Chapter 338: Life as If Only Meeting for the First Time

The green wild oats of Dahe Town rippled like waves in the wind. Faded wooden stakes stood at either end of the mountain path, resembling stark, bleached arm bones. No other mountain contours were visible in the distance. Once he was there, his view consisted solely of the scattered mountain town behind him and, at the end of the steps ahead, the ancient Taoist temple, inscribed with the marks of ages.

Ning Changjiu slowly walked forward.

The cold, damp morning mist was gently blown away by the wind. Ning Changjiu walked along the mountain path, the boundary between Dahe Town and the Bu Ke Guan temple. He looked at everything, familiar yet strange, as if a lifetime had passed.

Was it because he was nearing the Kunlun Moon Kingdom that he started having such bizarre dreams? Or were these thoughts already buried deep within his heart?

Indeed, twenty-four years in his previous life, no matter how quickly they passed, were not mere wisps of smoke that could be easily dispersed.

Ning Changjiu’s consciousness was not entirely clear; he didn't have much energy to think. He simply followed his original inclination, slowly walked up the steps, passed the stele pavilion, and entered the Bu Ke Guan temple.

Perhaps because the gate-keeping disciple was absent, the door was merely ajar, allowing him to easily walk inside.

The temple was deserted and quiet.

Ning Changjiu walked to the Release Pond, which was steaming with mist and rippling. This was where he used to accumulate merits.

Further on was Senior Sister's Hall of Regulations, and beyond that, the Green Lotus Library. After passing through the Hall of Regulations and a courtyard, he reached the first hall. Extending along the central axis, there were a total of three halls. Their scale was not particularly grand, and their eaves appeared ancient and heavy beneath the still-dim sky.

Ning Changjiu, accompanied by the chirping and warbling of birds, slowly passed through the hall doors, continuing along the central line.

His senior brothers and sisters were nowhere to be seen; the Bu Ke Guan temple was utterly deserted and silent, as if he were the only one there.

Ning Changjiu walked past the cold pond covered in lotus blooms, crossed a winding small bridge, and finally stepped into the grand hall he had never entered in his previous life.

The hall's door was also merely ajar.

Ning Changjiu could not describe his feelings at that moment; he simply attributed all the inexplicable emotions to the dream. After taking a deep breath, he placed his hand on the door, gently pushed it open, and stepped inside.

Inside the hall, countless deities and Buddhas pressed upon his vision, and innumerable drapes swayed like wandering wind.

Beside him, a great deity held something resembling a demon-reflecting mirror. He glanced into the mirror and froze—he found his features more delicate and refined, and his cheeks held a touch of childishness.

This was... his sixteen-year-old self!

In the dream, he had returned to his sixteen-year-old self.

"Have you made up your mind?"

From behind the swaying curtains, a clear, ethereal voice drifted out.

It was his Master's voice.

Ning Changjiu didn't know whether he should kneel. He just stood rooted to the spot, looking at the swaying shadows on the curtains, and asked, "Made up my mind about what?"

The temple master remained calm. With a slight lift of his fingers, a fiery red butterfly flew from his sleeve. Upon closer inspection, Ning Changjiu realized it was a marriage contract.

Ning Changjiu instinctively reached out and snatched the contract that was about to fly away.

Ye Changong's voice continued to drift out, saying, "Have you still not decided?"

Ning Changjiu immediately understood. His Master was asking about the marriage contract. Refusing the contract at sixteen in his previous life had been one of his biggest regrets. This regret hadn't been strong in his last life, but in this one, he often wondered what would have happened if he had agreed back then.

But why was he having such a realistic dream?

Ning Changjiu immediately realized: the opportunity to enter the Five Paths realm was approaching.

Entering the Purple Court realm involved a heart-demon tribulation, and entering the Five Paths realm also involved a trial of the heart. The trial of the heart had no tangible tribulation; it was more ethereal and elusive.

