Chapter 89 Death [Three-in-One] My heart is not stone, it cannot be turned. ...

Mu Qingheng spoke with such certainty and his expression was so calm and reliable that the Heavenly Emperor was slightly relieved: "Alright, then wait a moment, Father will go find my Holy Ancestor's Golden Token now."

After he left, Mu Meng hugged Mu Qingheng's arm and said, "I want to go with you."

Mu Qingheng smiled slightly and comforted her helplessly, "Mengmeng, don't go. It's dark and cold at the bottom of Endless Cliff, and the road is difficult to travel. Besides, the Celestial Clan needs you to stay and oversee things. I'll go alone."

Mu Meng naturally disagreed. She rolled her eyes and retorted, "The Celestial Clan has my sister and brother-in-law, as well as Brother Sheng. They'll be fine without me for a while, but how can you go down the Endless Cliff alone? If I didn't know, I wouldn't care, but now that I know you're going to that dangerous place, how can I let you go alone?"

When Mu Qingheng smiled, his eyes and brows were gentle and soft, and the light in his eyes was as bright as twinkling stars, which was extremely moving.

His chest felt as if it were being caressed by a warm stream, filled with joy and tenderness. He had never felt so comfortable and happy before, and Mu Qingheng unconsciously pressed his hand to his heart.

Although he tried to comfort Huanxi, he still refused: "Mengmeng, I will only be gone for three days at most. You don't need to worry about me. I can't bear to take you with me; it will distract me."

"But I won't hold you back. We can look out for each other if we're together, so why can't we?" Mu Meng was a little unhappy and glared at him. "Besides, how can I trust that Mu Guicheng? Last time I asked you, you said your finger was cut off. Tell me the truth, was it him who cut it off?"

Mu Qingheng chuckled and corrected, "Mengmeng, that's your third uncle. How can you call an elder by his name? It's impolite."

He reached out and gently touched Mu Meng's brow, but he didn't use any force at all, and Mu Meng didn't even shake his head.

Mu Meng rested his chin on his hand, twitched the corner of his mouth, and said with a forced smile, "It seems that's how it is. Even if he is an elder, he can't do this. Who would cut off someone's finger on the first meeting? You're going down to see him alone this time. What if he makes things difficult for you again? Do you think I can feel at ease? Who knows what annoying things he might do next."

“I’m carrying my father’s keepsake, I’ll be fine,” Mu Qingheng said softly. “Besides… he was actually very good to me. Even though he cut off two of my fingers, without him, I would have lost my life. Where would I be now? And where would I be with this spiritual power…”

"Oh, alright, alright, we're getting off topic," Mu Meng waved her hand. She didn't have a good impression of this third uncle she had never met before, and she didn't like hearing Mu Qingheng praise him. She covered her ears to express her resistance. "Don't say these things, and don't nag me. Anyway, I'm definitely going."

She's very capable, okay? Her presence would only make things more efficient, so why keep pushing her away?

Mu Qingheng knew he couldn't win against Mengmeng, and he couldn't act like her. He sighed, gently took Mu Meng's hand, and whispered weakly, "Mengmeng, but I don't want you to go down the Endless Cliff. I... I'm scared."

Mu Meng was speechless for a moment.

"This fool..." She pouted, trying to look fierce, but her gentle tone betrayed her: "I'm not afraid, so what are you afraid of? Going down the Endless Cliff or something? With you by my side, do I still need to worry?"

She had initially intended to say something lighthearted like, "We're walking forward, not falling down," but then she realized he might not be able to handle that, so she changed it to:

"I don't know the way. If we walk together, will you let go of my hand?"

Her words seemed to possess a magical power, drawing people in irresistibly into the beautiful dream web she wove. Mu Qingheng almost subconsciously replied, "I won't let go."

Mu Meng smiled: "Then hold on tight, let's go down together."

**

In the end, Mu Qingheng couldn't control Mu Meng. He was completely under her thumb. Even if she showed the slightest disappointment or seemed a little unhappy, he would be at a loss and wish he could grant her every request.

