Chapter 3020
Even if Jian Ying’s demon cultivator wife had reached Piaomiao Town near the Piaomiao Palace, entering the palace itself was not easy. Therefore, if she truly went to the Piaomiao Palace, the most likely place to find her would be in Piaomiao Town.
"Thank you for your trouble," Jian Ying said, his face lighting up with joy. The thought of soon reuniting with his wife filled him with happiness.
Ouyang Tianyun smiled gently. "Although you are a bit simple-minded, I must say, I truly admire your devotion to your wife. I have a soft heart, so helping you feels like the natural thing to do."
Jian Ying waved his hand dismissively. "It doesn't matter why you help. As long as I can find my wife, that is all that matters."
She was indeed a devoted man. Yet, such sincerity was always welcome.
After everyone had eaten, celebrating Yan Xiwan’s occasion, Ouyang Tianyun did not hesitate. He summoned his flying boat, and they set off again on the journey to the Piaomiao Palace.
Several days later, they finally arrived at Piaomiao Town.
Piaomiao Town was the closest settlement to the Piaomiao Palace. Only through this town, at its river docks, could one find boats bound for the palace. However, no boats had been seen for many years.
Without the appearance of the Piaomiao Palace, the boats could not sail. These vessels were dispatched by the palace itself; only their ships could reach the destination.
Upon arriving in Piaomiao Town, Ouyang Tianyun spoke. "If we confirm that Jian Ying’s wife came to the Piaomiao Palace, she has likely been staying in this town during this time. We should settle here temporarily and begin our search."
"Agreed," Yan Xiwan and the others said without objection.
Although Jian Ying desperately wanted to see her wife immediately, she had no idea where she might be. Thus, she could only follow Ouyang Tianyun’s arrangements.
"I have a courtyard here. We will stay there," Ouyang Tianyun announced with a smile.
"You actually own a house in Piaomiao Town?" Yan Xiwan looked at her, her expression one of disbelief.
"Why the surprise? Piaomiao Town has expanded many times since its founding. It is normal for me to own property," Ouyang Tianyun explained seriously. "Moreover, it is not just me. Even the Black Emperor and Empress have a shop here."
She paused briefly. "The Immortal Emperor and Empress also have shops here, though it is kept quiet from the public."
"Truly playful," Yan Xiwan remarked, finally uttering those three words.
Ouyang Tianyun did not mind. He simply smiled and led Yan Xiwan and the others to his courtyard.
Private courtyards, when unoccupied, were naturally protected by the unique aura of Piaomiao Town. Ordinary people would overlook these empty houses until the owner returned, at which point the property would naturally reveal itself.
Ouyang Tianyun’s house was not in the bustling district, but its location was excellent. It faced a street directly, and the courtyard featured a small garden with a pond. The architecture itself was stylish and elegant.
After everyone found rooms suitable to their preferences and rested for a while, Ouyang Tianyun spoke again. "I will go inquire with the people of the Piaomiao Palace to see if any new demon cultivators have arrived recently, and where they are staying. This might help us find your wife faster."
She addressed Jian Ying directly.
Jian Ying nodded. "Very well. Thank you for your trouble."
Ouyang Tianyun did not consider it a burden. After everyone settled in, he asked Yan Xiwan to take the other four to a hotel across the street, find a private seat, and order some food. He would go to gather information.
Although it was their first time there, with Ouyang Tianyun’s guidance, Yan Xiwan and the others did not feel lost.
They found the hotel, took a private seat, and ordered some wine, dishes, and pastries. The four of them began to eat leisurely.
"I hope Tianyun gets news soon, so you can see your wife quickly," Lu Fang said to Jian Ying.
Jian Ying hummed in agreement, a hint of joy appearing on his face.
"Have you prepared a gift?" Yan Xiwan asked casually.
"What gift?" Jian Ying looked at her, confused.
Yan Xiwan was startled. "You haven’t prepared a gift for your wife?"
"When meeting one’s own wife, why is a gift necessary?" Jian Ying asked, still puzzled.
Yan Xiwan sighed in speechlessness. "I think it is hard for your wife to have remained good to a blockhead like you."
Lu Fang shook his head. "Brother, you must cherish your wife. Giving small gifts daily can strengthen the bond between husband and wife."
Jian Ying felt as if he were hearing a fairy tale. "We are already married. Do we still need to give gifts?"
"Hehe, I suddenly feel that your wife not abandoning you is true love," Pan Hongmei laughed from the side. "Even the most loving couples must nurture their relationship together, rather than just enduring it simply like you."
Jian Ying scratched his head. "But I have never bought a gift for my wife. I will go buy one later."
"Buying or making it yourself, the main thing is the intention," Yan Xiwan said slowly. "My husband and I, even if he just picks a wild flower for me, I am very happy. The value of the gift does not matter; what matters is whether you keep the person in your heart."
"I certainly have my wife in my heart," Jian Ying answered seriously.
"Yes, we know you have her in your heart. But how will she know if you do not show it?" Yan Xiwan explained gently.
"Must I show it?" Jian Ying frowned slightly. "I have never done so."
"So you must learn from Tianyun and me," Lu Fang said, feeling a bit frustrated by Jian Ying’s simple-minded expression.
"Oh," Jian Ying looked at Lu Fang attentively. "Then tell me, how should I do it?"
"Prepare a gift first. If you find your wife and present it, she will surely be happy," Lu Fang advised. "But it cannot be just anything. It must be thoughtful."
"Thoughtful," Jian Ying murmured, tilting his head as he began to think about what gift to give his wife.
Yan Xiwan and Pan Hongmei discussed the small pastries in front of them.
About half an hour later, Ouyang Tianyun returned.
"What is it? Do you have any news?" Jian Ying asked immediately upon seeing Ouyang Tianyun sit down.
Ouyang Tianyun replied, "There are many demon cultivators in Piaomiao Town. I have informed the people of the Piaomiao Palace about your wife’s situation. They will investigate immediately. If your wife is in Piaomiao Town, we will have news soon."
Jian Ying nodded, a trace of longing in his eyes. "I hope I can find my wife soon."
"We will," the other four nodded seriously to Jian Ying, offering their comfort.