Chapter Two
Dong Hua was having a bit of respite in his study when he heard the acutely familiar whisper of a voice from someone who he hadn’t heard for several hundred thousand years.
“I’m coming.”
Dong Hua didn’t dare hope when not a single word came from her after so many millennia.
But Dong Hua was a changed man―to a certain extent―and he couldn’t help but feel the little bloom of expectation sprouting out.
He understood why his guardian had to go away, the reason why she had to leave him when the Higher Entities deemed him ready to appear and unify this beautiful and vicious world, but her disappearance had always been a stabbing reminder that everything truly did have consequences.
Costs that even she couldn’t run away from.
His guardian had been a gentle woman who’d been on her few hundred years when he was placed under her care. Zhilan had been affectionate and she cared for him like he was her own but she’d also been crafty and stern and painfully honest at times. Dong Hua had always counted on her to speak the truth even when it hurt.
Perhaps he had obtained such a disposition from her, even when he’d only been in her care for less than fifteen years.
Understandably, a befuddled Zhong Lin appeared just as Dong Hua predicted, and informed him of an unfamiliar visitor waiting outside the doors of his palace.
He instructed him to let the guest in and bring her straight into his study and Zhong Lin, ever the devoted steward, hesitated just a little before doing exactly as he was told.
Dong Hua couldn’t find fault for his reluctance.
Many had always tried to visit him in Tai Chen Palace and Dong Hua wasn't a simple fool to think that the motives for their visits were simply to behold the sight of his home.
Tai Chen Palace was indeed majestic since he'd made it so, but his abode had long garnered attention for being secretive and inaccessible.
Some would've been content with a simple tour, but Dong Hua knew better.
Men and women, the latter most especially, were not at all shy to express their admiration and infatuation for him, hoping to become his wife or even one of his consorts. All of them had obviously failed but that was until his beloved Xiao Bai did the impossible and thawed the bitter ice enclosing the heart he thought he didn't have.
There were a persistent few who still send him missives about starting his harem but Dong Hua didn’t pay them even the slightest bit of thought. He loved his wife tremendously and knew within the great depths of his heart she was and always will be the only one for him.
Dong Hua was wholly devoting himself into taking care of her and their son… and perhaps a few more children in the future if his wife permits it.
He just has to be a bit more compelling for Xiao Bai to agree.
And get Gun Gun not to cling onto his mother so much.
The little terror was truly his son.
Even more so, Zhong Lin had been with him for thousands of years and was quite familiar with almost all of the gods residing in the Heaven Kingdom and the other immortals on the neighboring realms. Dong Hua knew that the unknown guest unnerved him and how her presence could affect the peace in the palace.
This time, Dong Hua tried not to think of the imminent hearsays. It wouldn’t be long before he’d have Lian Song and Si Ming over again, which in turn would bring Cheng Yu over, always trying their hand in prying about his business.
Zhong Lin eventually came back and announced the arrival of his guest and Dong Hua fixed his full gaze on the approaching woman, her countenance remaining jovial and untroubled, as if his intimidating presence that made the knees of most gods and immortals quake meant absolutely nothing.
Dong Hua’s face broke into a small smile, relieved and likewise amused at the predicament this woman has brought into his palace.
He knew she knew what she was doing.
She always did like to steer up trouble wherever she went.
The black-haired woman looked no different the last time he'd seen her, his intimidating stature making him the mature one this time, but his guardian had always been a petite woman, just a tad smaller than his wife.
Dong Hua supposed it shouldn’t really matter what she currently looked like as long as she was healthy and well.
The woman stopped just a few respectful paces away, her green eyes aged and held the wisdom of seeing the many faces of hundreds of worlds.
They were also twinkling with playfulness as she remained silent, merely choosing to observe each other, and without meaning to, Dong Hua became involved in a battle of wills, the former Emperor of Heaven and Earth reduced to participate in a simple staring competition.
