After transmitting the message, Huaiqing, who was currently free, was the first to reply:

[Was this why your residence sent word to the palace, calling you back?]

Xu Qi’an was about to reply with his finger as a brush when he saw Li Miaozhen jump in to demand:

[Two: What were you doing in the palace!]

Keeping my elder sister-in-law company… Xu Qi’an transmitted:

[Three: That’s not the point. The point is the Insect God’s message.]

[Four: Autumn Dew is a solar term, symbolizing the beginning of autumn. Xu Ning Yan, you don’t even know this?]

Chu Yuanzhen found it inconceivable.

Ah, Autumn Dew is a solar term? It wasn’t one in my previous life… Xu Qi’an transmitted:

[Of course, I know. I meant to ask why the Insect God specifically mentioned Autumn Dew.]

He usually didn’t pay attention to the calendar and wasn’t very familiar with this world’s solar terms.

Xu Qi’an had thought “Autumn Dew” referred to some precious natural treasure or autumn’s dew.

[Seven: Obviously, this represents the timing of some event or an important time. As for “without becoming a worm, cannot escape the great calamity,” I don’t need to explain that, right?]

The Holy Child, busy with countless matters, spared time for one reply.

[One: I think we should first clarify whether the Insect God was transmitting a message to Ning Yan through Ling’yin, or simply giving Ling’yin a message.]

Ning Yan?! Li Miaozhen instinctively raised her eyebrows.

Huaiqing, this woman, had rarely addressed Xu Qi’an this way in public.

Thinking about how Xu Qi’an had returned home from the palace, the Flying Swallow Heroine immediately ground her teeth.

Huaiqing continued transmitting:

[Regarding Autumn Dew, Minister Wei recently submitted a secret letter mentioning that the Buddhist sect plans to hold a Buddhist assembly at the start of autumn. They’re currently spreading the word and gathering followers.]

[Eight: So, is Autumn Dew related to the Buddhist sect’s assembly?]

Asura, who had been lurking, couldn’t help but pop up when the topic touched on Buddhism.

The Top Scholar Chu analyzed:

[Four: If the Insect God’s mention of “Autumn Dew” is related to Buddhism, then this message was transmitted to Ning Yan through Ling’yin.]

The reason was simple – the Insect God wouldn’t transmit information about Buddhist matters to Ling’yin, she was still just a child.

There would be no point in doing so.

Looking at it this way, there must be an issue with the Buddhist assembly. Is the Insect God warning me? Or using me to disrupt some plan of Buddha’s that’s related to the Buddhist assembly… Xu Qi’an fell into deep thought.

[Two: But the second sentence was not meant for that dog thief Xu Qi’an.]

Li Miaozhen transmitted with resentment.

How did I suddenly become a dog thief… Xu Qi’an transmitted to confirm the Flying Swallow Heroine’s words:

[I thought so too. The Insect God seems to be warning Ling’yin, telling her that without becoming a worm, she cannot escape the great calamity. This is interesting.]

The information revealed in this sentence was related to the great calamity. The Insect God said without becoming a worm, one cannot escape the calamity. Conversely, does this mean becoming a worm allows one to survive the calamity?

Also, what would happen to those beings who couldn’t become worms?

[One: I suddenly remembered something. Do you remember what Lina once said? The prophets of the Heaven Worm Tribe predicted that when the Insect God awakens, the Nine Provinces will become a world of worms.]

!!!

Huaiqing’s words suddenly pulled everyone’s memories back to two years ago.

When Lina shared the information about “the Confucian Sage statue cracking” within the Heaven and Earth Society, she mentioned that guarding the Insect God was the eternal policy of the Worm Tribe because the Heaven Worm Tribe’s prophets had predicted that when the Insect God awakens, the entire Nine Provinces would become a world of worms.

Could it be that what the Heaven Worm Tribe’s prophets predicted was the great calamity? Or rather, the part of the great calamity related to the Insect God… Chu Yuanzhen’s thoughts raced as he felt he had guessed the truth.

Without becoming a worm, one cannot escape the great calamity, so the Insect God wants to turn the Nine Provinces into a world of worms. So we’ve unknowingly glimpsed a corner of the great calamity… After connecting the clues, Li Miaozhen felt a chill down her spine.

Amitabha, so that’s it… Master Hengyuan, who had been lurking, suddenly understood.

So, the Insect God hopes Ling’yin can reach profound levels in worm techniques quickly, even transform from human to worm? Otherwise, when the great calamity comes, she can’t escape death. What kind of creepy master-disciple relationship is this… Xu Qi’an grumbled internally.

Although Asura and Li Lingsu had joined the group early, they were the last to get network access, so this was their first time hearing about this. They were both surprised.

[Five: I did say such things, but what does this have to do with the Insect God entering Ling’yin’s dreams? What does it have to do with that final sentence?]

While everyone was lost in thought and complex emotions, Lina, who had been lurking for a long time, expressed her confusion.

No one responded to her…

[Nine: I feel there’s an even deeper meaning behind the phrase “without becoming a worm, cannot escape the great calamity.” I just can’t sort out my thoughts at the moment.]

