Those who had previously harbored opportunistic hopes and hesitated to choose sides now quietly retreated, watching from a distance as the Bei Dou group departed. They no longer cared whether the slaves brought down from the mountain were Earth Ghosts—no one dared to question or block them.

No one dared to inspect the entrance to the Heavenly Pit either. The star power pressure covering the entire mountain had not yet been withdrawn. But since Ming Li had come down, it meant the encirclement had failed, and the people of Tai Yi and the merchant guilds must have died on the mountain.

So when they saw the Zhou Family Head coming down alive, many were shocked.

The Zhou Merchant Guild people let out a sigh of relief, rushing forward and calling out to their family head, only to be stopped by a single glance from him.

Ming Li, walking at the front, turned to look.

The Zhou Family Head felt a chill in his heart but stepped forward respectfully: “Thank you for your mercy.”

These words were quite beautifully spoken.

Ming Li had not intended to spare him at all. He had escaped calamity solely through his Divine Miracle ability, Life Replacement, but he made it sound as if Ming Li had deliberately spared him.

The circle of people around them perked up, ears pricked to hear their conversation.

The Zhou Family Head was considering something else entirely. Even if he had escaped that instant’s killing move through Life Replacement, the black characters still floated before Ming Li. Who knew if that large-scale Yin-Yang Curse could be activated again?

The fact that Ming Li hadn’t killed him afterward, allowing only him to come down alive, was indeed merciful.

Moreover, with everyone from the three major merchant guilds and Tai Yi dead while he managed to come down alive with the Bei Dou people, it was hard not to speculate that there was something between them.

Even if Ming Li didn’t care, the Zhou Family Head wanted to take advantage of this to make the western people think he truly had some connection with Bei Dou, which was why he survived. This would greatly help him reorganize and take over the remnants of the merchant guilds.

Most importantly, the Zhou Family Head originally harbored no hostility toward Bei Dou.

Now, as Ming Li turned to look at him, not seeing her junior brother Zhou Zixi in her peripheral vision, she said: “I have something I want to ask you.”

The Zhou Family Head was surprised internally, but his expression remained unchanged: “Go ahead.”

After setting up a sound barrier, Ming Li asked: “How many children do you have?”

The Zhou Family Head was stunned, unable to imagine such a question.

“Two,” he said with certainty. “My son Zhou Yi and my daughter Zhou Caicai.”

Ming Li frowned: “Are you sure?”

The Zhou Family Head wanted to laugh but didn’t dare due to Ming Li’s serious expression. He could only reply more earnestly: “I’m certain. How could I be mistaken about my children? My wife passed away from illness ten years ago, and I haven’t remarried since.”

Ming Li looked at him, and this gaze somehow made the Zhou Family Head nervous, as if one wrong word might mean he couldn’t leave alive.

The Zhou Family Head added, “What I’ve said can be verified by those who live permanently in the west.”

Ming Li changed her approach: “Do you have any blood-related brothers or sisters? What about their children?”

The Zhou Family Head was slightly taken aback, suddenly remembering someone, his expression becoming somewhat grave.

He said: “If counting blood relatives of the same clan, I only had one elder brother who has passed away.”

*

As daylight began to appear, the western cultivators no longer followed the Bei Dou group. After a night of commotion, things should quiet down by dawn.

They watched as Ming Li headed north, leaving the western border.

The ordinary slaves were all taken in by the Zhou Merchant Guild, which would arrange places for them.

The Earth Ghost slaves were handed over by Ming Li to Cheng Jingbai and others: “As for the Earth Ghosts, you decide.”

She couldn’t possibly bring so many Earth Ghosts back to Bei Dou unless she truly wanted Bei Dou to be viewed as an enemy by the entire continent.

Cheng Jingbai stood at the western border, scratching his head: “We can’t use so many hands either. In the end, we can only suggest they seek out Sui Qiu San.”

“Sui Qiu San?”

Ming Li was somewhat surprised.

Cheng Jingbai nodded: “Setting aside the inhuman things he’s done, for Earth Ghosts, following him is best. Some Earth Ghosts who have lost their self-awareness and rationality would only face death, no matter where they go.”

Ming Li pondered: “Sui Qiu San’s methods… are somewhat dangerous.”

“Fate has brought us to this point; each follows their path,” Cheng Jingbai said, smiling with narrowed eyes. “Who knows when I might also become an Earth Ghost that needs to be eliminated?”

Before that time came, he had something he must accomplish.

Wen Su didn’t look back but seemed unsure where to go or where to look. Beside her, Gu San asked: “What do you want to do next?”

“I don’t know,” Wen Su shook her head. “Before, I only thought about getting out, and after getting out, killing them.”

But it seemed she didn’t need to act herself anymore.

Chen Zhou walked up from behind, putting his arms around both their shoulders. Wen Su and Gu San were caught off guard as he pulled them down: “Come with me to the north. Who doesn’t want to?”

Wen Su smiled awkwardly, but hesitation lingered in her heart. Chen Zhou saw through her thoughts: “Don’t worry about your Earth Ghost identity causing problems.”

