Bai Xixue suddenly appeared before him, catching Chen Qingyuan slightly off guard.
Today, Bai Xixue was dressed in a light-colored long dress, adorned with a crystal necklace, a flawless jade pendant tied around her waist, a dot of cinnabar between her brows, lips red as fire, and her long hair cascading like a waterfall.
Her gaze remained fixed on Chen Qingyuan, her eyes rippling with an unusual luster, her emotions complex to the extreme.
Their eyes met, and time seemed to freeze at that moment.
Scenes from the past involuntarily surfaced before both of them.
A breeze blew by, awakening them from their reverie.
"Is something the matter?"
Chen Qingyuan broke the silence, his voice calm, devoid of emotional fluctuation.
Hearing Chen Qingyuan speak again, Bai Xixue showed no joy, her heart tightened, and she pondered before replying, "Nothing, just passing by."
"I heard you've become the Holy Maiden of Eastern Joy Palace, congratulations."
Was it really just a coincidence?
In the vastness of the Flow Star Domain, Bai Xixue's appearance here was thought-provoking.
"Thank you," Bai Xixue nodded in response.
After exchanging greetings, Chen Qingyuan prepared to walk past Bai Xixue and continue on his way.
The past had been made clear between them; everything had dissipated like smoke, and they owed each other nothing.
Watching Chen Qingyuan about to disappear from her sight, Bai Xixue couldn't suppress her emotions and called out loudly, "Brother Qingyuan."
At her call, he halted.
Chen Qingyuan, with his back to Bai Xixue, shuddered slightly.
Then, he slowly turned around, his expression cold, "Miss Bai, let's not forget, our karma has been severed. The title you just used, it doesn't seem quite appropriate, does it?"
A pang of pain surged in her heart.
Bai Xixue's soul seemed to suffocate for a moment, her pupils dilated, and her expression showed discomfort. She knew all along that she was the one at fault, and there was no going back to the past.
Yet, at that moment, she couldn't help herself, and that's why she called out the name from the past.
After a moment, Bai Xixue suppressed the emotions deep in her heart and bowed apologetically, "I'm sorry, I overstepped."
"Farewell."
Chen Qingyuan did not want to get entangled with Bai Xixue and turned to leave.
Once Chen Qingyuan was gone, Bai Xixue could no longer control herself, and tears streamed down her face.
If possible, Bai Xixue wished she could return to those years.
Everything she had now was given to her by Chen Qingyuan. That year, he had told her about the dangers of Sky Abyss, and she had promised to wait for him, no matter how many years passed.
But in just a hundred years, she had forgotten her promise, planning to become Dao Companions with Qin Yutang, the Young Sect Master of Heavenly Jade Sect.
How laughable!
For a cultivator, a hundred years is not long. Some powerful figures may spend hundreds or even thousands of years in seclusion.
Was it really because her mentor, Yao Susu, sealed away Bai Xixue's memories that she became heartless?
Absolutely not.
If Yao Susu could sever a person's affections, she wouldn't be just an Elder. All she did was slightly alleviate Bai Xixue's mood.
The situation had developed to this point, and ultimately, it was Bai Xixue's own doing.
She thought Chen Qingyuan was dead, never to return, and naturally wanted to consider her future. The Young Sect Master of Heavenly Jade Sect was clearly a good choice.
Before the marriage alliance between Eastern Joy Palace and Heavenly Jade Sect began, Chen Qingyuan returned, and Bai Xixue had the chance to change things.
However, Bai Xixue did not take it and instead did not want to meet Chen Qingyuan.
Only under Chen Qingyuan's firm stance did Bai Xixue have no choice but to go to Mystic Azure Sect to sever their karma.
At first, Bai Xixue felt guilty. But when she confirmed that Chen Qingyuan had become a useless person, her eyes shifted from guilt to indifference.
"I got what I deserved."
Looking in the direction Chen Qingyuan left, Bai Xixue sneered at herself, tears reaching the corners of her mouth.
A salty taste touched her tongue.
Gradually, the taste became very bitter.
Not the bitterness of tears, but of her heart.
It wasn't until Bai Xixue stepped into Goose Snow City and went through numerous hardships that she truly understood how good Chen Qingyuan had been to her.
Unfortunately, everything was already set in stone.
Bai Xixue knew that even if she bowed her head, she could not return to the past. Likewise, she could not forgive herself; she just wanted to watch Chen Qingyuan from a distance, nothing more.
The former her was indeed heartless.
Now, even if she repented, it was too late.
"I'm sorry."
Bai Xixue's emotions slowly stabilized, she wiped away the tears on her cheeks, her eyes slightly red. In this lifetime, her only goal was to follow in Chen Qingyuan's footsteps.
She didn't seek to rekindle their past relationship, only to see his silhouette.
Whoosh—
Bai Xixue transformed into a streak of light, returning to Eastern Joy Palace. Having seen Chen Qingyuan up close today, her heart was already very content.
She was just an ordinary cultivator who, by fate, met Chen Qingyuan, who forcibly improved her talents.
Now, Bai Xixue could be considered Heaven's Pride, yet she still couldn't compare to Chen Qingyuan.
To catch up to even a glimpse of Chen Qingyuan's silhouette, Bai Xixue needed to put in unimaginable effort.
"It has nothing to do with me."
Thinking of Bai Xixue's demeanor just now, Chen Qingyuan frowned.
Although their exchange was brief, Chen Qingyuan could feel Bai Xixue's change. However, it was no longer his concern.
Before leaving the Flow Star Domain, Chen Qingyuan had one place to visit.
A very secluded corner, Bright Moon City.
Mostly mortals lived here, with thin spiritual Qi, and the sight of cultivators was rare.
At the end of a street in the city, there was a house weathered by time.
"Is it open?"
Chen Qingyuan looked at the open door, somewhat surprised.
After hesitating, Chen Qingyuan walked in.
The person living here was the once-famed Sword Immortal Changgeng, known as Li Muyang.
As soon as Chen Qingyuan stepped into Bright Moon City, Li Muyang sensed it, opened the door, and quietly waited.
"Predecessor."
Seeing Li Muyang chopping wood at the woodshed, Chen Qingyuan approached and paid his respects.
"Have a seat!"
Li Muyang gestured to a wooden stool nearby.
"Alright."
There were some wood shavings on the stool, Chen Qingyuan gently blew them away and slowly took a seat.
"Young Master Chen, what brings you here?"
Li Muyang continued chopping firewood while asking.
"I recently visited the Eastern Land and brought back some fine wine for you, Predecessor."
As he spoke, Chen Qingyuan placed the wine on the table.
"Thank you, Young Master."
Li Muyang looked up at the wine on the table, his smile conveying gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.
"You're too kind, Predecessor." Chen Qingyuan sat up straight.
"The Eastern Land is the domain of the Buddhist Sect; they didn't give you any trouble, did they?"
Li Muyang quickly finished his task, sat opposite Chen Qingyuan, opened a jar of wine, and took several big swigs.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas