#52: A Place to Return

Bian Lingyu hadn’t expected her to still remember what happened ten years ago, let alone connect him with his former disheveled appearance.

He had once been buried under a mountain of corpses, his body filthy and bones shattered. It was Shi Luoyi who dug him out of the pit and kept feeding him talisman water to expel the turbid energy in his body. That was Bian Lingyu’s first interaction with a mortal cultivator, and he didn’t even know how to suppress his divine presence. When she leaned in to pick him up, he inadvertently exuded the overwhelming pressure of his true form.

She couldn’t lift him.

For the next three months, he could only stagger behind her, watching as she carried Bian Qingxuan away.

No one had ever tried to hold him before. In his memory, his mother had only embraced his younger brother. Back then, he didn’t even understand why he was following this young girl—after all, her talisman water hadn’t helped at all.

Now, faced with Shi Luoyi’s question, Bian Lingyu slowly nodded.

Her voice was low. “So it really was you. I thought you and the little red snake had died in the gale.”

In his silver pupils, the reflection of her pale yet composed face shimmered.

In the gale, Shi Luoyi had sent both him and Bian Qingxuan out first, but she herself didn’t have time to escape. Her life soul was shattered. To save her, Bian Lingyu had no choice but to feed her the divine pearl.

Shi Luoyi had defied fate thanks to the divine pearl, which became her new life soul. Without it, she would die.

When Bian Lingyu was treating her injuries, he discovered something ominous. Perhaps because Shi Luoyi’s body was now filled with demonic energy, the divine pearl sensed its master nearby and kept trying to return to Bian Lingyu’s body.

Bian Lingyu frowned, forcing himself to cast another spell to stabilize the divine pearl. If Shi Luoyi’s soul scattered again, there would be no way to save her.

After painstaking efforts, he finally managed to soothe the divine pearl and guide it to consume the demonic seed within Shi Luoyi’s body.

This time, Shi Luoyi felt even more pain, but she endured it without making a sound.

Bian Lingyu couldn’t comfort her. The divine pearl was restless, and he didn’t dare get too close to her. He poured all his remaining divine power into controlling the pearl, feeling his body rapidly weaken and his wounds worsen.

It took an entire day and night to finish.

Shi Luoyi didn’t know when she had fallen asleep. When she woke up, she found herself on a furry back. At first, she thought it was the silver-white spirit beast, but she soon realized it wasn’t.

The creature carrying her had striking blue fur, soft and plush. She recognized it from the wanted posters in the immortal sects—it was the Cangwu Beast!

Legend had it that after its master ascended, the Cangwu Beast began rampaging, wreaking havoc across the mortal realm. When it arrived at Hengwu Sect, it caused chaos, leaving the sect in disarray.

Startled, Shi Luoyi gritted her teeth and summoned her blade, striking the Cangwu Beast several times with the flat side of the sword.

Her voice was hoarse. “Where is that spirit beast? What did you do to it?”

Her tone was urgent and angry, fearing that the Cangwu Beast had eaten the other spirit beast.

At her words, the surroundings fell silent. The Cangwu Beast turned its head to look at her, looking somewhat aggrieved after being beaten with the flat side of her blade. It gestured for her to look ahead.

Following its gaze, Shi Luoyi saw the beautiful silver-white spirit beast.

It was even larger than the Cangwu Beast, resembling a cold moonbeam, silently watching her.

She froze for a moment, realizing it was unharmed. Perhaps the Cangwu Beast was also its helper? Realizing her mistake, she awkwardly put away her blade.

The Cangwu Beast felt utterly wronged. It had been called over by Bian Lingyu to help, only to be struck by Bian Qingxuan and forced to recover from internal injuries. Then Bian Lingyu summoned it again to carry this woman.

The Cangwu Beast had been pondering the origins of the two siblings from the Bian family. When it saw Bian Qingxuan’s divine artifact, it was startled, forming a bold guess that made its heart race.

Having lived for many years, it had seen much while following its master. The Cangwu Beast swallowed nervously. Could it… could it possibly be who it thought?

It had heard rumors of the demon-slaying battle ten years ago. It was entirely possible.

The Cangwu Beast grew excited, calculating its own plans, hence its unusual eagerness. What complicated its mood was that the scent of Bian Lingyu lingered on the girl on its back.

Beasts were especially sensitive to scents. The Cangwu Beast knew it wasn’t just any ordinary smell—it was a scent that penetrated the soul.

If Bian Lingyu truly came from the divine realm, how could he be associated with Shi Luoyi…

Even stranger, though Bian Lingyu could have carried Shi Luoyi himself, he deliberately placed her on the Cangwu Beast’s back?

Throughout the journey, the Cangwu Beast sensed the coldness emanating from the figure ahead, walking cautiously and feeling deeply wronged. It wasn’t like it had taken her by force—he had given her to me!

It dared not misstep, feeling extremely awkward. This strange sensation persisted until Shi Luoyi woke up and dissipated.

Although this girl was more irritable and nearly knocked it out with her blade upon waking, the Cangwu Beast clearly felt that the figure ahead had calmed down considerably.

