Farewell

On the way back from the Matchmaker's Mansion, Ao Ming seemed a little off.

He stopped looking at the clouds outside the window and instead circled around Qian Jin, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

"Um..." He finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked casually, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness, "Did the God of Marriage say anything to you alone later?"

Qian Jin was engrossed in counting the last few peach blossom cakes she had taken from the Matchmaker, supposedly the last ones the matchmaker had secretly kept. Without even looking up, she said, "He didn't say anything, just praised the snacks I brought as appetizers and told me to come visit often."

"Really nothing?" Ao Ming was skeptical. He leaned closer, his deep blue eyes filled with inquiry and... a subtle anxiety. "He... he didn't give you any hints? Or... you didn't secretly ask for anything?"

"What are you asking for?" Qian Jin finally raised her head, blinking her clear eyes with a puzzled look. "Ask him to bless me so I'll have better luck playing cards next time?"

Ao Ming choked for a moment, his handsome face slightly red. He was somewhat exasperated but couldn't say it outright, so he could only awkwardly turn his head away and mutter softly, "...Anyway, you can't just ask for marriage! You can know a person's face but not their heart. Some guys look decent, but who knows what kind of bad person they are inside... You still have to find... find someone you know well, someone with good character, a clean family background... um... someone reliable..." His voice grew softer and softer, but his ears grew redder and redder, and he secretly glanced at Qian Jin's reaction.

Qian Jin seemed completely oblivious to the subtle hints of jealousy in his words. Her attention returned to the peach blossom cake, and she began to plan ahead: "The courtyard of the Matchmaker's Mansion is really nice. It's quiet, and the flowers and plants are beautiful. When I retire, I want to build a small courtyard like that, where I can bask in the sun, drink some wine, and count my money... How wonderful!"

Ao Ming: "..." He felt that all his efforts had been wasted on that stupid turtle at the entrance of the Dragon Palace.

…

Upon returning to the God of Wealth's residence, the scene before me was completely different.

Although it was magnificent in the past, it is now even more grand than ever.

Countless bright glass lamps hung high, illuminating every corner as if it were daytime, with golden light flowing and auspicious energy emanating from them.

The pillars were covered with fresh spiritual plants and gold leaf, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of top-grade spiritual delicacies and celestial wines. Celestial officials and maidens, their robes fluttering, moved about busily yet orderly, and the joy of the celebration was everywhere.

As soon as Qian Jin entered, his eyes were immediately drawn to the decorations, especially the round, full, and gleaming pearls scattered throughout. They emitted a soft yet undeniable glow, making the entire God of Wealth's mansion seem like a dream.

"Wow..." she couldn't help but exclaim softly, tugging at Ao Ming's sleeve, "How many top-quality pearls must there be... If you could pry one off..."

Ao Ming followed her gaze and chuckled, "What are you thinking! Those aren't human pearls; they're mermaid pearls formed from the tears of us East Sea merfolk. They contain the essence of water, have a warmer and longer-lasting luster, and can absorb spiritual energy on their own. They're one of our East Sea's specialties." His tone carried a hint of barely perceptible dragon pride.

Qian Jin's eyes lit up even more: "Mermaid pearls? Are they more valuable?"

Ao Ming: "Of course! I'll take you to see it sometime when I have the chance!"

…

On the day of the grand event.

Five Gods of Wealth, dressed in magnificent robes of different colors, with white hair and beards yet full of vigor, gathered in the main hall, exchanging pleasantries and laughter, their voices booming like bells.

The God of Wealth of the Northern Road stroked his beard and sighed, "This year, the Northern Territory has really worn out this old man's bones! Fortunately, it's all been a close call, and the trade routes are even more prosperous than in previous years!"

The God of Wealth from the East Road chimed in with a laugh: "What's that? This year, the East China Sea has been plagued by frequent hurricanes, causing countless damage to merchant ships. Just calculating compensation and coordinating supplies almost cost me my life!"

The God of Wealth of the Southern Road shook his head: "It's not easy for anyone, it's not easy at all. There's a pest infestation in the Southern Frontier, the spiritual grain harvest is reduced, and the incense offerings have decreased by 30%..."

The God of Wealth of the Western Route snorted: "The demonic energy in the Western Wilderness occasionally leaks out, and the expenses for exterminating the demons are almost equivalent to a hundred years of tax revenue!"

