Chapter 18: Selina

I hear humming coming from the front of the manor.

I feel a wave of happiness.

That humming means my great-grandfather has come home. He always hums whenever he’s around, even during important sect meetings.

To be precise, my great-grandfather is the retired Grand Elder of our sect, The Immortal Sect, while my grandfather is the current Grand Elder. That’s why he’s allowed to hum as he pleases. My father is the Sect Leader, and I’m his daughter. My father had me when he was 70, and my great-grandfather is probably around 250 years old.

You might think having a child at 70 is too old, but it’s not uncommon here. Some have their first child at 100 or even 120.

Our sect, The Immortal Sect, is the largest and most powerful sect, thanks to my great-grandfather. He was the one who unlocked most of the secrets of the Tablet of Immortality when we first arrived in this place.

I’ve heard countless stories about my great-grandfather’s strength and fierceness, but to me, he’s always been the caring old man that a grandfather should be. It’s hard to believe he was ever as fierce as the stories say, especially with his gentle, harmless appearance.

Whenever he returns, it’s a cause for celebration. The last time he visited was five years ago. How time flies.

“Great-grandpa!” I call out, running eagerly to the front gate of the manor.

I push open the door and see him sitting on the steps, still humming. I rush over and hug him from behind.

“You’re still as energetic as when you were five, Selina,” he says with a warm smile, wrapping his arms around me.

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“Do you remember what I told you back then?” he asks.

“Yes, you told me to ask you one question, but only when you came back.”

My great-grandfather is the wisest and most powerful cultivator I know. He was the first to decipher part of the Tablet of Immortality, which greatly increased his influence and strength.

Most people in the manor can’t answer the question I have. I’ve tried asking my father and grandfather, but they always tell me to wait for great-grandpa.

“Well, you can ask me now,” he says.

“Who is the woman on the jade monument in the yard? Is she your old wife?” I point to the jade monument surrounded by bamboo.

I’ve always wondered about the woman on that monument, especially since I’ve never met my great-grandmother. I’ve been guessing it might be her.

“Are you sure you want to use your question on this?” he asks. “I could answer a question about your cultivation instead.”

“No, I want to know who she is.”

“Well...” he says with a thoughtful look. “The younger generation probably doesn’t know about her. Among the older generation, there are many rumors. Some believe she’s a true immortal, others think she’s an omnipotent God. But neither of these rumors is true...”

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“If none of that is true, then who is she?” I ask.

He smiles and pats my head gently. “Let’s not meddle in affairs we’re not supposed to. Some things are better left unexplained.”

He walks inside to greet the rest of the family, leaving me with more questions.

Great-grandpa, giving me an answer like that only makes me more curious. If she’s not an immortal or a god, then what is she? Something even greater?