Volume 3 - Chapter 419: Sculpting the True Meaning, Shi Miao Awakens (Part 3)
In the depths of the Su family’s estate, within the Exiled Immortal Court.
Years had passed. The splendor had faded, and the Su family had returned to its quiet calm. Su Muqing now sat alone in seclusion within her cultivation chamber, immersed in contemplation.
The courtyard lay empty. That figure, once a part of the scenery itself, had left for the ancestral grounds and had yet to return.
Su Muqing had sent Nanny Wu to inquire, only to learn that Li Hao was still in the ancestral land—apparently receiving guidance from the Progenitor and cultivating there.
Upon hearing this, Su Muqing felt an odd sense of relief. But alongside that relief came complex emotions, difficult to name.
As one of the Su family’s top prodigies, she had only glimpsed the Progenitor’s face upon his awakening. She hadn’t even had the chance to exchange words with him, let alone receive guidance.
And yet Li Hao… had gained the Progenitor’s deep favor.
It wasn’t jealousy that she felt toward Li Hao. Only regret—and confusion as to why she had not been summoned.
A year after Li Hao entered the ancestral land, news came from the Lin family. A flying message was delivered to the Su family and respectfully placed in front of her.
Only then did she realize she had shut off her communication talisman. The sender had been unable to reach her directly and had resorted to messaging through the clan.
Guilt welled up inside her. Memories of their centuries together surfaced—how he had shielded her since they were young, like an elder brother always by her side. So many people had seen them as destined for each other, a pair made in heaven.
Even she had once thought so.
After all, aside from him, no other man in the world had ever truly caught her eye.
Whether in conduct, appearance, cultivation, or talent—none could compare.
Even among the most celebrated prodigies of noble clans, surrounded by admirers, they were but fleeting shadows before Lin Zhexuan. No match. Not on the same level.
But that towering pride had been shattered.
Still, even if someone surpassed him in talent, she would not have distanced herself because of it. Her father often said: there’s always a higher sky. She had heard tales of other Emperors and the legends of the Primal True World—where even more powerful prodigies existed, some possibly even stronger than Lin Zhexuan or herself.
Like those who had mastered the Dao-Origin Immortal Seal.
So she had never considered herself the pinnacle of talent in the True World. That mindset allowed her to accept failure without harming her Dao Heart.
She could bear the pain of her first defeat.
But… the memory of that desperate moment—when she stepped past the others to face death alone—refused to fade.
She could understand their reasons. But understanding and acceptance were not the same.
Especially when placed in comparison.
Su Muqing clutched the flying message in her hand. In the end, she made the decision to meet him.
Outside the Su estate, by a lakeside pavilion.
A tall figure stood silently, waiting.
Su Muqing appeared in a flash of movement. Seeing the silhouette by the lake, her eyes grew complicated. She descended slowly into the pavilion.
“You’re blaming me?”
As soon as they met, Lin Zhexuan turned to face her. His eyes held confusion—and a faint trace of anger.
Su Muqing knew what he meant: that she had cut off her communication talisman. She lowered her voice. “There’s been too much going on lately. I’ve been in seclusion.”
A lie. Lin Zhexuan could see through it at once. He found it a little ridiculous—but he didn’t laugh, nor did he lash out. He only spoke quietly:
“You heard what Uncle Su said that day. What choice did you make?”
Su Muqing’s heart trembled. She fell silent. After a long pause, she finally answered, “I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
For the first time, fury broke through Lin Zhexuan’s usually calm expression. His fist clenched. “I thought you’d refuse outright!”
Su Muqing looked at the young man burning with anger. She didn’t speak. The truth was—she truly didn’t know. Even now, she had no answer.
“The Dao-Origin Immortal Seal may belong to a true dragon among men, but the Laws of Chaos are no weaker!”
Lin Zhexuan fixed her with a deep gaze. “After hundreds of years together, you should know my heart.”
Su Muqing remained quiet. Of course she knew.
“In ten more years, I will depart for the Primal True World. My clan has already made arrangements.”
He looked steadily at her and said solemnly, “I imagine your Su family has plans as well. What I mean is—if you choose me, then let’s marry before we leave. Bear a child before we go. Let the clan raise them. You know how fierce the competition is over there. Once we arrive, there will be no time for such matters.”
Su Muqing’s expression shifted slightly.
Once, all this had seemed natural—inevitable.
But now… she hesitated.
Lin Zhexuan seemed to sense her hesitation. He gave her a long, searching look, then turned away.
“Think it over during the next ten years.”
With that, he tore open the void, soared into the sky, and vanished beyond the horizon.
Su Muqing remained by the lake, staring at the empty pavilion. Suddenly, her heart felt just as empty. Her gaze mirrored the ripples on the lake—shimmering with crystalline light.
After returning from the lakeside, Su Muqing shut herself in her chambers and refused to see anyone.
Time passed.
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