Chapter 308: Regaining Memories
"Your Majesty, you should go to the demon realm," Xiu Quan hesitated for a moment and said persuasively.
The young man showed a hesitant expression, not because of Mrs. Cen, but because he had a feeling that they should help the cultivators.
He just thought about that girl named Qiao Wan, who might die in the demon realm, and Xiu Quan felt sorry for her.
As the right-hand man of the Demon Emperor, Xiu Quan opened his mouth without considering the situation, clearly neglecting his duties. But Jia Yin, a calm man, didn't get angry, he just glanced at him casually.
"Tell me the reason," he said.
Feeling a dryness in his throat, Xiu Quan licked his lips and said, "Immortal Emperor Shi Yuan... he has a violent personality. If he were to appear and conquer the cultivation world, he might turn his army against us."
"Not to mention that the emperor once helped Qiao Wan in a secret realm," Xiu Quan corrected.
Jia Yin clarified, "It wasn't helping her, but seeking the truth for our innocent clan members who were wrongly killed."
Looking away with a calm gaze, Jia Yin said, "Let the emperor think whatever he wants."
Xiu Quan smiled and said, "We'll just go along with whatever the emperor decides."
"I just feel like we've been bystanders for too long, and now we must pick a side. Ma Huaizhen, a cautious man, wouldn't launch a major attack and risk certain defeat. But he went ahead and made a move, at a very clever timing, right after Venerable One Miaofa emerged from seclusion. And after that battle, Su Rui withdrew his troops, and then Mei Kangping started urgently planning the unsealing, acting very differently than his usual self."
"Everyone knows that Venerable One Miaofa is plagued by deep inner demons, which may be the source of Ma Huaizhen's confidence."
"The cultivation alliance has a hidden card that hasn't been used."
Jia Yin frowned and said, "That's just your speculation, Xiu Quan. I can't risk the lives of our people based on your guesswork."
"But if you had to choose only one ally, between the Cultivation Alliance and the demon realm under the leadership of Lord Shiyuan, who would you choose, Your Majesty?" The young man sighed. "Miss Qiao has saved my life before and helped Your Majesty as well. Mei Kangping and the demon realm have used forbidden elixirs, and their hands are stained with the blood of their own people."
The young man spoke softly, "I don't want to see her die. Your Majesty, you know she can't survive."
Out of the one thousand people heading towards the demon realm, most of them, about eighty to ninety percent, won't make it back. They will be left there.
Jia Yin fell silent for a moment, picturing in his mind the image of a young girl lying in a pool of blood, with a look of anguish in her eyes.
"She can do it," he said with determination, moving his finger and speaking in a deep voice.
This was the greatest praise he could give to a junior.
...
Sister Wan'er can do it.
Gan Nan's eyes were filled with confusion as he thought deeply.
Qiao Wan is much stronger than him, and even if... even if she didn't have his help, she would still be able to do it, right...
...
Qiao Wan ran, her figure reflected on the northern sky, a silent young girl sprinting against the wind!!
She ran with sweat pouring down her back, her lungs feeling like they were about to burst, moaning. Every gasp felt like a tangy sweetness in her throat.
She grabbed a demon soldier and choked him, asking loudly, "Where is the altar?!"
Behind her, the demon soldiers chased after her. Many elder martial sisters, who had been hiding in the shadows, jumped out and shouted as they swung their swords.
"Younger martial sister, run quickly! We will cover your retreat!"
Qiao Wan felt grateful but could only keep running. Explosions sounded one after another behind her, and many elder martial sisters died in those explosions, but she didn't even know their names.
Qiao Wan felt her footsteps getting heavier and heavier.
On her shoulders, she carried not only Senior Meng's life but also the lives of countless nameless heroes.
Warm tears welled up suddenly.
She wasn't strong at all. Qiao Wan gritted her teeth, tears and sweat mixing to wet her eyelashes.
If someone could help them, it would be great. Someone stronger than them, an elder... Jia Yin... anyone would do.
But she couldn't.
She had to grit her teeth, swallow the pain, and keep running step by step.
Ignoring the mocking and not dwelling on her own weakness, she had to hold onto her sword tightly, pass through the fire, step on the blood, and keep moving forward.
Qiao Wan finally reached the altar.
