I am Guhuoniao, not an umbrella demon, please do not disturb me.

Her idea was quite simple: to let Anzhen explain things clearly, let Kiyohime know the truth, and also let her know that he was dead.

Kiyohime's father had just died not long ago, so normally Anzhen shouldn't be visiting her at this time, adding to her pain.

Bai Qingyu made up her mind that she would give Qingji some advice and guidance after she understood the situation.

A knock was made, and Kiyohime answered the door.

Kiyohime was still as beautiful as ever, only her eyes were a little red and swollen. Seeing that it was Bai Qingyu, her eyes lit up, "Immortal, what brings you here...?"

"There are some things I want to tell you, but it's not me, it's him."

Bai Qingyu stepped aside, and An Zhen looked up. The moment she met Qing Ji's gaze, she quickly lowered her head, whether out of self-reproach or something else.

Kiyohime was unaware of what had happened. She invited Bai Qingyu and Anzhen into the courtyard.

Before she could even invite the guests inside, Bai Qingyu gave An Zhen a wink.

Since he's already dead, what words can't he say?

Anzhen indeed stopped hesitating and took the initiative to call out to Kiyohime.

"Um, Kiyohime-san, have you enjoyed the kite letters you received this past year...?"

Kiyohime was taken aback. "A letter?"

“Yes, those letters.” Anzhen smiled bitterly, her eyes stinging. “I’m so sorry I kept it from you for so long. Actually, those letters were written to you. Every day I would stand under the tree, watching your joy and happiness when you received them, but now…”

Please vote for me, sob sob sob

Volume 1: Chapter 153 The Flower of the Styx

The courage I didn't have in life, I gained in death.

In the world, there is a dual-quantity method, and if you live up to it, you will live up to the law.

He was sorry to Kiyohime and to that Buddhist heart; he could not abandon either, but in the end, both left him.

His words seemed to have drained all of An Zhen's strength. His face was bitter, and he felt terrible. If he had known this would happen, if he had been able to tell Qing Ji everything earlier, things would not have turned out this way.

"I'm sorry, I lied to you..."

Anzhen's eyes were filled with tears. When he spoke, he didn't even dare to look Kiyohime in the eye. He turned his head away, closed his eyes in pain, and a tear slid down his cheek. Where the tear touched, wisps of black smoke appeared.

The ghostly wails and the soul burns, Anzhen's pain is felt deep within her own heart.

At this moment, he should tell Kiyohime that he is dead, but he doesn't know how to say it. He wants to live. He doesn't want this Buddhist heart anymore. He wants to give Kiyohime a future.

"Burn those letters another day."

"It's my fault. I can't see into my own heart. I don't even dare to admit my feelings. I keep thinking that I'll understand eventually. But wait a little longer... wait a little longer..."

“I understand that these are all just wishful thinking on my part, but they are still just wishful thinking on my part. They keep lingering in my ears and appearing in front of me, like an invisible hand caressing me, or like a sharp thorn piercing my soul.”

“During those years, I always watched you silently. I loved seeing the joy on your face when you received the letter. Seeing you happy made it all worthwhile. Back then, I often thought that it would be nice if things could continue like this.”

“I’ve also thought that this wishful thinking will one day hurt you. There’s a difference between monks and laypeople, and one day I will leave this place.”

Anzhen's lips trembled uncontrollably. He didn't even know what he wanted to say. He only knew that he wanted to explain everything to Qingji and make her understand that the kites filled with heartfelt messages were given to him by Anzhen, and not by anyone else.

After he finished speaking, there was a long silence.

The wind howled, whistling and swirling up a few withered leaves from the trees. Anzhen had his back to Qingji; he knew she must be crying.

Kiyohime's cries contained a complex mix of emotions—joy, excitement, pain, and sorrow. She was joyful that Anzhen had told her everything when she was at her most helpless. She resented that Anzhen had only come to tell her now; why hadn't she told her sooner?

Why apologize? Why turn your back on her?

Bai Qingyu and Zhen Tian stood at the door, watching quietly.

Anzhen's words would only make things worse. He just needs to explain things clearly and tell Kiyohime that he is dead and that she doesn't need to worry about him anymore. That would be enough.

But feelings are never as easy as you think.

Amidst a complex mix of despair and joy, Kiyohime took a step forward, her frail body looking pitiful. She tried to embrace Anjin, but her efforts were in vain.

She turned around and stared blankly at Anzhen.

"why."

"Kiyohime, I'm sorry I have to go. I can't stay and keep you company." Anzhen said, his head bowed. Then he suddenly looked up at Kiyohime.

He said, each word firm and clear, "But please believe me, the day I attain Buddhahood, I will definitely return to marry you, I definitely..."

Bai Qingyu frowned deeply and instantly took out a wooden umbrella to put An Zhen inside.

The demonic energy surged, causing Anzhen's voice to disappear.

However, she was clearly a step too slow. Kiyohime's face showed obvious shock and grief, tears streaming down her face. What remained after that was determination, the complex look in her eyes that comes from hope once again soothing the wounds of despair.

The past love and emotions intertwined, and through the tears, the boy's appearance became increasingly blurred.

Anzhen said he would come back to marry her.

