In a lush green forest, a thousand miles from the frozen polar region, beneath the white clouds, lay a dense and verdant woodland.
In the center of the forest, a cliff edge jutted out, and beneath it, another dense and verdant forest stretched out.
The previously silent clearing was now filled with people, all those who had perished on the battlefield.
The Twelve Star Generals, the Twenty-Four Mountain Lords, Thirteen Niang, the Four Great Protectors, Xian Ling'er, Liu Mei, and Li Zilai, Jin Yu Lan, Xue Ji.
Liu Shi Nian looked at everyone before him, finding it hard to believe. He thought he had arrived in hell, and everyone else also wondered if this was the path to the underworld.
As they stood there, bewildered, a red star streaked down from the sky, landing before them. It was Liu Xiang.
They looked at him in astonishment, guessing he had been stabbed to death by Mu Ye.
Liu Xiang looked at them and declared loudly, "You are all still alive. You are not dead."
Hearing this, everyone was stunned. They pinched themselves, crying out in pain, realizing it was true, they were indeed alive.
Xue Gu Cheng asked doubtfully, "Why are we still alive? Didn't we die on the battlefield?"
Liu Xiang replied, "I saved you. You were only faking your deaths."
Liu Shi Nian, confused, asked, "You were our enemy, why did you save us?"
Liu Xiang sighed slightly, looking up at the pale white clouds, and after a long pause, explained, "Because all of this stems from a promise I made with several leaders."
"A promise?" They were even more puzzled, their curiosity growing.
Liu Xiang then proceeded to tell them the truth of everything.
"A thousand years ago, the hatred of the Four Cities towards the Ghost Race reached an unprecedented height. It can be said that the entire city mobilized to hunt down the Ghost Race, taking pride in eradicating them.
As an ancient god, I should have been saving lives and bringing blessings to the people. How could I stand by and watch the Four Cities commit such atrocities?
However, my four cousins blamed the annihilation of the divine race ten thousand years ago entirely on the Ghost Race and refused to listen to my counsel.
I had no choice but to find several leaders and explain everything. They were the leaders of the Mermaid Race, the Ghost Race, and the Divine Horse Race. After deliberation,
We decided that I would find suitable candidates to lead a rebellion, forcing the Four Cities to make concessions and let go of their hatred.
But at that time, the Ghost Race was in conflict with the Four Cities. I promised the Myriad Ghost King that I would help the Ghost Race overcome their difficulties and usher in happiness.
The condition was that he had to die, so that the Four Cities would cease their pursuit, and we could proceed to the next step.
The Myriad Ghost King agreed and voluntarily allowed himself to be surrounded and killed by the people of the Four Cities, waiting for a thousand years for the appearance of a certain person."
And that person was Mu Ye.
Upon hearing the story, everyone realized that Liu Xiang was the true righteous one, burying his fame and bearing the infamy himself.
Yan Wu Shuang asked him, "Does Mu Ye know about this?"
Liu Xiang shook his head. He had not told her.
"Why didn't you tell her?"
Liu Xiang explained,
"Because she has sacrificed too much and suffered too much for the happiness of all the wronged.
If I were to tell her that all of this was orchestrated by me, would she be happy or sad? I owe her far too much."
Yan Wu Shuang found his explanation reasonable. Mu Ye had indeed paid a heavy price for this. If they were to dismiss her efforts with a few words, what would her sacrifices amount to?
Liu Xiang looked at Xue Ji and Jin Yu Lan and said to them,
"You two have always been fond of each other; I can see it clearly. Lan'er, you no longer need to follow me. You and Xue Ji can live a good life together."
Jin Yu Lan was a little excited and a little sad. He had long suspected that Liu Xiang was not a ruthless person.
He must have had his reasons for doing these things. As he had expected, it was all for a greater cause, sacrificing himself.
Jin Yu Lan asked him, "Sir, what about you?"
"I still have my own matters to attend to. Don't worry, I will handle my own affairs."
Jin Yu Lan was relieved.
Liu Xiang turned to look at everyone, feeling deeply moved. He said to them,
"Everyone, if it weren't for your fearless participation in this battle,
It would not have created a crisis for the Four Cities or exerted such a deterrent force, compelling them to mobilize everyone to participate and to reflect on their actions.
On behalf of everyone, I thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for the suffering people of the world."
