### Chapter 44: The Ancient Tree's Birthday, Meeting Xiaoqing Again - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

### Chapter 44: The Ancient Tree's Birthday, Meeting Xiaoqing Again [As you walk through the lengthy market, your eyes widen with wonder, for you never imagined there could be such a fascinating place in the world.] [Moreover, you notice that it's not just demons and spirits here; some monks, Taoists, and ordinary people also come to trade or shop.] [Judging by their familiarity, it seems this isn’t their first visit. Each face carries a trace of shrewdness.] [Dou Qianli explains to you at this point.] "These monks, Taoists, and ordinary people received invitations from the Ancient Tree due to a twist of fate, allowing them to come to this intersection between the yin and yang realms." "The Ancient Tree?" [This is the first time you've heard of this name, and you’re unsure what it signifies.] [Seeing your confusion about the Ancient Tree, Dou Qianli elaborates.] "The Ancient Tree is the master of this interdimensional market and governs all here." “In two days, it will be the Ancient Tree's birthday. We need to prepare a dish that will be unforgettable to achieve my goal.” [Upon hearing Dou Qianli’s plan, you immediately inquire about his goal.] [Seeing your curiosity, Dou Qianli doesn’t hide it from you.] "The reason I brought you here is to borrow something from the Ancient Tree." "Of course, if we fail, I won’t hold it against you. We’ll be even." [After hearing Dou Qianli's request, although you don't know what it is, you sense it's crucial, otherwise Dou Qianli wouldn't be going to such lengths.] [Once at an inn called "Half Step More," Dou Qianli settles you in and advises you to stay indoors as much as possible.] [He then leaves to search for ingredients for the dish to please the Ancient Tree.] [As Dou Qianli departs, you ponder over what kind of ingredients he might be seeking.] [Watching the demons and spirits outside from the inn, you're hesitant to go out and decide to wait in your room for Dou Qianli’s return.] [Dou Qianli doesn’t return until a day later; fortunately, you do not feel hunger, but rather as if you’re dreaming.] [When he returns, he brings a variety of ingredients, none of which are typical human fare: a green wood still with leaves, a jar of glowing honey, three starlit dried fruits, mushrooms in colors you've never seen, and a ginseng root thick as a baby’s arm...] [The variety of ingredients totals over thirty, piled impressively on the ground.] [Staring at this array of ingredients, you ask Dou Qianli what exactly needs to be made.] [Dou Qianli admits he doesn’t know for sure; he just knows the Ancient Tree enjoys plant-based dishes, leaving the specifics for you to determine.] [Hearing Dou Qianli’s irresponsible remark, you have no choice but to ponder over the combinations in your room.] [Moreover, the Ancient Tree isn’t a regular mortal—what could be poisonous mushrooms to humans might be a tonic for it.] [In the short time available, you can't devise an ideal dish, thus you decide to experiment by combining all the ingredients in a manner adhering to the five elements, boiling them into a unique broth.] [Due to the multitude of rare ingredients, you name the soup Essence Gourmet Stew.] [Dou Qianli is delighted with the Essence Gourmet Stew within the pot.] "Whether we can borrow the Dragon Subjugation Nail from the Ancient Tree depends on this!" "Dragon Subjugation Nail?" [You’re unsure what this nail is, but seeing Dou Qianli’s excitement, it must be an invaluable treasure.] [With the dish for the Ancient Tree prepared, Dou Qianli no longer hides the truth from you.] "The Dragon Subjugation Nail was stolen by the Ancient Tree from an emperor’s tomb; it suppresses ley lines and can align feng shui." "I was struck by a cosmic storm during my celestial breakthrough, leaving me half-human, half-mouse forever." "If I obtain the Dragon Subjugation Nail, it can channel the toxic energy into the earth’s veins, curing my internal ailments." [Understanding Dou Qianli’s predicament, you nod in realization.] "So that’s it." "Then I wish Master Dou success!" "Hopefully so." …… [On the Ancient Tree’s birthday, the entire market is bustling with faces unfamiliar to you.] [Before meeting the Ancient Tree, Dou Qianli takes you to meet a friend of his.] [It’s a woman in azure robes.] [She is like a delicately carved jade, her slightly upturned brows forever carrying a hint of mischief and allure.] [You’ve never seen such an enchanting woman; she seems capable of seducing one’s soul.] [Thoughts of Guo Lin appear in your mind, prompting you to avert your gaze from her.] [Surprised by your reaction, the woman in azure finds your resistance to her charm unexpected. Nevertheless, this piques her interest in you.] At this time, outside the scene, Su Mo couldn't remain calm. Xiaoqing! It’s Xiaoqing, after all? Meeting Xiaoqing here was unexpected. Thinking back, if Xiaoqing is here, then in the real world, where might Xiaoqing and Bai Suzhen be cultivating now? Recalling the captivating scenes involving Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing, Su Mo felt a wave of heat. But such musings were just thoughts—reality had them worlds apart. Now that Xiaoqing has appeared, is there a chance to meet Bai Suzhen in this simulation too? Su Mo was eager as he continued to watch the simulation unfold. [Suddenly, Xiaoqing lightly places an arm like a lotus root on your shoulder, testing whether her allure has waned.] [Your body tingles with a pleasurable sensation, and you quickly glance at Dou Qianli for help.] [Observing, Dou Qianli intervenes.] “Xiaoqing, let’s go to the banquet first.” “Today is very important to me.” “Very well…” [Xiaoqing, slightly disappointed by your lack of expected reaction, gives you a curious look. Clearly intrigued by your apparent immunity to her charms.] [Carrying the pot of Essence Gourmet Stew, you proceed with Dou Qianli and Xiaoqing to the Ancient Tree’s banquet hall.] [You find yourself surrounded by demons, spirits, and a few rogue monks, Taoists, and ordinary humans.] [All are carrying various treasures, hoping to make an impression on the Ancient Tree.] [Any recognition from the Ancient Tree could lead them to instant glory.] [After a while of waiting, tree knots begin to protrude from the roots at the front of the hall.] [Moments later, a face formed from tree knots appears at the center of the hall’s front.] [The knot’s mouth cracks open.] “Thank you all for coming to celebrate this old one’s birthday. It gladdens my heart to see you.” [Hearing the Ancient Tree’s voice, it seems no different from an elder at home.] [Following the Ancient Tree’s words, the hall erupts into cheers.] “Blessings to the Ancient Tree, may you live as long as the heavens!” “Blessings to the Ancient Tree, may you live as long as the heavens!” Looking at the cheering crowd blessing the Ancient Tree, Su Mo realized he had once faced off against the Ancient Tree with remarkable courage. If he had continued the simulation properly, perhaps he could have ascended to enlightenment. Of course. Were it not for the pressure of work, he wouldn’t have chosen such a reckless course. With renewed focus, Su Mo watched intently to see what would happen next... "Today, I wrote ten thousand words. Honestly, feeling a bit drained; tomorrow will proceed with the usual two updates..." (End of Chapter)