Chapter 124: Reunion

The Goddess Temple of Huang Rang quickly spread from the capital to various places, blossoming everywhere. Meanwhile, the Yuhu Immortal Sect, which had always had a strained relationship with the Celestial Court, also built a goddess temple next to their mountain residence and jointly worshipped. It was said that the statue of the goddess in the Yuhu Immortal Sect’s temple was personally carved by the sect master, Xie Hongchen.

The entanglements between Huang Rang, Xie Hongchen, and Di Yiqiu, fermented through four dreams, became widely known. Consequently, discussions took on a somewhat romantic tone, and among the common people, disputes over legitimacy arose.

Which is the legitimate goddess temple—the one belonging to the Immortal Sect or the one of the imperial court?

The Yuhu Immortal Sect had always been the premier sect among the immortal clans and was unequivocal about this matter.

Whenever they stationed people there for divination and fortune-telling, it attracted people from all around who competed to offer incense.

Di Yiqiu remained silent, merely embedding the Nine-Curve Spirit Eyes within the goddess statue.

Thus, he frequently heard the wishes of the people.

Being well-versed in human nature due to his official position, he picked up a few typical wishes and fulfilled them.

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As a result, the three immortals, who were somewhat friendly with him, gradually distanced themselves.

His madness in court, killing the subordinates of Duke Zhongguo, also sent shivers down the spines of many courtiers. As a result, the courtiers dared not have any dealings with him.

Accumulating time enhanced his prestige, making him the symbol of intimidation of the imperial court and frightening the immortal sects. Everyone feared him, kept their distance, and gradually, they rarely saw him again.

Even Li Lu and Bao Wu did not know where he had gone.

The snow in the capital falls year after year.

Xie Hongchen of the Yuhu Immortal Sect began secluding himself, and Di Yiqiu, the Celestial Court’s chief, disappeared without a trace.

Rumors circulated among the common people, some claiming that the chief had long since died for love. Others believed he couldn’t possibly be so sentimental and was likely hiding away to cultivate demonic arts.

The latter notion was more frightening, sparking endless debates among the people.

In the imperial palace, Emperor Shi Zhenlang, who ascended the throne in his youth, was now in his middle age.

He stood with his hands behind his back, observing the flowers, while Li Lu quietly stood behind him. After a long silence between the monarch and his minister, Shi Zhenlang suddenly asked, “There have been some rumors among the common people recently. Deputy Chief Li, have you heard of them?”

Li Lu certainly knew what he was referring to and replied, “Your Majesty is referring to the matter of the chief?”

Sighing, Shi Zhenlang said, “The common people spread rumors that he is hiding from the world, secretly cultivating demonic arts. There’s also news of a case of a missing child in the province, causing widespread panic.”

Li Lu said, “It’s impossible. The Celestial Court has already investigated, and the missing child has been found. It was just a case of wandering off.”

“Even if that’s the case, how can the people believe it?” Shi Zhenlang said it with a heavy tone. “After the events of the past, how can the people trust a proclamation from the provincial government?”

Li Lu responded, “Your humble servant understands.”

Shi Zhenlang asked, “Is Imperial Uncle still absent?”

Li Lu was also troubled and replied, “Five years ago, on the third day of the third month, I last saw him. Since then, he has not been seen.”

“The third day of the third month?” Shi Zhenlang knew what day this was, saying, “The birthday of the goddess?”

Li Lu said, “Exactly. On this day in previous years, he would make a trip to the Goddess Temple.”

After a long contemplation, Shi Zhenlang said, “I hope that this year he will appear.”

In that year, on the third day of the third month, at the Goddess Temple in the capital.

The attendants kept the common people outside the temple, allowing a small group to enter at a time to prevent overcrowding. Emperor Shi Zhenlang was able to enter the temple. He looked up at the altar and saw the goddess with her fair hand holding a basket, her eyes lowered, radiating beauty and compassion. Her skirt was like a light veil; her eyes were lively and expressive, and every subtle expression was full of life.

“Imperial Uncle’s hands are truly treasures of our dynasty,” he sighed. Li Lu continued to follow behind him as the two searched everywhere, but there was no sign of Di Yiqiu.

Countless people kneeled before the deity, devoutly kowtowing and making various wishes.

Incense wafted through the air, creating a misty atmosphere in the temple.

Emperor Shi Zhenlang had no particular impression of Huang Rang, and at this moment, he felt little sentiment.

However, Li Lu fixed his gaze on this person. After a while, he sighed softly.

In the end, the two did not manage to wait for Di Yiqiu.

He did not come.

Did he even miss Huang Rang’s birthday?

Li Lu couldn’t hide his worry.

“The chief didn’t come again. In previous years, on this day, he would show up to repair the deity, repaint, and decorate it,” someone whispered among the people waiting to enter the temple.

“He hasn’t come for several years. I’m afraid he’s truly cultivating demonic art. I heard that several places have had cases of missing children again…”

Such discussions, like dark clouds, lingered over Emperor Shi Zhenlang’s head.

The calamity of demonic arts occurred just over thirty years ago, and the common people still felt lingering fear. How could he not be worried?

However, Di Yiqiu seemed to have truly disappeared, never appearing again.

When Huang Rang opened her eyes, there was a long period of confusion.

After a while, she snapped out of it, finally realizing the strangeness—what perspective was this?

