As the sky gradually darkened, I slowly set aside my work.
I think that’s enough for today.
Stretching my back, I looked at the results before me—about two-thirds completed, which was a decent progress.
I took out a bamboo tube and poured some water to quench my thirst, then, as usual, used purification to remove the dust that clung to me.
Now… it’s time to check on those two. I wonder how their discussion is going? Have they reached a conclusion?
Seeing me stand up, Xuan immediately followed me, having rolled around happily by himself.
“Where are we patrolling today?” he asked.
“Hmm…” I briefly sensed the level of resentment in the air tonight. “I’m not sure yet; let’s decide later.”
Upon returning to the entrance of the Demon Suppression Cave, I saw Song Lan and A-Qing both looking serious under the Sophora Tree.
As I approached, A-Qing hesitated before stepping forward to greet me.
“Miss Wei.”
Although I had mentally prepared myself, it was still unfamiliar. The social anxiety from not having seen her in a long time flared up slightly, causing me to freeze for a moment, unsure how to respond. I simply nodded in acknowledgment.
“Miss Wei…” A-Qing bit her lip as if she wanted to say something but held back. “Um, Master Song has already told me everything that happened, so… well…” She took a deep breath and made up her mind. “I think there are some things you need to know.”
“Is that so?” I couldn’t help but look puzzled. What is it that I need to know?
A-Qing took my hand and led me to sit beneath the Sophora Tree, patting the empty space beside her as an invitation.
I sat down in a daze. What was happening?
"Um, this is about Daoist Xiao Xingchen..." A-Qing glanced at Song Lan, who nodded in agreement, before continuing, "Since I know the whole story, I'll explain it..."
And so she spoke of Yicheng, of Xue Yang, of how Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen had been harmed, and how they were later rescued by a group of Noble Scions and two Experts...
I half-closed my eyes and listened quietly.
These were all events that had already been described in the book. However, hearing the characters recount everything in their own words brought a profound sense of connection.
But since I already knew the background and the outcome, I found myself at a loss for how to react...
Fortunately, A-Qing was deeply immersed in her thoughts and didn't pay much attention to my response. As for Song Lan, his expression was grim as he remained silent.
"...So this really isn't Daoist Xiao Xingchen's fault; everything should be blamed on that wicked Xue Yang!" A-Qing said through gritted teeth. "Because of this... I hope you can show great compassion and help restore Daoist Xiao Xingchen's shattered soul, so that he and Master Song can have a chance to reconcile, and so he can understand that none of this is truly his fault..."
"Gao—" A sudden strange cry interrupted A-Qing's unfinished words.
I cast a sidelong glance at the black furball that was sobbing pitifully beside us.
"Gao..." (How pitiful... they are so pitiful...)
Seeing this, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "...You understand?"
"Wah! What is that?" A-Qing suddenly noticed Xuan's presence and couldn't help but exclaim. "What is it howling about? What happened?"
"Oh, it's nothing, don't worry." I reached out to gently rub Xuan's head, calming him down. "This spirit beast is formed from the soul of the Guardian of the Mountain Stone Beast, and its name is Xuan. Right now, it sheds a tear of sympathy for Daoist Xiao Xingchen's tragic fate."
"Wait? Is it crying? Can it understand what I just said?" A-Qing couldn't help but curiously reach out to touch him. "So, your name is Xuan, right? Xuan, if you also feel sympathy for Daoist Xiao Xingchen, please help me ask Miss Wei for assistance!"
Xuan, who had been squinting his eyes in enjoyment of A-Qing's touch, immediately turned to look at me.
"Gao..." (Hey! Just help them out...)
"...So you really can understand?" I was somewhat surprised. I thought he could only understand what I said; it turns out he truly comprehends human speech?
"Gao!" (Yes, I understand!) Xuan displayed a proud expression.
"Um... Miss Wei?" A-Qing tentatively called out.
I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
"I never said I wouldn't help." Even if it was based on personal motives, I would definitely take action. "However, you all need to be mentally prepared. After all, he chose to shatter his soul under such cruel circumstances. Even if his consciousness returns, we must consider whether he can truly bear the pain and despair of his memories when facing reality again, rather than choosing to shatter into nothingness once more..."
"We can do it!" A-Qing quickly asserted. "After all, Master Song has already recovered. As long as we can explain things well to Daoist Xiao Xingchen, he will surely accept it!"
"Miss Wei..." Song Lan held Xiao Xingchen's Soul Locking Pouch in his hands, his eyes filled with a sorrowful plea. "Please..."
I looked up at the darkening sky. So far, the restless resentment remained relatively calm...
In any case, let's resolve this quickly! I sighed heavily.
"Then, as previously mentioned, if any unexpected situations arise, I'll have to trouble Master Song."
"This is natural," Song Lan said solemnly. "I swear by my life that I will protect you, Miss."
Sorry, but you’ve already lost your life. I couldn't help but scoff inwardly.
"Gao!" (Don't worry, I'm here!)
I shot a sideways glance at Xuan Yi. Unfortunately, my trust in you is currently at zero!
Confirming the recovery status of my Spirit Power, I reached out to Song Lan and carefully took Xiao Xingchen's Soul Locking Pouch, cradling it in my hands.
"Then, I will begin."
Under their eager gazes, I began to chant the incantation for Soul Forging, gradually infusing my spiritual energy into it.
This consumption... feels a bit concerning...
I wasn't sure if it was due to Xiao Xingchen's soul being particularly fragmented or if souls had different levels of strength, but the amount of spiritual energy I was using now was incomparable to when I repaired A-Qing's soul.
I focused intently on the Soul Forging process, trying not to think about the depletion of my Spirit Power. Otherwise, I might be overwhelmed with worry and end up giving up halfway...
Time passed slowly and painfully. Just when I felt like I couldn't hold on any longer, a notification finally popped up before me—
[Soul Forging Complete].
I gasped for breath and quickly glanced at the remaining amount of my Spirit Power—
Damn! It was indeed depleted, not a drop left! It seems that whatever I worry about always comes true! Curse you, Murphy's Law!
Garlic sauce is fierce, Xiao Xingchen!
"This soul has been restored, please confirm..." With my consciousness fading, I weakly instructed, "The rest is up to you..."
I didn't even catch a glimpse of Song Lan's expression at this moment before everything went dark and I lost consciousness.
***
In my dream, I vaguely saw the souls of Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen standing face to face, both speechless and tearful, yet neither dared to speak first. They remained frozen in place, caught in an awkward silence.
It wasn't until A-Qing rushed forward, crying and calling out as she embraced both of them that the tension was slightly broken.
At first, they spoke softly, their words tinged with unfamiliarity. But then, something was mentioned that stirred their long-suppressed emotions, turning their discussion into a passionate debate. It felt less like accusations and more like a shared guilt, each blaming themselves for the misunderstandings.
They exchanged many words, talked for a long time, and fell into silence for what felt like ages. Finally, they looked at each other with understanding smiles. They shook hands and reconciled, untangling the complex knots in their hearts, allowing all the inner gloom to dissipate completely.
Unfortunately, since it was a dream, I couldn't hear what they actually said...
But finally being able to see each other again was truly wonderful!
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