Simply a few moments have passed by and Dong Hua, in his rarest fit of silliness seen only with the presence of his wife, willfully wanted to prevail but Zhong Lin was fidgeting, probably thinking about what he should do with this most peculiar predicament, and Dong Hua had to concede his defeat.
Xiao Bai and Gun Gun would become so, so despondent if they knew he'd finally done the impossible and had managed to break Zhong Lin.
The woman’s eyes crinkled when she smiled and she teasingly asked, “Did you really think you could win such a challenge from me?"
“I could only continue to hope, Zhilan, and yet you’re still miraculously undefeated. One would like to think that you've had vigorous training simply for this momentous moment,” he replied in a droll voice. "Or perhaps luck was on your side today."
She laughed heartily, the sound reverberating and real, further cementing her presence to a relieved Dong Hua. “I deny nothing nor will I confess anything, little sprite!” Then her eyes softened and became glazed with wistfulness as she took him in fully, the fondness in her voice so poignantly evident when she said, “Though you aren’t so little anymore, are you?”
She clasped her hands together and in one of her rare moments, Dong Hua witnessed, with marginal wide eyes, the woman give him a full, deferential bow.
“Zhilan greets and pays her respect to His Majesty Dong Hua.”
Dong Hua instantly stood up from his seat and walked towards her, framing her face with his hands as he differed, “You've no need for such greetings, Zhilan. You might've been gone for hundreds of thousands of years but I’ve always held precious memories of you. I’m surprised you still remember me however, when you wander and see so much, so many, of the worlds.”
“Of course I remember you. You may have been a brat then but I always, always keep my promises,” Zhilan lightheartedly replied as she rolled her eyes. She angled her head towards the speechless Zhong Lin and commented, “But what would your servants say, really? I’ve heard you’ve become such a renowned figure and that hapless women still vie for your attentions, even when you’re obviously happy and faithful to your wife. Shall I take care of them for you? You don't even have to worry your pretty little head about it. I'll be very thorough."
Dong Hua dropped his hands as he replied, just shy from truly rolling his eyes at her, "Please don't. They're quite delicate and you're rather rough with how you handle things you don't particularly care about."
"I know how to be gentle," she insisted.
Dong Hua gave her a sharp and knowing look, conveying that she should desist before she further scared his steward away.
Zhilan huffed and flung her hands, mournfully grumbling, "Fine."
"That was surprisingly easy."
Zhilan let out a snort. "Believe me, a very long time can really change someone." She paused, probably thinking about what she'd said, and added, "Well, more or less." She let out a mournful sigh, the woman continuing on with her theatrics with a flutter of hands, “But if tongues start wagging, my delicate sensibilities will certainly be offended if they ever start to compare me to such a terrible bunch.”
His lips gave a tiny quirk upwards, having sorely missed Zhilan’s flair for dramatics, and humorously questioned, “Since when did you acquire such questionably fragile sensibilities? Are you sure your endless travels haven’t addled your mind?”
Zhilan immediately dropped her hands as she gave him an even look, saying, “You’re right. I don’t have one. I must have genuinely forgotten. It’s good to know that you still have such great memory, Dong Hua.”
He folded his arms across his chest and dutifully complied, “Yes. I could always count on my unfailing memories to keep you on your feet.”
He turned to a very unsettled-looking Zhong Lin and introduced the two of them before she could tease his steward any further, “Zhong Lin, this is Zhilan. She was the one who took care of me in Bihai Cangling when I was young. Zhilan is not a relative of mine, whether be it direct or distant, but I've thought of her as a sister since she didn't care to accept any other."
"I could be an aunt."
Dong Hua decided to humor her and easily nodded. "You could. Gun Gun could use more aunts."
"Another sapling? Splendid!" Zhilan replied brightly. But without any warning at all, she fixed a calculating gaze on Zhong Lin. "But are you certain this young lad could be trusted, Dong Hua? I know you haven’t informed others about your connection with me and other than the people I have chosen to acquaint myself over the years, no one knows I even exist."
