Chapter 167: Understanding

Hua felt the corner of her mouth twitch lightly, uncontrollably.

(Divine Spirit conversion of thought… still… can't be considered completely wrong?)

She gave up entangling on the concept of "Memory", accepted Li Su Shang's wuxia‑colored interpretation, and gave a slight nod.

Seeing the Divine Spirit Patriarch acknowledge, Li Su Shang grew more excited, feeling the coldly elegant Divine Spirit Patriarch before her was unfathomably profound.

Hua then began to explain the current setting: "This place is called 'Past World Paradise', not some immortal secret realm, but a former civilization… that is, an era far earlier than any you know, whose memories and Data Space remain."

She omitted the concepts of "captured", "System Space", and "Star God", which even she was still exploring and too advanced, focusing only on the basics.

"There are thirteen 'Guardians' like me here; you may call us 'Yingjie'. We are all warriors of the former civilization, persisting here in a form similar to 'Divine Spirit'."

Li Su Shang listened, breath held, mind racing, recompiled the information within her own knowledge framework:

Past World Paradise = ancient hidden treasure, utopian paradise.

Former civilization = a primordial antiquity far older than any dynasty she knows.

Yingjie = thirteen immortals who have survived from antiquity to now, guarding this place! One of them is a 'Divine Spirit' of her own ancestor, the Red Swallow Immortal!

She herself, by some inexplicable great destiny, directly leapt across tens of thousands of years to arrive at this Heavenly Blessed Land where the Patriarch and a group of ancient immortals reside.

"Indeed… such a wondrous thing exists!"

Li Su Shang couldn't help but exclaim softly, her face full of shock, her gaze at Hua filled with boundless reverence for the "ancient living fossil".

"What virtue or ability do I, a junior, possess to enter this place and personally see the Divine Spirit visage of the Patriarch…!"

Hua watched the girl's excited expression that seemed "completely understood but a bit off‑course", and sighed again inwardly.

(Fine, she can accept the situation without panic; that's fortunate. Minor cognitive discrepancies… no big deal.)

She even felt that using Li Su Shang's "wuxia cultivation understanding method" to explain Letu made it, in some ways, easier for this ancient girl to accept than the cold "Data Space" or "Memory".

"Since you are already here, settle down peacefully."

Hua shifted the topic, stating her decision after a brief communication with the system, "I have… confirmed with the Domain Spirit that governs this place; your arrival is not accidental, but a 'gift' from some existence."

She chose her words carefully, echoing the system's vague reply—"This is a gift from Heimu Lady."

Heimu Lady? Gift?

Hua's mind filled with doubts, but the system gave no further explanation; she could only set aside the question and take it step by step.

Leaving Li Su Shang behind could ensure the safety of this unexpected visitor and perhaps… learn from this girl who calls herself her "disciple" about the experiences of the outside "original body" over these long ages.

This holds unspeakable significance for her as a Memory.

Li Su Shang, hearing this, was moved beyond words.

She had originally worried that this uninvited guest would be driven out of the legendary "immortal realm", but the Divine Spirit Patriarch was so magnanimous, not only not blaming her but allowing her to stay!

This is even more extraordinary than the legendary adventures of the jianghu!

"Junior bows in gratitude for the Patriarch's great kindness!"

Li Su Shang's heart surged, and she immediately prepared to perform an even more solemn grand ceremony.

"No need for that."

Hua's eyes flicked, hand swift, her figure shifted and she was before her, extending a hand to gently support; a soft yet irresistible aura halted her kneeling motion.

"This place does not entertain grand secular rites. Ordinary interaction suffices."

Li Su Shang felt the invisible support, her assessment of the Patriarch's cultivation rose countless levels; she stood straight but insisted, "Rituals must not be discarded! The Patriarch allowing a junior to reside here is a heavenly grace! I… I shall be diligent, not betraying the Patriarch's hospitality!"

Her eyes sparkled at Hua, filled with sincere honesty and gratitude.

Hua, seeing her earnest yet stubborn demeanor, knew that changing the child's notions of "address" and "etiquette" would not be easy.

(Fine, let her be.)

She thought helplessly.

"Then, Li Su Shang,"

Hua decided on the next arrangement, "Since you will stay temporarily, you need to learn more about this place. Next, I will take you to meet… the other 'Guardians'."

"To meet the other ancient seniors?"

Li Su Shang instantly brightened, curiosity almost overflowing, "Yes! I shall be cautious and not bring shame to Grand Master!"

She tried to make her facial expression solemn, but the eager spark in her eyes betrayed her.

Hua, watching this energetic, uniquely‑minded disciple, felt the weight born of mystery and accident lighten a bit unintentionally.

Taking her to meet Kaiwen, Mei Bi Wu Si, Qianjie, Ailixiya and the others…

Hua suddenly felt this might not be entirely a trouble.

At least, Letu hasn't been this… lively for a long time.

Perhaps this is also part of what Heimu Lady called a "gift"?

She said no more, nodding at Li Su Shang.

"Follow me."

Then Hua produced a phone that perfectly matched her own temperament.

She opened a group named "Golden Courtyard", the last few messages still dated a few hours ago:

Pa Duo Fei Li Si: Has anyone seen our spare key? The star‑shaped one!

Mei Bi Wu Si: Maybe a short‑sighted little mouse took it~ haha.

Pa Duo Fei Li Si: … (retracted a message)

Wei Er Wei: Brilliant! So brilliant! The tension of this chase scene! I need to record inspiration!

Hua skimmed these, fingers quickly typing on the Virtual Keyboard:

Hua: Later in the hall, introducing a visitor. @All members

Message sent, she put away the phone, turned back to Li Su Shang behind her.

This disciple from antiquity widened her brown eyes, curiously observing her recent actions, her face full of "unclear yet impressive".

Apparently, that glowing little tablet, to her it seemed like some unheard‑of celestial artifact.

"Grand Master, is that a communication talisman? It's so tiny!" Li Su Shang couldn't help but ask.

"I suppose so."

Hua said, and the two walked side by side forward.

The corridor was quiet, with only their footsteps.

"Li Su Shang,"

Hua recalled the unfinished topic, spoke again, the tone carrying a hint of inquiry, "You previously said you have never truly seen the outside 'me'. What else do you know about her?"

Li Su Shang heard this, and the relaxed curiosity on her face faded a bit, replaced by a faint glimmer of recollection and a touch of... bewilderment.

She answered while walking, her voice clear: "Grand Master, Su Shang indeed has never had the fortune to see you in person... uh, I mean, the Grand Master outside. I have only seen the Grand Master's portrait in the precious picture album left by my mother. In the painting, the Grand Master is peerlessly beautiful, with an otherworldly bearing, known by the elegant title 'Red Swallow Immortal', which makes Su Shang's heart yearn."

She paused, her tone now respectful, "My mother and Su Shang's mentor were both your direct disciples, Grand Master."

Hua gave a slight nod, indicating understanding.

(Portrait... disciple...)

These pieces of information match her Memory fragments and her speculation about the possible actions of the 'outside self'.

She waited for more details, such as the names and stories of that 'mother' and 'master', or more concrete rumors about the 'Red Swallow Immortal'.

However, Li Su Shang stopped mid‑sentence, her delicate brows slightly furrowing as if straining to dig deeper into her recollection.

Hua waited a few seconds, saw she did not continue, and tilted his head in mild puzzlement, "Nothing more?"

"Um..."