Chapter 378: Gathering and Parting, A Thousand Kinds of Infatuation

The long night passed, and dawn appeared as a faint shape on the horizon.

It was summer, and a dry, hot wind swept across the scattered ruins of the Bone Tower. White bone dust was lifted by the wind, streaking through the thin light, and blowing into the distance. The world was filled with ash, and from a high vantage point, it looked as if the wind itself had condensed into a mass of dust and fine particles.

The world was gradually illuminated, and the destructive scars, in the dim light, resembled ugly sculptures.

Zhao Xiang’er held her umbrella. Light filtered through the ruined walls and fell upon its surface, making the thin fabric glow with an ancient, serene luster. Beneath the umbrella, the girl’s peerlessly beautiful profile was bathed in pure light, appearing heroic yet gentle. She wore a dark red gown, long enough to sweep the ground, adorned with intricate phoenix and vermillion bird patterns. These designs, though clustered, did not appear gaudy or overly ornate; instead, they accentuated the girl’s serene and exquisite beauty.

Sima Ming knelt at the edge of the deep pit, looking up at her, tears streaking her face. In the filtering sunlight, Sima Ming felt as if she was witnessing the purest color in the world, leaving her momentarily flustered.

“Xiang’er?” Sima Ming’s chest heaved, her icy eyes holding a misty, clear light. She composed herself and asked, “You, why are you here?”

Ning Changjiu was also somewhat surprised. He had thought he would die by Ke Wenzhou’s sword. But at that critical moment, a red flower bloomed before his eyes, and then he was embraced, escaping into a world he couldn't explain, thus avoiding that fatal strike.

Zhao Xiang’er smiled faintly. “Didn’t you say you wanted to take me as your maid, to serve tea and pour water? So I specifically came. Hmm… junior sister, will you make good on your word?”

Sima Ming froze. She hadn’t expected her words to be overheard. Was this some divine ability to control mountains and rivers?

Zhao Xiang’er had only recently entered the Fifth Path, so her cultivation was naturally inferior to Sima Ming’s. But at this moment, Sima Ming’s imposing aura was completely suppressed. Hearing these words, her cheeks flushed, and she stammered, unable to speak, feeling rather flustered.

“Um, I… I didn’t… How did you eavesdrop…?”

Sima Ming was still kneeling, her silver hair slightly disheveled. On her black divine robe, the slender silver-white tattoos had not yet faded, glowing faintly. She bit her lip, still not having emerged from her grief, unsure whether to cry or laugh, and then was hit with such an unexpected question from Zhao Xiang’er. The more arrogant she had been when saying those words before, the more flustered she was now that they had been exposed.

Zhao Xiang’er clearly wasn’t going to let her off, continuing, “Does little sister Xue’er have the courage to say it, but not the courage to admit it?”

Sima Ming bit her lip, her chest still heaving violently. Looking at Zhao Xiang’er’s smiling eyes, she felt utterly humiliated. She averted her gaze, lowered her head, and reached up to smooth her hair, unable to muster any spirit to resist for the moment.

Ning Changjiu gently crouched down, rubbing the bloodstains from his hands. He extended his scarred hand to Sima Ming, softly saying, “Xueci, don’t cry. I’m still here.”

Sima Ming’s emotions stirred, and her body finally relaxed slightly. But then she heard Zhao Xiang’er say, “Xueci? Weren’t you calling her ‘Xue’er, Xue’er’ in private, so intimately? Why can’t you call her that in front of me?”

“…” Ning Changjiu knew he was in the wrong and dared not speak. He and Sima Ming exchanged furtive glances.

Zhao Xiang’er looked down at them. Though she was clearly the youngest, she was now speaking with the authority of a teacher. Zhao Xiang’er didn’t press them too hard, as she couldn't stay there for long and would soon have to return. They had become well acquainted during their three years in the dream, and while their bond might not have been as strong as gold, they were certainly like sisters. She knew that with someone like Xueci, mere mockery wasn't enough; kindness and strictness should be applied in equal measure.

