Chapter 5: The Flower God is in Action - After I Left, I Became Their Obsession.

In a tastefully decorated room, Chen Li and Ning Wan-yin sat cross-legged on the bed, facing each other. Ning Wan-yin's eyes were gently closed, her complexion as white as snow. Chen Li lightly pressed two fingers of his right hand on her smooth forehead, from which a gentle warmth emanated. Ning Wan-yin was in a frail state; the vitality within her was even thinner than that of a dying elder. Without bolstering her foundation with true essence, she might not last until the day her constitution could be addressed. Thus, Chen Li had directly offered to heal her. Ning Yan-xi was not present. She had initially been uncomfortable with leaving Chen Li alone with Ning Wan-yin, but after much persuasion from Ning Wan-yin, and despite Ning Jue-ye and the others having been executed, there were still many matters requiring her attention. Finally, after a long, searching glance at Chen Li, Ning Yan-xi left them. “It is done.” Chen Li withdrew his fingers gently. Stabilizing Ning Wan-yin’s injuries was not a difficult task for him. By now, the deathly pallor on Ning Wan-yin’s face had receded, replaced with a slight blush, and her breathing had stabilized considerably. Ning Wan-yin slowly opened her eyes, feeling the vitality akin to the gentle flow of a spring stream within her. She couldn’t help but take a deep breath, “Thank you, benefactor.” Chen Li shook his head slightly: “No need for such titles. Just call me Chen Li. For now, this is all I can do for you. Your constitution requires a slow and gradual process to heal.” Ning Wan-yin spoke softly, “Young Master Chen, I am already very content with this.” Chen Li noticed they were still sitting cross-legged on the bed, which was somewhat improper, so he rose first. Ning Wan-yin followed suit. During the healing session, she had removed her shoes and socks; her slender, alabaster feet now stood out starkly against the cool air. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she hurriedly averted her gaze from Chen Li, quickly slipping on her socks and embroidered shoes in a fluster. Chen Li, his expression unchanged, naturally turned his gaze to another part of the room, as if he had seen nothing amiss. His eyes landed on a low table by the window, where numerous delicate wood carvings were displayed: a bird caught in mid-flight, playful animals, and even a few lively fish—all were vividly crafted with exquisite workmanship. “Is this your hobby?” Chen Li picked up a bird with spread wings and asked. Ning Wan-yin, having straightened her attire, approached as well. She looked at the carvings and said softly, “Yes, I like to carve these during my free time.” Chen Li understood. With her unique background, Ning Wan-yin had been closely guarded since birth, her identity kept secret. Most of her time must have been spent in this very room, whittling away hours with this craft. Her original destiny might have been purely to serve as a sacrificial offering, her life intended to end there. “You have a gift for this.” He put down the carved bird, jesting, “You could become a master in this art.” Ning Wan-yin seemed taken aback for a moment, then smiled brightly. “Thank you, Young Master Chen, for your praise.” Just then, the door swung open. Ning Yan-xi, clad in military attire, stepped inside, a lingering scent of blood around her, her demeanor cold and sharp. Ning Wan-yin moved forward, asking with concern, “Yan-xi, are you alright?” Ning Yan-xi, seeing her sister's improved complexion, softened for a moment, “Yes, just some clowns, all taken care of.” At this moment, she had finally grasped the reins of power in the Ning state firmly. However, this was merely the beginning, not the end. Currently, Ning was at war with Xi, and the state had no cultivator of the eighth realm to hold the fort. Ning Yan-xi turned her gaze to Chen Li, bowing deeply with utmost sincerity: “Thank you, Senior.” Chen Li chuckled, waving his hand: “No need to call me Senior, just use my name.” He understood; Ning Yan-xi had mistaken him for someone who had mastered the secret to eternal youth. Ning Yan-xi insisted, “I dare not overstep my bounds.” Chen Li didn’t press the matter further and asked, “What are your plans regarding the war between Ning and Xi?” Ning Yan-xi’s heart skipped a beat, “Senior... would you be willing to help?” If Chen Li were to intervene, Ning Yan-xi was confident that the Xi country wouldn’t pose any threat at all. “At present, you have nothing I desire in trade.” Chen Li paused, seeing the hint of disappointment in Ning Yan-xi's eyes, then continued, “However, since I’ve agreed to fully resolve your sister’s constitutional issue, I’ll stay in Ning for the short term. In the meantime, I can act as a strategist.” Ning Yan-xi immediately responded, “From this moment on, within the borders of Ning, your words carry the weight of my command, none shall dare defy!” Looking at the determined Ning Yan-xi, Chen Li indeed sensed some of her past life's vigor. Subsequently, Chen Li wisely took his leave, allowing the two sisters some private time. Outside, a maid with a graceful appearance awaited respectfully, guiding Chen Li to the accommodations Ning Yan-xi had arranged, a tranquil and elegant courtyard. Upon entering, the maid didn’t immediately leave; instead, she stood aside respectfully, her eyes filled with a blend of charm and anticipation, softly saying, “By the order of the sovereign, I am here to attend to your needs.” Chen Li understood. This was both Ning Yan-xi's goodwill gesture and a subtle means of probing and winning him over. Smiling, he waved a hand, “You may leave; I prefer solitude.” With a hint of disappointment in her eyes, the maid didn’t argue, courteously bowing before withdrawing. Once the room was silent again, Chen Li walked to the window, gazing at the swaying bamboo in the courtyard, lost in thought. “Next, I need only help Ning Wan-yin recover and assist Ning state in overcoming Xi’s military threat, thus completing the initial goals of this endeavor. Yet, how exactly does one cultivate someone destined to ascend to the pinnacle?” Chen Li remained perplexed as to why the Heavenly Dao’s will chose Ning Yan-xi as its seed. Furthermore, as to why he did not simply resolve the threat of Xi himself, preferring to assume the role of a strategist, the primary reason was to encourage Ning Yan-xi’s own growth. Besides, his previous life’s powers could not be so easily exploited anymore. In the Blazing Heaven Domain, establishing a nation required at least one eighth-realm cultivator to ensure its continuity. Originally, Ning state had two such cultivators, but now both were gone, while Xi boasted three, making it one of the most formidable nations among several dozen in the Blazing Heaven Domain. Moreover, Ning state had just undergone a purge; unrest lingered, creating a crisis both internally and externally. “On second thought, this all might be quite interesting after all.” *** Recently, in the Three Thousand Dao Domain, a widely discussed topic has been the Flower Goddess seemingly wandering in the mortal realm, honing her Dao heart through worldly experiences. Many anticipate a chance to witness the Flower Goddess’s true form. Alas, her movements remain elusive; few can catch sight of her, and even if they do, it’s merely a fleeting glimpse. At this moment, Shen Yue-he, the Flower Goddess, was resting within a bamboo grove, holding a portrait. Under the moonlight, one could discern the likeness of an exceedingly youthful man. Shen Yue-he quietly regarded the portrait. After a time unknown, a hint of color finally appeared on her face. “Where… are you?”