#53: Sincerity

Shi Luoyi learned everything that had happened in the past few days from Fu Qiu.

Just as she remembered from her previous life, the great demon of Nanyue disappeared without a trace. The cultivators who had been prepared to fight it to the death found no sign of its existence.

Fu Qiu said, “Zhao Shu was stripped of his title. His secret cultivation of corpse demons underground was exposed, and he will soon be forced to issue a self-condemnation edict. After his death, he will not be buried in the imperial mausoleum.”

Shi Luoyi nodded. Not even an emperor could do as he pleased when it came to the safety of the six realms. Zhao Shu’s crimes were justly punished.

“What about the corpse demons?”

“It’s strange,” Fu Qiu sighed bitterly. “When the cultivators arrived, most of the corpse demons had already been incinerated by heavenly fire into ashes. Only a few remained, which the cultivators easily subdued. I’ve heard that whenever the six realms face calamity, the gods personally protect the living. Before, I thought it was just a rumor, but now I’m starting to believe it.”

Shi Luoyi felt a bit dazed. The destruction of Zhu Yan this time seemed to have divine assistance.

She quickly asked Fu Qiu again, “What about Hui Xiang and Bian Lingyu?” She had returned to Buye Mountain with difficulty, but only Fu Qiu greeted her upon arrival.

Fu Qiu hesitated, not speaking immediately. Seeing Shi Luoyi’s anxious expression, he hurriedly replied, “Miss, don’t worry. Hui Xiang’s original form was damaged, but Elder Hanshu has examined her. She’ll need a long time to recover, and her lost cultivation won’t return, but at least she’s alive and will heal eventually. As for Bian Lingyu…”

Under Shi Luoyi’s gaze, Fu Qiu sighed, feeling sorry for her misfortune with men. “A month ago, he did return to Buye Mountain. Following your instructions, I told him you might be in trouble and asked if he wanted to leave the mountain to live a mortal life or stay on Buye Mountain. He… chose to leave.”

Seeing Shi Luoyi’s stunned expression after hearing this, the light in her eyes dimmed slightly. Fu Qiu worriedly asked, “Are you alright, Miss?”

After a long pause, Shi Luoyi softly replied, “I’m fine. If he can let go and move on so freely, that’s good for him. I’ll go see Hui Xiang later.”

Hui Xiang was indeed asleep when Shi Luoyi arrived; she had just woken up. These past few days, Hui Xiang had been plagued by nightmares, reliving the moment when Miss sacrificed herself to save her by jumping into the alchemy cauldron with Jiang Qi. Now, seeing Shi Luoyi return safely, tears streamed down her face.

Shi Luoyi held a bowl of medicine and personally fed it to her. “See? I’m perfectly fine. Don’t cry.”

“It’s all my fault. I’m worthless. If something like this happens again, Miss, please don’t bother saving me. Your safety is more important.”

Shi Luoyi wiped away her tears and said, “No one’s life is worthless. Everyone is equally precious in their family’s eyes. After my mother passed away, we grew up together. In my heart, you’re like my older sister. If something happened to me, I know you would risk your life to save me. Think about my choices, and you’ll understand why I acted the way I did. Actually, it’s my fault that you got involved. Zhao Shu targeted me. If I were as strong as Father, you wouldn’t have suffered like this. Now that we’re both safe and back home, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

Hui Xiang wiped her tears and nodded firmly. She then comforted Shi Luoyi, saying, “The Dao Lord ascended at 1,300 years old, but you’re only 100. You’re still young, and in the future, you’ll surely surpass even the Dao Lord.”

The two sisters held hands and exchanged a smile.

Seeing Hui Xiang smile, Shi Luoyi finally felt at ease. Hui Xiang’s fatal crisis had passed, and everything was worth it.

Thinking of Bian Lingyu’s departure, Hui Xiang worried about how Shi Luoyi might react. “Master…”

Even after learning that Bian Lingyu had chosen to leave, Hui Xiang remained deeply perplexed.

That day, when she was thrown into the life-and-death array and Shi Luoyi was taken away by the Grand Preceptor, it was Bian Lingyu who first found her.

Covered in blood and injuries, Bian Lingyu asked her, “Where’s Shi Luoyi?”

With her last ounce of strength, Hui Xiang gave her answer. The last image she saw was of that young man gripping a silver-white bone sword, walking away.

Hui Xiang always believed he went to look for Shi Luoyi. Learning that he wouldn’t return to Buye Mountain made her feel incredulous.

Now, bringing up Bian Lingyu and seeing the blankness in Shi Luoyi’s eyes, Hui Xiang felt something slowly spiraling out of control.

Miss… seemed to understand something, but it was best if these budding feelings stopped here. Hadn’t she initially feared that Miss would fall in love, following in the footsteps of the Dao Lord, sacrificing all her cultivation to keep a mortal by her side, never to ascend again in this lifetime?

Shi Luoyi had already been hurt once by Wei Changyuan. Now, with Bian Lingyu choosing to leave, it was the best outcome for both of them.

