Chapter 359: Bound to the Child-Bearing System, Becoming a Winner in Life Chapter 360: Passerby Strives to Live (28)

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Main Character:

Shen Yao

"Can the Lin Family really succeed?"

"The general consensus."

Shen Yao raised an eyebrow, remaining completely calm about the Lin Family receiving such an exaggerated evaluation from Liu Jingyan.

"Not necessarily."

Tilting her head, Shen Yao was currently sitting in the carriage with Liu Jingyan.

Outside the window lay an endless expanse of mountains and dense forests; the two had received letters from home and were hurrying back.

"If the Lin Family truly succeeds, what will happen to the Liu Family?" Although on the surface the Liu Family belonged to the neutral faction and helped no one, privately they were ambiguous with the Lin Family.

Whether it was the Yun Family or the Cheng Family rising to power, once the Liu Family's inconsistent behavior was discovered, they would surely be suspected and provoke retaliation from the other side.

But what if the Lin Family rose to power? Would they also suspect the Liu Family and choose to strike ruthlessly? After all, the mindset of those in power differed from that of normal people; the Liu Family's current weighing of options in the Lin Family's eyes was the best evidence of playing both sides.

Liu Jingyan:...

Liu Jingyan held the beauty in his arms tighter and sighed endlessly, "My wife is wise."

This was precisely one of the possibilities the Liu Family feared most; no matter which of the three parties rose to power, they would give the Liu Family no way out.

"Grandfather had worried about this before, which is why he kept delaying and refused to state his position openly."

"As for whether the Lin Family is privately dissatisfied? Putting myself in their shoes, I imagine they wouldn't be too pleased."

After all, the Lin Family's strength was no longer what it used to be; previously, they had to beg the Liu Family and, out of face, had to treat the worthy with respect and lower their posture; nowadays, the Liu Family was at most just a somewhat special clan, and the Lin Family was confident they could take down the Liu Family. Even if the Liu Family gave face, they might not get good treatment, let alone if they didn't give face—one could imagine how the Lin Family would deal with the Liu Family.

Shen Yao touched her chin, allowing her body to lean against Liu Jingyan's embrace without moving.

"Does Grandfather have a solution? The name of Wei State no longer exists; a brand new country is destined to reappear on this land."

If the Liu Family did not want to advance further, they could only cheaply benefit others for nothing.

Liu Jingyan touched Shen Yao's loose hair, lowered his head to her ear and said softly, "Grandfather's method is to temporarily hold back and not move."

"For the Yun Family, Cheng Family, and Lin Family to decide a winner is not something that can be done in a day or two."

The time they spent entangling with one another was the space given to the Liu Family to develop in secret.

Liu Xiuwen naturally did not want the Liu Family to be used as cannon fodder; he had exhausted his efforts for so many years, certainly not wanting to see the Liu Family decline under his hand.

As long as there was a possibility of rising to power, Liu Xiuwen would be more fanatical and persistent than anyone else in the Liu Family.

Previously, Liu Xiuwen had not seen this possibility among the Liu Family members.

However, after the few children Shen Yao gave birth to grew up, Liu Xiuwen's eyes grew brighter, especially since he had once sighed privately over Liu Mingchen, showing he truly thought highly of him, yet it was truly a pity.

"A Yan, this time we return, will it be related to this matter?"

They had been running around outside frequently in recent years, and the time they returned to the estate each year was limited.

Perhaps because he had witnessed the combat power of the few children, Liu Xiuwen completely let go of Liu Jingyan and Shen Yao, basically not spending energy on them.

Otherwise, how could a direct descendant like Liu Jingyan have so much time to go out and play? It was only because Liu Xiuwen had spoken up; otherwise, this person could only continue to stay in the Liu Family and work himself to death.

"Perhaps, Grandfather didn't explain in the letter," Liu Jingyan was also speculating on the reason they were called back; it surely couldn't be because of other matters.

The topic in the carriage came to an end; Shen Yao yawned slightly tiredly, leaned sideways against Liu Jingyan's embrace, and closed her eyes to rest.

Liu Jingyan honestly served as a body pillow, letting Shen Yao do whatever made her comfortable.

After sleeping until dark, when Shen Yao opened her eyes, the carriage beneath her had already stopped steadily.

Outside was a somewhat dilapidated temple, most of it had collapsed, leaving only one corner still standing.

Before leaving, Liu Jingyan left Shen Yao in the carriage, while he arranged for people to collect dry branches to start a fire and tidy up the space for lodging.

Tap—

Shen Yao jumped down from the carriage, straightened her somewhat wrinkled clothes, and stepped into the hall.

"Come quickly"

Liu Jingyan waved his hand; he had already cleared an empty space and spread some straw.

Shen Yao ran over, glanced at the sky, and said it might rain tonight.

The humidity in the air made her whole body feel sticky; Shen Yao disliked this kind of climate but had to endure it.

Liu Jingyan took out a waterskin, inside was freshly filled clean water.

