Xiao Yueyin returned to Solitude City later that day. She still wasn’t sure what exactly happened in the ocean and unfortunately, she lost the opportunity to ask with all that was going on.

There was only one thing she was certain of, whatever happened involved the Graha race. After disappearing for centuries, they have made an appearance once again.

This was something that she had to report back to the Mountain as soon as possible, and with it being so important, she needed to do it in person. Before leaving, however, Xiao Yueyin wanted to meet with Ji Xian once more to ask him about the specifics of the event.

She went back to East Solitude Inn.

Walking through the door to the room, she instantly spotted Guo Xinyi, who was cultivating in her barrier.

“Xinyi.”

As though responding to her voice, the barrier turned into particles of light and fade away, revealing the figure inside.

“Yueyin!”

Guo Xinyi jumped off the bed and enthusiastically greeted Xiao Yueyin.

“Where have you been these past couple of days?” She pouted adorably. “You completely neglected your sect disciples throughout the entire All Desolate Competition.”

The competition was put on hold because of the Universal Will, but Lin Guyi, the Island Lord of Solitude City was informed by Zeng Shihao to allow it to resume. In the end, the competition ended with the final winner being the Arcane Mountain. No one was surprised at their victory. Although the Arcane Mountain rarely participates in the All Desolate Competition, when they do enter, they always grabbed first place.

Xiao Yueyin had already expected this. She also didn’t care. After everything that happened, the competition was the last thing on her mind.

“Something came up, something important.” Xiao Yueyin shook her head. For now, she wasn’t sure if she should tell Guo Xinyi about the return of the Graha race.

The news would make her worry and there simply wasn’t anything she can do even if she knows.

“The Universal Will, did you see it?” Guo Xinyi asked seriously.

Xiao Yueyin nodded but she didn’t go into it.

“Where are Xia Lihua and Ji Xian? Have they returned?” Xiao Yueyin asked. Judging from the relatively empty room, the answer was obvious, but she wanted to be sure.

“I haven’t seen them these past couple of days.” Guo Xinyi shook her head. She wasn’t aware that the three of them had been together the entire time.

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Am I overthinking? Why does her tone sound more respectful now when saying their name?

“I see…” Xiao Yueyin muttered under her breath. “Where are they…”

She walked to the window and leaned out before staring at the sky inattentively.

Guo Xinyi silently looked at her friend, feeling as though she has changed somewhat.

—————————-

At a certain area underneath the dark cloudy sky.

On a small island.

A man and a woman were sitting in the sand having a little talk.

“Lihua, I already sealed the Chaos Tunnel in the ocean, the Graha race won’t be able to use it to cross over.”

“…”

“Sigh, fine. There’s another Chaos Tunnel located at the Arcane Mountain, I’ll seal that one as well. That should resolve the whole issue with war.”

“…”

Seeing that he wasn’t getting any reply, Ji Xian looked over and carefully examined Xia Lihua’s face.

Shortly after, he said, “This was never about the Mortal Desolate World and the Graha race, was it?”

Her eyes unnoticeably fluttered but Ji Xian caught it.

...

“War… conflict… I don’t know what I expected, but I guess I was just a little caught off guard to see it even after coming to a new World.” Xia Lihua finally said.

“They are a constant. No matter where you go, you will see situations like this.”

She shook her head, “I know, I’m not that naive to believe the Universe is peaceful. In the world of cultivation, peace is something you earn only after standing on a mountain of bodies.”

Ji Xian said nothing and only listened.

After a brief pause, she continued, “But I would be lying if I were to say that I’m not tired of it, of fighting.

War. It was something she was very familiar with. How long has the Upper World been invading the Mortal Haven World? Not many people remember anymore.

Friends, mentors, family. She has lost too many.

Deep in her mind, there was something she wanted to ask Ji Xian very much, but she can’t find herself to voice it out.

She looked at him with mixed emotions. Ji Xian… if he had involved himself with the affairs of the Mortal Haven World and assisted in the war with the Upper World sooner, would her parents still be alive?

...

He didn’t know what Xia Lihua was thinking, but Ji Xian can feel the sadness coming from her.

He tried to think of something to say and suddenly recalled a memory, “You know, long ago, when we were kids, I met you once before.”

Xia Lihua's eyebrows gently raised upon hearing this. She thought hard, but can’t remember when she had ever seen him.

“Walking down the road, you were happily sitting on your father’s shoulder while your mother was busy wiping away the food that was smeared all over your face. It was a beautiful sight of a perfect family. And I never forgot that moment. I remembered being very jealous of you for having something that I did not have.”

Xia Lihua quietly listened with a frown. She vaguely remembered this moment, but she doesn’t recall ever seeing Ji Xian.

…

“I’m sorry, Lihua.”

Hearing this, she shook. She can feel the depth behind this apology, and all the meanings it contained.

As small amounts of tears started to accumulate, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before exhaling. Standing up, she opened her eyes. It glowed with inexhaustible brilliance. The sad aura that was coming from her disappeared. Instead, it was replaced by unparalleled confidence.

“Memories of the past become the road for the future. I don’t blame you. I can’t depend on others, only myself.”

Ji Xian smiled as he looked at her. This was the Xia Lihua he knew. But…

While still sitting down, he suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled.

The powerful force caused Xia Lihua to fall onto him.

Ji Xian shook his head as he held on to her slim waist, “Foolish, You can rely on me.”

“I promise.”