Zhao Xiang’er tilted her umbrella slightly towards Sima Ming. Sima Ming immediately recalled the scene in Myriad Demon City where she and Ning Changjiu had shared an umbrella, wondering if Zhao Xiang’er was hinting at something again. Then, Xiang’er’s porcelain-white, delicate hand reached out.

“Get up,” Zhao Xiang’er said. “It’s rare to meet again. Let’s walk together.”

Sima Ming hesitated for a moment, then, holding Ning Changjiu’s right hand and Zhao Xiang’er’s left, slowly stood up. Behind them, the sunlight streamed over the city walls, casting their figures in a pale light. Zhao Xiang’er stood in the middle, with Ning Changjiu and Sima Ming on either side. Their heights were not quite matched, yet they seemed to possess an inexplicable harmony.

“How did you get here, Senior Sister Xiang’er?” Sima Ming finally composed herself, regaining a touch of her usual demeanor. It had taken them many days to travel from Myriad Demon City to here. According to Ning Changjiu, Xiang’er should be in the Three Thousand Worlds of the Western Kingdom, which would take at least half a month to reach from here…

Zhao Xiang’er explained, “It’s related to a certain ability of the Three Thousand Worlds. In short, I can travel between different worlds by shifting, crossing incredible distances in a short amount of time. Perhaps one day, you’ll be badmouthing me behind my back, and halfway through your conversation, you’ll hear a knock at the door.”

Sima Ming felt deeply ashamed, remembering how many times she had indeed spoken ill of Zhao Xiang’er behind her back, and that all those words had been heard. She lowered her head, accepting the mockery, and temporarily submitted to Xiang’er’s authority.

Ning Changjiu interjected, trying to smooth things over, “Xiang’er, you know Xueci often says one thing but means another. Besides, she has said many good things about you too.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Zhao Xiang’er asked. “How come I didn’t hear them?”

Ning Changjiu smiled faintly. “Xiang’er, you’re not monitoring us day and night, so of course, you might miss or mishear some things.”

“Hmph,” Zhao Xiang’er huffed, lifting her chin slightly with an air of proud disdain. “Of course, I’m not so bored as to care about your trivial matters all day long.”

Ning Changjiu clasped his hands inside his sleeves, chuckled, and secretly glanced at Sima Ming. Sima Ming immediately averted her gaze; she was unusually well-behaved today.

The three walked through the streets and alleys of Lonely Cloud City. The blue bricks on the streets were all shattered into gravel, and most of the walls on either side had been leveled. Many people awakened from the disaster, staring mutely at the devastation, while many others would never wake again. They turned the corner and walked on, talking softly as they passed fallen trees.

“When the Sword Saint’s strike fell, I thought I was certainly going to die. How did you save me, Xiang’er?” Ning Changjiu asked, voicing the doubt in his heart.

Zhao Xiang’er replied, “It has to do with my authority.”

Ning Changjiu asked curiously, “What authority?”

Zhao Xiang’er countered, “What is your authority?”

Ning Changjiu pondered for a moment, then said, “In short, every time I draw my sword or shoot an arrow, it will always hit the enemy.”

Zhao Xiang’er’s thin, red lips curved upwards. She said, “Mine is the exact opposite of yours. My authority allows me to evade all attacks.”

Ning Changjiu was stunned for a moment, then laughed helplessly, thinking, *Are they a married couple or sworn enemies?* Sima Ming, at his side, couldn’t help but fan the flames, asking, “Then what would happen if your authority were used to attack Xiang’er’s authority?”

Zhao Xiang’er looked at her, blinked, and said, “Does Junior Sister really want to know the answer?”

Sima Ming looked at her clear, black-and-white eyes and replied spinelessly, “No, I don’t.”

Ning Changjiu found Sima Ming’s crestfallen expression amusing and couldn't help but smile.