The most dignified-looking God of Wealth in the center chuckled, raised his glass, and said, "Alright, alright, my brothers, you've all worked hard! So, let me tell you, we can't slack off at all in this job. Humans don't worship useless gods, so we must work even harder to live up to the expectations of the people and maintain a balance in our finances!"

“Well said!” “Let’s encourage each other!” The five old immortals exchanged smiles, everything understood without words.

Then, the blessing ceremony began. Five Gods of Wealth stood solemnly on the altar, simultaneously performing hand seals and casting spells. Vast and boundless divine power soared into the sky, transforming into a dazzling river of light in five colors—gold, blue, red, black, and yellow—like a giant rainbow spanning the heavens. It then dissipated into countless tiny, shimmering specks of light, like gentle raindrops, sprinkling down upon the human world.

Those points of light contain blessings of wealth, health, and good fortune, silently blending into mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, towns, and villages.

Qian Jin looked up at this magnificent and sacred scene, and a surge of indescribable emotion welled up in her heart. She recalled her childhood prayers in the dilapidated temple, her helplessness after her masters left, and how she had once resented the gods for not showing mercy.

But at this moment, looking at the five white-haired old men who had exhausted their energy to maintain the flow of wealth and the peace of all living beings, she suddenly understood something.

She whispered to Ao Ming beside her, "People always complain that the gods never help them when they encounter difficulties. But perhaps... we have already been favored many times without even realizing it. It's just that the gods' kindness is mostly silent."

Ao Ming turned his head to look at her and saw a glimmer in her eyes, a moving expression of understanding something grand and compassionate.

He nodded, a hint of Microsoft in his mind.

…

Even the grandest banquet must eventually come to an end.

The next day, at the main hall of the God of Wealth's Palace.

Qian Jin took a deep breath, straightened his robes, and walked towards the God of Wealth in the main seat.

She bowed respectfully and presented the jade slip containing her resignation, which she had prepared beforehand, with both hands.

"Your Majesty, I, Qian Jin, am grateful for your care. Now that my wish has been fulfilled, I wish to resign from my post and travel. I hereby inform you of this and hope for your permission."

The God of Wealth looked at her, his eyes filled with regret, but even more so with understanding and kindness. He took the jade slip, not giving it much of a look, and said gently, "I understand your thoughts. The gates of the God of Wealth's mansion are always open for you. If you ever wish to return, you may do so at any time."

He paused, then smiled and said, "Before we part, I also have a small gift to give you." He beckoned to Jin Dou'er and Yin Bao'er, who were standing by, and said, "Take Qian Jin to the storeroom and fetch that 'little trinket'."

The members of Chen Group had been paying attention to this area, and upon hearing that there were gifts, they immediately gathered around curiously, surrounding Qian Jin, Jin Dou'er, and Yin Bao'er as they headed towards the storeroom.

Deep inside the storeroom, Jin Dou'er carefully took out an object from a jade box. It was a palm-sized, compass-like but more exquisitely crafted device. Instead of a pointer, the center of the compass was a slowly rotating transparent crystal surrounded by fine runes.

"This is..." Qian Jin took it curiously, feeling its smooth texture.

Yin Bao'er quickly explained, "The God of Wealth said that this little gadget is called the 'Treasure-Seeking Compass,' and it's not very useful for cultivation or combat! But he said he thought about it for a long time and felt that it might be the most suitable for you!"

Qian Jin infused a wisp of spiritual power, and the transparent crystal in the center lit up slightly. A ring of fine, star-like points of light instantly appeared around the edge of the compass, mostly white with a few pale yellow specks, and slightly tilted in a certain direction.

"It can sense treasures containing spiritual energy within a certain range," Jin Dou'er added. "The brighter the light, the closer it is. The color represents the intensity and attribute of the spiritual energy; white is ordinary, yellow is better..."

Qian Jin's eyes widened instantly, her breathing quickened, and her hands holding the compass trembled slightly: "Treasure hunting?! My God! I've thought about opening a general store, selling snacks, even [illegible]... How come I never thought there was such a way to make money as treasure hunting! The God of Wealth really knows me too well!"

She was so happy she almost jumped for joy, clutching the compass with obvious delight, as if she could already see countless spirit stones and jewels beckoning to her.

