The night was so quiet.

The distant bustle was blurred into background noise by the wind. On Gufeng Mountain, wild birds hid in the dense forest, uttering low sleep-talking sounds.

When there was no moon, the long sky was filled with stars. The girl’s shoulders were thin and delicate, seeming to shiver slightly from the cool night breeze, her body trembling involuntarily. Yet her gaze at the other person was firm as she repeated once more: “Gu Baiying, I like you.”

The girl’s confession was both shy and passionate, direct and bold, like an oath, like an affirmation, clearly displaying her courage and her heart.

Her face was like a flower blooming in early spring, fine and smooth as cream, with a pink glow like grease. But inappropriately, another face suddenly surfaced in Gu Baiying’s mind.

That face wasn’t flawless like the one before him. Compared to a bright flower, she was more like a tall tree, facing wind and proud snow, full of vitality. Not romantic enough, not charming enough, yet living with myriad forms, magnificent and verdant.

“Did you hear what I said?” Putao was somewhat annoyed: “Gu Baiying, I said I like you!”

He lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the person before him, saying calmly: “I heard you.”

“Then don’t you have anything you want to say to me?” Putao’s eyes were slightly red.

A girl who had grown up pampered had never been treated so rudely, never had her heart offered up like this, only to receive not a trace of cherishing.

“I already have someone I like.” The young man’s answer was merciless.

“I know.”

She naturally knew. Just now on Duoluo Terrace, that simple question had no answer. He didn’t respond, yet it was more heartbreaking than if he had answered.

Everyone knew the answer.

“Who is she?” The young girl pressed closer unwillingly, determined to discover clues from his expression. “Is she someone from your sect?”

The young man remained silent.

That person would never interrogate him so aggressively. Of course, she was always cunning. Sometimes he would rather she ask him about it, but she just wouldn’t, perhaps because she didn’t care.

She found him annoying, clearly always made him angry, yet she didn’t even know he was angry. In the end, he still had to convince himself, coax himself better, then eagerly run to Duoluo Terrace, afraid she might fancy someone else and become one among countless lovers.

Jin Feicui said, “Our Baiying has also reached the age of being troubled by love.”

He was indeed troubled by love.

For someone who didn’t like him, he suffered from hope and fear, tossing and turning sleeplessly.

This feeling was also detestable.

Putao’s eyes were red, almost ready to cry, yet every word was stubborn as she said: “Since people in your sect don’t know about this matter, and you just refused to speak clearly, it’s obvious you’re not together. If that’s the case, I still have a chance.” She clenched her fists: “Aunt once had an engagement with Shaoyang Zhenren, but they didn’t end up together in the end. What’s more, you two are nothing now. I insist on pestering you—one day, you’ll also like me… You’ll be mine!”

The little junior sister of Xiangling Sect had a stubborn temperament; once she decided on something, nine oxen couldn’t pull her back. But matters of the heart were very different from cultivation—effort didn’t necessarily bring rewards.

It couldn’t be forced, full of mishaps and coincidences.

The evening breeze lifted the young man’s crimson hair ribbon, making the night seem lingering and tender. His eyes were bright, his tone calm to the point of being almost cruel.

He said, “I advise you not to waste time on me. I won’t like you, and I’m not yours.”

“But I won’t give up!”

“You’d better give up.” Gu Baiying said indifferently: “Because I’ve already given up.”

……

On Duoluo Terrace, the liveliness hadn’t diminished in the slightest.

At night, fireflies emitted tiny lights.

A paper crane wobbled as it flew to Zi Luo. Zi Luo was startled, and as the paper crane opened its mouth, Li Danshu’s voice came from within.

“Zi Luo, where did I put the bottle of grass I used for pill refinement yesterday? The disciples in the hall searched everywhere but couldn’t find it. Come back quickly and help me look. Leave that lotus appreciation for the newly entered disciples to enjoy! You’ve watched it so many times without getting tired—hurry back!”

Zi Luo: “……”

She stood up and smiled apologetically at everyone: “Sorry, I need to go to Third Martial Uncle’s hall.” She looked at the silver spoon: “I’ll leave this spoon here. You all continue.”

Even Zi Luo, the only one who could still smooth over the atmosphere, followed the paper crane away, and the table instantly became somewhat silent.

Tian Fangfang tentatively asked: “Everyone, shall we… continue?”

No one answered him.

The atmosphere was indeed rather awkward. Zanxing didn’t dare to speak either. It was Mendong beside her who was quite disappointed: “How could they just leave like that?”

Zanxing glanced at him. Now that everyone between her and Mendong had left, she dragged her stool toward Mendong and moved closer to him.

Mendong watched her warily: “What do you want to do?”

“There’s something I’m very curious about.”

“What?”

“Dongdong, when we were in Wufan City, did you… Fall for Douniang?”

As soon as these words came out, everyone around immediately looked at Mendong.

Mendong never expected Zanxing would ask this. He was stunned for a full moment, then his face quickly flushed red as he angrily said: “What nonsense are you spouting?”

“At that time, I noticed you took quite good care of her, and your words were very considerate and gentle. I thought you liked her.” Zanxing found it strange: “Wasn’t that the case?”

“Of course not! I was just… I was just normally caring!” The usually eloquent Mendong rarely stuttered: “Don’t talk nonsense!”

Zanxing drew out an “ohhh” sound, looking at him mischievously.

Mendong turned his head away, clenching his fists and trying hard to argue: “Cultivators naturally have hearts to save the world. I saw she was pitiful—don’t think everything in that direction! You should listen more to Master’s ‘Heart-Clearing Mantra’! Moreover…” He paused, his voice suddenly becoming dejected: “She’s already dead.”

Xu Douniang was already dead.

Long before they entered Wufan City, she had already died in the desert illusion. Whether or not Mendong had special care and concern for Douniang because of their similar backgrounds, Douniang was already dead.

This was the cruelty of fate.

Fate wouldn’t be particularly merciful and gentle to someone just because they lived miserably. It was cruel and unjust.

Tian Fangfang remained silent and picked up the Floating Dream wine before him to drink a large bowl.

Xu Douniang had grown up with him in Xu Family Village. Those most difficult years—gritting teeth and swearing oaths in the woodshed, gnawing steamed buns while dreaming of prosperity—were gone forever. He had been away from home too long, and the last companion who had supported him in his youth had gradually disappeared in the desert.

“She will be reborn.” Meng Ying suddenly spoke.