Cultivating Immortality, Starts with Green Plum

Chapter 649 Divine Tree Ritual
Xu Ming left the royal palace of the Snow Kingdom.

This meeting with the Empress of the Snow Kingdom went much more smoothly than Xu Ming had imagined.

Xu Ming had initially thought that this empress would have a rather eccentric personality and be difficult to communicate with.

But that's not the case.

And fortunately.

This empress also intended to lead the Snow Kingdom to fight against the Upper Realm.

This empress also did not want the Snow Kingdom to become nourishment for the upper realm.

In Xu Ming's view, this is definitely a good thing.

Although the current empress does not want to cooperate with others.

But regardless, this is at least much better than those sects that don't even have the will to resist.

The Snow Country at least has a solid foundation, but most people don't even have that.

The Empress of the Snow Kingdom also invited Xu Ming to attend the upcoming Sacred Tree Festival.

Xu Ming had heard of this sacred tree festival.

The so-called sacred tree festival, as the name suggests, is a festival held for a sacred tree.

This sacred tree is said to have existed since the moment the Snow Kingdom was born.

This forest of sacred trees has protected the Snow Kingdom for generations.

Therefore, every six months, the Snow Kingdom holds a grand ceremony for this sacred tree to thank it for its protection and blessing over the years.

However, I heard that this year's Sacred Tree Festival in the Snow Kingdom is somewhat different from previous years.

It seems that this festival in the Snow Kingdom is not just about worshipping the sacred tree.

It was also to find a husband for the princess of the Snow Kingdom.

The princess of the Snow Kingdom is now quite old.

Furthermore, people in the Snow Kingdom marry relatively early, and they place great importance on the issue of inheritance.

So for now.

The Snow Kingdom is indeed choosing a prince consort.

But as for which prince consort to choose...

I heard that they also rely on the sacred tree to make their choices.

Furthermore, Xu Ming had also vaguely heard some rumors.

When the princess of the Snow Kingdom chose her husband, she also wanted to use the power of the divine tree to completely sever the connection between herself and Lin Xingluo.

Xu Ming didn't know what to say about this.

It can only be said that the Snow Kingdom is indeed very anxious, wanting to sever the connection between its princess and her sisters, and not wanting them to affect the Snow Kingdom's next empress.

To be honest, Xu Ming is now a little worried about whether he should let Lin Xingluo participate in this sacred tree festival.

If something were to happen and Lin Xingluo's identity were exposed, then she would be truly doomed.

However, it wouldn't be good to let Lin Xingluo leave alone.

If something happens and Lin Xingluo's identity is discovered, she will be in great danger without her own protection.

"Alright, let Lin Xingluo stay in the inn for now. Don't let her go out during this time, in case anything unexpected happens."

Xu Ming thought to himself.

After returning to the inn, Xu Ming told Lin Xingluo about his experiences in the Snow Kingdom's palace and his conversation with the empress.

When Xu Ming told Lin Xingluo everything about his conversation with the Empress of the Snow Kingdom, Lin Xingluo lowered her eyelids slightly.

Xu Ming could hear a hint of disappointment in her tone: "Xu Ming, that empress from the Snow Kingdom, she didn't mention me, did she?"

"..."

Seeing Lin Xingluo looking so heartbroken.

Xu Ming knew perfectly well what Lin Xingluo was thinking.

No matter how.

The empress of the Snow Kingdom is also Lin Xingluo's biological mother.

Although Lin Xingluo repeatedly stated that she didn't care about this mother.

But is that really what he was thinking?
That's really not necessarily true.

Regardless, this empress of the Snow Kingdom is Lin Xingluo's mother.

"When she met me, we didn't have much time together, and we were talking about people the whole time. So I think the Empress of the Snow Kingdom probably didn't know you were with me, so she definitely didn't mention you. That's understandable."

Xu Ming comforted Lin Xinmo.

As for whether that's actually the case.

