This implies transforming them into immortals. If it were someone else, they would be overjoyed to receive such a blessed opportunity, unable to express their gratitude, and would agree without hesitation. However, Nangong Yi refused outright, saying, "Master, we truly do not deserve your kindness. Our marriage ties in the mortal world are not yet completed. We willingly wish to endure the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness, and death, and the cycle of reincarnation, rather than being separated as husband and wife for the sake of becoming immortals. We hope, Master, you understand."

The immortal lady laughed and said, "Although you both have a destiny with the Immortal Realm, each person has their own aspirations. Since you are unwilling, I shall not impose upon you. However, visiting this place is no easy feat. Why not stay for a few days before heading back?"

Cai Wei and Nangong Yi were now the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager, free from the trivial matters of court politics. Receiving an invitation from the immortal lady to stay in the Gods and Immortals’ Land, they would not refuse. The couple gladly accepted, expressing their gratitude profusely.

At that moment, a young attendant led the couple out of the grand hall to stay in a small courtyard behind it. Brother Ying and Chang Mei were already waiting there. Upon seeing them, they exchanged pleasantries and settled in comfortably.

The scenery of the Immortal Realm differs greatly from the mortal world. The immortal mountain was adorned with colorful mist and shimmering sunlight. Thousands of old cypresses and numerous tall bamboos thrived. The old cypresses, wet with rain, painted the mountains a vibrant green; the numerous bamboos, engulfed in mist, displayed a deep azure hue. Rare flowers adorned outside the door, and fragrant plants grew beside the bridge. Coral peach trees atop the ridge were vibrant with veils of red, and the grass at the cave entrance was densely verdant. Occasionally, you’d hear the cry of immortal cranes or see the auspicious phoenix soaring. The cry of the cranes vibrated through the nine heavens, and where the phoenix soared, its plumage shone with colorful clouds. White deer and black apes appeared and disappeared at will, and blue lions and white elephants roamed freely. Observing this sacred land, it truly surpassed even heaven.

Cai Wei and Nangong Yi explored the mountains and rivers daily. Occasionally, they listened to immortals expound scriptures and doctrines. Unknowingly, more than a month passed. Missing Mingzhu and concerned about their newborn grandchild, the couple stayed for forty days before bidding farewell to the assembly of immortals, intending to go home.

The immortals did not persuade them to stay but ordered a young attendant to guide them on their departure.

The immortal lady said, "When you depart this time, thirty years will pass before you return here. Still, since you have a destiny with the Immortal Realm, I hope you will cultivate good karma and do many good deeds, so as not to let our hospitality for these dozens of days go in vain."

The couple agreed and thanked the immortal lady before following the young attendant to leave.

The path guided by the young boy was entirely different from the one they took before, winding around the celestial abode, turning towards the hillside at the back. They walked about fourteen or fifteen miles on a broad turtle-shell road, flanked by towering ancient trees interspersed with rare and exotic plants. The endless scenery captivated them, and they hardly noticed the two extra miles they walked.

Having crossed a high mountain, the path gradually became narrow. The young boy pointed with his hand and said, "Less than ten miles ahead is the northern gate of the Capital of Great Yong."

Cai Wei wanted to thank the little boy for guiding them. Knowing that Silver was useless here, she took out a tray of egg tarts she made from Space and offered it to the young boy.

The young boy accepted and bit into one, immediately smiling, saying, "They are delicious! Thank you so much. In exchange for these dim sum, let me give you a piece of advice: In Wonderland, a day equals a year in the mortal world. After you leave, regardless of what you see, don’t be shocked; just go with the flow."

Having said this, he bowed and returned along the road.

Cai Wei was stunned for a moment and then said to Nangong Yi, "What did he mean by that? Could it be that although we’ve been here for dozens of days, decades have already passed in the mortal world?"

Nangong Yi said, "No way, that would be too unbelievable. Let’s go to the Capital and find out."

Saying this, he took Cai Wei’s hand, and together they walked towards the city gate. After a few steps, Cai Wei couldn’t help but look back, utterly shocked.

The path they had come from had all turned into steep cliffs—where was the road they had initially taken? 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Nangong Yi was also taken aback, murmuring, "We truly must have encountered immortals!"

The two sighed for a while before heading towards the city.

The city was as bustling as ever, yet for some reason, both of them felt that things seemed different compared to forty days ago, although they couldn’t pinpoint exactly what had changed.

After walking a bit further, Cai Wei suddenly remarked, "Look at me, I almost forgot the main thing. Brother Ying, quickly check where the Princess of Chu is; the Xiao Family is still waiting to see their daughter."

Saying this, she released Brother Ying, who flew up with a ’caw’, eyes wide, scanning the direction of the Royal Palace of Chu. However, after looking for a long time, he could not find the person he was searching for. Unwilling to give up, Brother Ying looked around and suddenly cried out, "Master, I think... I found... her..."