Peaceful Days

 After returning to the new capital, Dustin went into seclusion for an entire month.

He had absorbed less than thirty percent of the Spirit Transformation Pill's power. The remaining seventy percent had settled within him, requiring slow refinement. The "Buzhou Immortal Scripture" also needed time to comprehend.

A month later, when he emerged from seclusion, he was an entirely different person.

His aura was restrained, appearing no different from an ordinary mortal. But occasionally, golden light would flash in his eyes, making others unable to meet his gaze. This was the mark of a Spirit Transformation powerhouse—returning to simplicity.

"Brother Dustin!" Scarlet was the first to greet him, looking him up and down. "You... you really reached Spirit Transformation?"

Dustin smiled slightly: "More or less."

"What do you mean, 'more or less'?" Scarlet said, dissatisfied. "I saw you crossing tribulation that day! Shattering heavenly thunder with one punch—that was incredible!"

Dustin laughed, rubbing her head: "That was just the beginning. The path after Spirit Transformation is still long."

Margaret also approached, looking at him with relief in her eyes: "Congratulations. With you watching over the Dragon Kingdom, I can rest easy."

Dustin shook his head: "Margaret, you're the Empress. The Dragon Kingdom's future depends on you. I'm just an idle man at most—call me if there's trouble, otherwise don't bother me."

Margaret laughed: "Alright, it's a deal."

Bai Wuhen also came to offer congratulations and ask for guidance on sword dao. With his Spirit Transformation perspective, Dustin offered a few pointers that enlightened the young man, leaving him overjoyed.

Bai Qingxue stood nearby, watching this scene with lips curved upward. She suddenly felt that being brought to that small courtyard by Xiaoxue in Black Wind Swamp was the luckiest thing in her life.

Days passed one by one. The Buzhou Mountain incident gradually faded, the new capital was rebuilt, the people lived in peace, and everything was developing in a good direction.

But Dustin knew this peace was only temporary.

The Qin family wouldn't let things go. The Yu family still had remnants. As for Montgomary Palace, though Eugene Montgomary had temporarily withdrawn, his ambitions hadn't died. And those hidden ancient clans were also watching from the shadows.

The road ahead was still long.

But he had no fear.

Because behind him were friends, loved ones, and everything worth protecting.

And in his heart, there was a sword.

---

Three months later, Dustin went into seclusion again.

This time, he would completely refine the Spirit Transformation Pill's power and truly step into the Spirit Transformation realm.

Before entering seclusion, he went to see Natasha.

They sat beneath the old scholar tree in the courtyard, sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Natasha leaned against his shoulder and asked softly: "How long will this seclusion last?"

Dustin thought for a moment: "At least several months, at most a year."

Natasha was silent for a moment, then said: "I'll wait for you."

Dustin held her hand tightly, speaking warmly: "Natasha, when I emerge, let's get married."

Natasha looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes, but her smile was radiant: "Alright."

In the seclusion chamber, Dustin sat cross-legged. He took a pill, closed his eyes, and began circulating the "Buzhou Immortal Scripture."

Within him, that overwhelming medicinal power surged like rivers, flowing through his meridians. With each circulation, the power was refined further, merging into his flesh, bones, and Nascent Soul.

Time passed, unknowable.

Perhaps months, perhaps a year. In the chamber there was no sun or moon, only eternal silence.

Finally, one day, Dustin opened his eyes.

Two beams of golden light shot from his eyes, leaving traces in the void that lingered long after. He stood, his aura restrained, returning to simplicity.

Spirit Transformation—complete!

He pushed open the chamber door, sunlight blinding. Outside, Natasha stood there, watching him quietly.

"I'm back." He said softly.

Natasha smiled, and as she smiled, tears flowed down.

Dustin stepped forward and embraced her.

...

Three months later, in the new capital.

Today was the wedding day of Dustin and Natasha.

The entire new capital was decorated with lanterns and banners, filled with celebration.

Though the common people didn't know who this "Mr. Dustin" was, hearing that even the Empress herself would attend the wedding meant he must be someone extraordinary.

At the residence, guests gathered like clouds.

