The events in Chen Family Village were but a minor interlude.
She had more important matters to attend to.
Feng Xing nodded gently, responding, "Master, there are still some days before the Lin Kingdom Empress's coronation ceremony. We have ample time to get there."
"Lin Kingdom? Are we heading to Lin Kingdom next?"
Xiao Ya caught the crucial detail and quickly turned her gaze to Feng Ninghe, her eyes holding a hint of doubt.
Facing the inquiry, Feng Ninghe had no intention of concealing her plans. "That's right, we intend to go to Lin Kingdom. The Lin Kingdom Empress's ascension is imminent, and I wish to present her with a congratulatory gift."
Xiao Ya was accompanying them, and she would eventually learn their destination. There was no need to keep this a secret.
Xiao Ya calmly withdrew her gaze, not forgetting to pat her chest lightly. "Leave the daily meals and living arrangements to me. Even simple grilled fish, I can make into the most delicious food."
Xiao Ya also glanced at Si Jianye.
Si Jianye had remained silent the entire time, the golden mask casually worn on his face, his cool gaze devoid of any emotion.
As long as she could be a little closer to this person, she would be content.
Feng Ninghe smiled and said calmly, "The High Priest has no escape. It's time for us to depart."
"Our benefactors!"
They had only just turned around.
The village chief, along with the villagers, arrived before them in a grand procession.
The village chief's expression was somewhat solemn. "Now that the High Priest has been punished, there is no High Priest in this world! You are our benefactors, so allow us to express our gratitude today by hosting a banquet for you!"
"Our benefactors, we haven't even had a chance to properly repay you. The girls of Chen Family Village have returned, and it's time to celebrate. Everyone, please join us for a meal!"
"It is because of you that I have the opportunity to be reunited with my daughter. Otherwise, I fear I would never see my precious child again."
For a moment, the villagers chimed in with their agreement.
Feng Ninghe's eyes showed a hint of hesitation. "Aunt Chen has already hosted us these past few days. We appreciate your kind intentions."
She did not want to trouble the villagers.
"Yes, we also have some matters to attend to on this journey," Bai Niannian added.
The village chief laughed dismissively. "Aunt Chen's hospitality is one thing, but you have saved so many people in Chen Family Village. Such kindness must be repaid."
"We have already prepared some dishes, and the rest will be ready soon. A meal won't take much time. Please join us. It's good for your health to eat well before setting off."
"Chen Family Village hasn't been this lively in a long time. Now that we finally have a reason to celebrate, we must do so properly!"
The villagers earnestly pleaded for them to stay.
"Master, since it is the villagers' heartfelt wish, why don't we have a meal before we leave?"
Bai Niannian spoke up, her bright eyes blinking as she looked at Feng Ninghe. "We might not be coming back to Chen Family Village again in the future."
Feng Ninghe no longer refused and nodded her assent.
The villagers were overjoyed, their cheeks beaming with radiant smiles.
Some even patted their chests, vowing, "My cooking skills are exceptionally refined, I guarantee you'll be satisfied! Today, I will show you what Chen Family Village's number one fried rice is!"
The villagers' joy also infected Feng Ninghe.
Such a harmonious atmosphere lifted her spirits.
At this moment, a figure quietly melted into the crowd...
Lin Kingdom.
Beneath a lush willow tree.
A man in a green robe was feeding fish by a pond.
A jade pendant hung from his waist, a piece of evident value.
"Young Master."
A guard approached the man, glancing around the surroundings before speaking. "The High Priest was bound by the villagers and burned alive. It seems our secret plot has been discovered. Fortunately, it was the High Priest who died, and no one suspects you, Young Master."
The man raised his bewitching eyes, a flicker of dark light shooting from his pupils. "Who discovered this?"
The guard shook his head respectfully. "They only referred to that person as Miss Feng. That group's cultivation is above mine, and I dared not approach for fear of being discovered."
"Miss Feng."
The man seemed to have found something amusing. He raised his eyes lazily, his thin, cool voice slowly falling. "If I recall correctly, the woman with the Qilin also has the surname Feng. What a coincidence."
The guard quickly interjected, "I have already ordered people to secretly follow and investigate their identities. However, they are too far away, and I haven't even managed to get a clear look at their faces."
The man tilted his head slightly, his bewitching face revealing a chilling ruthlessness. "The Princess's coronation ceremony requires more effort. Once she ascends, she will be the most precious woman in Lin Kingdom. And I will hold great power, controlling Lin Kingdom..."
*
Chen Family Village.
The villagers had prepared a grand feast, with plenty of delicious food. The entire village gathered to partake in the banquet.
In no time, the tables were laden with steaming hot dishes.
Si Xinxin and Xiao Zhao ate with great delight.
While these dishes were not the pinnacle of culinary art, they possessed a unique flavor.
"This is my family's private stock of peach blossom wine. Although it has the aroma of wine, it doesn't intoxicate. My family brews peach blossom wine every spring, and we drink it the following year. Everyone, please try some." Xiao Ya brought over the peach blossom wine.
She poured herself a cup and then, raising her cup to Feng Ninghe and the others, she toasted them. "Thank you all. I have no way to repay your kindness. From now on, I will follow you and serve you."
Feng Ninghe casually took a sip.
The peach blossom wine was sweet and sour, with a unique taste.
As she approached Si Jianye to toast him, Xiao Ya's heart began to beat uncontrollably again, and her hand under her sleeve involuntarily broke out in a sweat.
When facing Si Jianye, her heart would tighten.
"This... Young Master."
Xiao Ya managed to suppress her racing heart and respectfully offered the toast. "I will not say too much more in thanks. Tomorrow, whatever you wish to eat, I will make it delicious."
Si Jianye sat quietly, eating his food without acknowledging Xiao Ya.
In Xiyou Continent, no servant would dare to toast him.
He also had no time to bother with insignificant people.
The man's attitude made the atmosphere inexplicably awkward.
Bai Niannian quickly spoke up to ease the tension. "Xiao Ya, his temperament is rather cold, and he dislikes interacting with others. Even with us, he doesn't interact much. You don't need to pay him any mind in the future."
What Bai Niannian said was the absolute truth.
The King of the Underworld had been following them all along, yet they had hardly had the chance to exchange many words with him.
After all, in the King of the Underworld's eyes, they were of little consequence, and he was naturally disinclined to engage them.
Bai Niannian subconsciously glanced at Feng Ninghe.
The King of the Underworld treated her master differently. He wasn't as aloof as he was with others; in fact, he seemed quite attentive.
Thinking this, she couldn't help but click her tongue inwardly, marveling in her heart: blatant favoritism!
Xiao Ya was unaware of the King of the Underworld's true identity.
Even ordinary people who wanted to curry favor with the King of the Underworld wouldn't dare to approach and speak further.
Who knew if the King of the Underworld might suddenly lash out.