The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1242: Eventful; Family

Eventful; Family . . .

The Moon Queen carefully surveyed the crowd, her gaze settling on those who shared the same disconcerting feeling. To her dismay, it became apparent that those closest to the Prime Enforcer and Vice-prime Master were the ones affected by this ominous sensation.

From the outset of the meeting, it was evident that the Prime Enforcer and Vice-prime Master were conspicuously absent. The Moon Queen couldn't help but entertain a chilling thought, causing her visage to darken abruptly.

The confusion and concern in the eyes of the others grew as they observed the Moon Queen's unusual and disconcerted demeanor. This was the leader who had consistently exhibited calm and composure in the face of challenging situations.

Nevertheless, a shared realization slowly began to crystallize amongst the onlookers. They began exchanging information, which ultimately led them to a grim consensus.

It came to light that a few days ago, upon leaving the palace, the Prime Enforcer and Vice-prime Master had sent a message, indicating their proximity to Heaven's Terrace. However, no further messages had been received since that time.

The elders speculated that they might have pursued the Divine Yin Yang Fruits, a perilous venture that no rational disciple would undertake. The Divine Yin Yang Fruits were viewed as a shortcut to cultivation, but the price for their power was often death.

The Moon Queen promptly dismissed this notion, defending the rationality and restraint of the Prime Enforcer and Vice-prime Master. She reasoned that even if they had made an ill-advised attempt, some of their disciples would have returned with a message.

The Moon Queen then proposed an even darker possibility: that the Prime Enforcer, Vice-prime Master, and their disciples had all encountered an unforeseen calamity. This calamity had apparently entrapped every single one of them, preventing any messages from being relayed back to the palace.

As the Moon Queen and the others pondered the situation, a gnawing sense of worry enveloped them. What had befallen their revered leaders and disciples? The Moon Queen chose not to voice the worst-case scenario, fearing it would incite panic. In her heart, she couldn't help but dread the possibility that the Prime Enforcer, Vice-prime Master, and their disciples might have met their demise far beyond the palace's protective walls.

With a heavy heart, the Moon Queen decided to seek information from other sects. She instructed the Second Elder and Third Elder to inquire about the return of disciples from Heaven's Terrace with other sects, seeking every trace of up-to-date information.

While the Moon Queen's order was understandable, it only served to deepen the somber mood among the elders. If other sects reported the safe return of their disciples while Qiong-Hua Palace received no such word, it might indicate that an external force was conspiring against them.

On the other hand, if no sect had received word from their disciples, it suggested a much more dire situation—an ominous, powerful organization might be orchestrating hostilities against all the sects in Qing-Yun Realm, heralding a cataclysmic event in the martial world. Neither scenario boded well for Qiong-Hua Palace.

However, the Moon Queen clung to a sliver of hope, imagining a scenario where their people were merely trapped, preventing them from sending messages. She kept the worst-case scenario concealed, for the time being.

The atmosphere in the main hall grew heavy. There was a sense of helplessness as they realized there was little they could do but wait. The Moon Queen suggested waiting for messages from other sects before devising further plans.

Yue Shuang proposed seeking information from the outside world. Although it might not be entirely reliable, it was a way to gain insight quickly. However, the Moon Queen was against it, concerned that information from external sources might be inaccurate and distorted.

As the discussions continued, the prevailing sentiment grew increasingly grim. The elders felt powerless and uncertain about the future. The Moon Queen, deep in thought, suddenly contemplated a harrowing possibility—that her disciple Yue Gongxue might be the only one able to escape the impending calamity by going with Cha Nantian. Cha Clan, a small and powerless force, might be the safest place in this turbulent time.

That night, the Moon Queen requested a private audience with Yue Shuang and Yue Han to discuss an undisclosed matter.

The Moon Queen looked intently at the two sisters, her gaze unrelenting. "You two sisters, just be honest with me already. What is going on? What happened?" she inquired with unwavering frankness.

In response, the two ladies answered almost in unison, "Nothing happened."

