Thousands of years, or tens of thousands of years?
Lin Qiuhan couldn't remember exactly when she last saw Gu Changge. It seemed to be the moment when he, dressed in festive red robes, married the Saintess of the Human Ancestral Hall in the grand palace of the divine kingdom.
She only remembered standing in a corner, feeling dazed, lost, and at a loss as she watched everything unfold. She kept stepping back, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.
Alone, she clutched the hem of her clothes, hiding in an unnoticed corner, and then quietly slipped away.
No one noticed her presence, and no one noticed her departure. She was like a faint breeze, gently blowing by and then softly fading away.
After so many years of separation, the unexpected joy of their reunion naturally dominated her emotions.
Especially since Gu Changge had come to see her alone and specifically for her.
At this moment, Lin Qiuhan felt deeply satisfied and overjoyed. She had even dared to do something unprecedented—she had touched him, felt his warmth, and smelled the spring-like fragrance emanating from him.
Even if the world were to collapse and the apocalypse were to arrive after today, she would have no regrets.
In the meticulously cleaned courtyard, the moonlight, though cold, now seemed to carry a unique tenderness in Lin Qiuhan's eyes.
She sat upright and proper, her hands propping up her chin, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. She was close to Gu Changge, listening to his warm, jade-like voice, which resonated like clear spring water falling on stones, as if it were whispering right by her ear.
The tea bubbled with steam, its fragrance filling the small courtyard, spreading a fresh and rich aroma, like wildflowers blooming in the chill of early spring.
Lin Qiuhan wasn't particularly skilled at brewing tea, but she had once learned about Gu Changge's preferences from Su Qingge and had secretly practiced. She had also prepared many precious ancient teas, which might seem ordinary and insignificant to Gu Changge now, but they were carefully selected and reserved for him.
Fortunately, Gu Changge didn't disdain them. After tasting the tea, he even praised her skills.
Receiving Gu Changge's praise, Lin Qiuhan became even happier, her face filled with smiles. She cupped her cheeks and watched Gu Changge closely.
She listened to him recount interesting experiences from recent times, about the people, events, and things beyond the vast expanse. Even though she didn't fully understand, she didn't find it boring at all. Just hearing his voice was enough for her.
She also told Gu Changge about her experiences and insights in the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect over the years, her thoughts on various alchemy techniques, and some amusing and interesting things she had encountered.
For example, a few years ago, an ancient monster who seemed to have awakened from a certain period of time had visited various major alchemy sects in the Dao Prosperity True World, seeking to refine three lost ancient pills. However, he only knew the names of the pills, not their formulas.
The alchemy sects he visited were deeply troubled and harassed. Some sects that accidentally offended him were even annihilated overnight.
His notorious reputation spread among the major alchemy sects in the Dao Prosperity True World, including the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, which became quite worried, fearing that he might come to cause trouble.
Many alchemy sects secretly encouraged the old monster to visit the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, hoping to divert the trouble.
Sure enough, upon learning that the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect was now the top alchemy sect in the Dao Prosperity True World, the old monster quickly arrived. His cultivation, comparable to an Immortal Emperor, immediately intimidated the entire Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect.
At that time, the strongest cultivator in the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect was only at the True Immortal level, still half a step away from the Immortal King realm. In terms of true heritage and foundation, they couldn't compare to the many alchemy sects originally rooted in the immortal domain.
Of course, there were many Immortal King experts friendly with the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, but facing an old monster comparable to an Immortal Emperor, no one dared to intervene, let alone offer help.
Just as the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect was about to face disaster, she, who had been in seclusion deep within the sect studying alchemy, was summoned by the elders and ancestors. They wanted her to seek help from the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, as everyone in the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect knew of her connection with Gu Changge.
She had no choice and was about to set off for the Heaven-Slaying Alliance to seek assistance.
But who would have thought that the old monster, having somehow learned of this, assumed she was Gu Changge's woman? He was so terrified that he immediately knelt outside the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, claiming he had no intention of offending.
This incident caused quite a stir in the Dao Prosperity True World at the time.
An old monster comparable to an Immortal Emperor, who would have been highly valued even in the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, had knelt without dignity outside the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect.
This clearly demonstrated that even though Gu Changge had disappeared from the Dao Prosperity True World, the fear he instilled still lingered, affecting even ancient monsters who had returned from the river of time.
This incident also made countless factions and cultivators sigh, and it firmly established the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect's地位.
In addition to these anecdotes, Lin Qiuhan also spoke about her relationship with her master, Zi Yan.
When Gu Changge first brought her to the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, many elders competed to take her as their disciple.
However, in the end, Zi Yan, the sect master of the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, personally took Lin Qiuhan as her disciple and gave Gu Changge a token that could command all the alchemists of the sect.
