Jin Xiu looked at her, a complex expression flickering in his phoenix eyes—was that the hint of a smile? “In the mortal realm, each lifetime passes without memories of the last. Ten lifetimes have gone by, and you no longer remember him.”
A ripple stirred in Hong Ning’s heart. “I was connected to him in my past life?”
Jin Xiu did not answer directly. “Whether there was a connection or not, that life has ended. All debts of love have been repaid. Your fate with him was severed long ago.”
No wonder she felt such an intense familiarity with him, and even dreamt of him often. Perhaps, in a past life, they had been truly close. But now, they had become nothing more than strangers passing by. Suppressing the faint melancholy in her heart, Hong Ning said, “Since you acknowledge that this life and the past are different, then you should also understand—I am no longer that little demon of my past life.”
Sometimes, those who see the clearest are the ones who cling the hardest. Jin Xiu remained silent.
Hong Ning’s tone was calm. “Fate in this world is nothing more than something that is born and then extinguished, extinguished and then reborn. Even what is severed can be mended again.”
Jin Xiu said, “He doesn’t love you.”
Hong Ning held back her anger and laughed. “The great Lord of Zhongtian is too confident. Whether he will love me or not—it seems a little too soon to say.”
Jin Xiu studied her for a long moment. “What you see may not be the truth. He has his own destiny.”
“Destiny is something one fights for.” Hong Ning didn’t dwell on the meaning of his words. She rose to leave. “He understands me and is willing to wait for me. And I am very willing to continue with him. A mortal and a mortal being together—surely that doesn’t violate the heavens’ decree?”
Jin Xiu caught her wrist. “Don’t be reckless.”
Sensing the anger in him, Hong Ning smiled. “Lord Zhongtian thinks I’m doing this to provoke you? Then you’re mistaken. I do like him, just a little…” She suddenly stopped, drawing in a sharp breath, stunned.
The anger in Jin Xiu’s eyes gradually faded as he looked at the wounds. “It’s nothing.”
A pure-blooded descendant of the divine race—he possessed noble lineage, earth-shaking power, and a status that commanded respect. If she wished, he could give her everything others longed for. But the one thing she truly desired was the only thing he could not grant.
Did he think she was worried? Hong Ning found the idea laughable. She quickly calmed herself. “I never expected that even immortals could be wounded.”
Jin Xiu released her and slowly withdrew his hand. “The heavens have righteous gods and fallen immortals. The heavenly generals guard Zhongtian—injuries are inevitable.”
Hong Ning understood. “The Lord of Zhongtian is certainly devoted to his duty of protecting the heavens.”
Her words carried a clear trace of mockery, but Jin Xiu paid no heed. “This is your only chance. Don’t you want to see your master?”
“I do. But if it means being surrounded by you gods every day, then I don’t.” Hong Ning looked at him. “I would rather be a mortal. Didn’t you say you could send me back? Then do it now.”
Returning would mean she would forget everything about this place. She would never again have any ties to her past life. Yet, she spoke the words without the slightest hesitation.
Jin Xiu remained silent for a moment before saying, “In a little while.”
Hong Ning let out a short laugh. “Still hoping to make me cultivate? You won’t give up?”
Meeting her gaze, filled with mockery, Jin Xiu showed no surprise. “I can’t send you back just yet. I may not have the time in the coming days. I will check on you again later.” With that, he turned and vanished.
Even if he agreed, he might not yet have the strength to do it. Having just endured celestial punishment, forcing himself to use magic to send her through reincarnation would be too dangerous. Besides… there was still one last chance.
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