"Wait for me here, don't wander around."

In recent years, it hasn't been safe outside; for a place like this abandoned temple, no one knew if it was truly safe.

Originally Liu Jingyan didn't want to stay overnight, but there was no village ahead and no store behind, and with rain at night, he could only choose this place as a lodging spot.

Shen Yao understood that now was not the time to be willful; she hugged the waterskin and nodded obediently.

After Liu Jingyan left, she opened the waterskin with one hand, gulped down two mouthfuls to moisten her dry throat.

Huff

Doing it herself, she spread out the luggage she had brought; Shen Yao sat on the straw covered with bedding, hugging her knees and looking at the bonfire before her.

The lit flames were not very large; the light flickered bright and dim, as if devouring something.

Liu Jingyan returned, holding food that was still edible, all pastries stored in the carriage, things bought earlier.

Shen Yao smiled and took them, and the two successfully shared the food.

The guards who came along were also each eating their own rations, either cakes or noodles; anyway, the taste wasn't great but could stave off hunger.

Outside it had turned dark; the temperature and humidity in the air grew heavier and heavier.

Shen Yao covered herself with the cape Liu Jingyan sent over, burying her whole self in it, and at the same time didn't forget to hold her large body pillow tightly.

Liu Jingyan wrapped his arms around Shen Yao's waist, speaking softly to tell her not to be afraid, as they still had to journey early tomorrow morning.

Shen Yao:...

How to put it, Liu Jingyan really could be a mood-killer sometimes.

Leaning drowsily against Liu Jingyan's chest, listening to his heartbeat thumping, Shen Yao tilted her head and fell asleep at some point.

When she opened her eyes again, she was awakened by the sound of wind and rain, and at the same time, a group of panicked Escorts rushed in.

A broad palm blocked Shen Yao's view ahead, Liu Jingyan's voice indifferent, "Take it slow."

These suddenly appearing Human Forms looked suspicious, Liu Jingyan had to raise his psychological guard level, and by the way soothe Shen Yao in his arms.

Hearing that the situation outside was not good, Shen Yao hummed and pursed her lips.

As Liu Jingyan lowered his palm, Shen Yao saw through the vision illuminated by the Bonfire the group of Escorts appearing before them.

Not all of them were Escorts; among them were wealthy people wearing silk and satin, and scholars wearing blue clothes.

Shen Yao's expression was strange, "Did they come together?"

The guards originally scattered around had gathered, surrounding Shen Yao and Liu Jingyan in a circle.

This newly arrived group stood at the center of Dian Dian, barely sheltering from wind and rain by relying on the decorations above their heads.

"Came together," and after entering they didn't greet them.

Liu Jingyan's expression was serious, he glanced twice then discreetly withdrew his gaze.

This group that rushed in was still muddled, and made the quiet environment lively.

Some complained, some worried, some looked around, some acted furtively.

Shen Yao and Liu Jingyan remained quiet, acting just as they had before they arrived.

"Aiya, the temple here is too dilapidated; back then this place was a good place with flourishing incense."

"That was how many years ago, Master Song; we should rest properly first, we still have to depart and journey early tomorrow morning."

"No rush, no rush, worst case I'll add money here; as long as we safely find the rumored Changsheng Town, are you still afraid I'll be reluctant to spend ten thousand strings of family wealth?"

"..."

Shen Yao was awakened by the mention of Changsheng Town, she looked up at Liu Jingyan.

Coincidentally, Liu Jingyan was also looking down at her, both of them surprised by this town.

They had been traveling for many years, and they had indeed heard of the name Changsheng Town.

As the name suggests, this is a small town in legend where one can seek immortals and ask about the Dao; as long as one successfully enters Changsheng Town, one can cultivate immortality and longevity and have the same lifespan as Heaven and Earth.

This kind of news spread in these years; after all, some Demons and Monsters have shown their heads, so exaggerations about Changsheng Town are not rare.

It's just whether Changsheng Town would be here? This place is near Yingchuan where the Liu Family is located, a rare place of purity and tranquility.

"Perhaps there is some Misunderstanding," Liu Jingyan was more worried it would affect Yingchuan and influence the Liu Family's reputation abroad.

Changsheng Town is not really a town where one can cultivate immortality and longevity; it is a strange phenomenon that eats people, wearing a layer of skin, deceiving ignorant commoners.

The destination of this Escort team opposite is Changsheng Town; if they really find it, there is only a dead end left.

"Want to ask them?" The other party's voice was not low, showing they had no intention of Concealment at all.

Shen Yao didn't mind casually helping and doing good deeds, but what if the other party didn't appreciate it?

Looking at this appearance, it was just like someone with an incurable illness who cannot be persuaded to turn back.

Shen Yao always liked to respect others' destinies and would not feel guilty about this.

Liu Jingyan had seen a lot and also understood that whether some people are saved or not depends entirely on themselves.

If the other party doesn't care about their own life, what more could he help?

