suddenly see the light

Inside the side hall of the Dragon Palace, the luminous pearl emitted a soft glow, and the air was filled with the mellow aroma of aged wine, which mingled with the sweet scent of spiritual fruits on the table.

The old man was already flushed from drinking, with a few wine stains on his long, snow-white beard. He squinted contentedly, holding an exquisite jade cup, and chatted idly with the Dragon Queen. The conversation ranged from strange tales from all over the country to complaints about how the old man Qihuang always cheated when playing cards. His rambling was all about everyday life after getting drunk.

The Dragon King sat in the main seat, a gentle smile on his face, looking down at Qian Jin and Ao Ming, who sat upright. He gently placed down a jade slip containing a map of Luming Town's ley lines, and spoke in a steady voice:

"The Starry Amethyst vein is indeed exceptionally rich and of immense value. If it were to be mined, it would be a momentous event that would shake the Three Realms." He paused slightly, his gaze deepening. "However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. The appearance of such a treasure will undoubtedly attract the covetous eyes of many. Yet, Deer Cry Town is a small place, its people simple and honest, and powerless to protect themselves. At that time, not only will the town never have peace, but it may also face annihilation. The disturbances to the earth's veins during the mining process may also have unpredictable effects on your three masters, who are already in harmony with the earth's veins."

He explained the pros and cons clearly and logically, without any concealment or bias. After speaking, he looked at Qian Jin, a knowing smile in his eyes, his tone gentle yet pointed: "Actually, with your intelligence, you must have already thought these things through. I'm rather curious, however... why did you hesitate just now?"

Upon hearing this, Qian Jin was slightly taken aback, then as if enlightened, a look of understanding flashed across his eyes.

yes!

She was no longer the stingy little fairy in the God of Wealth's Mansion, meticulously calculating every penny for a few spirit stones. The share of the Rainbow Tear Beads made her rich overnight, and her income from writing stories was also plentiful. Her little treasury was full enough for her to realize any dream of "retiring and lying down counting money."

She doesn't lack money at all!

So why, when you first see a mineral vein, do you subconsciously still think about "development," "monetization," and "making a fortune"?

This almost instinctive, money-grubbing reaction nearly blinded her to the enormous risks and harm she might cause others. What she wanted was never wealth itself, but the confidence and security it brought. And true security should never be built on destruction and danger.

Having figured this out, Qian Jin felt a sudden sense of clarity, and all her entanglements and hesitations vanished instantly. She raised her head, her gaze clear and firm, and said loudly to the Dragon King, "Your Majesty, I understand! The temple for the masters will be located on the hillside that was initially chosen, which is excellent. It offers a wide view and can both protect Deer Cry Town and... silently guard that dormant mine."

She paused, her tone becoming more solemn: "Some wealth is perhaps best left to remain a secret forever, buried deep in the earth. That is the best arrangement for everyone."

The Dragon King stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes full of praise: "Good, good child. You know how to make choices, distinguish between advantages and disadvantages, have a benevolent heart, and protect this region. This is great virtue, and you have the potential for wisdom."

Qian Jin smiled sheepishly, then frowned and began to think about a new problem: "Then... what else can I do for Luming Town? I can't just keep the secret and do nothing. The town is so good, and Elder Li and the others trust us so much... I want to help my masters and make Luming Town better and better together."

At this moment, the Dragon Queen, who had been listening quietly, gently asked, "Qian Jin, putting aside the mines, do you like Deer Cry Town?"

Qian Jin nodded without hesitation, a genuine smile spreading across her eyes: "I love it! Although I only stayed for a few days, the scenery there was beautiful, the people were kind and honest, and it made me feel very comfortable and at ease."

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Queen smiled kindly: "Since you like it, why not stay a little longer? Anyway, the temple construction is already decided, and we need someone to keep an eye on things to make us feel at ease. You're a clever and resourceful child, so perhaps as you stay and observe, you'll discover what else you can do. Some things can't be rushed; you need to calm down and experience them slowly."

Qian Jin's eyes lit up; she felt the Dragon Queen's words made perfect sense. She was once again grateful that she had listened to Ao Ming and returned to consult the Dragon King and Dragon Queen first. She had been orphaned at a young age, raised by her three masters who acted as both father and mother to her; their love was as deep as the sea. But the Dragon King and Dragon Queen gave her a different feeling—a feeling of acceptance, guidance, and care that made her instinctively want to rely on and trust them.

She glanced at Ao Ming beside her and thought to herself: This silly dragon is so lucky to have such good parents.

"Burp!" A loud burp broke the warm atmosphere.

Old Ginseng had collapsed onto the cushion, clutching a wine jar tightly in his arms. His eyes were blurry with drunkenness, and he mumbled incoherently, "Qian... Qian girl... you... go first... I... I need to stay in the Dragon Palace... drink a few more jars of good wine... before I go to find... find you..." Before he could finish speaking, he began to snore, having fallen asleep from his drunkenness.

His comical appearance immediately made everyone in the hall burst into laughter, and the laughter dispelled the last bit of the solemn atmosphere.

Having made the decision, they didn't delay any longer. Qian Jin and Ao Ming packed their things and prepared to set off for Luming Town again.

Before departing, the Dragon Queen held Qian Jin's hand and instructed the Turtle Prime Minister to bring several large boxes. "Deer Cry Town is not like the Dragon Palace; resources are scarce, and many things are probably incomplete. Take these daily necessities with you, just in case." The Dragon Queen was extremely thoughtful; the boxes contained not only gorgeous silk dresses and exquisite utensils, but also many practical spiritual herbs, seeds, and even several sets of kitchen and tea utensils suitable for mortals—a truly considerate gesture.

