Chapter 138: If There Was Love, Then I Should Save Him

The gate of Flowing Cloud Temple stayed tightly shut. Fallen leaves piled up at its entrance—some yellowed and dry, others freshly fallen, layering one upon another.

That mountain path leading upward had long been covered by moss.

Years had passed since Mr. Chen wandered away. Even now, as the world changed greatly, there was still no sign of his return.

In the early years, Moyuan would often visit the Taoist Temple to chat with Tao’er—though really, he just wanted to eat a few peaches. But later, seeing Mr. Chen never return, Moyuan went down the mountain to search. Many years passed without his return.

Now only Tao’er guarded the temple; not a single living soul remained.

“Swish, swish…”

Miss Tao’er swept fallen leaves in the courtyard. Besides that, she sometimes cleaned the Divine Statues inside the temple.

Because of this, this long-sealed Taoist Temple remained spotlessly clean.

Distractedly, she swept over and over, lost in thought for ages.

Tao’er set down the broom and sat at the table.

She pressed her lips together, touched her chest where her heart was supposed to be. Lately, she’d felt restless inside, though she didn’t understand why.

Logically, it shouldn’t happen—she was a wood spirit, after all. How could she feel restless?

Suddenly, Tao’er paused, looking toward the temple gate.

A voice sounded from beyond the door:

“Is the Celestial Immortal here? Mao Gongjiu, City God of Autumn Moon Market, seeks an audience.”

The Old City God stood at the gate, waiting. But no reply came for a long time.

He was merely here to see—he knew Mr. Chen had traveled far in earlier years, unsure if he’d returned.

“Creeaak…”

The temple gate opened from inside.

The Old City God’s heart skipped a beat as he looked up.

Inside stood someone in a long skirt, with peach-blossom-like eyebrows. The Old City God quickly recognized her: the wood spirit of Flowing Cloud Temple!

The Old City God hurriedly clasped his hands in greeting. “This minor deity greets the wood spirit.”

Miss Tao’er asked, “Sir has gone to wander. Why do you seek Mr. Chen, City God?”

The Old City God recovered, then said, “Do you know when the Celestial Immortal might return?”

Miss Tao’er shook her head. “I don’t know. Sir has been away for many years.”

The Old City God opened his mouth, hesitant and at a loss for words.

Seeing this, Miss Tao’er said, “If it is important, you may tell me first. I will inform Mr. Chen when he returns.”

The Old City God thought a moment and nodded. “That’s acceptable.”

Miss Tao’er invited the Old City God inside.

He surveyed the temple. To his surprise, despite decades passing, the temple showed no hint of aging. It remained precisely as it had been, perhaps even more pristine.

The Old City God then explained his purpose. “It concerns this: Some days ago, a couple from the Tong family in our market came to the City God Temple praying for blessings—for their son’s safety. Remembering that Young Master Tong once had ties with the Celestial Immortal, this minor deity kept watch on his situation.”

Miss Tao’er froze upon hearing this.

Tong Zhihuan…

Noticing her daze, the Old City God spoke out: “Wood Spirit?”

“Huh…”

Miss Tao’er snapped back to alertness. “Has… has something happened to him?”

The Old City God replied, “This minor deity heard reports that Young Master Tong was years ago dispatched as a medic to the Frontier Pass. Last year… that border fortress fell. Young Master Tong survived the battle, yet was thrown into Zhao Prison as a result. Now, Great Jing has perished, and Da Xiang rules. As a remnant of the old dynasty, Young Master Tong will likely…”

Tao’er’s heart sank like a stone.

“What outcome… awaits him?” Tao’er asked.

“From this minor deity’s knowledge, those imprisoned in times of changing dynasties… most face public beheading.”

The Old City God said, “The Tong family provided medical care to people, earned considerable Merit, and are truly benevolent people. This minor deity recalled the Celestial Immortal favored Young Master Tong. Should he perish by the executioner’s blade, the Celestial Immortal would surely mind. That’s why I came to inform him.”

Hearing this, panic suddenly seized Tao’er’s heart. “Mr. Chen… he is not here…”

The Old City God shook his head with a sigh. “If so, then… nothing can likely be done.”

“Is there any way to save him?” Miss Tao’er pressed urgently.

Seeing the wood spirit’s visible distress, the Old City God felt puzzled but still answered, “As City God, this minor deity cannot interfere with matters of the Mortal Realm.”

Miss Tao’er suddenly asked, “Can I?”

The Old City God paused. “Wood Spirit, you…”

Miss Tao’er pressed her lips together. “Is it possible?”

Her intense urgency deepened the Old City God’s confusion. Instead of questioning her, he simply said:

“The wood spirit is rooted here. It’s likely impossible.”

Tao’er was a born wood spirit. Her Peach Tree was anchored deep in this mountain. She could roam only this mountain’s slopes; any further distance remained forever out of reach.

“Truly no way at all?” Miss Tao’er persisted.

The Old City God hesitated. “May this minor deity ask… why the wood spirit is so worried?”

Miss Tao’er paused for a moment. She sat up straight, pondering briefly before giving her answer.

“I love him.”

The Old City God stood frozen.

Her words were calm and straightforward, spoken as if stating the simplest truth.

He hadn’t imagined this would be her reason. Not even remotely.

“This…” Stunned, the Old City God managed, “This… goes against custom, doesn’t it?”

Miss Tao’er shook her head. “I don’t know about custom,” she stated clearly. “I only know that I love him.”

The Old City God didn’t know how to respond. He opened his mouth several times, only to swallow his words.

Nothing seemed fitting to say.

Miss Tao’er seemed to catch something. “The City God knows a way, doesn’t he?”

“This minor deity does…”

The Old City God indeed knew of one method. But he dared not speak it aloud.

It wasn’t a good path. Not at all.

He chose to say, “This minor deity knows no method.”

“I must save him,” Miss Tao’er declared, looking straight at the City God. “He promised he’d visit me often. Even if he must die… he must only die here. Nowhere else.”

The Old City God met her gaze but repeated, “This minor deity truly has no way.”

Miss Tao’er grew calm.

Her focus still fixed on the Old City God, she spoke suddenly. “City God, I’ve read all the books you gave Mr. Chen. The method is recorded there.”

The Old City God’s heart lurched. Fear clutched him; he stood abruptly.

“Wood Spirit, why resort to that extreme!?”

Miss Tao’er stated, “I don’t fully grasp the philosophy in those books. But I know love is simply love. Since I love him, I should save him.”

Her voice held remarkable tranquility, as if stating an obvious truth—simple and self-evident.

The Old City God’s lips parted. He floundered, suddenly regretting ever climbing the mountain that day.

“Please… reconsider, Wood Spirit!” he pleaded desperately. “This is the most desperate measure! Once the root system is broken… the path ahead is lost!”

Tao’er answered with one sentence.

“I don’t care.”