The Moon Queen acknowledged their denial and a knowing thought crossed her mind. "Fine. Now, tell me everything about your trip to Cha Clan. I need every specific detail."

It didn't take much for the experienced Moon Queen to coax the sisters into revealing their tale. While they excelled in cultivation, their social experience was limited. Guided by the belief that they only needed to conceal the secret of Cha Eun Xiao being their brother, they disclosed nearly every detail of their journey, with one significant omission—Cha Eun Xiao's true identity as their brother.

They elaborated on the challenges Cha Nantian and Cha Eun Xiao had faced, emphasizing their hardships. They detailed Cha Nantian's two-decade journey to reach the Dao Origin Stage and his son Cha Eun Xiao's exceptional talent and potential. They couldn't hide their admiration for Cha Eun Xiao, stressing how much they liked him and extolling his genius. They argued that the marriage between Cha Nantian and Yue Gongxue was mutually beneficial. Qiong-Hua Palace could strengthen its ties with Misty Cloud Palace and Cold Moon Palace, creating a favorable alliance.

The Moon Queen, while listening, observed the sisters' excessive praise of Cha Nantian and Cha Eun Xiao. It struck her as flattery, perhaps too exaggerated.

Aside from this, the Moon Queen didn't detect anything amiss. The sisters' account seemed truthful. When they highlighted the potential alliance between the sects, her interest was piqued. A stronger relationship between Qiong-Hua Palace and the other dominant sects seemed advantageous.

However, her curiosity led her to a different line of questioning. "It seems to me... that you two have a remarkable impression of Cha Nantian and Xue-er's son, am I correct?" she inquired.

"That is... correct," Yue Shuang replied hesitantly.

The Moon Queen further probed, "I heard that his name is also Cha Eun Xiao. Is that correct? What does he look like? Is he handsome? Does he have a pleasing appearance?"

Her questions seemed strangely hurried, prompting puzzled looks from Yue Shuang and Yue Han.

Sensing her improper conduct, the Moon Queen coughed and clarified, "I just wanted to... I mean... Is that young man Cha Eun Xiao considered unusual in some way?"

However, the sisters couldn't help but exchange glances, still unsure about the Moon Queen's sudden curiosity.

The Moon Queen realized her mistake and her inquiries regarding Cha Eun Xiao's appearance, but she couldn't hide her enthusiasm for her revelations. In a bid to control her emotions, she assumed an indifferent expression. "This young man is a secret genius, isn't he?" she commented, referencing the sisters' account. "With his current rate of progress, he should reach the pinnacle of level nine Dao Origin Stage within a hundred years. Wouldn't you agree? Is he destined to become one of the most formidable figures in Qing-Yun Realm?"

Yue Shuang and Yue Han exchanged a knowing look and replied in unison, "A hundred years? He won't need that long. In our estimation, this man will ascend to the peak of Qing-Yun Realm within ten years!"

The Moon Queen absorbed their assessment with a mixture of emotions. She couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret. After a moment, she sighed heavily, waved her hand, and said, "Thank you both. You may rest for now."

Leaving the room without further discussion, the sisters sensed the Moon Queen's underlying emotions but couldn't fully grasp the purpose of their conversation.

Once they were gone, the Moon Queen sat by a window in solitude, gazing at the radiant moon for an extended period. A solitary teardrop traced a path down her cheek.

After her contemplative moments, she stood, hesitated briefly, then pushed the door open and headed toward the Floating Flower Lodge.

Inside Floating Flower Lodge, Yue Gongxue remained oblivious to the events outside. Ever since Jun Yinglian's visit, she had been relocated from the Moon Punishment Cave to the lodge, where she enjoyed an unexpectedly comfortable existence. She received ample food, clothing, and cultivation resources, although she knew that these privileges were solely due to Jun Yinglian's influence.

However, she wasn't without challenges in her current situation. The constant presence of fellow disciples who eyed her with disdain and openly gossiped about her tested her patience. Yet, Yue Gongxue's resolute spirit, honed by over ten years of solitary confinement in the Moon Punishment Cave, remained unfazed. She paid no heed to the opinions and whispers of others, continuing to lead her life in dignified solitude.

