Qin Lu returned to the mansion, retrieved the [Wine Gourd], took a small sip, and then gently exhaled.

After a day of relentless activity, he had finally avenged Chu Xiaoyi and successfully framed a demonic beast for Tao Xi’s murder. To ensure the deception held, he had deliberately spared a cultivator to serve as a witness and spread the tale, deflecting suspicion away from himself.

“This way, no one should suspect me,” Qin Lu murmured to himself.

His caution was justified; provoking a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator was not a wise move. Moreover, Kong Mengli had a decent reputation. She was simply a devoted woman indifferent to many market affairs. Qin Lu had no desire to become her mortal enemy.

Avoiding conflict was the optimal outcome.

Qin Lu sat for a while, reviewing his actions. Satisfied there were no loose ends, he disrobed and went to bed.

He fell into a deep, untroubled sleep.

He woke the next day at his usual hour.

Since advancing to the Foundation Establishment realm, his body had transcended mortal limitations. The basic needs of washing, eating, and excretion had vanished. A simple circulation of spiritual energy was enough to cleanse and sustain him.

Qin Lu sat quietly in his room. Just as he was about to begin his meditation, Steward Chen knocked.

“Immortal Master, Xiaoyi’s body has been prepared and placed in the coffin. What are your instructions?”

Qin Lu pondered for a moment. “Leave it for now. I will handle the rest.”

“Yes!” Steward Chen bowed and withdrew.

Qin Lu completed his morning meditation, then rose and walked to Feng Xi’s room.

After two nights of rest and spiritual nourishment, Feng Xi’s condition had stabilized. Her complexion was healthier, though a deep sorrow remained etched between her brows.

Qin Lu entered and spoke directly. “Xiao Xi, prepare yourself. I will take you to send Xiaoyi home. Let the fallen leaves return to their roots.”

Feng Xi nodded vigorously. After a pause, she added, “Master, I want to take all of Xiaoyi’s things back to her family.”

“That is only right. Go pack them.”

“Mhm!”

Chu Xiaoyi possessed little—mostly clothes and simple jewelry. Her most valuable possession was the gold she had diligently saved from her monthly allowance.

Once Feng Xi had gathered everything, Qin Lu stored the coffin and belongings in his [Storage Bag]. Together, they left the mansion and headed for the outskirts of the market.

Chu Xiaoyi’s hometown was in a small mortal kingdom called Qi, separated from Feng Xi’s homeland by another nation.

The distance from the White Jade Market to Qi was a staggering twenty thousand li. For mortals traveling on foot, such a journey could take years. But for a Foundation Establishment cultivator capable of flight, it was a matter of days.

Qin Lu had memorized the regional map from the Flowing Cloud Talisman. Once clear of the market’s restrictions, he lifted Feng Xi into the air and soared into the high sky, heading straight for Qi.

Several days later.

Guided by Feng Xi’s memory and inquiries with local villagers, they arrived at a small county town—the place Chu Xiaoyi had called home.

As they walked the streets, Feng Xi spoke timidly. “Master, Xiaoyi once said her family lived in the northern part of town…”

“Let’s go look,” Qin Lu said softly.

They walked north, asking directions until they found a modest courtyard house with a three-section brick-and-wood structure. It appeared to belong to a middle-class family. Several middle-aged women sat at the entrance, chatting idly.

Qin Lu stepped forward. “Is this the residence of Chu Sheng?”

Chu Sheng was Chu Xiaoyi’s father.

A woman in a gray robe stood up, eyeing the strangers warily. “Chu Sheng is my husband. What business do you have?”

Qin Lu gently waved his hand.

Around them, small stones, dust, and debris floated into the air, suspended by an invisible force.

“This… this…!”

“Why are things flying?!”

The women gasped, their faces paling in terror.

Maintaining his mystique, Qin Lu spoke calmly. “I am an immortal passing through. Your daughter, Chu Xiaoyi, was a member of my sect. I have come to visit on her behalf.”

“Ah! Xiaoyi!” The gray-robed woman’s panic vanished, replaced by sheer joy. “Im-Immortal Master! Please, come in!”

Qin Lu nodded and followed her into the courtyard, leaving the neighbors stunned.

Inside, the Chu family quickly gathered. Upon hearing of the immortal’s arrival, they knelt and bowed, their faces glowing with excitement and hope.

Qin Lu did not let the misunderstanding linger. He delivered the news of Chu Xiaoyi’s death directly. He spared them the gruesome details of her murder, stating only that she had been killed by evildoers and that justice had already been served.

The news struck the family like a physical blow. They froze, unable to process that the daughter sent to seek immortality years ago had returned only as a corpse.

Soon, weeping filled the courtyard.

With a wave of his hand, Qin Lu produced the coffin and Xiaoyi’s belongings from thin air—a feat of píng kōng chū wù that silenced any lingering doubts about his identity.

Seeing the coffin, the mother threw herself upon it, wailing in heartbreak. The rest of the family wept silently, a scene of utter desolation.

Chu Sheng, the father, stepped forward, his voice trembling. “Immortal… did… did Xiaoyi leave any words?”

Qin Lu looked at Feng Xi.

Feng Xi stepped forward, eyes red. She retrieved a small, heavy bundle from her robes and handed it to Chu Sheng. “Xiaoyi said to give this to you. She also said… thank you for the grace of raising her.”

The bundle contained the gold Xiaoyi had saved, coin by coin, hoping to one day bring wealth to her family.

Chu Sheng accepted it with shaking hands, tears streaming down his face.

Feng Xi then produced a small medicine bottle. “This medicinal liquid can improve physical constitution and health. I give it to you on Xiaoyi’s behalf.”

“Thank you, Immortal Master.”

The mortals knelt again, bowing in gratitude amidst their grief.

“We will take our leave now,” Qin Lu said.

He lifted Feng Xi into the air. Looking down at the grieving family and the curious neighbors peering over the walls, he made a final declaration.

“Chu family, your daughter had a connection with me. If you encounter grave trouble in the future, come to the White Jade Market and seek Qin Lu. I will aid you once.”

A chorus of gratitude rose from below.

Qin Lu turned and shot into the sky, vanishing into the horizon.

On the return journey, he landed by a great river, allowing Feng Xi to pay respects to her own family, who had starved to death during their flight from famine. After the ritual was complete, they resumed their flight back to the market.