AUOF - 130

In this brief moment of daze, the poison seeped another inch into his bones.

Sang Sang bit her lips tightly, torn between killing him and saving him. From the current situation, killing him would undoubtedly be the best and easiest outcome. However, …

Sang Sang couldn’t ignore this face.

Even if her heart was as firm as a rock, the days and nights spent with him, the点滴 of their past, were enough to wear away at her resolve like water dripping on stone.

How could she bear it?

Sang Sang slowly sat down beside Ji Hengyu, lowering her gaze to trace the features she had long memorized and deeply loved.

Once upon a time, Ji Hengyu saved her life. Today, sparing him could be considered settling the score.

Sang Sang found herself an appropriate excuse.

Once she had an excuse, the next steps became much more reasonable. Without hesitation, she took out the antidote from her bosom, pried open his mouth, and forced it in.

Within an hour, the Half-Moon Death poison would completely dissipate.

Then came… writing a letter of divorce.

**

Ji Hengyu remained trapped in a long dream without any light.

In this nightmare, there was only blazing fire, the flames turning red, casting shadows of those who had died tragically.

The Demon God Yan Jiuying had slaughtered everything.

The grass and trees of heaven and earth, the budding sprouts, and even… his parents and younger sister.

Some cried numbly in grief, some knelt to beg the heavens, and others, unable to bear the torment, begged for an end everywhere they went.

Ji Hengyu could do nothing.

At just seventeen, the young man in white was stained red, his eyes filled with calmness despite his overwhelming anger. He stared unblinkingly at all of this, directly facing the Demon God’s eyes, engraving its image in his mind.

[For what purpose was this sword born?]

[For the common people of the world.]

When kneeling before the gods, he answered thus.

However, what was the result? He had once again lost the only beloved person in the world.

Unable to bear the pain, Ji Hengyu kept muttering Sang Sang’s name until a cool sensation filled him, gradually extinguishing the burning fire in his chest, and the suffering in the dream also dissipated.

Sang Sang was momentarily stunned when she heard him calling her name, her heart trembling along with it. She wanted to hear more but saw that his breathing had stabilized, and his lips were gradually regaining color.

It seemed that the situation had stabilized.

Sang Sang relaxed, gave him some water, then returned to the table, conjuring writing tools, and wrote the words [Divorce Letter].

In truth, she was truly reluctant, unable to find a reason for the divorce. In the nearly eight years from their acquaintance to companionship, as a husband, he was attentive and caring, humble and kind; as a homemaker, he was diligent and hands-on, never raising his voice or showing anger towards her.

Even in those early days of their acquaintance, he was always yielding.

If one were to say their relationship had broken down… even now, Sang Sang couldn’t deceive herself into saying she no longer loved him.

—She liked him, very much so.

Why did he have to be Tianheng Jun?

The more Sang Sang thought about it, the sadder she became, blinking hard to clear her sore eyes, haphazardly fabricating some content, and without hesitation pressing her fingerprint on the signature, then taking the divorce letter and seal to his bedside.

Ji Hengyu was still asleep, showing no signs of waking up anytime soon.

Just as Sang Sang was about to forcibly press his thumb onto the divorce letter, that hand suddenly withdrew from her palm, then swiftly grabbed her slender wrist, pulling her with force. Sang Sang stumbled, her upper body falling entirely into his chest.

Plop!

The sealing paste fell to the ground, rolling several times before landing upside down in a corner.

Sang Sang had yet to recover from her shock.

Their faces were close, their slightly narrowed pupils reflecting each other’s visage.

Ji Hengyu’s face was pale, his breath faint, yet his grip didn’t weaken in the slightest.

Relying on both hands, he tightly restrained her body, not allowing her to move at all, his eyes vacant, seemingly caught between sleep and wakefulness. When Sang Sang tried to struggle, the pressure on her wrist tightened correspondingly, finally provoking her anger. She bit down on his Adam’s apple.

“Mmm…”

Ji Hengyu groaned in pain, his Adam’s apple rolling under her teeth.

The pain slowly brought him back to consciousness. Ji Hengyu released her wrist and wrapped his arms tightly around her, almost completely enveloping her in his embrace.

He then tilted his neck upwards, letting her bite freely.

Only when blood was drawn did Sang Sang release her teeth, gasping for breath.

“Let go.”

Her tone was fierce, her expression savage, her voice even more so.

Ji Hengyu wouldn’t let go, instead holding her even tighter, tight enough to crush her bones.