Actually, it's uncertain whether Lin Xingluo and Xu Mingxin are involved.

Because no matter what.

The Snow Country has its own intelligence network.

Moreover, Lin Xingluo is indeed quite important to the Snow Kingdom.

Therefore, the Snow Kingdom should have someone specifically monitoring Lin Xingluo's affairs and reporting back to her.

Not to mention that so much time has passed since that auction.

The fact that Lin Xing had fallen into Xu Ming's hands and become his maid must have been known to others by now.

So one possibility is that the empress deliberately didn't ask.

Or perhaps, deep down, she doesn't actually care about Lin Xingluo at all.

"I was just asking casually, it's alright, young master."

Lin Xingluo raised her head, smiled, and shook her head.

But looking at this girl's forced smile...

Xu Ming did feel a little reluctant.

Xu Ming wanted to comfort this young girl.

But for a moment, I didn't know how to start the conversation.

Finally, Lin Xingluo spoke first and asked the question.

"Young master, are you going to attend the Sacred Tree Festival in the Snow Kingdom?"

"Yes, since we're already here, we should participate in their festival and offer our congratulations."

Moreover, I think that in the heart of the Empress of the Snow Kingdom...

She was not entirely disappointed with the other forces in the world.

Maybe I can persuade her again.

Even if I can't persuade her anymore, at least I'll see if I can reach some kind of superficial agreement with him.

After all, our Wu Kingdom has a pretty good reputation.

Not to mention all the things that have happened in the Wu Kingdom recently.

Presumably, this empress will trust our Wu Kingdom.

"Yes, Xingluo will do whatever you say, Young Master. Xingluo will accompany you wherever you want to do."

Lin Xinglu smiled slightly.

"But young master, can Xingnuo ask you for a favor?"

"whats the matter?"

"Xingluo wants to attend the Divine Tree Festival. Could you take me with you, young master?"

"..."

Hearing Lin Xingluo's request, Xu Ming was indeed in a bit of a dilemma.

"Xingluo, you know your own identity. What if you are exposed in the Snow Kingdom and your family finds out?"

This is actually quite dangerous for you, and you should be aware of that yourself.

"Xingluo is naturally aware of this."

Lin Xinglu nodded somewhat.

"But sir, I wish to see my biological sister and my mother. Although I haven't seen them for a long time, my memories of them have become almost completely blurred."

But I know that after this, it is very likely that I will not come to the Land of Snow for a long time to come.

So I just want to take a look.

"Don't worry, young master, I definitely won't wander around, and I certainly won't cause you any trouble."

"This isn't about causing trouble or not."

Xu Ming sighed.

To be honest, Xu Ming really wanted to reject Lin Xingluo at that moment.

But looking at Lin Xingluo's current appearance...

Xu Ming felt that it wouldn't be good to refuse.

"Fine, since that's the case, then you can come with me to the festival."
But I have to tell you.
You must stay by my side, you absolutely cannot leave my side even for a moment, and you cannot reveal your identity, nor can you say a single extra word, understand?

Lin Xingluo's eyes lit up with joy: "Thank you, young master."

Another ten days or so passed.

Over the course of these ten-odd days, Xu Ming led Lin Xingluo on a tour of the capital city of the Snow Kingdom.

The Land of Snow does indeed have many unique features.

Since Xu Ming had nothing to do during this period of time, he simply wandered around with Lin Xingluo, treating it as a vacation to relax.

Similarly, Xu Ming was also gathering information about the Snow Kingdom in the area.

And because the Sacred Tree Festival is approaching.

Therefore, in this place, the capital of the Snow Kingdom, many shops and inns are decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations to celebrate the arrival of this grand event.

However, the way the Snow Kingdom decorates with lanterns and colorful decorations is quite different from that of ordinary human dynasties.

The Snow Kingdom celebrates by hanging green leaves from its rooftops.

According to Xu Ming's understanding.