At first glance, she saw countless bodies of her brave teammates who had fallen beneath the altar! Near the altar, she saw Mei Kangping, Su Rui, and Pei Chunzheng.
They were faster than her, but they were unable to stop the magic circle from activating, the ritual had already begun.
The drawn magic circle glowed with a bright white light, and a strong gust of wind swept through the center of the circle, almost crushing the green figure within.
Qiao Wan's steps froze, her heart was in anguish, but she lifted her sword and charged forward!
She wanted to use the Evil-slaying Sword Technique, but her body wouldn't allow it. She could only use Throw Your Thunder, turning bones into blades and extracting bones as shields. In an instant, thunder and the Wuxiang Technique, Sword One, Sword Two, Sword Three, and endless light and brilliance...
Numerous complex techniques belonging to Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were all thrown away in this moment!
Radiant brilliance, the righteous qi of Confucianism, with the majestic glow of Buddhism and the tranquil Taoist techniques. These authentic techniques from the three schools merged into a column of light that shot up into the sky! Like a rainbow piercing through the clouds, the powerful aura made the surrounding demons retreat.
In such a reckless posture, Pei Chunzheng took a step forward, intending to rush out, but Su Rui intercepted him unexpectedly!
Mei Kangping trembled and focused his mind, raising his hand.
Spirits of life from the fan rushed out, appearing as black shadows that pierced directly into Qiao Wan's body!
Chest, back, shoulders, knees... instantly piercing through Qiao Wan's limbs and body, spurting out streams of red fountains.
Just as one of the souls lurched towards Qiao Wan, Pei Chunzheng's face suddenly changed, his eyes bloodshot as he shouted, "Uncle!! Let go of me!"
At that moment, another mighty sword aura intercepted Mei Kangping's attack.
Both the Impunity Sword and the Unforgivable Sword were unsheathed in Li Pan's hands.
Two swords, one black and one white, emitted different sword auras, like the judgement brought by the heavens. Mei Kangping's attack slowed down, and he was restrained by Xie Xingzhi and others behind him.
"Don't move." With the Xuantie Heavy Sword placed against his neck, drawing a thin line of blood, Xie Xingzhi spoke with a deep voice.
At the same time, hundreds of spirit threads intertwined, blocking Mei Kangping's movements. Each spirit thread reflected a chilling light, as if capable of cutting through metal.
Chu Tongzheng and the senior eye technique practitioner rushed forward.
Using various combat skills, spells, illusions, and spiritual senses, they surrounded Mei Kangping and Su Rui one after another.
Even though surrounded by a group of people and in great danger, Mei Kangping did not show any signs of worry. He looked at the center of the formation with mixed emotions, but he didn't move. In fact, he didn't want to move.
Qiao Wan was out of breath, gasping heavily as she struggled to stand up straight. The wounds from her recent fight with Cen Qingyou had reopened, and she felt dizzy. But she had no choice but to keep moving forward.
A long sword was stuck in her left shoulder, another in her right shoulder. A spear pierced through her chest, and a knife pierced through her knee.
With a loud shout, Qiao Wan was surrounded by a surge of spiritual energy and demonic aura, causing all the blades on her body to be "repelled" away! Only a strong cultivator could do such a thing. She wiped the blood off her face and continued forward, without hesitation, finally jumping into the eye of the formation.
As soon as she jumped into the formation, Qiao Wan felt like she was caught by a pair of warm, yet rough hands.
Even though there were strong enemies all around, in that moment, she felt as if she had sunk into a warm deep sea and fallen into the embrace of the stars. Before her eyes, she saw warm flowing water, swimming fish, and countless stars.
It was as if she had embraced the whole world.
Someone wiped away the blood and tears from the corners of her eyes and gave a bitter smile, "Little Wan, why did you come? You shouldn't have come."
Qiao Wan, with tear-filled eyes, looked at the figure in front of her with a blue aura and burst into tears, crying uncontrollably, "Meng... Senior Meng, I came to pick you up."
The Wen Si Xing Zhu Sword swiftly cut through the air, and she anxiously held onto those warm hands, as if she had been given unparalleled courage.
Meng Guangze remained calm as he rolled up his sleeves and patiently wiped away the blood from her face, bit by bit, until it was completely clean, revealing her beautiful face.
Just like when he had helped her dress before, he carefully readjusted the butterfly jade buckle that was about to fall.
