Chapter 1922: Moon Memories (4)

The woman in red was pale and gaunt, and even the light in her eyes seemed faintly diffused. Her face had aged, ravaged by severe illness.

Despite this, anyone seeing her would have no doubt that she once possessed captivating beauty when she was well.

Yun Che knew this was Xia Qingyue’s mother, Yue Wugou.

He never expected to meet his former mother-in-law—a woman whose tragic past had once shaken the God Realm—under such circumstances.

Yue Wuya stood up, a gentle smile on his face. “Your recovery has been smoother these past few times. Wugou, rest well for the next twelve hours, don’t use your profound energy. You will definitely keep improving.”

His demeanor was relaxed, but as his gaze shifted, a deeply hidden flicker of pain crossed his eyes.

Yue Wugou knew he was comforting her. She offered a reassuring, faint smile. “Wuya, don’t worry, I will recover well. After all, I want my daughter to be able to stay with me for a few more years.”

“Senior, thank you for your trouble.”

This same scene had played out countless times over the years. Yet, each time, it still moved Xia Qingyue deeply.

Years ago, her mother, who had been stranded in Flowing Cloud City, suddenly regained her memories and some profound energy. It was merely a final burst of vitality before her life ended.

Originally intending to end her own life, she ultimately chose to expend all her strength to return to the Moon God Realm, solely to see Yue Wuya one last time, even if he would scold her, humiliate her… or even kill her.

But Yue Wuya, almost desperate, had forcibly extended her life to the present… even repeatedly depleting his own God Emperor vital blood.

It was as if a sliver of mercy, left behind amidst heaven's cruelty, had granted her mother's unfortunate life a touch of tragic fortune.

Outside the scene, Yun Che was deeply moved.

Although he could only see her appearance, Yue Wugou was clearly a flickering candle in the wind in his eyes.

And a God Emperor of a Royal Realm would go so far as to use his own vital blood to forcibly extend her life… and it was clear this was not the first time he had done so.

To anyone, this would undoubtedly seem incredible.

He suddenly remembered that when the Royal Realms of the Eastern Divine Region besieged Jasmine, only Yue Wuya died at Jasmine’s hands… Besides Jasmine’s extreme hatred for him, his long-term depletion of vital blood might also have been a contributing factor.

“Qingyue,” Yue Wuya turned his gaze to Xia Qingyue, “I have something important to tell you.”

“Please speak, Senior.” She noticed an uncharacteristic solemnity in Yue Wuya’s demeanor.

There was a brief silence, as if he was gathering his thoughts. But in the end, he spoke in the most direct way: “I hope you can become the Divine Empress of the Moon God Realm.”

Knowing everything that had transpired back then, these words no longer stirred Yun Che. But for Xia Qingyue at that time, it was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue.

“What did you say!?” Xia Qingyue’s brows furrowed abruptly, her grateful gaze turning icy, and she even took a step back.

“That’s not what you think; let me finish.” Unsurprised by Xia Qingyue’s reaction, Yue Wuya remained calm, his voice faint. “The title ‘Divine Empress’ for you is merely a designation, an empty name without substance.”

“An empty name?” Xia Qingyue still gazed coldly, her brows furrowed. “With your esteemed abilities, the title of a concubine might be a formality, but a Divine Empress is the consort of a God Emperor, requiring invitations to the world, a grand wedding ceremony, and congratulations from all realms. How could it possibly be an ‘empty name’?”

“Qingyue, there’s no need to be nervous.” Yue Wugou smiled and shook her head, her voice as light as a breeze. “He has no ulterior motives towards you. Just listen to him finish.”

Yue Wuya nodded slightly. “You’re right, at that time, we will indeed invite the world, hold a grand wedding ceremony, and receive congratulations from all realms… However, the one who will complete the ceremony with me won’t be you, but your mother. You will only need to make a single appearance.”

“...?” Xia Qingyue became even more confused. “What exactly do you mean?”

Yue Wuya explained: “At that time, I will activate the most magnificent ‘Divine Moon Ascending’ formation ever seen within God Moon City. Before the wedding ceremony, you will make a brief appearance, allowing the world to remember your face, your aura, and your name, Xia Qingyue. They will also be astonished by your ‘Glaive Heart’ and ‘Exquisite Body.’ This way, no one in the world will question why you would become the Divine Empress of the Moon Gods.”

“Afterward, I will personally use the ‘Star-Moon Shift’ art to transfer your aura onto your mother. Although it will only last for a short time, combined with the dense moon energy from the ‘Divine Moon Ascending’ formation, it will be enough to deceive everyone and allow your mother and me to complete the wedding ceremony.”

Yue Wuya slowly closed his eyes and said in a deep voice, “Not completing the wedding ceremony with your mother all those years ago has been the regret of my life.”

“Absurd…!” Yue Wuya had shown her immense kindness, yet she still uncontrollably uttered these words. “If you truly have this resolve, if you truly love my mother, then why would you fear the gossip of the world?”

