Moving House

"Rongrong, how did the negotiations with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family go?"

Ning Rongrong said, "With me here, of course it was handled perfectly. I'm not like you, thinking about romance all day. Sometimes I want nothing more than to strangle you."

"You're always attracting trouble with women for me."

Bai Ying was like a quail at that moment, not daring to say a word.

Ning Rongrong's tone carried a touch of playfulness and teasing as she raised her brows and looked at Bai Ying beside her. Dressed in white, Bai Ying possessed an ethereal air, but his face now held a measure of embarrassment and helplessness.

He gave an awkward smile, scratched his head, and said, "Rongrong, stop making fun of me. Aren't I trying too? You know, I..."

Before he could finish, Ning Rongrong cut him off. Pretending to be angry, she glared at him. "Hmph, all you know is how to make excuses. Do you know how important this cooperation with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family is? We can't afford the slightest carelessness."

Bai Ying hurriedly nodded in agreement, though inwardly he grumbled, This woman is getting more and more formidable. She even dares to lecture me like this now. Still, she isn't wrong. This cooperation is indeed crucial. There can't be the slightest mistake.

Just as the two were discussing the matter, an attendant hurried over with a nervous expression. "This is bad, Miss Ning, Young Master Bai. A message has come from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. There is an urgent matter that requires the two of you to personally come and discuss it."

Ning Rongrong and Bai Ying exchanged a glance, both seeing a trace of confusion in the other's eyes.

Ning Rongrong said in a low voice, "Understood. We'll go at once."

The two immediately rose and followed the attendant toward the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's council hall.

Along the way, Bai Ying pondered inwardly, What urgent matter could require them to summon us at a time like this? Could something have happened within the Heaven Dou Imperial Family?

Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, appeared much calmer. She knew that no matter what happened, she had to keep a clear head in order to deal with every possible situation.

Bai Ying and Ning Rongrong stepped into the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's council hall. The hall was brightly lit, and its atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Xue Ye sat at the head, his expression grave and his gaze sharp, radiating unquestionable authority. Beside him, Ning Rongrong's father, Ning Fengzhi, stood with a gentle smile on his face, though his eyes gleamed with determination.

Ning Fengzhi nodded to the two of them, his voice calm and powerful. "I called you here because there is an important matter to discuss. Recently, the Soul Tools we produced underwent rigorous testing and demonstrated considerable power."

"Father, you called us here just for this?" Ning Rongrong asked.

"Of course not. There is another, even more important matter. Let His Majesty tell you."

"Today, I summoned you to discuss relocating the capital."

As Xue Ye's words fell, the atmosphere in the council hall grew tense. Bai Ying and Ning Rongrong exchanged a glance, each seeing the gravity in the other's eyes. They knew that the Spirit Sect's relocation to the Heaven Dou Empire was no trivial matter. It concerned not only the Spirit Sect's future, but also the stability of the Heaven Dou Empire.

Xue Ye rose and slowly descended the steps, stopping before Bai Ying and Ning Rongrong. His gaze lingered on Bai Ying for a moment before he said, "Sect Master Bai, I have personally selected a residence for you. The environment is beautiful, and the location is excellent. I believe you will be satisfied."

With that, he waved his hand. The lights in the hall instantly dimmed, replaced by an enormous map made of light. The territory of the Heaven Dou Empire was clearly displayed on it, and one particular location shone brilliantly.

Ning Rongrong stared intently at the glowing point on the map, amazement glimmering in her eyes. She murmured softly, "It's actually beside Moonlight Pavilion. What a surprise."

As her words fell, everyone in the hall focused their attention on that glowing point.

The point of light on the map sparkled like a brilliant star, gleaming enticingly in Ning Rongrong's eyes. In her mind rose the image of Moonlight Pavilion's solemn architecture, as well as the innocent years she had once spent there.

Standing beside her, Bai Ying sensed Ning Rongrong's excitement. He smiled faintly and cupped his hands toward Xue Ye. "Your Majesty, you have put great thought into selecting our new residence. Moonlight Pavilion's name is renowned far and wide. To live beside it is truly our good fortune. Please rest assured, we will complete the relocation as quickly as possible and will not disappoint your high expectations."