“You can also learn more things. When you want to leave, you can leave then.”

Wen Su carefully asked: “Can I learn cultivation?”

Chen Zhou laughed softly, casually ruffling her messy hair: “Yes, but before that, let’s wash your hair first.”

Wen Su laughed along, thinking how nice it was—he seemed not to remember the past, only looking forward.

She should do the same.

From now on, only look forward.

Before Ming Li left, Cheng Jingbai waved: “One more thing! The Fragmented Star Seal!”

Ming Li waved back: “Let Zixi come find me for it himself.”

Cheng Jingbai: “…”

He turned to look at those numb and bewildered Earth Ghosts, asking Lin Xiao: “What should we do?”

Lin Xiao said calmly: “Let’s start by breaking the chains.”

Soon, these Earth Ghosts would know that the world outside was just as cruel to them as the Heavenly Pit.

*

The day Ming Li returned to Seven Star City, northern cultivators came upon hearing the news, trying to welcome her, but they couldn’t find anyone in the city. The city remained as bustling as ever, but there was no sign of the northern Pilgrim.

Qu Zhuyue waited at the foot of Bei Dou Mountain for the returning group.

When the first ray of sunlight reappeared, the black characters floating before Ming Li dispersed with it. She raised her eyes to look at the familiar forest path, finally feeling a moment of relaxation in her heart.

Qu Zhuyue said to Ming Li, “Senior Brother is waiting at the entrance.”

She then looked at Chen Zhou behind her: “Are you deliberately trying to make your master worry by not cleaning yourself up?”

Chen Zhou nodded. He still had the appearance of a slave.

Wen Su and Gu San had been given new clothes by Dou Lanmin throughout the journey, transforming from dirty slaves into a pretty young girl and a clean, handsome young master.

No one could see their filthy past from their appearance now.

Chen Zhou opened his hands, revealing some scars, and said to Qu Zhuyue, “Don’t you feel heartache seeing these?”

Qu Zhuyue shook her head lightly.

Chen Zhou narrowed his eyes and smiled: “Then my master will feel heartache. This disciple was trapped for many years due to inferior skills, unable to return when the sect needed me most. I hope Master will scold me less because of these wounds.”

Qu Zhuyue turned away: “He wouldn’t bear to.”

The stone steps leading to the entrance weren’t too long or too short. The morning sun rose, watching them arrive at the highest point.

Ming Li saw Dong Yeshou standing at the entrance, along with several Bei Dou academy heads, senior and junior brothers and sisters from various Bei Dou academies. At this moment, the words “five years” finally felt real to her.

Too long.

Long enough to become nostalgic.

Dong Yeshou watched his daughter walk up step by step, coming before him, smiling at him: “Father.”

“I’ve brought Senior Brother back too.”

Qing Ying is still in Wu Fang Kingdom. Xiang An’ge says it will be a while before she recovers and returns.”

“I will find Brother,” Ming Li said. “I will also find Zixi.”

She told Dong Yeshou that from now on, all the things he worried about would be handled by someone.

*

As the senior disciple of Yu Heng Academy, Liang Junxia had many things to attend to. Since Qu Zhuyue had returned from the south after taking revenge, the snow at Yu Heng Academy had melted.

He was so busy he couldn’t go to the entrance to see the returning Ming Li and Chen Zhou. Only by noon could he find time. Just as he left Yu Heng Academy, he met Fu Yuan and Black Fox Mask, who had come looking for him.

“Where are Ming Li and Chen Zhou?” Liang Junxia looked around. “Aren’t they coming to see me? I’ve been working so hard in Bei Dou, shouldn’t they show some appreciation?”

Fu Yuan said irritably, “They must have gone to see the Gleaming Light Academy Master first. With Chen Zhou’s return this time, he could stick with the Academy Master for three days and three nights, talking—you won’t see him anytime soon.”

Liang Junxia turned to Black Fox Mask: “Perfect timing. You can replace me, let me relax for a few days. Or I can go on missions while you stay at Yu Heng to guide the new disciples.”

Black Fox Mask bravely shook his head in refusal: “I was just about to say, I need to go to Seven Star City.”

Liang Junxia: “Now?”

Black Fox Mask nodded: “Now.”

Fu Yuan asked: “What urgent business do you have?”

Black Fox Mask said, “I need to see Lady Li.”

Liang Junxia grabbed his hand: “Didn’t I tell you to bring your wife to Yu Heng? That way, you’d both be here. How nice—I can go on missions while you stay in Bei Dou handling affairs and being lovey-dovey with your wife. Isn’t that good?”

Black Fox Mask pulled his hand away: “She’s too embarrassed to come to Bei Dou.”

“What is there to be embarrassed about?” Liang Junxia tried to continue persuading, but was pulled away by Fu Yuan. “Let him go, hurry up and go. He once said he wouldn’t taste the bitterness of love, but look who’s enjoying it the most!”

Black Fox Mask touched his nose, seeming unable to hold back a smile, then turned to leave.

Fu Yuan pulled Liang Junxia as they walked along the flowery forest path, asking: “How is Yin Luo?”

