Fortune Across the World

Chapter 180: Discussing Mechanisms and Revealing Past Events (Part 2)

Yan Huai and his wife had indeed heard the explosion caused by Zhenxiao Sect blasting the mountain. However, being recluses with no interest in worldly affairs, they neither ventured out nor realized the source of the commotion. But now, with Ding Qiyu revealing the truth, the culprit behind the deafening explosion was clear. Hearing the name he loathed most after so many years, anger and a thirst for revenge surged within Yan Huai, threatening to destroy the calm peace he had cultivated over years of seclusion.

Ding Qiyu continued, "Zhuyi and I fell into the traitor's trap, driven to a dead end before fate led us here. Now, Qianli Palace is still in crisis, and I fear Zhenxiao Sect might have already breached its defenses!"

Yan Huai's emotions were a whirlwind of pain, struggle, and, above all, a raging fury ignited by the news. Memories of bloodshed and agony replayed in his mind, bringing forth a torrent of hurt, resentment, anger, and impulsiveness. He clenched his fists, unable to respond to Ding Qiyu's words.

Ding Qiyu understood that Yan Huai was wrestling with intense internal conflict. "Our priority is to clear the trap path's debris as swiftly as possible, return to Qianli Palace, expose the traitor, and drive out Zhenxiao Sect," she urged. Her voice carried a note of despair, "But the mechanism to clear the debris—I can design it, but there's no power source to make it work."

Yan Huai looked at Ding Qiyu, as if wanting to say something. He opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.

Noticing his expression change, Ding Qiyu felt a flicker of hope—did Yan Huai know of a viable energy source? She eagerly asked, "Uncle Huai, do you have a solution?"

Yan Huai's eyes were bloodshot, as if exhausted, and he raised a hand to silence her, shaking his head, "Let me... let me think... think..." His voice trembled. He was torn between reclaiming his past self to seek vengeance and choosing to remain a peaceful recluse in this nameless valley with Lingyu. Faced with such divergent paths, he couldn't decide.

Seeing his turmoil, Ding Qiyu refrained from pressing further. At least there was a glimmer of hope, she thought. Rising from his side, she earnestly said, "Uncle Huai, the past is behind us. Mechanisms are more than just tools of war. It's not the mechanisms that harm, but the vile people who abuse them. Those evildoers will eventually reap what they sow. I have no right to interfere with your choice, but I've always hoped to learn from you." Seeing his inner struggle, she sighed and returned to the courtyard.

Aunt Jade was just about to help Zhuyi back to her room. Seeing Yu'er without Yan Huai, yet deep in thought, she realized they must have spoken. Composing herself, she cheerfully called, "Yu'er, you're back! Here, I'll return Zhuyi to you before you start demanding her back."

"Godmother~" Zhuyi playfully scolded, pushing aside her worries to tease her godmother.

Noticing Zhuyi's red eyes, Ding Qiyu felt a pang of concern, momentarily setting aside her own worries. She smiled shyly at Aunt Jade, "I wasn't..."

Despite her words, she instinctively took Zhuyi back into her arms, letting her rest against her.

"Haha, you say that, but you claim her faster than anyone else—" Aunt Jade stopped, catching her goddaughter's playful glare, and relented, "Alright, alright, take Zhuyi back to rest. Her injuries need proper care."

Bidding Aunt Jade goodbye, Ding Qiyu carefully helped Zhuyi back to their room. Watching Aunt Jade's retreating figure, Zhuyi's smile faded as she whispered, "It's all because of Zhenxiao Sect..."