Jade of Another World

Lin Ning looked at Nangong Jin, who was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, and felt nothing but disdain and disgust. She sneered inwardly, "He made some insignificant sacrifices for the supreme throne. Rosa, Consort Zhao, Liu Yushu, which one of them ever truly won your heart? Weren't they all just used as pawns and then discarded like worn-out shoes?"

These words stuck in her throat, but Lin Ning knew in her heart that now was not the time to completely break ties with Nangong Jin. She suppressed her emotions, maintaining a calm expression. At this moment, she only hoped that Nangong Jin would leave as soon as possible.

Lin Ning planned in her mind that she would go to find Ouyang Qingchuan as soon as it was light. Ever since that dream, she had been filled with doubt about whether Xuan Yuanche had truly given his life to Nangong Jin willingly, and she was eager to find out the truth. Ouyang Qingchuan was proficient in astronomy, astrology, and divination; perhaps he could find some clues through some means.

"I hope Master Ouyang can give me some useful clues," Lin Ning prayed silently. She tiptoed to the side and sat down, glancing at Nangong Jin from time to time, watching his movements, afraid that he might suddenly wake up and cause trouble again.

Time ticked by, and Nangong Jin's breathing gradually became steady; he seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep. Lin Ning waited quietly, each second feeling exceptionally long. Finally, feeling the time was right, she carefully rose, walked to Nangong Jin's side, and softly called, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."

Nangong Jin did not respond, which reassured Lin Ning slightly. She tiptoed to the door, opened it, and summoned the maids and guards, instructing them to look after Nangong Jin. She then returned to the side hall to stay with Xiao Cui.

The two blew out the lamp and lay in bed, but found it hard to fall asleep. Xuan Yuanche's face kept flashing through their minds. She eagerly awaited dawn, hoping to get an answer from Ouyang Qingchuan…

As dawn broke, Lin Ning realized Nangong Jin had already left. She hurriedly got up, carefully grooming herself to look her best. She headed towards the Imperial Observatory. Along the way, various possible outcomes flashed through her mind. She hoped Ouyang Qingchuan could give her a satisfactory answer, yet worried that he too would be unable to resolve her doubts.

When she finally arrived at the Imperial Observatory, Ouyang Qingchuan was already waiting at the door. Seeing Lin Ning, he nodded slightly, gesturing for her to follow him inside.

"Miss Lin, why are you in such a hurry to see me? Is there some new discovery?" Ouyang Qingchuan said as he walked to the table where the astronomical instruments were placed.

Lin Ning took a deep breath and said, "Master Ouyang, I had a dream yesterday in which Xuan Yuanche said that he did not voluntarily return his life to Nangong Jin. I have great doubts about this, so I would like to ask you to help me calculate and see if there is any hidden truth behind it."

Ouyang Qingchuan frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Since that's the case, then I'll give it a try." As he spoke, he began to fiddle with the instruments on the table, muttering incantations to himself.

Lin Ning stood nervously to the side, her eyes fixed on Ouyang Qingchuan's every move. As time ticked by, Ouyang Qingchuan's expression gradually grew serious.

Finally, Ouyang Qingchuan stopped what he was doing, shook his head, and said, "Miss Lin, I have carefully calculated the situation just now, but I haven't found any clues. Perhaps your dream is just due to your worries."

Lin Ning was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but she was still unwilling to give up and said, "Master Ouyang, I still feel that things are not that simple."

Seeing Lin Ning's anxious expression, Ouyang Qingchuan sighed slightly and said, "Miss Lin, I really can't do anything about this. However, I have found a new way to travel back in time, which may be able to help you achieve your wish."

Lin Ning's eyes lit up, and she quickly asked, "What method? Master Ouyang, please tell me quickly."

Ouyang Qingchuan said, "Without the aid of a solar eclipse, as long as you find a jade pendant and perform a ritual with it within the Bagua formation, you can summon a portal to time and space to send you home."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ning felt a surge of excitement, but also some confusion. She asked, "Jade pendant? What does this jade pendant look like? And where should I look for it?"

Ouyang Qingchuan patiently explained, "This jade pendant must have been passed down from ancient times and undergone special refinement, so it may not be easy to find. As for the Eight Trigrams Formation, I can help you set it up. However, finding the jade pendant is not an easy task, and you will need to find a way to do it yourself."

Lin Ning nodded and said, "Thank you, Master Ouyang, I understand. No matter how difficult it is, I will do my best to find the jade pendant. Please do me the trouble of drawing a diagram for me."

Looking at Lin Ning's determined eyes, Ouyang Qingchuan nodded slightly and said, "Miss Lin, if you need anything, please feel free to come to me."

Lin Ning glanced gratefully at Ouyang Qingchuan, then turned and left the Imperial Observatory. At that moment, her heart was filled with hope. Although the road ahead was fraught with unknowns and challenges, if she could return to her own world, she was willing to give it her all…

Lin Ning hurriedly found Yi Zhu and chose a secluded and safe place to reveal her secret. She knew this was a major decision, but Yi Zhu's loyalty and deep affection for Xuan Yuan Che made her feel that she could trust him.

Upon seeing Yizhu, Lin Ning took a deep breath and slowly said, "Yizhu, I have something important to tell you today. I hope you won't be too surprised."

Yi Zhu nodded slightly, his eyes revealing composure and trust: "Miss Lin, please speak freely, I will certainly keep my mouth shut." Lin Ning bit her lip and mustered her courage to say, "I am actually not from this era, I came from another time and space. In these days, I have experienced many things and understood many principles. Now, I have learned that there is a way for me to return to my own world."

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhu's eyes flashed with surprise, but he quickly regained his composure and listened quietly as Lin Ning continued.

“I saw that you went to pay respects to Xuan Yuanche every full moon night. That sentiment made me realize that you were an extremely important person to him. So, I decided to tell you this secret.” Lin Ning paused, her eyes full of sincerity. “If I really leave here, I hope you can promise me that you will take good care of Tianji Pavilion. Xuan Yuanche poured his whole life into this place, and I hope you can manage it well for him so that Tianji Pavilion can continue to play its proper role.”

Yi Zhu remained silent for a moment, his eyes revealing complex emotions—shock at Lin Ning's transmigration and gratitude for her trust. He bowed slightly and said solemnly, "Miss Lin, thank you for your trust. The Pavilion Master has shown me great kindness, and I will do my utmost to protect the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. Even if you hadn't asked me, I would have done so. However… if you truly leave, the situation in the palace is complex, and Nangong Jin harbors ill intentions; there will likely be many obstacles. I hope you will be careful."

Lin Ning felt a warmth in her heart and looked at Yi Zhu gratefully: "With your words, I am relieved. I will be careful and find a way back as soon as possible. Before I leave, perhaps we can still do something together to fight against Nangong Jin and seek justice for Xuan Yuan Che."

Yi Zhu nodded firmly, "Alright, Miss Lin, if there's anything I can do, please let me know. I will cooperate fully and work with you to deal with Nangong Jin."

Lin Ning and Yi Zhu exchanged a glance, their trust deepening at that moment. Lin Ning knew the road ahead was full of challenges, but with Yi Zhu's support, she felt more confident in facing everything, whether it was confronting Nangong Jin or finding her way home; she had gained strength and hope.