After that, she followed Zi Yan, diligently studying alchemy and making rapid progress. From a woman from the lower realm with little foundation, she gradually became the sect master's chief disciple and a renowned alchemy genius within the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, gaining some fame among nearby alchemy sects.
Without her master Zi Yan's selfless teaching, she wouldn't have achieved her current progress and status.
Despite knowing Gu Changge's purpose in sending her to the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, Zi Yan had still been willing to wholeheartedly teach her all the alchemical knowledge, ancient techniques, and poured countless resources into her.
To Lin Qiuhan, Zi Yan was both a master and an elder sister, and her kindness was something Lin Qiuhan could never repay in this lifetime.
Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, a faint light appeared on the horizon as the sun began to rise. Lin Qiuhan suddenly realized that she and Gu Changge had been talking from late night until dawn, and she was still full of energy, feeling no fatigue and unaware of the passage of time.
Except for the moments when she mentioned her master's passing, which brought her sadness and longing, the entire night's conversation was filled with joy and happiness. It had been a long time since she had spoken with Gu Changge like this, sharing her sorrows, joys, and emotions.
"Take me to see your master's grave."
Gu Changge stood up, looking at the faint light on the horizon, and after a moment of thought, he spoke with a smile.
Lin Qiuhan was momentarily stunned, then nodded. She went back into the house and brought out a bamboo basket.
"Young Master, please wait for me for a moment. I'll prepare some of the dishes and wine that my master used to love."
She picked up the bamboo basket and, despite the morning dew still covering the ridges of the vegetable garden, she lifted the hem of her skirt and crouched down to pick vegetables.
These were the vegetables she had planted in her spare time. Next to the garden was a herb garden, which she had tended to, and the plants there thrived, emitting a misty glow.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying the sweet scent of herbs and the fragrance of the earth.
Gu Changge watched this scene from outside the garden, his gaze calm, but his mind overlapped this moment with a familiar memory.
Back in Green Mountain Village, Su Qingge would often do the same, early in the morning, carrying a vegetable basket and diving into the garden to pick fresh vegetables and vines, naturally happy, with a smile on her face.
"Rising early to tend to the weeds, returning with the moon on my hoe. The path is narrow, overgrown with grass, and the evening dew wets my clothes…" Gu Changge couldn't help but softly recite this poem.
This harmony between humans and nature, the unity of all things, might be the ultimate law of the development and evolution of all things in the world.
Heaven has its way, and humans have their laws. When heaven and humans are in harmony, it becomes nature.
Soon, Lin Qiuhan carried the bamboo basket to the kitchen, tied an apron around her waist, rolled up her sleeves, and began to busy herself. Gu Changge didn't rush her.
After bringing Lin Qiuhan to the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, it had been Zi Yan who had taken care of her. To Lin Qiuhan, Zi Yan was more than just a master.
So, Gu Changge could understand her sentiments.
Several hours later, in a picturesque area of the mountain range, shrouded in clouds and mist, Gu Changge saw the grave of Lin Qiuhan's master, Zi Yan.
It was simple and unadorned. A green jade tombstone, about half a person's height, bore a few elegant characters: "The Grave of Master Zi Yan." There was nothing else.
There weren't many weeds around either. Lin Qiuhan often came to clean and maintain the area, and she had also set up some protective formations to keep it clean and undisturbed.
Her master, Zi Yan, had always been a clean and quiet person in life, so after her passing, Lin Qiuhan didn't want anyone to disturb her.
"Master, Young Master and I have come to see you today…" Lin Qiuhan looked at the tombstone, her eyes filled with sadness and longing. She then carefully arranged the dishes and wine she had prepared.
Gu Changge watched this scene without saying much.
He wasn't familiar with Zi Yan. Apart from the one time he had met her when he brought Lin Qiuhan to the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect, they had almost no contact. He could no longer remember her face or voice.
Of course, if he wanted to, he could instantly trace back to that moment or even return to that point in time.
However, birth, aging, sickness, and death were the natural cycles of all things in the world. Although Zi Yan was Lin Qiuhan's master and her passing had deeply saddened Lin Qiuhan, Gu Changge didn't want to interfere with these matters.
The resurrection of a minor figure might not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but when it came to the natural laws of life and death, it could lead to unforeseen complications and disruptions.
Gu Changge didn't want the Dao Prosperity True World, which was now on the right track, to deviate in a direction he didn't desire.
"Thank you for taking care of Qiuhan all these years."
"The Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect will continue to thrive because of your kindness, passing down your legacy for generations, with the flame never extinguishing."
However, seeing Lin Qiuhan's sorrowful expression, he still picked up a cup of wine and poured it out in front of the grave.
