The bloodstains have faded, but the white clothes remain untouched.

Gu Liyan slowly opened his eyes, sat up, and looked around. He found himself lying on a cold bed, surrounded by icy water mirrors that reflected his handsome face.

Am I...dead?

What do you think?

Mo Chen's voice suddenly rang out from beside him. Only then did Gu Liyan realize that Mo Chen was covered in injuries, and she was taken aback. "It's you?!"

Mo Chen looked at Gu Liyan expressionlessly: Heaven knows how many missions I took on while you were sleeping!

In short, I'm physically exhausted, mentally weary, and don't want to talk...

Seeing his silence, Gu Liyan went up and patted him on the shoulder, comforting him, "It's okay. Although we were mortal enemies in life, we can be friends in death! I don't mind!"

Mo Chen rolled his eyes. "Who said we're friends? If you're angry, get out of here. No living person can stay here!"

"Huh? A living person? Me?" Gu Liyan pointed at his face and blinked, then a pair of fox ears suddenly popped out. "Then are you dead?"

"Get out, get out! This isn't a place for you!" Mo Chen stood up and pushed him out of the water mirror, actually passing right through it!

Gu Liyan stared blankly at the mirror separating the two of them, "What's going on here..."

"Counting the days, it's been five years. You've finally woken up." Suddenly, a voice sounded behind Gu Liyan.

Turning his head, Gu Liyan saw Yan Ligu, dressed in black robes and wearing a skull mask, sitting in the main hall. Through the mask, a pair of familiar purple eyes gave him a strange sense of familiarity.

"you……"

"This is the Nine Springs Realm, and I am Yan Ligu, the acting ruler of the Nine Springs Realm." Yan Ligu looked at Gu Liyan and spoke softly.

Gu Liyan nodded. "Uh... I..."

"Because the Pact of Life protected your heart and preserved a glimmer of hope for you, you are not dead yet." The calm tone made it sound like he was talking about something that had nothing to do with him.

"Hmm..." Gu Liyan's questions were all seen through by Yan Ligu, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words. He could only steal a glance using his Painting Soul Eye...

But just as he was about to look at Yan Ligu, he heard him speak:

"But—she's dead!"

Gu Liyan trembled, feeling the burning passion in his heart fade, replaced by a chilling coldness spreading throughout his body. "You, what did you say—"

Flower Fairy?!

No!

How could he have thought of her?

It couldn't be her, she can't be dead!

Gu Liyan was filled with fear, but that one person... No way!

Yan Ligu looked at Gu Liyan and said, "Unfortunately, it's her!"

Gu Liyan's breath hitched, and his hands trembled slightly. "Is...it's because I was right..."

“That’s right! Because you are weak and cowardly, unable to stop Mo Chen, unable to protect her!” Yan Ligu stood up and said coldly.

Gu Liyan clenched his fists and said bitterly, "Why...why did you save me! Why didn't you save her! You had to save me...make me die with her!"

Yan Ligu stared coldly at Gu Liyan, his voice chillingly piercing the ears, "Gu Liyan, have you ever thought about what will happen to her after you die?"

Gu Liyan was taken aback; he hadn't considered it at all back then.

"It's all because of your selfishness that you've lost her forever!"

Gu Liyan trembled. "Is it... because of my selfishness...?"

Gu Liyan raised his head and looked at Yan Ligu, whose tall and imposing figure must be even stronger than that guy Mo Chen, right?

If he could be that powerful...

Gu Liyan clenched his fists, knelt on the ground, and repeatedly confessed, "I'm sorry, Xiao Bai... I was too clever for my own good, I was selfish, I... I was incompetent! I couldn't protect you..."

Gu Liyan closed his eyes, tears falling to the ground, and said desperately, "It's all my fault..."

"Do you hate yourself?" Yan Ligu sighed and asked.

“Yes…” Gu Liyan lowered his head. “I’m sorry, I was reckless. Thank you for saving me.”

Yan Ligu looked at Gu Liyan without saying a word.

“My life is yours. Whatever you want me to do, I will do it for you.” Gu Liyan knelt directly in front of Yan Ligu and said.

Yan Ligu looked at Gu Liyan and took a deep breath. "No need! The Nine Springs Realm doesn't need you. If you really want to repay me, then play a tune on the Long Sorrowful Wind..."

Gu Liyan looked up at Yan Ligu in surprise: How did he know about Chang Shang...?

"You haven't forgotten that song of parting, have you..." Yan Ligu looked at Gu Liyan.

Gu Liyan nodded, said no more, took out the jade flute "Long Lament," raised his hand to his lips, and began to play the melody of parting sorrow...

The melodious tune pierced my soul, leaving me with a bitter, sorrowful, and utterly devastated feeling...

The snow on Qianjue Mountain has melted away. Has it sprouted new buds and blossomed with flowers everywhere?

Of those who left the Heavenly Palace, is anyone still thinking of them, saying they miss them?

Who begins to write the cycle of life and death?

Who writes the story of fate and destiny?

I really want to ask about life and death, fate, and the predetermined cycle of reincarnation: will I be able to meet the one I once loved again in the next life?

——

The music ends, the crowd disperses, fate continues its turn, and where is the one I love...?

Gu Liyan gripped the jade flute tightly, tilting his head back to hold back his tears. In the silence, one could hear Gu Liyan's heartbeat.

"Do you...love her?" Yan Ligu suddenly asked.

Gu Liyan's voice was hoarse, "I...I love her, but...it's too late for her..."

Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. "Why... am I the last one to survive?!"

Gu Liyan knelt on the ground and said painfully, "If I could choose again, I would give anything, as long as she can live!"

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