He remembered that night.

He searched everywhere but couldn’t find her. Amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, when the familiar scent he detested and hated filled the air, fear engulfed him.

Ji Hengyu didn’t want to lose Sang Sang.

After becoming immortal, he had never feared anything. But every day since meeting Sang Sang, he lived in constant worry.

Afraid she would be bullied, afraid she would cry, afraid she would be unhappy, afraid she would fall ill, afraid she would grow old, and most of all, afraid she would die.

He thought, if one day she truly passed away, every day thereafter would be torture for him.

“Let—go!”

During her struggle, the paper in her hand fluttered and fell. Ji Hengyu glanced sideways, and upon seeing the clear words “Divorce Letter,” he was momentarily stunned, and the strength in his arms slackened. Sang Sang seized the opportunity to rise and escape, panting as she adjusted her disheveled clothes.

Ji Hengyu had already picked up the thin sheet of paper.

His eyes scanned it quickly, his voice unsteady, yet the suppressed tremor and doubt were still audible: “Our bond is incompatible, hence our hearts have grown apart. This document serves as proof… From now on, we part ways, each finding happiness elsewhere?”

The reason was so perfunctory and absurd. By the time Ji Hengyu finished reading, he burst into bitter laughter, his mind clearing. Holding the divorce letter, he softly questioned: “You want to divorce me?”

The sorrow in his eyes was genuine, as was his astonishment.

Sang Sang felt inexplicably guilty and avoided his gaze, turning her head away. “Yes…” Feeling her lack of conviction, she forcefully added with more determination: “Yes!”

Ji Hengyu’s fingertips tightened, nearly losing control of his spiritual energy and reducing it to ashes.

After a long while, he still managed to restrain himself, his features as gentle and patient as ever. “Why?” Ji Hengyu asked, “What did I do wrong? Or did I make a mistake? Is it because I lost you that day? That was my fault, but Sang Sang…”

Ji Hengyu believed he had found the reason.

Ignoring the excruciating pain in his body, he hastily jumped out of bed to explain. However, the poison hadn’t fully dissipated, and his legs were still numb. The sudden movement caused his upper body to lose support, and he was about to collapse forward when Sang Sang, in panic, cast a spell to catch him and gently laid him back on the bed.

Ji Hengyu gazed at her in shock.

Sang Sang’s heart skipped a beat, her jaw tightening. Deciding not to hide anymore, she allowed small sparks of magical light to flicker at her fingertips. To ensure he understood, she deliberately amplified the light, letting it travel across her entire body, revealing her true form as the Demon Lord. The implication was unmistakable.

The two stood at a distance, silently staring at each other.

In that instant, Ji Hengyu thought of many things.

He thought of her getting lost at the temple fair; of the traces vanished without a sound at Chuiyun Ridge; of the deceased sect disciples and the demon resembling Yan Jiuying; and finally, of the gaze he encountered before losing consciousness…

Clear, bright, filled with familiar affection.

Everything overlapped with the person before him.

His body trembled, as if suddenly thrown into an icy abyss that never melted, chilling him to the bone.

Ji Hengyu refused to believe this fact.

Facing the face of his former lover, recalling the tragic catastrophe, he felt only astonishment and sorrow, unable to muster even the slightest hatred towards her.

No, it shouldn’t be like this.

There must be some mistake!

It must be a misunderstanding; he would figure it out later.

Ji Hengyu consoled himself this way. In his daze, he thought of the blades that had fallen upon her, and his insides twisted in pain. His gaze wandered over her entire body, and he finally couldn’t help but ask: “Did you… get injured?”

Injured?

Sang Sang was taken aback, realizing he was referring to that night at Chuiyun Ridge.

Sang Sang had almost lost all memory of that night. Though she felt some discomfort upon waking, there were no visible injuries, so she wouldn’t remember whether he had truly hurt her.

In her daze, Ji Hengyu suddenly rose and staggered toward her.

He walked unsteadily, as if he might collapse at any moment.

Sang Sang reflexively took a step back, but the next instant, he grabbed her.

Just as she was about to act, Ji Hengyu abruptly lifted her sleeve—revealing flawless, milky-white skin marred by several jagged sword scars.

The wounds had healed, leaving only faint red marks where the skin had reformed, but they were particularly striking.

Ji Hengyu pressed his palm over them. The swords he wielded carried the power of the five elements, so the damage wasn’t just skin-deep—it had seeped into her bones. Now, even the scars on her flesh couldn’t fade, which meant her heart meridians must have suffered severe trauma.

