AUOF - 134

Although Ji Hengyu’s plan was feasible, it was by no means easy.

First, they needed to successfully merge the Spirit-Asking Stone with Sang Ning, then set up an impenetrable array of restrictions inside and outside Luoyu Palace to prevent Yen Jiuying from escaping once released. After that, they had to establish a Three Purity Formation within the restrictions, and finally, imprison Sang Sang within the formation. Only then, with one person activating the formation, would it be possible to force Yen Jiuying out.

The crucial point was that the Three Purity Formation was an ancient divine art, requiring the guidance of a divine vein.

Although Ji Hengyu possessed an immortal bone, he did not have a divine vein.

Before they could even begin, the two men encountered a dilemma.

They paced anxiously in the hall for a long time. Suddenly, a name popped into Sang Ning’s mind. He quickly went to Ji Hengyu—

“Is Si Tu a divine vein?”

Ji Hengyu was startled; he had also thought of Si Tu.

Si Tu’s situation was unique. One day, she was suddenly brought back to the Divine Realm by the Supreme Daoist Master and granted the title of Divine Maiden. However, the last True God had perished five thousand years ago, and many Divine Families refused to recognize Situ's identity, and it wasn't until Supreme Taoist Leader took out the Divine Inspection Stone and revealed Situ's Divine Bones that the murmurings of the crowd were finally quelled.

Theoretically, Si Tu was indeed of divine lineage.

But she must have returned to the Divine Realm by now, and the news of him and Sang Sang had probably already spread throughout the Ninth Heaven. Perhaps the Supreme Daoist Master was already dispatching forces to heavily pursue him.

Their faces were grim. Sang Ning pursed his lips, then determinedly said: “I’ll lead troops to attack the Ninth Heaven and forcibly bring her here!”

Ji Hengyu frowned in disagreement.

“Do you think the Ninth Heaven is Qingyang Mountain Villa, that you can just storm in whenever you want?”

Sang Ning was anxious and bothered to think too much: “Then I’ll sneak in quietly; there must be a way.”

Ji Hengyu wearily pinched the bridge of his nose.

He felt that Sang Ning had lost his usual intelligence and rationality. A subtle strangeness flickered in his mind. Just as Ji Hengyu was about to grasp something, a faint groan came from the inner hall. The two exchanged glances and hurried inside.

Because of the pain, Sang Sang, in her unconscious state, struggled on the bed.

She was drenched in sweat, her body seemingly wanting to wake up, yet she was weighed down by her consciousness, unable to open her eyes.

Ji Hengyu knew that this was the effect of the seventeen Spirit-Locking Candles. The Yen Jiuying within her body wanted to resist them. The more it resisted, the deeper the soul-burning candlelight burned, naturally bringing torture to Sang Sang’s spirit and body.

Ji Hengyu sat in front of her. To Sang Ning’s incredulous gaze, he cut his palm, clenched it into a fist, and drops of blood entered her lips and throat.

“You...”

“I have spiritual blood. Yen Jiuying will consume my blood, and a certain amount of spiritual energy can calm it.”

It was like a hungry wolf getting a piece of fresh meat; it would naturally fall asleep after being satisfied.

As long as it quieted down, the Spirit-Locking Candles would naturally not continue to entangle. As expected, after a few drops of blood, Sang Sang gradually stopped twitching, and her brows, which had been furrowed in pain, relaxed. Her expression was as peaceful and serene as if she were asleep.

The wound on Ji Hengyu’s palm quickly healed. He tucked Sang Sang in, gazed at her tenderly twice, then reluctantly turned his head, “I’ll go.”

Sang Ning’s nerves were taut, clearly not relaxed.

Ji Hengyu said, “I cannot continue using teleportation arrays, so I need you to guide me.”

Sang Ning was very nervous: “What if you fail?”

Ji Hengyu shook his head: “I won’t fail.” His tone was so calm, as if discussing a trivial matter, “No matter what, I will return.”

