Jade of Another World

Lin Ning knew that going to the border of Dayu might be the key to finding her father and Lin Jun. But how to persuade Xuan Yuanche to let her leave the palace became a difficult problem for her.

After several days of deep thought, Lin Ning decided to start with her approach on the emotional level. She carefully prepared a table of dishes, all of which were Xuan Yuanche's favorites. When Xuan Yuanche arrived at Cuiyu Pavilion, Lin Ning went up to him with a gentle smile and said softly, "Your Majesty, I have specially prepared these dishes for you today. They are all your favorites. Please try them."

Looking at the table full of delicious food and seeing Lin Ning's unusual attentiveness, Xuan Yuanche couldn't help but feel happy. He smiled and sat down to enjoy the food.

Lin Ning poured wine, but a faint sadness lingered in her expression. Xuan Yuanche noticed her unusual demeanor and asked, "You seem to have something on your mind today?"

Lin Ning sighed softly and said, "Your Majesty, I haven't been sleeping well lately. Every time I think of my grandmother's dying wish, my heart aches as if it's being torn apart. I promised my grandmother that I would find my father and Lin Jun, but now I don't have a single clue. I've heard that many of my father's stories disappeared at the border of Dayu. I was thinking that if we could go there to look for him, we might find something."

Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Che's expression changed slightly. He put down his chopsticks and said, "The borderlands are fraught with danger. It would be very dangerous for a woman like you to go there. Besides, how can I let you leave my side?"

Seeing that Xuan Yuanche was somewhat angry but did not back down, Lin Ning's eyes reddened slightly as she said, "Your Majesty, I know you care about me, but this is a promise I made to my grandmother. I simply cannot bear to watch her leave with regrets. If I cannot fulfill this promise, I will not have peace of mind for the rest of my life. Your Majesty, please have pity on me and grant me this request."

Seeing Lin Ning's sorrowful appearance, Xuan Yuanche was somewhat shaken, but still shook his head: "This matter is too dangerous, I cannot agree to it. I can arrange for someone else to investigate for you."

Seeing this, Lin Ning felt a surge of anxiety and suddenly stood up, kneeling before Xuan Yuanche: "Your Majesty, this is my own heartache, how can I entrust it to someone else? I've been scolded by my grandmother, which is why I can't eat or sleep properly. Do you really want to see me suffer? You've always boasted of your affection for me, but now I truly..." Lin Ning turned away and wept. "If only you would allow me to go to the border to find my father and Lin Jun, I promise you I will be careful and return safely."

Xuanyuan Che looked at Lin Ning, who was lying on the ground crying, and felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, he was worried about Lin Ning's safety, and on the other hand, he was afraid that she would run away and never come back. But now that the matter had been brought up, he couldn't bear to refuse. After a long silence, he finally said, "Get up. Let me think about this matter some more."

A glimmer of hope ignited in Lin Ning's heart. She knew that since Xuan Yuanche hadn't directly rejected her, there was still a chance. In the days that followed, Lin Ning became even more attentive to Xuan Yuanche, showering him with concern and care every day, while also constantly mentioning the search for her father, her words filled with sincerity and determination.

Finally, after Lin Ning's persistent efforts, Xuan Yuanche relented: "I can agree to let you go to the border, but you must take enough guards with you and follow their orders. If there is any danger, return immediately, understand?"

Lin Ning was overjoyed and quickly kowtowed in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will certainly follow your orders and return safely." She knew she was one step closer to finding her father, and next, she would set foot on the border of Dayu…

Under the tight escort of a group of elite guards, Lin Ning finally arrived at the border of Dayu. Looking at the vast but somewhat desolate land before her, she felt a mix of emotions.

Throughout the journey, the guards kept a close watch on her, constantly observing her every move. However, Lin Ning had already devised an escape plan in her mind. While the group rested briefly at an inn, Lin Ning seized the moment when the guards were off guard, cleverly using her surroundings to quickly escape their sight and disguise herself. After shaking off the guards, Lin Ning did not choose to leave. She knew she carried a far more important mission, far beyond simply finding her father, Lin Xiang. A fog of mystery always shrouded her heart: the truth about Nangong Jin's life-swapping and the whereabouts of the real Xuan Yuan Che. Lin Ning knew very well that the "Xuan Yuan Che" now by her side was no longer the person she once knew. Countless tests had only strengthened her belief in this.