Shi Luoyi also found the current situation peculiar.

She now believed that the giant beast that saved her was not some demonic beast but a spirit beast. But was there a spirit beast capable of commanding the Cangwu Beast in the mortal realm? If she remembered correctly, centuries ago, the Cangwu Beast could already ascend.

But later, not only did it fail to ascend, it became a dreaded demonic beast. No one knew what had transpired. Come to think of it, even Shi Luoyi’s father, Shi Huan, would have to address the Cangwu Beast as a senior. Despite the sect leader’s deep hatred for the Cangwu Beast, he could do nothing about it.

Now, the silver-white spirit beast led the way ahead, while the Cangwu Beast carried her. Shi Luoyi could tell they were escorting her home.

By dusk, the trio stopped to rest. The Cangwu Beast guarded her while the silver-white giant disappeared for a moment. When it returned, it brought spiritual fruits, placing them in her hands.

Shi Luoyi felt that the demonic energy within her body had vanished completely. If not for her current weakness, she might have thought her near descent into madness was an illusion.

She didn’t know how the silver-white spirit beast had accomplished this. Holding the fruit, her stomach growled with hunger, and she suddenly remembered she hadn’t eaten in a long time. “Thank you for saving me again and for taking care of me.”

Its silvery-white pupils turned to her, puzzled as to why she said “again.”

She smiled but didn’t explain. Across lifetimes, it had repeatedly pulled her back from the brink, becoming her great benefactor.

As she ate the spiritual fruit, the Cangwu Beast went into the nearby woods to hunt and frolic. Shi Luoyi split one of the fruits and naturally offered it to the silver-white spirit beast beside her. “You eat too.”

It paused, hesitating for a long while before opening its mouth to accept it.

Shi Luoyi ate one herself and then fed another to it. Its movements were slightly unnatural when opening its mouth, but it ate every piece she offered.

She couldn’t help but smile. “I remember the first time I fed you talisman water ten years ago. You refused to drink, keeping your mouth closed, and even spilled it onto my skirt.”

Bian Lingyu also remembered this incident. He had never seen water transformed from talisman paper before. Born a god, no one had ever brewed medicine or drawn talismans for him when he was injured, let alone fed him with a spoon.

Full of panic, he didn’t know what to do. Everyone he knew either wanted his divine power or wanted him dead. With cold eyes, Bian Lingyu retreated, accidentally spilling the talisman water and staining her skirt.

The weather was fine today, and Shi Luoyi leaned against a rock to bask in the sun for a while.

The sunlight warmed her fingertips. Bian Qingxuan had taken her far away, so it would probably take a few more days to return to Buye Mountain.

“I’ve been missing for almost half a month. I wonder how Hui Xiang and Bian Lingyu are doing, and whether the demons of Nanyue have been dealt with.”

Seeing the spirit beast look over, she explained, “Hui Xiang is one of my older sisters, who grew up with me. As for Bian Lingyu... he...”

A faint smile graced her eyes. “He is my Dao companion, and also a very good person.”

The spirit beast gazed at her for a long time, not touching her through the rock. Its naturally cold eyes now held a hint of warmth.

After resting enough, Shi Luoyi noticed that the Cangwu Beast had just returned from the woods.

It was full, its body reeking of blood, likely having hunted meat. The Cangwu Beast feared this strange atmosphere, looking at the sky and ground but avoiding eye contact with Bian Lingyu and Shi Luoyi.

Shi Luoyi realized they needed to continue their journey. Seeing the Cangwu Beast reluctant to come closer and knowing she couldn’t walk by herself yet, she turned her gaze towards the silver-white spirit beast.

She approached it and instinctively tried to climb onto its back.

She preferred it over the Cangwu Beast. However, as soon as she touched it, the spirit beast used its horn to push her hand away. Surprised by the rejection, she was gently pushed back to sit by the rock.

The silver-white spirit beast gave a cold glance at the Cangwu Beast ahead, prompting it to reluctantly return and carry Shi Luoyi again.

Sitting on the Cangwu Beast’s back, Shi Luoyi looked up several times at the silver-white figure ahead. Her gaze was filled with confusion, not understanding why the spirit beast, which had always willingly carried her and even protected her while she slept in a past life, now refused to touch her.

Bian Lingyu sensed her gaze. Like a solitary cold moon, he remained resolute and did not turn around.

After the divine pearl consumed the demonic seed, it became increasingly unstable within Shi Luoyi’s body. It originally belonged to Bian Lingyu, and he feared that getting too close might cause the pearl to leave her body. Previously, when he was her husband, he could kiss her, but now, even carrying her required the Cangwu Beast.

Shi Luoyi was deeply worried. She feared that healing her injuries had damaged the spirit beast’s cultivation or worsened its wounds. After observing for a long time, she indeed noticed that the wound hidden under the silver-white spirit beast’s fur had not healed and seemed to be worsening.

Most spirit beasts born and nurtured by heaven and earth had strong recovery abilities. Yet, after so many days, it hadn’t improved. Sometimes, when it moved quickly, blood would seep from its wounds.

