Toji looked at them, smiled, and didn't insist any further.
Let them be.
" Toji's back! Come in, come in and sit down!" Mother Zhang, with her sharp eyes, immediately greeted him warmly, her face beaming with undisguised joy. "We've been waiting for you. Lexuan, quickly get Toji bowls and chopsticks. Qiu'er, make room for her in the middle."
Father Zhang put down the dishes, rubbed his hands together, and said with a smile, "Yes, yes, they're freshly made. Eat them while they're hot. These dishes are excellent today."
Under the enthusiastic arrangement of Father Zhang Mother Zhang, Toji was half-pushed and half-forced to sit at the dining table, right between Zhang Lexuan Di Qiu'er.
Zhang Lexuan obediently set out the bowls and chopsticks for him, while Di Qiu'er winked at him playfully and secretly took his hand, which was resting on his knees, under the table.
The bowls and chopsticks clinked lightly, and laughter filled the air.
Father Zhang. and Mother Zhang. Zhang kept putting food on Toji's plate, asking if he was having a hard time away from home.
Zhang Lexuan occasionally asked him about cultivation in a low voice, while Di Qiu'er shared interesting stories from the Body Sect or the city.
Ice Empress ate without any decorum but with great satisfaction, while Snow Empress quietly savored their meal, occasionally commenting on the cooking time of the dishes.
There was no intrigue, no bloodshed, only warm lights, delicious food, and unreserved care among family members.
This peaceful and almost mundane joy is like the purest and warmest spring water, slowly flowing through Toji's heart, washing away the violence and bloodshed that cling to it.
All the grudges surrounding the Clear Sky Sect, the threat from the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianran's madness, and even the troubles surrounding the Godhood were completely forgotten at this moment.
An unprecedented, pure sense of peace and contentment quietly grew and settled in his heart.
He doesn't need to be constantly on edge, nor does he need to worry about life and death.
Here, he is just an ordinary man surrounded by his family.
This peace of mind, this happiness brought by home, is the most cherished haven he found after traversing slaughter and darkness.
The meal ended in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
While clearing away the dishes, Di Qiu'er gently tugged at Toji's sleeve and gestured towards the small balcony outside.
The night was as still as water, dotted with countless stars.
The balcony is small, only wide enough for two people to stand side by side.
The evening breeze carried the unique coolness of Heaven Dou City at night and the fresh scent of plants.
Di Qiu'er leaned against the railing, the moonlight shining on her exquisite profile, gilding her with a hazy silver glow.
She tilted her head slightly, a hint of barely perceptible worry in her clear eyes, and her voice was very low, almost a whisper:
"Are you... really determined to help the Heaven Dou Empire resist the Sun Moon Empire?"
She paused, then continued, "I've said before that the fate of the Sun Moon Empire is like oil being poured onto a raging fire—incredibly intense."
"Unifying the continent seems to be a predetermined course in the river of destiny. Do you really intend to forcibly change it?"
Toji stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the flickering lights in the distance, his deep eyes reflecting the starlight.
He was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head, his voice low and calm:
"The danger has never been the Sun Moon Empire itself, nor the outcome of unification." His gaze turned cold. "The danger lies in Xu Tianran, the fanatical Holy Spirit Cult behind him, and their ruthless ruthlessness in achieving their goals."
He sighed, a hint of helplessness in his voice:
"As for the Heaven Dou Empire... I can't actually convince my teacher, nor can I convince anyone in the Body Sect not to help it."
"That's their root, that's their country."
"They are citizens of the Heaven Dou Empire; fighting for their country is their natural duty."
"This isn't about right or wrong, it's about perspectives."
Di Qiu'er listened quietly, her eyes sparkling with understanding.
Having followed Toji for so long, she already knows a lot about why humans are different from Soul Beast.
"If I'm determined to intervene and do everything in my power to help the Heaven Dou Empire..." Toji's voice carried an absolute certainty, "With my current strength, plus the Soul Tool of the Body Sect and Xuan Ziwen, it will indeed be as difficult as ascending to heaven for the Sun Moon Empire to unify the continent."
He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming indifferent and detached:
"But... so what? Whether the Heaven Dou Empire survives or not, what does it have to do with me?"
If it is strong, it can stand firm; if it is weak, it is inevitable that it will be eliminated by history.
"Survival of the fittest is a fundamental principle of nature."
"I will not forcibly reverse this process for the sake of Vikes ' throne, or for the sake of so-called national righteousness."
"Unification... if it can reduce the war on this continent, it might not be a bad thing."
The last trace of worry in Di Qiu'er's eyes dissipated, replaced by relief and a hint of appreciation.
She nodded gently, her voice softening:
"I see... Well, that's fine then."
Go with the flow, but don't go against your principles.
She understood Toji's position and agreed with his choice.
He wouldn't actively disrupt the course of fate, but that doesn't mean he would choose to spare Xu Tianran's life.
as well as...
Holy Spirit Cult!
"Do you need me to come with you to the Sun Moon Empire?" Di Qiu'er turned around, looked up at Toji, her face breathtakingly beautiful in the moonlight, with a hint of longing.
Toji didn't answer immediately, but instead reached out and gently pulled her into his arms.
Di Qiu'er leaned obediently against his broad, solid chest, her cheek pressed against his neck, feeling his steady, powerful heartbeat and the reassuring scent emanating from him, a scent mixed with sunlight and a faint hint of rust.
He Toji hugged her tightly, his arms encircling her slender yet resilient waist, his chin resting gently on the top of her soft, fragrant hair.
That warm, soft, and Life touch, like the gentlest caress, completely cleansed away the last trace of hidden ferocity and the cold killing intent brought from the battlefield.
"No need." His voice was deep and gentle, carrying an undeniable sense of protectiveness. "You stay here and take care of this house for me. Here..."
He tightened his grip on his arm and continued:
We need you more.
Sensing the tenderness and entrustment in his words, Di Qiu'er completely relaxed, closed her eyes, her long eyelashes casting small shadows under her eyelids, and a satisfied smile curved her lips.
Di Qiu'er responded softly, her voice barely audible, and nestled even deeper into the embrace that brought her immense peace of mind.
Toji, feeling the warmth and breath of the person in his arms, and inhaling the unique, fresh scent of her hair, like a forest after the rain.
His mind had never been so calm and settled. All the noise, scheming, and killing were shut out by the night.
Only the gentle evening breeze, the whispering stars, and the heavy warmth and bond of home in my arms.
That night, there was no cultivation, no planning.
Toji emptied herself, immersing herself in this hard-won, pure peace and happiness.
It was as if the whole world had shrunk down to this small place and the people he was willing to give everything to protect.