Recently, she had noticed a significant improvement in her circumstances. Her sparse and humble furnishings, which included basic beds, chairs, tables, and desks, had been replaced with luxurious jade furniture. Beneath her feet, the floor was lined with exquisite, top-quality warm jade plates. Bearskins adorned her chairs, further enhancing her comfort.

Numerous chests filled with high-grade spiritual jades for cultivation had been moved into her room. The spiritual jades exuded a rich, purple glow, indicating their superior quality.

Yue Gongxue's attire had been completely transformed. Her old clothes had been replaced with garments crafted from the exquisite Ice Soul Silk, which caressed her skin with unparalleled comfort. These weren't just a few outfits but an array of clothing in various colors and styles to suit any occasion.

Even her jewelry had undergone an opulent upgrade, all of them adorned with the finest Misty Gold from the Solar Cold Lake, a testament to their top-class quality.

Upon seeing this transformation, Yue Gongxue was taken aback, struggling to believe her own eyes.

She marveled, [I... I wasn't even entitled to such luxurious treatment during my tenure as the Saintess. This level of opulence is typically reserved for elders who wield significant practical power within the sect.]

[Puzzling, indeed...]

Whenever her daily supplies were delivered to the Floating Flower Lodge, those responsible showed a level of attentiveness and respect that was nothing short of remarkable. Yue Gongxue found it challenging to describe these individuals accurately. The closest descriptors that came to mind were "maids" or "eunuchs." It was as though they feared incurring her wrath, and the repercussions appeared severe.

Perplexed by the sudden change in treatment, Yue Gongxue stopped a disciple who was entering her room, carrying a load of warmth jade plates.

In a voice quivering with fear, the disciple responded, "I don't know."

Yue Gongxue pressed further, "Who instructed you to bring these items?"

The disciple stammered, "It... It was... the Elder of Public Affairs." At least, this response was somewhat informative.

"Very well, you may leave now," Yue Gongxue declared with a furrowed brow. [The Elder of Public Affairs oversees the distribution of supplies in the palace and should have the authority to arrange these benefits for me. However, we are far from close. Not even during my tenure as the Saintess did we have a particularly amicable relationship. I never held a higher status than her. I can't fathom why she, a senior member with practical authority, would bestow such favors upon me.]

[One thing is certain, though. Something unusual must have transpired recently, and it appears to be directly related to me. It's an extraordinary development.]

[But what could it be? What's the explanation?]

After some time, Cheng Bingmei paid her a visit with a group of her followers, all wearing exaggerated smiles and speaking with great respect, as if they were long-lost dear sisters reconnecting.

Yue Gongxue was utterly bewildered. [This woman... From the moment we both joined Qiong-Hua Palace, she has been an overt enemy who harbored unwavering hostility towards me. She didn't bother concealing her antagonism. Not even when I became the Saintess did she show any semblance of kindness. Her disdain for me has been unwavering. During my most trying times, she subjected me to repeated humiliation. Our enmity has deep roots and shows no signs of abating.]

[So, what's going on today?]

[She's actually coming to me with an apologetic attitude.]

[Is anyone going to explain the reason for all these inexplicable occurrences?]

[It's beyond belief, almost magical and profoundly bizarre.]

Cheng Bingmei observed Yue Gongxue, who was now draped in snowy white attire, radiating elegance and charm. It seemed as if her over a decade of imprisonment had left no mark on her beauty. Cheng Bingmei felt an intense, biting jealousy that clawed at her heart, threatening to shred it to pieces.

[How can this be?]

[How has Yue Gongxue been so blessed?]

[When we both initially joined Qiong-Hua Palace, I was the superior disciple. We were both beautiful young women back then, with me arguably more beautiful than her. How did she manage to rise above me? Why has she always been favored by the Moon Queen, becoming the Saintess?]

[How has she ascended above all of us, positioning herself as the future Moon Queen?]