This statement was his promise to Zi Yan and the entire Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect.
"Young Master…"
Lin Qiuhan turned to him in slight surprise.
Gu Changge didn't explain further, only telling her, "In twenty years, you will see your master again."
As for how she would see her, he didn't elaborate.
He had glanced at Zi Yan's fate. Although she had passed away thousands of years ago, her reincarnated self was destined to meet Lin Qiuhan again in twenty years.
"Young Master, is… is this true?"
Lin Qiuhan was stunned by these words, and her face quickly filled with disbelief and joy, her voice trembling slightly.
She didn't know how Gu Changge had discerned this, but his current abilities were undoubtedly beyond comprehension.
She couldn't possibly doubt his words.
"It's true," Gu Changge nodded.
"That's wonderful, that's wonderful…"
Lin Qiuhan threw herself into Gu Changge's arms, her face filled with joy and happiness, almost to the point of tears.
Twenty years, twenty years…
For her current cultivation level, twenty years was but a fleeting moment, the time it took to complete a single seclusion.
The day she would see her master again wasn't far off.
A few days later, under Lin Qiuhan's reluctant gaze, Gu Changge left the Purple Extreme Alchemy Sect.
He left behind many ancient alchemy texts and records, none of which belonged to the Dao Prosperity True World. It would likely take Lin Qiuhan a long time to fully comprehend them.
But this period would be enough for her strength and alchemy skills to undergo a tremendous transformation.
Gu Changge didn't expect Lin Qiuhan to forge her own path in alchemy within the Dao Prosperity True World. Although she was talented, it was far from enough to create a new path.
If Lin Qiuhan wanted to help him, she would need to reach the Dao Realm first.
Gu Changge didn't really expect her to repay him now. Whether his actions were partly to compensate for his past use of her, only he knew.
In the divine kingdom, Yao Yao was still undergoing her foundation-building process. In just a few short days, her strength had undergone a near-earth-shattering transformation.
From a little girl with no cultivation, she now had the foundation of a Sacred Realm cultivator, which even Wang Zijin, who was watching over her, found astonishing, exclaiming that it was like cheating.
After all, when Wang Zijin was born, she had absorbed the energy of several star domains and only reached the Sacred Realm.
Yet Yao Yao, still in the initial stages of her foundation-building, had already achieved such remarkable results. It was clear that Gu Changge had bestowed immense blessings and benefits upon her.
Of course, during the foundation-building process, Yao Yao's body was also growing. She transformed from a porcelain doll-like little girl into a young maiden of thirteen or fourteen.
Her true bone age was difficult to determine, but rebuilding her foundation was akin to resetting it. If anyone tried to calculate her age, they would find her to be only a few months old.
This was a method of reversing Innate Fate, something only Gu Changge would dare to attempt
The older Yao Yao, in appearance, bore some resemblance to Gu Xian'er and Tao Yao.
However, she had a small peach blossom-like mark near the corner of her right eye, like a tear mole, giving her a fragile and ethereal beauty despite her young age.
After returning to the divine kingdom and checking on Yao Yao's condition, Gu Changge left again.
He visited the clans and factions of his former followers. Some of the younger generation who had followed him had perished or died in battles for the Dao. Others had become mighty heroes, dominating their realms with awe-inspiring presence.
Ye Han, the young master of the Yaksha Clan, whom Gu Changge had once highly valued, had now become the clan leader, and the Yaksha Clan had risen to become one of the top thousand clans in the Dao Prosperity True World.
After Gu Changge's massacre in the upper realm, vast cosmic worlds had collapsed, and many ancient clans and factions had either perished or declined. Very few had survived.
The Yaksha Clan, having always followed Gu Changge, had continued to expand and grow stronger. Their current strength and deep foundation were not surprising
After all, among the clans of the former upper realm, aside from those with connections to the immortal domain, most had fallen beyond the top ten thousand and were now insignificant in the Dao Prosperity True World.
Gu Changge took a brief look outside the Yaksha Clan's territory before leaving without revealing himself. Meanwhile, Ye Han, who was sitting deep within the clan's palace, speaking with his children, suddenly felt something and glanced outside with a puzzled expression.
"Strange…"
He shook his head, feeling as if someone had been watching him, though it might have just been his imagination.
Ye Han didn't dwell on it and continued boasting to his children about the days when he had followed Gu Changge in battles across the realms.
Although he had once been Gu Changge's follower, after the war in the Eight Desolates and Ten Domains, he had rarely seen Gu Changge and had no further opportunities to serve him.
As time passed, the man he had once followed had become an existence beyond the reach of all living beings. Yet, blessed by his favor, Ye Han had achieved his current status and was content.