The three walked into the deeper parts of the city. Zhao Xiang’er looked up at the vast sky. “I wonder if they can kill Ke Wenzhou.” After the Sword Saint’s external body returned to his main form, he forcibly carved out a path to retreat and fled, while the other three pursued him in a pincer movement. If Sima Ming hadn’t been worried about Ning Changjiu and rushed into the city, perhaps the Sword Saint would truly have fallen today if all four of them had attacked together.

Sima Ming said, “Ke Wenzhou wasn’t as strong as I imagined.”

Zhao Xiang’er said, “Because at this moment, he hasn’t been truly accepted by the Heavenly Dao… Alas, I hope they can kill him. Otherwise, if he becomes a second Yuanfu, a complete representative of the Heavenly Dao, that will be a true disaster.”

Sima Ming had been worried, but seeing Zhao Xiang’er’s youthful and beautiful silhouette, her heart settled somewhat. She smiled faintly and said, “While Ke Wenzhou certainly poses endless trouble, don’t we also have the Vermillion Bird Goddess supporting us?”

Zhao Xiang’er’s bright expression dimmed slightly. She said calmly, “The Vermillion Bird has always wanted to kill me. We’ve already broken ties. Perhaps when the Vermillion Bird arrives, that will be the day of our death match.”

Sima Ming froze. She didn’t know what had happened these past few days and asked confusedly, “Isn’t she your mother?”

Zhao Xiang’er shook her head gently, her neatly aligned teeth softly grinding. “The Vermillion Bird… is the one who killed me in my past life. She usurped my power, leaving me with only a wisp of my divine soul. For some unknown reason, she made me possess this body in this life and become her daughter.”

Even Sima Ming, a seasoned divine official who had seen much of the world, was shocked by these words. *Xiang’er… past life… the Vermillion Bird took her past life’s mortal enemy as her daughter? What a twisted sense of humor! And what an immense humiliation for Xiang’er!*

Ning Changjiu listened, sighing softly. He and Xiang’er had shared that dream, seeing their carefree thousand-year existence, and also the invasion of outer gods and the world’s collapse. He had already generally guessed the grievances between Xiang’er and the Dragon Sparrow of the Barren River, so he didn’t ask for details. Sima Ming, however, was filled with indignation upon hearing this. “The Vermillion Bird actually did such a thing? She truly is the second greatest villain in the world!”

Ning Changjiu paused, curious. “Who is the greatest villain in the world, then?”

Sima Ming shot Ning Changjiu a glance, while Zhao Xiang’er shook her head with a faint smile.

Sima Ming saw the faint sadness on Zhao Xiang’er’s face and said guiltily, “I didn’t mean to ask that.”

Zhao Xiang’er was also magnanimous, saying breezily, “It’s fine. I was too foolish in my past life; I had all the advantages of time, place, and people, yet I still couldn’t win. It’s truly humiliating, but that’s all thousands of years ago. It’s ancient history now, as light as a passing cloud.”

Ning Changjiu nodded in profound agreement.

Zhao Xiang’er’s expression changed, and she raised an eyebrow, asking, “You also think I’m humiliating?”

Ning Changjiu was startled and retorted, “Didn’t you say it was as light as a passing cloud?”

Zhao Xiang’er handed the umbrella to Sima Ming and began to roll up her sleeves.

“Your Highness, calm your anger.” Ning Changjiu surrendered without a fight.

Zhao Xiang’er snorted coldly. The thought of how utterly compliant she had been towards him thousands of years ago filled her with anger and humiliation. Now, she was becoming increasingly excellent, yet Ning Changjiu’s good qualities seemed to have been completely discarded by time, leaving only his deeply ingrained habit of flirting everywhere. How hateful!

Sima Ming looked at the fuming Zhao Xiang’er, wanting to reach out and comfort her, but out of pride, she merely idly twirled the umbrella handle.

