Shen Chu and the maid both cultivate the body, but the path they walk and the methods are completely different.
The maid practices martial arts, a path that tempers flesh and blood. Martial artists continuously refine the blood within their bodies, allowing them to grow stronger without relying on qi.
But Shen Chu is different; he is a body cultivator.
His body had long surpassed the limits of ordinary cultivators. Not only did his dantian store qi, but every muscle, every bone, and every drop of blood within him contained vast amounts of spiritual qi.
That was also the reason the Spirit Sovereign of the sea tribe had appeared so weak in front of him.
It wasn't merely because Shen Chu's body was stronger; even the amount of qi inside him was more than twice that of the Naiad woman.
...
While Riven and Shen Chu sat peacefully inside the guest room, the maid outside was anything but calm.
Her entire body trembled, as never in her life had she experienced such overwhelming pressure.
Even the grandmasters of the empire had never made her feel this way.
The aura of the old man inside was like an endless mountain pressing upon her whole body, and for a moment, she didn't know what to do.
Eventually, she decided to head toward the kitchen.
At times like these, it was better to do something ordinary rather than stand around foolishly.
After all, behaving suspiciously before such terrifying existences was no different from seeking death.
But there was still a question lingering in her mind as to why these people had come to the Millings Manor.
As she walked through the corridor, her thoughts suddenly halted as something flashed through her mind.
Two years ago, she had been sent here from the empire to keep watch over the Millings family.
At first, she thought nothing of it.
After all, spies were often placed among noble families to keep their actions in check.
But over time, she had become increasingly puzzled as to why she was sent to the Millings family.
Among all the noble houses within the empire, the Millings family was among the weakest, and their influence was almost nonexistent.
Neither do they have any strong existence residing in their family, nor do they have any strong backings.
Half a year after she arrived, Lord Millings died from heart failure, and now they stood on the brink of collapse.
One servant after another left the manor, and even their relatives distanced themselves.
Still, she stayed in the manor, and she will until she is kicked out or the family falls completely.
And now, two terrifying cultivators had suddenly appeared. It might also be related to the reason she had been sent over, or it could be a complete coincidence.
She even wondered if Lady Millings knew them, and if she did, then the fate of the family might change completely.
...
Soon, she arrived at the kitchen, and she saw Xiaomei inside preparing tea.
Seeing her enter, the young maid smiled happily.
"Sister Eli!"
Among the servants who had remained, the two of them were especially close. Xiaomei immediately lowered her voice.
"Sister Eli, why don't you throw those shameless people out?"
"I know they must be here to laugh at our family or demand something from Lady Millings, just like those people before."
Over the past year, countless visitors had come. Some spoke of helping the family, while others wanted to marry the young miss, and some simply enjoyed watching others suffer.
Even after being rejected repeatedly, they continued to harass the family.
Hearing those words, Eli's expression changed immediately.
How could ordinary people understand the power of someone whose presence alone surpassed that of the empire's grandmasters?
Seeing her strange expression, Xiaomei asked, "Sister Eli, is there a problem?"
Eli sighed helplessly and said, "Do you even know what you're saying?"
"Before I could even touch their clothes, I would probably die. Do you think they're like those useless young masters from before?"
Xiaomei's face instantly turned pale. She knew that Eli practiced martial arts, and even though she wasn't as strong as the old family lord, she was still far stronger than ordinary people.
Previously, seeing that neither of the two guests carried weapons or looked particularly imposing, she assumed they were ordinary people.
Now, she suddenly felt fortunate that she hadn't insulted them or driven them away.
Seeing Xiaomei's frightened face, Eli smiled.
"Why are you worrying now?"
"If they truly know Lady Millings, perhaps things will finally improve."
Xiaomei nodded and silently finished preparing the tea.
Soon, she entered the guest room carrying the tray. This time, her attitude was much more respectful.
After placing the tea down, she stood nervously nearby.
Riven sat quietly by the window. Looking outside, he suddenly asked,
"Where is Lady Millings?"
Xiaomei trembled.
