In this world, there are countless gods, but Miss Yun, without much interest, can accurately find "Frosty Heaven" and "High Heaven," all thanks to her husbandâs efforts.
As Xu Changâan said, the term "god" can refer to many thingsânamely, the creators and rulers of all things in heaven and earth, the immortals, or the spirits of those with high virtues and abilities after their death.
In conclusion, "god" is a generic term.
Thus he pointed directly at the source, the origin of everything, and as Miss Yun looked over, she understood.
Xu Changâan truly is the greatest insider in the world. Without him, Miss Yun wouldnât have found the Heavenly Dao gods so easily.
Xu Changâan: "..."
Due to Miss Yunâs overly strange and illogical daily questions, even when Yun Qian inquired about the gods, he didnât take it to heart, but simply responded. Meanwhile, he was captivated by the particularly quiet and charming profile of the young lady, pondering whether to reach out and touch her long hair falling beside her ear.
"In the world... there truly is nothing more fitting to be called a god." Yun Qian mused.
It seems she has decided whom she should pray to among the gods.
"...?" Xu Changâan snapped back, having been too entranced by Yun Qianâs beauty to hear what she was saying.
"I was thinking about the gods you mentioned," Yun Qian explained.
Xu Changâan was stunned for a moment, then became more puzzled.
The topic wasnât over yet.
Miss Yun usually only cares about the things he cares about. However, he has never been much concerned with such vague notions like gods. So why is she...
As Xu Changâan thought about it, he suddenly realized something, gently sighed, and held Yun Qianâs hand.
Itâs his fault.
Yun Qian is also just a young woman. She left the island with him, read so many books, and met many other women... naturally, she has changed a bit.
Girls being interested in mysterious things is not strange, is it?
Itâs nothing to make a fuss about.
"So, what is it that Miss wants to do by asking about the gods?"
"Pray."
Without hesitation, Yun Qian expressed her intention.
Although she said she couldnât let Xu Changâan know, if he asked, she wouldnât hide it.
After all, she hasnât done it yet.
"Pray...?" A question mark popped above Xu Changâanâs head.
Thereâs no help for it; when something like this happens with Yun Qian, itâs hard for him not to wonder whatâs happening that he doesnât understand.
But after Yun Qian spoke, he couldnât help but imagine such a scene.
Under the golden light, Miss Yun kneeling before the statue, praying to the gods and Buddha of heaven and earth, praying for blessings and avoiding disasters.
He would definitely like that very much.
"A young woman in prayer..."
Xu Changâan murmured.
"A young woman in prayer...? Me?" Yun Qian blinked.
"Shortening life." Xu Changâan cursed himself, relying on gods is not a good habit, he came back to himself: "How did you suddenly get interested in this?"
"A bit curious; I want to take a look."
"I see..." Xu Changâan recalled that when he came down the mountain he did tell the young lady he would take her to the temple for a visit if he had time, so he thought he was perhaps being too sensitive.
Wanting to pray to the gods doesnât mean relying on them; Miss Yun is likely just curious.
"Did you want to go to the temple because I went there?" Xu Changâan asked.
"Yes, I want to go." Yun Qian nodded.
She was also telling the truth.
"Understood." Xu Changâan rubbed his forehead.
Miss Yun is always like this, with a tendency to "check in" at places he has been.
Xu Changâan thought for a moment, then wrapped Yun Qianâs waist, letting her rest against him for a while, as he said: "Miss, no good intention in the world comes without a price, not even from gods."
If there really were beings who could grant wishes, why would they help you fulfill them?
"I donât understand." Yun Qian shook her head, not knowing why he suddenly said these things.
"What I mean is, the so-called giving isnât always without expectations of return." Xu Changâan cautiously shaped Miss Yunâs view of the world.
"Are you saying that if I pray to the gods, there will be a price to pay?" Yun Qian understood.
"More or less." Xu Changâan nodded, even in the mundane world parents have expectations of children, let alone gods.
Seeing Yun Qian fall silent, Xu Changâan lightly tidied her disheveled hair, not rushing to speak.
He told Yun Qian these things not because there are gods in the world, but to explain his worldview, to give her more understanding of gods, since she cared about it.
Yet after listening to Xu Changâanâs words, Yun Qian fell into deep thought.
Only after a long pause did Yun Qian ask, "Is it that most giving expects something in return?"
"For the most part, yes." Xu Changâan admitted.
"Then are you being good to me because you want something in return?" Yun Qian looked at him.
"..."
Feeling Miss Yunâs earnest gaze, Xu Changâan laughed and said openly: "Of course."
"Eh..." Yun Qian tilted her head, "But I have nothing to give you."
What does he want for being good to her?
"Maybe this?" Xu Changâan gently pinched Miss Yunâs face with his fingers, feeling the warmth in his embrace, "Being close with the young lady makes all my efforts worthwhile."
"Being close? No, itâs I who want to be close," Yun Qian shook her head, "That is still your giving."
It is he realizing his wish.
So she canât figure out what return he wants...maybe he genuinely seeks no reward?