Shen Yuan sighed, his gaze sweeping across the horizon filled with shimmering islands. “For now, I’ve seen enough. I’ll return when I need something specific from here.”
The spirit bowed respectfully. “As you wish, Master. Shall I guide you back to the pagoda’s ninth level?”
Shen Yuan nodded. “Do it.”
With a wave of the spirit’s hand, the surroundings shifted.
The radiant expanse of the Mystique Realm faded, replaced by the familiar polished jade floor of the ninth level of the pagoda.
The towering golden doors behind him sealed themselves with a faint hum.
Shen Yuan exhaled deeply, his mind racing with thoughts of what he had seen. “This place is truly beyond comprehension. The treasures here could elevate the entire fucking world.”
The spirit floated beside him. “And they are yours, Master, when you are ready to earn them.”
Shen Yuan smirked. “Oh, I will. For now, I need to focus on growing stronger.”
The spirit bowed once more. “If you wish to leave the pagoda, Master, simply focus your intent, and you will return to your original location.”
Shen Yuan nodded. “I’ll take my leave, but keep the treasury ready. I’ll be back sooner or later.”
With a thought, Shen Yuan’s surroundings blurred, and he found himself back in his room in the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect.
The golden pagoda sat quietly on the floor, its glow dimmed slightly but still its majestic aura remained stable.
Shen Yuan leaned against the wall, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The treasures of the Pagoda Bearing Monarch… One day, they’ll all be mine.”
[Do you think the sect elder and leader will cough out blood if they found out how much they lost out on due to you taking the pagoda?]
Shen Yuan’s lip curled into an amused smile. “Haha, no need to think so much. Not like I’m running after taking their money. I will repay them one way or another for this.”
[Yes, make sure to solve all your Karmic ties, or they will be problematic during your ascension.]
“I know, you already told me about this before.” He lightly shook his head.
[Just reminding.]
A silence ensued in the room as Shen Yuan rested with his eyes closed for some time.
“Hey, Lan’er. What do you think, was Pagoda Bearing Monarch an Immortal?” He opened his eyes and curiously asked.
[You just can’t rest for a few moments in peace.]
Yue Lan’s exasperated voice sounded in his mind.
[Why don’t you open the treasury to find that out?]
Shen Yuan’s lips trembled hearing her words, “You think I would be here asking you about it if I could open that treasury?”
[It would ruin all the fun if I spoil you so soon, no? Let’s wait and see.]
Shen Yuan shook his head and changed the topic, “Anyways, now that I have the strength of Dao Core Forming Realm cultivator, I can initiate that plan which I had in mind for a while.”
[You will need to leave the sect for that. And in your current situation I doubt they will allow you to go out.]
“Haah…” He exhaled a tired sigh hearing her words, “I will leave after the ceremony then. I doubt they won’t let me go at that time as well.”
[That seems true as well.]
Shen Yuan leaned back against the bed, stretching his limbs as he chuckled softly. “Lan’er, sometimes I feel like you enjoy keeping me guessing.”
[Of course, I do. What’s the fun in handing everything to you on a silver platter? Besides, isn’t it more thrilling to discover things on your own?]
Shen Yuan sighed, rubbing his temple. “You and your love for mysteries. Alright, no spoilers. I’ll figure it out when the time comes.”
[That’s my Yuan’er,]
She teased.
[Now, what’s this plan of yours that you’re so eager to initiate?]
Shen Yuan’s expression turned playful as he chuckled, “Now, why don’t you take a guess?”
[…mot-]
“Now now, no cursing. You won’t have to wait for long to know about my plan after all.” He enjoyed teasing her to the fullest.
[Hmph, let’s see if the sect will even allow you to go out with how much trouble you attract.]
Shen Yuan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “True. The Sect Leader and elders are bound to be watchful after my tribulation. But after the ceremony, they won’t focus as much on me. That’s when I’ll make my move.”
[Just don’t go ahead and get yourself killed during your plan.]
Shen Yuan smirked. “Don’t worry, Lan’er. I’m not reckless. Calculated risks are my specialty.”
[So you say,]
Yue Lan replied dryly.
[But you nearly died during the tribulation.]
“Calculated risk.” He smirked and replied.
[The fuck. You didn’t even know about the tribulation you lying bit-]
“It’s about time I take some rest.” He closed his eyes with a playful smirk as Yue Lan got silent seeing him about to go to rest.
After a while, fatigue crept back into his body, his spirit still weary due to facing the heavens.
Shen Yuan muttered softly. “Wake me if anything interesting happens.”
[…Rest well,]
Yue Lan’s voice carried a rare warmth as it faded into the background.
…
When Shen Yuan woke, the sunlight streaming through the window indicated it was late morning. He stretched, feeling the lingering ache in his body.
A soft knock on the door caught his attention. “Come in,” he called, his voice still slightly groggy.
The door slid open to reveal Shen Yuxin, her beautiful figure enhanced by the light streaming in from the corridor.
Her expression was a mix of concern and relief as her eyes fell on Shen Yuan.
“Yuan’er,” she said softly, stepping into the room. “You’re awake. How are you feeling?”
Shen Yuan offered a faint smile, sitting up straighter. “Much better, Mom. The rest did me good.”
Shen Yuxin approached him, her gaze scanning his body. “You’ve been through a lot. The Tribulation… it’s more than most could handle. And the Tribulation was not even a normal one.”
Shen Yuan chuckled. “You make it sound like I’m an old man reminiscing about my glory days.”
Shen Yuxin’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “You’re far from old, but you’ve achieved more than most your age. Still, you shouldn’t have pushed yourself so hard.”
Her words carried a warmth that made Shen Yuan feel warm. “I know, Mom. I’ve been taking it easy. Lan’er’s been nagging me about it too.”
Shen Yuxin’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Good. At least someone is keeping you in check.”
Shen Yuan gestured toward his bed. “Sit here, Mom. You didn’t come here just to scold me, did you?”
Shen Yuxin looked at him playfully, “Why? Can’t I come to visit my dear husband or rather son when he is injured?”
Shen Yuan pulled Shen Yuxin gently into his embrace, his arms encircling her waist as he smelled her sweet fragrance.
She let out a soft sigh, leaning into him with a warmth that spoke of their close bond. His fingers brushed against her silken hair, and he rested his chin lightly on her shoulder.
“Mom,” Shen Yuan murmured, his tone playful yet affectionate, “I really missed you. But I thought it would take much more time for you to get back.”