The city walls of Lonely Cloud City were severely damaged, with scarcely a single intact section remaining. However, the Sword Saint’s city-destroying strike ultimately did not cause widespread devastation; it had targeted only Ning Changjiu, so the streets and houses further back in the city were miraculously not greatly affected, though most of the roof tiles and thatch had been blown clean off. A few shops had managed to struggle back into operation, and carts selling meat skewers, porcelain toys, and candied hawthorn were even pushed out as usual.

Zhao Xiang’er glanced at the candied hawthorn. Ning Changjiu understood and went to buy it. However, the candied hawthorn had been severely damaged, and in the end, Ning Changjiu could only find one edible skewer. Ning Changjiu gave the only skewer to Zhao Xiang’er.

Sima Ming scoffed, “Using Jiajia’s money to flirt with other girls again.”

Zhao Xiang’er’s eyes flickered, feeling a bit embarrassed. “How about we each eat one berry?”

Sima Ming nodded. “Hmm, or we could make a bet: whoever eats the last berry is the boss.”

“Boring,”

“Childish,” Ning Changjiu and Zhao Xiang’er said with disdain.

Then, the three began to eat the candied hawthorn, taking turns. Because the first and last berries on a candied hawthorn skewer usually have seeds, Ning Changjiu took the first bite. Following the order, the last berry happened to be passed to Sima Ming. Sima Ming pursed her lips and squinted, secretly delighted. But then she inadvertently met Zhao Xiang’er’s gaze, whose expression was cool and imposing without being angry.

Sima Ming took a deep breath and handed the last berry to Zhao Xiang’er. “I… I’m full.”

Ning Changjiu rubbed his forehead, thinking, *Xueci is usually fiercer than anyone, but at crucial moments, she’s even more humiliating than I am.*

Zhao Xiang’er took the candied hawthorn and smiled sweetly. She looked at Sima Ming and said, “Junior Sister Xue’er, open your mouth.”

“Hmm?” Sima Ming was slightly startled, but her cherry lips parted gently.

Zhao Xiang’er held the bamboo stick and gently brought it to Sima Ming’s lips. Sima Ming looked at her smiling face, her red lips trembling slightly. Her teeth tentatively closed on it, and she took a gentle bite. Her slender eyebrows quivered, and her eyelashes fluttered. *This… why is this last one so sour, as if it’s unripe, so sour it makes me want to cry?* Sima Ming bit off half a berry, covered her mouth with her delicate fingers, and chewed it unhurriedly.

Zhao Xiang’er gazed at Sima Ming’s face, which was slowly blushing in the morning light. She reached out and smoothed Sima Ming’s silver hair, which seemed cold but was actually soft. “If I had more leisure, I’d really like to comb Junior Sister Xueci’s hair.”

Sima Ming was startled… *She saw all that?* The candied hawthorn in her mouth tasted even less sweet.

Ning Changjiu also felt awkward, as if he had been caught in the act. Sensing the surrounding silence, he forced a smile to break the quiet, saying, “You two split it, what do I eat?”

Zhao Xiang’er said calmly, “We eat the candied hawthorn; you eat the seeds.”

Sima Ming burst out laughing.

On the long street, the three figures walked away into the morning light, gradually fading into the distance.

Ning Changjiu looked at Zhao Xiang’er and asked, “Our kingdom is still in the Golden Crow, though only fragments remain, it’s worth remembering. Do you want to go in and see it together?”

Zhao Xiang’er gently shook her head and smiled faintly. “There’s no time today. If you can find any of my old belongings there, you can gather them.”

Ning Changjiu said apologetically, “I didn’t protect you well back then. That was my fault.”

Zhao Xiang’er rarely lowered her head. “I was too willful back then. It wasn’t your fault.”

Ning Changjiu said, “At least we’re both still alive. The story isn’t over yet, and the regrets of our past lives can still be mended in this one.”

They arrived at the city’s back gate. Under the grand light, the world paradoxically seemed oppressive. Zhao Xiang’er’s gaze went beyond her umbrella, towards the city gate.

“Indeed, if our past and present lives were a story in a book, what a magnificent chapter that book would be?”