Dong Hua arched an eyebrow at her. "And have you decided to make yourself known to the rest of the world now that you're back?"
"Depends."
"On what?"
"On everything. Nothing has changed much and I have no plans on meddling with your worldly affairs. It might be a decision I don’t see changing anytime soon but it leads me to another matter.”
“And that is?”
Zhilan gave him a discerning look. “I don't like the one whom you've chosen to succeed you. You’ve been a magnificent Lord when you ruled over this universe and I completely understand why you gave it up. I can’t, for the undying life of me, comprehend why you didn’t choose someone more competent and fitting.”
She wasn't finished however, and continued with a flip of her surprisingly tamed hair, making the simple action look completely condescending, "I thought someone must've finally managed to slip something nasty in your tea when you weren't looking but I didn't want to question and offend your delicate sensibilities."
Dong Hua forgot just how sharp her tongue was and scowled at her.
He didn't know what was running through her complex mind but he recognized this was some sort of test. Clearly not for him, but for Zhong Lin who was receiving a much sharper attention from a usually mild-tempered Zhilan.
Deciding to let her do what she wanted, Dong Hua replied, "Such heavy accusations about the Heavenly Court, Zhilan. You never know who are listening behind the walls."
There was clarity on Zhong Lin's face when Zhilan replied with a sneer, an unpleasant form on her lovely face, "This young immortal could easily be silenced with a snap of my fingers. Why should I worry?"
"I-" Zhong Lin voiced out all of a sudden.
"Yes?" Zhilan snapped at him with piercing eyes, waiting to devour Zhong Lin if he spoke one wrong word.
Zhong Lin, bless him, seemed to have gathered his wits, bowed and earnestly replied, “I apologize for interrupting, Your Majesty, but I would like to voice out my opinion regarding this matter." He looked at Dong Hua for permission to further speak his thoughts, and started when he gave him a nod, "Your Majesty Zhilan has the right to be cautious and voice out her own opinios, but I have long promised to wholly devote my services to Dijun and his family. Dijun has given me a second chance of life when I had been at my lowest and for that I will forever be grateful. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, that I won't ever betray Dijun's trust on me nor do I have a plan on breaking it, even under duress."
He might have long known about Zhong Lin's unwavering loyalty but it was simply refreshing to be reassured that Tai Chen Palace and everything in it was meticulously being taken care of by immortal.
Dong Hua was immensely satisfied.
He glanced at Zhilan, silently asking if she was content with his answer.
Zhilan, ever the mischievous woman, gave him a wink and stepped closer towards Zhong Lin, demanding, “Look at me, Zhong Lin.”
His steward did as he was told and after a few moments of silently regarding him, she eventually beamed and gave him a few hard pats on the shoulder that clearly surprised him, exclaiming, “Very well said, Zhong Lin! Just as I've expected!"
"T-Thank you, Your Highness."
Zhilan gave him a firm shake and threatened, "But you won’t be doing so well sometime after if you continue to address me with such a pompous title. No offense, Dong Hua."
Dong Hua merely waved a hand before turning around and taking a seat on his dais.
“Yes,” Zhong Lin agreed, looking uncomfortable because of the familiarity.
Zhilan slung an arm across his shoulders and added, “And you know, you don’t need to be so tense and too polite with me. I’m not some High Goddess and I just happen to be someone who took care of your precious Dijun. You may call me by my name and say whatever you want anytime you’re with me. I don't bite. Well, not unless you want me to.”
Zhong Lin went a tad red as he flustered, “But…”
Dong Hua spoke up, “It would be best if you simply agree to her demands, Zhong Lin, or else she won't ever leave you alone until you do.”
“Yes, Dijun,” Zhong Lin yielded, still sounding uncertain, before turning to Zhilan and doing the same. “As you wish, Aunt.”