Xu Mingcai then realized that green leaves symbolize new life.

In a snowy and icy place like the Land of Snow, even green leaves are extremely precious.

Therefore, most people would hang green leaves to seek the blessings of the sacred tree.

Before long, the day of the festival arrived.

In the royal palace of the Snow Kingdom, a maid came to Xu Ming's inn and knocked on Xu Ming's door.

This maid is to take Xu Ming to the Snow Kingdom's festival.

Previously, Xu Ming had been thinking about how the empress of the Snow Kingdom could find him.

But now I realize I was overthinking it.

In the past few days, the empress has probably figured out where she lives.

Xu Ming, with Lin Xingluo wearing a veil, left the inn and headed towards the palace.

When Lin Xingluo saw this palace, her eyes were somewhat dazed.

Because Lin Xingluo actually lived in this palace for a period of time.

Lin Xingluo was not taken away directly by her father.

Before Lin Xingluo left the Snow Kingdom's palace, she lived in this place with her sisters for a period of time.

Because at that time, the elders of the Snow Kingdom wanted to choose one of the two sisters as the most suitable child to be the saintess and keep her.

The person who was finally chosen was Bai Xue.

The other person is to be eliminated.

However, under these circumstances, Lin Xingluo's mother and father worked together to bring their daughter out of the Snow Kingdom and save her life.

Xu Ming glanced at Lin Xingluo.

A hint of reminiscence flickered in her eyes.

Perhaps in Lin Xingluo's heart, this place also holds some beautiful memories of her childhood.

Not long after, Xu Ming was led by this maid to a large square in the north of the palace.

Rather than calling it a square, this place is more like a huge lake.

The entire lake was covered with a thick layer of ice.

In the center of this huge lake stands a very thick tree.

This tree looks like a willow tree.

However, this willow tree did not have tender green branches.

Its branches and leaves are translucent green.

This willow tree is as translucent as if it were carved from jade.

But when a gust of wind blew by, his branches and leaves were still able to sway.

Moreover, when the leaves collide with each other, they make a sound like jade clashing, which is very crisp and pleasant to the ear.

Hundreds of floor-standing tables were placed on the ice.

The maid led Xu Ming to a floor table where he sat down.

Lin Xingluo knelt respectfully beside Xu Ming.

Xu Ming discovered that he had arrived at this place relatively early.

Other officials and guests arrived one after another after Xu Ming.

Xu Ming sat on the ice and said nothing, calmly watching the officials and distinguished guests who came in.

Xu Ming definitely didn't recognize any of these people.

Finally, after most of the guests and officials had taken their seats...

Everyone started chatting one after another.

Several officials next to Xu Ming also went to ask him about his background.

The other party was also startled when they heard Xu Ming's name.

There was a sense of admiration in their eyes, as if they had long admired his reputation.

It was only then that Xu Ming realized that he was indeed quite famous.

Even in the Land of Snow, there is a place where most people know their own names.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

As a palace maid shouted, everyone stood up at the same time and bowed to the only intersection they had come from.

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

Almost everyone shouted in unison.

The Empress of the Snow Kingdom wore a long white dress.

She walked step by step toward the very front of the frozen lake.

Beside this empress was a woman dressed in a long dress.

This woman's appearance is about 9% similar to Lin Xingluo's.

The only difference was that their hair colors were different.

Xu Ming glanced at Lin Xingluo beside him.

At this moment, Lin Xingluo's eyes trembled as she looked at her only two relatives in this world.

They walked forward step by step until they reached the very front of the frozen lake, then turned around and said, "Please rise, everyone, there's no need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The crowd shouted in unison again, all straightening their backs.

"We are very grateful to everyone for coming to our Snow Kingdom's Sacred Tree Festival this time."

After the Snow Kingdom Empress exchanged a few polite words, Xu Ming and the others returned to their seats and listened to her speak.

"This year's Sacred Tree Festival is different from previous ones."

(End of this chapter)