She looked down and realized that she seemed to have turned into a giant! The deity platform and incense burner in front of her appeared tiny.

Wait…

Deity platform? Incense burner?

Huang Rang’s vision was shrouded in light mist, and she finally saw it—she seemed to be placed on the deity platform!

This… memories flooded into her mind, and she began to recall them.

—She was supposed to be dead. After removing the Soul Binding Bone Fixing Needle, she turned into dust, losing consciousness long ago. And now, where was she?

Huang Rang tried to move, but it felt like she was trapped within this enormous deity statue.

In front of her, a peasant woman approached with a basket, kneeling in front of her. Huang Rang looked bewildered as she heard the woman murmuring her wishes: “Goddess, devoted follower Xu Xiaofen has been unable to conceive for many years. Now, her in-laws are becoming intolerant. Please bless me with a swift pregnancy…”

What in the world?

Huang Rang felt a headache coming on, starting to doubt her existence.

—Could it be that I’m once again in some strange dream?

Ignoring the murmurs around her, she concentrated her consciousness and caught a familiar fragrance. It was the scent of crops and fertile soil.

Where was this?

Huang Rang tried to get a clear view of her surroundings; she seemed to be in a temple. She looked at the lamp stands on both sides, filled with numerous wishing lamps. The incense was too strong, causing the lamps to be replaced quickly.

—Could it be that, after breaking free from the Soul Binding Bone Fixing Needle, I’ll be forever trapped within this deity statue?!

Huang Rang was truly afraid. She struggled with all her might, but this time, it didn’t take much effort; she effortlessly freed herself from the deity statue! Exerting too much force, she dropped from the statue, narrowly avoiding hitting the worshiping believers.

However, it seemed like the worshippers in the hall couldn’t see her at all; they continued talking about their wishes as if she didn’t exist.

As Huang Rang regained her senses, she finally saw the deity statue.

On the elevated deity platform, the enshrined figure was none other than herself.

Cloaked in light gold, holding a basket with grace, each expression portraying compassion and solemnity. Huang Rang reached out her hand, gently touching the hem of the statue’s robe. She already knew whose craftsmanship this was.

—Whose longing could replicate even the shadows in the eyes?

She wanted to step out of the temple, passed through the doorway, and saw familiar inscriptions on the wall.

Page by page on the wall, it was filled with her achievements.

Huang Rang looked for a while, wanting to laugh but feeling a bitter surge.

Was she resurrected? Or were these just fragmented memories before death, a fleeting dream?

She didn’t know. Stepping out of the Goddess Temple, she found herself in vast farmland. Familiar rural houses came into view, and Huang Rang suddenly understood where this was.

—Xiancha Town!

She was born here again.

Huang Rang ran in the wind, and no one around could see her. Her body seemed to melt into the wind, becoming a faint mist.

“Di Yiqiu.” After the initial ecstatic disbelief, this name finally surged back into her mind. Huang Rang urgently wanted to run towards him; this time, it wouldn’t be a dream, right?

She disappeared into the wind and thunder, her speed increasing. She traversed regions, seeing many similar goddess temples along the way.

One of them was still under construction.

Huang Rang walked in slowly; the main hall was already built, but the floor was covered with thick dust and stones.

On the deity platform, the stone statue was incomplete. Only vague outlines were visible.

The sound of chiseling echoed in her ears; someone was carving stone sculptures.

Approaching the deity, Huang Rang saw a person covered in dust with disheveled hair. He lowered his head amidst rocks and dust, hammering away and carving the stubborn stones.

The statue was enormous, but there was no one to help him.

He hammered away at the chisel, unaware of Huang Rang approaching.

Huang Rang reached out to lift his hair, but her hand passed through him.

He remained oblivious, and Huang Rang could only crouch gently in front of him.

A thousand words, like stones scattered on the ground, are painful and incomplete in this moment.

“Di Yiqiu…” Her voice was initially soft, but gradually sharpened. However, the person in front of her did not lift his head. Mud covered his entire body; he seemed like a mud sculpture, repeating mechanical movements over and over.

Outside, the sky gradually darkened, and the light faded.

Yet he did not light a lamp.

This yet-to-be-completed goddess shrine was empty. Alone, he guarded the unformed rock, repeatedly chiseling it into the image in his mind.

No one accompanied him; only the rhythmic sound of the hammer striking the chisel echoed.

The light did not hinder him; he had carved it so many times that the statue had already melded into his heart. He no longer needed to look.

Huang Rang squatted beside him, rubble and dust passing through her, falling emptily to the ground.

“Di Yiqiu… I’ve said so much, but I forgot to tell you… to live well.” She reached out, her fingertips lingering on his cheek. But he lowered his head, not looking at her.

Dust blurred his face; stubble had grown on his cheeks, and he looked disheveled.

This enormous statue, carved by him alone, originally required a lot of time.

But he worked tirelessly, day and night, and became highly skilled.

At the third dawn, he finally finished the final touches on the statue.

Huang Rang silently accompanied him. Di Yiqiu’s eyes lit up as he looked at the goddess statue, staring at it for a long time. The statue remained silent, and he casually wiped the dust off his stubble, revealing layers of snake scales on his body!

Huang Rang didn’t know what he was going to do.

After a moment, he transformed into a small snake. The snake quickly swam out of the goddess temple.

Then, it randomly found a cave, burrowed in, coiled up, and fell into a silent sleep.