Many members of the Phoenix Clan come here when they undergo Nirvana, as this place has a natural barrier.
The Gu Family Ancestor must have known about this, which is why he placed the ruby lotus here. Every action he takes seems unintentional, yet perhaps they all carry deep meaning.
Shouldnât they now stop analyzing where the Gu Family Ancestorâs body went?
Because if they keep analyzing, it might easily lead to a feeling of panic.
As the oldest, he took the lead in ending this topic.
Then he said, word by word, "Qiaoqiao, let nature take its course, and find peace in it."
Gu Qiaoqiaoâs hand, hanging by her side, was tightly clenched, and the Spiritual Energy that seeped from her fingertips silently lingered in her palm, then traveled along her arm to her heart, gradually soothing her anxious heart.
Slowly, her complexion returned to normal.
Indeed, excessive worrying bears no fruit in this place.
Prior to this, she hadnât thought of acquiring these three things.
If, as Elder Sima said, itâs indeed the soul of the Gu Family Ancestor, itâs actually quite good that it fell into her hands, now being nourished in the Treasure Room by the Spiritual Energy of heaven and earth.
One can assume the Gu Family Ancestor wouldnât place himself in danger.
At this moment, it was already unknowingly noon.
The summer sun quietly moved over the top of the cave.
A ray of sunlight unrestrainedly lingered at the cave entrance, with tiny dust particles gently dancing under the sunlight.
A gust of wind blew over, making the leaves of the old peach tree rustle.
Birds chirped merrily as they flew over the mountain top.
Soon after, a faint floral fragrance wafted toward the cave entrance.
Gu Qiaoqiao took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, looking at the solemn father-daughter duo in front of her. Her heart suddenly cleared.
Gu Qiaoqiao smiled and said, "Great Elder, I understand what you mean."
Xiao Wen clapped her hands, "Qiaoqiao, youâve figured it out so quickly, thatâs wonderful."
"Great Elder, now that youâve checked out this cave, what do you plan to do next?"
Gu Qiaoqiao shifted the conversation and asked with a smile.
"Originally, I was going to keep searching for the future Clan Leader; I didnât expect to run into you two."
"Since I did, Dad, why donât you come back to Jinling City with us? Itâs been a while since we two have gone out shopping and dining together."
Xiao Wen tugged on her fatherâs arm, acting coquettish.
Elder Sima reached out to gently pat his daughterâs head and said kindly, "Xiao Wen, you and Qiaoqiao head back first. I have some things to do this afternoon. Iâll meet you at nine tomorrow morning in the small park near the Fang family."
Xiao Wen pouted a bit disappointedly.
But she didnât further question what her father had to do that afternoon.
"Great Elder, then weâll meet at the small park tomorrow."
Gu Qiaoqiao said with a smile.
Elder Sima nodded slightly and then escorted the two girls to the entrance path.
He gave them a few whispered instructions and watched them until they were out of sight before turning around. His expression was grave and solemn.
He stood in place for a moment, then slowly walked under the old peach tree, looking up at its lush branches and leaves.
No one knows how many years this old peach tree has been here; ever since he could remember, itâs stood proud in this spot.
Heâs traveled far and wide for many years, and besides the old peach tree in Peach Blossom Valley, heâs never seen one older or more vibrant than this.
In some ways, this old peach tree is a sacred tree of the Phoenix Clan.
Itâs also a symbol of the Phoenix Clanâs place of Nirvana.
Itâs unknown how many dynastic rises and falls this old peach tree has witnessed, nor how many scenes itâs seen after the Phoenix Clanâs Nirvana.
Itâs witnessed their births and their falls.
One wonders if this old peach tree has ever seen the Gu Family Ancestor entering and exiting the cave.
If the old peach tree were sentient and could speak, then all difficulties would be resolved.
Elder Sima sighed with disappointment, then turned and walked briskly in another direction.
His figure quickly vanished behind the bushes.
The secluded cave once again fell into peaceful silence.
Only time flowed slowly.
Regardless of what happens in the world, time will not halt its steps forward.
...
The next morning, the rays of dawn filled the entire sky, with the morning glow against the mist shimmering with colors, as the wind occasionally swept by, gently swaying the lush branches in its wake.
Gu Qiaoqiao extended her hand to push open the window, a faint floral fragrance mingled with the scent of greenery wafted over, invigorating her senses.
Today they still had things to do, so once again they couldnât join Gu Qianqian and others to play around; Gu Qianqian and Xiao Yu had long gotten used to this.
After the usual inquiry if she would join them, before Gu Qiaoqiao could even respond, the little girls dispersed like sparrows.
Xiao Wen burst into laughter.
Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head helplessly.
But her eyes carried a smile.
After tidying up, the two took a car, speeding toward the Fang familyâs place, but they hadnât mentioned the visit to Gu Zhixing and the others, as others wouldnât bother them, but they worried Gu Zhixing might have pointless thoughts.
That would only create trouble for them.
Gu Zhixing never inquired, and neither did Grandpa Gu or Grandma Gu.
In their minds, Gu Qiaoqiao was someone who accomplished great things.
Upon reaching the small park, as they did the day before, they let the driver go off and have fun, not needing to pick them up. Instead, they would hail a cab themselves to return.
After the Gu Familyâs driver left, the two headed toward the small park.
They arrived early, but there were even earlier people exercising; the park in the morning was evidently busier than other times.
Though it was already past eight at this time.
At a section of the park, they spotted Elder Sima leading a group of elderly men and women practicing Tai Chi.
Gu Qiaoqiao and Xiao Wen exchanged a surprised and amused glance but still stood quietly on the side. Elder Sima had already noticed the two girls, yet he didnât stop his movements, persevering to finish the entire set.
After completing the set, a group of elderly people surrounded him, and one said, "Brother, your set of Tai Chi is truly remarkable."
"Yes, we thought we had learned it well, but it turns out we were wrong."
Elder Sima chuckled and said, "Thatâs because the one who taught you got it wrong."
One elderly man nudged another, saying, "Itâs all your fault for getting someone inexperienced to teach us. At that time, it wouldâve been better to follow along with the TV."
"What are you babbling about, a mistake is a mistake. Besides, werenât you happy back then? You even called him teacher," the other elder retorted, refusing to back down.