Once he begins his Buddhist practice...

Kiyohime was, after all, just a young girl, and had recently experienced far too much grief. She was no longer able to consider whether this glimmer of hope was real or not. All she knew was that Anzhen had not deceived her; Anzhen had promised her that he would come back to marry her.

Even if she waits a year, five years, or ten years, she will definitely wait for him to come back...

Bai Qingyu, on the other hand, had a completely different idea.

She wished she could release An Zhen right then and there and beat him to a pulp.

She genuinely didn't expect Anzhen to say that.

He loves Kiyohime very much, doesn't he? He's always been worried about her and can't let go of her, so why would he make a promise to Kiyohime at a time like this?

What kind of bullshit Buddha fruit is he? He's just a lonely ghost, and in a few days he'll turn into a vengeful spirit because of his deep-seated obsession. What do you have to study Buddhism and cultivate Taoism with?

The first thing Buddha would do upon seeing you would definitely be to help you transcend suffering!

Forget about Buddha, we should be thankful that he was even able to come back this time.

Even though he himself can't come back, why did he make a promise to Kiyohime in this state that could never be kept?

What's the difference between this and adding fuel to the fire? It's practically making things worse for Kiyohime.

Kiyohime is in a very bad state right now. She has been hit too hard recently, and she was just stimulated by Anjin's honesty. At this moment, she is very vulnerable and empty inside. She will definitely take Anjin's promise seriously.

Bai Qingyu cursed An Zhen repeatedly in her mind before quickly slipping out of the courtyard.

Looking at Bai Qingyu's furious face, Zhen Tian couldn't help but feel worried. "Sister, he..."

"That guy deserves to die. What kind of bullshit love is that? Even though she's dead, he still doesn't want Kiyohime to have a good time. He even made her a promise that could never be kept. Don't you think this kind of person should go to the eighteenth level of hell?"

"He speaks sweetly and tenderly, but in reality, he does absolutely nothing."

Bai Qingyu rarely swore.

To be honest, Anzhen had been somewhat moved by Kiyohime's feelings for her before this.

Although he was being indecisive and unwilling to make a choice, his act of persisting in sending letters for a year despite knowing that Kiyohime had misunderstood was indeed touching. Who knew that it was all a lie?

Even after they've become ghosts, they still won't let go.

Does Kiyohime owe you anything?

After separating the Kiyohime family's courtyard with a barrier, Bai Qingyu released An Zhen and kicked her without saying a word, making An Zhen roll several times on the ground, her soul somewhat unstable.

With one hand struggling to support his body, An Zhen hadn't even sat up when a wooden umbrella was placed against his head.

Just then, Aobozu arrived and witnessed the scene.

Unaware of the situation, he instinctively tried to save the person upon seeing this.

Golden Buddhist light enveloped Bai Qingyu, and as he swung his staff, the power of compassion for humanity took on a touch of fierceness.

Bai Qingyu suddenly turned his head, and with just one glare, the sky full of Buddhist light instantly shattered into countless golden stardust.

Ping!

The powerful demonic energy spread out, and Qingfangzhu had to use his hands to block in front of him and his feet to plow back nearly two meters before he could barely stabilize himself.

"Why did you make that vow to her?"

"You're already dead, don't you know that yourself?"

"Say!"

Bai Qingyu was throwing a tantrum, so Zhen Tian quickly went over to give Qingfangzhu a brief explanation of the situation.

The master of the azumi hall hesitated, unsure how to save Anzhen under these circumstances.

Anzhen was actually a kind-hearted person. If it weren't for the Kiyohime incident, he would have been a very qualified monk. But he just made a mistake at the last moment.

Regardless of his feelings or what grievances he might have, Kiyohime was innocent from beginning to end.

Kiyohime did nothing; she passively endured everything.

Finally, you have to believe in a vow that can never be fulfilled.

So when Bai Qingyu wanted to kill An Zhen, he didn't even have an excuse to stop him; all he could do was sigh.

An Zhen did not answer Bai Qingyu's question, but instead looked at Qingfangzhu.

“Master, you once said that even if one person were to measure the ocean with a bushel, and go through countless eons, one could still reach the bottom. If a person sincerely seeks the Way and perseveres without ceasing, he will surely attain the fruit. What wish could he not have? But what if this person's heart is distracted, or he is simply unwilling?”

"I understand my heart now!"

After saying that, his gaze returned to Bai Qingyu, and a hint of madness appeared on his face. "I have to give her a reason... and for myself. The first time, there was a difference between monks and laypeople; the second time, humans and ghosts are on different paths; and maybe next time?"

"Who knows what you'll do next time? That's your own business. You shouldn't make Kiyohime bear all of this."

"You don't understand at all!" An Zhen's face was contorted with rage.

He hated himself for not speaking out sooner, and hated that his ghostly appearance prevented him from giving her a future.

He hated the boy from the neighboring village for not appreciating what was within his grasp, and he hated that he had gained Kiyohime's love without giving anything in return.

Wisps of black energy erupted from An Zhen's body; he was about to transform into a vengeful ghost...

Even so, after his anger subsided, he still shed tears.

"I just want her to live, to live well."

Kiyohime has already contemplated suicide; this will surely dispel that thought.