Sang Ning opened his mouth blankly, but finally chose to believe: “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

“Mm.”

The two discussed their meeting point and alternative routes, and formulated strategies for all unexpected situations, ensuring nothing was left to chance. Only then did Ji Hengyu leave Tianze River and set off for the Ninth Heaven.

With Ji Hengyu’s abilities, avoiding patrolling celestial soldiers and the All-Seeing Mirror was not difficult. He quickly infiltrated the Divine Realm. As expected, the Divine Palace was heavily guarded, the atmosphere tense and heavy, and even the normally uninhabited Corner of Heaven was filled with celestial soldiers.

Ji Hengyu learned from the conversation of two minor immortals that Si Tu was recuperating in the Divine Maiden’s Palace, seemingly startled, and had not left the palace for several days. This made things much easier for Ji Hengyu.

He used an illusion spell to deceive the guarding immortal, concealed his presence, and flashed into the inner hall.

The Divine Maiden’s Palace was magnificent and ethereal, filled with immortal dust. Even in the Divine Realm, her sleeping chambers were adorned with rare treasures. The ubiquitous pearls and jade adorned the palace splendidly. Since Si Tu had dismissed all the attending immortal servants, the lavish palace appeared somewhat empty at the moment.

Ji Hengyu dispelled his disguise, passed through layers of immortal screens, and approached Si Tu step by step.

Beyond the screen, a blurry silhouette of a woman was curled up on the phoenix bed.

She was in a pink robe, her hair disheveled, and her face looked hollow.

She wrapped her arms around her knees, burying herself, completely unaware of the approaching Ji Hengyu. Only when Ji Hengyu was close did Si Tu jolt, raising her head vigilantly—

“Who?!”

It wasn’t the aura of an immortal servant.

Her long-heightened state of mind, due to fear, once again tensed up. Without thinking, she summoned her Flowing Cloud Whip, clutching it tightly in her palm, and watched Ji Hengyu’s direction with extreme vigilance. When Ji Hengyu fully emerged, Si Tu’s pupils constricted violently. Her body trembled uncontrollably, whether from panic or surprise.

“Ji, Ji Hengyu?”

Si Tu glanced behind him; it was quiet and silent. She didn’t need to guess to know he had come here secretly, avoiding detection.

Si Tu was both angry at his actions and aggrieved by his betrayal of the Divine Realm. She immediately jumped off the phoenix bed and pointed at him furiously: “Why are you back? You betrayed the Divine Realm and the common people for a demon. What face do you have to return?!”

Ji Hengyu quietly listened to her curses, not refuting a single word throughout.

“You were the one who said you would uphold peace, yet you allowed Yen Jiuying to kill my fellow disciples and then saved her instead of killing her! How can you face all of Tiange? How can you face the cultivation the Divine Realm bestowed upon you? And how can you face the sword in your hand!”

Si Tu was furious; the more she spoke, the more agitated she became.

But seeing Ji Hengyu remain silent, her tumultuous emotions slowly calmed down. Ji Hengyu wouldn’t return suddenly. In the past, when Si Tu had unrequited feelings for him, Ji Hengyu never sought her out. Now, at this critical juncture, knowing he had committed a grave crime, he still risked coming to the Divine Maiden Palace to find her. It definitely wasn’t just to see her.

“I’ll give you a chance to explain.” Si Tu wiped away her tears, plopped back down, crossed her arms, and looked up, waiting for him to speak with a haughty expression.

Ji Hengyu said, “I need your help to kill Yen Jiuying.”

Si Tu thought her ears were playing tricks on her, looking him up and down several times. “Me?”

Ji Hengyu was expressionless, succinctly repeating the process: “Yen Jiuying wants to possess Sang Sang and use Sang Sang’s body to return to the human world. So I need a divine vein to guide it and lure it into the formation.”

Si Tu’s mouth fell slightly open in astonishment.