"This is the fiancée I have chosen for you, named Zhao Xianger," Ye Changong's clear and melodious voice, devoid of impurities, drifted out slowly. "She possesses peerless beauty, is gentle and kind, with both excellent character and appearance, and is a descendant of the divine bird Vermilion Bird. I promise her to you as your wife. Are you willing?"

Ning Changjiu was startled, and he began to doubt the meaning of "gentle and kind."

"...After seventeen days of negotiation, we finally ceded six hundred li of our territory. Zhao lost its land, hence my name, Xiang!"

A familiar voice echoed on the Nine Spirits Platform. The sixteen-year-old Zhao Xianger stood at the top of the platform, gazing at the setting sun.

She paused, realizing this was a dream.

Behind her, a great demon soul-eater with horns on its head parted the sky and slowly infiltrated the State of Zhao.

Second Senior Brother appeared and, before he could even swing his blade, heard the young girl's shout of halt.

To Second Senior Brother's astonished gaze, the newly ascended empress of Zhao opened her umbrella and gripped her sword. Her tense body, like an arrow released from a bowstring, instantly shot into the air. Her skirt caught fire as she leaped in front of the soul-eater's head. The soul-eater let out an angry roar at the young girl.

Zhao Xianger's expression remained unchanged. She looked at the soul-eater without the slightest fear, only the uncooled battle intent from before entering the dream reigniting within her petite body, like embers rekindling from ashes, stirring up countless sparks.

A battle that shook the imperial city erupted in the sky.

The demon's horns were severed and dissipated in the air, its head split and annihilated over the city.

Soon after, Zhao Xianger landed back on the Nine Spirits Platform, lightly pressed a blood bead on her cheek with her fingertip, and slowly wiped it across, staining her thin lips a vibrant blood color. Behind her, the setting sun was like blood, and her black dragon robe with gilded patterns danced in the evening glow.

In the evening light, the scene cracked.

A fire lotus drifted over and stopped behind Zhao Xianger.

Zhao Xianger paused and turned to look.

She had initially thought this was just a simple dream, meant to fulfill a long-cherished wish from that year.

This trial couldn't just be about killing all the monsters; her mother also tempered her spirit. Tempering the soul through this dream-entering method, elevating her spiritual realm, resolving regrets, and making her state of mind complete was not particularly strange.

Even after the soul-eater died, the dream continued.

The Vermilion Bird's maid walked out of the red lotus and softly asked, "Miss Xianger, you are even stronger and more outstanding than I imagined."

Zhao Xianger gently turned. She was in her sixteen-year-old appearance, with delicate bones and a clear spirit, still childish. Her figure was petite and graceful, and her silhouette in black, holding a sword, resembled a goddess of death from hell.

Zhao Xianger quietly looked at the maid.

"Thank you for the compliment, Divine Envoy," she replied.

The maid looked at her, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "The imperial city trial has passed. Have you made up your mind, young lady?"

"Made up my mind? About what?" Zhao Xianger asked.

The maid smiled slightly and said, "Naturally, it's about the path forward. Do you choose to remain in the State of Zhao, fulfilling the destiny implied by the character 'Xiang,' or do you choose to accept this marriage contract and go to an otherworldly Taoist temple for cultivation? Neither choice is right or wrong, superior or inferior; just follow your heart."

Zhao Xianger was startled; her eyebrows lightly stirred. She subconsciously reached into her sleeve and pulled out a pristine marriage contract.

The marriage contract glowed like fire.

Zhao Xianger looked at the marriage contract, not understanding its meaning. She had clearly already married Ning Changjiu...

Ah, yes, this was three years ago.

Hmm... the night she saved Ning Changjiu three years ago, the way he looked at her seemed to have ulterior motives. He also deliberately hid his abilities when the three-year agreement was made—his intentions were truly punishable!

Wait... where was Ning Changjiu? Shouldn't he be on the Nine Spirits Platform too? And why was Lu Jiajia gone? What a strange dream...

Could they have gone off to fool around?! Zhao Xianger was startled, then angrily exclaimed, "His wicked heart never dies!"

