Chapter Seventy-Two: The Only Daughter of the Reclusive Family

The spiritual power in Gu Hua’s hand surged and reversed. "Ancient gods of the primordial age, heed my command from all six directions!"

Majestic spiritual energy, carrying the aura of eternity, swept across the land.

"Brother Xuan, it looks like this barrier is about to break!" Ning Xue’er pointed at the barrier, which was slowly cracking. She had no time to react before Jun Muxuan swept her into his arms and leapt back.

Dead leaves and dust, whipped into a frenzy by the wind, hurtled toward them. Jun Muxuan quickly conjured a protective shield, holding Ning Xue’er tightly in his embrace.

A golden light suddenly fell onto the black barrier. With a crisp cracking sound, the barrier shattered upon impact!

Gu Hua, as though descended from the heavens, stood resplendent in golden light, her black hair billowing. With every breath, darkness was dispelled, and all the tormented spirits were drawn toward the Yellow Springs to face judgment and begin their cycle of reincarnation.

As she gently landed on the ground, Gu Hua thought she caught a glimpse of Chong Li before losing consciousness. Yet, the aura was not quite his. Then, all faded to black.

Jun Mulin and Gu Zhi had come with their companions, and the sight that greeted them left them shaken. Those who had been bewitched by the vengeful spirits were left maimed—some missing hands, some missing legs—all in disarray. Yet they all shared the sensation that they had just awakened from a nightmare, where they wielded swords and fought savagely against barbarians, blood staining the scene.

Back at the First Pavilion, Gu Hua lay unconscious for three days.

When she awoke, she found herself in her own room. Tao Tao was dozing by her bedside, sleeping soundly. Gu Hua rose quietly, unwilling to disturb her.

She washed her face to clear her mind, feeling the lotus petal retrieved from the Withered Wood Forest had already taken root in her sea of consciousness, inexplicably brightening her mood.

The sound of a door opening behind her—Tao Tao exclaimed, "Gu Hua, you're awake! I’ll go tell the manager!"

Before Gu Hua could call her back, Tao Tao dashed out like a gust of wind.

To celebrate Gu Hua’s safe return, the manager, Gu Zhou, closed the First Pavilion for a day and held a grand celebration in her honor. The entire establishment was awash in joy.

Jun Muxuan and Ning Xue’er had been taken back to the palace and had awoken the previous day, revealing not a word about Gu Hua.

After the celebration, Chong Li borrowed Jun Mulin’s body to bid Gu Hua farewell—he was to set the path for her in the next world.

He spoke mostly of trivial matters, though Gu Hua was simply waiting for the day he would admit with his own lips that he was her master.

She hoped she would not have to wait too long.

It was said that Jun Muxuan had secluded himself for cultivation in the palace, likely due to the suffering he endured at the hands of that tree demon.

One day, the First Pavilion welcomed its rival, Ning Feng, accompanied by little quail-like Ning Xue’er. Upon seeing Gu Hua, Ning Xue’er abandoned Ning Feng and followed Gu Hua to the courtyard, leaving Ning Feng to discuss business with manager Gu Zhou and Tao Tao about mutual benefit.

In the courtyard, Gu Hua poured tea for Ning Xue’er. "I hear this is one of Uncle Gu Zhou’s treasures. Thanks to you, I have the honor to taste it today."

Ning Xue’er quickly waved her hands. "No, no, I just wanted to say… I’m sorry, and… thank you. If it weren’t for you, Brother Xuan and I would have surely perished that day."

Gu Hua smiled softly, her features gentle. "No need to thank me. I was merely passing by."

Though Gu Hua said this, Ning Xue’er felt none of the awkwardness she might have expected—only relief, and gratitude.

So many people passed by, yet only Gu Hua had come to their aid. If she had not, Ning Xue’er dared not imagine the consequences.

"Though there were regrets on this trip to the Withered Wood Forest, it led to Brother Xuan acknowledging me as his future princess, and he plans to marry me next month. If you have time, could you come to the Ning residence and keep me company?" Ning Xue’er asked cautiously, afraid Gu Hua would refuse, though she had been scolded by both Tao Tao and her father into seeing reason.

"Of course. If I am still in the Red Moon Dynasty, I will be there," Gu Hua replied.

Ning Xue’er did not quite understand the meaning behind Gu Hua’s words, only thinking that, as the young mistress of the First Pavilion, she might have to travel elsewhere.

After finishing their tea, Ning Feng had just concluded negotiations with the First Pavilion—the profits would be split evenly.

As they left, Ning Xue’er smiled sweetly, waving to Gu Hua and Tao Tao.

After seeing them off, Gu Hua called Tao Tao to the backyard.

She got straight to the point. "Tao Tao, I have a way to send you back to your original world. Will you go?"

Tao Tao thought it was a business matter and was surprised, unable to decide. "I..."

"This is your only chance. Think carefully."

Last night, Little Rascal most likely reported Tao Tao’s situation to the Lord God. With permission granted, if Tao Tao wished to return, Gu Hua could send her back, but the choice was Tao Tao’s alone.

"Go where?!" Gu Lin suddenly appeared, shouting behind Tao Tao, nearly giving her a heart attack.

Gu Hua ignored Gu Lin, her gaze fixed on Tao Tao.

After a long moment, Tao Tao fidgeted. "I think things are good here. Uncle Gu Zhou and everyone else treat me well. It’s better than being an orphan..."

In China, Tao Tao’s life had been hard—living in poverty, her schooling funded by the state. Her only source of warmth, Mama Tao, had taken her in after retiring from the welfare home and raised her with difficulty, only to succumb to cancer.

Tao Tao had vowed to earn a fortune. Though she hadn’t achieved that in China, she was now content. If Mama Tao knew she was well, she would surely support her choice.

"I’ve decided. I want to stay!" This time, Tao Tao’s resolve was unshakable.

With that, Gu Hua said no more. "Then help manage the First Pavilion. You’re full of ideas—business will flourish with you here."

She handed Tao Tao a few rare books of the Word Spirit Masters.

This land was rich in spiritual cultivators with long lives. Tao Tao couldn’t cultivate, but if she ever fell in love, love cut short by mortality would be most bitter. As long as she didn’t pry into fate, she wouldn’t lose her lifespan, and if she accumulated enough merit, she might even live longer.

Gu Hua also prepared gifts for Ning Xue’er’s wedding next month, knowing she would not make it in time, so she entrusted them to Tao Tao.

Gu Lin’s feelings for Tao Tao were complicated, but Little Rascal claimed to have seen a red thread between them. Whether it was true or not, Gu Hua no longer cared.

True or false, after tonight, she would be gone.

Unable to let go of her adoptive parents, she left a final message for them on a memory stone.

As for the position of young master of the Gu clan, Gu Hua had already chosen her successor. Even without her, there would always be another Gu Hua. For instance, Gu Zhi was a fine choice—responsible, resourceful, and competent. Even in the worst case, the Gu clan had always been united and would support their new leader.

She placed the memory stone and her identity ring in her room, and that night, she left Red Moon City.

Before departing, she wanted to see the stars one last time—she wondered if the stars in the next world would be just as bright.

[Master, it’s time. You must go…]

She gathered her things, though there was little to take. This time, Gu Hua truly vanished from this land.

...

As usual, Tao Tao went into Gu Hua’s room. At a glance at the items left on the table, she was moved to tears, throwing herself, sobbing, into Gu Lin’s arms. Gu Lin was still unsure what had happened, until Tao Tao choked out, "Gu Hua is gone..."

...