Zhilan pinched a cheek. “You're learning so fast, I'm impressed. Have any wishes? I can gran―”
“Zhilan, that’s enough,” Dong Hua immediately interjected. “Please don't trick Zhong Lin any further. He really will be replaced if you continue and I don't especially like to be a bringer of bad news for my wife and son." He gestured to the cold pot of tea on the table. "Bring us another pot of freshly brewed tea this time, Zhong Lin, and take this back to the kitchens.”
Zhilan extracted her arm for Zhong Lin to bow and retreat, the latter hastily leaving as the former let out a snigger.
“You’re too mischievous. Zhong Lin doesn’t know any better,” Dong Hua chided.
“The people who have chosen to work for you should sweat a little,” she simply answered as she idly looked around his study.
“And you’ve always been too cautious,” he stipulated. He paused before adding, “And doting.”
Zhilan shrugged her shoulders as she answered, “You were the first child under my care after several decades, the last one being my godson’s youngest granddaughter. You can’t really blame me if I want to dote on you a bit.” She skipped closer to him and crouched down, her voice soft and quiet, “I’ve only just arrived and aside from a few passing recollections, I don’t have any solid memory of what happened after I left. Moreover, it will take a long time if you recount the whole experience word for word. May I take a quick dip into your mind, Dong Hua? I give you my word I won’t pry any more than what I need to know.”
Dong Hua merely hummed his affirmation, feeling slightly amused that she continue to ask even when he’d given her leave to do so whenever she wanted.
The mind reading was painlessly quick and Zhilan drew back, a thoughtful frown upon her face as she started pacing around his study.
Dong Hua knew better than to rush her so he let her be and closed his eyes. He was rewarded for his patience when she eventually spoke up as she halted in the middle of the room, “When does the Crown Prince plan to replace the current Heavenly Emperor again?”
“When the right time comes. However, Ye Hua is already handling some of the affairs the Heavenly Emperor should,” was his immediate reply. He stopped short, his eyes opening and narrowing when he inquired, “Did you See anything I missed and should be privy to?”
Zhilan hummed in contemplation as she affixed her hazy eyes on something he couldn't discern before openly answering, “Just a peek and nothing too concerning. I’ll take a look every now and then if I could. It's not like you can't do it yourself.”
Dong Hua released a deep sigh. "Gazing into the future is a tedious task I don't want to subject myself into."
"You sound like a belligerent old man. You make it sound like it's such a difficult thing to do," she countered.
"And yet the principle remains."
"Fine," she huffed and continued her pacing around his study. “Hao De didn't have the right skill to rule over this Universe like you and the first Heavenly Lord had and he still doesn’t have the enlightenment no matter how many seclusions he does and how much cultivation he has. Ye Hua will be a better Master than this current one.”
“You haven’t even met the Crown Prince and yet you’re already giving portents,” Dong Hua remarked with interest. “I thought you said you didn’t want to concern yourself with our affairs.”
Zhilan let out a sniff before sullenly replying, “I do it for you and your family. And I said whenever I could, not whenever I want to.” She sighed deeply and disclosed, “You know how the Higher Entities don’t like it when I interfere too much. Everything should be a balance and my interventions could tip the scale. It's why I have to be careful on what I decide to do.”
"Don't you find it restricting?"
"Not at all. It's not like I'm planning on starting a bloody war or something. I'd rather drink away all your wine."
Dong Hua gave her a warning look. "You better not." They remained silent for a moment before he finally asked, "How were your travels in between realms and time? I'd expected you to come back after you paid your dues but you didn’t and you were gone for a long time.”
Zhilan didn’t answer right away and Zhong Lin came in with a tray on his hands. She crossed the room and took a seat across him as Zhong Lin placed their tea on top of the table.
Zhilan piped up, “Just leave it like that, Zhong Lin, and stay and take a seat somewhere, preferably where you can see us.”