In the evening, Shi Luoyi went to bed early.

She still had internal injuries, and Fu Qiu advised her to rest more and not worry about matters concerning Buye Mountain.

Lying in bed, Shi Luoyi realized for the first time how large the bed actually was without someone beside her.

She closed her eyes for a long while, the wind howling outside. Though everything had ended, she couldn’t fall asleep.

The clay rabbit sensed Shi Luoyi’s restless emotions, hopping off the table onto her body, enveloping her in its faint spiritual aura.

Shi Luoyi opened her eyes and hugged it, suddenly recalling the hand that wiped her tears on her birthday when she was rejected.

Cold, yet unexpectedly gentle.

In two lifetimes, she had treated many people kindly—like Senior Brother Changyuan, like Zhao Shu. But in the end, they either abandoned her or harmed her.

Only one person, despite being mistreated by her repeatedly, wiped her tears during her darkest moments and stayed by her side as a mortal to defy the sect leader.

“Why couldn’t you wait even a month before leaving?”

Her unconscious murmur went unanswered by the clay rabbit in her arms.

In the silent night, Shi Luoyi sighed softly. After Wei Changyuan’s betrayal, she understood that in this world, matters of the heart could not be forced. If someone loves you, they’ll brave any danger to reach you. But if they don’t, no matter how hoarse you scream, they’ll scoff.

She recalled the bright gaze of the young man when her veil was lifted, his untouched daughter red wine, and the scent of ice lotus flowers as he leaned over her in the moonlit apricot grove, accompanied by the soft murmurs of shadow puppetry.

She also remembered her second descent into madness, scaring A’Xiu with her killing spree, yet Bian Lingyu remained steadfastly by her side. The moment she regained consciousness, she saw his unwavering gaze fixed on her.

At that moment, it seemed as though even if she were a deadly weapon, he wasn’t afraid of losing his head.

It was then that Shi Luoyi impulsively decided to propose becoming his Dao companion.

Tossing and turning, she couldn’t sleep. When the moon hid behind the clouds, she thought, I must just be a little worried about him.

After all, Bian Lingyu’s health had always been poor. What if there was something wrong with the house she had arranged for him? What if the people she left behind mistreated him because of his frailty?

After much deliberation, Shi Luoyi finally made a decision: I’ll go see him tomorrow!

Once she made up her mind, she fell asleep almost instantly.

The next day, Shi Luoyi set out for the small town. Before leaving, she visited Hui Xiang once more.

Hui Xiang stared blankly for a long time, her expression complex. “Miss, are you really going?”

Shi Luoyi nodded. “I just want to check if he’s doing well and adapting to his new life. After all, this was his choice. I’ll take a quick look from afar. If he’s fine, I’ll be reassured.”

Hui Xiang: “...”

Without even asking, Miss had already explained so much.

Hui Xiang glanced at the wall, where Shi Luoyi had left Princess Wanxun’s portrait behind, forgotten.

Hui Xiang pursed her lips. Wasn’t Princess Wanxun worthy? Even though the Dao Lord couldn’t ascend, had he ever regretted it for a moment? Hui Xiang knew he hadn’t. Because he had tried, he had no regrets, and that allowed him to peacefully raise Miss.

Even though Bian Lingyu’s life might be fleeting, was it truly right to let them miss their chance?

She shouldn’t make decisions for Miss.

Hui Xiang coughed and smiled helplessly. “Miss...”

Hui Xiang recounted everything she had observed from the very beginning to Shi Luoyi.

“On the day your eyes were injured by Bian Qingxuan, I saw Bian Lingyu treating your wounds. None of the things you asked me to send him have been touched—they’re all in the storeroom. Moreover, there are many items he later prepared for you. If you go and see them, you’ll understand.”

Even though Bian Lingyu was mortal, he had done his best to prepare gifts for his Dao companion, as if making up for a delayed betrothal gift. He never mentioned it, and Hui Xiang pretended not to know. Now, these accumulated items represented his deeply buried, unseen heart.

...

Hui Xiang whispered softly, “That day when Miss was taken away by the Grand Preceptor, he chased after you, covered in blood and injuries. If you can’t let him go, then go see him. Though I don’t know why he left, I do know that seeing you would surely make him happy.”

How could he bear to leave you? If he could return, he would have done so long ago.

Two days later, Shi Luoyi arranged her phoenix-drawn carriage and arrived at the small rain-soaked border town. She still felt dazed.

Hui Xiang’s words made her feel as though she were dreaming.

Did Bian Lingyu... really like her that much? During the two days of traveling, she thought about many things. For instance, was Bian Lingyu truly just an ordinary mortal?

She remembered the peach wood sword he carved, which pierced through the head of the Immortal Toad at a critical moment. And although the Immortal Toad’s venom should have affected him, he showed no signs of illness. His arm bore what appeared to be bite marks from the Cangwu Beast, which Elder Hanshu said would surely be fatal—but Bian Lingyu remained unharmed.

The strongest evidence was this: Bian Qingxuan, such an extraordinary existence, once highly valued her brother. Could it be reasonable for him to be just a mere mortal?

