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

If you cultivate the Tao and eventually cease to be a "human being," then what's the point of cultivating?

She suddenly remembered Bixiao.

That always smiling, passionate younger sister.

When Bixiao chose Su Yunbai, Yunxiao did not understand and even tried to dissuade her.

But now, she understands a little.

Perhaps Bixiao is the most insightful one—following her heart, loving is loving, how carefree!

"General."

"Um?"

"If one day..." Yunxiao's voice was very soft, "I mean, if one day I were like Bixiao... what would you do?"

Su Yunbai's heart skipped a beat.

Is this...an implication?

He took a deep breath and solemnly said, "Then I will cherish her and protect her for a lifetime, and promise her a world of stars."

A glistening moisture appeared in Yunxiao's eyes.

She didn't say anything more, but simply nodded slightly.

The two continued on their way.

But the atmosphere was completely different.

Three days later, the two returned to Chaoge.

Inside the palace, after hearing the report, King Zhou slammed his fist on the table and stood up!

"Good! Yunbai, you've done a great job!"

He paced back and forth excitedly.

"Although the Blood Sea lineage consists of demons, their combat power is formidable. If we can recruit them to our side, what is there to fear from Xiqi!"

"Your Majesty, do not be too optimistic," Su Yunbai cautioned. "The Blood Sea demons are ultimately untamed and must be strictly restrained. Moreover, the Western Sect will not let this go easily and will surely retaliate."

King Zhou nodded: "I understand. Grand Tutor Wen is already preparing the army. If Xiqi dares to attack in three months, we will make sure they don't return!"

He then looked up at the clouds.

"Many thanks to Fairy Yunxiao for her help. I have ordered the construction of the 'Qinyin Pavilion' on the east side of the palace for your temporary residence. You may enter and leave the palace at any time without any restrictions."

This is an extremely high honor.

Yunxiao bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

King Zhou waved his hand: "It is I who should thank you. Yunbai, take the fairy to rest; she has had a long journey."

"Yes."

After leaving the palace, Su Yunbai escorted Yunxiao to the Qinyin Pavilion.

The elegant pavilion is built by the water, with the Imperial Garden right outside the window.

"Are you satisfied, fairy?"

"Very good." Yunxiao nodded. "It's no worse than my residence on Three Immortal Islands."

Su Yunbai smiled and said, "Then, fairy, please rest first. I will come to see you again tomorrow."

He turned to leave.

"General."

Yunxiao suddenly called out to him.

Su Yunbai turned around: "Is there anything else, Fairy?"

Yunxiao hesitated for a moment, then took out a jade hairpin from her sleeve.

The jade hairpin is entirely emerald green, with an auspicious cloud carved on the head.

"This is... the 'Pure Sound Hairpin' that I crafted using the principles of music. It can calm the mind and resist inner demons."

She handed the jade hairpin to Su Yunbai.

"The journey through the Blood Sea was quite taxing for the General; this item may be of some help."

Su Yunbai accepted it.

The jade hairpin felt warm and smooth to the touch, and carried a faint, melodious sound like a zither.

[Ding! You have received the "Clear Sound Hairpin" (Innate Spiritual Treasure level) as a gift from Yunxiao!]

[Equipping Effects: Comprehension +30%, Inner Demon Resistance +100%, Musical Comprehension Speed ​​+50%!]

A system notification sounded.

This gift is too precious.

"Fairy..."

"Please accept this," Yunxiao said softly. "Consider it... a thank you for protecting me along the way."

After she finished speaking, she turned and went into the cabinet.

In the instant she turned around, her ears were already bright red.

Su Yunbai held the jade hairpin, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.

He looked towards the attic and said softly:

"Thanks."

Then he turned and left.

Back to the General's Mansion.

Bixiao, Aoling, and the others had been waiting for a long time.

"My husband!"

Bixiao threw herself into his arms and checked him over.

"Are you hurt? The Blood Sea is so dangerous, I was so worried!"

"It's alright, completely unharmed." Su Yunbai smiled and rubbed her head.

Ao Ling also stepped forward. Although he did not speak, his concern was clearly visible in his eyes.

Jiang Xiaowu and Yang Chan were also there.

Su Yunbai briefly recounted his trip to the Blood Sea, omitting the details of his romantic relationship with Yunxiao—it wasn't the right time to go public yet.

The women all breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

"The Blood Sea Ancestor actually agreed..." Bixiao exclaimed in surprise, "My husband is amazing!"

"And thanks to Sister Yunxiao's help too," she added, a sly glint in her eyes. "By the way, where is she?"

