I courted death and then tried to escape, so the whole sect wants to get rid of me.

Seeing their resolute attitude, the Ninth Elder could no longer forcefully stop them. He could only suppress his worries and repeatedly admonish them: "Remember that self-preservation should be the priority in everything. If you encounter danger, do not be reckless. If you can avoid it, do so. In particular, avoid Ye Chang'an. This person is ruthless and you must never confront him directly."

"Yes! Ninth Elder, rest assured!"

After giving his instructions, the Ninth Elder raised his hand to remove the soundproof barrier. A glance at everyone caught his eye, and he suddenly sensed something was wrong. His brow furrowed, and he asked in a low voice, "Where's Lin Mu?"

Chen He hesitated for a moment: "Um, Seventh Senior Sister went to visit someone..."

-

The palace was decorated with extreme luxury, with several large luminous pearls hanging from the dome, their soft white light pouring down and illuminating the interior with a warm and translucent glow.

Song Yao was led into the hall and sat down in front of the carved jade table, looking bewildered.

The table was filled with all kinds of exquisite food, with a dazzling array of pastries and candied fruits.

Chen Qingqiu sat upright opposite, her elegant figure accentuated by her moon-white dress, her eyes and brows exuding a cool and noble air.

She looked up at Song Yao.

The little girl was also tilting her head to look at her, her beautiful eyes devoid of emotion, her long eyelashes fluttering, like the genderless Guanyin in the temple.

A faint blush involuntarily rose to her cheeks, her fingertips curled slightly as she pushed the food forward, her clear voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor and stutter: "You... what do you like to eat? Just tell me."

Song Yao was even more confused.

She had never met Chen Qingqiu in her life.

What are you doing?

She moved back a little, shook her head, and hesitated.

If she gets recognized, should she run away or get rid of Chen Qingqiu?

She and Chen Qingqiu shouldn't have any irreconcilable conflicts, right?

wrong……

Ye Chang'an is standing horizontally in the middle.

Chen Qingqiu is going to kill her for Ye Chang'an?

The more she thought about it, the more outrageous it seemed. Chen Qingqiu bit her lip and stammered, "You, you're not afraid. I just want to ask you a few questions."

Song Yao: "..."

Something's not quite right.

Given Chen Qingqiu's extreme social anxiety and tendency to avoid speaking if possible, if he wanted to kill her, he should have acted directly instead of chatting with her here.

and……

The air was filled with the smell of alcohol.

Chen Qingqiu also drank alcohol?

She became interested and leaned back over the desk: "What's the problem? Please speak freely."

The person who was just a moment ago looking wary has now taken the initiative, startling Chen Qingqiu and making her face turn even redder.

She clutched her sleeve, stammering, "Um, your, your third senior sister... is she really dead? I heard her remains haven't been found. Is there any possibility she's still alive?"

Song Yao was taken aback, not expecting this question.

I thought this socially awkward little mute girl was funny back then. I just touched her face and waist a couple of times and teased her a bit, which scared her so much that she almost committed suicide.

Why would someone remember this to this day and still keep asking themselves if they're dead or not?

She rested her chin on her hand and reached for a pastry to eat: "I heard that the eternal flames have all gone out, so they must be completely dead. Don't worry, Holy Maiden."

"..."

Chen Qingqiu had heard this answer countless times.

The little girl in front of her wasn't the first person she asked.

But upon hearing such affirmation, the color drained from her face instantly.

She clenched her fists until her fingertips turned white, remained silent for a long while, then looked up at Song Yao and asked softly, "Then, will she hate me?"

The pastries here are noticeably better than those outside.

Song Yao is making extra effort to gain weight and become stronger.

Her cheeks puffed out as she casually replied, "Hate? Why would she hate you? You're so pretty, she'd love you more than anything."

Chen Qingqiu was clearly flustered, her fingertips trembling, her voice trembling with tears as she urgently retorted, "You don't understand! Back then, I clearly said I would accompany her into the Earth Realm, but... but I was trapped by my master and couldn't keep my promise. She died alone in the Earth Realm; she will definitely hate me!"

Song Yao choked abruptly.

What?

Chen Qingqiu is going to accompany her into the underworld?

How come she didn't know about this?

wrong.

She tried hard to recall, and it seemed that before she was thrown into the Earth Realm, a disciple of the Northern Shaking Sect had indeed sent her an embroidered orchid sachet.

Tucked inside was a small note with some sentimental words about sharing life and death and never abandoning each other.

The signature only contained the character "秋" (autumn).

At that time, she was in a hurry to escape by feigning death, and there were quite a few young men and women giving her sachets, so she didn't care about them and just threw them aside.

So it was given by Chen Qingqiu, meaning he wanted to go to the Earth Realm with her?

She was immediately filled with respect.

Chen Qingqiu seems introverted, but he's actually so righteous?

The two had only met a few times and exchanged a few words, yet they were now going to their deaths together.

I should have known better than to touch her face back then.

Song Yao felt deeply remorseful for his lewd behavior and comforted her, saying, "Going to the Earthly Realm is her own business. It's so dangerous; maybe she never even wanted you to accompany her. How could she possibly hate you?"

Chen Qingqiu was not comforted at all; tears instantly streamed down her face, and she broke down slightly: "How could she not hate me? I... I'm even engaged to her sweetheart..."

Song Yao: "......"

Could her beloved be Ye Chang'an?

unlucky.

I should have clarified things before I died. It's really unpleasant to be associated with this kind of person.

She sighed softly and said, "She's dead, how could she know about your engagement to Ye Chang'an?"

He added at the end, "It's okay, even if she finds out, she won't blame you. It's just Ye Chang'an, it's not worth it."

Chen Qingqiu's tears fell even more profusely in an instant: "She doesn't hate me, how could she not even want to hate me..."

Song Yao: "?"

No.

What kind of brain does this girl have?

Why would you willingly choose to be hated?

She had no interest in being a psychological counselor. When she looked up, her gaze met Chen Qingqiu's teary eyes.

The sight of a beautiful woman shedding tears is already the ultimate expression of beauty. At this moment, large tears rolled down her pale cheeks, leaving faint wet marks.

Fragile and touching.

Song Yao instantly fell victim to her habit of being unable to walk past attractive people.

With a helpless sigh, he turned the grape he was holding and offered it to Chen Qingqiu's lips.

Those clear, indifferent eyes were sparkling with tiny lights as she coaxed, "Alright, stop crying. Maybe Third Senior Sister is just reluctant to let you go, that's why she doesn't want you to lose your life with her?"

Without a word, she stuffed grapes into Chen Qingqiu's mouth, wiped away the girl's tears with her fingertips, and smiled, "Besides, you look better when you smile."

The sweet juice bursts between your lips and teeth.

Chen Qingqiu was completely taken aback by her intimate gesture.

The crying stopped abruptly, and she froze on the spot. Her fair cheeks flushed red instantly, the redness spreading from her ears all the way down her neck. She instinctively wanted to back away.

Song Yao withdrew her hand before she could, as if nothing had happened, and casually asked, "But why would the Holy Maiden think of asking me these things? I have never actually met my Third Senior Sister."