Chapter 1019: Chapter 1019

Bai Peng listened to the analysis and understood the deep concern his uncle, Bai Hao, had for him. Though reluctant, he couldn’t argue the reasoning.

Confident as ever, Bai Peng said, "Xiuyou has such great talent, and now she’s in a place with abundant spiritual energy. If she can’t become an immortal, who could?"

Bai Hao gave him a sidelong glance. "That’s not enough!"

"Not enough?" Bai Peng replied. "Uncle, don’t be too obsessive. Don’t push Xiuyou too hard."

Bai Hao stroked his beard and squinted. "A good seed still needs a skilled teacher. If Xiuyou can become Nanli’s disciple, her future will be bright and without obstacles."

Bai Peng’s mouth twitched. "Uncle, don’t just think of one thing at a time. First, you went to Duke’s Residence to discuss a marriage contract, and now you’re considering having Nanli take Xiuyou as a disciple. Just calm down for a bit."

"You ungrateful brat, don’t you understand anything?" Bai Hao snapped. "The fact that Xiuyou couldn’t marry into the Chu family is because she and Chu Yang weren’t meant to be! But Xiuyou’s talents are extraordinary, and if she becomes Nanli’s disciple, Nanli wouldn’t turn her away. If she becomes an immortal, Nanli’s fame would spread across the world. It’s a win-win situation!"

Bai Peng grew increasingly skeptical. He rubbed his forehead and said, "Uncle, if Nanli is going to take a disciple, wouldn’t it depend on fate as well?"

If it were simply about talent, Nanli would have already taken in countless disciples.

Bai Hao grunted. "Well, that’s even better! Nanli saved Xiuyou before, and they clearly have a connection!"

"..." Bai Peng thought, Nanli has saved hundreds, if not more. If that were the reasoning, she would have taken in so many disciples by now that they could circle the mountain several times.

After some consideration, Bai Peng spoke sincerely, "Uncle, let’s not humiliate ourselves further."

"Why are you so cowardly! You should at least try, who knows, it might really work out! If it does, Bai family’s future will be set!" Bai Hao said eagerly.

Bai Peng still refused.

Bai Hao finally sighed in defeat and slumped to the side, his hand resting on his forehead. "You have so many outstanding children. Why is it that none of them have a destined connection with Nanli?"

"Fate is determined by the heavens. If you ask me, I have no answer," Bai Peng muttered, no longer willing to continue this conversation.

He glanced out the window. The sky was clear, and for now, there was no snow.

Looking at his kneeling children, he remained silent, but his heart felt heavy.

But there was nothing to be done.

One day, he would be gone, and the Bai family would need the younger generation to hold things up.

This time, thanks to Siheng and Nanli breaking the Dragon Horn barrier, he thought for a moment, then prepared some cloth and other items to bring to Nanli’s room.

Meanwhile, Nanli had already treated Ao Zhaozhao’s injuries. She had set up a protective formation, allowing Ao Zhaozhao to heal inside it.

Ao Zhaozhao sat inside the formation, her body naked, golden light cascading around her. The pain from her wounds had completely vanished, though she felt a slight itch.

She noticed that the wound on her arm was slowly healing.

Behind the screen, she could see Nanli’s figure, and a ripple of emotions stirred in her heart.

Bai Peng arrived, and Nanli met him in the outer room.

He made his intentions clear right away, placing the cloth down.

"These fabrics are made from silkworms’ threads and are incredibly soft. They’re perfect for making clothes for children," Bai Peng explained.

Nanli touched the cloth, her eyes lighting up. "You’re right, I do need this."

Bai Peng was pleased. Nanli accepted the cloth so readily, making his effort worthwhile.

He cleared his throat and, for his children’s sake, chose to speak. "Nanli, though you haven’t taken your proper position yet, you are a great power. I wonder if you’ve ever thought about taking disciples?"

As soon as he spoke, Nanli understood what he was after.

She smiled and responded, without haste, "Lord Bai, you don’t need to inquire further. Bai Xiangyu and the others have no connection with me when it comes to being disciples."

Bai Peng didn’t expect her to be so blunt and was immediately disappointed. "Not even... not even Xiuyou?"

Nanli replied, "She will have her own path. Lord Bai need not worry."

Upon hearing this, Bai Peng’s mood lifted. "Really... really?"

Bai Peng smiled broadly. "Thank you, Nanli! Thank you so much!"

However, his smile quickly froze on his face as doubt crept in. "But you also said before that you and my third child have a connection, that you’d keep an eye on her and might even come to cut me down. Yet, how long has it been, and we haven’t heard a word from you."

It seemed Nanli’s fortune-telling wasn’t that accurate!

Nanli raised an eyebrow and said, "You and her were never meant to be. Don’t blame me."

Bai Peng muttered under his breath, "How can you keep blaming it on fate? Is this just a way to fool me?"

Nanli chuckled softly. "Everyone has their own destiny. If I intervene too much with the flow of cause and effect, it wouldn’t be good for me. Lord Bai, just wait patiently."

Bai Peng had no choice but to give in.

But Nanli glanced at him curiously. "Hmm? Your forehead is glowing red. It seems that good news is on the way?"

Bai Peng touched his forehead, but he no longer placed much belief in Nanli’s words.

He chuckled awkwardly. "Oh? Then I’ll take your word for it."

At that moment, Siheng returned. Bai Peng decided not to disturb Nanli any longer.

Despite the cold and snow outside, Siheng didn’t seem to be bothered by the chill.

As he entered the room, he immediately took the opportunity to boast. "I’ve been out in the cold wind for quite a while, gathering up all the barrier’s glow."

Nanli quickly ushered him inside, taking his hand. "You’ve worked hard."

Siheng felt a sense of satisfaction and smiled brightly. "It wasn’t hard."

He didn’t remain smug for long and quickly urged Nanli to sit down.

She seemed to have grown a bit more tired, her belly swollen with three little ones inside. She must be exhausted every day.

Nanli examined the gathered barrier’s glow.

Siheng watched her carefully, not taking his eyes off her. He then asked, "But I don’t really understand how to use this glow."

"It’s fine. I know what to do," Nanli said, as she recalled part of her memories. This wasn’t too difficult for her.

She gave Siheng a list of things to prepare and some precautions before he went to set up the barrier, to avoid any interruptions.

Siheng didn’t argue and, before he went to reforge the Dragon Horn, asked with concern, "You’ve been working all day. Are you sure you’re up to it? Maybe you should leave it for tomorrow."

Nanli, full of energy, shook her head. "No, we don’t have much glow left. If we delay until tomorrow, there won’t be anything left."

Siheng watched her carefully for a moment, ensuring she wasn’t tired, then nodded in agreement.

Ao Zhaozhao, hearing this, felt a twinge of gratitude in her heart.

After all, Nanli was carrying a child yet still exerted so much effort on her behalf.

But then she quickly shook her head.

No, it was all part of their act, trying to earn her trust!

Nanli, now behind the screen, began to help Ao Zhaozhao dress.