Shaking his head, he stretched out his arm and pulled Shen Yao into his embrace, "I'll keep watch tonight, go to sleep."

Shen Yao:...

Shen Yao buried her head and curled up her body, found a comfortable position, closed her eyes and fell asleep.

As for what Changsheng Town? With Liu Jingyan around, she wouldn't think too much.

This sleep Shen Yao slept very deeply, and also had a strange dream after a long time.

In the dream, White Mist filled everywhere; Shen Yao walked for a long time and couldn't find her bearings, and besides, noises telling her to come over kept coming from her ears.

It made her so annoyed and restless she didn't know what to do; finally the Host appeared and pulled her out of the dream.

"Awake? How do you feel?"

Not a dilapidated temple; Liu Jingyan and Shen Yao were sitting on the departing Carriage.

Shen Yao rubbed her head and shook it, "Where are those people? How long have we left?"

Liu Jingyan's expression was strange, "We have been journeying all along and haven't stopped."

Who? What people?

Shen Yao casually lifted the curtain blown up by the wind; the weather was dim, as if it was about to rain.

In the blink of an eye, Shen Yao realized the situation was wrong, and hurriedly told Liu Jingyan everything she knew.

After Liu Jingyan finished listening, his brows were tightly furrowed; before he could open his mouth to speak, a guard reported that there was an abandoned Temple ahead, asking whether they should stop to rest.

"No, keep going forward," knowing there was danger yet still forcing through, Liu Jingyan was not that kind of stubborn person.

From Shen Yao's words, one could hear that this abandoned Temple had problems.

Although Liu Jingyan is now a Fourth-Rank Cultivator, there are always people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens; at any time, one should not underestimate anything.

The Carriage passed by the Temple without stopping, but kicked up dust and smoke and kept moving forward constantly.

Shen Yao watched the Temple get farther and farther away, and stretched out her hand to touch her chest.

Was the dream she had before a precognitive dream? What exactly is in this Temple?

'The entrance to Changsheng Town,' the Host jumped out, strangely congratulating the Host on avoiding the danger to life and successfully surviving.

'Changsheng Town? Rumor says the town is not in Qingping,' how could it appear around Yingchuan.

Her precognitive dreams were intermittent, and she seemed to have discussed Changsheng Town with Liu Jingyan, but she could no longer recall exactly what was said.

The System was an excellent target for probing, and Shen Yao used it without holding back.

"Changsheng Town is a living thing; it can go anywhere and is not limited to Qingping," the System said, then added, "But this time it appeared near Yingchuan because someone deliberately lured it. Host, you must be careful."

Fortunately, the Host was resourceful—or perhaps because she had learned the Gazing Qi Technique—her advance foresight saved her life.

Hearing it was deliberate, Shen Yao's spirits lifted considerably; she suspected a conspiracy existed among them, after all, the gains from targeting her all lay with the several children.

"A Yan, once we reach the next town, we must speak of the temple matter."

Since we know there is danger, we cannot leave it to chance; we must do our utmost.

Liu Jingyan nodded. "I will write to Grandfather; perhaps some conspiracy is hidden behind it."

When the struggle reaches a white-hot stage, even a small matter can trigger a butterfly effect.

Liu Jingyan would not arrogantly consider himself too important, nor would he consider himself unimportant.

Perhaps the two of them as husband and wife were not worth scheming against, but what about the children behind them?

Liu Mingxuan and the others, whose fame could not be suppressed, were renowned cultivation geniuses far and wide.

"A Yan, you have considered things very thoughtfully; let us enter the city quickly."

It was still one day's journey to the next town; although they had to travel through rain and at night, arriving early was better than procrastinating.

Shen Yao obediently found a place to lie down, and while doing so, did not forget to eat some pastries through Liu Jingyan's hand to fill her belly.

Having suffered hardship on the road, they arrived at the town earlier than the scheduled time.

Shen Yao was arranged to stay at the inn, while Liu Jingyan personally went out; when he returned, he had bought many items Shen Yao liked.

These were all daily consumables that usually went unnoticed, but once used up, their absence felt inconvenient.

"If we have time tomorrow, we can browse around here," Shen Yao would stroll around every place they reached, either buying cloth to make clothes or buying jewelry to adorn herself.

Even though they had just experienced a life-or-death crisis, Shen Yao and Liu Jingyan remained carefree.

With a hum of agreement, Shen Yao moved her wrists, indicating that she had brought few gifts this time and wanted to choose things the four children would like.

Liu Jingyan smiled and patted Shen Yao's head, naturally not refusing.

After simply resting at the inn for a day, the following days were Shen Yao's shopping routine with her entourage.

Whatever she found good, she bought.

Shen Yao did not blink at the silver money she spent; within just three days, relying on her spending power, she was hailed by shopkeepers on the street as a new God of Wealth.

Humming a tune, intending to press on, she did not expect to see Liu Mingxuan coming over at the inn.