But he found it hard to agree to this request that made him feel conflicted and worried. He resisted his instincts and tried to fight against it, but in the end, he could only give in with no other choice.

The wind was cold at the bottom of the Endless Cliff. After descending several hundred feet, there was no light at all.

Mu Meng felt Mu Qingheng's arm tighten around her. He asked cautiously, "Mengmeng, are you scared?"

What's there to be afraid of?

No matter how vast and boundless the world may be, or how endless the darkness may be, she finds refuge in this warm and comforting embrace.

After going around in circles, this is still the place where she feels most at ease.

Mu Meng smiled, and in the darkness, she leaned closer and pressed her cheek against his: "Of course I'm not afraid."

She added, "Brother, don't you feel like Endless Cliff isn't so cold anymore?"

Mu Qingheng chuckled, "It seems so. I'm glad you're not cold."

If the timing and occasion weren't so inappropriate, he really would have wanted to kiss her.

The tenderness and deep affection rising in his heart were thick and inseparable, but there was still a trace of sorrow mixed in—after being with Mengmeng, he was undoubtedly happy and joyful, feeling that there was no one happier than him in the world, but he still had a layer of concerns.

This concern became increasingly profound the closer one got to the Seventh Realm beneath the Endless Cliff.

Should he tell Mengmeng about his physical condition?

What will he say to Mengmeng when he sees Mu Guicheng later?

How much longer can he extend his life? Will the two of them really be able to stay together until old age?

...

After an unknown amount of time, the light finally returned. It was like sunlight, white and somewhat dazzling, as if we had entered another world.

Stepping onto the ground, they were greeted by a familiar and serene bamboo grove. Mu Qingheng and Mu Meng exchanged a glance, and Mu Qingheng took her hand and walked forward.

The simple thatched hut in my memory remains unchanged. The closer I get, the more I can feel the surging spiritual energy there. Without even exchanging blows, I can tell what kind of supreme master this person is.

Mu Guicheng stood in front of the thatched hut. He must have sensed that someone had set foot here, so he remained still and waited quietly for the person to come over.

Upon seeing that it was Mu Qingheng, accompanied by a strange girl, he gave a cold, indifferent laugh: "It's you."

This attitude was really not good. Mu Meng looked his third uncle up and down—his hair was completely white, and he looked older than his father. But thinking about it, it made sense. After living alone in this inhuman place for thousands of years, it was normal for his appearance to be worn down and his personality to be eccentric.

He bowed respectfully and calmly: "This junior nephew greets you..."

"Wait a minute, whose nephew are you?" Mu Guicheng waved his hand to stop him, pointing exaggeratedly at his own nose. "Me? Mu Qingheng, are we that familiar?"

“I remember telling you clearly when we parted that we should never see each other again in this life. And yet, you've reappeared before me, this time with a strange girl. Is this your way of showing respect? You…”

“Third Uncle,” Mu Meng suddenly spoke.

Thank goodness she came. So this is what Mu Qingheng meant by "he was extremely good to her." Judging from his sarcastic tone, is this what you call extremely good?

As she thought about it, she smiled and bowed, taking out the Holy Ancestor Gold Token that her father had given her from her bosom. Her eyes and brows were lively and charming: "I have not yet paid my respects to my third uncle. I am Mu Meng, the daughter of the Celestial Emperor Mu Gechuan."

In an instant, Mu Guicheng's sarcastic expression froze on his face. He hesitantly took the gold medal and examined it carefully. Then, he blinked blankly, and gradually a relieved and joyful smile appeared on his face: "...It's Mengmeng? You are—"

Suddenly he stopped, his eyes darting back and forth between her and Mu Qingheng.

Mu Meng felt that he had really grown up. Although they had only met for less than half a cup of tea, he had seen through his third uncle's thoughts: "Third Uncle, Mu Qingheng is my brother, he is one of us. Father has already told us about your identity and experience, so there is no need to hide it anymore."