She wasn’t stupid; her mind had more or less pieced together what had happened, but she still couldn’t accept it in such a short time.

Yen Jiuying was inside Sang Sang’s body, which meant... Sang Sang wasn’t Yen Jiuying, but was being used by Yen Jiuying? Killing her fellow disciples... wasn’t Sang Sang’s intention?!

After the initial shock, she was inexplicably happy for a moment; after the happiness, she returned to despondency.

In the prophecy of the world’s destruction, the demon god would bring disaster to the common people. Regardless, Sang Sang was the demon god in that omen.

After a difficult deliberation, Si Tu remained firm in her conviction.

She shook her head with difficulty: “No, no. No matter how you put it, you’re still siding with the demon race. As the Divine Maiden of the Ninth Heaven, I cannot help you.”

This decision seemed a bit cruel to Ji Hengyu, and Si Tu herself felt a twinge of remorse, but her identity also came with a mission.

How could she easily trust Ji Hengyu and help a demon that could bring about the end of the world?

Si Tu did like Sang Sang, it was true, but she liked Sang Sang as a mortal, not as...

Si Tu turned her head away, avoiding Ji Hengyu, determined not to go with him.

Ji Hengyu tightly pursed his lips. He cautiously took a step closer, his words almost a plea, “Si Tu, I beg you.”

“Even if you beg me, I...” Before Si Tu could finish, she met his tear-filled eyes.

She had never seen Ji Hengyu like this.

In the past, he was aloof and untouchable, his eyes always carrying a hint of coldness; now, he was humble, as if he would pull out his bones in exchange for Si Tu’s nod.

Si Tu’s lips trembled almost imperceptibly. She felt pity for him, yet couldn’t help but advise him, “Senior Brother, you have a natural sword bone, and a bright future lies before you. Do you truly want to defy the Heavenly Dao for one person, and be scorned by the Three Realms?”

Ji Hengyu simply lowered his eyes and said, “Abandoning one’s wife for a so-called bright future is what truly deserves scorn.” Ji Hengyu didn’t care what others thought of him. He only knew that he would save the common people from distress and bring peace to his beloved.

Si Tu was speechless, suddenly unsure how to respond.

Ji Hengyu spoke word by word: “The so-called heavenly omen manifests on Sang Sang, but what if Yen Jiuying is the true culprit? Although Sang Sang is a Demon Venerable, she has never done a single evil deed. Should she die just because of that ridiculous celestial phenomenon?”

This question immediately stumped Si Tu.

It made her recall her time in Qingyang City, when Sang Sang was always smiling and busy in the apothecary, carefully asking about everyone’s symptoms and prescribing the right medicine; for those from impoverished families, she even refused payment for the medicine.

The night she was attacked by a demon, Sang Sang also stayed by her side, caring for her all night.

Si Tu was accustomed to being proud and rarely liked someone so much, especially a mere acquaintance, a passerby with whom she hadn’t spent much time. However, the first time she saw Sang Sang, a sense of closeness arose spontaneously, and she couldn’t help but want to be near her, to approach her, even subtly feeling that... even Lord Tianheng of the Ninth Heaven was unworthy of such a beautiful woman.

Yes, just because she was a demon, did she deserve to die?

Seeing Si Tu waver, Ji Hengyu quickly said, “Killing Yen Jiuying will also break its heavenly omen. At that time, I will return to the Divine Realm with you, sever my immortal bone, and atone for those who died unjustly.”

Those who needed saving should be saved; the punishments that were due should be received.

Ji Hengyu would not shirk any responsibility.

After some persuasion, Si Tu was finally swayed. She took a deep breath and looked up at Ji Hengyu: “How do you plan to do it?”

Seeing her agree, Ji Hengyu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He closed his eyes, “Let’s leave here first.”

Si Tu nodded and followed Ji Hengyu’s pace.