Daoist Jinlian had frolicked with cats on rooftops, alleys, and walls last night, thoroughly enjoying himself. After the cats dispersed at dawn, the Daoist had been dozing and sunbathing in his courtyard.

He originally didn’t want to bother with the Heaven and Earth Society group chat, but since the youngsters kept chatting endlessly, causing him heart palpitations and preventing his nap, the Daoist had no choice but to join in.

Unexpectedly, the intelligence being discussed was so high-level.

[Two: Daoist is out! I thought you were in seclusion again, we’ve been chatting so long without seeing you.]

Everyone greeted him while internally grumbling:

Daoist Jinlian must have possessed a cat again and gone out carousing at night…

[Three: Daoist, did you go frolicking with female cats last night?]

Only Xu Ning Yan dared to speak so brazenly, showing no respect for the Daoist… the other members thought secretly.

Why aren’t they responding to my message, what’s going on… Lina also thought privately.

[Nine: Nonsense! This matter is of great importance, so naturally, I needed more time to think. Let’s set aside the matter of “becoming a worm” for now. “Autumn Dew” should refer to the beginning of autumn. What the Insect God wants to say should be that the Buddhist sect will make moves then.

[That is, the “Buddhist assembly” Number One just mentioned. The Insect God probably wants to use your hand to do some damage against Buddha.]

Daoist Jinlian’s guess matches mine… Xu Qi’an nodded secretly.

[Seven: Why couldn’t it be the timing of the great calamity?]

The Holy Child made a bold guess.

[Three: If it were the date of the great calamity’s arrival, would the Insect God reveal it to me? Don’t forget, we’re His enemies too.]

Li Lingsu was convinced.

After a few more brief discussions and characterizing the two sentences, Xu Qi’an “left the group chat,” put away the Earth Book fragment, and turned to look at his sister.

Xu Ling’yin, like a greedy rabbit, moved her lips as she ate the fragrant, sweet pastries.

“Take the pastries outside, big brother needs some quiet time.”

Xu Qi’an sent the little bean away and sat alone by the table, thinking quietly. The sunlight outside gradually slanted westward, turning orange.

Finally, he came back to his senses and glanced at the water clock in the corner – it was already the third quarter of the You hour.

Just then, the study door creaked open and Lin’an’s head palace maid stepped in, saying in a soft voice:

“Imperial Son-in-law, the Princess calls you to dine in the hall.”

Xu Qi’an nodded with a gentle expression, asking as he got up:

“Where is the Princess?”

He had sat in the study all afternoon, yet Lin’an hadn’t come looking for him. Had the love disappeared?

The head palace maid answered in a soft voice:

“The Princess is playing chess with Madam Mu in the hall.”

Xu Qi’an called her Aunt Mu, while the servants called the Flower God Madam Mu.

This Madam Mu was plain-looking, over forty, and reportedly a widow. Because of her close relationship with the Xu family’s matriarch, she was staying at the residence.

Among the household servants, there was a rumor that Madam Mu was Imperial Enforcer Xu’s lover, and they had a secret relationship.

Recently, Princess Lin’an had been trying various ways to probe Madam Mu’s background and compete with her at every turn, having believed these rumors.

Leaving the study, walking through corridors and courtyards, passing through fragrant gardens, he arrived at the inner hall to see Aunt standing by a tall stool in the corner, watering a lush green vine.

He saw Xu Lingyue lowering her head, her jade-like fingers holding needle and thread, concentrated on embroidering beautiful cloud patterns on a green robe.

He saw Lin’an and Mu Nanchi leaning over a chess board, faces serious, brows slightly furrowed, locked in an evenly matched battle.

He saw Ye Ji sitting beside Lin’an, watching the two bronzes fight with a smile, while Xu Yuanshuang sat opposite her.

He saw Lina sitting at the table, chin in hand, waiting boredly for dinner.

He saw Ji Bai’qing holding a book, reading while drinking tea…

He stood there, suddenly afraid to approach, fearing to break such a harmonious, warm scene.

At this moment, Xu Lingyue raised her head, and saw her big brother standing outside the hall, her beautiful eyes brightened as she said sweetly:

“Big brother~~”

All the women looked over, breaking into smiles, instantly competing in beauty.

Xu Qi’an stepped into the inner hall, pretending not to see the competition between Lin’an and the Flower God, and asked:

“Is Mother dining here tonight too?”

Ji Bai’qing nodded:

“Yuanhuai will come over later.”

Xu Qi’an looked around, turning to Aunt, whose oval face had become increasingly beautiful after taking the beauty pills, “Where are Second Uncle and Er’lang?”

The end of their shifts was at the beginning of the Shen hour, several hours ago.

Aunt didn’t care about her son and husband, continuing to arrange her beloved potted plants as she casually responded:

“They should be out socializing.”

Whether it was Er’lang or Xu Pingzhi, the higher their official positions and status, the more dinner parties they had.

Aunt felt that as long as her son and husband weren’t hanging around teaching houses or brothels, she couldn’t be bothered to meddle.

Of course, lower-class brothels were also forbidden, but their class was too low – how could Xu family men possibly go to such low-end places for debauchery? So it wasn’t within Aunt’s realm of consideration.