Before she came, she had heard Mu Qingheng say that this third uncle called himself Gui Chengzi, presumably omitting the surname "Mu" from the Heavenly Clan, in order not to let Mu Qingheng guess his identity.

What she didn't know was that even so, Mu Qingheng had already guessed Mu Guicheng's identity as a member of the Celestial Clan that day, and even guessed that he knew his father.

Upon hearing this, Mu Guicheng nodded awkwardly, glanced at Mu Qingheng indifferently, and then turned to look at Mu Meng.

His smile was kind and gentle as he looked her up and down: "So you are my eldest brother's youngest daughter. We don't exchange many letters, but eight or nine out of ten mention you. I never thought I would see you in person. Heaven has opened its eyes and treated me kindly this time."

"What a beautiful little girl! She must look just like your mother. Your father has such plain features, hahaha..." He was beaming with joy, clearly extremely happy. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he slapped his forehead and said, "Come here, Mengmeng, come in with me for a moment."

Mu Guicheng had just turned around when he immediately turned back to stare at Mu Qingheng: "You are not allowed to come in."

Mu Meng pursed her lips, about to explain a few words, but Mu Qingheng took her finger first and shook it gently. Mu Meng turned her head to look at him. His expression was gentle, his eyebrows were clear and smiling, and he blinked slightly, indicating that she didn't need to worry about him.

Well, they've come to borrow the treasure from Uncle Three. We can't go against them the moment we meet. There's plenty of time. Uncle Three will eventually realize that my brother deserves to be treated well.

Thinking this, Mu Meng could only nod to Mu Qingheng and follow Mu Guicheng into the house.

Mu Guicheng went straight into the inner room and rummaged through something. Mu Meng waited for him in the outer hall. With nothing to do, he looked around and suddenly noticed a familiar object on the table against the wall in the hall.

It was a hairband that seemed completely out of place in this simple thatched hut.

Upon closer inspection, Mu Meng examined the pearly white hairband closely. It was embroidered with celestial clan patterns in gold thread, and the edges were sealed with imperial spirit silver thread—no doubt, this was Mu Qingheng's hairband.

Just as she was wondering, Mu Guicheng came out from the inner room. He was originally carrying something in a cheerful mood, but when he came out and saw Mu Meng holding the hairband, his expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly explained, "Th-that...that's the rag I use to wipe the table."

Mu Meng was both amused and exasperated, waving the hairband in her hand: "Are you sure, Uncle? This hairband is quite handy as a rag, and it looks brand new, but the edges are a little rough. It seems Uncle carefully preserved it, but he must have handled it quite a bit..."

"Hey—you girl, what nonsense are you talking about?" Mu Guicheng hurriedly snatched it away and casually tossed it aside. "Never mind this useless stuff. Here, Mengmeng, take this. This is a gift from your third uncle for you and Luoluo to meet."

"The gift is simple, please don't mind it. I prepared it long ago when I learned that my elder brother had two daughters, but I thought I would never have the chance to give it to him... Fortunately, my wish has come true."

He looked genuinely happy, beaming like a child. Mu Meng quickly took the two small golden locks he offered with both hands, and upon holding them, he knew they were excellent protective magical artifacts.

Seeing how happy he was, Mu Meng didn't refuse and said with a gentle smile, "Thank you for your kindness, Third Uncle."

She lowered her eyes and rubbed the thing in her hand. Her father mentioned his two daughters, so how could he not mention his "son"?

Although Mu Meng didn't say anything else, Mu Guicheng felt a little guilty and touched his nose: "Of course, um... Mu Qingheng naturally didn't. He is the son of my enemy, why would I give him a gift?"

He spoke without any restraint, suggesting that Mu Meng, having come here, was fully aware of what happened back then.

Mu Meng said in a low voice, "Third Uncle, he is also a pitiful person."

She glanced back at the hairband that Mu Guicheng had just tossed aside, and chuckled, "Stop being hypocritical, Third Uncle. If you really don't like my brother, why keep his things so carefully, and remind him of him by looking at them?"