Zhao Xianger almost forgot the words of the Vermilion Bird's divine envoy and grabbed her sword to go catch them in the act.

The Vermilion Bird's divine envoy slowly spoke, saying, "That young man is named Ning Changjiu. He is the husband my master carefully chose for you, young lady. He is a young Taoist priest with a pure heart cultivating the Way, high in Taoist magic, upright in character, with delicate features, and simple and honest. He complements you well and is a very good match; it can certainly be considered a good destiny."

"..." As Zhao Xianger listened, she thought, this fickle and wicked person hides himself so well, even Mother didn't discover his true colors!

"Are you willing to accept this marriage contract?" the Vermilion Bird's divine envoy asked.

"Let him come see me!" Zhao Xianger said coldly.

The Vermilion Bird's divine envoy seemed not to have heard, repeating, "Young lady, are you willing to accept this marriage contract?"

Ning Changjiu woke up as the sky gradually brightened.

Siming was still sitting by the window, meditating and cultivating, her expression calm and serious, as if contemplating something deeply.

Ning Changjiu didn't disturb her. He held his head, recalling the dream he had just had, and couldn't help but laugh.

He regretted waking from the dream. He wondered if he could continue it tomorrow night.

Siming finished her meditation, vaguely gaining new insights, and her aura became even more profound.

She glanced at Ning Changjiu disdainfully. In her sea of consciousness, the scene of her standing in a glorious divine kingdom in the future, becoming the ruler of a nation, with Ning Changjiu kneeling beneath her divine robe, seemed almost within reach.

A slight curl touched her lips, and her eyes held a smile. She walked barefoot with her jade feet to the mirror, slowly sat down, her figure like a wisp of smoke.

Ning Changjiu, as usual, combed her hair.

"What did you dream about? Why are you so distracted?" Siming asked lightly.

Ning Changjiu gently refocused, looking at the hair draped over his curved fingers, and chuckled as he shook his head, "No... nothing."

"Hmph," Siming snorted coldly, then asked, "Which young girl did you dream about this time?"

Ning Changjiu thought for a moment, then honestly replied, "I dreamt about Xianger."

In the mirror, Siming's expression was icy. She snatched the wooden comb from him, saying, "I'll do it myself."

Ning Changjiu stood rooted to the spot, realizing he had misspoken. He quietly explained a few words, but Siming remained unforgiving, even pushing away a peeled fruit he offered her.

Ning Changjiu ate the fruit by himself, gazing out the window in a daze.

He couldn't help but wonder, if... if he had accepted the marriage contract in his previous life, what would his life have been like for the next twelve years?

Unfortunately, there was no "if"; dreams were just dreams, discontinuous.

"Let's go. You can think about your delicate fiancée on the way," Siming said coolly.

Ning Changjiu dared not say more, fearing he would annoy Siming again.

"Where are we going next?" Ning Changjiu casually sought a topic.

Siming sneered, "Naturally, to your favorite place. What? Don't remember?"

Ning Changjiu suddenly understood, "Daughter Peak?"

Siming didn't even sneer anymore; her expression turned completely icy. "You really do like that place the most!"

Ning Changjiu knew he had misspoken, thinking he had dreamt himself silly. Just as he was about to try and salvage the situation, Siming pushed the door open and walked out.

Ning Changjiu stood rooted to the spot, no longer dwelling on the absurd dream from last night, and quickly hurried after her.

At the foot of Daughter Peak, wild peach blossoms bloomed in profusion.

Siming stood among the blossoming trees, her face reflected by the peach blossoms. Her eyes twitched slightly as she reached out to pluck a flower, but catching a glimpse of Ning Changjiu watching her, her fingers instinctively recoiled, and she sullenly put her hands behind her back.

"The vibrant colors of the human world turn to ash in an instant. What is there to cherish?"

To prove she disliked such vulgar scenery, Siming added this remark lightly.

Ning Changjiu was too lazy to expose her and slowly ascended the mountain with her.