Ordinarily, he wouldn’t tolerate even the smallest scratch on her.

Ji Hengyu was deeply troubled.

His fingertips gently traced the faint red marks, his eyelashes trembling slightly. A warm tear unexpectedly rolled down his lower lashes and landed on Sang Sang’s arm.

Sang Sang froze, looking up at him in disbelief.

“You… cried?”

A hint of red tinged the corners of Ji Hengyu’s eyes, tears clinging to his lashes, yet his expression remained restrained.

Her throat tightened, and she felt both helpless and exasperated. “I didn’t do anything to you, so why are you crying? If it really was your doing, then I should be the one crying, not you.”

Ji Hengyu lifted his tear-streaked lashes, his voice cautious: “Does it hurt?”

Sang Sang couldn’t help but soften inside. She shook her head. “No.” She had completely forgotten everything from that night, so how could she know whether it hurt or not? “I woke up feeling fine.”

Ji Hengyu pursed his lips and pulled Sang Sang toward the bed. “Let me heal your wounds.”

Heal her wounds??

Was there something wrong with his mind?

These scratches were minor, like cat scratches—they’d heal on their own soon enough. Why bother treating them?

From years of knowing him, Sang Sang was certain he had ulterior motives!

On guard, she twisted her hand free. She hadn’t forgotten her original purpose for coming here.

Sang Sang chose to ignore the desolation in his expression.

With a blank face, she flicked her fingers and retrieved the light divorce letter, raising her head to glare at him. “Since things have come to this, let’s speak openly. We were born enemies, destined to clash. I saved you to repay my past debt to you. Sign this divorce letter, and from now on, we’ll go our separate ways. If we meet again in the future, whether you draw your sword against me or turn away is entirely up to you.”

She paused briefly after saying this. “If you meet someone else you care for and wish to form a bond with them, I won’t object.”

Go our separate ways?

Form a bond with someone else??

How could she say such things?

Darkness swirled before Ji Hengyu’s eyes.

His gaze lingered on every inch of his wife, engraving every detail of her—from her hair to her expression—into his soul and bones.

“You’re the Demon Lord.”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember what you’ve done?”

Sang Sang raised her head, her eyes filled with surprise. “What more do you want me to do to you?”

Her expression was open and didn’t seem feigned.

Ji Hengyu closed his eyes, certain that she had lost consciousness that night, meaning she remembered nothing.

Everything about this situation was strange.

Ji Hengyu’s thoughts were in turmoil, but even now, he wasn’t prepared to tell her about her actions. “I…” His words trailed off as faint footsteps approached from outside the door, accompanied by the presence of powerful immortals.

Ji Hengyu’s expression tightened. Taking advantage of her distraction, he used spiritual fire to crush the divorce letter in her palm. Before she could react, he quickly interjected: “Whether you’re human, demon, or spirit, you’re still the woman who has pledged her life to me and formed a century-long bond. I will not agree to a divorce.” He continued, “Besides you, I won’t set my heart on anyone else.”

His tone was firm and brooked no argument, leaving no room for negotiation.

Sang Sang was both angry and frustrated. In a harsh tone, she demanded: “Then let me ask you this—would you be willing to abandon your identity as Tianheng Jun and return with me to Tianze Chuan, to simply be my Ji Hengyu?”

He fell silent.

Sang Sang sneered. “You’re unwilling, aren’t you?”

Without hesitation, Ji Hengyu replied, “Of course I’m willing.” He took two steps forward. “But not right now. I…”

Ji Hengyu’s voice abruptly cut off.

What could he tell her? Should he tell her that he harbored a grudge for the massacre of his family, vowing to eliminate the culprit—and that she might very well be the demon responsible for his suffering and loneliness?

Ji Hengyu’s lips paled, and he lowered his head, saying nothing.

Sang Sang immediately understood his choice. In the instant Si Tu burst into the room with others, she vanished.

Without thinking, Ji Hengyu moved to chase after her, but the sudden opening of the door disrupted his steps.

“Hurry, Senior Brother…” Si Tu called out urgently to the immortals behind her, but when she turned her head, her pupils trembled in disbelief as she stared at Ji Hengyu standing in the room. “Senior Brother?!”

She was stunned.

Ji Hengyu’s expression was listless, and he showed no inclination to speak.

Accompanying her were the healer immortal Huan Mingzi and the Great Luo Golden Immortal Rong Min Wuxian.