Mu Guicheng gasped, his eyes filled with utter disdain: "Remembering someone through an object? Can you use a different phrase? You're truly worthy of being my eldest brother's daughter, just as foolish as him. That hairband... I'll keep it, I actually..."

He knew his words were weak and powerless, and finally snorted twice: "I don't like him? I've been good enough to him. He replaced his heart with a stone, who knows what stupid things he's done? I only cut off two of his fingers, which is enough to make up for the lives his father took when he harmed his brothers. That's too good for him."

Mu Meng sighed, her tone gentle: "One should bear the consequences of one's own actions. It is not a matter of children paying for their fathers' debts. Third Uncle, you may not know, but he has truly taken enough responsibility."

Mu Guicheng glanced at her, then waved his hand and laughed, "Girls are just too soft-hearted. Forget it, I can tell from the way you two are acting that it was wrong of your third uncle to speak ill of Mu Qingheng in front of you."

"Alright, Mengmeng, let's not talk about this. You must have something important to tell me. Tell me quickly, and your third uncle will help you with anything."

Mu Meng carefully put away the two small golden locks in her hand, and explained her and Mu Qingheng's origins in a simple and concise manner. Finally, she earnestly said, "If we had no other choice, we would never have disturbed Uncle San's peace. That monster is really troublesome. If we let him continue to cause trouble, who knows how much chaos will occur in the Six Realms."

Mu Guicheng glanced at her and remained silent.

Mu Meng thought for a moment and tentatively said, "Third Uncle, you must be feeling quite lonely here all by yourself. If you like, why don't you come home with us? My brother, sister, and I will take care of you. If you don't want to go back, we will return the sword immediately after we get rid of this monster, without any delay."

Even so, Mu Guicheng's expression remained extremely solemn, as if he was unwilling to lend the sword.

Why are you looking so worried? Is something wrong? Mu Meng looked at his expression and asked, "Third Uncle, is there something you can't say about this?"

Mu Guicheng pursed his lips, remaining silent for a long time with a heavy expression, before finally shaking his hand and saying, "Mengmeng, it's not because of that, it's just... with that monster outside stirring up such a bloody storm, is there really no other way?"

Mu Meng nodded solemnly: "Its creation is admirable, and its spiritual power is rarely seen in the world. This is the fastest way we can think of to stop its killing spree."

Mu Guicheng bit his lip and looked away. His gray hair trembled slightly as he said in a low voice, "Mengmeng, borrowing a sword is no small matter. Let me think about it."

...

Mu Guicheng said he would think about it, but he still hadn't given a reply by evening.

The light in this seventh realm came from an unknown source, but it was definitely different from the light above. Mu Meng felt that they had only been down here for two hours, and now it was completely dark.

She and Mu Qingheng stayed in the side room. Mu Qingheng was able to sit still, but she was a little troubled: "My third uncle is so hesitant. Judging from his expression, he probably doesn't want to lend it."

Mu Qingheng said gently, "No, he has an eccentric personality, but he is straightforward. If he really doesn't want to, he will refuse on the spot. He said he would consider it, probably because he has some difficulties."

What hardship could he possibly have?

Mu Meng rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought: He was so happy to see me, as if he had no regrets in this life. Could it be that he would be reluctant to part with a treasure that he had borrowed and would return?

Mu Meng rolled her eyes and suddenly leaned close to Mu Qingheng: "Brother, do you think it's because Uncle has practiced some kind of unique skill? Like the kind where the sword and the man are one, and the sword is with the man, and if the sword leaves, his life will be threatened or something?"

Mu Qingheng smiled and gently tapped her forehead: "Maybe."

"Maybe? You think my guess is impossible?"

Mu Qingheng said, "I'm not entirely sure, but our spiritual power both comes from the Seventh Realm, and I don't see any spiritual artifact binding him. However, it's unclear whether he's hiding it."

“Sigh, speaking of this, I just remembered something,” Mu Meng moved closer, almost leaning on Mu Qingheng’s shoulder, “I asked you before if your third uncle was your master and you denied it, but there are clearly only the two of you in this Seventh Realm, and your spiritual power is inherited from him, so how can he not be your master?”

