“However, I trust what you both have said, but many of the disciples won’t, and outsiders even less so. This means that from now on, it will be difficult for you two to appear in public. Have you thought this through?â€
Her white eyelashes fluttered slightly as she raised her gaze to meet Luo Jinxiao’s, her eyes profound.
Luo Jinxiao immediately became serious, nodding in understanding. “Of course, we’ve already decided to head to the heavenly realm and never show ourselves to the world again.â€
She dashed over to Qu Weiyin’s side, sharing a smile with her. “We only came back this time to say goodbye to everyone.â€
“Never returning?†The sect leader’s brows flickered in concern.
“That’s fine. At least we will have a place to call home,†she replied, regaining her composure.
Suddenly, a rumble of thunder echoed in the sky. The clear weather that had been present moments before was now veiled by a thick layer of gloom, dark clouds rolling in while driven by fierce winds.
Everyone in the great hall looked up simultaneously toward the entrance, as several eavesdropping disciples had already fled, clutching their heads in fear.
“The sun has been scorching all day. Why is it suddenly raining?†Lu Fanzhi said, poking her head out the door, only to retreat in fright from a flash of lightning that split the sky.
“It’s been dry this whole year; we haven’t had any heavy rain,†Yanying commented as she hurriedly pulled Luo Ning aside. “What are you doing?â€
Luo Ning dashed outside, tilting her head to gaze at the sky. Big raindrops began to pelt the ground, splashing up frothy puddles.
She turned back to Luo Jinxiao, her expression grave, an unspoken meaning simmering in her eyes.
“Since the weather is changing, let’s disperse for now. Tonight, you and Qu Weiyin should stay here for the night; don’t venture out in the rain. With such heavy rainfall, it’s unlikely anyone will bother you.â€
Luo Jinxiao pondered for a moment but ultimately agreed.
The rain was not only heavy but persistent, drumming relentlessly for an entire day. By the time dusk fell, the downpour showed no signs of letting up, as if the very sky had cracked open, pouring forth torrents.
Luo Ning remained under the eaves of the Wuhui Palace, not moving an inch from the moment the rain began until evening, standing alone with her eyes fixed up at the heavens.
Her body trembled slightly.
The world before them seemed submerged in an ocean of water, vast and sprawling. The skies and earth merged under the relentless rain, as if the deluge sought to obliterate everything in its path.
Yanying had not left either; she remained shrouded in darkness, quietly watching, her gaze unwavering.
Time passed without measure, and Luo Ning reached out to steady herself against the door frame, lowering her head. At the same moment, a bolt of lightning struck directly down, illuminating the ground with a blinding flash. Yanying, seeing this, quickly rushed forward and pulled her away.
“What are you even looking at?†she said, irritated. “Do you want to get struck by lightning?â€
Luo Ning didn’t argue back. She seemed somewhat unsteady, her eyes slightly closed, then reopened to reveal her clear, beautiful orbs filled with tears.
Yanying immediately panicked, no longer daring to be rude. Frantically, she tugged at her hair, unsure of what to do.
“What’s wrong? Don’t cry. Just tell me, and I’ll help you.â€
“You can’t help me,†Luo Ning shook her head slightly.
“Everything is the same as before; I still can only watch the world fall apart in front of me.â€
Watching the people around her perish one after another, waiting in solitude throughout time—was she to experience that again?
“It’s just rain, why are you reacting so strongly?†Yanying asked, confused.
“This isn’t just rain,†Luo Ning replied, shaking her head, a somber look glimmering in her eyes. “This is a catastrophe.â€
As the lightning struck, the Han Yun Pavilion perched on the cliff appeared precariously amid the torrential downpour.
Luo Jinxiao hurriedly secured the window, preventing the rainwater from seeping inside. Then, she dashed over to the table, sitting cross-legged and resting her chin in her hands while gazing at Qu Weiyin.
Qu Weiyin was lighting an oil lamp, engrossed in a book under the dim glow.
“What are you doing over there? Come here,†she said, a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice as she patted her palm beside her.
Luo Jinxiao chuckled, “I want to see you clearly while facing you.â€
“Come over,†Qu Weiyin repeated, her tone firm yet tinged with a bit of playful annoyance.