Seeing her excited, money-obsessed appearance, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

However, Yin Bao'er's smile vanished. She stepped forward and earnestly instructed, "Senior Sister Qian Jin, the God of Wealth told us to absolutely, positively remind you! If the light on this compass suddenly turns red and flashes extremely rapidly, it means there's an extremely precious but also extremely dangerous treasure nearby, usually guarded by a powerful demon or a protective barrier! At that moment, whatever you do, don't look back! Run immediately! Survival is the most important thing! Remember?"

Looking at Yin Bao'er's serious little face, Qian Jin finally calmed down a bit from her ecstasy. She nodded solemnly and hugged the compass tightly to her chest: "Yes! Remember! Run away as soon as you see blood, don't linger!"

…

Thus, Qian Jin officially bid farewell to his partners in the Chen Group and everyone in the God of Wealth's Mansion.

She didn't disturb many celestial officials. Carrying only a simple bag and her newly acquired treasure-hunting compass, she stepped out alone from the majestic gates of the God of Wealth's Palace in the early morning light.

She took a deep breath of the morning dew-laden air and walked lightly and firmly down the path to the mortal realm.

However, Qian Jin had no idea that no sooner had she left than someone else became restless.

Ao Ming made his decision almost the instant she left: he had to follow her.

Once this idea takes root, it grows wildly like weeds and can no longer be stopped.

Countless dangers Qian Jin might encounter alone flashed through his mind: getting lost, being scammed, encountering bad people, and that deadly guardian monster of the treasure that runs away at the sight of blood... She's so greedy, what if she gets carried away when she sees a treasure?

What's worse, Qian Jin is so...seductive! What if someone confesses their feelings to her again?!

The more he thought about it, the more alarmed he became. Ao Ming couldn't stay still for a moment and turned around to rush towards the main hall where the God of Wealth handled official business.

Without even waiting for the celestial official to announce his arrival, he barged in and blurted out to the old God of Wealth who was reviewing documents, "Lord God of Wealth, I also need to ask for leave! I want to descend to the mortal realm!"

The old God of Wealth was taken aback by his abrupt remark. He looked up from his documents, rubbed his forehead, and looked at the anxious-looking Prince of the East Sea Dragon before him. He said slowly, "What are you up to now? The last time you came to me in such a hurry was when Qian Jin slapped your face and you came to demand an explanation, wasn't it?"

Mentioning this embarrassing incident made Ao Mingjun blush, but he immediately straightened his neck and spoke with utmost seriousness, even tinged with grievance: "That...that time was a misunderstanding! Qian Jin didn't do it on purpose! She's innocent! She's just not very gentle...no, I mean she's simple-minded and straightforward..." He became more and more confused, almost getting himself into a tangled mess, so he quickly stopped and returned to the main point, "Anyway, this time is different! I have to go!"

The old man looked at him with great interest and deliberately asked, "Oh? Why must you go? Give me a reason."

Ao Ming took a deep breath and began racking his brains to come up with reasons:

“It’s not safe for her to travel alone! You know her cultivation level is only so-so, and she’s so greedy. She’d risk her life for any treasure! I have to go and keep an eye on her!”

"And another thing! That Treasure Compass uses our East China Sea's crystal technology, right? What if it breaks down? I'll have to be responsible for after-sales service!"

"Furthermore! Many waterways in the human realm are under the jurisdiction of our dragon clan. If I go with her, she can save a lot on toll fees! Yes, save money!"

"Besides, I know the way! I'll be her guide! To prevent her from getting lost!"

"besides……"

He rattled off a bunch of ridiculous and far-fetched reasons, but his eyes were unusually firm, as if every word he said was absolutely correct.

The celestial officials standing in the main hall, as well as Jin Dou'er and Yin Bao'er who happened to come to report, were all dumbfounded and looked at each other in disbelief.

Anyone could see that this esteemed Crown Prince was not going there to do any after-sales service or act as a guide; his heart was completely devoted to Qian Jin, and he was determined to follow her and protect her no matter what.

Looking at Ao Ming's stubborn "I'll go no matter what you say" attitude, the old God of Wealth finally couldn't help but stroke his beard and burst into laughter. He shook his head, his tone a mixture of helplessness and understanding: "Alright, alright, I grant your permission. If you keep talking, you'll ruin the reputation of the East Sea Dragon Palace. Go, go, young man..."

Upon hearing that it was approved, Ao Ming was overjoyed. He disregarded all pride and hurriedly bowed, saying, "Thank you, God of Wealth!" Before he finished speaking, he had already transformed into a streak of light and impatiently chased after Qian Jin.