Chapter 88: Hengxu Mountain Journey

                  

Things unfolded steadily according to Meng Ruji’s plan.

By day, she earned money. Learning from Madam Lin’s methods and aided by Mo Li’s list of wealthy residents, she went door to door. First she spoke of the world’s chaos, warning that wealth alone could not protect them. Then she frightened them with tales of danger, before offering her own identity and abilities. For large sums, she taught formations and spells that could save their lives.

Her earnings grew rapidly.

By night, she met her guardians in dreams.

The mortal realm was in turmoil. Nether Monsters multiplied, cultivators exploited chaos to rob and kill, and refugee camps rose at Hengxu Mountain’s foot. Shang Lan coordinated sects against the monsters, while also tasked with “making trouble for Mu Sui.”

The five guardians were stretched thin, yet each night one reported to Meng Ruji.

Through them, she tracked Mu Sui’s movements. He was not always with the deity, but wandered mountains across the realm. Investigators could not approach him, but Meng Ruji ordered them to sweep each mountain after he left—destroying spiritual power, malevolent energy, or treasures. Better to destroy wrongly than miss something.

Her counterstrikes interfered. Mu Sui began returning to places he had already visited.

Then Qing Rao encountered him again. She escaped, but told Meng Ruji:
“I was turning over the earth when Mu Sui caught me. He seemed stronger than before. I thought I was dead, but he asked me…”

Meng Ruji crossed her arms. “What did he ask?”

“Asked if this was Meng Ruji’s idea.” Qing Rao quickly distanced herself. “Master, he called you by name, not me!”

“Did you tell him?”

“How could I betray you! I said it was all my doing. But he didn’t believe me. He told me to tell you…”

“Say it.”

“…He said you have some ability, but not much.”

Meng Ruji laughed coldly.

Qing Rao whispered: “Master, when he caught me, you laughed just like that…”

Meng Ruji’s smile froze. “You’re saying I’m like him?”

“You rarely laughed so sarcastically before…”

Meng Ruji was silent, then instructed: “Be careful next time. He probably has new methods.”

“Alright. Master, do you understand him well?”

“I suppose.”

“Was he your enemy in the Land of No Reprieve?”

“We were husband and wife.”

Qing Rao stared, horrified. “What? What did you say?”

“It’s a long story. Don’t ask.”

Qing Rao bit her lip, then whispered: “No wonder… he didn’t seem angry when you ruined his plans. No killing intent. He let me go twice. So it turns out… your karmic entanglement saved my life…”

“I’m leaving. Don’t tell them yet. Hold on. I’ll return soon.”

Meng Ruji withdrew from the dream. Mo Li tilted his head, watching her.
“I think our tactic wasn’t a complete failure.”

Meng Ruji gazed at the moon. “It succeeded. But compared to his hatred, this little bit of love is no leverage. Isn’t it the same for Mo Yi?”

Mo Li’s smile faded. He sighed and left.

Meng Ruji touched the vine bracelet on her wrist. Its texture was rough, but Mu Sui had smoothed the thorns so it would not harm her.

Just like him now.

“This damn man…” she whispered. “He’s somewhat unforgettable.”

The next day, Hengxu Mountain’s people were attacked by Mu Sui’s formations. Her countermeasure failed.

But good news came—the thousand gold was gathered.

Chaos brought more people to the Land of No Reprieve, and with them more “thoughts,” more wealth. Soldiers, merchants, and ordinary folk contributed. Copper coins and silver pieces piled up, until the thousand gold was complete.

Meng Ruji wasted no time. She activated its power and rode the wind to Mo Neng Ferry.

Da Hong and Xiao Lu still guarded the ferry. Seeing her with Mo Li, they dropped their teasing and mockery, welcoming her properly.

Mo Li said: “Though I cannot leave, I will come to your dreams, as you met your guardians.”

Meng Ruji nodded.

The boatman rowed. Meng Ruji watched Mo Li’s figure recede.
“Look, this time obtaining the thousand gold wasn’t laborious. In crisis, everyone helps. Mo Li, our fates don’t count, nor the deity’s fate.”

Mo Li’s eyes trembled. He waved. “Little Meng, we’ll meet in dreams.”

The boat drifted downstream. Meng Ruji saw the broken hut where she and Mu Sui killed the bandit leader, the fruit grove, the Ruwei grass shade.

She looked up at the Nai River flowing upward like a ribbon. Her head grew heavy.

Memories of Mu Sui in the Land of No Reprieve flashed like a lantern. She felt herself floating, then weightless.

With a crash, she opened her eyes on hard stone.

Gray sky, familiar cliffs, familiar mountains.

Hengxu Mountain. Xuejing Cliff.

She had bought her life with a thousand gold and returned to the mortal realm.

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