The two walked out of the great hall, one after the other, but before they could even step out of the Divine Maiden Palace, they were blocked by a colossal array. Tens of thousands of troops and the Senior Immortals stationed in the Divine Realm surrounded them.

—Clearly, this formation had been waiting for them for a long time.

Even if ten more Ji Hengyus appeared, the current situation would be impossible to break through, let alone with him being alone. Si Tu’s heart sank, a bad feeling rising.

Ji Hengyu, standing in the center, had sharp eyes, their light like will-o’-the-wisps, making people afraid to approach.

The two sides were at a stalemate, neither making a move. Suddenly, the troops dispersed from both sides, and the figure of the Supreme Daoist Master emerged.

Ji Hengyu’s spine stiffened, and his breathing instantly lightened.

He and the Supreme Daoist Master stood facing each other, the divine power pressing down on him as if it were substantial.

Ji Hengyu’s hands under his sleeves involuntarily tightened; he was ready to draw his sword.

“Zi Heng, you were born for good. Are you going to act against it now?”

Ji Hengyu remained silent. Si Tu, standing behind him, looked at him worriedly.

He did not back down an inch, “My conscience is clear.”

The Supreme Daoist Master sadly closed his eyes, then waved his hand, and the overwhelming array pressed down.

Even Ji Hengyu absolutely couldn’t leave here easily!!

From somewhere, courage welled up, and Si Tu flashed in front of Ji Hengyu, screaming—

“Wait!!”

The great array was within reach, stopping just above their heads.

Si Tu shot a meaningful glance at Ji Hengyu behind her, transmitting her thought: [Hold me hostage, quickly!]

Ji Hengyu instantly understood her intention and, without hesitation, placed his Chili Sword against Si Tu’s neck.

As expected, this action startled the people on both sides, making them retreat three steps.

Ji Hengyu held the sword in one hand and maintained his guard with the other, smoothly stepping forward: “Move aside.” As his words fell, he simultaneously released spiritual pressure, knocking down the minor soldiers surrounding them.

Gao Min angrily cursed, “Ji Hengyu! I see you are truly out of your mind!”

Great Sage Feihong was even more exasperated: “You truly have been ensnared by that demoness! Are you going to kill a god for a mere demon?!”

Ji Hengyu listened to the immortals’ reprimands, not refuting a single word, only fixing his gaze firmly on the Supreme Daoist Master.

It was false to say he wasn’t nervous. The bones in his sword-holding hand seemed to tremble, his emotions taut. Ji Hengyu would naturally not truly kill Si Tu, but if the Supreme Daoist Master made a move, he had no chance of winning at all.

All he could do was fight his way out, to return to Tianze River alive.

The Supreme Daoist Master stood with a flick of his sleeve, making no immediate move, his thoughts unknown.

“I am well aware of my responsibilities. Though I stand against the Divine Realm today, I will not abandon the living beings of the world. I, Ji Hengyu, guarantee that once matters are settled, I will return, and I am willing to accept any punishment or penalty.”

Ji Hengyu’s words were firm and resonated through every inch of the Divine Realm amidst the dust.

Everyone frequently glanced sideways, finally tacitly looking at the Supreme Daoist Master, waiting for his command.

The two were at a stalemate for a few breaths. The Supreme Daoist Master raised his palm, and a path opened before Ji Hengyu.

Ji Hengyu, taking Si Tu, unhesitatingly rushed to the end of the heavenly light. Soon, their figures became small dots and disappeared among the clouds.

Gao Min frowned disapprovingly, “Does Heavenly Venerate truly intend to let him go to that demon’s side?”

The Supreme Daoist Master was noncommittal: “He is destined for this tribulation. Rather than obstructing him, it is better to let him overcome it himself.” With that, the Supreme Daoist Master turned around, his gaze filled with deep meaning, “He will return.”

________________________________________

**

The two rode a cloud crane, conjured from immortal clouds, safely leaving the Divine Realm. Si Tu turned her head and checked several times. Only after confirming that the Supreme Daoist Master had indeed not sent anyone to follow them did she speak to Ji Hengyu: “Is what you said true? If you kill Yen Jiuying, will you really come back with me?”