[Everyone went out to cultivate, leaving her with the best care and attention. I understand that as the Saintess, she was entitled to certain privileges. But why has she always been so lucky? Why has she consistently encountered extraordinary opportunities while I have not? What makes her superior to me?]

[The most unbearable part is... I was deceived by a liar who nearly led me to my doom, whereas she met Cha Nantian, a man who has always cherished her. He's a real hero in the world! Why is this happening?]

[No one can have all the advantages in the world. Perhaps it is fortunate for her to meet Cha Nantian, but it also marked the beginning of her ordeal. The palace's rules are strict, prohibiting relationships and marriages. I was the one who exposed her loss of virginity to a man. Yes, I did. Furthermore, I drew the attention of several elders to the issue, amplifying the consequences beyond the sect. It left an indelible stain on her reputation. She lost her position as the Saintess, enduring years of imprisonment. I thought it was the end of her chapter.]

[But then Jun Yinglian visited and secured her release. Changes began to unfold within Cha Clan. I even traveled to Cha Clan myself but failed to fulfill my intentions. Yue Shuang and Yue Han were sent to oversee Cha Clan after me, but they inexplicably became allies of Cha Clan. It's unfathomable! And now this is what it's come to!]

[Perhaps, Cha Nantian isn't a harbinger of bad luck for Yue Gongxue; instead, he represents her good fortune!]

[Why else would she suddenly ascend beyond me in a single night?]

[Why are Yue Shuang and Yue Han so fervently supporting her?]

[Why don't they support me instead?]

Deep within Cheng Bingmei's heart, these questions gnawed at her, driving her to the brink of madness.

When she witnessed Yue Gongxue's transformation into an elegant and charming figure, she noticed that every piece of her attire was crafted from Ice Soul Silk. While Cheng Bingmei owned a few Ice Soul Silk garments, they were strictly reserved for undergarments, and she hesitated to wear them due to their exceptional quality. Yet here was Yue Gongxue, possessing an entire wardrobe full of Ice Soul Silk attire in various colors. [Is she even capable of wearing all these garments in her lifetime?]

As for Yue Gongxue's exquisite jewelry, from the Qiong-Hua Phoenix Hairpin to the earrings, all were made from the fabled Misty Gold of the Solar Cold Lake. As she moved, these ornaments radiated a beautiful, enchanting glow. Yue Gongxue moved like a living flower, exuding a captivating charm.

Observing everything in her room had enhanced Yue Gongxue's already striking appearance, rendering her nearly ethereal, like a celestial being. Cheng Bingmei couldn't help but harbor envy and resentment. [I don't possess any pieces of such exquisite jewelry...]

Almost seething with frustration, Cheng Bingmei grumbled, [Why is Yue Gongxue, a traitor to Qiong-Hua Palace, suddenly enjoying such high-ranking privileges within the sect? Are the senior women in the leadership

out of their minds?]

While her initial intention had been to make amends, Cheng Bingmei's mood soured as she departed Yue Gongxue's presence, her face tainted by a storm of hatred and envy.

...

The night proved sleepless for Yue Gongxue, who tossed and turned in her bed, unable to find respite. Her mind was consumed by the unprecedented and inexplicable events of the day. She couldn't help but ponder them throughout the night.

The moon loomed high in the dark sky, casting an otherworldly glow over the Floating Flower Lodge, making it appear like a paradise bathed in moonlight.

Gazing at the moonlit flowers' shadows, Yue Gongxue let out a few sighs. She couldn't make sense of these bewildering developments and the implications they held.

Then, in an instant, she was seized by shock. Wiping her eyes, she turned to look out the window.

Before the window in Yue Gongxue's room stood a pale figure beneath a flowering tree. The figure was bathed in a soft, warm glow as it peered through the window.

Upon making eye contact with the enigmatic figure, Yue Gongxue couldn't help but shiver. She hastily threw open the door and ventured outside.

"Master..." Her voice quivered with fear as she addressed the figure, speaking with utmost caution. "Master, why haven't you retired to your own chambers yet? It's late at night... Why are you here instead? I should have been informed, and I would have humbly received you with the respect you deserve!"

