The night was very quiet.
The distant commotion blurred into the background by the sound of the wind. On Gufeng Mountain, wild birds hid in the dense forest, uttering low murmurs in their dreams.
Without the moon, the sky was full of stars. The girl’s shoulders were thin and delicate, seemingly chilled by the cool night breeze, causing her body to tremble slightly. However, her gaze towards the other person was firm as she repeated once more, “Gu Baiying, I like you.”
The girl’s confession was shy yet passionate, straightforward yet bold, like a declaration, a confirmation, clearly displaying her courage and feelings.
Her face was like a flower blooming in early spring, delicate and smooth, with a rosy glow, but, inappropriately, another face suddenly appeared in Gu Baiying’s mind.
That face wasn’t as flawless as the one in front of him. Compared to a vivid flower, she was more like a tall tree, standing proudly in the wind and snow, full of vitality. Not romantic, not charming, but full of life and vibrancy, with an impressive and verdant presence.
“Did you hear what I said?” Putao was a bit annoyed, “Gu Baiying, I said I like you!”
He lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the person in front of him, and calmly said, “I heard.”
“Then don’t you have anything to say to me?” Pu Tao’s eyes reddened slightly.
Having been pampered all her life, the girl had never been treated so rudely by anyone before, let alone offered her heart so openly, only to be met with such indifference.
“I already have someone I like,” the young man answered mercilessly.
“I know.”
Of course she knew. Just now, on Doluo Platform, that simple question went unanswered. His silence was more heartbreaking than any answer could have been.
Everyone knew the answer.
“Who is she?” The young girl, unwilling to give up, moved closer, determined to find some clue in his expression. “Is she someone from your sect?”
The young man remained silent.
That person, that person would never ask such pressing questions. Of course, she was always very cunning. Sometimes he would rather she ask him, but she never did, perhaps because she didn’t care.
She was clearly annoying, always making him angry, yet she didn’t even know he was angry. In the end, he would persuade himself, soothe himself, and then eagerly run to Doluo Platform, afraid that she would fancy someone else and become just another one of the many lovers.
Jin Feicui said, “Our Baiying has reached the age to be troubled by love.”
Indeed, he was troubled by love.
For someone who didn’t like him back, he was anxious, unable to sleep.
This feeling was also quite detestable.
Pu Tao’s eyes reddened, on the verge of tears, but every word was stubborn. She said, “Since no one in your sect knows about this, and you didn’t clarify just now, it shows you two aren’t together. If that’s the case, I still have a chance.” She clenched her fists. “My aunt had a betrothal with Shaoyang Zhenren, but they didn’t end up together. What’s more, you two aren’t anything yet. I’ll cling to you, and one day, you’ll like me… you will be mine!”
The little junior sister of the Xiang Ling Sect was stubborn; once she decided on something, not even nine oxen could pull her back. But matters of love were different from cultivating immortality. Effort didn’t always yield results.
It couldn’t be forced, fate had to play its part too.
The evening breeze lifted the boy’s crimson hair ribbon, making the night seem tender and romantic. Yet his eyes were bright, and his tone was calm to the point of coldness.
He said, “I advise you not to waste your time on me. I will never like you, and I am not yours.”
“But I won’t give up!”
“You’d better give up,” Gu Baiying said flatly, “because I already have.”
*
On Doluo Platform, the lively atmosphere had not diminished in the slightest.
In the night, fireflies emitted their tiny lights.
A paper crane wobbled its way to Ziluo. Startled, she watched as the crane opened its mouth, and Li Danshu’s voice came from within.
“Ziluo, where did you put the bottle grass I used for alchemy yesterday? The disciples in the hall searched everywhere but couldn’t find it. Come back quickly and help me look. Let the new disciples enjoy the lotus viewing. You’ve seen it so many times and never get tired of it. Hurry back!”
Ziluo: “…”
She stood up and apologized with a smile to everyone. “Sorry, I need to go to Third Martial Uncle’s hall for a bit.” She glanced at the silver spoon. “I’ll leave this spoon here. You all continue.”
The only person who could somewhat maintain the atmosphere, Ziluo, left with the paper crane, and the table instantly fell into a bit of silence.
Tian Fangfang tentatively asked, “Everyone, shall we… continue?”
No one responded to his question.
The atmosphere was indeed quite awkward, and Zanxing didn’t dare to speak. However, on the other side, Men Dong was rather displeased. “How could she just leave like that?”
Zanxing glanced at him. Now that all the people between her and Men Dong had left, she dragged her stool closer to him.
Men Dong watched her warily. “What do you want?”
“I’m curious about something.”
“What is it?”
“Dong Dong, when we were in Wufan City, did you… fall for Douniang?”
As soon as she said this, everyone’s eyes immediately turned to Men Dong.
Men Dong was completely taken aback by Zanxing’s question, staring blankly for a full moment before his face quickly turned red with anger. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
“At the time, I noticed you were quite attentive to her, speaking kindly and gently. I thought you liked her.” Zanxing looked puzzled. “Didn’t you?”
“Of course not! I was just… I was just being normally concerned!” Men Dong, usually sharp-tongued, stuttered for once. “Don’t say such things!”
Zanxing drew out a long “Oh,” looking at him mischievously.
Men Dong turned his head away, clenched his fists, and tried to argue, “As cultivators, we naturally have a compassionate heart. I felt sorry for her, so don’t think everything is about that! You should listen more to Master’s ‘Purification Chant’! Besides…” He paused, his voice suddenly dropping, “She’s already dead.”
Xu Douniang was already dead.
Long before they entered Wufan City, she had already perished in the desert illusion. Whether or not Men Dong had a special concern for Douniang because of their similar backgrounds, Douniang was gone.
This was the cruelty of fate.
Fate does not become kind and gentle just because someone has led a miserable life. It is cruel and unjust.
Tian Fangfang silently lifted a bowl of Floating Dream Wine and downed it in one gulp.
Xu Douniang had grown up with him in Xu Family Village. Those difficult years, swearing oaths and making bold dreams while gnawing on steamed buns in the woodshed, were gone forever. He had been away from home for too long, and the last companion from his youth had gradually disappeared into the desert.
“She will find peace in the afterlife,” Meng Ying suddenly spoke.