Chapter 86: Nai River Poison

                                  

The waters of the Nai River flowed eternally upward, mist curling in the air. Meng Ruji and Mu Sui gazed at each other until Mu Sui rose first.

“Let’s say farewell today. I should go take the thousand gold and return to the mortal realm.”

Meng Ruji fell silent for a long while. Thinking she would say no more, Mu Sui turned to leave—until her soft voice followed him:

“In the mortal realm, on Hengxu Mountain, I have five guardians. Qing Rao is a short-haired girl who talks incessantly. She cries the most. When she errs and I scold her, she can cry all night. The next day she apologizes with little sweet cakes. Her cooking is better than mine…”

Mu Sui’s steps faltered, then continued.

“Shang Yan likes Qing Rao, but his tongue is clumsy. For decades, he hasn’t confessed. Qing Rao teases him, but he only scratches his head and grins. He’s the most honest-hearted of them all.”

“Shang Lan, Shang Yan’s younger sister, is his opposite. Cold, quiet, but skilled in mystic arts. She tells me that if I ever want to rest, she can share the burden. She’s the most mature-minded…”

“I picked up Xiao Yi and Xiao Bu as children. I gave them casual names, but they grew into outstanding cultivators. Childhood sweethearts, immortal companions before I sealed myself…”

“Meng Ruji.” Mu Sui finally stopped, gazing ahead through mist. “What use is there in telling me all this?”

“In the Nai River, I felt as if I lived a lifetime with you, so I know I can’t dissuade you. But…” She lowered her head. “The world you want to destroy has people I care about.”

Mu Sui was stunned.

“Divine beings stand too high, immortals too distant. To me, real people aren’t the human race, but each individual who lived beside me. They spoke with me, ate with me, laughed with me, listened when I cried. I… can’t let them go. I exist among them. And you…”

Her gaze dropped.
“After you left the ice lake, wandering alone and weak, how did you survive?”

Mu Sui’s fists clenched.

“You’ve long been among us too, haven’t you? That’s why you’re a lost one…”

Mu Sui lowered his head. “No…”

“On that journey back to Zhuliu City with Miaomiao, when flowers bloomed and songs moved hearts, didn’t you feel it too…”

“No.”

“Mu Sui.”

Her solemn voice cut through: “The Inner Core you took away can save me.”

Without warning, she scooped Nai River water and drank.

“Meng Ruji!” Mu Sui rushed back, catching her as she collapsed. Her lips turned ashen, yet she smiled faintly:
“You just can’t bear to let me go.”

She had forced his hand. Exploiting his hesitation, tearing through his defenses.

A glowing pearl rose within Mu Sui’s body, passed through his throat, and into her mouth. The Inner Core’s familiar power surged into her, suppressing the poison.

Her fingertips regained strength. She pressed against his chest, intending to escape. But Mu Sui pinned her hand, lips still on hers.

He was no longer saving her. He was kissing her.

Meng Ruji sensed his intent. Her struggle softened. She responded, silent confession, plea for him to stay.

Their breathing grew rapid. Finally, Mu Sui pulled away, eyes closed.

“Mu Sui, you and I could have a future…”

His brow furrowed, lips trembling. He suppressed everything—hatred, love, attachment.

“I know flowers are beautiful and songs are moving, but I cannot admit it. Admitting it would mean… betraying my past.”

Resolute, he bound her hands with malevolent energy.
“After buying the antidote, I’ll take back the Inner Core.”

Meng Ruji steadied herself. “I’m sorry.”

Light flared, breaking his bindings, repelling him ten feet. She followed with an arrow of light. He blocked it, but when he lowered his hand, she was gone.

Blood stained his fingertips. He laughed softly.
“Since you’ve taken it back, keep it safe.”

He returned alone to Madam Lin’s courtyard. Mo Yi sat opposite Mo Li, controlling him. Madam Lin was gone.

Mu Sui drew the thousand gold into his palm. Mo Yi did not stop him.

“It seems I won. Miss Meng became suspicious, and Qianshan Jun wants to return to the mortal realm.”

“I always wanted to return,” Mu Sui said ironically. “I just didn’t expect it to be this easy.”

Mo Li frowned. “Where’s Meng Ruji? She ran away?”

“She ran away.”

“Did she… dig out your Inner Core?”

Mo Yi’s gaze turned cold. She rose, but Mu Sui restrained her with the thousand gold, freeing Mo Li.

“I will return to the mortal realm and do what needs to be done. But I’m also keeping the Land of No Reprieve.”

Mo Yi’s voice was icy: “Qianshan Jun, the path of world destruction has no retreat.”

Mu Sui dispersed her divine soul with thunderous force. Mo Yi vanished.

“Tell Meng Ruji,” he said to Mo Li. “Consider her already dead. Stay here and stop causing trouble.”

Then, borrowing the thousand gold’s power, Mu Sui rose with the wind and vanished.

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