Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 419 - Her Majesty Has Awakened.

Half a month had passed.

Since the Four Seas Grand Ceremony, the Dragon Empress had not appeared.

Because she had been absent for so long, some people began to suspect that something had happened to her. After all, considering the magnitude of recent events, it was understandable that she might have been busy handling the aftermath in the first few days. However, as time went on, regardless of whether matters had been fully dealt with, she should have made an appearance to reassure the people. Otherwise, without seeing their ruler, the citizens would inevitably feel uneasy.

In the capital of the Northern Sea, rumors had already begun to spread. People speculated about the Dragon Empress’s condition—was she seriously injured? How long would it take for Her Majesty to recover? What if, during her recovery, something else happened with the Endmountain? What would they do then?

Despite these concerns, the people firmly believed that their sovereign was still alive. Their worries only lasted for a moment before they returned to their daily routines.

As for the other sea territories, Xu Ming was unsure of their situation, but the Northern Sea Dragon Capital had already returned to its former state. Thanks to the protection of the defensive formation, it had suffered no damage, so its restoration was swift. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

When people could live their lives in peace once more, it was the best proof of stability. As a result, speculation about the Dragon Empress gradually faded. Even the envoys from various sects and kingdoms stopped waiting for her appearance.

Regardless of whether she was still alive, if she was, she had undoubtedly suffered severe injuries. No one knew how long it would take for her to recover. Waiting indefinitely was pointless, especially since the envoys had to return and report back to their rulers or sect leaders about everything that had transpired.

The scholars from White Deer Academy had originally planned to stay longer, but they received a letter urging them to return as soon as possible. Left with no choice, Zhu Cici and the others had to depart for the academy.

On the day of their departure, Xu Ming personally saw them off. Before leaving, Zhu Cici looked at Xu Ming with an expression as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, she chose to remain silent and simply extended a polite invitation, hoping that Xu Ming would visit White Deer Academy someday.

Xu Ming, of course, responded with polite agreement. Whether he would actually visit was another matter.

A few days later, the envoys from the Wu Kingdom approached Xu Ming, asking when he planned to return with them.

To be honest, Xu Ming did want to go back. Previously, he had always been worried that he wouldn’t be able to leave because the Dragon Empress had set her sights on him. But now, that concern was gone—he could take this opportunity to slip away.

After all, the current situation had nothing to do with him. He had done everything he could to help, and what he couldn’t do was beyond his ability.

For someone at his low cultivation level, staying here didn’t seem to serve much purpose.

However... he still hadn’t obtained the Linglong Pearl. And with the Abyss now completely sealed in ice, he had no way of entering. He needed to ask the Dragon Empress what to do about it.

Besides, he had saved her life. Even if she now knew that he wasn’t the reincarnation of her lover, she wouldn’t kill him, right?

Xu Ming still believed that the Dragon Empress wasn’t someone who would repay kindness with betrayal.

After carefully weighing his options, he decided to stay.

If he left the Northern Sea now, who knew when he’d be able to return and search for the Linglong Pearl?

To help Qingwan repair her foundation, he had to act quickly—the longer he delayed, the harder it would be.

Thus, Xu Ming asked the envoys of the Wu Kingdom to return first and report back, while he remained behind.

Others could understand Xu Ming’s decision.

The Northern Sea Dragon Palace still needed the Dragon Empress to make a final statement regarding the events of the Four Seas Grand Ceremony. However, since she had yet to appear, people speculated whether her injuries were severe and wondered how long it would take for her to recover.

Meanwhile, Xu Ming’s presence here symbolized the Wu Kingdom’s respect for the Northern Sea Dragon Palace and strengthened the bond between the two nations. The envoys returning to the Wu Kingdom could also report everything that had transpired during the ceremony to their emperor.

Thus, the Wu Kingdom’s delegation followed Xu Ming’s instructions and returned home, while Xu Ming remained in the palace, waiting for the Dragon Empress to reappear.

During this time, Xu Ming frequently visited Ao Yin’er, who was under house arrest in a secluded courtyard.

Given what the Eastern Sea had done, Ao Yin’er should have been imprisoned in the dungeon. However, because she was genuinely unaware of the conspiracy and because Xu Ming had saved the Northern Sea Dragon Empress, the palace was willing to show Xu Ming some respect. Instead of imprisoning Ao Yin’er in the dungeon, they placed her under house arrest.

Xia Zhu had already informed Ao Yin’er about her father and brother’s betrayal of the Four Seas.

At first, Ao Yin’er refused to believe it. She was convinced that her father and brother had been framed. But faced with undeniable evidence, even if she didn’t want to accept it, she had no choice but to believe.

When she learned that her brother had been thrown into the dungeon and that her father had passed away, the blow was devastating. She would often sit in the courtyard all day, staring blankly into the distance.

Every time Xu Ming visited her, she looked dispirited.

Even when Xu Ming shared amusing stories about the land, Ao Yin’er remained indifferent. However, she knew that Xu Ming was visiting out of kindness, so she always managed to muster a smile in response.

Yet, her smile carried a sorrow that tugged at the heart.

Xu Ming understood her pain.

To Ao Yin’er, her father and brother were the closest people to her—they were her pride.

But that pride had betrayed the Four Seas, plunging the realm into chaos. Her father had died, and she hadn’t even been able to see him one last time. As for the Eastern Sea, who knew what kind of turmoil it was in now?

On the fourth day after the Wu Kingdom’s envoys departed, Xu Ming was meditating in the courtyard when he heard a knock at the door.

Opening it, he found the maid Xiaolan standing before him.

“Greetings, Young Master Xu.” Xiaolan curtsied politely.

Xu Ming raised an eyebrow. “Miss Xiaolan, what brings you here?”

Xiaolan’s lips curled into a faint smile, relief evident in her eyes.

“Your Excellency, Her Majesty has awakened. Would you be willing to meet with her?”