Tian Yuan

Chapter 2555 Time is merciless!

"After all these years, he has finally shown his face."

Standing by the lake, Xiao Junchou was overjoyed. After a few breaths, his brows relaxed and his worry vanished.

Chen Qingyuan, who disappeared for more than seven thousand years, has returned today. How can people not be overjoyed?

The two put aside all their business and made no attempt to dress up; they simply met outsiders looking like this.

"Please come in!"

Having calmed her turbulent emotions, Yan Ximeng spoke from afar, and the restrictions on this place were immediately lifted.

With the dean's permission, Chen Qingyuan stepped forward.

Not long after, Chen Qingyuan and An Xiruo arrived hand in hand deep in the bamboo forest.

The simply dressed Yan Ximeng came into view, which surprised Chen Qingyuan slightly. He quickly concealed his surprise and bowed, saying, "Dean."

An Xiruo would not underestimate anyone Chen Qingyuan cared about, and would bow in the same manner, respectfully addressing him as "Dean".

"No need for formalities, please get up."

The two emperors of the world bowed in respect, and Yan Ximeng felt a little pressured.

Chen Qingyuan was alright, after all, he had many connections with Dao Yi Academy. An Xiruo had never received any favors from Dao Yi Academy and bore the destiny of this era, so this gift was quite heavy, and Yan Ximeng was flattered.

In addition, Yan Ximeng had also taken the longevity pill given to her by An Xiruo, which already made her feel indebted to her. Now, she had to accept another gift, which put her under considerable psychological pressure.

"Uncle Xiao."

Chen Qingyuan bowed to Xiao Junchou again.

"Uncle Xiao."

Husband and wife, in perfect harmony, An Xiruo did not hesitate at all.

"You flatter me, please rise."

If it were just Chen Qingyuan alone, Xiao Junchou would have accepted it without hesitation, and might even have made a few jokes. He tried several times to help the two people in front of him up from a distance, but he was too weak to do so.

"Thank you, Empress, for the elixir."

Yan Ximeng is truly grateful for our meeting today.

"It's nothing, Dean, no need to thank me."

An Xiruo was dignified in her demeanor.

"Don't stand here, come inside and sit down."

Xiao Junchou pointed to the private seats that had been prepared and extended an invitation.

After taking their seats, they looked each other over.

The scene fell silent for a moment, which was somewhat eerie.

After more than ten breaths, Xiao Junchou stared intently at Chen Qingyuan, who was dressed in green, and past scenes kept flashing before his eyes. He sighed, "Things are different now. This is something to celebrate."

"The name of the Azure Emperor will surely be remembered for eternity."

Yan Ximeng's words were not flattery; they came from the bottom of her heart.

They didn't know the details of Chen Qingyuan's path to enlightenment, but they imagined it wouldn't have been easy. Their greatest joy was that Chen Qingyuan had returned safely.

"We're family, so let's not stand on ceremony."

Chen Qingyuan smiled gently, his demeanor refined.

Then, he raised his left hand, palm up.

hum!

A carefully prepared gift box appeared in his palm, rose into the air, and floated in front of Yan Ximeng.

"The Dean and Senior Master have become Daoist partners; this is a belated blessing."

Chen Qingyuan explained the reason for the gift.

"Okay, we'll accept it."

This was Chen Qingyuan's heartfelt gesture, and Yan Ximeng naturally wouldn't refuse. She subconsciously said "we," which warmed Xiao Junchou's heart, making him feel incredibly happy.

When the two became Daoist partners, they originally intended to wait for Chen Qingyuan to return so they could witness the marriage together. However, after waiting for a long time without seeing him, and with their ages growing older and nearing their end, they had no choice but to give up and hold a wedding ceremony instead.

"Speaking of which, there's something I'd like to ask you."

Yan Ximeng kept thinking about it.

"What's the matter?"

Chen Qingyuan looked doubtful.

Geek!

Seeing the subtle changes in Yan Ximeng's expression, Xiao Junchou instantly guessed what she wanted to ask. He pretended to be calm, but inwardly he felt apprehensive and worried.

"Back then, when I fought Xiao Junchou, the reason he was able to defeat me was because he used some underhanded tricks. He said that was your doing, is that right?"

Even though she and Xiao Junchou were husband and wife, inseparable, Yan Ximeng would never forget this matter, and someone had to pay the price.

One thing at a time, and we can't ignore it just because it's in the past.

"I do not know!"

Chen Qingyuan asked blankly.

Then, he turned to look at Xiao Junchou and questioned, "Uncle-Master, you can't frame me. Tell me honestly, does this have anything to do with me?"

"Uh......"

Torn between his fierce wife and his nephew who had ascended the throne, Xiao Junchou was caught in a dilemma and didn't know how to respond. He simply pretended to be stupid and couldn't utter a single word for a long time.

"Dean, you know my character. I am upright and kind. I would never do such a thing."

Chen Qingyuan was talking nonsense with a straight face.

Yan Ximeng and Xiao Junchou knew exactly what kind of person this was.

Seeing Chen Qingyuan's solemn expression as he tried to explain, the two were momentarily speechless: "..."

This guy's skin is still as thick as ever.

Honest and friendly?

Is this word used to describe you?

Yan Ximeng and Xiao Junchou looked at each other and shook their heads, then smiled helplessly.

Chen Qingyuan brushed this off and moved on to other matters.

As the conversation went on, Yan Ximeng and Xiao Junchou became less reserved, their expressions noticeably relaxed, and they even laughed occasionally.

They knew perfectly well that Chen Qingyuan was deliberately adjusting the atmosphere, unwilling to let their friendship grow distant, and that they should continue to interact as before without any worries.

Several hours later, Chen Qingyuan left the bamboo forest and went to other parts of Dao Yi Academy.

Upon meeting the current dean, Zhao Yichuan, the latter was genuinely startled and overjoyed, quickly bowing and exclaiming, "Your Majesty!"

"Senior Brother Zhao, if you deliberately distance yourself from me, I will never return to the academy."

After Chen Qingyuan finished speaking, Zhao Yichuan smiled, stopped being polite, and addressed him as a brother.

Zhao Yichuan is Yan Ximeng's personal disciple. He succeeded as the dean a long time ago. Under his management, the academy has developed steadily and prospered.

Later, Chen Qingyuan went to the cemetery.

Having not returned for many years, many elders have passed away and are buried here, resting in peace.

These elders were not greedy for power, nor did they wish to live a life of mere survival, so they never took the longevity pill.

The elders shared similar thoughts, believing they had no major regrets in their lives and that living a few more years would be pointless; they might as well follow the laws of nature and end their lives.

At each tombstone, Chen Qingyuan lit an incense stick and poured a cup of wine to express his respect.

Chen Qingyuan and An Xiruo concealed themselves and walked through every corner of Dao Yi Academy, observing the scenery and retracing their past steps.

Looking at the newly admitted disciples of the academy, a glint of light flashed in Chen Qingyuan's deep eyes, and the corners of his lips slightly lifted as he couldn't help but feel sentimental.

Time flies and ages us all.

An Xiruo's attention was entirely on Chen Qingyuan, so she naturally sensed his change in mood and spoke softly to him.

"Therefore, we must cherish every day from now on."

Chen Qingyuan held An Xiruo's soft hand tightly, turned his head to look at her, and their eyes met with tenderness and affection.

"From now on, let's not be apart for so long."

An Xiruo never wanted to experience that kind of torment again.