“It was an accident. Why should the Celestial Lord trouble himself with juniors and risk delaying greater matters?” Jin Xiu sighed before continuing, “Madam Wen has only this one son. Even if the Celestial Lord does not consider my request, surely he should…”
He trailed off.
As expected, the Celestial Lord of Kunlun hesitated, his expression shifting uncertainly.
Jin Xiu added, “Does the Celestial Lord not trust me?”
The Water of the Nine Realms was already exceedingly rare, and though the Six Realms maintained friendly relations, the most difficult treasure to obtain was Jade Pool Golden Lotus Dew. While the Celestial Lord of Kunlun outwardly served as a minister, his standing was nearly on par with the Celestial Emperor, often at odds with him. He had always worried that the Celestial Emperor might use this matter to make things difficult for him.
Now, seeing Jin Xiu willing to offer his assistance, the Celestial Lord weighed his options.
After a long moment of deliberation, he finally flicked his sleeve and said coldly, “Send Lu Zhan to await me at the Celestial Emperor’s court—I will settle this matter with him personally.”
With that, violet light surged into the sky as the five figures rode their clouds and departed.
At last, the ordeal was over.
Lu Yao turned to Jin Xiu, smiling beautifully.
“Today, we were fortunate to have you. I never expected Ah Jiu to cause such a disaster.”
Jin Xiu replied, “His cultivation is still lacking, but it is not beyond remedy. You must take him back to the Northern Realm without delay.”
Lu Yao nodded, lowering her voice to scold her younger brother.
Meanwhile, Jin Xiu noticed Hong Ning still sitting motionless on the ground. He walked toward her at a measured pace, leaned down, and gently helped her up.
“It’s over. Come now, stand up.”
“I don’t remember.”
Hong Ning pushed him away, her hands still groping aimlessly at the ground as though searching for something.
At last, she broke into heart-wrenching sobs.
“Where is Bai Ling? Past life, present life—why don’t I remember? Why can’t I remember anything?!”
Jin Xiu said, “He let his mortal heart waver, and so he had to endure calamity. This is fate.”
Hong Ning ignored him.
“Why don’t you understand?” Jin Xiu pulled her up, his voice gentle with reassurance.
“In truth… all things in this world follow the cycle of transformation. There is no need to grieve.”
“And what of it?” Hong Ning struggled against him. “Cycle and transformation—where do I go to find him? What about me?”
Suddenly, she turned to Lu Jiu, her eyes burning with hatred.
“If not for Bai Ling, it would have been me reduced to ashes today. A life for a life!”
Jin Xiu interjected, “All things have their destined order. That will not happen to you.”
Hong Ning stared at him for a long moment.
“Why are you pleading on his behalf?”
Jin Xiu remained silent.
Lu Yao’s eyes flickered with amusement. She stepped forward with a graceful bow.
“My younger brother was indeed in the wrong. On his behalf, I sincerely apologize to the young lady. Please, if only for the sake of the former King of the Central Heavens, let this matter rest.”
Hong Ning now knew exactly who the King of the Central Heavens was. She let out a cold laugh.
“So even immortals care about personal favors? Will an apology bring Bai Ling back? And you—who are you to me? Why should I care about his status?”
Lu Yao merely smiled, saying nothing more.
Apricot Immortal would never miss an opportunity to ingratiate herself. She spoke in a delicate voice,
“This is the Celestial Lady of the Northern Realm, and the future Consort of the King of the Central Heavens.”
Hong Ning’s gaze snapped to Jin Xiu.
Jin Xiu said nothing.
It was like looking into a mirror, one that reflected everything with stark clarity.
Hong Ning couldn’t help but lower her head and chuckle.
“So it turns out I was the fool.”
Slowly, she rose to her feet, straightened her robes, and only then lifted her eyes to meet his. She smiled, her expression calm.
“There’s no need for the King of the Central Heavens to feel guilty. You owe me nothing. If anything, it’s I who owe you.”
She paused briefly before continuing, her tone light and casual.
“Seclusion was dreadfully dull, and those medicines were unbearably bitter. It’s strange that I lasted this long.”
The ground beneath her was empty.
Nothing remained.
At last, her tears fell again. She shook her head and murmured,
“He always thought I pursued immortality for his sake.”
Then, turning to Lu Jiu, her voice steady, she declared,
“I will never let you go.”
There was such ferocity in her gaze that Lu Jiu instinctively looked toward his sister, uneasy.
Hong Ning withdrew her gaze, her tone ice-cold.
0 Comments