Mu Qingheng's bright, star-like eyes softened with tenderness, and he blurted out instinctively, "That's because of him..."

"Huh? What about him?" Mu Meng pressed.

Mu Qingheng looked blank for a moment, then became slightly serious. He concealed his confusion: "It's nothing. It's because he gave me a spiritual herb that grows here, which can reshape my body's meridians and bones, but it will also greatly change the spiritual power in my body."

Mu Meng nodded: "Oh..."

There was nothing to worry about. Mu Meng leaned on Mu Qingheng's shoulder and didn't want to leave. After a while, she got sleepy.

Seeing that she looked a little dazed, Mu Qingheng softened his heart: "Mengmeng, you must be tired from coming down the cliff this morning. Why don't you take a nap? I'll wake you up when Uncle Ruo comes over."

In the flickering, dim candlelight, his face appeared so gentle.

Even those scars couldn't hide his deep affection.

Mu Meng watched for a while, not really wanting to sleep, and pulled him aside to talk: "Brother, after we kill this monster, I'll find a way to heal the wounds on your face."

Mu Qingheng smiled and raised his hand to touch his cheek: "Okay."

Mu Meng knew that the scar shouldn't be difficult for him, and even Mu Qingheng himself should be able to remove it easily, but he couldn't get over the mental hurdle, so he let the scar remain on his face.

She thought for a moment: "There are also hands, and legs. There is also the Nine Poisons Devouring Bones, and the Shattered Soul Dream."

Mu Qingheng smiled and said, "Okay."

But these are much harder to treat. Feeling a little sorry for him, she changed her position in his arms, nestling against his neck and shoulders. Afraid of upsetting him, she changed the subject, "Brother, aren't you curious about what Uncle San called me over to talk to during the day?"

"Hmm...it should be a gift he prepared for you and Luo Luo."

"You're so boring, your guess was spot on."

Mu Qingheng smiled gently, her profile showing tenderness and delicacy.

"Then you didn't receive a gift, aren't you sad?"

"Hmm, it's alright."

Mu Meng looked up in his arms and smiled in his ear, "I didn't have a good impression of Third Uncle before, but after meeting him today, I don't think he's as annoying as I imagined. Actually, Third Uncle is just stubborn. Don't be fooled by his constant bickering; he cares about you."

Mu Qingheng nodded slightly and said softly, as if he had thought of something.

Mu Meng wrapped her arms around his lean waist and leaned against him again, saying, "But I don't hate him that much. He bullied you, so I still dislike him a little. Besides, he's very stingy. He clearly cares about you but hasn't given you a gift."

Mu Qingheng was both amused and exasperated, and pinched the tip of her nose: "Mengmeng, you're not allowed to talk badly about your elders behind their backs."

Okay, Mu Meng held back for a while.

She quickly added, "But it's nothing. He gave my sister and me the little gold lock. My sister can give me to her, and I'll give this one to you, okay? I checked it out, and it's probably the most powerful protective artifact I've ever seen."

Mu Qingheng couldn't help but chuckle softly, gently stroking the top of her head and pulling her closer: "Brother, no."

"Yes, yes, it even has my name engraved on it."

"If it has your name engraved on it, then I shouldn't want it at all."

"I gave this to you because it's engraved with my name. It's so meaningful, like your third uncle and I protecting you together. Besides, your third uncle bullied you before, don't you want to see him get his comeuppance?"

"Oh... okay then."

They chatted casually until Mu Meng finally succumbed to sleepiness and drifted off to sleep.

Mu Qingheng gently raised his hand and stroked her beautiful cheek. His eyes, bright as cold stars, were filled with deep affection. He leaned down slightly, as if he wanted to kiss her, but in the end, his lips stopped a few inches away from her forehead.

Never mind, stealing a kiss while someone is asleep is not gentlemanly behavior.

Mu Qingheng got up and lovingly stroked Mu Meng's long hair. How fortunate he was that Mengmeng had once again fallen asleep in his arms, trusting and at ease.

