Family.

If her father agreed, could she really resist?

Mu Wei thought worriedly.