The Moon Queen gazed back at her and let out a sigh.

"I've come to see you," she replied softly. "What, are you not going to let me in?"

"Of course, I will! Please, Master, come inside," Yue Gongxue hurriedly welcomed the Moon Queen into her room. "Please, have a seat. I'll prepare some tea for you."

After a while, a steaming cup of tea was prepared and placed on the table.

The Moon Queen appeared momentarily lost in thought as she murmured, "It's been over ten years... You still remember my favorite, Misty Ice Tea."

"I will always remember. I won't forget all that you've taught me, Master, and I won't forget your preferences," Yue Gongxue responded softly.

With a delicate sip of her tea, the Moon Queen's eyes sparkled. She spoke with delight, "You're the only one who can make Misty Ice Tea to perfection..."

Yue Gongxue humbly bowed her head and replied, "I'm flattered. I'm certainly not worthy."

"Come here, Xue-er," the Moon Queen urged, her voice tinged with sadness, yet gentle and tender. "Let me have a look at you..."

She silently observed Yue Gongxue's face for an extended period.

After what felt like an eternity, she began speaking again, sighing deeply. "Xue-er, after all those lonely years in confinement... Do you hate me?"

"Hate?" Yue Gongxue bit her lip and responded coldly, "I dare not, Master."

While she said she dared not hate her, it wasn't synonymous with harboring no hatred. The over a decade of her prison life hadn't been the source of her torment. Instead, it was the prolonged separation from her husband and son that had weighed heavily on her. During those years, she lived with the constant fear that she might receive news of her husband and son's deaths at any moment. How could she not harbor feelings of resentment? How?

The Moon Queen's heart ached, and she mockingly chided herself. "You're right. Anyone in your position would hate me. It was foolish of me to even ask... How could I expect someone who has every reason to despise me to feel otherwise... This is my fault."

She looked away absentmindedly and said with a distant gaze, "But... Xue-er... You must know that I... I hate you as well... Perhaps more than you hate me..."

Yue Gongxue raised her head in surprise and fear. "Master?"

She was taken aback by her master's sudden candor. Moreover, the Moon Queen's words seemed to make little sense, leaving her utterly perplexed.

The Moon Queen realized her words were inappropriate and that they had touched a nerve. Her expression grew complex, and she wanted to change the subject or offer an explanation, but she was at a loss for words.

"Girl, it doesn't matter now. Whether you hate me or not is no longer important," the Moon Queen remarked with a soothing tone. "Your happiness, the life you've longed for, is on the horizon. Your dreams are about to be realized."

Yue Gongxue was bewildered, her wide eyes fixed on the Moon Queen. "My happiness? The life I've longed for?"

"Cha Nantian has come for you," the Moon Queen declared plainly. "He's currently at Qiong-Hua Palace, waiting to be reunited with you."

"Ah?" Yue Gongxue gasped, her limbs suddenly stiffening. Tears welled up in her eyes. "He... He... He's here... He came... Master, please don't harm him! It wasn't his fault... It was..."

Even in this moment, she sought to protect Cha Nantian, displaying a willingness to sacrifice herself. The Moon Queen couldn't help but feel a surge of anger, but she took a deep breath to quell the flames of her fury. With a cold tone, she retorted, "How could I harm him? He did as I requested. He's now a Dao Origin Stage cultivator. I made a promise, after all... Furthermore, Yue Shuang and Yue Han have thrown their support behind you...

My only remaining task is to bend the rules and wish you a happy marriage... not because I'm thrilled about it, though..."

Yue Gongxue's heart brimmed with joy, and tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks as she exclaimed, "Oh... This is wonderful... He... He's a Dao Origin Stage cultivator now... The two esteemed elders are aiding us... There's still kindness in this world..."

The Moon Queen heard her words and her lips twisted with a mix of anger and bitterness.

While she understood that Yue Gongxue didn't intend to mock her, there was an undercurrent of sarcasm that she couldn't ignore. It was as if Yue Gongxue were suggesting that she was the one at fault. This irked the Moon Queen, who wished to respond with a biting retort: "If I hadn't granted my approval, no amount of support from the world would have helped you. My word is the only one that matters. I could strip you of everything with a single command if I so desired..."

