Investiture of the Gods: Childhood Sweetheart Daji, Starting with Quasi-Saint Cultivation

The next day, at noon.

The somber atmosphere in the Marquis of Jizhou's residence was broken by the rapid sound of horses' hooves.

The imperial messenger from Chaoge, escorted by a team of elite armored soldiers, arrived directly outside the mansion gate.

Unlike his previous arrogant decree to select beauties, this time the eunuch was exceptionally polite, even somewhat cautious.

"Marquis Su Hu of Jizhou receives the imperial decree—"

Su Hu's face was ashen as he led the entire household in kneeling before the main hall to welcome them.

He had prepared for the worst and had even secretly given his trusted generals instructions to act immediately should the order be to punish or forcibly conscript.

Daji knelt beside her mother, her face pale, her nails digging deeply into her palms.

She dared not look up, feeling as if the voice proclaiming the imperial edict was a judgment of fate.

Su Yunbai knelt slightly behind, his expression calm, his eyes lowered, as if everything was none of his concern.

The eunuch unfolded the silk scroll, cleared his throat, and began to read it aloud in his distinctive tone.

The contents of the decree stunned everyone who had been listening intently.

"...It is said that Su Daji, daughter of the Marquis of Jizhou, is virtuous and gentle, but frail and sickly, and not suited for long journeys and strenuous activities... Therefore, she is specially exempted from the selection and is instructed to take good care of herself in Jizhou..."

Frail and sickly? Unsuitable for long-distance travel? Exemption?

Su Hu suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with astonishment. It was common knowledge that Daji was in good health!

This excuse is... utterly ridiculous! But more importantly, it reveals a deeper meaning—Your Majesty has withdrawn your decree! You will not choose Daji!

"...Furthermore, it is said that Su Yunbai, the adopted son of the Marquis of Jizhou, is a young and outstanding talent with exceptional abilities... He is hereby granted permission to enter Chaoge and temporarily assume the position of Deputy Commander of the Royal Palace Guards. He shall assume his post immediately to serve the King..."

This one is even more earth-shattering!

One moment they were a family of criminals who defied the imperial decree, the next moment, their daughter was pardoned, and their adopted son was directly granted an important position in the royal palace!

Although it was only the deputy commander position, it was a powerful position guarding the royal palace, and only a trusted confidant could hold it!

This isn't punishment; it's a blessing! An olive branch!

Su Hu's mind raced.

Is this a delaying tactic? Or a diversionary tactic?

Or... what did Yunbai do last night?

He subconsciously looked at Su Yunbai, only to see his adopted son still bowing his head, his expression calm, as if he had expected it.

"Your subject... Su Hu, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!" Su Hu suppressed the myriad doubts in his heart and kowtowed first.

In any case, the immediate crisis has been temporarily averted! Daji is safe!

"Your humble servants thank you!" Lady Yang and Daji also hurriedly kowtowed, their voices filled with disbelief, surprise, and lingering fear.

Daji secretly glanced in Su Yunbai's direction, her heart filled with complex emotions. Was it him? Last night he said he "had a way"... Could it really be...?

The eunuch smiled and closed the silk scroll, then personally helped Su Hu up: "My lord, congratulations. The King still values ​​Ji Province. Young Master Su is young and promising; his future is limitless after entering the court."

"Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency." Su Hu replied with a forced smile, ordering someone to present the generous gift that had already been prepared.

Originally intended to bribe officials who were being punished, it can now be used as a reward.

After the messenger team left, the oppressive atmosphere in the Marquis's residence vanished, replaced by a sense of relief at surviving a disaster and a great deal of doubt.

"Yunbai, last night..." In the study, only the father and son remained. Su Hu asked impatiently.

"Father, there's no need to ask further," Su Yunbai said calmly. "The King has simply made a wiser choice. My entry into Chaoge serves two purposes: first, to reassure the King; and second, because the court of Ji Province needs a pair of eyes and ears."