Sima Ming listened to their conversation, not saying a word, feeling a pang of jealousy. They all looked towards the city gate.

Ning Changjiu said, “After all these cities we’ve been through, Zhao Kingdom is still the best.”

Zhao Xiang’er said, “If there’s a chance in the future, we can go back together. Junior Sister Xueci, you probably haven’t been there before, have you?”

Sima Ming, being addressed, her eyelashes fluttering, replied, “No, I haven’t.”

Ning Changjiu smiled, then suddenly asked, “Next time, will you still ‘return the jade whole to Zhao’?”

Zhao Xiang’er paused slightly, giving him a lingering glance. She turned her head away, her thin, upturned red lips curving into a smile that was both pure and charmingly alluring.

“That depends on Her Highness’s mood,” Zhao Xiang’er said.

*Do they really think I don’t understand?* Sima Ming listened to their words, puffed out her cheeks, and secretly made a resolution.

Behind them, the sunlight grew brighter and brighter. Zhao Xiang’er turned sideways, looking at the rising sun. Its light veiled her slender eyelashes, making them appear like a mist.

“I need to go back,” Zhao Xiang’er said.

Ning Changjiu had nothing else to say but to bid her farewell and take care. With Xiang’er about to leave, Sima Ming grew a little bolder and suddenly chuckled, “Sister Xiang’er is truly exquisite, her gown is magnificent, and her eyes hold the beauty of green mountains and clear waters.”

Zhao Xiang’er also smiled faintly. “Sister Sima Ming surpasses even ice and snow; your crimson lips are like blood, and your jade bones overflow with an icy soul.”

The two exchanged smiles. Of the three who walked together, one was now missing.

Ning Changjiu and Sima Ming exchanged a glance, both feeling a sudden emptiness in their hearts. They stood beneath the city gate, not saying a word. Zhao Xiang’er sat atop a cloud, taking one last lingering look from afar. Then, her figure shimmered, and she appeared in a transparent world. It was one of the Three Thousand World Orbs. The Three Thousand Worlds were the true magic artifact, and she had gained control over them after passing the trial. Zhao Xiang’er gently entered the world.

Along the path from here to the Western Kingdom, countless bubble-like worlds were evenly distributed. Zhao Xiang’er entered one world, then her figure quickly leaped to the next. She flickered through world after world, covering thousands of miles in moments, gradually disappearing into the distance.

Sima Ming and Ning Changjiu also walked out of Lonely Cloud City.

“We almost faced separation by death again,” Sima Ming said, still shaken.

Ning Changjiu replied, “Indeed, thanks to Xiang’er.”

Sima Ming also nodded, saying, “Yes, Sister Xiang’er is really good.”

Ning Changjiu seemed surprised. “Are you sincerely acknowledging her as your older sister now?”

Sima Ming suddenly realized something was amiss. “That’s right, Xiang’er has clearly just entered the Fifth Path, and I’m only a step away from breaking through the Fifth Path myself. Why… why was I so afraid of her just now? And I even called her ‘Sister’ so many times!”

Ning Changjiu chuckled. “Just now, Xue’er was as obedient as a little lamb.”

Sima Ming’s brow furrowed slightly. “Hmph, that little girl must have tricked me, taking advantage of my kindness and innocence…”

Ning Changjiu looked at her doubtfully, as if asking if she truly possessed those two qualities.

Sima Ming said coldly, “What are you looking at? You too! You just watched me being bullied like that and didn’t even help me? Are you that afraid of her?”

Ning Changjiu said innocently, “Why are you blaming me? Miss Xueci wasn’t exactly brave either.”

Sima Ming retorted angrily, “Wasn’t I trying to save you…? Oh, and I even cried, and Zhao Xiang’er saw it.”

Ning Changjiu smiled and vowed, “I won’t let you cry again.”