Luo Jinxiao didn’t dare disobey and quickly moved around to sit beside her.
Qu Weiyin naturally set her book aside, wrapping her arms around Luo Jinxiao’s waist and leaning down to rest her head on her shoulder. Her phoenix eyes sparkled like tiny stars reflected in the flame as she looked toward the window.
“This rain is getting heavier,†she remarked.
Luo Jinxiao felt the warmth of Qu Weiyin beside her and pressed her face into her smooth, fragrant hair, rubbing against it gently. “I don’t know; perhaps the heavens are crying.â€
Qu Weiyin let out a light laugh, shaking her head privately, thinking how childish that sounded.
In this weather, which felt as if it could bring about the obliteration of all things, having someone beside her and feeling that warmth was immensely comforting.
This feeling was hard to describe; all she could do was give a soft sigh and nestle deeper into her lover’s embrace, letting satisfaction wash over her.
“Microin,†Luo Jinxiao suddenly said.
Qu Weiyin looked up at her, responding with an inquisitive “Hmm? Why are you calling me that again?â€
The flickering firelight cast a soft, warm glow on her features, rendering her beauty no longer intimidating but surprisingly gentle. Her red lips curled upward slightly, her delicate fingers stroking Luo Jinxiao’s face tenderly.
Suddenly, Luo Jinxiao felt a wave of emotion wash over her, and she turned her head away, sniffing back her tears before turning back to tightly hold Qu Weiyin.
“What’s wrong?†Qu Weiyin noticed Luo Jinxiao’s odd behavior and a hint of concern flickered in her eyes as she reached out to gently pat her back.
“Be good,†she whispered, swaying just slightly as if coaxing a child.
Perhaps it was the atmosphere that added to the moment; Luo Jinxiao could hear no trace of the usual coldness in Qu Weiyin’s voice, only warmth filled with tender concern.
“Little Master Uncle,†Luo Jinxiao repeated, nuzzling her nose against Qu Weiyin’s shoulder. “I’m truly grateful to have met you.â€
“Even if it hasn’t been all that wonderful, you’re still grateful?†Qu Weiyin smiled lightly.
Luo Jinxiao nodded vigorously.
“I am, too,†Qu Weiyin replied. “If there is a next life, I will still guard you, shielding you from all disasters.â€
“And if, by some fate, that isn’t possible, I’ll wait for you at the Naihe Bridge. No matter how many ghostly messengers try to pull me away, I will cling to that bridge and not leave.â€
She added playfully, making the moment feel lighter amidst the storm outside.
Luo Jinxiao forcefully held back her tears, a wide smile spreading across her face.
“Alright, why are we talking about such unpleasant things today? I’m still waiting for you to take me back to the heavenly realm to see your divine residence and witness its splendor,†Qu Weiyin replied, squeezing her shoulder and leaning down to plant a gentle kiss at the corner of Luo Jinxiao’s eye.
Luo Jinxiao closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of Qu Weiyin’s breath against her skin.
The two exchanged sweet words for a while, but it was clear that Qu Weiyin was growing tired. She braced herself against the table to rise and made her way further into the room.
Luo Jinxiao quickly caught up, wrapping her arms around Qu Weiyin’s waist, resting her chin on her shoulder.
“What are you doing? I’m going to sleep. Let’s talk tomorrow,†Qu Weiyin said helplessly, raising a hand to lightly tap Luo Jinxiao’s forehead.
“Please don’t,†Luo Jinxiao mumbled, tightening her embrace even more.
“What do you want then?†Qu Weiyin managed to turn her face to look at her, confusion dancing in her eyes.
“I want to carry you to sleep. How about that?†Luo Jinxiao gently shook her head in response.
“I’m not helpless; I have legs! This is the Wuhui Sect; what would people say?†Qu Weiyin replied, pursing her lips and shaking her head, her eyes glistening as if they might spill tears.
“Then I won’t let go,†Luo Jinxiao insisted, pretending to be stubborn.