Liang Junxia: “In a few days, he’ll be bouncing around energetically.”

“That’s good.” Fu Yuan pointed at Wen Su and Gu San on the flower path ahead, saying to Liang Junxia, “Let me introduce you to two new friends.”

*

The setting sun hung on the horizon, lengthening the shadows under the eaves. The flower beds in the courtyard were tinged with a crimson hue.

Dong Yeshou sat at the table under the eaves, listening to Ming Li and Chen Zhou each telling their own stories. The two didn’t mind each other, nor were they influenced by each other—one talking about Nan Que, the other about the Heavenly Pit.

Yet he listened attentively, occasionally asking something, always receiving an answer.

Dong Yeshou didn’t mind Chen Zhou’s dirty appearance either, brewing tea and occasionally passing a cup to each of them, refilling when they finished.

Chen Zhou was the first to give in, lying back on the ground and falling asleep.

One of Dong Yeshou’s ears finally had peace as he focused on listening to Ming Li: “I asked the Zhou Family Head. He said he only has two children, but he did have an elder brother named Zhou Ci. Zhou Ci’s wife was an Earth Ghost. When their son was six, she lost her humanity and killed indiscriminately, so the clan wanted to send her to Tai Yi.”

“Zhou Ci refused, but couldn’t stop them. After his wife tried to kill him, he seemed to finally give up hope. He let his son escape, then died at his wife’s hands. His wife was eventually sent to Tai Yi and killed by a Pilgrim.”

Because this was considered a family scandal, those who knew were either ordered to keep silent or silenced permanently. Therefore, no one had mentioned it until now.

“Zixi must have suffered greatly as a child, wandering on his own,” Dong Yeshou said. “The two young men who went to Nan Que with you before have visited Bei Dou. The one named Qian Li also mentioned Zixi.”

Ming Li rested her chin on one hand, looking over: “What about?”

Dong Yeshou briefly said: “The gist was that he wanted to know Bei Dou’s attitude toward Earth Ghosts.”

Ming Li was somewhat surprised: “How did he know Zixi is…?”

“It was probably his father, Sui Qiu San, who told him,” Dong Yeshou said while pouring tea. “It seems he lost track of Sui Qiu San in the south, so he came to Bei Dou to ask, not knowing you weren’t here.”

Ming Li pondered: “If Sui Qiu San chooses Earth Ghosts, he must stand in opposition to Qian Li.”

He once only wanted to grow old with his wife and child, but on a certain day, influenced by something, he changed his choice.

Qian Li couldn’t understand or forgive this.

Love and hate between them existed in just an instant, so in the end, there was only the choice between life and death.

“This child’s hatred for Earth Ghosts runs too deep,” Dong Yeshou said. “He seems bright, but his mindset has already become obsessive beyond redemption.”

Ming Li said, “It would be strange if he didn’t hate them.”

Dong Yeshou also mentioned Shu Sheng coming to take Fang Hui away: “Before, I only knew His Majesty entrusted Princess Chang Xi to him. About this child who is roughly the same age as Princess Chang Xi, there has never been any news.”

Ming Li, hands folded as she lay on the table, said somewhat lazily: “Fang Hui is most likely his son. Every other father-son relationship seems odd, too.”

This remark made Dong Yeshou laugh.

“When are you planning to tell me about the Yin-Yang Curse?” Ming Li tilted her head to watch the setting sun gradually sink in the courtyard. “This curse is very powerful, not recorded in spirit technique records. I’ve never seen it before. Is it Mother’s Divine Miracle ability?”

Dong Yeshou: “What makes you think it’s your mother’s?”

Ming Li smiled: “Who else could it be?”

“You never asked about your mother before.”

Ming Li yawned: “That’s because you never took the initiative to tell us, Father. Brother and I thought it was a painful memory for you, so we didn’t dare bring it up. When I was young, my brother was jealous of Senior Brother because he had seen Mother alive, but we hadn’t.”

Dong Yeshou smiled as he listened. Back then, he didn’t speak because he lacked confidence.

What could he say? Tell them their mother wasn’t with him because she loved him, but because she wanted to kill him?

Tell them their mother, before dying, used her life as a curse to prevent him from breaking through?

Dong Yeshou lowered his gaze to look at the broken hairpin in his hand, his tone somewhat wistful: “It was only recently that I discovered she had left the Assassination Curse in this hairpin.”

“Your mother was remarkable, more remarkable than I. She was most skilled in Yin and Yang Meridian curses, many of which she created herself, or which were so ancient they no longer had records.”

Years ago, when his wife died in his arms, she had returned this engagement jade hairpin to him, softly saying: “This world is extremely dull; no truth matters anymore. Some people want the future, some want the present… just live well, don’t fight with them.”

It took Dong Yeshou a very long time to emerge from those days of sorrow.

Now, looking at the broken hairpin in his hand, he finally confirmed that his deceased wife truly loved him.

“Your mother, she…” Dong Yeshou had just begun when he realized Ming Li had already fallen asleep on the table. Looking at his disciple, who had long since collapsed on the ground in deep sleep, he silently turned his head to recall the past with the stars in the sky.