Halfway up the mountain, Ning Changjiu again encountered the short-tailed monkey. This time, the monkey demon was carrying a flower basket and selling flowers. The flowers in its basket were all gathered from elsewhere, varied in color, and contrasted charmingly with the peach blossoms covering the mountain.

The monkey demon saw Ning Changjiu and Siming, and its eyes lit up as if it had seen a sucker. It ran over with its basket, shouting, "Customers, customers! What a coincidence, truly 'where in the demon city can one not meet again'..."

"Careful!" Ning Changjiu called out.

The monkey demon was startled, but it was too late. It hadn't noticed the unevenness of the steps and tripped on a drop while running. Losing its balance, its face fell towards the ground.

Ning Changjiu reached out and supported the monkey from a distance.

Although the monkey demon didn't fall, the flowers in its basket spilled all over the ground.

It looked at the scattered flowers, its heart trembling violently—these flowers couldn't be sold now.

It slowly stood still, clenched its fists, and bent down to pick up the flower basket. Although accustomed to such mishaps, it still couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Ning Changjiu asked, "You're not telling fortunes anymore?"

The little monkey said with a mournful face, "I lost my fortune-telling sticks container... so I can't."

Ning Changjiu said, "Why are you so careless?"

The little monkey chuckled, "It's not easy just to stay alive until today."

Ning Changjiu looked at it, and suddenly felt that this little monkey seemed to possess some spiritual intelligence. He asked, "What's your name?"

The little monkey thought for a moment and said, "I'm just a wild monkey; where would I get a name?"

Ning Changjiu helped it pick up the flower basket and tidied up the scattered flowers. He noticed a tattered piece of clothing wrapped around its waist, and at the lower edge, the fur on its thighs was visibly burned. He gently withdrew his gaze, then laid out a row of copper coins, saying, "I'll buy this basket of flowers, including the basket."

Siming sneered, "Wasting money again?"

Ning Changjiu calmly replied, "These flowers are good value for money; I feel it's worth it."

Siming said, "Hmph, I wouldn't wear flowers that have fallen on the ground."

Ning Changjiu retorted, "It wasn't bought for you to wear anyway."

Siming said, "Don't tell me you'll wear it yourself?"

Siming's expression was irritated.

"Good sirs, please don't argue," the little monkey demon looked up, forcing a smile. Then, it took the flower basket from Ning Changjiu's arms, pulled out an unstained flower that had been pressed underneath, and handed it to Ning Changjiu, saying, "Young master, you are a good person. This flower is for you. The others are dirty and worthless."

Ning Changjiu tried to pay, but the little monkey demon refused again.

"This flower is a gift for you, esteemed guest," it said. "Please don't waste your money on me. If the money is even a little more, I won't be able to keep it..."

"Why?" Ning Changjiu asked.

The little monkey demon looked up, forcing a smile, and said, "That's just my fate... I wish I knew why too. Last time, when the guest gave me a bit more money, I almost ended up in a snake's belly."

Ning Changjiu looked at it, searching its body with his divine sense to see if there was a curse mark, but found nothing.

Ning Changjiu put away the copper coins, leaving only one, which he offered to the monkey. But the little monkey still refused. It hugged the flower basket, head bowed, crouching, and ran off with small steps, its shoulders twitching.

After the monkey demon left, Siming suddenly spoke, "It's a bit strange."

"Oh?" Ning Changjiu asked, "Did you notice anything?"

Siming said, "Something seems to be sealed inside its body. I couldn't see clearly; perhaps it was just an illusion."

The little monkey demon disappeared into the forest.

Ning Changjiu took the flower and handed it to Siming. Siming held grudges. She lightly accepted the flower, then with a backhand, tucked it into Ning Changjiu's hair.

Ning Changjiu took off the flower, intending to put it back, but Siming's figure had already swept up the high slope. She looked back with a light laugh, provocatively glancing at Ning Changjiu. Ning Changjiu followed closely. The two wove through the cliffs and forests, leaping and soaring, finally reaching the top of the high cliff.

