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墨書 Inktalez
Stepping through the gates of the Su Family, I was once again enveloped by the enchanting beauty reminiscent of a fairyland. Every detail echoed the grandeur of Xiuling Mountain from my past life. The deeper I ventured, the stronger this feeling grew, as if I had returned to Xiuling Mountain, back to the days of being a shadow.
"Who built this place?"
Su Ziqian's lips curled into a slight smile. "Isn't it just like the Su Family from long ago at Xiuling Mountain?"
I paused, taken aback. "How do you know that?"
"After all, I am a member of the Su Family. Before taking charge, it was always Jun Jun and me managing things here. There are many things I couldn't decide on, but I still know quite a bit. You may be aware that your memories from your past life don't come from the Su Family, but that place was once the Su Family. Everything here was left behind by Su Xun for the sake of a Reincarnation."
Reincarnation!
This meant that no matter how much time passed, one would eventually return to their original place.
The cycle of cause and effect is an inescapable fate.
As I opened a large door ahead, it led to a path toward the backyard, flanked by shaded corridors filled with birdsong and floral scents—an unchanging scene throughout the year.
"Xiao You is waiting for you inside."
He stopped at an archway and did not proceed further. I glanced at the courtyard; in my previous life, I had visited Su Xun's courtyard with Su Yi. It looked exactly like this one, or at least very similar to my memories.
Suddenly, my heart ached as I recalled the phantom I had seen before returning to reality. How I wished I hadn’t seen it or that it was merely an illusion; then perhaps there would still be days filled with laughter between Lin You and me, just like before.
Before my brain could react, my body made its choice and boldly moved forward.
The yard was filled with a fragrant aroma, the scent of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air, stirring up a hunger deep within me.
Lin You, dressed in a simple white garment, had her long black hair neatly secured. A beautiful tassel hairpin adorned one side of her head, and her pure white robe flowed elegantly around her, showcasing exquisite embroidery that, while simple, exuded an air of sophistication.
In this moment, Lin You possessed an ethereal quality that reminded me of the first time I saw her after returning from the underworld—familiar yet strangely distant.
“Xiao You.”
I called out hesitantly. Her hand paused as she poured the tea, but she quickly regained her composure. “Please, have a seat!”
Unlike her usual playful demeanor, my heart sank at the change in her tone.
I walked over and sat down across from her. Her familiar face was adorned with delicate makeup, and between her brows bloomed a peony, vibrant red and lifelike against her fair skin—a true beauty who seemed to have stepped out of a painting.
“This is Pu-erh Tea, the kind you enjoy most. I just brewed it; give it a taste and see if it reminds you of the past.”
Her words were lighthearted, avoiding any serious topics. I didn’t press for details either. Lifting the fragrant cup to my lips, I took a sip. “Compared to the first time, your skills have improved significantly. However, it still lacks the touch of my grandfather’s brewing. But I still like it very much.”
Lin You closed her eyes and smiled gently. “As long as you like it.”
That smile was warm and enchanting, reminiscent of the first time she brewed tea for me.
I held the cup tightly, watching as ripples danced across the surface of the tea—my hand trembled slightly.
“Xiao You.”
I set down the cup, and she slowly opened her eyes, but did not look at me. Instead, she lowered her head, her fingers tracing the rim of the cup. Finally, she sighed softly, "Anxin, I'm sorry for deceiving you for so long."
"I know you didn't mean it," I said, trying to steady my emotions. "I just want to know why it was you."
"Why?" She looked up and smiled lightly. "Didn't you see it in your memories? I was created by Su Xun, carrying his remnants within me. He hates you and Jun Chong, which has determined everything in this life. So, Anxin, I'm sorry."
"So that confirms what he said back then. Are you going to kill me?"
Lin You's hand trembled violently around the cup, spilling some tea. She lowered her head, gripping her hands tightly as if struggling.
I watched her expression and slowly recalled the times before she went abroad when she had said things to me. At that time, I hadn’t thought much of it, but now it seemed she must have known her mission long ago.
"Xiao You, when did you realize your mission? Did you know from birth?"
"No." Lin You bit her lip before continuing, "It was shortly after you met Jun Chong that it appeared. The memories of my past life returned, and Su Xun's obsession surfaced. I watched everything unfold as if viewing the past. When I heard Su Xun's vow at the end, I knew that no matter how much I struggled in this life, things between us would never be friendly again."
Suddenly, she lifted her head, mist filling her eyes as they sparkled with tears. "Anxin, I truly just wanted to be good friends with you. I fought against it, but in the end, I still failed. Su Xun's malevolent thoughts spread within me, leading me to take lives, and then I had to join the Su Family."
My hand shook as I blurted out, "So Ling Feng really was killed by you?"
Two streams of tears fell from her eyes; she wept silently, and even without words, everything was clear.
At that moment, I truly hated Su Xun. If it weren't for that lingering obsession, perhaps the Su Family would no longer appear in this story.
Lin You cried for a long time. As I looked at her, a momentary impulse surged within me to grab the scissors from the table and kill her; that way, Su Xun could never cause harm again.
But that’s impossible; she is my friend.