He gazed longingly at her features, as if trying to etch her into his very bones and imprint her in his heart, so that they would never be separated for all eternity.

Much later, Mu Qingheng picked up Mu Meng in his arms and gently placed her on the small couch before leaving the room, turning back to look at her every step of the way.

*

Outside the door, Mu Guicheng stood not far away. Mu Qingheng walked up to him with unhurried steps and asked softly, "Have you been waiting for a long time?"

“Not long after,” Mu Guicheng turned around and glanced at the room, sighing, “Although Mengmeng is clever and insightful, she is not as burdened with worries as you are. You are exceptionally perceptive about things that she cannot notice in a short time.”

Mu Qingheng pursed his lips slightly and smiled, "No, it's not that. Mengmeng is very intelligent. It's just that my spiritual power is inherited from yours, so there are many things she can't sense."

Mu Guicheng gave him a deep look, opened his mouth, but in the end he closed his eyes and whispered, "Come with me."

...

Last time, Mu Qingheng only woke up in the room, and then Mu Guicheng guided him back to the cliff. He did not go into the depths of the bamboo forest.

At this moment, he followed Mu Guicheng's footsteps without saying a word, walking straight into the depths of the bamboo forest, where it seemed to be another world—the bamboo forest led to a wasteland, and at the end of the wasteland was a huge pit. Before even entering, he felt a wave of heat rushing towards him and heard the crackling and popping sounds of flowing lava.

Standing on the edge of the deep pit, Mu Guicheng looked down and whispered, "This is the peerless sword. If I had known this day would come... if... maybe I shouldn't have told my elder brother back then."

He was rambling incoherently, and his words were filled with chaotic and complex emotions.

Mu Qingheng then looked down and saw a jet-black longsword standing in the center of the churning, blood-red lava.

"This is the Six Harmonies Sword that only exists in ancient books." Mu Guicheng's aged face was reddened by the light of the lava, his gaze firm and deep. "I am a member of the Celestial Clan. Even if I have fallen to this state and become a wandering ghost, my heart will never fail the common people. After hearing what Mengmeng said about the scene outside, I have no choice—I really have no choice but to ignore it."

Mu Qingheng smiled and said, "You did the right thing."

He stared at the longsword and asked in a low voice, "The Six Harmonies Sword seems to be lacking in refinement. Is it as I imagine it to be?"

Mu Guicheng said, "You should remember what I told you. Over the past thousand years, countless things have fallen from this Endless Cliff. I spent my days idly, collecting the five sword sacrifices from the Six Harmonies Divine Sword—the Crimson Soul of the God Clan, the Azure Lotus of the Buddha Clan, the Soul Qi of the Ghost Clan, the Stone Heart of the Demon Clan, and the Demon Core of the Monster Clan. I'm still missing... I'm still missing the last one."

The Heavenly Bone of the Celestial Clan.

"Indeed," Mu Qingheng silently added in his mind.

Mu Guicheng sighed deeply and lowered his head slightly: "If I could, how could I let the younger generation suffer like this... But I was the first person to step into this place. My body and bones are no longer what they were yesterday. My heart and longing still belong to the Heavenly Clan, but I no longer have that Heavenly Bone."

"And... I... I intended to tell you both the truth during the day and let you discuss it yourselves, but... but..."

His tone was low, even tinged with guilt. He probably knew the outcome in his heart, but no matter what, his heart was still biased.

The child who is more pampered is favored, while the sensible child is made to make the choice.

Although Mu Guicheng hesitated for a few moments before finishing his sentence, Mu Qingheng understood and smiled gently, saying, "You don't need to do this. Actually, I'm very grateful that you didn't tell Mengmeng and me about this, but only brought me here."

Mu Guicheng suddenly raised his head, the fiery red light reflecting the faint tears in his eyes: "If you feel wronged, that's normal. Actually, we have no grudges against each other, but I have never treated you well—I vented my resentment towards your father on you, cutting off two of your fingers the first time we met. And now I've pushed you here, telling you to die."