Daughter Peak was more beautiful than imagined, with colorful ribbons fluttering and clusters of flowers blooming. From a distance, one could see an aura of auspicious glow rising. The spirits of Daughter Peak were also beautiful, having completely transformed into human form. Their clothing, attire, and makeup were all flawless.

"Don't go in," Siming extended her arm, stopping him.

Ning Changjiu asked, "What's wrong?"

Siming said, "I've sensed it. There are no traces of authority remaining inside. There's no need to waste our effort."

Ning Changjiu asked suspiciously, "Are you sure?"

"Are you questioning my concern for you?" Siming said lightly. "Don't tell me you're going to torture the peak master of Daughter Peak?"

Ning Changjiu listened to her sarcastic words and chuckled, "I trust you. Since it's not here, let's not waste time."

Siming was reasonably satisfied with his reaction. She closed her eyes and carefully sensed again, then gently shook her head.

Having lived in the Nine Nether Hall for many years, her affinity and familiarity with Netherworld qi far surpassed Ning Changjiu's.

After descending Daughter Peak, the two headed towards Bhikshu Peak.

At the foot of Bhikshu Peak, they saw the divine tree mentioned by the white elephant. Around the divine tree, armored guards held weapons, surrounding the sacred divine wood, which was dozens of embraces thick.

Ning Changjiu stood on the peak across the river, gazing into the distance.

The divine tree had not a single leaf; its texture was a lifeless grayish-white, and its frosty bark and dragon scales were covered with galls and cracks. This giant tree grew leaning, its dense branches reaching out to the sky like a helpless, withered hand outstretched. And miraculously, a fruit, shaped like a baby, grew among the dead branches, appearing not yet ripe.

Siming looked at the tree's roots, then retracted her gaze with disgust. "Do you know what's buried beneath this tree?"

Ning Changjiu shook his head, "I don't know."

Siming sneered, "Your fortune stick seemed to hit the mark by chance. The authority we are looking for might truly be on Bhikshu Peak."

"Is it related to that divine tree?" Ning Changjiu asked.

"The divine tree is unrelated to the Netherworld's authority, but this divine tree, which should have been completely dead, still bears fruit. It's likely due to the favor of the authority," Siming thought for a moment, then said, "Never mind, unsubstantiated claims are useless. Going up the peak to see will confirm."

The summit of Bhikshu Peak was relatively prosperous among the peaks. Before the stele pavilion at the peak's entrance, the four characters "Longevity Without Bounds" were inscribed with bold strokes, looking very grand.

Beyond the stele pavilion, there was a tomb. The owner of the tomb was unknown; only two lines were carved on the tombstone: "God-monarch holding iron, how can one sleep with a severed neck? White bones holding sand, regrets hard to end."

Ning Changjiu and Siming looked at the tombstone together, not seeking a deep understanding.

Siming said, "There's no body in the tomb, only clothes and a hat."

Ning Changjiu said, "Perhaps it commemorates a demon that died in battle five hundred years ago. Its bones are long gone, so they had to build a cenotaph."

Siming was not concerned with this; she was quite vigilant about Bhikshu Peak, having already spread out her divine sense to detect any slightest disturbance.

The two ascended Bhikshu Peak and glimpsed herds of white deer among the trees. These deer were treated very well on the peak, with almost no worries of being preyed upon.

Upon reaching the entrance to the Bhikshu Peak demon city, Ning Changjiu found a pair of young boys and girls standing at the gate, smiling as they looked at him.

"Are the two of you here to find Grandpa Longevity?" the boy slowly approached, smiling as he spoke.

Ning Changjiu frowned, "The White Deer Demon King knew we were coming?"

The girl also stepped forward, saying in a childish voice, "Grandpa Longevity possesses boundless demonic power and can divine all of heaven and earth. He wrote a letter a day ago instructing us to wait here for esteemed guests."

"Wrote a letter?" Ning Changjiu asked, "Could it be that Grandpa Longevity isn't on the peak?"

The boy replied, "Precisely. Grandpa Longevity has been out these past few days and won't return until the day after tomorrow."