Looking at these heartfelt gifts, Qian Jin felt a surge of warmth in her heart, and her eyes welled up with tears. She stepped forward and solemnly bowed deeply to the Dragon King and Dragon Queen: "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Majesty! Qian Jin... will come back to visit you often."

The Dragon King nodded with a smile, while the Dragon Queen gently patted the back of her hand.

Looking at Qian Jin's grateful expression, the Dragon Queen felt a surge of tenderness in her heart. She smiled and nodded, watching the two children leave, but secretly she was gossiping: "Qian Jin, that child, will probably be one of our Dragon Palace members from now on. Of course he'll have to come back to visit often." Thinking of this, her smile became even more benevolent.

...

When Qian Jin and Ao Ming returned to Luming Town, the town was still bathed in a peaceful atmosphere, with wisps of smoke rising from chimneys and the sounds of chickens and dogs filling the air. Unlike their initial unfamiliarity, this time, the busy villagers greeted them with smiles and nods, as if they were already part of the town.

"Miss Qian, Young Master Ao, you're back?"

"Ah, it's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!"

This simple and natural acceptance warmed Qian Jin's heart. She went straight to Old Li and told him about her desire to build a temple.

Upon hearing this, Old Li was first surprised, then his face broke into a wide smile, and he repeatedly said, "Great news! This is a tremendous good news! Our Luming Town has long had this idea, thinking that if we could have a proper temple to worship our guardian earth god, it would be a blessing for the whole town. However... alas, the town is poor and has been unable to raise enough money and materials, which is why it has been delayed until now. Miss Qian, your actions are truly meritorious!"

He rubbed his hands excitedly, then suddenly remembered something and asked curiously, "But... why would Miss Qian suddenly want to build a temple in our small town?"

Qian Jin smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping over the hillside where the deer stone stood in the distance. Her tone was gentle yet sincere: "Perhaps, I am destined to be with this Deer Town." She could not explain it, as her three masters were here, and could only attribute everything to fate.

Old Li seemed to understand but didn't delve deeper. He simply sighed, "What a coincidence! What a coincidence! It seems you're planning to stay for a while?" After receiving Qian Jin's affirmative reply, Old Li was even happier. "That's perfect! There's an old house at the east end of town that's been empty for a long time. Although it's a bit old, the foundation is solid and the scenery is excellent. If you don't mind, why don't you settle down there for now? It's better than staying in an inn all the time."

As he spoke, Old Li warmly led the two of them to investigate.

The house sits on a gentle slope, its courtyard walls, built of bluestone, are covered with lush green vines. Pushing open the slightly old wooden door reveals a neat and tidy courtyard, lacking luxurious decorations but possessing a unique rustic charm. The main house has three rooms, and the side rooms have two, making it quite spacious.

The most wonderful thing is that the backyard of the house connects directly to a small, lush bamboo grove! Deep within the bamboo grove, following the contours of the mountain, a small hot spring pool naturally forms, steaming with warm white vapor. Standing by the pool, the view is unobstructed, offering a panoramic view of the entire town of Luming, its houses, farmland, rivers, and even the small harbor further away. As the sun sets, the whole town seems to be bathed in a warm golden glow, breathtakingly beautiful.

"This...this is absolutely amazing!" Qian Jin's eyes widened in surprise; she loved this place so much!

Seeing that she liked it, Old Li smiled broadly and said, "I'm glad you like it! You can stay in this house as long as you want! Our town doesn't have anything special to offer, so this is just a small token of our appreciation!"

Having said that, Old Li acted swiftly and decisively, immediately gathering many young men and women from the town. Everyone enthusiastically helped the couple clean the house, repair the doors and windows, and add simple furniture and items. With many hands making light work, in less than half a day, the small courtyard was transformed, simple yet filled with a warm and cozy atmosphere.

As evening fell, the villagers who had come to help bid farewell with smiles. "Miss Qian, Young Master Ao, if you need anything, just let us know!" "Yes, yes, please don't be shy! We'll go back to cook for our children now!" Qian Jin and Ao Ming thanked them repeatedly and wanted to invite them to stay for dinner and drinks, but the villagers kindly declined.

After seeing everyone off, the courtyard returned to tranquility. Qian Jin looked at this temporary little home that belonged to her, and was in a great mood. She personally cooked a few of her signature dishes using the ingredients given by the Dragon Queen and fresh vegetables bought in town.

As the moon rose, its gentle light bathed the courtyard. Qian Jin and Ao Ming sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, chatting and eating while gazing at the distant town lights and the starry sky.

Qian Jin picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks and suddenly said with some emotion, "Ao Ming, you know, since leaving the God of Wealth's Mansion, it seems like we've been to quite a few places and done quite a lot of things." As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh at herself; their experiences were truly quite rich.

She raised her teacup, using tea instead of wine, and looked at Ao Ming with bright and sincere eyes: "Thank you so much for this journey. If you hadn't been with me the whole time, I might have fallen into some trap long ago. Thank you for being by my side all this way."

Looking at her eyes and brows softened by the moonlight, and listening to her unusually frank and honest words, Ao Ming felt an indescribable warmth welling up in his heart. He also raised his glass and gently clinked it with hers, his azure eyes reflecting the stars and moon, and also reflecting her alone.

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness as he said, word by word, "Yes. You probably have a lot more to thank me for."

"Because I will be a part of your future too."