All the nine-coloured deer saw was the three kleśa-māra staring at Li Qingshan delusionally, completely unaware of everything that unfolded around them. Meanwhile, the mṛtyu-māra’s body was twisted in all sorts of ways like it was close to collapsing.
Isn’t this kid a little too powerful now? Is the Heavenly Tome of Liberty really that impressive? Whatever, we’re going to the Daemonic Beast realm soon anyway, so he can do whatever he wants!
With the final bolt of tribulation lightning, the tribulation clouds rapidly dispersed. Beams of moonlight poured through the cracks. It was both tranquil and grand.
Ruan Yaozhu’s Origin Soul took her place in her body, drifting down from the sky. Her sleeves and dress drifted upwards, like a butterfly that had just survived a storm, falling out of the air and landing gently in Li Qingshan’s palm.
Ruan Yaozhu sensed the scorching warmth from the palm of his hand. She did not decline the spiritual qi that channelled into her body.
Heh, isn’t he aware that she might just throw her life at him now? Is he really that confident in his story? She’s already become a Human Immortal. She can’t be bewitched so easily anymore.
Maybe even if he knows she’ll oppose him, he’ll still do that. He’s always been so unreasonable, ignoring what others think and blindly persisting with his own path.
When the last clap of thunder completely dissipated, the entire world fell quiet. Her mind had never felt so clear before. It seemed as if all of her joys, sorrows, and anger had left her.
The tribulation clouds scattered completely, and the night sky was clear. The resplendent stars reflected in her eyes.
Right now, all she wanted to do was lay down quietly for a while. She had already faced the heavenly tribulation, so what came next was an even tougher choice.
Li Qingshan also gazed at the stars. His humanoid yet unhuman figure was like an ancient statue, except he smiled again, feeling sincere delight for the safety of the woman in his hand.
The nine-coloured deer could not help but hold her breath, finding this scene to be extremely beautiful. Suddenly, she believed he was filled with kindness towards Ruan Yaozhu before shaking her head again. No, have you forgotten how he just used you to threaten Yaozhu? I must have been bewitched by him!
At this moment, Li Qingshan continued to tell her his story calmly, like nothing had happened at all.
The Blood maze… the nine Heretic Gods… the child…
He did not try to bewitch Ruan Yaozhu. As a matter of fact, he tried his best to limit his emotions, just in case he influenced her judgement, telling her about everything he experienced.
Ruan Yaozhu listened closely and was gradually moved, like a ripple on the calm surface of a lake. She could no longer remain calm anymore. Immediately, all of her sorrows, joys, and anger returned, filling her heart.
The remaining part of the story was not particularly long. Li Qingshan was done very soon.
Ruan Yaozhu said nothing for a very long time, except her gaze towards Li Qingshan was already filled with sorrowful gentleness, like a mother gazing at her injured child. For a moment, she completely forgot about the pain and fury of being deceived.
Li Qingshan smiled wryly. He was not accustomed to this pity and sympathy. Instead, he was accustomed to scorn and hostility, as well as anger and brute force. Perhaps to him, kindness was the most unbearable, but ever since he arrived in the Human realm, she had shown him endless kindness and trust. Just what could he do to pay her back?
The nine-coloured deer was extremely shocked. “You are… the daemon star of misfortune!” However, it suddenly all made sense now. It was no wonder why the Spirit Reverend of Ocean Returnance would announce his betrayal without any hesitation! It was no wonder that he was capable of such things!
Even the distorted kleśa-māra on the ground raised its head and looked at Li Qingshan with difficulty as if it was also filled with great shock and realisation.
At this moment, the scarlet star in the night sky twinkled away brightly.
“That is why you shouldn’t go to the Daemonic Beast realm. No one can remain unaffected during the crisis of the world. If you are not a friend, then you will only be a foe!” Li Qingshan said cautiously.
Ruan Yaozhu had far too many ties with him. She was forced to make a decision.
Originally, she did not have the chance to make a decision at all. Sealing off the Hundred Herbs garden was equivalent to betraying the sect. She would definitely be sent back into rebirth.
That was why Li Qingshan was so determined to make her become a Human Immortal. The identity and status of a Human Immortal was drastically different from regular direct disciples. As long as she was willing to draw a clear line between her and Li Qingshan, the Myriad sect would not punish her too severely.
And after becoming a Human Immortal, she would be capable of some self-preservation during the crisis of the world, regardless of which side she chose to stand on.
Of course, when the day where they met on the battlefield truly arrived, he would not show mercy either. Today was for resolving everything, but that was the last situation he wanted to see. Perhaps no one would believe him if he said this, but he actually hated pain very much.
He had already done everything that he could. All he could do now was wait for her choice.
Would she be returning to the “orthodoxy” or falling as a demon with him!
Ruan Yaozhu lowered her head in silent thought, but before long, she straightened herself again and faced Li Qingshan. The thoughts of Human Immortals moved at lightning speed. She had already made a decision inside.
“Li Qingshan, perhaps everything you just said is true.” She shook her head gently. “But you just lied to me and destroyed my Hundred Herbs garden, even using Jiu’er’s life to threaten me. I won’t believe you again!”
“Alright.”
Li Qingshan sighed gently, unable to hide his disappointment. His heart weighed a little heavier. Would there be a day when he would have to crush this beautiful butterfly with his own hands? Fucking hell! What cruel fate.
The nine-coloured deer sighed inside as well. Ruan Yaozhu had made the correct decision, but for some reason, she was unable to cheer up.
Ruan Yaozhu pursed her lips firmly and stared at Li Qingshan before revealing a crafty smile. She tilted her head and said, “We’re even now!”
Li Qingshan was taken aback before bursting into laughter. His hearty laughter resounded through the entire Hundred Herbs garden, filled with undisguised joy.
“Hold on, don’t celebrate too soon. I won’t just listen to your side of the story. I’ll make my choice once I see it for myself,” Ruan Yaozhu said seriously.
“Of course.” Li Qingshan said gently, “Actually, you don’t need to make a decision. This isn’t a benevolent path. It’s destined to be filled with brutality and slaughter. As long as you remain by my side, I will do everything I can to ensure your safety.”
He extended his other hand and swept it through the air gently, like he had cut through the curtain of a movie, splitting open a black demon cavern.
Ruan Yaozhu shook her head. “Didn’t you tell me that the path of nature has always been filled with brutality and slaughter? How can I run away? Also, not making a choice is also a choice.”
She gazed at Li Qingshan deeply again and bade farewell before calling to the nine-coloured deer, leaping into the demon cavern.
The nine-coloured deer galloped into the deep demon cavern and called out, “So you’re the source of the crisis of the world. You’re going up against all the gods and buddhas in the heavens. Hey, piece of wood, are we really standing on his side? Though, he seems to be quite nice to you. He does count as a powerful backer-”
She suddenly stopped. Only then did she notice the pain and confusion on Ruan Yaozhu’s face.
As it turned out, even after becoming a Human Immortal, there were still problems she could not think through. Her decisiveness and grace was all an act, only because she did not want to see him saddened.
