375: Discussing returning to northern Xinjiang

The residual warmth of the stove in the study had not yet dissipated, and the scents of sandalwood and rouge intertwined into a lingering mist, tightly wrapping the tenderness of their long-awaited reunion.

Situ Jun stood in the room, holding the Embroiderer's hand in his left and Liu Xuaner's in his right, feeling distinctly different sensations from their fingertips.

The Embroiderer's palm bore fine, thin calluses—marks left by years of handling needles and thread, and a testament to the hardships they had shared together.

Liu Xuaner's fingertips were slightly cool, yet they carried a hint of irrepressible, joyful trembling. The pearl tassels at her temples swayed gently with her shallow breaths, fine glints of light dancing in her hair. Her eyes sparkled like stars, filled entirely with Situ Jun's reflection, as if the long-suppressed excitement and joy were about to overflow from her gaze.

Situ Jun's gaze slowly swept across the room, and every familiar face brought a wave of warmth to his heart.

Luo Yu was dressed in a crimson silk dress, its hem embroidered with intricate lotus patterns that shimmered as she moved, complementing her snow-white skin. A faint smile played on her red lips, but deep in her eyes, she couldn't hide the surging longing, like an undercurrent beneath a calm lake, only now beginning to stir.

Widow Ya wore a plain-colored long robe. The simple fabric could not hide her graceful figure. Layers of softness bloomed in her usually cold eyes, and the distance she deliberately maintained had long been replaced by her current attachment. Her every movement added a touch of unintentional charm, like winter plums blooming after the snow melts.

Chen Yufei wore a light blue dress with elegant orchids embroidered on the hem, making her temperament as gentle as an orchid. Her gaze rested quietly on Situ Jun, devoid of intense emotion, showing only the warmth and certainty settled by time, as if no matter how far he went, she would always be here waiting quietly.

Mei Shuang wore a lake-blue long dress, its hem fluttering slightly like rippling waves. Her cold brow was rarely touched with warmth, and the distance in her eyes as she looked at Situ Jun had faded, replaced by a flowing, tender affection, like melting snow in spring, delicate and moving.

Jiang Ya skipped over to him, her goose-yellow dress making her look charming and lively. Her bright eyes seemed to hold a sky full of stars as she chattered about the interesting things that had happened in East Lin City during the three months he was away—from the new pastry shop on the street to the flowers blooming in the Spirit Plant garden in the west of the city. Her tone was as lively as a forest bird, instantly dispelling some of the sorrow of parting.

Lan Yanliu stood behind the others, dressed in a pale green dress. Her soft and graceful figure was like a willow in the wind. A faint smile played on her lips, and her gaze followed Situ Jun's figure, gentle and persistent.

Shen Xingwan blinked her eyes prettily, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. Her hands nervously twisted her skirt, her youthful shyness as a young wife becoming more apparent under the candlelight, making her all the more endearing.

Hua Hanxiang's figure was enchanting, her bright red dress outlining her graceful curves. Her vivid makeup couldn't hide the deep affection in her eyes. When she looked at Situ Jun, there seemed to be a fire burning in her eyes, intense and sincere.

Every face carried bits and pieces of the past—the laughter and tears, the companionship and waiting—all of it now rushed to his heart.

Warmth surged in Situ Jun's heart, as if a warm current was spreading through his limbs and bones, instantly dispelling the fatigue and dust of his recent travels, leaving only a heart full of peace and stability.

“This time back in East Lin City, the first is to handle the issue of refugees from the Southern Border, and the second is to take everyone back to Northern Border City.”

Situ Jun's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze. He lightly stroked the backs of the Embroiderer's and Liu Xuaner's hands, a warm smile playing on his lips as he continued:

“Northern Border City now has a stable Foundation and vast territory. It borders the Great Zhou Dynasty, making trade convenient, and its cultivation resources are even more abundant. There are more opportunities there, making it suitable for our long-term development.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the women all showed expressions of thought, then nodded one after another.

The Embroiderer was the first to speak, her tone soft yet organized:

“Husband is absolutely right. Although East Lin City is prosperous and wealthy, it is ultimately not our own city, and there are too many restrictions. Northern Border City is our true Foundation. Yuxiu Pavilion's business is now on the right track, and the branches in various places have established themselves. We only need to properly arrange the Shopkeepers and Waiters, and hand over the accounts and properties, then we can leave with peace of mind.”

Liu Xuaner nodded repeatedly in agreement:

“Although Northern Border City is a bit desolate, we know it well, making it easy to manage and control. The cultivation environment is not inferior to East Lin City, and with the many preparations Husband has laid out, it is indeed more suitable for us to live and Cultivate in peace.”

Just then, Widow Ya took a step forward, her fair face filled with solemnity:

“Husband, Hanxiang and I thank you for your care during this time. The Poison Scorpion Cult suffered heavy losses in the previous battle in the Southern Border and urgently needs to regroup and stabilize people's hearts. The two of us need to return to the cult to take charge and appease the members. Once the cult is stable, we will immediately head to Northern Border City to reunite with Husband.”

Hua Hanxiang also nodded, her enchanting eyes showing more determination and less of her usual charm:

“Sister Ya is right. The Poison Scorpion Cult is an inheritance passed down by previous generations; it is our root. After the events in the Southern Border, there are many internal hidden dangers and powerful enemies lurking outside. We must go back to stabilize the situation and must not let the legacy of our ancestors be destroyed.”

Situ Jun looked at the two of them. His eyes first showed a moment of contemplation, which then turned into deep concern and understanding:

“The Poison Scorpion Cult is your home; you may go back and handle things with peace of mind. Northern Border City is also your home, and its doors will always be open for you, welcoming your return at any time. The cult's affairs are important, so don't worry about things on my end. If there are any difficulties, even if the sky falls, just send me a message, and I will immediately come to your aid.”

He paused and then added:

“Regarding the matter of unsealing the Nascent Soul Seal, Bai Yu should have already told you the unified explanation, right? Remember to be careful in everything, do not trust others easily, and contact me at any time through the Jade Talisman if anything happens.”

Widow Ya and Hua Hanxiang looked at each other, their eyes full of emotion and their hearts warm. They said in unison:

“Thank you for your concern, Husband. We will keep it in mind.”

Seeing this, Luo Yu also took a step forward, her skirt fluttering slightly, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and solemnity:

“Husband, the Xihua Sect recently sent me a message, summoning me to return to the Sect immediately. It says we are to wait for the arrival of an envoy from the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty to resolve the matter of my unsealed Seal. I need to go back and deal with this...”

“Alright, go then.”

Situ Jun nodded, a flash of curiosity in his eyes. The Heavenly Dragon Dynasty had suddenly dispatched an envoy to the Xihua Sect, and he wondered what their intention was. He also wanted to see how this envoy would restrict the high-level Cultivators of the Sects; perhaps this was an Opportunity to understand the strength of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty.”

After discussing everyone's whereabouts, the Embroiderer and Chen Yufei began to arrange the follow-up matters for Yuxiu Pavilion.

The two went to the front courtyard shop, which was the core of Yuxiu Pavilion, usually bustling with traffic and prosperous business.

At this moment, they summoned the core Waiters and Shopkeepers of Yuxiu Pavilion and gave instructions for the handover of accounts and properties.