Original God Zhongli BG Xiao Qinglong traveled through time

Chapter 411: Peace of Mind

Inside the Hanfeng Ironworks shop, the fire blazed brightly, the scorching air filled with the distinct aroma of smelting metal and ore. Old Zhang's bronzed arms were muscular, sweat trickling down his back, glistening in the firelight. The heavy hammer strikes echoed rhythmically, each blow akin to striking materialized time, sparks flying and illuminating the faces of the crowd.

"Oh..." Old Zhang paused, wiped the sweat from his face with a rough cloth, and carefully examined the ore materials on the table that were shining with a strange luster. "These you found... are all genuine high-quality goods." His eyes showed the pure joy of a craftsman seeing good materials. "Oh, I feel that I can forge a good product. It seems that I have to show my real skills--"

"Hey, old man, how's it going over there?"

Beidou's cheerful voice was like a sea breeze breaking through the heat waves. She strode into the workshop, the hem of her red robe brushing the threshold. "I've run into a bit of trouble over here. Old Su Ling has been dealing with fishing boats his whole life and has never seen something as precious as the Thousand Wonders Core. Researching it from scratch will probably take quite some time..."

Upon hearing this, Old Zhang waved his hand proudly, "No problem! I'll take care of the production of the Qianqi Core. You guys can go and do other things first." He weighed a piece of broken star iron with confidence, "Don't worry, it won't be long before I'm done."

Yun Jin stood quietly to one side, her aqua-colored sleeves looking especially cool in the scorching heat of the workshop. She spoke softly, her voice as gentle as a spring, "Thank you, Master Zhang, for your help. We've already begun preparing the immortal talismans, but..." Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of just the right amount of confusion. "Things related to the immortals are so mysterious and unfathomable. I don't know where to look for them."

At this moment, a cold and affirmative voice sounded, breaking the brief silence.

"Let me prepare it."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Shen He. She was still standing there quietly, the cat Xizhi curled up in her arms, as if completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

"Is it Miss Shen He?" Beidou crossed his arms, raised his eyebrows with interest, and his eyes moved between Shen He and the cat that looked overly well-behaved.

"That's right." Shen He nodded, her tone calm yet convincing. "I've been cultivating with immortals for years, and I know a thing or two about preparing talismans." She paused slightly, as if formulating her words, her gaze sweeping across the crowd before finally returning to Yun Jin. "When we first met, I told you I came for the Qun Yu Pavilion, not to participate in the competition."

The scorching wind in the workshop seemed to freeze for a moment at her words. The hammering stopped, and Old Zhang cast a curious glance.

"Actually," Shen He continued, her voice clear and steady, "I originally came here to deliver a talisman from the immortals. Master heard that Miss Ningguang wanted to rebuild the Jade Pavilion, so he ordered me to help." A faint, almost imperceptible glimmer flashed across her icy blue eyes, a hint of confusion and a touch of melancholy. "Also, Master said that he hoped I would take this opportunity... to return to human society. But..." Her long eyelashes drooped slightly as she looked at the cat in her arms, her fingertips unconsciously combing the smooth fur on its back. "Now it seems that I have been isolated from the world for too long and lack a lot of common sense. Perhaps it is not appropriate for me to stay."

She raised her eyes, scanning the Traveler, Paimeng, Yunjin, and Beidou before her. A tiny warmth seemed to melt from her usually icy eyes. "However, I'm very happy to meet you. Leave the preparation of the talismans to me."

Beidou laughed heartily upon hearing this, then stepped forward and patted Shen He's shoulder. This gesture made the cat in Shen He's arms prick up its ears in alarm, but Shen He was only slightly startled and didn't dodge. "Whether it's a good match or not, I don't know the details, so I can't say much." Beidou's red eyes gleamed with the open-mindedness and sincerity unique to sailors. "But since we've met, it's fate. If you ever feel down, just come aboard the Death Star. There's plenty of good wine!"

Shen He nodded slightly. "Thank you." She turned to Old Zhang, her tone returning to its usual cold, yet polite tone. "Then, Master Zhang... I'll borrow a quiet corner of your place to prepare the talisman."

"Of course!" Old Zhang agreed hastily, his face brimming with excitement and curiosity. "It just so happens that I also want to open my eyes and see what the immortals' magic is like!"

Just as Shen He was holding the cat and about to turn around and go to the inner room to prepare, Xizhi in her arms suddenly moved restlessly.

The silver-gray fur ball tilted its head back, repeatedly and affectionately nuzzling Shen He's jaw and neck with its moist nose. A soft, nostalgic purr emanated from its throat, as if it had made a difficult decision. It nudged its head against her palm again, savoring the momentary peace, then lightly leaped back, landing soundlessly on the dusty ground.

It turned, taking one last look at Shen He. Its azure eyes reflected Shen He's somewhat lonely figure, filled with a complex, indescribable tenderness and care, almost that of a human elder. Then, without hesitation, its silver-gray figure swept silently over the ruins like a gentle breeze, rising and falling before disappearing into the vast dusk and the rising sea breeze, leaving behind only a faint scent of colorful flowers.