Mu Qingheng smiled, pursing his lips.

His beauty was unparalleled, and he stood apart from the world; his smile made even heaven and earth pale in comparison.

That's wrong.

He wasn't aggrieved at all, not even a little bit.

If he was truly sad, it wasn't for himself at all, but because he and Mengmeng were deeply in love, yet in the end, he was the one who let Mengmeng down.

"I have never felt wronged, Senior Mu. I didn't understand before, until a few days ago when my father mentioned the correspondence between you. Only then did I realize that my resurrection at the Endless Cliff was not due to your accidental intervention, but rather because my father entrusted you with it." He then realized that the Heavenly Emperor's decision to condemn him to the Endless Cliff was actually to entrust him to the person he trusted most, leaving him a way out.

Mu Qingheng said in a low voice, "You saved my life, what are two fingers? Don't lie to me anymore. Shattered souls are not so easy to repair. The reason you lost your Heavenly Bone was actually used to repair my soul, right?"

Mu Guicheng remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he closed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Heng'er, I'm sorry I didn't acknowledge you or treat you well when we met last time. This time, between you and Mengmeng, I chose Mengmeng and abandoned you, which makes me even more sorry. I know I don't have the face to do this, but I..."

"I still... want to hear you call me Third Uncle." His voice was barely audible.

Mu Qingheng was moved, and then gently lifted his clothes to kneel in front of him and kowtowed: "Third Uncle, I'm sorry."

Mu Guicheng was taken aback and quickly helped him up with both hands: "What have you done to wrong me?"

Mu Qingheng's eyes were filled with apology: "I'm speaking on behalf of my father. I know this is too weak to make up for the grievances you've suffered. But I'm sorry, Uncle, I won't be able to make it up to you or be filial to you in the future."

He turned his head, glanced at the billowing, steaming lava, and said softly, "Third Uncle, do you have paper and pen? I'd like to..."

The firelight illuminated his young and handsome face, making him look like a meticulously painted ink painting; even the crisscrossing scars could not detract from his beauty.

"I want to leave a letter for Mengmeng."

...

Mu Meng had been sleeping soundly for a while, but somehow he woke up with a start. He looked at the sky outside and saw that it was already dawn.

There was no one beside her, and the entire room was filled with a chilling coldness.

Wait, when did my brother leave?

He must have been gone a long time ago, otherwise it wouldn't be so cold here.

Mu Meng stood up and glanced out the window again—dawn was the most chaotic time of day, and this place was another mysterious and unpredictable world. If it weren't for the slivers of golden sunlight, she could hardly tell whether it was dusk or the beginning of dawn.

Feeling inexplicably uneasy, she quickly pushed open the door and went out.

However, upon opening the door, they found a person standing outside. His back was somewhat cold, like a silent stone statue, and he seemed to have been standing there for a long time.

It was my third uncle; he was holding a long, black sword in his hand.

Mu Meng glanced at it and immediately knew that this was her third uncle's peerless sword. However, she was still a little puzzled. Her third uncle was clearly eager to borrow the treasure, so why was he standing outside for so long without knocking on the door, waiting for her to come out on her own? Judging from his frosty appearance, he must have been standing outside for a long time.

Moreover... Mu Meng looked around.

She didn't know how big the Seventh Realm was, or whether it was as vast and boundless as the Human Realm. She tried desperately to sense it, but couldn't detect any trace of Mu Qingheng's spiritual energy.

Mu Meng composed himself, not rushing to examine the longsword, but tentatively asking, "Third Uncle, do you know where my brother went?"

Mu Guicheng looked up at her, his cloudy eyes filled with bloodshot veins. He didn't answer, but handed her the long sword: "Mengmeng, this is what you wanted."

"Thank you, Third Uncle," Mu Meng said softly as she accepted the gift.

The moment she touched the hilt, an extremely familiar feeling rushed straight from her skin to her heart, a familiarity that was also filled with intimacy—this was originally a heavy, cold longsword, a lifeless object, but for some reason, it seemed to touch her soul.

