“My little master-uncle once told me that whether human, immortal, or demon, everyone lives only one lifetime. Regardless of its length, everyone makes mistakes. By giving others a second chance, this world holds a little less regret.”
Qing Yi lowered his gaze to look at Bai Shuo. “I believe that a boy you were willing to leave behind mortal glory for, a boy you would accompany through life and death, cannot be an evil person. So I am willing to give him this chance.”
Bai Shuo’s eyes reddened, and her throat felt tight; for a moment, she couldn’t speak.
For many years, she and Chong Zhao had distanced themselves from the mortal world and entered the vast world of immortals, enduring ridicule and unfairness. Along the way, she had perfected the art of masking her true self, playing the fool, all just to keep Chong Zhao safe. That was her debt to him.
In her heart, what was this grand immortal realm, this Celestial Palace, compared to the mortal realm? It held the same struggles, ambition, and intrigues. Only now did she truly understand that what the old sayings called the eternal Dao and heavenly justice could be real.
Somewhere in this world, there was a mountain called Daze, and the people on it could indeed uphold such ideals.
“Enough of that. The grand ceremony is soon, and Celestial Seat Jin Yao will call him to the Celestial Palace to personally impart his spirit. He is no longer that weak youth; you should tell him the truth. These old mortal matters are no longer things he needs to carry in his heart.”
Qing Yi smiled, patting her shoulder before turning and entering Jiu Hua Pavilion.
Bai Shuo nodded vigorously, feeling words would fall short, so she left them unsaid.
Bai Shuo exhaled deeply, her gaze drifting to a corner of the nearby Carefree Pavilion. She had originally thought the one waiting to reprimand her in Jiu Hua Pavilion would be…him.
She had seen Chong Zhao, teased the blacksmith and the little fox, but that person, so close by, she dared not approach.
She had come all this way to Phoenix Island, not only out of concern for Chong Zhao’s safety but because she wanted to ask that person a question.
Was her little disciple still there?
He was gone, she knew. If Mu Mu were still around, seeing the cup of spirit tea brewed from Jade Lake’s waters, he would have come to find her by now.
Her face took on a lonely expression, a delayed sadness welling up until she almost felt like crying.
Suddenly, a faint sensation stirred at her spiritual center, a warmth spreading outward. Confused, she touched the spot and noticed the long-absent mark of the Dark Moon flash briefly.
Could it be…?
A spark of realization shot through her. How could she have forgotten?
She and the great demon had formed a soul contract. As long as he was refining the Bodhi Wood, she should be able to sense him. That night on Miao Miao Island, her spiritual blood had inadvertently interrupted Fan Yue’s refining of the Bodhi Wood and summoned him. That was how he had become Mu Mu!
If she tried the same thing again, would Mu Mu return?
Without hesitation, Bai Shuo cut her palm and pressed it to her forehead.
In a nearby pavilion on Phoenix Island, Nan Wan stood by the window, frowning, as Shou An hurried in and whispered a few words in his ear.
“What? Are you certain?”
“It’s true. I personally went to Miao Miao and used an illusion spell to question a few disciples. I found that on the night the Ziwei Star was attacked, Chong Zhao happened to leave the Eastern Sea and returned with injuries. Do you remember the Celestial Palace’s secret order? The immortal who attempted to assassinate Ziwei Star was aided by a demon. I saw it myself in the stone hall of Foreign City—he wore protective demon armor.”
“He dared to assassinate the Ziwei Star, disturbing the mortal realm’s fate? He is nothing but a lackey of the demon clan!” Nan Wan seethed in fury. “I will report this matter to our master immediately!”
Nan Wan left in a rush, while an odd smile appeared on Shou An’s face. A flash of light, and Fu Ling appeared, back in her true form.
“Fool.” Fu Ling smirked, casting a glance toward the direction of Songhe Courtyard. “Chong Zhao, Chong Zhao, you always say that the Immortal and Demon Clans are worlds apart. I’m curious—when the world finally sees you as a demon, what will you do?”
Inside the main hall of Carefree Pavilion, candle flames flickered as Fan Yue sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, meditating. A bodhi heart flame floated above him, slowly transforming into a beam of spiritual light that entered the seven-pointed star array on his chest.
With the Phoenix Emperor’s divine power nurturing it, the bodhi wood was full of pure spiritual energy, and refining it was proving effortless for Fan Yue.
Just as the final wisp of light settled over his chest, the bodhi wood flashed and suddenly fell to the ground with a soft thud.
Interrupted once again, Fan Yue’s face changed, a sharp pain piercing his head. He pressed his fingers to his temple, a flicker of struggle appearing in his eyes.
At that moment, something fell from above, landing right on top of him.
0 Comments