CHAPTER 18

They traveled swiftly, carried by the wind, and within just fifteen minutes, Meng Ruji and Mu Sui touched down in the woods near their "home." They stopped as the eight remaining silver ingots began to dim, signaling the formation's weakening.

Meng Ruji, worried they might suddenly fall from the sky, quickly gathered the silver ingots. "This thing has limitations on the size and duration of spells it can handle," Meng Ruji mused. "Copper plates only support small spells, and silver ingots can manage more, but they lose power over time. I wonder if they'll recharge after a while?" She inspected the silver ingots, talking to herself.

Behind her, Mu Sui silently answered in his mind: Yes. Tomorrow, they will. But he couldn't reveal his thoughts, so he kept his lips sealed, fearing that once he started talking, he might say something regrettable.

"We'll study it tomorrow," Meng Ruji said, putting away the silver ingots. She turned to Mu Sui, "It's not far now. We can walk the rest of the way quietly and avoid drawing attention."

Mu Sui followed Meng Ruji in silence. The forest was peaceful, the night breeze gentle, and Meng Ruji relished the rare moment of calm. Although they couldn't return to the human world with just eight silver ingots, it was enough to keep them fed for a while. More importantly, she now understood how to use magic in this strange land. She felt confident that if they encountered any trouble, they could handle it.

With a sense of ease and tranquility, Meng Ruji walked lightly, breathing in the cool night air that seemed to clear her mind. But Mu Sui was struggling. Each step he took was conflicted—his body wanted to be closer to Meng Ruji, yet his mind urged him to keep his distance.

A thousand thoughts swirled in his head. He wanted to persuade Meng Ruji to teach him how to use the inner elixir, but he feared he might slip into saying something inappropriate... something about kissing or holding her. The thought of it disgusted him, making him feel like he was losing control of himself. He couldn't stand it. He couldn't stand himself.

The two of them, with completely different thoughts, walked through the same quiet night. As they neared "home," just a few steps from the door, both Meng Ruji and Mu Sui heard a rustling noise coming from inside their rundown house.

Someone was there.

Before Mu Sui could even think, he instinctively grabbed Meng Ruji's wrist, pulling her behind him as he stepped forward to shield her. He did this wordlessly, his expression dark and conflicted.

Meng Ruji wasn't surprised—Mu Sui had been acting this way lately. She peeked out from behind him, eyeing their dilapidated wooden house. "There's only some hay in there. Who would bother stealing it? Didn't you finish your food when we left today?"

Of course, Mu Sui didn't respond. He was too wrapped up in his own inner turmoil to answer her.

"Huh?" someone emerged from the shabby house. It wasn't a thief; it was Miaomiao. She had heard Meng Ruji's voice and rushed outside. "Oh my god, you're finally back! Are you okay? Where did you go?"

"We're fine," Meng Ruji waved her hand dismissively. "I'm sorry we worried you. Thank you for waiting for us, and for getting Mu Sui to help."

Miaomiao looked up at Mu Sui in confusion. "Ah?" she asked, glancing between them.

"Yes," Mu Sui replied coldly, his eyes warning Miaomiao, "Thank you for your reminder."

Miaomiao met his gaze and immediately pursed her lips, looking down. When she saw Meng Ruji smiling and in good spirits, aside from a small cut on her forehead, Miaomiao felt relieved. "Sister Ruji, I'm glad you're okay. I'll head back now."

Meng Ruji looked at the dark road. "Are you sure you don't want me to walk you back?"

"No, no, no," Miaomiao quickly waved her hands. "I know the way."

Without another word, Miaomiao hurried off. Meng Ruji watched her retreat, puzzled. "Is she still afraid of walking alone at night? Mu Sui, why don't you go after her?"

"She said no," Mu Sui responded indifferently as he entered the wooden house. "She seems capable enough."

Back inside, Meng Ruji was clearly exhausted after a long day. She leaned against the wall and quickly fell asleep, just like every other night in this desolate place. But tonight, she slept especially well, no longer worrying about tomorrow's meals.

Mu Sui, lying beside her, didn't fare as well. Ever since his memories had started to return, his nights were filled with restless dreams, and he would wake up several times, his mind plagued by memories from both the past and present. It was as if sleeping made him more tired than staying awake.

The next morning, Meng Ruji stretched lazily, noticing that Mu Sui was already awake. He looked tired, with dark circles under his eyes, and he didn't come over to cuddle with her as he used to.

"Mu Sui?" Meng Ruji asked, concerned. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Mu Sui glanced at her, debating whether to say anything. But considering what he needed to do today, he decided to speak up. "I have a headache."

Meng Ruji immediately came over, worry etched on her face. She touched his forehead. "It's a bit warm. Did you catch a cold after falling into the Naihe River yesterday? You seem healthy enough, though."

