Early in the morning, Bai Ruxue returned to Stone Bridge Village from Tianxuan Sect.

Having reached the Nascent Soul realm, Bai Ruxue naturally possessed the ability to shrink distances. Although Tianxuan Sect was thousands of miles away from Stone Bridge Village, the round trip only took half an hour.

However, caring for Xiao Mo during the day and going to Tianxuan Sect's library pavilion at night to read books, day and night without rest for several months continuously.

Combined with Xiao Mo's approaching end drawing ever nearer, Bai Ruxue's heart grew increasingly anxious.

Under this mental and physical exhaustion, Bai Ruxue had already become somewhat haggard.

Just as Bai Ruxue entered the courtyard and was about to prepare breakfast for Xiao Mo, the master bedroom door opened and Xiao Mo walked out.

"Xiao Mo, you got up so early today."

Bai Ruxue tucked the hair by her ear and smiled.

Although Bai Ruxue had previously called Xiao Mo "husband," that was in a moment of deep emotion.

Afterward, Bai Ruxue felt quite shy. Calling Xiao Mo husband before they were properly married seemed too immodest.

Moreover, Bai Ruxue didn't want people to say behind their backs, "Already addressing each other as husband and wife before marriage, how improper is Mr. Xiao's unwed wife."

So Bai Ruxue changed how she addressed him.

Bai Ruxue didn't mind what others said about herself, but she disliked people speaking ill of Xiao Mo.

Besides, it would be the same when she properly married him in the future.

"I couldn't sleep well these past couple of days. Rather than lying stiffly in bed, I thought I'd get some fresh air in the courtyard and move around a bit," Xiao Mo said with a smile.

Bai Ruxue stepped forward and helped Xiao Mo sit in the courtyard, "Then Xiao Mo, you sit for a moment while I go heat water for you to wash up."

"Thank you," Xiao Mo nodded.

Bai Ruxue smiled gently, "Between the two of us, why be so formal?"

Xiao Mo was momentarily stunned, then smiled, "You're right."

"Wait a moment."

Bai Ruxue entered the kitchen, skillfully lighting the fire and heating water. After serving Xiao Mo with his washing, she went to the kitchen to cook.

Before long, Little Green woke up and after greeting Big Brother Xiao, went to wash and hang clothes.

Watching the two sisters working in the courtyard, especially looking at that graceful figure in the kitchen, Xiao Mo lowered his aged eyes, as if thinking about how to proceed with what came next.

Soon, Bai Ruxue brought out the porridge, along with steamed buns and pickled vegetables, while Little Green washed chopsticks for Xiao Mo.

As the three of them ate breakfast while chatting about interesting village happenings, Xiao Mo finished the porridge in his bowl and smiled at the two sisters, "I have something I want to give to you two."

"Big Brother Xiao, what is it?" Little Green became interested and asked curiously.

"Wait a moment."

Xiao Mo got up and went into his room.

When he came out, he held a scroll painting in his hands.

The scroll unrolled to reveal rivers and lakes painted upon it.

"Big Brother Xiao, this is..."

Little Green looked at this magnificent and imposing scroll, feeling very shocked.

"This is a River Journey Map I created for you both."

Xiao Mo patiently explained to them.

"Journey through rivers to transform into flood dragons, enter the sea to become potential dragons. I've heard this is a necessary part of your cultivation.

Over these years, while improving water conservancy, I've consulted Qi Kingdom's river maps and local records, and often conducted field inspections.

Finally, I've chosen this route.

When you two journey through the rivers, use Ganyue Lake as the entry point, then enter Siming Lake, proceed along Chunsong River, pass through Luo River and Yunya River, and finally enter the North Sea.

I've made arrangements for you along the entire route.

When you travel this path, you'll face minimal resistance, and the water conservancy projects I've built can also prevent flood disasters, minimizing impact on the people and reducing the karmic consequences of your tribulation."

"But Big Brother Xiao, I'm only at the early Golden Core realm, I don't need to journey through rivers yet. The one who needs to journey through rivers is..."

Halfway through speaking, Little Green seemed to understand something and turned to look at her sister.

Bai Ruxue lowered her head, her small hands beneath the table tightly gripping the hem of her dress.

Little Green understood Big Brother Xiao's meaning.

Her own realm wasn't there yet, so currently speaking, this River Journey Map was for her sister to use first.

Xiao Mo said nothing more but raised his head and looked at Bai Ruxue calmly, waiting for her answer.

"I won't go!"

After a long while, the woman raised her head, her eyes wavering as she looked at Xiao Mo.

"Ruxue, quite a few of the counties and prefectures where these rivers and lakes are located have my students. They will give you some convenience out of respect for this old fellow.

Moreover, your realm is sufficient now.

The timing, location, and people are all favorable.

This kind of opportunity is rare," Xiao Mo persuaded.

"I still won't go!" the woman said stubbornly. "If I leave, what will become of you?"

"Little Green can take care of me first," Xiao Mo said gently. "I can wait for you to return from your river journey and tribulation."

"But Xiao Mo..." Tears gradually slid from the corners of Bai Ruxue's eyes. "Even if I return from the river journey, how much time would you have left?"

"..."

Xiao Mo fell into silence.

"Ruxue, listen to me..."

"I won't listen, I won't listen!"

As if afraid that Xiao Mo would convince her, Bai Ruxue covered her ears and ran out of the courtyard, flying toward the distance.

"Sister..." Little Green called from the courtyard.

"Big Brother Xiao, I... I'll go chase after sister," Little Green said worriedly.

"No need," Xiao Mo shook his head. "Don't worry, your sister will be fine. She probably went to Tianxuan Sect."

"Eh?" Little Green was stunned, "Big Brother Xiao, you..."

"I've known all along. Your sister goes every night to read through various ancient texts, searching for methods to extend my life."

Xiao Mo smiled.

"It's alright. Your sister will definitely go transform into a dragon through the river journey this time."

Xiao Mo stood up and patted Little Green, "Little Green, your sister will need you to take extra care of her from now on."

"Big Brother Xiao, you... what are you planning to do..."

Little Green had a bad premonition in her heart.

Xiao Mo only smiled slightly, raised his head to look at the vast sky, and remained silent.

"There must be a way!"

"There must be a way!"

Bai Ruxue flew to Tianxuan Sect, wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes as she walked, and hurriedly entered Tianxuan Sect's library pavilion.

It wasn't that she hadn't directly asked Elder Fuchen whether there were methods to extend a mortal's life but Fuchen remained silent, only giving Bai Ruxue a token that allowed her to enter Tianxuan Sect's library pavilion to search on her own.

During this time, Bai Ruxue had asked the elderly woman who managed the library pavilion, read many books, and found quite a few life-extending methods, but none were suitable for Xiao Mo.

"Where is it?"

"So many books! How could there possibly be no method suitable for extending Xiao Mo's life?"

"Where exactly is it?"

This day, Bai Ruxue was more anxious than usual.

She continuously flipped through book after book.

Finally, in the most remote corner of a third-floor bookshelf, she saw a yellowed ancient text.

At first, Bai Ruxue didn't pay much attention to this book, only quickly flipping through it but when she reached a certain page, her eyes suddenly froze.

"Dragon Thunder Liquid, legend says that when the snake clan journeys through rivers to transform into flood dragons and enters the sea, it can be obtained through lightning tribulation. Cultivators who obtain this can purify their spiritual roots, and mortals who obtain this can extend their years and prolong life."