Therefore, her primary goal was to find the High Priest. As a key figure who knew many mysterious matters, the High Priest might be able to provide her with important clues to unravel the mystery of Nangong Jin's life-swapping.

Lin Ning, disguised, cautiously moved through the border town. She inquired about the High Priest everywhere, not letting go of any possible clues. With each person she met, she subtly asked questions, trying her best not to reveal her true intentions.

After a difficult search, she finally learned the high priest's general whereabouts from a mysterious old man. It is said that the high priest often appears in a secluded valley on the border, where he performs some mysterious rituals.

Lin Ning dared not delay for a moment and headed towards the valley in the direction the old man had indicated. Along the way, she vigilantly observed her surroundings, ready to deal with any potential dangers at any time.

When she finally arrived at the valley, the sight before her filled her with awe. A thin layer of mist hung in the valley, and ancient buildings and mysterious symbols could be vaguely seen.

Lin Ning took a deep breath and mustered her courage to step into the valley. She knew she was getting closer to the truth, but at the same time, she might face more unknown dangers. However, to unravel all the mysteries, to find the real Xuan Yuanche, and to give everything a satisfactory explanation, she was fearless and resolutely walked forward…

Lin Ning finally found the High Priest after a long and arduous journey in that mysterious valley. The moment she saw the High Priest, she was both nervous and full of anticipation, and countless questions swirled in her mind.

"High Priest, I want to know the truth about Nangong Jin and Xuanyuan Che. Who exactly is in the Dayu Imperial Palace now?" Lin Ning asked anxiously, her eyes fixed on the High Priest.

The high priest sighed softly, a hint of pity in his eyes, and slowly said, "The one in Dayu now is indeed Nangong Jin. But the real Xuanyuan Che is dead. He returned his life to Nangong Jin. All of this was of his own free will. Or rather, the current emperor of Dayu is Xuanyuan Che's body and Nangong Jin's soul."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ning's body jolted, a flash of shock and grief crossing her eyes. Her lips trembled slightly, a complex and indescribable emotion welling up within her. "Why... why did he do this?" Lin Ning's voice choked with sobs.

The high priest looked at Lin Ning with understanding in his eyes and said, "Xuanyuan Che knew that his younger brother didn't have much time left, and Nangong Jin's obsession with you was too deep. He hoped to end all these grudges and entanglements in this way. He also knew that you would definitely come to find me, so he left you a box. Giving this box to you now can be considered as fulfilling his last wish."

As he spoke, the high priest took out an exquisite box from a mysterious cabinet behind him and handed it to Lin Ning.

Lin Ning's hands trembled as she accepted the box, tears welling in her eyes. She gently stroked the surface of the box, as if she could still feel the warmth of Xuan Yuanche's touch. "Thank you," Lin Ning whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

The high priest nodded slightly and said, "Go, child. This box may contain what Xuanyuan Che wants to say to you, and also his feelings for you. I hope you can live well and find your own happiness."

Lin Ning clutched the box tightly, then turned and left the High Priest's residence. She found a quiet spot and carefully opened the box. Inside were a letter and an exquisite jade seal.

Lin Ning unfolded the letter with trembling hands. It bore Xuan Yuanche's familiar handwriting. In the letter, Xuan Yuanche poured out his feelings for Lin Ning and the reasons for his decision. He said he knew he had caused Lin Ning pain and hurt, but he truly loved her and hoped she could forgive him and be happy. He knew her feelings for Nangong Jin, and he hoped Lin Ning could forget everything related to him in the past and start a new life.

Lin Ning looked at the letter, tears streaming down her face like a burst dam. She clutched the jade seal tightly, her feelings for Xuan Yuanche becoming even more complex. She had once been filled with conflicting emotions towards him: initial affection, subsequent worry, and later anger. But now, knowing he had vanished, only now did one thing become clear to her: she seemed to have never truly loved Nangong Jin, but had always loved Xuan Yuanche. Perhaps only now, at this moment, had that love become etched into her very being.

"Xuanyuan Che, why..." Lin Ning murmured to herself, tears falling onto the letter paper, wetting the ink...