Yue Wuya slowly shook his head. “I have no words to defend myself. If one day you stand in my position, you will understand that even for a God Emperor, there are too many inexplicable helplessness in this world.”

“Furthermore, resolving my and your mother’s lifelong regret is secondary. Most importantly… it is for you.”

“...Me?”

“Qingyue, although you originate from the lower realms, do you understand what a unique existence you are in this world?” Yue Wuya’s voice deepened. “The Exquisite Body and the Glaive Heart—either one is a supreme gift from the Heavenly Way. The Glaive Heart, in particular, last appeared over six hundred thousand years ago.”

“And that person became the founding ancestor of the Eternal Heaven God Realm.”

“The Exquisite Body and the Glaive Heart appearing in the same person…” Yue Wuya exhaled softly. “In recent years, I’ve specifically reviewed numerous ancient texts. In the history of the God Realm, this has never occurred.”

She was no longer the Xia Qingyue who had just arrived in the God Realm; she now understood the significance of the Exquisite Body and Glaive Heart she possessed.

“These past few years, you have remained in this small world, unable to take a single step outside. It’s not imprisonment, but it's worse than imprisonment. Because once you step out and expose your Exquisite Body and Glaive Heart, the entire God Realm will be thrown into turmoil, and your life will never again know peace.”

“Can the title ‘Divine Empress’ truly protect me then?” Xia Qingyue asked. “Years ago, everyone knew my mother was to become your Divine Empress, yet she was still harmed to this extent…”

These words undoubtedly pierced the deepest pain in Yue Wuya’s heart. His face twitched several times before he painstakingly regained his composure and said, “What will protect you is not the empty title of ‘Divine Empress,’ but rather…”

He raised his arm, and a pure, crystal-like purple light swirled in his palm. “My Violet Sovereign Divine Power, and my position as Moon God Emperor!”

These words astonished not only Xia Qingyue but also brought a look of surprise to Yue Wugou’s face.

“So, he wasn’t joking after all,” Yue Wugou murmured softly.

“You want me to… inherit your Violet Sovereign Divine Power?” Xia Qingyue’s expression was one of profound disbelief.

Although, as someone from the lower realms, she couldn't possess Moon God bloodline, her Nine Profound Exquisite Body allowed her to perfectly bear any divine power inheritance—even that of the Moon Gods.

“And the position of Moon God Emperor,” Yue Wuya emphasized with a serious tone. “Qingyue, to my Moon God Realm, you are ultimately an outsider. Merely possessing the Exquisite Body and Glaive Heart is not enough. But if you also bear the title of ‘Divine Empress’… at least, it will be much simpler, and even if there are dissenting voices, they won’t be strong enough to be insurmountable.”

Xia Qingyue slowly shook her head. “I don’t understand…”

Yue Wuya looked directly into Xia Qingyue’s eyes, his gaze devoid of a God Emperor’s might, holding only the purest sincerity. “These are not impulsive words from me, but something I have long and carefully considered.”

The inheritance of Moon God Divine Power, the position of God Emperor… For a time, even he himself was deeply astonished that he would make such a decision.

He thought Xia Qingyue couldn’t possibly refuse… whether for the highest power and status in the current world, or for her own safety and control over her destiny.

However, Xia Qingyue, in his sight, slowly but firmly shook her head.

“Senior, your kindness to me and my mother is as profound as a mountain. Even if you asked me to repay it with my life, I would have no regrets or complaints,” Xia Qingyue said, her beautiful eyes clear, showing almost no struggle or hesitation. “But this matter… I cannot agree.”

“Why?” Yue Wuya frowned deeply, greatly perplexed. “This matter brings only immense benefits and no harm to me, to your mother, and to you! Even if there are any unforeseen circumstances during the wedding, I will bear them. What possible reason do you have to refuse?”

“I’m sorry…” Xia Qingyue slowly closed her eyes. “I’ve disappointed you.”

No one knew what she was thinking at that moment.

“Qingyue! You…”

“That’s enough, Wuya.” Yue Wuya was about to say more but was gently interrupted by Yue Wugou’s soft voice. “If she doesn’t wish to, then don’t force her.”

That single soft sentence made Yue Wuya swallow all the words he was about to speak. He sighed lightly and said, “Qingyue, please consider what I’ve said today for a while… However, you don’t have much time to deliberate.”

“What do you mean?” Xia Qingyue looked up.

“Because my time is running out,” Yue Wuya said faintly. “The Heavenly Secret Divination predicts that I will face a death calamity within five years.”

He wanted to tell Xia Qingyue that her mother also didn’t have much time left… But how could he say such cruel words in front of Yue Wugou?

Xia Qingyue slightly furrowed her brow. “Senior, as the Moon God Emperor, how can you lightly believe such so-called…”

“I know what you want to say.” Yue Wuya interrupted her, his voice becoming soft and low. “But… that is a Heavenly Secret Divination.”