Lin You is still Lin You. She has her own thoughts and choices, and even if forced, she still has her influence.
“Xiao You, is there anything else you’re hiding from me? Just tell me! Now that the Demon Realm is launching a fierce attack, regardless of our past grievances, the Su Family should contribute for the sake of humanity.”
Lin You slowly stopped crying, her eyes misty and pitiful.
“You're right; humanity cannot perish. I came to find you today precisely for this matter.” She wiped away her tears, no longer revealing more emotion.
“Who is the new leader of the Demon Realm?”
“It’s one of the Demon King’s former confidants. Having escaped a disaster, he spent two thousand years making a comeback. I’ve found out that Qi Zhi is imprisoned in the Demon Realm, and once the passage between the Demon Realm and the Underworld opens, he will be taken to the Demon King.”
I was taken aback. “Taken to the Demon King? Why?”
“I don’t know, but the information is accurate.” Lin You shook her head. “I’m more worried about another matter.”
“What matter?”
“The Underworld King, Jun Rui.”
“Jun Rui?”
“The Demon King has always aimed for the position of Underworld King. However, his malicious intent has been eroding Jun Rui for two thousand years, yet Jun Rui has never done anything to harm the Underworld. Don’t you find that strange? So I suspect that perhaps the Demon King's malice is fading, which can only mean that his power is waning. Also, regarding Sealed King Jun Chong, even I don’t know the truth. Jun Chong has been in the Underworld for several days now without returning. I advise you to visit the Underworld; it’s completely different from before.”
I originally had complete confidence in Jun Chong, and I had considered Jun Rui's strange behavior. Now, with her saying this, my heart couldn't help but race, yet I still forced a smile and said, "I believe him."
"But he will ultimately abandon you!"
Suddenly, a male voice mixed in startled me. I looked directly at Lin You and found her eyes filled with a fierce killing intent. Her lips moved, and that voice indeed came from her, as it was a blend of female and male tones.
I stared at her for a long moment before finally calling out a name, "Su Xun?"
"Knowing me is for the best. Let me tell you, I will never let you have peace in this life. I will ensure that you and Jun Chong can never be together for eternity! The curse of the Qilin Hairpin was placed by Su Yi, and I will make it come true. Hahahahaha..."
I stood up from the stool, keeping a safe distance from her.
There was no wind around us, yet Lin You's clothes fluttered as if caught in a breeze, her hair floating about her face twisted in rage. But she remained seated, her hands clenched into fists on the stone table, both angry and restrained; I could see Lin You furrowing her brow as she struggled internally.
"This girl still refuses to listen. Anxin, I know you don’t want to die. If you die, you will have to let go of Jun Chong. So I'm very curious—when faced with Lin You in the end, what choice will you make? Will you be killed by her or will you kill her?"
"I won't hurt Anxin! I won't!"
Lin You let out a sharp scream that startled the birds in the forest into flight, creating chaos around us, yet no one came to check on the commotion outside.
After venting her frustration, she slumped weakly over the table, her hair sticking to her face with sweat, her complexion pale as she gasped for breath.
"Xiao You, are you okay?"
I shook her gently, but she suddenly broke free from my grasp and distanced herself from me, looking somewhat panicked and uneasy.
“Anxin, you need to leave me quickly. Recently, the Evil Energy has been surging, and Su Xun's obsession is becoming more frequent. I'm afraid I will be controlled by him sooner or later. I've told you everything I can for now, so remember to stay as far away from me as possible. Don't ever think of me as a friend again. Just go!”
“Xiao You.”
Seeing Lin You like this, my heart ached. She clearly didn't want to do this, yet she had no choice. Even though she was a product of Su Xun, she was ultimately influenced by her master’s heart, filled with sincerity.
Fortunately, Su Yi's obsession remained in Emerald Valley and not on Lin You; otherwise, under the dual obsessions, Lin You would become even more unhinged.
“Xiao You, I will not give up on you.”
Lin You froze for a moment, brushed her sleeve to hide her tears, and turned away.
“Anxin, go to his side and use your power to protect your beloved. You can do it because the spiritual energy of Su Xun's master has always existed within you, along with Blood Flame and Guardian Pearl. These are your assets; you don't need to think too hard about how to use them—just be mindful. They will obey your commands. But remember, never sacrifice your soul at any time; you only have this one life. Although human life is short, accompanying him until old age is also a form of happiness. Anxin, live well, my dear friend.”
After Lin You finished speaking, she walked into the room, leaving me standing alone under the tree. The falling green leaves landed in my palm and transformed into a tiny petal that resembled a cherry blossom.
She was right; I should go to Jun Chong's side. Regardless of the danger, I must lend him a helping hand and stand beside him.
I resolutely turned and left. As I stepped outside, Su Ziqian leaned against the wall, seemingly having witnessed everything that just happened. He simply led me away without saying a word.
It wasn't until he dropped me off at home that he finally spoke.
“Anxin, don't forget that on your 25th birthday, your grandfather has a gift for you—a certificate for entering the Su Family. Although all of this will end before you turn 25, since it has come up now, there must be a reason. Anxin, you are destined not to escape the Su Family; this is where you began and where you will ultimately end.”
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