However, she refrained from uttering these thoughts.

It was easy to speak thoughtlessly in the heat of the moment, but far more challenging to rectify the situation when words spoken in anger had caused harm.

After a moment, Yue Gongxue began to regain her composure. Filled with gratitude, she addressed the Moon Queen, "Master, what about these..."

She gestured around her room, indicating the new supplies she had received.

"As Cha Nantian has fulfilled my request, I must uphold my end of the bargain," the Moon Queen explained. "In other words, you're going to be the bride and marry the man you love."

The Moon Queen sighed, her voice heavy with a sense of obligation. "This room will serve as your wedding chamber. Regardless of the wrongs you may have committed, you're still a disciple of Qiong-Hua Palace. You have the unwavering support of the two elders. But it's not only for their sake that we've chosen to do this. You are one of us. Even though I am reluctant, I must ensure that you have a proper wedding. Otherwise, we will become the laughingstock of Cha Clan and the world. Qiong-Hua Palace cannot bear such disgrace."

"Master..." Yue Gongxue's eyes filled with gratitude, and she felt a strong desire to embrace the Moon Queen in gratitude.

Yue Nantian loved Yue Gongxue not only for her beauty but also for her intelligence. She understood that the Moon Queen was the ultimate authority at Qiong-Hua Palace. The Moon Queen's decision was final, and if she hadn't agreed to the marriage, Yue Gongxue would have had no other recourse but to leave the palace, forever marked as a disowned disciple.

Now, thanks to her master's decision, she was on the cusp of becoming the first bride in Qiong-Hua Palace's history, enjoying exceptional privileges and treatment. This was all due to the support from the two elders, but the Moon Queen's approval was the most significant factor in this preferential treatment.

As the Moon Queen gazed upon Yue Gongxue's face, she was struck by the realization that her disciple not only understood the sacrifices she had made but also felt a mixture of consolation and sorrow. With a deep sigh, the Moon Queen extended her arms toward Yue Gongxue and warmly said, "My dear, you will become his wife after the wedding. When a woman gets married, it's like starting a second life... Come here, let me hold you once more. I fear we won't have many chances like this in the future."

"Master!" Yue Gongxue burst into tears, crying out and rushing into the embrace she had longed for during her eighteen years of separation. She finally let her tears flow freely, like strings of glistening pearls. After a while, the Moon Queen's sleeves were soaked from Yue Gongxue's tears.

The Moon Queen held Yue Gongxue, who trembled in her arms. She, too, couldn't contain her tears and found herself crying alongside her disciple.

"The entire palace is abuzz with talk about your dowry," the Moon Queen remarked with tearful eyes and a gentle smile. "In truth, I was stubborn for far too long. I should have allowed you to marry him many years ago... Eighteen years... You two are still deeply in love, yet you've both endured countless hardships... My heart aches."

She let out a long, melancholy sigh, overwhelmed by a sense of sadness.

"I don't desire any dowry," Yue Gongxue declared contentedly. "I don't need it. I mean it. Today, I've received the one thing I've desired most in life. Master, your kind wishes and forgiveness more than satisfy me. I need nothing more."

The Moon Queen sighed and thought, "You may not need it, but someone else does."

"It's not just for your improved life after marriage but also for the sect's honor," she reflected. "You cannot decline it."

The two of them continued their conversation in quiet solitude, unaware that it had grown late, and the midnight hour had passed.

They basked in the warmth they had longed for, feeling the embrace of home. In that moment, all the barriers that had stood between them melted away.

Yue Gongxue was overjoyed, her thoughts drifting to the day she would reunite with her beloved. She couldn't help but wonder what he looked like now, pondering whether he had changed in appearance. She also wondered about their son, contemplating whether he bore a closer resemblance to his father or herself.

The Moon Queen appeared serene on the surface, but beneath her calm exterior, she wrestled with a sense of unease.

