Shen Yu's words didn't surprise the two ladies as they already had began to form some hypothesis. Considering the nature of The Devourer, it would be highly possible that Qing Yicheng would fall for it.
Li Xiaojing sipped her teeth, deep in thought and asked.
"But what would he gain and what is he planning to give—"
Suddenly, her words choked on her mouth as realisation dawned on her. Now, she finally understood the puzzle she had been trying to solve for years.
Just like her, Qing Zhiyan also figured it out and couldn't help but sign. She rubbed the bride of her nose and asked.
"He planned to sacrifice me?"
Shen Yu nodded.
"Yeah. The Devourer must have detected your special constitution and wanted to devour it. But it very weak how and even if it were in its prime, it would be very hard to actually devour Eyes of Heaven. They belong to the Heavens and everything related to the Heavens are nasty fucks."
Sighing, Qing Zhiyan speculated.
"Because of that, the Devourer asked the Emperor to keep me alive and when it has recovered enough, perfom a Ritual. With that ritual, it would be able to devour me, am I right?"
Shen Yu chuckled softly.
"Smart as always. Yes, that is why you were never able to see a future where you were alive. The moment you came in contact with that tree, your future was already decided. Even if you somehow managed to avoid the Emperor and Major Sects, The Devourer wouldn't let you escape."
The courtyard returned the serene silence once again. They pondered over the new issue, which they were searching for years.
Li Xiaojing sighed and took a hold of Qing Zhiyan's hand.
"I'm sorry, dear. If only I had not taken you to see the tree, everything would have been fine."
Qing Zhiyan shook and tried to console her mother.
"Mom..."
However, Shen Yu interrupted them.
"We're talking about the Devourer here. Even if you had not brought her there, it would have eventually found her. The Eyes of Heaven are one of the most powerful thing one can have, after all."
He smiled and continued.
"So, what you should be worried is the future and make some plans."
Li Xiaojing wiped the tears forming on the corners of her eyes and asked in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
Shen Yu flashed a grin at her and nodded.
"Yup, right there. There are some minor plans for this but it's fine. Anyway, I'll be off."
Qing Zhiyan stood up and stopped him by holding his hand.
"Can I also come?"
Taking a hold of her hand, Shen Yu replied.
"You have other tasks, right?"
Releasing a heavy sigh, Qing Zhiyan nodded.
"Don't worry, Master. I'll complete all of those tasks."
He smiled and gave a light kiss on her forehead and then patted her head.
"Take care of yourself and if you need anything, just call me and I would be there for you, okay?"
Li Xiaojing also came seeing how he was petting Qing Zhiyan and put her head forward.
"I will also miss you."
Shen Yu began laughing and patted her head with his other hand. Suddenly, a pair of fluffy popped out on her hand along with a long purple tail.
The tail danced behind her as the ears twitched. Shen Yu shook his head and continued rubbing their head, which seemed to provide great pleasure to both of them.
After some time, he withdrew and said.
"Alright, I'm off. Take care of yourself properly. You are now a part of Divine Harem Sect, after all."
The paid of mother and daughter nodded hurriedly. Seeing their actions, Shen Yu had an urge to spend a few more days with them but he had work to do.
So, he reluctantly stepped back and disappeared. His destination only known to him.
Li Xiaojing looked at the empty spot as he ears and tail slowly dispersed in the air as if they were never there.
"I hope this wasn't a dream we created just to satisfy our desires."
"Does that mean, mom always wanted to share my husband with her?"
"You naughty rascal!"
"Haha!"