Hua Qiang looked at the man in the painting and recalled the elders' descriptions of Great Grandfather. At once, he understood a little more.
So Xuan Chuqing had been the Dao companion Great Grandfather met while traveling abroad all those years ago.
And Blue Star was not only his hometown, but also the place where Xuan Chuqing and Great Grandfather had pledged their love.
"Senior, are you unwilling to sell Blue Star because of Great Grandfather?" Hua Qiang asked softly.
Xuan Chuqing nodded, her eyes brimming with remembrance. "His ashes are buried within that peach blossom grove.
"Blue Star is his hometown, and it is also the place where we promised to stay together. How could I sell it to an outsider?"
She raised her eyes to Hua Qiang, a trace of complicated emotion flashing through them.
"But you are his descendant, and you come from Blue Star as well... Perhaps there is still room for discussion."
Delight surged in Hua Qiang's heart, and he quickly said, "Senior, I did not come here this time to forcibly purchase Blue Star.
"I know Blue Star holds extraordinary meaning for you and Great Grandfather. It is only that Blue Star now faces a crisis and requires powerful strength to protect it.
"I hope to obtain ownership of Blue Star not for personal gain, but so that I can rely on my own abilities to protect Great Grandfather's homeland—and protect the memories you shared with him."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of emotion passed through Xuan Chuqing's eyes.
She fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "If you can truly keep Blue Star safe, it is not impossible for me to give its ownership to you.
"But I have one condition—you must accompany me to Blue Star's peach blossom grove and pay