When Wang Xuan stepped off Shushan Immortal Island and returned above the East Sea, Taihao was already waiting there.
The old man was supporting a woman in his arms. It was Qingqing, who had been detained by the Azure Lotus Heavenly Maiden for so long.
Her eyes were tightly shut, and her face was still somewhat pale, but her life was no longer in danger.
"With Green Lotus dead, the restrictions on the island all dispersed. Rescuing her was no trouble." Taihao handed Qingqing to Xiao Chen, who had hurried over at the sound of his voice, and stroked his beard with a smile. "Her consciousness was merely sealed by the restrictions. After she recuperates for a while, she'll wake up on her own."
Xiao Chen had just settled Ruoshui down. Hearing this, he was both shocked and delighted, and he thanked Taihao repeatedly.
He refused to let anyone else carry her, instead carrying Ruoshui on his back and steadily supporting her with spiritual power. Taihao took care of Qingqing himself.
Once everyone had gathered, they landed on a reef jutting above the sea.
Keke crouched on Xiao Chen's shoulder, glancing at Ruoshui on his back, then at Qingqing in Taihao's arms. In a childish voice, the little beast drawled out,
"Little Chenchen's carrying his wife—"
"Don't talk nonsense."
Xiao Chen's ears heated up. He flicked Keke on the forehead.
The little beast covered its head and let out two aggrieved squeaks.
Just then, Wang Xuan's gaze fell on them.
"Let's go." His tone was calm. "I want to see your hometown."
Xiao Chen paused. "Ancestral Dragon Village?"
"I'm very interested in the village where you were born."
Wang Xuan offered no further explanation and merely gazed into the distance with his hands behind his back.
Ancestral Dragon Village was