Dong Hua tilted his head in question at her remark. He knew that what she was going to share was classified information and with her suggestion, Dong Hua momentarily thought she wanted Zhong Lin to know, but Zhilan explained that Zhong Lin’s presence was only to preserve his marital vows and to keep the rumors in bare minimum.
It wasn’t an infallible plan and Dong Hua told her so but she insisted anyway.
“Zhong Lin has other duties to attend to."
"He's very efficient. He could probably do them another time with his eyes closed."
"He'll definitely grow bored just sitting here,” Dong Hua continued to point out as he casually poured tea into his cup and hers.
Zhilan sent him a scowl before conjuring a small box, each sides a different solid color.
She offered the strange thing to Zhong Lin and said, “See this, Zhong Lin? Take note of how each color is methodically in one place.”
Zhong Lin nodded.
Each color panels suddenly moved and the colors began revolving in different directions, the organized box instantly turned into one mess of a puzzle, and Zhilan explained, “This is called a Magic Cube. It’s a puzzle box I came across in one of my travels. Amuse yourself with it for a while and try to return it back to its original look without using any magic while Dong Hua and I have a quick conversation. It won’t take long, I assure you, but if you can manage to solve the puzzle before we’re finished, I’ll give you a reward and then give you another challenge.”
Dong Hua whipped his eyes at her and gave her a hard stare, knowing that her prodigious ability didn’t come without a price, but Zhilan continued to ignore him, her attention unwavering as she waited for Zhong Lin's reply.
“Zhilan, we already talked about this,” he gritted out.
“We did but this one is different. It'll be fine," she firmly assuaged.
Dong Hua continued to stare at her as she went back to address his steward before them, saying, “Here and don’t you worry,” she insisted when he remained uncertain. “It’s just a simple-looking yet complicated puzzle box. Don’t be too hasty in solving the puzzle but it’s not going to bite you if you don’t finish it.”
Zhong Lin was obviously very hesitant to take the box since Dong Hua spoke out but he eventually urged his steward to just take it and Zhong Lin did before taking a seat on the opposite end of where they were situated, his steward still in sight as he began working on his new toy.
Zhilan waved her hand to cast a privacy spell around them and Dong Hua immediately burst out, his voice stiff as steel, “You didn’t have to promise him anything. What will you do if Zhong Lin solves the puzzle and asks for something he couldn’t pay the price?”
The woman simply smiled, calm and unperturbed, "I said I’d give him a reward. I offered."
“Which I clearly know you’ll be paying the price yourself. Do you have no preservation for yourself, Zhilan? That was a reckless thing to do!” he seethed out, his eyes flashing in frustration.
She heaved a deep sigh. “You don’t have to fret too much. Besides, he won’t be able to solve it. I got it from a more sophisticated time so it’ll certainly take him a while to decipher the puzzle. Most probably.”
“That doesn’t sound reassuring at all.”
Zhilan flung her hands in the air, insisting, “Just please trust me on this. I know what I’m doing.”
Dong Hua continued to stare at her with scrutinizing eyes and eventually relented.
Zhilan let out a sigh of relief and didn’t even bother to savor her tea when she tipped it straight down her throat. She filled her cup for another one as she mused aloud, “Now, where should I start?”
“Most probably from the very beginning, if that helps,” Dong Hua intoned, sarcasm coming out from his voice.
She shot him a glare. “Dong Hua, stop pouting. It’s unbecoming. I already said it will be fine. Don't you trust me to keep my word?”
For the record, Dong Hua did not pout and he told her as much.
Zhilan rolled her eyes and with the patience of a great monk, countered on her wise voice, “You can now only pout at your wife and plead in earnest she gives in to your demands, Dong Hua. That face may have worked on me before but that was because you were an obstinate brat and you evidently knew how to wiggle your way through such hurdles.” She scoffed incredulously, “Hurdles, for the love of Merlin! And to think I recall you resolutely saying you won’t ever marry.”