Mu Meng was startled, her heart plummeting as a bizarre and terrifying thought surfaced in her mind.

In an instant, Mu Guicheng's hesitation and uncertainty yesterday, and Mu Qingheng's composure and gentleness flashed before my eyes.

She recalled Mu Qingheng's gaze before she fell asleep—so gentle, so deep, so full of love, that she could effortlessly feel the profound affection within it.

— surging and magnificent, tranquil and clear.

How could such deep love be revealed in one person's eyes? She didn't think about it at the time—perhaps that person poured all the love of the rest of their life into that one moment.

A faint fear crept into Mu Meng's heart, a clump of unknown grass growing within it. This feeling was utterly unfamiliar; she hadn't tasted fear in a long time.

"Third Uncle...where is my brother?"

Mu Guicheng remained silent for a long while, then said, "Mengmeng, I'm sorry."

He shakily reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter: "Mengmeng, you...you can read it yourself."

Mu Meng took the package with both hands in a daze. Although Mu Guicheng didn't say anything, she vaguely understood that perhaps that terrible guess was true.

The handwriting on the letter was clean and strong, with an elegant and timeless style, which she was extremely familiar with—she had been taught to write by Mu Qingheng since she was a child, and her handwriting was exactly like his.

Dear my younger sister Mengmeng.

In an instant, his handsome features and gentle smile seemed to appear before my eyes through the letter.

But gradually, it became blurred.

...

My dearest, seeing this letter is like seeing you in person.

When I was still Zheqing, you once said that I would live an upright life, be a chivalrous person, hate evil, and be kind and honest. I wish I were like that, that I had always been like that. A gentleman like jade, gentle and refined, without any blemishes in my life, qualified to stand by your side.

But this ultimately won't work.

Even if the tides were reversed, time were relived, the dead were resurrected, and events were rewritten, it still wouldn't work.

Mengmeng, even if you forgive me, even if everyone else forgives me, I can never forgive myself.

I have made mistakes and have never been an innocent person. My hands are not clean either. I am a person who should be punished for eternity, yet I am unworthy to have your deep love, Luo Luo's forgiveness, my father's care, and the acceptance of the Heavenly Clan. What virtue or ability do I have to have such a happy ending? Whenever I think of this, my heart breaks.

The only consolation is that this mutilated body, tormented by deadly poison, though subjected to countless forms of torture, has given me temporary redemption amidst my deep shame.

But in the end, you mistakenly fell in love with me.

Mengmeng, your precious feelings cannot be betrayed, cannot be betrayed, and I do not want to betray them. I originally wanted to do my best to atone for my sins in this life, hoping to hold you in the palm of my hand and cherish and protect you. But in the end, all I left you was a letter with only a few words. I am sorry for what I did to you.

We came as a pair, but you left alone; the thought of this breaks my heart.

Please forgive my decision made without consulting you. The situation outside is critical and urgent, and we should not have hesitated in the first place. If it is Heaven's will that the Celestial Clan should offer up Celestial bones as a sacrifice, then that person should be me.

This is my responsibility.

I know no one blames me, but in the quiet of the night, my soul is haunted by the memory of the carnage and rivers of blood. All this tragedy, when traced back to its source, began with my own self-inflicted wound. Every time I think of this, my heart is filled with unbearable pain and remorse, and I am deeply remorseful.

It started with me, and it should also end with me.

Transforming into a sword to slay demons and protect the peace and stability of the six realms, Mu Qingheng, as a son of the Heavenly Clan, has such an ending, for which he can only express his gratitude to the Holy Ancestor for his great love.

Do not resent your third uncle, nor blame your father. If you are heartbroken, take it out on me. I was the one who left you first, so you should know that it is not worth it to be sad for me.

Mengmeng, trust your brother, pick up this sword, and together we'll kill that heinous monster.

Mengmeng, my precious Mengmeng, don't be afraid, your brother will always be with you.

This sword will live on forever, its protection enduring through the ages.

My heart is not a stone, it cannot be turned.