He looked at Su Hu, his eyes clear and firm: "Now that my sister is safe, my godfather can focus on managing the northern frontier. I will handle the affairs of Chaoge."

Su Hu gave him a deep look. This adopted son, whom he had raised with his own hands and taught without reservation, was now someone he couldn't quite understand. That composure was something no ordinary person possessed.

"You...be careful in everything." In the end, all the words were reduced to a single admonition: "The waters of Chaoge are deep, and the royal palace is no safe place. If things cannot be accomplished, Jizhou will always be your home."

"I understand."

……

The repercussions of the imperial decree continued to reverberate both inside and outside the Marquis's residence.

No one mentioned the beauty pageant anymore; everyone's attention was focused on Young Master Su, who was about to enter the court as an official.

After the initial euphoria and relaxation, Daji felt empty inside, and even more confused.

My younger brother is leaving.

Go to Chaoge, the center of the vortex that just tried to engulf her.

For her? Or for the family? Or both?

She recalled his words last night, "I have my own way," and his calm demeanor when he received the imperial decree today.

Did he really do all of this? How did he manage it? How many more secrets does he still hold?

That straightforward confession stirred up emotions within her once again.

If he goes to Chaoge, and it will be difficult to see him in the future... what should she do?

Daji was absent-minded all day.

……

Night fell again.

Su Yunbai stood in his courtyard. He was about to set off the next day, and there were some things he needed to say before leaving.

He walked slowly to the outside of Daji's courtyard. The courtyard was quiet, except for the light still on in her room.

Without knocking, he moved subtly, appearing silently outside her door like a falling leaf.

After a slight hesitation, he raised his hand and gently knocked.

"Who is it?" came Daji's somewhat nervous voice from inside the house.

"It's me, Yunbai."

There was a moment of silence inside before rustling sounds and approaching footsteps could be heard.

The door was opened a crack, revealing half of Daji's face. Her eyes darted around, and her cheeks were slightly flushed in the lamplight.

"It's so late... Is something the matter?" Her voice was very low.

"I'm going to Chaoge tomorrow." Su Yunbai looked at her. "There are some things I want to tell you again."

Daji's fingers twitched slightly. She didn't say anything, but she didn't close the door either.

Su Yunbai pushed the door open and gently closed it behind him, but not completely.

The interior was elegantly furnished and had a subtle fragrance.

Daji took two steps back, standing awkwardly by the table, not daring to look at him.

"Sister," Su Yunbai approached, this time not too close, keeping a step's distance, "you saw the imperial decree this morning."

"Hmm..." Daji looked down at the tips of her shoes.

"That imperial decree was obtained by me in exchange for it from the King," Su Yunbai said directly.

"I'll offer you my official position in court in exchange for your freedom."

Daji suddenly looked up, tears welling up in her eyes, a mixture of shock, emotion, and worry.

"How...how could you...Chaoge is so dangerous!"

"It's more suitable for me to go than for you." Su Yunbai's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable strength. "I've said it before, if the sky falls, I'll hold it up."

Seeing her on the verge of tears, his heart softened, and his voice became gentle: "But before I leave, I want to ask you one more time."

"Daji," he called her name, his gaze focused and deep.

"Every word I said that night came from the bottom of my heart. I love you, I want to marry you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Now, I have no worries. I can protect you and protect Jizhou."

"So, what's your answer?"

He stretched out his hand, palm up, waiting.

Daji's tears finally rolled down her cheeks.

This time, it wasn't just simple embarrassment and panic.

She looked at the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar face before her, and at his eyes filled with sincerity and expectation.

Thinking back on the past eighteen years, and everything he did last night and today.

For her sake, her father defied the imperial decree and stood against the royal power.

And he, for her sake, ventured alone into that dangerous place, offering himself as a hostage.

This sentiment and sense of responsibility weighed heavily on her heart, yet like the blazing sun, they dispelled all confusion and gloom.