He knelt down, half-kneeling by Yue Wugou’s side. A warm, soft moonbeam enveloped her. “Wugou, please rest well. I will visit you again tomorrow.”

Yue Wugou looked at him and whispered, “You have so many responsibilities; you don’t need to come so often.”

Yue Wuya simply smiled faintly, his fingers gently caressing Yue Wugou’s face with a tenderness as if she were a fragile piece of warm jade that might break at a touch. After that, he stood up and slowly walked away.

Xia Qingyue watched Yue Wuya leave, then walked to her mother’s side and softly asked, “Mother, was that… your wish too?”

Yue Wugou held her daughter’s hand, her gentle voice carrying a hint of weakness. “Not being able to marry him truly has been the regret of my life. It’s just that…”

The image of Xia Hongyi flashed before her eyes, and her heart felt pierced, a sharp pain searing through her soul. She smiled and shook her head. “It’s all right, no matter what. Qingyue, you are my daughter. I hope you can live the life you desire to the fullest. Whatever it is, if you don’t want to, then you don’t have to force yourself.”

Xia Qingyue’s lips parted slightly, but she remained silent.

“Speaking of which, your feelings for that child named Yun Che…” Yue Wugou’s eyes and the smile at the corners of her lips softened. “They are far more profound than you let on.”

Slightly startled, Xia Qingyue said with a hint of distraction, “Though he and I were husband and wife, we never truly were. I left him soon after our marriage and we rarely reunited. How could I claim to have ‘profound feelings’?”

“It’s just, thinking of him…” Xia Qingyue gently shook her head. “Though he is no longer in this world, it’s still… difficult to agree.”

Looking into her daughter’s eyes, Yue Wugou’s heart filled with tenderness. “Though that child suffered heaven’s jealousy, in a lifetime, to have someone for whom you would do so much, isn’t that a kind of fortune for both him and you?”

She did not mention Yun Che again, instead saying, “However, you must understand what a great fortune and great disaster your Exquisite Body and Glaive Heart are. In this God Realm, filled with ambition and treachery, if you rely solely on your own cultivation… who knows when you will be able to leave this place.”

Xia Qingyue looked up, her eyes bewildered. “Unknowingly, so many years have passed.”

During these years, while accompanying her mother here, she spent twenty percent of her remaining time studying ancient texts to understand the God Realm, and eighty percent on cultivation.

“I somewhat… want to go out and see the world.”

“Of course not,” Yue Wugou smiled and shook her head. “Moreover, the barrier at the entrance was personally set by him, and only those with his direct bloodline can pass through. He confined it this way for your safety.”

“I understand.”

“Speaking of which,” Yue Wugou’s voice suddenly softened, and her gaze became somewhat distant. “Today is your father’s birthday.”

“…” Xia Qingyue’s lips parted slightly, and she softly murmured, “Father… birthday…”

She realized that she couldn’t even remember her father’s birthday.

Perhaps she had spoken for too long, as Yue Wugou’s breath seemed to falter slightly. Xia Qingyue quickly returned to her senses. She supported her mother’s shoulders, gently helping her lie down. “Mother, please rest well first.”

“Mm.” Yue Wugou softly assented, closed her eyes… and soon fell peacefully asleep.

After silently watching over her mother for a while, she stood up and walked forward, somewhat lost in thought.

Xia Hongyi, my father.

It had been many years since she last saw him. After entering the Ice Cloud Immortal Palace, she had never visited him again.

Only today did she realize that she had never remembered his birthday.

He deeply loved my mother… He would silently weep while looking at her portrait… He would often softly murmur her name… After my mother left, he never remarried… I longed for him and my mother to reunite… This was also what I had pursued back then.

Why… are my memories of him so sparse and faint… and only related to my mother…?

During these years in the God Realm, I worried about the Ice Cloud Immortal Palace, about Yuanba, about the fate of the Azure Wind Nation… Why have I never worried about him?

Even his face has become so blurry…

He clearly raised me for sixteen years…

Yet those sixteen years of nurture, in my memory, in my soul, are as faint as if they never existed.

Am I truly… such a heartless person?

She walked on, lost in thought, and unknowingly arrived at the exit of this small world.

The faint purple barrier shimmered with a gentle yet resilient glow.

Staring at the barrier she could never, and had never been able to, cross, she, as if compelled by a strange impulse, extended her hand to touch it.

There was no expected obstruction or resonant hum; her hand passed right through, without even a hint of resistance.

“…” Xia Qingyue froze, and only after a long moment did she slowly withdraw her hand.

Suddenly, she turned and flew straight back to her mother’s side.

Yue Wugou was still sleeping peacefully. On the grass not far from her, was the pool of blood Yue Wuya had coughed up.

Her heart began to pound inexplicably. Xia Qingyue extended a finger, and a drop of blood welled from its tip. A wisp of profound energy then lifted the bloodstain from the ground, congealing it into another blood drop of the same size.

As profound energy shifted, the two blood drops slowly touched in mid-air and seamlessly merged in Xia Qingyue's gradually fading eyes...