Margaret, dressed simply, personally served as the officiant. She watched Dustin and Natasha bow to heaven and earth, bow to the elders, and bow to each other as husband and wife, her eyes full of warmth.

Scarlet stood in the crowd, watching this scene with a bittersweet heart, yet offering sincere blessings.

She had come to terms with it—some people were destined to be kept only in one's heart. And some people deserved her genuine blessings.

Bai Qingxue and Bai Wuhen also came. Bai Wuhen presented a wedding gift—an ice crystal short sword he had forged himself, a wedding present for Dustin. Bai Qingxue gave Natasha a phoenix crown and bridal cape she had embroidered by hand, calling it a belated gift.

Various martial sects, independent cultivator alliances, even some small hidden clans sent representatives to offer congratulations. Dustin's status as a Spirit Transformation powerhouse drew countless admirers.

Halfway through the wedding, a woman in plain clothes quietly appeared in a corner of the residence.

Dahlia watched from afar as Dustin, dressed in wedding robes with a gentle smile, stood beside Natasha, who leaned happily against him. Complex emotions flickered in her eyes.

She handed a brocade box to the doorman, unsigned, saying only "wedding gift," then turned and left.

Inside the box were a pair of mandarin ducks carved from ten-thousand-year warm jade, and a letter containing only four words—

"May you be happy."

Dustin seemed to sense something and looked toward the crowd's edge. He saw that retreating figure and paused briefly.

"What is it?" Natasha followed his gaze but saw only the bustling guests.

Dustin withdrew his gaze and held his wife closer, smiling slightly: "Nothing. Natasha, in this life, marrying you is my greatest fortune."

Natasha leaned against his shoulder and smiled with happiness.

The wedding ended, the guests departed.

Dustin and Natasha stood side by side in the courtyard, gazing at the star-filled sky.

Night deepened, stars brightened.

The two stood embracing, peaceful days ahead.

...

After the wedding, Dustin and Natasha chose a place to live in seclusion.

It was a small city with clear mountains and beautiful waters, far from worldly noise, peaceful and serene.

Dustin built a small courtyard with bamboo, flowers, and a pond. Natasha occasionally handled remote matters for Chenfei Group, but mostly she traveled the mountains with Dustin, brewing tea and discussing the Dao.

Scarlet often came for meals. She said she was visiting her sister-in-law, but her eyes couldn't help drifting toward Dustin. Gradually, though, those complicated feelings faded. She began genuinely treating Natasha as her sister-in-law, sometimes pulling her aside for girls' whispered conversations.

Margaret occasionally visited in disguise, sharing drinks with Dustin and discussing state affairs and cultivation experiences.

She had become a wise ruler, governing the Dragon Kingdom with excellent order. Each visit, she would bring palace pastries that Natasha loved.

Bai Wuhen often came to study sword dao. Dustin taught him everything, and the young man's sword path advanced rapidly. The name "Young Sword Immortal" spread throughout the world. Bai Qingxue sometimes came along. She remained cool and aloof, but unexpectedly got along well with Natasha.

One day, Dustin and Natasha stood side by side at a mountain peak, watching the sea of clouds at sunrise.

Natasha leaned against his shoulder and asked softly: "Will we always be like this?"

Dustin held her close, gazing into the distance, and smiled: "We will. In this life, I only want to grow old slowly with you."

The clouds churned, the morning sun rose. Two figures leaning together were framed in an eternal portrait of peaceful days.

In the distance, a snow-white fox peeked out, then retreated into the forest.

Behind Xiaoxue, Bai Qingxue's figure was barely visible. She gazed toward the mountain peak, smiled slightly, and turned to leave.

On the official road below the mountain, a horse galloped past.

On horseback, Scarlet reined in and looked back toward the peak, then raised her whip and rode off into the distance.

In the imperial city, Margaret finished reviewing memorials, stood up, and walked to the window, gazing far away.

She remembered those days of fighting side by side, and a smile curved her lips.

"Dustin, I wish you happiness."

She said softly, then turned back to her desk to continue handling state affairs.

Everything was developing toward the best possible direction.

– Marinien