Both possessed extraordinary spiritual energy, and as soon as they entered, they sensed an unusual presence.

Rong Min Wuxian, the first martial immortal overseeing the celestial army, had subdued countless demons. Upon entering, he immediately detected something amiss. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “Has any demon or monster been here recently?”

Ji Hengyu’s expression had returned to normal. He glanced indifferently at him. “I fought the Demon God all night. My body still carries traces of its miasma—isn’t it natural for there to be lingering traces?”

Rong Min immediately fell silent.

Huan Mingzi followed up: “I heard that Tianheng Jun was poisoned by demonic toxins and fell unconscious. I came to check, but judging by your appearance now, it seems you’re fine.”

Si Tu also looked at him curiously.

Just moments ago, he had seemed half-dead. How was he now…

She felt something was off but hesitated to speak.

“It’s merely a minor poison. The Divine Maiden worried for my safety and made a big fuss over nothing, disturbing everyone unnecessarily,” Ji Hengyu said humbly, though his eyes remained distant and cold. “Thank you for coming, but as you can see, I’m perfectly fine.”

This was a subtle way of dismissing them.

Rong Min and Huan Mingzi exchanged glances, then Huan Mingzi smiled faintly. “Nearly ten people fell to the Demon God’s hands. We naturally can’t leave so easily.”

At these words, Ji Hengyu remained silent, lowering his head and coughing softly a few times.

“In that case, we won’t disturb you further. Rest well, Tianheng Jun.”

The two were tactful, exchanging a few polite words before leaving without delay. Si Tu glanced at Ji Hengyu, then at the departing figures of the two immortals, hesitating for a long time before finally speaking: “I checked at the pharmacy. They said Sang Sang was rescued by Sang Ning, received a bit of a shock, and plans to rest and recover before returning to Qingyang City.” She paused. “Senior Brother, focus on recovering. Don’t worry about anything else. If you need anything, just let me know—I’ll help you.”

Seeing that Ji Hengyu showed no intention of responding, Si Tu sighed inwardly, stepped out, and gently closed the door behind her.

After everyone left, Ji Hengyu stood alone in the room.

He stared out the window, lost in thought, his mind wandering aimlessly.

The year the Demon God invaded, he had just turned seventeen.

Calculating the years, it had been over seven hundred years ago.

It appeared without warning, slaughtered everyone without hesitation, and left him alive. It even brazenly invaded his mind, declaring its name.

Some villagers were massacred, others reduced to sand. His parents and younger sister were among them.

Ji Hengyu was powerless to save them. He wanted to fight to the death, but no matter how hard he resisted, he couldn’t harm the fiend in the slightest.

And afterward? Afterward, fueled by hatred, he climbed step by step to the pinnacle of the heavens.

He had vowed—

If he ever met that demon again, it would be the day of vengeance!

Yet, after scouring the Heavenly Books Pavilion and questioning the seventy-two higher immortals, all he received was the news that [Yan Jiuying had already been executed]. Its remains were imprisoned in the Tian Mountain Prison.

Ji Hengyu even visited the prison. The massive skeleton had become a natural hill, covered in seals, imprisoning countless sinners’ souls.

Yan Jiuying was truly gone.

So… who was it that night?

With this question in mind, Ji Hengyu traversed countless mountains, seeking the truth. Yet, for seven hundred years, he found no trace of it. Until eight years ago…

At this thought, Ji Hengyu’s pupils quivered.

Eight years ago, Mingxia Village…

That was where he first encountered Sang Sang.

It was also the first time Ji Hengyu detected the lingering presence of Yan Jiuying. He fought it for two nights, nearly exhausting himself, yet he relentlessly pursued it all the way to Mingxia Village.

But he was too late. By the time he arrived, the village was already devoid of life, and Yan Jiuying had fled to the ends of the earth.

Only Sang Sang remained, lying there covered in blood. Her plight evoked pity in him, so despite his injuries, he carried her far, far away—far enough that Yan Jiuying couldn’t follow.

Yan Jiuying was Sang Sang, and Sang Sang was Yan Jiuying…

But how could that be?

How could it be her? How could it possibly be her?

If she was the Demon Lord, then the Demon Lord had only existed for five hundred years. Unless…

Ji Hengyu’s pupils abruptly changed color, and a wild, absurd conjecture suddenly took root in his mind.

—Yan Jiuying had indeed been executed by the gods, but what if… its body had perished while its soul remained?