"L-Lady Millings was dealing with some important matters. She will come shortly."
Riven nodded.
Without another word, he picked up the cup and slowly drank his tea.
After some time, he placed the empty cup down.
Beside him, Shen Chu also finished his tea.
Xiaomei remained standing nervously at a distance. Just as she was wondering when her mistress would arrive, the door opened.
A woman wearing a blue dress entered the room.
Although exhaustion could be seen on her face, there remained a confidence and dignity that prevented her from appearing weak.
Upon entering, she first looked toward the nervous Xiaomei. Then her gaze shifted toward the old man sitting nearby.
She had heard that these people claimed to know her. But no matter how she looked, she couldn't recognize the elderly man.
Thus, her gaze finally turned toward the white-haired young man whose back faced her.
Slowly, she walked forward.
Behind her, Eli stopped at the entrance and quietly observed. Lady Millings bowed politely toward Shen Chu.
"Welcome to the Millings Manor, Old Mister."
"But I'm afraid I don't know you."
Shen Chu merely glanced toward Riven.
At that moment, Riven slowly stood up, and then he turned around.
Lady Millings froze.
For a moment, she simply stared.
Something about his face felt familiar.
Very familiar.
A face buried deep within her memories.
Riven smiled gently. "But you surely do remember me, right?"
Her breathing stopped.
Slowly, the face before her merged with the image she had held in her heart for the past three years.
He had become taller and more mature, even though his hair had turned white.
But that face, that smile, she would never mistake it.
Her eyes instantly became red and tears gathered uncontrollably.
Her lips trembled.
"Riven..."
The next moment, she rushed forward. Ignoring everything else, she embraced him tightly.
"Riven!"
"You came back..."
"You really came back..."
Three years.
For three whole years, she had received no news.
Even though she had known that Riven had joined a cultivation sect and might one day leave the Thaloryn Continent forever, she still held onto hope.
A hope that he would send news or write a letter.
Or perhaps he would return home one day. And now, he truly stood before her.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she held him tightly, afraid that the moment she loosened her arms, this dream would shatter.
"I didn't know when I would see you again. It's been so long."
Riven quietly looked at the woman embracing him.
The confidence and elegance she previously carried remained, but exhaustion and worry had left traces on her face.
He gently patted her shoulder.
"I'm back."
Lady Millings nodded repeatedly, wiping away her tears, but new tears continued to fall.
Behind them, Xiaomeit stood rooted to the ground.
Young Master Riven?
The young master whose whereabouts the family had always refused to reveal.
The same young master whom the entire city believed to be dead, and yet, the Millings family had never denied those rumors.
Even Eli's expression had completely collapsed, her eyes fixed on the white-haired young man.
At that moment, many thoughts flashed through her mind along with the Emperor's strange order.
Her assignment to remain in this declining family and now, the sudden appearance of a terrifying cultivator whom even she couldn't comprehend.
Everything seemed far less simple than she had once imagined.
Beside them, Shen Chu silently watched the reunion.
He had lived for two hundred years and had witnessed many things, but looking at the scene before him, he couldn't help but smile.
After all, some reunions were precious and some moments did not require spectators.
Quietly, he stood up and left the room.
After leaving the manor, Shen Chu looked up toward the clear sky.
He didn't know what he should do now.
Previously, he had asked the Immortal Master for a path forward, and after seeing the Sword Immortal's departure and even Rocky's transformation, hope had appeared once again within his heart.
He believed that one day, the Immortal Master would fulfill his wish.
But for now, he knew that there would be a family reunion inside, and he had no intention of disturbing it.
Thinking about Rocky, Shen Chu decided to check on him. With a single step, he disappeared from the manor.
Moments later, he appeared outside Murong City.
Far away, amidst the mountains, flashes of lightning occasionally appeared.
The huge Skylance Roc was resting quietly on the ground with electric arcs surrounding its body from time to time.
Seeing that Rocky was still undergoing transformation, Shen Chu smiled.
"Looks like your fortune isn't small."
He sat down nearby and quietly guarded his old companion.