Douluo Continent: Divine Oracle Young General, Qian Renxue, please have some self-respect.

This is Qian Renxue's secret that no one knows.

On the surface, Xue Qinghe's relationship with the Oracle General seems unremarkable to the Empire.

But no one knew that, behind a different facade, she was one of the few close friends that General Jiang Ci could confide in.

She meets Jiang Ci by chance, using the alias Xueqian and her identity as a daughter unknown to outsiders.

This led to a connection between the two.

And through their subsequent interactions, they grew closer and developed into the close friends they are today.

It was during this process that Qian Renxue learned a lot about things that didn't belong to the Divine Oracle General, but to Jiang Ci.

Therefore, even though she was aware of Xue Xing's plans, she remained completely unconcerned.

Because Qian Renxue knew all too well that the young man in front of her and that guy were never on the same path.

She removed the smell of alcohol from the banquet, shed her disguise, and changed into a simple dress to keep the appointment.

Qian Renxue had been looking forward to this moment for a long time.

In this foreign land, this was a rare opportunity for her to be herself again.

"It is truly an honor for me, that the esteemed Young General of Divine Oracles would take the time to keep my appointment after His Majesty's victory celebration banquet."

"Such an honor is probably hard to find even in the entire Heaven Dou Empire."

Qian Renxue poured him a cup of tea with steaming white mist, and teased him in a friendly, playful tone.

However, this is indeed the case.

The eccentric Oracle General is someone that even the most powerful officials in the court would likely be unable to arrange a meeting with.

"Since we made the promise of a triumphant return, we will not forget it."

Jiang Ci took a sip of tea and said calmly.

He doesn't have many good qualities, but keeping his promises is one of them.

Qian Renxue smiled.

She knew that Jiang Ci did keep his promises, but there weren't many people who could make him make such a promise.

"In that case, I naturally cannot break my promise."

Qian Renxue took out the wooden box that was placed beside her.

The precious sandalwood box is inlaid with intricate gemstones, which gleam under the light.

"The promised gift for the triumphant return."

Jiang Ci opened the wooden box.

Inside was a small pendant.

With Jiang Ci's discerning eye, he could tell at a glance that its material was extraordinary.

It is made from a priceless metal called Moonstone.

Wearing it on the body can nourish and soothe the body.

It is small in size and has a very familiar shape.

It was none other than a miniature version of Jiang Ci's Divine Oracle Sword.

Moon-sinking gold is not only priceless, but also extremely difficult to shape.

This small sword-shaped pendant clearly took a lot of thought and effort from Qian Renxue.

"this……"

Jiang Ci frowned.

If it were a regular gift, he would have accepted it.

But since this item was quite valuable, he was somewhat troubled.

Upon seeing this, Qian Renxue feigned displeasure.

"Does Aci not like my gift?"

"I like it, but I'm afraid it's a bit too expensive..."

"The value of a gift between friends is never important; it's the thought that counts," Qian Renxue interrupted him.

Her beautiful, golden eyes were fixed on him.

"Aci, you taught me that phrase."

"This..." Jiang Ci was speechless for a moment.

The situation back then was different from now.

Unexpectedly, Qian Renxue actually put it into practice.

"All right."

After a moment, he sighed softly and took the wooden box.

"Thank you for the gift."

Seeing that he accepted it, Qian Renxue's reproachful expression disappeared, replaced by a bright smile.

"If Aci really feels bad about it, why don't you come with me to stroll around the city tomorrow?"

"I've been cooped up at home for so long, my body feels like it's going to get moldy."

Qian Renxue asked with some anticipation.

"I'm sorry, it's probably not possible tomorrow."

Jiang Ci frowned.

He wouldn't mind accompanying Qian Renxue shopping even without the gift.

But tomorrow is a little special.

"Does Aci have something to do tomorrow?"

Qian Renxue was somewhat disappointed.

However, based on her understanding of Jiang Ci, she knew that there must be a reason why Jiang Ci refused her request, which was not unreasonable.

"Mm." Jiang Ci nodded slightly.

This rising star in the military, a young general who could manipulate events in the imperial court, showed a rare look of sadness on his face at this moment.

"Tomorrow is the anniversary of my grandfather's death, and I'm going to sweep his grave."

His voice lowered, and his eyelids drooped slightly.

He no longer possessed his usual high spirits, but instead appeared somewhat broken.

Qian Renxue's heart tightened upon seeing this.

Qian Renxue, who had thoroughly investigated Jiang Ci's background, naturally also knew something about it.

The now-renowned Young General of the Oracle was not born into a prestigious family.

He was not from a military family.

He was an orphan.

Years ago, she was found in the mountains by an elderly retired soldier who raised her.

However, the hidden injuries left by years of fighting did not allow this kind old man to stay with Jiang Ci for long.

The old man died peacefully when he was eight years old.

Jiang Ci's decision to join the Imperial military, develop his career within the military, and dedicate himself to ensuring the welfare of soldiers was largely due to this old man.

Every year on the anniversary of the old man's passing, Jiang Ci would return to his grave to sweep the tomb.

It can be said that the old man who adopted Jiang Ci was his only relative.

She was also the person who had the greatest influence on him.

If that's the case, Qian Renxue understands why Jiang Ci didn't accept her invitation.

After all, this is the Aci she envisioned.

Qian Renxue would only feel disappointed if she agreed.

Moreover, she understood Jiang Ci's feelings.

If it were her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, who had passed away, her feelings would probably be similar to Jiang Ci's.

"It's alright, your matter is more important."

"It's okay to go again next time."

"Hmm," Jiang Ci responded listlessly.

Mentioning this matter makes it really hard for him to feel good.

The two remained silent.

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Jiang Ci sullenly drank a few sips of tea.

The slightly bitter tea tasted even more bitter in my mouth, and the lingering aroma was completely lost.

a long time.

Qian Renxue finally couldn't help but whisper words of comfort:

"Aci, the deceased are gone. We can't live in the past forever; we have to look forward."

"If your grandfather is watching from heaven, he probably wouldn't want to see you so heartbroken."

Hearing Qian Renxue's words of comfort, Jiang Ci chuckled and shook his head.

"I know, but I still can't help feeling a little sad."

The tea in the refilled teacup reflected Jiang Ci's handsome face.

His mentality is certainly not that fragile.

Sometimes I just feel that time can heal all wounds.

But I later realized that some things don't disappear with time; instead, they stay rooted in your heart.

On ordinary days, it might not seem like much, but when this day arrives, long-forgotten memories are stirred up again, and emotions become hard to suppress.

Separation by life and death...

Even the seasoned general, who had fought countless battles, could not completely take it lightly.

After hesitating for a moment, unable to suppress the flutter in her heart, Qian Renxue softly asked:

"Aci, can I come with you tomorrow?"

Jiang Ci paused for a moment, then nodded slightly:

"Um."