She was still the same charming and lovely girl with beautiful features.
"Little Wan, be a good girl and go outside, it's already too late."
"This is the promise between Daddy and Qingyou."
Qiao Wan opened her mouth, a sense of unease quickly crossed her mind.
Too late??
She looked up, the faint glow in the center of the formation was getting weaker, gradually being swallowed by the light of the spell formation.
Qiao Wan paused, instantly understanding everything, she cried out in despair, "Senior Meng!!"
The memories and past scenes quickly intertwined before her eyes.
She remembered, she remembered everything.
She didn't want Senior Meng to die.
This seal only required either her or Meng Guangze, if there wasn't enough time, she would rather trade her life for his!!
She didn't want to, didn't want to lose this warmth again.
Qiao Wan gritted her teeth tightly, two determined and icy lights shot from her eyes! With the Wen Si Xing Zhu Sword in her hand, she decisively cut through the hurricane in front of her and rushed in! There was only one belief in her heart, she had to push Senior Meng out!!
Witnessing this scene in the sky, Cen Zicheng couldn't help but shout, "No!"
The hurricane in the eye of the storm grew stronger and stronger, like a flurry of sharp blades.
As Qiao Wan stepped into the eye of the storm, her fragile body was blown away by the wind like a thin piece of paper. In an instant, her limbs were covered in countless cuts.
Meng Guangze felt extreme pain in his heart. This indomitable warrior of the demon realm's eyes turned red instantly.
"Little Wan, go back and listen to me."
"Little Wan, it's daddy's fault."
Filled with guilt and heartache, Meng Guangze was on the verge of being overwhelmed. His eyes became teary as he closed them. Finally, this mighty warrior of the demon realm kneeled down and said, "Little Wan, listen to me. Be Qiao Wan, not daddy's daughter."
"Listen to me, call me daddy. I beg you."
Qiao Wan didn't listen. She desperately tried to squeeze into the hurricane, gasping for breath.
Move forward, just a little further, and she could push Meng Guangze out. She could handle it herself.
The blood gushing from Qiao Wan's body had already turned into a mist of blood.
The hurricane tore her skin, and blood gushed out.
Her skin and flesh were torn apart by the wind, slapping against her face. Her arms trembled like sieves, revealing the red muscle tissue and bone beneath.
Qiao Wan, with a determined gaze, showed no sign of retreat.
The unyielding and resilient spirit of this young girl stunned Su Rui. His hand trembled slightly. He never expected to witness such a tragic scene upon their reunion. Pei Chunzheng's handsome face twisted, and he stumbled out, his flowing robes turning into dark clouds.
...
"Let me go," said Venerable One Miaofa, his expression stiff, his knuckles clenched tightly. He spoke forcefully!
Ma Huaizhen tightened his palm.
A father and daughter's farewell.
Being accustomed to the constant separation and death, the cold expression of this merciless god of slaughter finally couldn't hold back anymore, and his eyes became red with tears.
He watched this scene before him with a look of anger and heartbreak, unable to help but question himself.
Did he make a mistake by burdening Qiao Wan with all this? Is he being too cruel?
At this moment, it was meaningless to stop Ma Huaizhen any longer. He raised his hand.
After receiving Ma Huaizhen's command, Zhou Yan closed his eyes. It felt like thousands of needles were pricking deep in his heart, causing him to furrow his brows in pain, almost unable to breathe.
He tightly gripped the sword handle and unleashed a burst of sword energy. All the more than 1,600 sword cultivators also tightened their grips on their sword handles, and one by one, they cut open the crack in the sky.
Venerable One Miaofa's face turned pale, wasting no more time, quickly flashed into the crack!!
...
The blood poured down, drenching him, and wetting his slightly frosted temples and the fine lines at the corners of his eyes. Meng Guangze closed his eyes and tremblingly extended his blood-stained hand, lightly tapping forward.
This small tap contained all the remaining power in his consciousness, but it was enough to push Qiao Wan away.
She had only taken a few steps forward when Meng Guangze pushed her out.
With a quick and gentle force, she was lifted and thrown out.
Qiao Wan's eyes welled up with tears, but they were immediately blown away by the wind.
"No... Senior... I can't..."