Etiquette and law? Public opinion? In the face of a bond of life and death, none of these seem to matter.

She trembled as she slowly raised her hand and gently placed it in Su Yunbai's warm, broad palm.

The moment our fingertips touched, it felt as if an electric current surged through our bodies.

She looked up at him through her tear-filled eyes, her voice choked but clear:

"I...I...I don't know when it started, but I no longer just want to be your older sister..."

"Chaoge is dangerous... You must take good care of yourself."

"I...I'll wait for you to come back."

After saying the last few words, she blushed deeply and tried to pull her hand away, but Su Yunbai held it tightly.

[Ding! Your relationship with the bound character 'Su Daji' has been officially established as 'Lovers,' and your intimacy level has been raised to 'Life and Death Together.']

[Ding! You have received a one-time huge reward of Intimacy Points: 10000!]

[Ding! Achievement 'Green Plum Descends from Heaven' unlocked.]

[Current intimacy level: 10725 points.]

Su Yunbai felt a surge of relief, a profound joy and satisfaction filling his heart. He gently pulled Daji into his embrace.

Daji stiffened, but did not struggle. She simply rested her burning cheeks gently against his firm chest, listening to his strong and steady heartbeat. An unprecedented sense of security enveloped her.

The two embraced quietly, the flickering lamplight casting their shadows on the wall, where they seemed to merge into one.

After a long while, Su Yunbai relaxed a little, looked down at her shy and bashful face, and said softly, "When I return from Chaoge, I will propose marriage to my godfather and mother."

"Hmm..." Daji's voice was barely audible as she buried her face even deeper.

When feelings run deep, everything falls into place naturally.

........

The red candles warm the curtains, and the red waves of the quilt are turned over.

.......

The night was gentle, enveloping all vows and tender moments.

……

I don't know how much time passed.

Daji fell into a deep sleep in Su Yunbai's arms, tears still clinging to the corners of her eyes, yet a sweet smile graced her lips.

Su Yunbai was wide awake, gazing at her peaceful sleeping face with boundless tenderness in his eyes.

The system interface unfolded before my eyes, my intimacy level soared, and I could start considering many of the good items in the shop.

But he cared more about the person in his arms.

Finally, we took this crucial step.

From then on, he had the deepest bond and attachment in this primordial world.

His trip to Chaoge became even more imperative.

Not only must he maneuver, but he must also quickly acquire enough power to have the real say in determining fate, and then return in glory to marry her.

He gently kissed her forehead and tucked the blanket around her.

Just then, his eyes suddenly turned cold, and he looked up in a certain direction outside the window.

The Eye of Truth operated silently, piercing through the night and seeing things that ordinary people could not perceive—

Three obscure yet sinister streaks of light were coming from the south at great speed, heading straight for Jizhou City!

The three demons of Xuanyuan Tomb have arrived.

Moreover, it seems that for some reason (perhaps Nuwa urged it, or perhaps it sensed the changes in Su Daji's fate), it came faster than expected!

Su Yunbai's eyes were icy cold.

They just got engaged, and now they're bothering them?

They're really courting death.

He carefully pulled his arm out from under Daji's neck, covered her with the blanket, and moved with extreme gentleness.

Then he got up and put on his clothes.

He glanced one last time at the sleeping Daji, then vanished from the room in a flash.

The next moment, he appeared in the night sky outside Jizhou City, standing in mid-air, his black clothes fluttering in the night wind.

He stared expressionlessly at the three rapidly approaching beams of demonic light. In his palm, a wisp of "love thread," seemingly ethereal yet real, entwined with boundless affection and capable of severing all sharpness, quietly emerged.

The aura of a quasi-saint was no longer concealed in the slightest, like a sleeping dragon slowly awakening.

"This road is blocked."

The calm voice, though not loud, resounded like thunder deep within the souls of the three demons.

"roll."

"Or, death."