"His Majesty has arranged for her to stay at the Qinyin Pavilion."

"Qinyin Pavilion?" Bixiao's eyes lit up. "That's the best guest courtyard in the palace! It seems His Majesty values ​​my sister very much!"

She leaned closer to Su Yunbai and whispered, "Husband, how are things going between you and my sister?"

Su Yunbai tapped her forehead: "Mind your own business."

"Hmph, I know even without you saying it," Bixiao chuckled. "Just now, my sister sent someone to deliver a box of 'Qingxin Su' (a type of pastry), saying it was for me. But after tasting it, it was clearly made by her own hands—she never cooks!"

She blinked.

"There aren't many people who can get my sister to make an exception and cook for me~"

Su Yunbai's heart stirred slightly.

So Yunxiao can make desserts too...

"Alright, stop fooling around." He changed the subject. "Has anything major happened in court these past few days?"

Jiang Xiaowu said seriously, "Yes. Xiqi has officially raised an army, with Jiang Ziya as commander-in-chief, leading an army of 200,000 eastward. The vanguard has already reached Sishui Pass."

So fast?!

Su Yunbai frowned.

It seems the final battle of the Investiture of the Gods is about to be brought forward.

"Pass down the order: the Iron-Blooded Army is to prepare and march to the front lines in three days."

"yes!"

The women obeyed and left.

Su Yunbai stood alone in the courtyard, looking westward.

The setting sun was like blood, dyeing the sky red.

A great battle is imminent.

This battle will determine the future of humanity.

He gripped the Qingyin hairpin tightly in his hand.

The jade hairpin was warm and smooth, as if it still carried her warmth.

"Clouds..."

A soft murmur, drifting away on the wind.

[Ding! Current Daoist Companion Affection Level:]

[Su Daji: 100 (Bound)]

Jiang Xiaowu: 99 (Bound)

【Bixiao: 100 (Already bound)】

[Ao Ling: 100 (Bound)]

Yang Chan: 99 (Already bound)

[Yunxiao: 88 (Emotional budding, on the verge of a breakthrough)]

The system panel appears.

It's just one step away.

Su Yunbai knew that when Yunxiao's favorability rating exceeded 90, that would be the day he truly accepted him.

And that day may be in the not-too-distant future.

"Let's deal with the war first."

He composed himself and went into the study.

There is still a lot to do.

Battle reports, supplies, deployment...

That night, the lights in the general's mansion stayed on until dawn.

The next morning.

As soon as Su Yunbai stepped out of the study, he saw Yunxiao, dressed in white, standing in the courtyard.

She was carrying a food box.

"A fairy?"

"The general didn't sleep all night?" Yunxiao looked at the pale blue under his eyes.

"I have some military matters to attend to," Su Yunbai said with a smile. "Fairy, you've come so early, is there something you need?"

Yunxiao handed him the food box.

"I made some breakfast... Bixiao said you like osmanthus cake."

The food box was opened, revealing several exquisite pastries.

Osmanthus cake, lotus seed soup, crystal buns...

The aroma is tangy.

Su Yunbai felt a pang of tenderness in his heart.

"Thank you, fairy."

He took the food box, and the two sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.

The morning sun shines down, and a gentle breeze blows.

At this moment, there is no bloodshed, no smoke of war.

Only a tranquil courtyard and two people sitting opposite each other.

Yunxiao watched him eat snacks, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.

"how?"

"It's delicious," Su Yunbai said sincerely. "Even better than what the royal chefs at the palace make."

Yunxiao's cheeks flushed slightly.

"It's not that exaggerated..."

She lowered her head and said softly, "If you like, I can do it often in the future."

Su Yunbai put down his chopsticks and looked at her.

"Fairy..."

Call me Yunxiao.

"Bixiao and Aoling call you that, and I... I want to too."

Su Yunbai's heart raced.

He took her hand.

"Clouds and Sky".

"Um."

The two looked at each other, and everything was understood without words.

[Ding! Yunxiao's favorability has increased from 88 to 91!]

A system notification sounded.

"Yunxiao," he said earnestly, "I have something to say to you after this battle is over."

Yunxiao seemed to have guessed something, and her cheeks flushed.

"Okay... I'll wait for you."

She got up.

"You go ahead with your military affairs, I won't bother you any longer."

After saying that, he left in a hurry.

But when she turned around, the smile in her eyes was brighter than the morning sun.

Su Yunbai watched her departing figure and smiled.

Then, he stopped smiling and looked westward.

"Xiqi... Jiang Ziya..."

"I'm coming for this battle."