Ning Changjiu asked, "Which peak is Grandpa Longevity on now? We can go find him ourselves."

The girl shook her head and said, "That cannot be told; it is a forbidden place no one is allowed to enter."

Ning Changjiu and Siming exchanged glances.

The White Deer Longevity, as revealed by the divining stick, was currently in a dark place invisible on the geomantic map.

Siming asked, "Did Grandpa Longevity instruct you to say anything else?"

The boy replied, "Grandpa Longevity also said that he knows what you are looking for. This matter is of great importance, so please wait patiently and don't be impatient. Two days from now, Grandpa will return and explain everything to you personally."

Before they could ask further, the girl had already gestured to welcome them. A sweet smile appeared on her tender cheeks, "The guest rooms have been cleaned. Please come in. If you have any requests, just command us; we will do everything you ask."

Ning Changjiu hesitated, and Siming gave him a subtle glance, nodding slightly.

"Alright, please lead the way," Ning Changjiu said.

The boy and girl led Ning Changjiu and Siming into the city.

They arrived beside the grand hall built by the water in the city center. As their feet touched the water's surface, a small fish swam up at the corresponding spot where their toes touched, exhaling cold air and solidifying ice into a path.

The four walked along, with ice forming with every step.

The boy and girl led them into a cleaned room. It was a luxurious dwelling, not relying on illusionary techniques, and its furnishings were neatly arranged.

After escorting the esteemed guests, the boy and girl bowed and left.

Although Siming was very satisfied with the room, she still scanned its interior and exterior with her divine sense, confirming there were no issues.

"Why would the White Deer Demon know our whereabouts?" Siming muttered to herself in confusion.

Ning Changjiu said, "Either the White Elephant Demon leaked the secret, or White Deer Longevity truly possesses divine powers... That's not important."

"Mm, I don't believe he would simply hand over the authority," Siming said.

Ning Changjiu nodded in agreement, adding, "How could someone who built those ghostly temples outside the city be easy to deal with? I wonder what it truly intends to do."

Siming hummed in agreement, saying, "Rest well and prepare for a tough fight."

That night, sleepiness rolled in as usual, and Ning Changjiu fell into a deep slumber early.

Last night's dream continued.

He still stood in the temple, and his Master waited for his answer, asking, "Are you willing?"

In the other dream, the Vermilion Bird's divine envoy was also awaiting a reply: "Young lady, are you willing?"

"I am willing."

Both spoke at the same time.

Cracked lines spread across the scene before his eyes.

In a trance, Ning Changjiu found himself outside the temple, and beside him stood an exquisitely beautiful maiden. The maiden wore a ponytail, and her dragon robe had changed into a snow-white Taoist robe.

The maiden was also staring at him.

In Zhao Xianger's eyes, an expression unfitting for her childishness appeared... He was exactly the same as three years ago, she suddenly recalled past events, the way he fell from the sky and landed in her arms then. He was just this young, and even after many years and many events, she still remembered it vividly. What a wondrous dream... Was it because her spirit was too fragile during the trial that it awakened such cherished memories?

Ning Changjiu also quietly looked at her.

She was exactly the same as three years ago, petite and graceful, with ineffable beauty in her features. At that time, he had even thought whoever married her would be a suicidal fool... A fool, suicidal—wasn't that exactly himself?

He gave a self-deprecating laugh.

At this moment, he suddenly understood that he never needed to make up for any regrets from his previous life; their story was originally a destiny in this very life.

"Are you the gentle, kind, and beautiful Miss Zhao Xianger, with excellent character and appearance?" Ning Changjiu asked, feigning ignorance, his voice carrying a hint of sarcasm.

"Are you the Young Master Ning Changjiu, high in Taoist magic, upright in character, and simple and honest?" Zhao Xianger blinked and asked, feigning innocence. She had originally wanted to give him a good scolding and punish his flirtatious behavior, but then she thought, it's just a dream; why should she vent her anger on an image from her sea of consciousness's memory? Just take it as a beautiful recollection of their first meeting...

"Nice to meet you," they both said softly.