Hearing this, Xue Ye smiled in satisfaction and nodded. "Sect Master Bai, I believe in your abilities. Moonlight Pavilion is not merely an academy of etiquette; it is also a cultural symbol of the Heaven Dou Empire. Your relocation here will surely bring new prosperity and brilliance to the Heaven Dou Empire."

Bai Ying solemnly replied to Xue Ye, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. We will not fail your trust. We will complete the relocation as soon as possible and bring a new era to the Heaven Dou Empire." His voice was firm and powerful, revealing his confidence and expectations for the future.

As the lights in the council hall gradually brightened, the signal that the meeting had ended was clear. Everyone rose, preparing to leave.

But as they walked out of the hall, Ning Rongrong suddenly caught Ning Fengzhi's sleeve, her eyes filled with anticipation. "Father, can't you spend more time with me? It's been so long since we last had a meal together." Her voice carried both pleading and coquettishness, making warmth rise in Ning Fengzhi's heart.

Looking into his daughter's expectant eyes, Ning Fengzhi's heart softened. He gently patted Ning Rongrong's hand and said warmly, "Rongrong, I know you've been very busy lately, but no matter how busy you are, you must take care of your health. Tonight, Father will have dinner with you, all right?"

At once, joy bloomed in Ning Rongrong's eyes. She tightly hugged Ning Fengzhi's arm and said happily, "That's wonderful, Father! I knew you loved me the most!"

The father and daughter walked together, chatting and laughing as they headed out of the palace. Bai Ying silently followed behind them, sighing inwardly, Ning Fengzhi truly is a loving father. His affection for Rongrong is plain to see. But that's good. With him here, Rongrong's life in the Heaven Dou Empire should go much more smoothly.

That evening.

Ning Fengzhi looked at Ning Rongrong across from him, his eyes full of affection. He reached out and gently patted his daughter's arm, his voice warm with concern. "Rongrong, it's been so long since I last saw you. You've gotten thinner. You need to eat more."

Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue playfully and retorted, "Not at all. I've obviously gained weight." As she spoke, she deliberately pinched her own cheek, putting on an adorable expression.

Watching their interaction from the side, Bai Ying felt warmth fill his heart. He picked up his chopsticks, put a piece of fish into his mouth, then urged, "Rongrong, eat too. Don't just keep talking."

After dinner, Ning Fengzhi sought Bai Ying out alone. The two came to a secluded garden, where moonlight poured over them like water.

"Bai Ying, I have seen your feelings for my daughter." Ning Fengzhi's voice was low and serious, his gaze upon Bai Ying full of scrutiny.

Bai Ying's heart tightened. He knew this was Ning Fengzhi's test, so he took a deep breath and answered solemnly, "Sect Master, heaven and earth bear witness to my feelings for Rongrong. I will spend my entire life protecting her and never let her suffer any harm."

After hearing Bai Ying's reply, a flicker of satisfaction passed through Ning Fengzhi's eyes. He nodded and said, "Good. I will remember what you said today. I hope you will not disappoint me."

"Rongrong, are you already unwilling to part with Father so soon?" Ning Fengzhi's voice was gentle yet powerful, like a spring breeze passing through Ning Rongrong's heart.

Ning Rongrong raised her head and looked at her father, her eyes shining with reluctance and attachment. She tightly held Ning Fengzhi's hand, as if she wanted to preserve this moment forever.

"Father, are you really leaving? Can't you stay with me a little longer?" Ning Rongrong's voice held a note of pleading and coquettishness.

Ning Fengzhi smiled and shook his head, gently patting the back of Ning Rongrong's hand. "Rongrong, Father still has many matters to handle. But no matter how busy I am, I will do my best to make time for you. Trust Father, all right?"

Though still reluctant after hearing this, Ning Rongrong understood both her father's burdens and his importance. She took a deep breath, tried to calm her emotions, then gave Ning Fengzhi a radiant smile. "Father, I know you're very busy. I'll understand. Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself and cultivate diligently. I won't disappoint your expectations."