She didn’t believe it.

Ji Hengyu’s affection for Sang Sang was so profound. If he said he was willing to sever his immortal bone and abandon his immortal body; if he said he would uphold the path of common people and abandon Sang Sang, then she wouldn’t believe him.

But then she heard Ji Hengyu hum in affirmation.

He never lied. Si Tu’s eyes widened, “You’re not joking?”

“Mm.”

“Then you...”

Before Si Tu could finish, she was interrupted by his clear, cold voice: “Things in the world are always difficult to achieve perfectly; they are gained through sacrifice; consequences arise from causes. Among the myriad paths of existence, who can truly stand alone?”

Ji Hengyu had thought about it.

After killing Yen Jiuying, he could abandon his immortal bone and return with her to Tianze River, or go to Qingyang City, anywhere. To be a pair of free and unfetterered rogue immortals. However, at this point, there was no room for choice.

Sang Sang was a demon. If he truly abandoned his status, it would mean giving up his position and his means. Without the ability to protect himself, how could he protect others, or live a carefree life?

Only by returning to the Divine Realm and ascending to that supreme position could he ensure Sang Sang’s safety.

Si Tu understood his meaning and also fell silent.

After another half an hour of travel, the surrounding mist grew denser, and the spiritual aura was gradually replaced by demonic miasma. Although Si Tu had never been to the demonic realm, she knew they were approaching it.

Upon reaching a dark forest, Ji Hengyu dismissed the cloud crane and cast out a red talisman.

The trees on both sides seemed to burn away like paper, revealing their true interior.

The sky was red, and all she could see was desolation.

Dust rolled across the land, and a blood-red wind wall eerily cut through the terrain. Before Si Tu could properly observe, a group of people emerged from within.

The leader, mounted on a black fiery steed, clad in dark armor, and draped in a dark cape, looked extremely worn out from the prolonged wait. His expression only improved when he saw Ji Hengyu and Si Tu behind him.

“Let’s go.”

Sang Ning ordered his subordinates to lead two horses for Ji Hengyu and Si Tu.

This was Si Tu’s first time in Tianze River, so she was inevitably nervous. She rode the skeleton horse, following Sang Ning on his left and Ji Hengyu on his right, with a group of demonic guards behind them.

Tianze River was not as dim and desolate as she had imagined.

On the contrary, it was like a wonderland. Due to the perpetual lack of sunlight, the beings here had gradually developed radiance: glowing trees, glowing forests, glowing flowers, plants, and rivers, and many unseen butterflies flitted through the land.

Above them, the inverted galaxy reflected, illuminating myriad shadows, truly a sight of breathtaking beauty.

The entire journey left Si Tu dazzled.

The demons living there were not as ugly or repulsive as Si Tu had imagined. The women were mostly beautiful and enchanting; the men were strong and robust. Under Sang Sang’s governance, conflicts were rare, and the clans lived mostly in harmony, which greatly challenged her previous perceptions.

Sang Ning glanced sideways, noticing the surprise in her expression, and couldn’t help but mock: “Very surprised?” He then couldn’t resist adding, “Does the Divine Maiden perhaps believe that all of us demons live in caves, are ugly, and unfit to be seen?”

Having his thoughts so easily exposed, Si Tu quickly averted her gaze, but still couldn’t help but glance around.

After a period of rapid travel, they finally saw the silhouette of Luoyu Palace, and Sang Ning’s expression also became serious.

This temporary palace was built on the highest point of Tianze River. Sang Ning was eager to see his sister and ignored the greetings of his subordinates, leading the two directly to the bedchamber.

Sang Sang hadn’t woken up yet, still maintaining the sleeping posture they had left her in.

