Chapter 343 [Gift]

A large earthen building had already been emptied.

When Chen Yan was brought in by the East Sea, he saw that the hall was empty, and the lively scene from just before the Heaven-Crashing Ceremony, filled with guests, was completely absent.

In the hall, there were only a few servants wearing Ghost Race attire standing there. The one at the forefront caught Chen Yan’s eye—it was unmistakably Cave Maiden Zhan Li, or rather, the former Cave Maiden.

Zhan Li appeared to be in a much worse state than before. She was never particularly beautiful, but her eyes were extraordinarily lively and star-like, giving her features a distinctive charm.

But at this moment, those once lively eyes of Zhan Li were dull and lifeless, like stagnant water, truly devoid of spirit.

She seemed slightly thinner; her once round face now exhibited a hint of a pointed chin.

Seeing Chen Yan enter with the East Sea, Zhan Li immediately approached and, upon reaching the two, respectfully bowed: "Zhan Li greets Lord Sword Master, greets Fellow Daoist Shanhe."

Chen Yan was stunned, only then realizing that "Fellow Daoist Shanhe" referred to him—he had spent three years and four months in the library where time flowed differently. During such a long period alone, he became accustomed to solitude, and no one cared whether he was Zhao Shanhe or Chen Yan. Suddenly being addressed by Zhan Li like this, he almost couldn’t react.

Once Chen Yan regained his composure, he nodded and calmly said, "Greetings, Cave Maiden."

Zhan Li’s expression was indifferent, and her tone was very calm: "I am a person awaiting punishment and no longer the Cave Maiden of the Black Wood Tribe. You may just call me by my name, Fellow Daoist."

Chen Yan glanced at Zhan Li, said nothing more, and simply nodded.

"I thought that in the Black Wood Tribe, she is the only person you are familiar with, so I appointed her to serve you here first. During your stay, she will take care of all your daily needs."

The East Sea casually explained, then said to Zhan Li indifferently, "You must be attentive; do not neglect your duties."

Zhan Li bowed her head, her tone still very calm—that kind of calm that was almost half-dead: "I shall follow Lord Sword Master’s orders; Zhan Li will be diligent."

East Sea gave Zhan Li another glance, hesitated, and said, "The new Cave Master, Guen, has already taken the position and has also assumed the role of the Chief of the Eighteen Tribes of the Ghost Race. Soon, the Ghost Race will have major events, and battles will commence. At that time, your father, Zhan Xi, will also lead troops to the battlefield.

If your father can achieve some merits, then your family might still have hope of rising again in the Black Wood Tribe."

Zhan Li, however, remained indifferent, saying, "The power and influence within the tribe are nothing but clouds. Now, Zhan Li has come to understand these. If my father achieves merits for the tribe, then it is his honor, his fortune, and his loyalty to the venerable ancestors.

But these are no longer what Zhan Li seeks."

After a pause, she gave a solemn bow to the East Sea, her tone earnest: "Thank you, Lord Sword Master, for awakening me that day. If there is a chance in the future, Zhan Li will surely repay this kindness!"

The East Sea squinted his eyes at Zhan Li, showing a more serious look, and after examining her, he slowly said, "It seems you have really come to understand some things."

"Indeed, I’ve realized quite a lot."

The East Sea nodded: "Good, so do you have any requests?"

Zhan Li thought for a moment, then said, "I will devote myself to serving the honored guest, Fellow Daoist Shanhe, but I wish to ask one thing of Lord Sword Master—after Fellow Daoist Shanhe departs, may Lord Sword Master grant me permission to go to Ghost Cloud Cliff for reflection."

The East Sea’s eyes moved: "You wish to request to go to Ghost Cloud Cliff?"

"Yes."

The East Sea frowned: "You know that Ghost Cloud Cliff... is not a benevolent place. Its fortunes are strange, and Primordial Qi is tumultuous. You are in the Celestial Human Realm, but staying in such a place could hinder you, causing a decline in cultivation or even shaking your foundation..."

Zhan Li, however, seriously said, "My mind is made up; I only ask that Lord Sword Master can fulfill my wish."

The East Sea nodded, looking at Zhan Li, with a peculiar smile in his eyes: "Very well, since you have this heart, I am willing to fulfill it. Once you complete your task of serving the honored guest, I will permit you to go to Ghost Cloud Cliff for reflection, to accompany your teacher, Luo Xiuqing."

After hesitating, the East Sea asked, "How long do you wish to stay?"

"Short as half a year, long as three years," Zhan Li shook her head and said, "If three years aren’t enough, then perhaps it’s the will of the heavens, and I should give up."

The East Sea clapped his hands and laughed heartily, nodding at Zhan Li, "Good! Very good! Today, I truly feel that your ’genius of the Ghost Race’ reputation isn’t entirely unwarranted; there is some truth to it. I approve!"

Zhan Li nodded and expressed her gratitude, then formally bowed to Chen Yan: "I wonder if Fellow Daoist Shanhe has any instructions regarding daily needs?"

Chen Yan shook his head: "You can arrange everything as before."

After a moment, he added, "Prepare hot water tonight, I wish to bathe and change clothes."

Zhan Li nodded in agreement, then led the servants to make the preparations.

Chen Yan watched Zhan Li’s departing back shadow, raised an eyebrow: "This person seems somewhat different."

The East Sea said lightly, "She has understood some things, but whether she can follow the path she desires still depends on fate."

With that, he shook his head, "Let’s not talk about her anymore; I will take you to meet two people."