She vaguely understood that its condition was due to healing her, making her feel deeply distressed. She could only instruct the lively Cangwu Beast: “Elder, please run slower.”

If the Cangwu Beast slowed down, her silver-white spirit beast could get some rest.

What should have taken five days stretched into ten as they slowly made their way from the far south to Nanyue City in the north.

Neither the Cangwu Beast nor Bian Lingyu could enter the city.

They had to drop Shi Luoyi off at the outskirts. Her body had recovered significantly, and she could now walk on her own.

Seeing the silver-white spirit beast watching her intently, Shi Luoyi said, “Would you like to return to Buye Mountain with me? I’ll find something to treat your injuries.”

Buye Mountain was a good place for spirit beasts in the world.

However, it simply shook its head, signaling her to leave.

Shi Luoyi couldn’t move her feet. She had never owed anyone so much. She didn’t know what the spirit beast had done, but accomplishing something as miraculous as expelling the demonic seed must have come at a great cost.

Her face pale, she refused to leave just like that. Even the Cangwu Beast grew anxious. It could see that this cultivator maiden was exceptionally beautiful; moreover, her pleading gaze could soften even Bian Lingyu’s heart, let alone its own.

Unexpectedly, Bian Lingyu avoided her hand.

Since she refused to leave, Bian Lingyu took the lead and turned to depart. The Cangwu Beast, confused, looked at both of them before hurriedly following Bian Lingyu.

In no time, only Shi Luoyi remained at the city gate. She hadn’t expected them to leave so decisively and had no choice but to enter the city. There were still people she cared about.

Hui Xiang had suffered severe injuries in the life-and-death array and lost half of her original form. Shi Luoyi didn’t know her current state.

The situation with Bian Lingyu was also unclear. Before leaving, Shi Luoyi had instructed her people that she would deal with the great demon of Nanyue with her sect mates.

At the time, she didn’t know it was Zhu Yan, but she vaguely sensed it would be a near-death experience. She specially prepared a house in a remote, picturesque town for Bian Lingyu, setting up an array with countless heavenly treasures. Before leaving, she entrusted Fu Qiu Dao to check in every five days. If there was no news from her, they should ask Bian Lingyu if he wanted to live outside the mountain.

If she didn’t return and Bian Lingyu chose to leave the mountain, they should escort him there.

If Bian Lingyu wished to stay on Buye Mountain, regardless of future events, they should protect him well.

Fu Qiu was loyal and would surely follow through.

Previously, Shi Luoyi thought she was about to die and felt reassured that Bian Lingyu was well taken care of. She hadn’t expected to return safely with the help of the spirit beast, and now she felt somewhat troubled.

Growing up in the mortal realm, Shi Luoyi had only heard of women remaining faithful to men for life but never men doing the same for women.

Even as a young girl, she found it unfair. Both men and women should have the opportunity to start anew. Therefore, she didn’t want Bian Lingyu to remain confined to the mountain after her death; he deserved a peaceful and happy life.

Fu Qiu likely thought she was dead and had already asked Bian Lingyu.

Shi Luoyi knew Bian Lingyu had some affection for her, but she wasn’t sure how deep it was. She didn’t know if he had chosen to leave or stay.

The closer she got to the city gate, the more uneasy she felt. What kind of situation was this?

Was her Dao companion still there?

Thinking of those intimate nights, she regained some confidence. He should still like her enough not to abandon her after just a month.

On the other side, Bian Lingyu left with the Cangwu Beast, stopping at a town.

The Cangwu Beast had been silent for several days but finally spoke up: “You… aren’t you returning to Buye Mountain?” Its voice was clear and youthful.

Before the Cangwu Beast, the silver-white spirit beast slowly transformed into a handsome youth.

“I can’t go back anymore.”

The Cangwu Beast had sensed something was wrong with Bian Lingyu and awkwardly asked, “Are… are you dying?”

Even if it was slow-witted, it could sense Bian Lingyu’s abnormality. Someone as powerful as Bian Lingyu, capable of fighting ancient fallen demons like Zhu Yan, couldn’t even heal his wounds.

To think, the wounds inflicted by Bian Qingxuan on the Cangwu Beast were almost healed.

“Mm, not much longer to live. Thank you for your help this time.” Bian Lingyu threw a bottle of elixirs over. “A token of gratitude.”

The Cangwu Beast was flattered but realized this wasn’t what it truly desired. It opened its mouth, glanced back, and asked Bian Lingyu, “Do… do you really bear to part with her?”

“There’s nothing unbearable about it.”

Seeing the indifference and calmness in his eyes, as if he truly didn’t care, the Cangwu Beast guessed something.

Bian Lingyu’s body had been counterattacked. In a short while, he would lose the ability to maintain his human form, either dying or turning into an unfeeling beast wandering aimlessly until his energy depleted and he faded from existence.

Bian Lingyu walked towards the town.

This was the last bit of warmth Shi Luoyi had left for him, the home she always wanted to give him.