My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

On the winter solstice, the morning light breaks through the dawn.

Chu Lengyu and Lüyun left Songlin Xiaozhu early on their way to sweep the tomb and pay respects to their adoptive father, Chu Hanchen, without disturbing anyone along the way.

A light mist drifted in the sky, as if heaven and earth were in love, draping this solemn day in a veil of sorrow.

Chu Lengyu wore a simple white dress with a black ribbon tied around her waist, appearing both dignified and ethereal. Lüyun, also dressed in white, followed closely behind, carrying a bamboo basket filled with sacrificial offerings.

The two followed the path through a quiet pine forest and arrived at Chu Hanchen's grave.

Far from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by pine and cypress trees, this place is exceptionally quiet.

The cemetery lies nestled amidst verdant mountains, surrounded by towering pines and cypresses. On the stone tablet, the characters are vigorous and powerful, clearly displaying the name of Chu Hanchen, which remains legible despite the passage of time.

Before the monument, the pine branches were lush and green, the white chrysanthemums were elegant, and several fresh offerings were neatly arranged, as if Lin Jiuxiao and others had offered sacrifices first, adding a touch of human warmth to this desolate place.

Chu Lengyu stepped forward, bowed to the tombstone, and then turned to Lüyun and said, "Lüyun, let's begin."

Upon hearing this, Lü Yun took out the offerings from the basket one by one. There were plates full of fresh fruits, sweet pastries, and a pot of sake with a fragrant aroma.

Chu Lengyu then took out three sticks of incense, lit them lightly on her fingertips, and then inserted them into the incense burner. The smoke curled up and danced lightly in the wind.

Green Bamboo knelt before the grave, burning paper money, and whispered, "Master, we've come to see you... Don't worry, we're all well..."

Chu Lengyu stared at the tombstone, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

She couldn't help but recall bits and pieces of her childhood, those warm yet distant memories that filled her with mixed feelings.

Chu Lengyu was once the most envied girl in the capital city.

Chu Hanchen had showered her with all his love, but fate played a cruel trick on him, and he eventually left her, leaving her alone and helpless in this world.

If he hadn't died of illness, the original owner wouldn't have suffered from ostracism and harassment, leading to his eventual death in despair.

But he is Chu Wenchen's older brother. Does he really not know what kind of person his hypocritical younger brother is and what his intentions are?

He actually entrusted his adopted daughter to him, hoping that he would take good care of her, without leaving her any backup plan or way out, leaving her to face this world full of scheming and conspiracy alone.

The year he left, the original owner was only twelve years old and had nothing. How could she protect herself? It can only be said that Chu Wenchen was used to being hypocritical and had to use her to do some superficial work so that she could continue to live in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and not do anything too outrageous.

However, since things have come to this, and the deceased is gone, Chu Lengyu did not want to delve into the details. But now, standing in front of his grave, she truly did not know what to say, nor could she feign grief or even break down in tears.

Chu Lengyu was not cold-blooded or heartless; it was just that her emotions seemed to be much "dull" compared to ordinary people. In her previous life, many people had criticized her: Why don't you cry?

But her sadness was very "dull," rarely showing on the surface.

She even imagined: if the original owner of this body appeared here, what would she do? Would she cry to this tombstone, or pretend to be strong?

After a long silence, she sighed softly and said, "Lvyun, step back a bit."

Green Bamboo's eyes reddened, and she asked in a tearful voice, "Miss, do we really have to do this?"

Before she came, Chu Lengyu had already told her that the master's tomb should be sunk deep underground so that no outsiders would ever disturb it again.

Green Bamboo naturally understood that her mistress had her reasons for doing this, but this rational understanding could not alleviate the pain and reluctance in her heart.

She lost her parents at a young age. In her heart, the master was not only the young lady's godfather, but also an indispensable family member in her life. The master's love and teachings were like the warm spring sun, warming her.

The old friend is gone, leaving only a tomb to express my feelings.

The affection for one's child is truly hard to sever.

“Lvyun, my godfather loved peace and quiet when he was alive. Now that the world is so chaotic, I don’t want his resting place to be disturbed again,” Chu Lengyu said.

Tears welled in Green Bamboo's eyes. She knew that what her mistress said made sense, but she still couldn't help but feel grief in her heart.

She choked back tears, her voice filled with helplessness and sorrow: "Miss, I understand, it's just... it's just that I feel terrible."

She couldn't continue, she just bit her lip tightly and let the tears roll down her cheeks.

Chu Lengyu walked to Lüyun's side, put his arm around her shoulder and comforted her, "Lüyun, your godfather in heaven will surely understand our good intentions."

After speaking, Chu Lengyu turned to face the tombstone, slowly raised her right hand, palm facing upward, and spiritual power surged from her body, forming a transparent light shield that enveloped the tombstone and the surrounding land.

Seeing this, Lü Yun knew that Chu Lengyu was about to take action, so she took a few steps back and watched nervously.

Chu Lengyu flipped her hand and gently pressed down, and the light barrier slowly descended, enveloping the tombstone and the surrounding land, before slowly sinking into the ground.

As the light shield sank, the ground gradually returned to its original state, leaving only a flat piece of land, as if nothing had ever happened.

This was a silent farewell.

He will rest in peace forever amidst these green hills and clear waters.

At this moment, Lüyun felt as if an invisible hand was gripping her heart tightly, causing her so much pain that she could hardly breathe.

How she wished it was all just a dream, and that when she woke up, they would still be in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, with the master smiling and beckoning to her.

Chu Lengyu withdrew her spiritual power and stood silently in place for a while before saying softly, "Alright, Lüyun, let's go back."

Luyun wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and nodded firmly.

She knew that as her mistress began to shine, some would inevitably harbor ill intentions, even seeking revenge. This was all to maintain the master's peace. Although Green Bamboo was reluctant, she understood it was the best choice. Besides, if her mistress could sink it, she could certainly make it rise again.

The two returned to Pine Forest Cottage along the same route. Green Bamboo's mood gradually calmed down, and she realized that she should learn to accept it.

She looked up at the sky and prayed silently: Master, may your spirit in heaven bless Miss and make her journey on the path of cultivation go smoothly.

……

the other side.

The palace gates opened, and the emperor's entourage slowly marched out of the palace.

The noblewomen lined up in an orderly fashion to pay their respects to the Empress.

The weathered swordsman with a sword at his waist looked up at the city gate of the capital, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.

The teenager next to him exclaimed, "Wow, we've finally arrived!"

"The capital city!"