Qu Weiyin let out a small sigh, then voluntarily turned around, extending her arms to rest on Luo Jinxiao’s shoulders. She lifted her chin slightly and said with affectionate indulgence, “Fine, do as you wish. It’s not me who will be tired.â€
With her permission granted, Luo Jinxiao suddenly bent down, one arm wrapping around Qu Weiyin’s shoulders while the other supported her behind the knees. With a gentle lift, Qu Weiyin’s long, slender body easily shifted into her arms, her skirts cascading down as they brushed against the floor.
Luo Jinxiao walked slowly, cherishing the feeling of being grounded with Qu Weiyin in her arms.
Qu Weiyin didn’t protest; she closed her eyes, resting her head against Luo Jinxiao’s chest, listening to the vibrant rhythm of her heartbeat.
One beat, two beats…
Luo Jinxiao bent down, as if cradling a treasured gem, and carefully placed Qu Weiyin onto the cloud-like bed.
Qu Weiyin had not opened her eyes, appearing as if she was still asleep, peaceful and quiet. Luo Jinxiao watched her for a moment in silence before suddenly standing up and slipping away from the bedside.
The heavy rain had drenched the trees, causing the blossoms to fall to the ground, leaving a muddy carpet of petals. Thankfully, being up in the mountains, the sect leader’s small bamboo house had not been flooded.
Luo Jinxiao appeared at the entrance, soaked through, and lightly knocked on the courtyard door.
The door opened to reveal the sect leader, who was impeccably clean despite the chaos, and upon seeing Luo Jinxiao, quickly ushered her inside, helping to pat the rain off her clothes as she pulled her through the courtyard.
Inside the bamboo house, it was dry and warm. Yanying and Luo Ning were seated side by side at the table, and upon noticing Luo Jinxiao’s arrival, they both stood up.
“Sister,†Luo Ning said, her voice tinged with tears.
“Let’s talk later. Why didn’t you use the Water Absorption Technique?†the sect leader asked with a hint of concern while muttering something under her breath; as she did so, Luo Jinxiao found herself drying from head to toe.
Luo Jinxiao brushed aside some unruly strands of hair and flashed a grin at her. “I just wanted to feel what it’s like to be in the rain.â€
It seemed she had finally understood what Qu Weiyin meant when she said that only being in the rain could help one truly feel alive.
The sect leader paused momentarily at her words, then gestured to a chair, indicating that she should sit down.
With a graceful sweep of her snow-white sleeves, a cup of tea appeared on the table.
“Luo Ning has already told me everything,†the sect leader said, her expression serious as her white hair cascaded down her back.
“That’s good. Then I won’t need to say anything further, and we can save some effort,†Luo Jinxiao replied with a cheeky smile before taking a sip of tea.
She lifted her head to find both of them looking at her with a strange expression.
“Sister, you aren’t planning to…†Luo Ning’s voice trailed off as she rushed forward, grasping Luo Jinxiao’s arm tightly.
“Please don’t, sister,†she choked out, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Luo Jinxiao grasped Luo Ning’s smooth hand tightly, tenderly running her fingers through her hair before waving at Yanying. “My sister has always been lonely, so from now on, I hope you’ll look after her.”
“I’ll naturally take care of Luo Ning, but what are you spouting nonsense about?†Yanying responded angrily, stepping forward. “It’s just some catastrophe; if we’re going to die, we die together.â€
Luo Jinxiao raised an eyebrow playfully, saying with a mischievous tone, “But Luo Ning can return to before the catastrophe.â€
Yanying immediately spun around, grabbing Luo Ning’s hand and looking at her pathetically. “Can’t you take me with you?â€
“Go away,†Luo Ning sobbed, shaking off her grasp and speaking softly.
“Alright,†Luo Jinxiao said, dropping her playful tone. “What did your father say to you before he passed?â€
“He said I must find your soul and prevent a greater catastrophe following the destruction of the gods,†she murmured, biting her rosy lip until it bled. “He also foretold that this matter could only be resolved by you.â€
Upon hearing this, Luo Jinxiao let out a scoff and nodded. “It seems we all misunderstood. The task isn’t to stop the catastrophe, but rather…â€
“…only I possess the divine power to mend the heavens.â€
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