At times, the Moon Queen couldn't fathom her own thoughts. Her feelings and emotions seemed paradoxical, a tangled web of contradictions.

Was it even possible for someone to be so conflicted within themselves?

It appeared absurd, yet it was the unvarnished truth of the Moon Queen.

When she had first learned of the love between Yue Gongxue and Cha Nantian, she had felt a surge of anger, sadness, disappointment, and despair. Eighteen years later, those emotions still lingered. Now, as Yue Gongxue was on the verge of embracing the happy life she had longed for, the Moon Queen found herself once again grappling with feelings of sadness, disappointment, and jealousy. She even entertained thoughts of reneging on her promise and sabotaging the marriage.

She felt as though someone was about to snatch away the most precious treasure she had guarded throughout her life. How could she not feel reluctant to let it go?

"What is happening to me... How can I entertain such foolish notions... I... No..." The Moon Queen questioned herself internally. Then, a moment of clarity washed over her. She finally understood.

"Is it possible? Am I envious? Do I envy my own daughter because she's leading a better life than I ever did?" Deep within her heart, she sighed and became lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, she didn't even know where she was in that particular moment.

Many years prior...

When peach blossoms were in full bloom all around, the Moon Queen was a young maiden. She was journeying to the southern regions of the world when she encountered a man by a moonlit lakeside.

Following that encounter, she fell in love with the man, just as Yue Gongxue had with Cha Nantian.

Six months later, lured by the man's sweet words, she couldn't resist giving herself to him in the throes of passion.

However, this man was nothing like Cha Nantian.

It turned out that this man had been married before he met the Moon Queen. When she revealed her pregnancy to him, he actually attempted to kill her, as well as the child she carried, solely to avoid trouble from Qiong-Hua Palace. While he made several attempts on her life, he ultimately gave up. He had never contacted her again.

Had he tried to harm her to protect his family and children, she might have forgiven him, despite her grudge. Yet, this man's motives were purely selfish. He wished to safeguard his own safety. He didn't just abandon the Moon Queen; he also deserted his wife and children, all to avoid facing the consequences of his actions.

It was then that she realized the man's true despicable nature and grew furious, heartbroken, and grieved. With her child still within her, she embarked on a journey that spanned thousands of miles to track him down and behead him with a single stroke. In the end, her heart shattered, and she sought refuge in a secluded valley until Yue Gongxue was born.

Several months after Yue Gongxue's birth, the Moon Queen returned to the palace with her daughter in her arms. She confessed everything to her master. To her surprise, her wise master chose to discipline her privately and keep her transgressions a secret from others in the palace. They arranged for Yue Gongxue to be safely raised by a trustworthy individual. A year later, Yue Gongxue was brought back to the palace and became her master's disciple.

The Moon Queen's master had kept her secret for her entire life and never breathed a word of it to anyone even after her passing.

The Moon Queen had grown to detest all men in the world due to her past experiences. She was convinced

that there were no good men, just despicable creatures who spoke sweet lies to entice young women.

But now, upon reflection, she understood the error in her thinking.

Many times, she had wanted to reveal the truth to Yue Gongxue but always suppressed the urge.

"It's easier for her not to know about our relationship," she sighed to herself.

When she discovered that her daughter had slept with Cha Nantian and was carrying his child, it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck her heart on a sunny day.

She had never imagined that her own daughter would experience the same fate as her.

That was why she had done everything in her power to put a stop to their relationship. She had sent people to beat Cha Nantian and had even imprisoned her daughter.

Even when Yue Gongxue had begged her with tears of pain, she had remained resolute in her decision. She believed that if Cha Nantian truly loved her daughter, he would find a way to reach the Dao Origin Stage. If he failed to do so, it meant he wasn't worthy of being her daughter's husband. She would never accept a useless son-in-law.

But now, at this moment...

Indeed, Cha Nantian had successfully ascended to the Dao Origin Stage, and now it was time for the Moon Queen to fulfill her promise. Many events had transpired during those years, and the Moon Queen's thoughts had undergone a series of profound changes.