Sang Ning quickly sat down, “Sang Sang, brother is back. Don’t be afraid, we’ll save you soon.” He took Sang Sang’s hand and held it tightly, knowing she couldn’t hear him, but still unable to resist comforting her.

Ji Hengyu knew this might be their last meeting. His eyes flickered, but he didn’t disturb them. He made an excuse, “Si Tu and I will go prepare. You spend more time with Sang Sang.”

Si Tu also wanted to get a closer look at Sang Sang, but before she could approach, Ji Hengyu grabbed her by the back of her collar and pulled her away.

Inside the hall, the lamplight flickered brightly.

The candlelight danced on his profile, making his eyes appear particularly dim.

“Sang Sang, I wonder if you still hurt now. If you hurt later, brother might not be able to comfort you.” Sang Ning felt inexplicably sad. They were twins, and had never been separated since birth. If he felt reluctant to part, that was certain. If he felt regret, there was none at all.

He longed to talk to his sister, but at this moment, he didn’t know what to say.

Sang Ning gripped Sang Sang’s cold hand tightly, gazing reluctantly at her brows and eyes. He couldn’t help but reach out and touch her hair.

Perhaps it was the telepathy between twins, but Sang Sang, who was in a coma, fluttered her eyelashes and finally struggled to open her eyes.

Her eyes had lost their usual sparkle, dark as two still lakes in the depths of night, devoid of water.

Sang Sang had forgotten many things again. Her vision was blurry. She blinked several times before finally seeing Sang Ning clearly, and opened her mouth: “Brother.”

Sang Ning also called her: “Sang Sang.”

“Why are you crying?” Sang Sang noticed his reddened eyes and wet cheeks. For some reason, she struggled to raise her hand to wipe away his tears, but the Spirit-Locking Candles bound her. Moving even slightly caused pain, let alone raising her hand.

Sang Sang was very helpless and very sleepy.

She wanted to fall asleep again, closing her eyes and mumbling, “Brother, don’t cry, I don’t hurt... not at all.”

Sang Ning, who hadn’t shed a single tear even on the day their mother died, now sobbed aloud.

He didn’t want his sister to see his weakness. He lowered his head, trying desperately to control himself, yet faint sobs still escaped his throat.

Sang Sang, who was about to fall asleep, forcefully half-opened her eyes again upon hearing the crying.

His shoulders trembled slightly, his expression as sorrowful as a child who had lost everything.

Her emotions were stirred, and Sang Sang felt a pang of bitter sadness in her heart.

A tear slipped from the corner of her eye, and she couldn’t help but question him, “Brother, are you going to leave me?”

She could feel it, she could feel it.

In her panic, Sang Sang tried to reach for his hand, but she couldn’t touch it. What frightened her more than the burning pain in her body was the unsettling feeling that she couldn’t grasp.

“Brother, are you going to leave me?”

She asked again.

Sang Ning shook his head, “I’m not going anywhere.”

Sang Sang didn’t believe him, “Really?”

“Really.” Sang Ning held back his tears and smiled at her, “Since we were little, have I ever lied to you?”

Sang Sang thought about it. It seemed he had never lied to her.

The anxious feeling was also soothed. However, Sang Sang was still afraid. She hooked her pinky finger, “Pinky promise.”

Sang Ning lowered his gaze. Instead of his pinky finger, he used his index finger to hook hers, “Pinky promise.”

Sang Sang, naturally reassured, let out a slight sigh of relief and closed her eyes again.

Seeing her fall asleep, Sang Ning finally got up.

The candlelight reflected on the bed, and he walked step by step into the darkness.

Sang Sang thought he had never lied to her, but in truth, he had lied to her many, many times without her knowing.

For instance, he lied to her that their mother would live; he lied to her that she had never hurt him; and he lied to her that one day, the great snows of the human world would fall into Tianze River.

But how could Tianze River, which didn’t even have four seasons, ever experience human snow?

Just like this time, Sang Ning, who said he would never leave her, was indeed leaving her forever.