"Little Wan," Meng Guangze's lips curled up into a gentle smile, filled with a hint of regret and embarrassment. He sighed and said, "My obedient daughter, I really wish to hear you call me 'Daddy'."
Ever since they had met, this stubborn little girl had never called him "Daddy". She always referred to him as Senior Meng. The father inside him couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
"Little Wan, you are Daddy's treasure. Don't be scared, Daddy will always protect you."
【Back then, I saved a lost soul. I have no family, and you are the only one who can comfort my loneliness. You are my hope, my light.】
"Wan'er, there's no need to be afraid or worried. You are my daughter, a precious gift given to me by life, and my one and only princess."
This was the promise he made with Cen Qingyou, a task that had to be fulfilled.
The young monk, despite being criticized and mocked by everyone, bravely resisted the influence of the Blue-eyed Evil Buddha.
Indeed, what no one expected was that this evil Buddha was actually a double agent. He traveled between the demon realm and the cultivation alliance, seeking a way to save the collapsing world.
Meng Guangze recalled their first meeting with the young monk.
He asked him, "You are still young, and in the future, there may be countless people who will hate you, insult you, and even chase after you. Despite all that, do you have no regrets?"
The young monk smiled faintly, feeling a bit helpless. "Some things must be done by someone. Once, I saw mountains as not mountains and waters as not waters. Now, I see mountains as mountains and waters as waters. The Buddha is present in these mountains and waters, unchanged."
Moreover, after merging with the Blue-eyed Evil Buddha, I am not completely innocent. I killed Sun Tao College, and that is my guilt and my selfishness.
Senior Meng, I am just trying to follow my own path in my own way.
As the young man spoke, his frail body seemed to courageously blend into the swirling snowstorm, lonely yet determined. In that moment, Meng Guangze almost saw the shadow of Qiao Wan.
He may have merged with the Blue-eyed Evil Buddha, but deep down he was still the gentle-hearted young boy from before.
Meng Guangze made an agreement with him: only if he sacrifices himself in this place can his consciousness be buried in Immortal Emperor Shi Yuan's mind, like a seed that can sprout and become a weapon to strike at Immortal Emperor Shi Yuan when necessary. Only then can the cultivation alliance have a chance to win, and Qiao Wan has a chance to survive.
One is a father, the other is a friend. Both men are doing their utmost to protect her.
Cen Qingyou, in pain, sat in a pool of blood and covered his chest with a bittersweet smile.
Xin Yi, filled with remorse, muttered to herself as her Buddhist beads on her wrist made a soft clinking sound.
On the altar, as it neared its end, Meng Guangze couldn't help but glance at Mei Kangping through the chaotic wind.
He nodded slightly, acknowledging the young brother.
In the blink of an eye, the green figure distorted and was swallowed by the hurricane in the formation. Like a stretched shadow, it merged with the formation's center.
All the camaraderie and ambition from their battles together, the betrayals, and the separations all converged into the hurricane.
Mei Kangping's face changed, and he tapped his folding fan backward, immediately pushing Xie Xingzhi half a step back, breaking through the defense and stepping down from the altar.
He wanted to stop him, and now he regretted it.
He hated Meng Guangze, seething with anger and resentment for his betrayal. He was the last person who should have betrayed him, the last person to betray the demon realm.
Mei Kangping felt like he had dedicated his whole life to the demon realm. He had never regretted it until now. In this moment, he regretted it. He thought about the times when little Mei Kangping and little Meng Guangze used to play together. They would play and compete in childish things, get into fights, and cry together.
The figure in the altar was his brother.
But in an instant, the wind stopped.
Everything that had been swirling around fell back down. This included Qiao Wan's blood. It splashed onto her face, drenching her. Qiao Wan fell to her knees on the ground, with her knees almost embedded in the cracks of the stones. Her white bones protruded from her flesh, and as she lifted her head, her face was hardly recognizable.
The immense sky reflected the wooden and menacing face.
All around, it was quiet except for the sound of the wind's breath.
Tick-tock - tick-tock -
Blood dripped down through the cracks in the bricks.
The dust settled.
Mei Kangping stood frozen in place.
In the wind, it seemed like Qiao Wan's voice choked and whispered. Two lines of tears mixed with blood rolled down her cheeks and fell into the scorching gravel.
She was screaming.
"Dad."
...
She can do it.
After a moment of silence, Jia Yin whispered.