With that, he knelt down to kowtow his thanks. Jin Yu Lan and Xue Ji also knelt down to express their gratitude, but everyone quickly pulled them up.
Ye Chang Feng said, "We are not worthy. Speaking of righteousness, you have also sacrificed a great deal. We have only done what we should have done."
Liu Xiang was deeply touched. Mu Ye had not misjudged them; these were all good people who shared loyalty and faced death together.
Speaking of this, Liu Shi Nian suddenly remembered and asked about Mu Ye's condition, "How is Mu Ye now? Is she well?"
Liu Xiang had intended not to speak of it unless asked, but they would eventually inquire. Since they had asked, he might as well tell them the truth.
He sighed, and after a moment, slowly uttered a few words, "She is dead."
"What!"
The entire place was thrown into an uproar. Everyone was heartbroken, and a wave of sorrowful cries erupted.
Although they had expected this outcome, everyone had hoped she would live, live well.
However, thinking that Liu Xiang could save them, he could surely save Mu Ye as well.
Hei Feng quickly asked, "You can definitely save Mu Ye, right?"
Liu Xiang sighed deeply and truthfully told them,
"Mu Ye and I share a karmic connection from past lives. After you all leave, I will travel back ten thousand years to atone for my sins with her."
Everyone was astonished again. Ye Chang Feng asked incredulously, "You mean, Mu Ye, she truly, is from ten thousand years ago?"
"Yes."
"But why doesn't she remember anything?"
"That's because she hasn't traveled back ten thousand years yet."
Everyone was very confused, not understanding what he meant. Although they had already anticipated this outcome,
Everyone still hoped she would live, live well. However, since Liu Xiang said Mu Ye was from ten thousand years ago,
It meant that Mu Ye still had a chance to live, even if it was ten thousand years ago.
Liu Xiang looked at Thirteen Niang and Xian Ling'er and asked them,
"You two are also people of deep sentiment. One has waited a thousand years for love, and the other has waited a thousand years for righteousness.
You two have also endured hardships and are now seeing the fruits of your labor. Where do you plan to go from now on?"
Xian Ling'er smiled slightly and said,
"Since everything has been resolved, it's time for Thirteen Niang and me to live in anonymity and find a quiet place to live peacefully."
Thirteen Niang also agreed, "Ling'er's thoughts are exactly my thoughts. It would be even better if we had fields and land in front of our house, and a large expanse of flowering trees."
Xian Ling'er patted her head and said, "If we don't have them, we'll plant them ourselves."
"Okay."
Liu Xiang was truly witnessing a display of affection, but he did not find it overly sweet. Instead, he felt relieved.
Liu Shi Nian looked at the well-matched Xue Ji and Jin Yu Lan, and remembering Xue Ji's kindness to him that day, he slowly walked up to her and said,
"Xue Ji, thank you."
Xue Ji chuckled and waved her hand, "You are quite devoted, but I am truly not suitable for you. I have always only loved Lan'er."
Jin Yu Lan also teased him,
"Although we didn't get along before, I'm doing better than you now. When will you find true love?"
Liu Shi Nian smiled wryly. He thought he would never find the girl who made his heart flutter again.
Tian Long slowly walked over to help him out of his predicament, "Shi Nian, you still have Bi Yao. So, Shi Nian, why don't you come back to Penglai Island with us?"
Liu Shi Nian shook his head slightly. He wanted to say something but didn't know how to express it. Liu Xiang, seeing his inner turmoil, walked up to him and advised,
"Mu Ye will not return. However, she is living very well ten thousand years ago. If you meet someone you like, be with her. You don't need to wait anymore."
Liu Shi Nian slightly raised his head, his heart filled with regret. Liu Xiang comforted him,
"Fate is like this. Lovers cannot stay together. Perhaps the one who loves you may not be the one you end up with.
So, if you meet someone with whom you can spend your life, be with her and cherish her."
Liu Shi Nian sighed helplessly, and after a long while, uttered the words of self-resolution, "Okay, I won't wait for her anymore."
Everyone then smiled with satisfaction. Liu Shi Nian said to Liu Xiang, "If you see Mu Ye, can you convey a message for me?"
"What message?"
"Just tell her that I, I loved her, and that she doesn't need to worry."
"Okay."
Liu Xiang then brought up another matter, "I need something from you. Otherwise, when I meet Mu Ye, I won't be able to explain everything that has happened."
Liu Shi Nian searched himself but found nothing of great value. He could only pull at his hair and ask, "Is hair acceptable?"
"Yes."
So, Liu Shi Nian drew his sword and cut off a lock of his hair, handing it to Liu Xiang. Liu Xiang put it in his palm and hid it.
Then, Liu Xiang said to everyone, "Alright, there are no eternal feasts. Let us bid farewell."
Feng Xiao Yi was the first to speak, "Very well, goodbye everyone. May we meet again if fate allows."
Everyone replied, "May we meet again if fate allows."
Then, everyone bid their farewells, waving as they departed. Only Liu Shi Nian, Tian Long, Xue Gu Cheng, Yan Wu Shuang, Xue Ji, and Jin Yu Lan remained.
Liu Xiang saw that Xue Ji and Jin Yu Lan were lingering and advised them,
"You should go. I don't need any more help here."
Jin Yu Lan and Xue Ji knew it was time for them to leave. They bowed deeply to Liu Xiang and then walked away hand in hand.
Liu Xiang then said to the remaining few, "You should go too."
Liu Shi Nian was somewhat reluctant. Xue Gu Cheng and Tian Long held him back, saying, "Let's go."
Liu Shi Nian then sighed slightly, his already reddened eyes welling up with tears.
Suppressing his reluctance, he walked with everyone into the forest, towards a future without Mu Ye.
It was a pity for Mu Ye, who, even in death, did not know that the people she longed for were still alive.
However, perhaps one day in the future, she would know. But by then, she would no longer have the chance to see them again.
She would never know if they were living well, nor would she ever see Liu Shi Nian again.
Life is perhaps like this, full of regrets that make it worth remembering.
After everyone had left, three colorful star-like points, resembling shooting stars, flew down from the sky and landed on the clearing.
They were the Patriarch of the Mermaid Race, the Leader of the Ghost Race, and the Leader of the Divine Horse Race.
And this Leader of the Ghost Race was the Myriad Ghost King. However, he was no longer a mass of black energy.
Instead, he was clad in black and red armor, exuding an elegant aura, a true man of flesh and blood.
He was handsome and distinguished, with a regal bearing, truly as he had described himself, handsome, dashing, and extraordinary.
The Leader of the Divine Horse Race was also a middle-aged man. He wore a yellow brocade robe, with black hair, and a commanding presence, clearly a person capable of great responsibility.
The three of them cupped their hands and said, "Lord Liu."
"You have arrived. Now that the problem is solved, what are your plans?"
The Patriarch of the Mermaid Race said, "The resolution of this long-standing problem is all thanks to you, my lord. On behalf of the Mermaid Race, I thank you."
As he spoke, he was about to kneel in salutation. The other two also said, "On behalf of all the Ghost Race, I thank you, my lord."
"On behalf of all the Divine Horse Race, I thank you, my lord."
With that, they all knelt to thank him. He quickly pulled the three of them up.
The Leader of the Divine Horse Race said,
"My clan has no remaining treasures, only this Su Xin Yu Nu Pill can be given to you, my lord. This pill can regulate one's consciousness and condense one's soul."
As he spoke, he raised his right hand, and a small box appeared in his hand.
The Patriarch of the Mermaid Race also said,
"Although my Mermaid clan has many treasures, few are useful. However, this red coral was brought from the human world by our ancestors.
It is said to have absorbed the essence of heaven and earth from the Heavenly River for tens of thousands of years. I believe it can help you, my lord."
As he spoke, he raised his left hand, and a stalk of red coral appeared in his hand.
The Myriad Ghost King also said,
"Due to years of war, my clan has no good treasures left, only this Black Demon Pearl passed down from ancient times.
It can absorb the evil energy of those who have fallen into demonic ways, restoring them to clarity. This item might also help you, my lord, so I give it to you."
As he spoke, he also raised his right hand, and a small brocade box appeared.
Liu Xiang refused,
"I know of the good intentions of the three leaders, but I did not do these things for myself, but for the sake of all living beings. Therefore, I ask the three leaders to take back their gifts."
The three leaders insisted, "My lord, please accept them. This is a small token of our appreciation."
Liu Xiang reluctantly said, "Then thank you, the three leaders."
After speaking, he waved his hand, and the three items flew into his hand, disappearing within his palm.