Seeing his daughter's steadfast, bright gaze, Ning Fengzhi's heart was filled with comfort and pride. He gently ruffled Ning Rongrong's hair and said softly, "Rongrong, you truly are Father's pride."

Ning Fengzhi's figure gradually receded into the night until he vanished from sight. Ning Rongrong looked toward the empty distance as loss washed over her like a tide. She lightly bit her lower lip, her eyes reddening slightly.

Bai Ying stood beside her, sensing the shift in her emotions. His heart ached for her. He reached out, gently wrapped an arm around Ning Rongrong's shoulders, and pulled her into his embrace, trying to soothe her with his warmth.

"Rongrong, don't be sad." Bai Ying's voice was low and gentle, like a clear spring in the night wind flowing slowly through Ning Rongrong's heart. "Father-in-law has only left temporarily. If we want to see him, we can go find him anytime."

The moment Ning Rongrong heard that, she began to cry.

Her tears poured down like a breached riverbank.

After an unknown amount of time, Ning Rongrong's sobs gradually subsided. Under the moonlight, her eyes were red and swollen like two ripe peaches, making anyone who saw them ache for her. Bai Ying gently cupped her face and carefully wiped away her tears with his sleeve.

"My little girl, you should be strong." Bai Ying's voice was gentle but firm, like a warm current in the night breeze brushing over Ning Rongrong's heart. "Your father wouldn't want to see you so sad either. If you keep crying, you probably won't look pretty anymore."

Hearing that, Ning Rongrong forced a faint smile and muttered, "Even if I cry and my makeup gets ruined, I'm still pretty." Though she said so, the sorrow had already faded from her eyes, replaced by a touch of playfulness and determination.

Bai Ying laughed at Ning Rongrong's words. He gently scraped her nose and said, "Yes, yes, our Rongrong is the prettiest. But you've cried enough. Shouldn't you pull yourself together and do something meaningful now?"

A glimmer of curiosity flashed through Ning Rongrong's eyes. She looked up at Bai Ying and asked, "Do what?"

Bai Ying smiled mysteriously, pulled an exquisite booklet from his robes, and handed it to Ning Rongrong. "This is the cultivation plan I prepared for you. See if you like it."

Ning Rongrong opened the booklet and saw that it was densely filled with all kinds of cultivation methods and precautions. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, it's so detailed! Bai Ying, you're so thoughtful!"

Under the moonlight, Ning Rongrong's pretty face tightened, anger blazing in her eyes. She practically gritted out every word, as if she wanted to pour out all the dissatisfaction and fury in her heart.

Suddenly, she raised her foot and viciously kicked toward Bai Ying. Bai Ying seemed to have expected it, but he did not dodge. Instead, he chose to take the kick head-on. With a dull bang, his body was sent flying as though struck by a massive hammer, crashing heavily to the ground.

His figure traced an arc beneath the moonlight before landing several steps away. Dust rose into the air, and Bai Ying lay on the ground, unable to rise for a while. Pain showed on his face, but there was even more helplessness and indulgence toward Ning Rongrong.

The anger on Ning Rongrong's face added a sharp edge to her originally delicate beauty. She bit her lower lip hard, fists clenched, as though she wanted to vent every bit of her dissatisfaction.

Bai Ying lay on the ground. Though the pain shooting through his body made him frown, he held no resentment. He raised his head and looked into Ning Rongrong's furious eyes, helplessness and guilt rising within him.

"So I've been too nice to you, huh? Do you have any idea how exhausted I am right now?" Ning Rongrong's voice was cold and sharp, like a blade piercing Bai Ying's heart.

Bai Ying took a deep breath and barely supported himself. Struggling, he knelt before Ning Rongrong and clasped both her hands in his, his voice trembling with sincerity. "I was wrong, wife. I really was wrong. I shouldn't have made you so tired or made you angry. Please forgive me. I'll make up for my mistakes with my actions."