Mu Sui remained silent for a moment before murmuring, "The Naihe River water... seems to have an effect on me."

"What kind of effect?" Meng Ruji asked, her mind flashing back to the strange behavior Mu Sui had displayed recently. She thought for a moment and then looked at him closely. "Did you... remember something?"

She was perceptive, Mu Sui thought. It was no surprise that she was asking now. He must have done something yesterday that aroused her suspicions.

Rather than letting her doubt him further, Mu Sui decided to come clean. "If I did something to hurt you, would you hate me? Would you want to chase me away?"

Meng Ruji, pulled out of her thoughts by his question, looked into his eyes and answered solemnly, "No."

It was exactly as Mu Sui had predicted. She wouldn't push him away.

Mu Sui could see Meng Ruji's thoughts clearly. She must have known about the inner elixir theft for a long time. If she wanted to get rid of him, she would have done it already. Now, he was using a truth she already knew, adding some new information to gain her trust...

"Mu Sui," Meng Ruji suddenly called his name with a serious tone, "I said yesterday that no matter what happened in the past, I'll consider you my brother from now on. I wasn't joking."

Mu Sui was caught off guard. This wasn't part of his plan.

He looked at her, but her eyes were clear and sincere. She meant every word. Confused, he asked, "I stole your inner elixir, and you don't mind?"

"Of course, I mind," Meng Ruji replied. "When I find a way, I will definitely get it back. You've said before that you'll find a way to return it to me, right? And when you do, I might give you a good beating."

"..."

"But when it comes to people, I focus on the present, not the past. Your actions against me were real, but so is your protection now," Meng Ruji smiled. "I consider you as one of my own because your actions right now deserve my trust."

At that moment, it was enough... it was already worthy. Mu Sui lowered his eyes, avoiding Meng Ruji’s clear gaze. “What if everything I did was a lie?” he asked, immediately regretting the question. The words had slipped out before he could stop them. But Meng Ruji didn’t hesitate. “Then I would accept defeat,” she replied calmly. Mu Sui finally lifted his eyes, meeting hers again. Her gaze was steady and resolute. “So, Mu Sui, don’t be afraid. I won’t abandon you.” In that moment, her unwavering trust, her sincerity, and her promise not to leave him surrounded him completely. “But…” Meng Ruji added after a pause, smiling gently, “If you ever treat me unfairly in the future, I won’t let it slide. I don’t take losses easily.” Mu Sui was suddenly reminded of a story his subordinates had told him long ago—about a demon king who had died centuries before on Hengxu Mountain in the human world. She carried within her an inner elixir, a source of immense power. This elixir was said to have the power of creation and might have aided them in their mission. Since then, Mu Sui had casually read many accounts of this demon king. People spoke of her as being half-demon, possessing both the decisiveness of a demon and the gentleness and compassion of a human. She judged others—immortals, demons, gods, and Buddhas—not by their origins but by their actions. Her decisions, whether to kill or save, were based on her own moral compass. Though she seemed an arbitrary figure, she was respected by both immortals and demons alike. There were even records of the deep sorrow felt by the five guardians of Hengxu Mountain when she sealed herself away. At the time, Mu Sui had thought the accounts were exaggerated. But now, looking at Meng Ruji, he could see how she had a similar ability to bring peace to those around her. If it had been before... Mu Sui lowered his eyes again. But now, things were different. He wouldn’t return the inner elixir. He had his own responsibilities. “I only recalled those memories last night,” Mu Sui murmured, avoiding Meng Ruji’s eyes. “In the future, I won’t let you down…” Meng Ruji patted his shoulder. “I believe you.” “Sister... my chest still hurts.” He wasn’t lying; the pain lingered from where Meng Ruji had pressed on his chest the day before. Hearing this, Meng Ruji took his pulse, checking him over. “Could it be something from the Naihe River? There’s a doctor at the market. Should I take you to see him? I’m not sure about the effects of Wuliu Dizhi.” “I don’t think... I can walk,” he replied, his weakness apparent. The Naihe River’s waters, meant to carry souls to the afterlife, had sapped his vitality. If he had stayed in the water any longer yesterday, he might have lost consciousness entirely. “Then I’ll go to the market and ask the doctor. Wait here for me,” Meng Ruji said, taking out her silver ingot. She noticed that the formation on the ingot was still flickering. Mu Sui saw it too and estimated that it would take another three or four hours for the ingot to recharge. Meng Ruji tucked the ingot back into her pocket. “I might be a bit slow getting there. Please wait a little longer.” “Alright,” he agreed. As soon as Meng Ruji walked away, Mu Sui also left the cabin. The only place with a doctor was the small pharmacy at the end of the market. The pharmacy was far from the cabin and even farther from the government office. Mu Sui had plenty of time to take care of his own matters.

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