What struck the Moon Queen most profoundly was the enduring love in Cha Nantian's heart. After eighteen long years, Yue Gongxue and Cha Nantian were still deeply and passionately in love with each other. This realization filled the Moon Queen with the understanding that there was no reason to worry about entrusting her daughter into this man's hands.

Her inner musings reflected a complex mix of emotions:

"I never had the chance to pursue happiness in my life..."

"Now my daughter has it..."

"I should be proud and glad she does..."

"Yet... I am actually jealous about it..."

She became lost in her thoughts, as if wandering in a dream.

As time passed, Yue Gongxue fell asleep in the Moon Queen's arms, her face expressing contentment. She felt secure, comfortable, happy, and warm, as if she had returned to the loving embrace of her mother, someone she had only dreamt of throughout her life.

However, in the midst of this serene moment, the Moon Queen's thoughts shifted. She began to sense the impending danger in the martial world of the Qing-Yun Realm. It was evident that something terrible was on the horizon, a catastrophe that threatened to disrupt the balance of their world.

"Perhaps it is the perfect time for Xue-er to marry this man," the Moon Queen pondered. "This might be the best course of action for her. She could seize the opportunity to escape the turmoil that is about to descend upon the martial world. She deserves a peaceful and happy life, far from the chaos. That is all I want for her. I'll be free from the constant anxiety and will focus on preparing for the impending challenges."

"If the world descends into chaos, there's a possibility that Qiong-Hua Palace will also face its own fall, considering the current state of the palace," she continued in her thoughts. "This may be the most perilous moment in our history. Xue-er will be left to craft her own happiness. Just... keep it a secret from her. Let her believe she has always been an orphan. If she learns the truth, if she discovers I am her mother, she will never stay away from the palace when disaster strikes."

After contemplating for a while, she released a long sigh, acknowledging her own anxieties:

"I've been tormented by paranoia in recent years. Perhaps I'm simply too fearful of what might happen to her. My past experiences have left me scarred, and my mind has been clouded by it. A traumatic experience can leave a lasting impact. It's no wonder I reacted the way I did."

"I was actually envious of my own daughter... I can't believe it," she confessed to herself, a revelation that was hard to accept.

Observing Yue Gongxue's beautiful face in her arms, the Moon Queen was struck by a powerful urge to abandon her plan. She was unwilling to part with her beloved daughter.

"Oh," she sighed in her mind.

And so, a tranquil night passed.

When Yue Gongxue awoke the following day, she found herself in her own bed, and her master had already departed.

She had experienced the most comfortable, safe, and warm night of her life.

But as she gently touched the quilt, she noticed that it was slightly damp. She was moved to find it so.

Touching the wet stains, she felt a rush of emotions. "Is this... is this a trace of Master's tears?"

"Master..." She uttered her master's name softly, her eyes welling up with tears.

Suddenly, feelings of guilt and sorrow overwhelmed her. Her master had always imparted the same message to her since childhood: "Xue-er, you must take care of yourself. You are destined to become the future Moon Queen, the leader of Qiong-Hua Palace. Carry the responsibility for the sect on your shoulders and do not disappoint me."

The Moon Queen had had a clear plan for Yue Gongxue from the very beginning, envisioning her as the future leader of Qiong-Hua Palace. But what Yue Gongxue did, falling in love with Cha Nantian and giving herself to him, was a profound disappointment to the Moon Queen. It was not an exaggeration to say that all the Moon Queen's efforts and plans were shattered when she discovered Yue Gongxue's love for Cha Nantian and her pregnancy.

"All these years, I've harbored resentment toward Master for destroying my happiness, for taking Nantian and my son away from me," Yue Gongxue reflected. "My mind was consumed by hatred, grief, and a grudge. But I never stopped to consider how much Master had done for me and how little she received in return."

Shaking with emotion, tears streaming down her face, Yue Gongxue continued to speak her heart.

"Master... I'm so sorry..."

Gently touching the corner of the quilt where her master's tears had fallen, Yue Gongxue felt as though her heart was breaking into pieces, and she couldn't hold back her tears.

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