"Fine. For the next few days, you'll stay with me and help manage things." Ning Rongrong gritted out every word through clenched teeth, her voice brimming with dissatisfaction and resentment.

Bai Ying sucked in breaths from the pain, but he did not dare resist in the slightest. He could only obediently let Ning Rongrong tug his ear, wearing a pitiful expression.

"I'll show you exactly how hard I work!" Ning Rongrong continued, her voice full of grievance. Tugging Bai Ying by the ear, she dragged him to his feet and strode ahead. Bai Ying bared his teeth in pain and could only jog after her.

Rubbing his ear, Bai Ying looked at Ning Rongrong with a wronged expression and tried to soothe her anger with words. "Wife, I was wrong. Don't be angry, okay? Getting angry gives you wrinkles, and wrinkles won't look good."

The moment Ning Rongrong heard that, she became even more furious. She glared at Bai Ying, a sharp gleam flashing in her eyes, and raised her foot to kick him again. This time, Bai Ying was prepared. He flashed aside and dodged the kick. But Ning Rongrong refused to let it go. She chased after him, put her hands on her hips, and shouted angrily, "If you don't know how to talk, then don't talk! Do you think I'll forgive you just because you say a few nice things? I'm telling you, it won't be that easy!"

Ning Rongrong's words left Bai Ying somewhat confused. He rubbed his nose and gave an awkward smile. "Then what should I say, my dear wife?"

Hearing that, Ning Rongrong took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She knew she had indeed gone a little too far, but whenever she thought of what Bai Ying had done before, she could not stop herself from wanting to get angry.

Ning Rongrong stood beneath the moonlight, which fell over her pretty face and added a touch of mystery to her faintly angry expression. She parted her red lips and said in a voice both commanding and coquettish, "I'm tired from walking. Carry me."

The instant Bai Ying heard that, joy surged in his heart. He quickly stood up, walked over to Ning Rongrong, bent slightly at the waist, and said in a thoroughly ingratiating manner, "Wife, please climb aboard."

Seeing this, Ning Rongrong's lips curved into a smug smile. She lightly climbed onto Bai Ying's back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Feeling the soft touch against his back, Bai Ying's heart stirred. He carefully stood up and steadily carried Ning Rongrong forward.

Bai Ying carried Ning Rongrong slowly through the moonlight, taking every step with exceptional care for fear of jostling the beauty on his back. He spoke softly, his voice gentle and low. "Wife, you really are the best."

Warmth rose in Ning Rongrong's heart, and a sweet smile unconsciously appeared on her lips. She lightly patted Bai Ying's shoulder and said coquettishly, "Of course I am. Without me, you'd be doomed to eight lifetimes of bad luck."

Bai Ying burst out laughing.

"Hand her over to me," Zhu Zhuqing said.

"Okay."

Bai Ying gently set Ning Rongrong down and handed her over to Zhu Zhuqing. Only then did he let out a sigh of relief.

When Xiao Wu and the others saw the two return, their tense nerves finally relaxed. They gathered around and asked about Ning Rongrong with concern. Bai Ying raised a finger to signal for silence, then said softly, "Rongrong is asleep now. Don't disturb her."

Xiao Wu asked, "Brother, why did the Heaven Dou Imperial Family want to see you?"

Bai Ying said casually, "Moving house. Our Spirit Sect is relocating here from Spirit City."

Upon hearing Bai Ying's words, Xiao Wu's eyes immediately lit up, and a brilliant smile bloomed across her face. She jumped excitedly and clapped her hands together with a crisp sound.

"Really? Brother, are we really moving here?" Xiao Wu's voice was full of anticipation and delight, as though she could already see what their new home would look like.

Seeing her excitement, Bai Ying could not help smiling as well. He nodded and said with certainty, "Yes, Xiao Wu. Our Spirit Sect is moving here. This will be our new home."

Xiao Wu became even more excited after hearing that. She circled Bai Ying several times, muttering nonstop, "That's great, that's great! I've wanted to leave that cold, lifeless Spirit City for ages. This place feels so warm and welcoming!"