Zhiruo closed her eyes and calmly circulated the techniques of the Heavenly Physician Ancient Scroll. In an instant, a stream of clarity surged into her consciousness. She felt her awareness sharpen, and when she opened her eyes, she found herself in the familiar wooden house, facing her beloved grandfather, but her body had returned to that of a thirteen-year-old girl. Her grandfather smiled and nodded, saying, "As expected of my little Ruo Ruo, faster than them all; you were the first to find yourself."
Zhiruo looked at him with mixed emotions and asked, "Who exactly are you?"
The old man gazed at Zhiruo with warmth in his eyes and said, "I truly am your grandfather, but..." He sighed, "Ah, little Ruo Ruo, if I remember correctly, I did indeed pass away."
Zhiruo's expression turned sorrowful as she asked, "Then why are you here?"
The old man chuckled softly and patted Zhiruo's head, saying, "I wish you hadn't seen through it all; then I could have stayed with you a little longer. But since you have seen through it, let me be brief. Do not fear this Netherworld Paradise. It is indeed a passage to the underworld that can bring the souls of those important to you back to create illusions that trap people. This is a test—a test of whether you wish to dwell in the past or can find yourself and step into the future."
A hint of reluctance and helplessness appeared in the old man's eyes. "Forgive me my selfishness; I truly wanted to take care of Ruo Ruo for a few more years. But I also hope that Ruo Ruo can grow and find her own path. I am comforted knowing my Ruo Ruo has grown up so much and has someone she loves. Seeing you like this allows me to rest easy in the underworld. Little Ruo Ruo, goodbye!"
Tears streamed down Zhiruo's face as she cried out, "Grandfather, don't go! Stay with Ruo Ruo a little longer!"
As Zhiruo called out, the old man smiled and reached out his hand to gently stroke her cheek, saying softly, "Little Ruo Ruo, I will always be with you in your heart. Remember, no matter what difficulties you face, be brave. I will always bless you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the old man's figure began to slowly disintegrate into countless specks of light that scattered like stars in the air. He continued to smile, his eyes filled with love and reluctance for Zhiruo: "Ruo Ruo, do not cry; I will always watch over you."
"Grandfather!" Zhiruo cried out in anguish, trying to grasp the fading figure but could only see him transform into countless light particles before completely vanishing from her sight.
The wooden house gradually dissolved, and everything around began to blur. Zhiruo felt herself enveloped by a warm force as she slowly returned to reality. She wiped away her tears, her eyes shining with determination. No matter how difficult it was, she would continue on because she knew her grandfather was always in her heart, accompanying and encouraging her.
At that moment, Zhiruo felt an unprecedented strength filling her body. She took a deep breath and turned back to look at the vanishing illusion, softly saying, "Grandfather, I will always remember your words and walk my own path. Thank you, Grandfather; goodbye."
"You passed through so quickly." A gentle, cold voice came from behind Zhiruo, startling her as she turned around. Before her stood a female corpse.
The corpse was extraordinarily beautiful, tall and graceful, dressed in a red robe that accentuated her perfect curves. Her eyes were crimson, and her skin was pale; despite the chilling aura surrounding her, there was no trace of malice. She stood quietly, as if she had waited for countless years just for this moment of encounter.
Zhiruo gazed at the beauty and figure of the corpse in astonishment, momentarily at a loss for words. The corpse smiled gently and said, "Your grandfather is a good man. He asked me to tell you that he will pray for you, wishing you peace and joy."
Upon hearing this, Zhiruo's eyes reddened slightly as she sobbed and asked, "Who are you? How could you bring my grandfather here?"
The corpse paused for a moment, seemingly pondering. After a long while, she sighed and said, "My name is Mo Yun. I have been waiting here for so long that if you hadn't asked, I would have almost forgotten my own name. My former master was called Void Night; he should be the Brother Ye you mentioned. I am here to provide him with an opportunity in this life, but this opportunity requires him to complete three trials. The first trial is what you just experienced; I call it 'Cutting the Past.'"
Zhiruo asked in confusion, "Cutting the Past?"
Mo Yun nodded and explained, "Yes. Everyone has a past, and the past is often the hardest to let go of. Only by letting go of the past can one truly move forward. This is the first trial he must face. Your quick passage indicates that you possess strong mental fortitude and willpower."
Zhiruo fell silent for a moment, reflecting on her recent experience, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She asked, "What is the next trial?"
Mo Yun gently shook her head and said, "Each person's trial is unique. As for what comes next, I can only say that it cannot be revealed. But I believe you will be able to overcome these trials because you share deep feelings and strong beliefs with each other."
Zhiruo nodded, a glimmer of determination flashing in her eyes. She knew that no matter what lay ahead, she would face it alongside Brother Ye and overcome all difficulties together. Mo Yun's appearance had enlightened her further and strengthened her resolve.
Looking at Zhiruo, Mo Yun said softly, "Go ahead, little Ruoruo. The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but you will support each other and walk towards the light."
Zhiruo gazed deeply at Mo Yun and gratefully said, "Thank you, Mo Yun."
Mo Yun smiled and nodded, "No need to thank me. Protecting you is my mission. I wish you all the best."
Zhiruo took a deep breath, turned to look into the distance, her heart filled with strength. She knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead might be, she was no longer afraid, for she had her companions, Brother Ye, and their shared beliefs and goals. She turned and walked forward, ready to face the challenges ahead.
Yan Yuchen found herself lost in thought as she returned to Feiyan Villa. Feiyan Villa was nestled in a tranquil valley, surrounded by mountains, shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. The villa's architecture was scattered yet harmonious, with red tiles and white walls, exuding an ancient charm. The courtyard was lush with flowers and plants, with cascading waterfalls and flowing springs adding to its beauty. The villa featured a training ground, sword practice hall, and meditation pavilion, all radiating a strong martial arts atmosphere.
Like Zhiruo, Yan Yuchen was stunned by the familiar sights around her. She rushed outside and saw her fellow disciples practicing the Flying Swallow Sword Technique in the training ground. Her father, Yan Tianshuang, the master of Feiyan Villa, wielded the Heavenly Frost Sword with an imposing presence as he guided the disciples in their practice. Her mother, gentle and graceful, was carrying breakfast and heading towards Yan Yuchen's room, clearly bringing her breakfast.
With tears in her eyes, Yan Yuchen cried out and ran to embrace her mother, weeping uncontrollably. Her sorrowful cries echoed throughout Feiyan Villa, drawing curious glances from her fellow disciples who paused their training to watch Yan Yuchen's emotional outburst. Yan Tianshuang also rushed to Yan Yuchen's side, patting her shoulder with concern as he asked, "Chen'er, what happened?"
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