Caelus needed to find a solution that would allow him to pursue his own goals while also appropriately responding to the Star Luo Imperial Family's expectations, or... a perfect reason that would be enough to convince them and himself.
The night wind blew, carrying a chill, but it could not dispel the thoughts in Caelus's heart.
He knew he had to make a decision soon.
Inside the imperial study of the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
The soft glow of the luminous pearl filled the room, yet it could not dispel the faint trace of worry on Xu Jiawei's brow.
He put down the memorial in his hand and looked at his sister, who sat below him, her expression showing a rare mix of hesitation and determination.
"Jiu Jiu, you seem to have something on your mind?"
Xu Jiawei's voice was gentle, carrying the clarity of one who saw through everything.
Xu Jiujiu took a light breath, looked up at her brother, and in her bright eyes, quite similar to Xu Jiawei's, a complex light flickered:
"Imperial Brother, I... I want to ask for something on Caelus's behalf."
"Oh? It's about his whereabouts after graduation, isn't it?"
Xu Jiawei was not surprised, a faint smile even playing on his lips.
"You've noticed, he wants to go to Shrek?"
Xu Jiujiu nodded, her gaze somewhat distant, as if it pierced through the palace walls to see that silver-haired young man:
"After so many years together, I understand him. He has a very high Martial Soul, and deep down, he has his own opinions and goals. If we tried to keep him based on our years of affection and kindness, he might not refuse, but he... wouldn't be happy."
Her voice gradually lowered, carrying a softness that even she hadn't fully perceived:
"I don't want to make things difficult for him, and even less do I want to... confine him to this corner of Star Luo City. Fledgling eagles must leave the nest to soar through the sky."
Xu Jiawei quietly watched Xu Jiujiu, his heart already understanding.
He suddenly chuckled, with a hint of teasing and a touch of emotion:
"Jiu Jiu, are you so confident? Aren't you afraid he'll leave and never return, and Star Luo's many years of investment will be in vain?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Jiujiu's eyes instantly became firm and clear. She shook her head without hesitation:
"No, I believe in him, and even more, I believe in my judgment. He is not an ungrateful person. Everything Star Luo has given him, he keeps it in his heart. And..."
She paused, her tone becoming even softer, yet filled with immense confidence.
"Emotion is the best bond. This is what you said, Imperial Brother. As long as this friendship remains, he will always be a part of Star Luo."
Xu Jiawei looked at the trust and protectiveness almost overflowing from Xu Jiujiu's eyes. His last trace of doubt vanished, replaced by a sigh of 'I knew it'.
His sister, intelligent and decisive, had always been adept in politics, but now she was clearly deeply involved, though she herself might not have fully realized the change in her feelings.
If she were truly standing from the Imperial Family's perspective, she should be considering how to maximize benefits by binding Caelus to the Imperial Family's chariot, rather than, as she was now, standing in Caelus's position and thinking about his future.
"You..."
Xu Jiawei shook his head helplessly, but did not point it out.
He recalled his past teachings to Xu Jiujiu—emotion is the most solid and inseparable bond.
Now, Xu Jiujiu seemed to be personally putting this into practice.
As long as this emotion, which transcended mere interests, was maintained, Caelus's future would always have an unbreakable connection with Star Luo.
"Alright, I agree."
Xu Jiawei finally nodded.
"It shall be as you wish; let him go to Shrek."
His tone carried a hint of subtle regret, but more, it was the calm of something long anticipated:
"Although it's a bit of a pity, this was also within My expectations. From the first time I saw that child, I knew he was not someone we could restrain."
"His confidence beneath his respect, the light of looking down on everything hidden in his eyes... How could someone who gazes at the stars care about the height of a mountain? I just didn't expect this day to come so quickly, and that it would be My most beloved sister who personally pleaded for him."
As Xu Jiawei spoke, his gaze fell upon Xu Jiujiu's beautiful face, his tone carrying an indescribable meaning, and he chuckled lightly:
"That boy really has good methods. At such a young age, he can make My proud and never-yielding Imperial Sister fall deeply into his spell unknowingly, even willingly paving the way for him."
Xu Jiujiu was slightly startled by Xu Jiawei's words, a faint blush creeping onto her face. She instinctively wanted to retort, but when she opened her mouth, she found she had no way to argue. She could only shift her gaze away in a slight panic, her heart inexplicably skipping a beat.
Xu Jiawei took in her reaction and said no more, only sighing inwardly.
Matters of emotion are indeed profound.
Perhaps, this was the most unique and strongest bond between Caelus and Star Luo.
Since it was impossible to forcibly keep the eagle, then open the sky for him to soar, but the string must always be held in hand.
And this string, it seemed now, was tied to his precious sister.
Inside the Listening to Snow Pavilion, Caelus was preparing to leave for the Imperial Palace, having clearly sorted out his choices for the future.
Staying in Star Luo, with his current foundation and Imperial Family support, he was confident he could still climb to the peak step by step, but this process would undoubtedly be longer and more fraught with difficulties.
And time was the one thing he could least afford to waste.
As a Transmigrator, he knew very well that the tide of the era was about to rise, the Child of Luck was about to embark on his journey, and the God King's pieces would also fall.
If he could not quickly accumulate enough power to occupy a favorable position in the grand game of the future, he feared he would be passive at every step, encountering countless twists and turns.
As for the Opportunities of the Child of Luck, Huo Yuhao, whether it was the Heavenly Dream Ice Worm or Electrolux, Caelus had no intention of coveting them.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Worm required a specific Martial Soul of the mental type, and a precise chance encounter in the vast Star Dou Great Forest. He was not favored by Luck, so he could not force it.
And the Divine Sense of Electrolux, the Necromancer Saint, was even more intricately linked to the Fusion of the Heavenly Dream Ice Worm and Huo Yuhao, making the conditions even more stringent.
More importantly, Caelus had his own Dao to follow. With the Regent of Time and the Regent of Death within him, he was confident that he did not need the Heavenly Dream Ice Worm and Electrolux to be invincible in the world.
This stemmed from absolute confidence in his own strength and potential.
Just as he made up his mind and was about to find Xu Jiujiu to frankly express his thoughts, familiar footsteps came from outside the courtyard.
"Your Highness."
Grandpa Hui's respectful voice sounded, carrying a subtle smile.
Being old and shrewd, he had long regarded the frequently visiting Xu Jiujiu as the mistress of this Listening to Snow Pavilion.
Caelus looked up with some surprise and saw Xu Jiujiu's figure already appearing at the doorway, the lingering glow of the sunset bathing her in a warm aura.