It wasn’t reasonable! Shi Luoyi thought silently. She knew Bian Lingyu must have many secrets; he had hidden quite a lot from her.

But everyone has secrets. For example, she had never told anyone about her inner demons.

Now, the only ones who knew she was on the brink of falling into demonic possession were probably Bian Qingxuan and the silver-white spirit beast.

On the way to the house, Shi Luoyi felt strangely cheerful. As a result, she was easily persuaded by a vendor to buy an oiled paper umbrella. She dispelled her protective barrier and leisurely walked under the picturesque umbrella.

The spring rain drizzled continuously, and people hurried along the streets. Everywhere she looked, the world was filled with the fireworks of human life.

The courtyard was quiet, and outside the gate stood an apricot tree. When Shi Luoyi came here a month ago, the tree had only flower buds, but now it was adorned with pink and white blossoms.

It grew untamed, its largest branch hanging over the wall, seemingly confirming the saying “red apricots peeking over the wall.”

When Shi Luoyi bought the property, the previous owner had sheepishly said, “This tree… I’ll have someone remove it later.”

But Shi Luoyi smiled knowingly. “No need. Let it stay—it suits the scene.”

If one day Bian Lingyu chose to leave Buye Mountain, it meant he was starting a new life. He’d have a new wife. What harm was there in leaving a red apricot tree here?

Shi Luoyi hadn’t expected to return here so soon.

But her heart felt light.

Now she knew that Bian Lingyu hadn’t left because he gave up on her. Standing here, she felt no regret or loss. Even the red apricot tree seemed endearing.

It had been a month since she last saw her Dao companion. She adjusted her skirt and noticed she wore a light yellow outer garment today, paired with a pinkish-white scarf—brighter than the apricot flowers.

Finally, she stepped forward to knock on the door.

Soon, hurried footsteps echoed from inside. The gray-clad Uncle Liu greeted her with a wide grin. “It’s you!” He recognized the former employer.

“Yes, I’ve come to see Bian Lingyu.”

“He’s here. Master Bian hasn’t gone out since he arrived. Please come in.”

The two-story courtyard was lined with lush greenery, elegant and warm.

Shi Luoyi had only hired two people to care for Bian Lingyu, knowing he preferred tranquility. One was Uncle Liu, who had retired from a security bureau. Skilled in martial arts, he could scare off troublemakers and keep the house safe. The other was Grandma Zhao, whose son died in battle. Hardworking and honest, she handled daily chores like laundry and cooking.

Shi Luoyi entrusted them to Bian Lingyu, and they became his servants.

As she walked through the courtyard, a blue-clad youth hidden in the trees widened his eyes in shock! Shi Luoyi... how did she come here?

He was the same Cangwu Beast who had stayed here for several days. After centuries guarding vain hopes, he finally awaited a deity. Although unsure of Bian Lingyu’s status in the divine realm, he was Cangwu’s last hope. He feared Bian Lingyu might die.

Cangwu lingered here, and Bian Lingyu didn’t mind—as long as he transformed into human form and didn’t scare others.

Cangwu thought, of course Bian Lingyu wouldn’t care.

Since Shi Luoyi returned to Buye Mountain, this house had become lifeless.

Every day, Bian Lingyu stayed in the broken courtyard refining pills, not speaking a word, calmly awaiting his death.

Just yesterday, Cangwu asked him, “What if Shi Luoyi comes? Would you go back with her?”

The silver-robed youth indifferently added fire to the pill furnace. “She won’t come.”

“What if she does?”

Bian Lingyu remained silent for a long time. “She doesn’t love me.”

She didn’t love him. Knowing he had left Buye Mountain and chosen not to walk that path with her, she naturally wouldn’t come. Bian Lingyu knew he was different from Wei Changyuan from the start. Wei Changyuan could drive Shi Luoyi mad with pursuit. But he... he was merely a stepping stone on her journey home, helping her rise higher but never making her pause.

When he said Shi Luoyi didn’t love him, his voice was calm, almost indifferent.

Cangwu thought, …that… that is indeed somewhat pitiful.

He awkwardly stopped talking, wanting to slap himself. He shouldn’t have asked. Cangwu understood that in this world, mutual affection was rare. He once exhausted his cultivation to help his master ascend, but she never looked back at him.

He still remembered her cold words: “A beast is still a beast.”

Suddenly, Cangwu felt a kinship with Bian Lingyu.

However, at this moment, what did he see! Bian Lingyu’s wife... she actually came!

Had he seen wrong?!

Outside the courtyard, the apricot tree swayed in the rain. Under the umbrella, the young maiden walked briskly toward the courtyard where Bian Lingyu resided. Her delicate cheeks, slender waist, and flowing black hair made her look like a fluttering butterfly.

Even if Bian Lingyu remained unaware, Cangwu couldn’t help but grin foolishly upon seeing this scene.

Cangwu felt happy for the person under the eaves. In this world, true feelings aren’t always misplaced. No matter how long they drift, they will eventually find their place.