The Myriad Ghost King suddenly remembered Mu Ye and felt a great sense of debt towards her. He said to Liu Xiang,
"My lord, I have something here that I would like you to deliver to her for me."
"Okay."
As he spoke, the Myriad Ghost King reached towards his chest and took out a blood-red bead, handing it to Liu Xiang.
"This is my blood bead, containing my demonic power. It has always accompanied her.
Now that I am gone, she must be unaccustomed to it. She is so foolish and doesn't know how to take care of herself, and I cannot be with her.
So, please give her this blood bead, as if I were still by her side."
Liu Xiang looked at the Myriad Ghost King, touched by his sincerity, his eyes gradually moistening. Thinking of how much he owed Mu Ye, he wondered how he could repay it.
He took the bead and said, "Okay, I will surely deliver it to her on your behalf."
The Myriad Ghost King thought for a moment and then said, "If you see Mu Ye, my lord, please tell her on my behalf, thank you, thank you for everything she has done for the Ghost Race."
"Okay, I will convey your message."
Liu Xiang had always had a question, and he decided to ask it in front of the Myriad Ghost King today, "Why has the Ghost King never shown her his true face?"
The Myriad Ghost King laughed, "Hahaha, I was afraid I was too handsome and she would fall in love with me."
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.
After laughing, Liu Xiang bid farewell to them, "Then, the three leaders, we shall part ways. I am about to travel back ten thousand years to see Mu Ye."
The three of them collectively bid him farewell, "My lord, have a safe journey."
After speaking, Liu Xiang turned, forming a Qiankun Bagua diagram with his hands in front of him, and then pushed forward.
Instantly, an oval-shaped temporal portal opened. Liu Xiang, under the gaze of the three, stepped into the portal, heading back ten thousand years.
After Liu Xiang left, the Myriad Ghost King felt a great sense of relief, smiled peacefully, and went to reincarnate. The other two also returned to their respective abodes.
...
Meanwhile, in the frozen polar region, within that small flower grave, my soul was trapped in an endless void and darkness. Vaguely, I heard calls echoing repeatedly.
"Mu Ye, Mu Ye, it's time to wake up."
I slowly stretched my body and woke from my slumber, asking vaguely, "Who is it? Who is calling me?"
"Don't you remember me? I told you we would meet again soon. If you had listened to my advice back then and borrowed my power, you wouldn't have ended up like this."
"Is that so? I don't remember."
"Do you still remember your friends?"
"I don't remember anything."
"It seems it's time for you to recall."
Saying that, the voice emitted a beam of light, striking my head. Instantly, it triggered my memories, which had been sealed with my death.
Images of the deaths of the Twenty-Four Mountain Lords on the battlefield, the deaths of the Twelve Star Generals, the deaths of the Four Great Protectors, Liu Mei, Thirteen Niang, and Xian Ling'er, flooded my mind.
These memories were like a painful wheel, constantly spinning in my mind, causing me immense suffering.
I clutched my head and wailed in pain, "It hurts! My head hurts so much! Ah!!!"
My entire head felt as if it were about to explode, filled with bloody and tearful memories that seemed to tear me apart.
At this moment, the voice reminded me,
"The culprit behind all of this is Liu Xiang. He is ambitious and has become a demon, killing without remorse.
He caused you to lose your friends and family, and the opportunity to defeat the Four City Lords. If not for him, no one would have died. He is the true culprit of this battle."
At this moment, the scene of Liu Xiang killing Liu Shi Nian before my eyes suddenly flashed in my mind.
Instantly, a surge of hatred welled up from the depths of my heart, and I cried out in rage,
"Liu Xiang! It's all you! You caused everyone's death! I must kill you! I must kill you!!!"
That person laughed with great satisfaction and asked me, "Do you want revenge?"
I replied without hesitation,
"Yes! I want revenge! I want him to pay the price! I want him to be ground into dust and die a terrible death!"
"Good, very good. Then come with me to ten thousand years ago. As long as you kill Liu Xiang from ten thousand years ago, no one will stand in your way, and everyone will live well."
"Okay, take me there quickly! I want revenge! I must have revenge!"
"Okay, I'll take you now."
At this moment, my heart was filled only with boundless hatred and the determination to avenge.
The surroundings changed from pitch black to a vast expanse of white mist. A shadowy figure stood before my bones, extracting my soul.