Dong Hua grimaced and smoothly answered, “Time has both been cruel and kind to me and for that I have reflected upon my thoughts. I was clearly mistaken when I uttered such words. But if I did not attain what I am now, then I wouldn’t have been able to encounter my wife and that, obviously, is one wasted chance.”
Zhilan let out another scoff but this time didn’t say anything, choosing to sip on her tea as she simultaneously gave him an aggravating look.
She placed down her cup back on the table with a clink and deliberately cleared her throat, saying, “I think it is best if I should start on why I couldn’t come back on the exact day I told you I would.”
Dong Hua let out a mollifying smile and insisted, “Please do.”
She let out a huff, amused and irate, before starting, “The reason was surprisingly simple. Death gave me a couple of errands to do and each one of them took quite a long time for me to finish. You know that time flies by very differently in various dimensions but what you didn't know was that I'd been moving through quite a couple of them and had become too occupied with my responsibilities, I lost track of time. Before I knew it, several hundred thousand years had already gone by.”
She let out another sigh and once again filled her cup, adding, “I didn’t leave this world after we left Bihai Cangling, you know. I thought that two hundred thousand years would pass by really quickly and so I decided to remain even if I was literally not allowed to have any forms of communication and association with you. I didn’t want to leave you that quickly, even when I couldn't do anything to help or protect you as you crossed vast lands, conquered steep mountains and slayed ancient beasts that were far larger than you. I got to spend with you for a mere fourteen years and the penalty for wishing to take care of you far outweighed the time I had with you. I want you to know it was a decision I didn’t regret.”
“Do you now?” he couldn’t help but quietly ask as he mulled over what she'd said.
“Of course not. What a ridiculous question to ask, Dong Hua,” she replied truthfully, as easy and serene as the air she breathed. “Life may have created you but I was there when Fate decreed her prophecy on you. I might've been on one of my lowest points at that time but I was on the right mind to dissuade Them from simply leaving you alone on some island to fend for yourself. It was my choice and I’ve already paid my dues so you don’t have to concern yourself with it anymore.”
There was a dark and discouraging feeling creeping up to him, as if threatening to choke him.
Dong Hua thought he'd already buried it deep within the depths of his soul but Zhilan's explanation managed to unearth it and Dong Hua felt the need to equally admit, “That’s true. It had been a heavy thought, something that persisted when you neglected to show after your disappearance. At the same time, the wars kept on happening and the world kept changing but still you hadn't come. I thought you were merely occupied with your duties at first, but centuries and millennia passed by and still you weren’t here. I admit I was deeply hurt and the wars were a great way to occupy my time and later on when peace finally reigned over the realms, the responsibilities of being an Emperor continued to keep me busy. I didn’t want to continue to hope, deplorable as that sounds, but I still did."
Zhilan shook her head and replied, a woeful smile stretched across her face, “I understand and I don’t fault you for any of it. I was gone for so long, longer than I thought and should’ve been, and all I can say is that I’m sorry for letting you think I’ve abandoned you.” She paused before tucking a leg close to her chest and admitting, “I was with Death after I finally finished my duties and He did tell me one or two things about how you were doing.”
“What about?”
She sighed and looked at him solemnly. “Mainly of how you overcame your trials. He didn’t tell me all of them but he skimmed through a few that were quite notable, knowing I was fond of you. You were on the path to profound greatness, Dong Hua, and Change, Chaos and Fate had decidedly set Their hands on you. The weight of the heavens and the world was a heavy, heavy burden to bear but you experienced multiple trials to help you prepare and you overcame them all. The Higher Entities were impressed.”
She began to run a hand through her hair but remembered her intricate hairstyle, dropping her hand with a grunt. “Perhaps it would’ve been better if you'd let go of your hope, as it had been a part of your ordeal. The Higher Entities had expected you to and Death told me you came so close to losing it, but you suddenly clung onto it so They let you have it.”