Sima Ming snorted, feigning disbelief. Thinking of Zhao Xiang’er, she felt increasingly regretful. “She’s still only in the initial stage of the Fifth Path right now. This was my best chance to teach her a harsh lesson and establish my authority, yet I was scared off by her. Sigh, if we meet again in the future, will I truly have to willingly acknowledge her as my third senior sister?”

Ning Changjiu said, “I feel like you’re already quite willing.”

“You…” Sima Ming crossed her arms, unwilling to speak. *She was thousands of years old, yet she was bluffed by a girl in her twenties… What a waste of time, truly humiliating.*

Ning Changjiu comforted her, “Don’t worry. A wicked person will always meet their match. When your husband becomes powerful, if Xiang’er dares to bully you again, I’ll spank her for you.”

Sima Ming didn’t believe him for a second. “Hmph, if I have to rely on you to protect me, I might as well rely on Jiajia.”

“Hey, Jiajia…” Sima Ming’s eyes suddenly lit up, and she said seriously, “Ning Changjiu!”

“What’s wrong?” Ning Changjiu was slightly startled.

“I’m giving you a chance to show your loyalty!” Sima Ming said earnestly, “The score with Jiajia from the dream hasn’t been settled yet. When we get back, you are not allowed to help her. Let me properly settle accounts with Jiajia.”

She had said this many times, but she always feared Ning Changjiu would be protective, so she emphasized it again. He looked at Sima Ming with a complex gaze, his premonition that Jiajia had already entered the Fifth Path growing stronger. He solemnly promised, “Alright, I won’t help either of you.”

Outside Lonely Cloud City, rainbow light shot up from the ground, and the two set off on their swords. As Ning Changjiu flew away from Lonely Cloud City, a voice echoed in his mind again: “Southern Sea, Southern Sea, Southern Sea…”

Ning Changjiu knew that beyond the continent lay boundless, vast seas. The most famous was the Northern Abyss, from which the spiritual tortoise had originated, and where the mythical beast Kunpeng was said to have been born. The Southern Sea, however, was less renowned and, according to legend, was close to becoming a dead sea.

Did it hide some secret? Whose message was that? Ning Changjiu couldn’t shake the feeling that this was no coincidence, that the hand of fate was still guiding him in the unseen.

“What are you thinking about?” Sima Ming asked.

Ning Changjiu was about to say nothing, but looking into her eyes, he felt they should be more honest with each other in the future. Ning Changjiu truthfully recounted the matter of the Southern Sea.

“Information from that sea of consciousness?” Sima Ming was also somewhat puzzled. “The Southern Sea was once one of the ancient dragon kingdoms, but that’s ancient history. However, the Ruins of the Bone Tower are said to be related to the Candle Dragon, so perhaps that sea of consciousness is also a remnant left by the Candle Dragon.”

Ning Changjiu asked, “Could this be a fortuitous encounter?”

Sima Ming laughed. “Besides me, when have you ever encountered a proper fortuitous encounter?”

“Hmm, good point,” Ning Changjiu agreed with a smile.

Sima Ming then asked, “Where will you go after we return?”

Ning Changjiu was silent for a moment, then said, “My master wants me to go to Severed Realm City.”

Sima Ming lightly nodded her head and asked, “Can we delay for a little while?”

Ning Changjiu asked, “Delay what?”

Sima Ming said earnestly, “If I’m not mistaken, Baizang and Master should already be in Severed Realm City. It’s a place we must go, but it’s extremely perilous, with life and death uncertain. So before that… I don’t want to have any more regrets.”

Although Ning Changjiu had long intended this, he didn’t want her to act impulsively. He asked softly, “Are you no longer attached to your divine kingdom?”

Sima Ming looked at him with a smile. “I’ve already found my divine kingdom.”

Ning Changjiu’s brows relaxed in relief, and he said gently, “Good. I don’t want to have any regrets either.”

In the vast sky, the two held hands. The sky had been swept clean by strong winds all night, without a single wisp of cloud. Their figures, riding their swords, left faint afterimages in the sky, these shadows stretching longer and longer.

Three days later, they would safely return to the Ancient Spirit Sect.