I slowly opened my eyes and found myself in a white expanse, as if I were among the clouds.
Looking down, I saw a skeleton wrapped in pink clothing. I could no longer recall whose remains they were.
All that echoed in my mind was the fire of vengeance.
The shadowy figure, with his back to me, crossed his fingers in front of him and pushed forward, shouting, "Open!" Instantly, an oval-shaped temporal portal opened.
He turned back and said to me, "From here, you can go to ten thousand years ago. Come with me."
Before leaving, I instinctively looked back, but there was nothing behind me.
I thought that if they were still here, they would likely be gathered behind me to see me off.
But that was no longer possible. However, the thought of avenging everyone filled me with joy, and my soul was destined to live only for hatred.
I secretly vowed, "Liu Xiang, I'm coming!"
Then, I followed the person before me into the temporal portal, heading back ten thousand years.
After Liu Xiang left, the Myriad Ghost King felt a great sense of relief, smiled peacefully, and went to reincarnate. The other two also returned to their respective abodes.
...
At the same time, in the frozen polar region, within that small flower grave, my soul was trapped in an endless void and darkness. Vaguely, I heard calls echoing repeatedly.
"Mu Ye, Mu Ye, it's time to wake up."
I slowly stretched my body and woke from my slumber, asking vaguely, "Who is it? Who is calling me?"
"Don't you remember me? I told you we would meet again soon. If you had listened to my advice back then and borrowed my power, you wouldn't have ended up like this."
"Is that so? I don't remember."
"Do you still remember your friends?"
"I don't remember anything."
"It seems it's time for you to recall."
Saying that, the voice emitted a beam of light, striking my head. Instantly, it triggered my memories, which had been sealed with my death.
Images of the deaths of the Twenty-Four Mountain Lords on the battlefield, the deaths of the Twelve Star Generals, the deaths of the Four Great Protectors, Liu Mei, Thirteen Niang, and Xian Ling'er, flooded my mind.
These memories were like a painful wheel, constantly spinning in my mind, causing me immense suffering.
I clutched my head and wailed in pain, "It hurts! My head hurts so much! Ah!!!"
My entire head felt as if it were about to explode, filled with bloody and tearful memories that seemed to tear me apart.
At this moment, the voice reminded me,
"The culprit behind all of this is Liu Xiang. He is ambitious and has become a demon, killing without remorse.
He caused you to lose your friends and family, and the opportunity to defeat the Four City Lords. If not for him, no one would have died. He is the true culprit of this battle."
At this moment, the scene of Liu Xiang killing Liu Shi Nian before my eyes suddenly flashed in my mind.
Instantly, a surge of hatred welled up from the depths of my heart, and I cried out in rage,
"Liu Xiang! It's all you! You caused everyone's death! I must kill you! I must kill you!!!"
That person laughed with great satisfaction and asked me, "Do you want revenge?"
I replied without hesitation,
"Yes! I want revenge! I want him to pay the price! I want him to be ground into dust and die a terrible death!"
"Good, very good. Then come with me to ten thousand years ago. As long as you kill Liu Xiang from ten thousand years ago, no one will stand in your way, and everyone will live well."
"Okay, take me there quickly! I want revenge! I must have revenge!"
"Okay, I'll take you now."
At this moment, my heart was filled only with boundless hatred and the determination to avenge.
The surroundings changed from pitch black to a vast expanse of white mist. A shadowy figure stood before my bones, extracting my soul.
I slowly opened my eyes and found myself in a white expanse, as if I were among the clouds.
Looking down, I saw a skeleton wrapped in pink clothing. I could no longer recall whose remains they were.
All that echoed in my mind was the fire of vengeance.
The shadowy figure, with his back to me, crossed his fingers in front of him and pushed forward, shouting, "Open!" Instantly, an oval-shaped temporal portal opened.
He turned back and said to me, "From here, you can go to ten thousand years ago. Come with me."
Before leaving, I instinctively looked back, but there was nothing behind me.
I thought that if they were still here, they would likely be gathered behind me to see me off.
But that was no longer possible. However, the thought of avenging everyone filled me with joy, and my soul was destined to live only for hatred.
I secretly vowed, "Liu Xiang, I'm coming!"
Then, I followed the person before me into the temporal portal, heading back ten thousand years.