“It was deliberate?” he slowly spoke in realization, slightly wide eyes focused on the somber-looking woman across him, unbelieving of what she was saying.
She shrugged her shoulders, a morose look on her face. “Two hundred thousand years would’ve sufficed and it was all part of the plan, but They didn’t expect Death to send me away and that it would take me too long to return.”
Dong Hua chose not to say anything after that, mulling over his turbulent thoughts, and the both of them drank their tea in silence.
He realized there were a lot of missed opportunities and Dong Hua also realized that no matter how powerful and free Zhilan is, she will always be subjected to some of the restrictions that they’re similarly bound to.
The Higher Entities had the right to deny Zhilan’s request in the first place but They had been gracious and had been permitted to be with him through his primitive years.
Dong Hua surmised he should be grateful instead, now that she was back, and decided to let old hurts go. He now had the answers he'd been looking for and Dong Hua didn't really have it in him to hold a grudge, especially when Zhilan wasn't clearly the one at fault.
Though he voiced out another matter, “How long are you planning on staying?”
Zhilan, who was observing Zhong Lin as he tried his best to solve the puzzle, answered without looking at him, “I’ll be here for as long as I want until I am needed somewhere else again, which I feel isn’t going to be anytime soon."
He continued to stare at her. “Do you wish to stay in Tai Chen Palace? I can have the fairy maids prepare one of the guest’s quarters for you.”
She turned to him and smiled, reaching out a hand to pat him on the cheek as she jested, “And have the entire Nine Heavens speculate that you’ve finally decided to take a consort? I don’t think so, little sprite.” She chuckled and gave him a few reassuring pats before pulling back. “However, I will visit you often since I have missed you. But the majority of this World doesn’t know me so I will be in Zhe Yan’s Peach Blossom Orchards for the duration of my stay."
Dong Hua blinked a few times, taken off guard by that piece of information, before straightening up on his seat. “Zhe Yan? You know him?”
Zhilan giggled as she took down her privacy spell, the melancholic nature from earlier gone as her green eyes sparkled with the mischief he was familiar with. “Uh-huh. Oh! I almost forgot to tell you but Zhe Yan was kind enough to give me a new name when I couldn’t even utter the one you gave me. He named me Yun Lin Hua and it basically stuck around since it was the one I often used. Helps that it sounded pretty too.” She gave him a wink. “Don’t worry though! No matter how I go around with names, I'll always be your trustworthy Zhilan!”
Dong Hua might've given her a venomous glare for that quip but he didn’t refute.
He supposed he was feeling a bit protective when it came to this waif of a woman. Zhilan had been the first he considered family and he appreciated what she’d done for him with great sincerity.
As much as he wanted her to depend on him a little bit more, now that he was stronger and able to, he knew he couldn’t insist. Zhilan had always been an independent woman and she rarely showed her own moments of weakness. It was something he could understand since it was one of the things he'd apparently gotten from her until Xiao Bai and a few certain people crashed into his secluded life.
Dong Hua found a few more people he didn't mind interacting amicably in an incredibly long time. He hoped Zhilan would find some trustworthy people for her as well. He wouldn't begrudge her for such a simple matter.
But speaking of sticking around…
Dong Hua suddenly felt like he just stepped into a trap when he hesitantly asked, “There are others?”
“Oh, Dong Hua… Did you think I didn’t flit around realms for the whole two hundred thousand years I’ve been here? I loathed to leave you but you were growing up so fast and was being utterly responsible, I thought I could take a look around on some of the realms, you know. Still, it made everything easier when my newfound friends eventually found their way into your fold.”
Dong Hua felt it prudent to stay quiet as he continued to stare at her, not at all certain if this was something he should know about.
“Just two more, really, and they’re my absolute favorites,” she teased before letting out a grin, all of her teeth bare for him to see. “You might know them, considering one of the two had been one of your faithful generals for the many great wars you won. As a matter of fact, it’s so you to catch the fervent affections of one of his son’s daughter and marry her.”