Just as uncle and nephew were talking, Second Uncle returned.

Second Uncle wore the light armor of the Imperial Blade Guards with a sword at his waist, his steps accompanied by the clinking of armor plates. One hand rested on his sword while the other held a bag of oiled paper.

“Oh, it’s been a while since we’ve had green tangerines.”

Aunt was long used to this, saying: “Later we’ll make soup for Ling’yin, it helps digestion and appetite.”

Second Uncle nodded, seeing his nephew eyeing the green tangerines in his hand askance. Second Uncle felt nothing inside, even a bit disdainful, saying:

“Want some too, Ning Yan? Fine, I’ll have your aunt prepare a bowl for you later.”

Xu Qi’an, who wasn’t innocent himself, silently turned his head away.

“Mother, I’m hungry!”

At this moment, Xu Ling’yin ran in happily with Bai Ji perched on her head, but her cheerful steps suddenly halted when she saw the green tangerines on the table from afar.

She showed a vigilant expression as if facing a great enemy.

“Hungry? Have a green tangerine to tide you over.”

Second Uncle hurriedly peeled a tangerine for his daughter, spraying juice everywhere, stimulating the senses of Aunt and the women in the room.

“Who uses green tangerines to tide over hunger!”

Xu Qi’an thought to himself, Uncle, please act like a human being.

Second Uncle hadn’t intended to let his daughter eat it, having achieved his goal. He immediately nodded and said:

“Then let’s throw it away.”

Throw it away… Xu Ling’yin silently took the tangerine, put it in her mouth, and swallowed with a grimacing expression.

Just as she had finally finished that tangerine, Er’lang returned, carrying a bag of green tangerines.

“Are these tangerines really that good?”

Ji Bai’qing stared at the tangerines in Er’lang’s hand, confusion in her eyes.

If she remembered correctly, Yuanhuai had been buying green tangerines every day recently, and eating them all without leaving any.

Ji Bai’qing hadn’t paid much attention before, but seeing Xu Pingzhi and Xu Xinnian bringing back tangerines one after another today made her wonder.

Aunt and Lingyue were long used to it, the former saying:

“Green tangerines are medicinal, not very tasty, but good for health.”

This was the concept the three Xu men had instilled in Aunt.

Er’lang stuffed the bag of tangerines into his young sister’s arms, instructing:

“Remember to finish them.”

Then he sat down at the table, accepting the hot tea Lu’e handed him to moisten his throat.

The little bean looked at the bag of tangerines on the table and the bag in her arms, raising her delicate brows with a serious expression.

Her record was eating three bags of tangerines; she had weathered great storms.

Currently only two bags, still… still okay…

Besides, she had Master and Bai Ji to help her eat them.

Ji Bai’qing looked toward the hall entrance, suddenly smiling, “Yuanhuai is back.”

Outside the hall, on the small path paved with blue stones, Xu Yuanhuai wore his Night Watchman uniform with a bronze gong on his chest and regulation sword at his waist, his left hand carrying a bag of green tangerines…

Stepping into the inner hall, Yuanhuai suddenly realized everyone was staring at the bag of tangerines in his hand with strange expressions.

Did Ning Yan tell Yuanhuai about the tangerines’ use? Second Uncle showed a look of enlightenment, feeling genuinely gratified.

He felt the Xu family’s younger generation had received his legacy.

Big brother, this fool, spreading secrets carelessly, what if it’s exposed? Pah, a crude warrior… Er’lang’s thoughts were more delicate.

He was unwilling to teach such “secret methods” to his adopted cousin.

Why do I feel everyone’s looks are strange… Xu Yuanhuai couldn’t help but pause.

Then he noticed the Second Branch’s young sister holding a bag of tangerines, staring straight at his tangerines with tears welling up.

She wants to eat them… Xu Yuanhuai’s heart moved, and he forced what he thought was a friendly smile, then stuffed the tangerines into the little bean’s arms.

“Waaah…”

The Xu family’s dinner began with Xu Ling’yin’s wailing.

…

Late at night, after Xu Qi’an and Lin’an finished dual cultivation, he unusually felt somewhat sleepy and was eager to sleep.

For an expert of his level, sleep had long been optional.

A martial artist’s danger warning? No, it’s a national fate warning!!

Xu Qi’an immediately grasped the key point. National fate warnings had happened before, when the Supervisory Official was sealed and Great Zhou faced an extinction crisis, national fate had warned him.

Without hesitation, Xu Qi’an immediately followed his instinct and fell into a deep sleep.

In the endless darkness, he saw a great sun rising in the west, illuminating the world and dispelling darkness.

In the northeast direction, heavy dark clouds obscured the sky, rolling layer upon layer, gathering to form a human face that gazed down at the earth coldly and without emotion.

In the distant south, a pair of blood-red eyes gazed toward the north across thousands of mountains and rivers.

South of the south, in an even more distant place, twisted shadows writhed, their specific forms indiscernible.

The dream suddenly shattered, and Xu Qi’an sat up, cold sweat soaking his sleepwear as he gasped for breath like someone deprived of oxygen.