Death was nothing unfamiliar. Everyone would experience it eventually. And yet, despite knowing this simple truth, when the moment of parting came, one could not help but grieve.
She had lived through two lifetimes—she should have been more open-minded than others. But in the end, she was not spared from sorrow.
There was no such thing as eternal love in this world.
Night had yet to fully descend, but the moon had already risen over the horizon. Having waited so long without receiving the expected news, Hong Ning felt a slight sense of relief. She finally moved, preparing to get up and return to take care of Wen Xin, to bring him his medicine.
A soft sigh came from behind her.
The voice was familiar—gentle, yet carrying a trace of worry and regret.
Hong Ning turned sharply, staring at him in a daze.
The man before her wore a richly embroidered robe with a silken sash. His gaze was warm and serene.
Hong Ning whispered, “It’s you.”
Jin Xiu smiled and extended a hand. “It’s me.”
His hand was beautiful—smooth and warm in color, clean and flawless, with long, slender fingers that exuded a quiet strength. Hong Ning hesitated, staring at it without moving. But he took the initiative, gently holding her arm and pulling her up from the stone.
She looked into his eyes. “You knew all along.”
Jin Xiu did not deny it.
Hong Ning slowly lowered her head and buried her face in his embrace.
Jin Xiu did not refuse. He gently held her in his embrace.
The warmth of his arms was comforting, making her reluctant to move away. Hong Ning remained silent for a long time before murmuring, “You really can’t save him?”
“A tribulation that is destined cannot be altered. Interfering with fate will only bring unforeseen calamities,” Jin Xiu said, raising a hand to pat her back lightly. “Have you considered asking him whether he even wants to be saved? Can’t you see? Not everyone has the chance to ascend to immortality. He is fortunate to have such an opportunity. If he were to lose it because of hesitation, would he truly be content?”
Hong Ning did not respond.
Jin Xiu continued, “As you said, the cycle of life and death and the pursuit of immortality are ultimately no different. Your master will become a ghost immortal, free from the cycle of reincarnation. There’s no need to trouble yourself over this.”
Hong Ning said, “He is my master—he is my family in this world. I don’t want him to leave so soon.”
Jin Xiu replied, “If not now, then someday he will still have to go.”
Hong Ning lifted her face. “I am just a mortal. No matter when the people around me leave, I will always feel this way—unless I leave before them.” A hint of sorrow flashed in her eyes. “In the next life, I will forget them again. You were right. There is no such thing as eternal love in the human world.”
Jin Xiu smiled faintly. “What do you plan to do?”
Hong Ning looked away and didn’t answer.
Jin Xiu said, “The path of immortality is everlasting. If you are willing to cultivate, one day, you will see him again.”
A wave of irritation suddenly surged in Hong Ning’s heart. “I don’t like cultivating immortality.”
Jin Xiu frowned. “Without reincarnation, there would be no partings through life and death. Isn’t that a good thing?”
Hong Ning glanced at him, puzzled. “Why are you always trying to persuade me to cultivate? What benefit do you get from it?”
Jin Xiu replied, “It’s for your own good.”
Something stirred in Hong Ning’s heart. “Does it matter that much to you whether I am well?”
Jin Xiu said, “I owe you.”
Hong Ning hesitated before tentatively asking, “You wronged me in a past life, so now you want to help me cultivate immortality as repayment?”
Jin Xiu said, “Something like that.”
Hong Ning was momentarily stunned. “You’ve been following and protecting me all this time because of this?”
Jin Xiu did not deny it.
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