Awakening

When Su Luo awoke in his spiritual world, everything around him was shrouded in a hazy white mist.

He remained dazed for a long moment before the memories came flooding back.

Ah, right—I lost. So, I should be dead by now.

The surroundings began to shift, one screen after another appearing, each replaying the events he had experienced throughout the story.

As Su Luo watched, he allowed himself to reminisce.

Though some memories were joyful, most were bitter enough to evoke a physical reaction of disgust.

Yet Su Luo’s heart remained calm. He had already made peace with it all.

This time, there would be no second chance.

It was over.

It had been long enough.

He wasn’t entirely free of regret—after all, it was his own stubbornness that drove him to fight Nangong Xiyun. He had no one else to blame.

Still, he didn’t feel much remorse. Deep down, he had truly wanted that battle. It was just too soon. He had exhausted every possible means, only to lose in the end—how humiliating.

If there was ever a next time, he would win for sure.

The screens around him shattered one by one, and Su Luo watched without joy or sorrow, accepting it all with serenity.

Once the last screen vanished, he waited for his own form to dissolve into nothingness.

There would be no next time.

Yet, after a long while, he remained.

?

Was he still alive?

Su Luo attempted to rouse himself—

Ah. It worked. And far more easily than expected.

Slowly, his eyes opened to reality, and he truly felt it—he was alive.

Now that was unbelievable.

Could it be… Nangong Xiyun actually took a liking to him?

Su Luo nearly laughed at his own absurd thought.

Impossible. There must be another reason—perhaps she was using him as bait to lure out the Demon Lord.

And then, the Demon Lord appeared before him.

Seriously? Did it actually work?

“Why are you back?” Su Luo tried to sit up, but his body felt weak, his strength all but gone.

Jiang Ningshu motioned for him to lie back down before answering, “Because midnight has passed. I no longer have to obey your orders.”

“Then leave quickly. Or you’ll die.”

Right now, Jiang Ningshu was no match for Nangong Xiyun.

Jiang Ningshu shook her head, understanding Su Luo’s concern. “No need. Nangong Xiyun is gone.”

“Why?”

“I drove her off.”

In truth, Nangong Xiyun had left the moment she saw Su Luo awaken—clean and decisive.

But to make it plausible, Jiang Ningshu offered this explanation.

“You beat her?”

“You already wore her down. That’s why I managed to make her retreat.”

“Doesn’t seem likely.”

“Seems you’re underestimating me.”

“No, it’s fine. Let’s just leave before she returns with reinforcements.”

“Alright.” Jiang Ningshu didn’t argue. After all, their agreement still stood.

Soon, Jiang Ningshu helped Su Luo to where Little Yu and Yun were waiting. The journey was smooth, with no ambushes.

So smooth that Su Luo grew suspicious. Nangong Xiyun couldn’t be this sloppy—why was there no pursuit?

Yet, as it turned out, they never encountered Nangong Xiyun again, reaching Little Yu and Yun without incident.

“Su Luo!”

Seeing his weakened state, Little Yu and Yun’s initial joy twisted into frantic worry. They rushed to his side, their concern palpable.

Little Yu: “Su Luo, are you alright? Rest quickly.”

Yun, furious: “Who did this to you?! I’ll never forgive them!”

Her own words stirred a flicker of guilt.

Little Yu, too, was ready to draw her sword and seek vengeance.

“Stop. It was Nangong Xiyun. You can’t beat her.”

Little Yu frowned. “Why would she hurt you so badly?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m from the Heavenly Demon Sect. It’s only natural.”

“Hmm…” Little Yu sensed there was more to it. Though she hadn’t interacted much with Nangong Xiyun, she doubted the other woman would act so ruthlessly without reason.

“Ah… her?” Yun deflated instantly, though she tried to salvage her bravado. “Fine. I’ll just have to get stronger before avenging you. Don’t worry—I’ll make it happen.”

Su Luo wasn’t fooled. “Nice words, but don’t force them.”

Yun pouted and suddenly changed her mind. “Hmph! So what if she’s Nangong Xiyun? Just wait—I’ll settle this right now! Xiao Pa, let’s go!”

Xiao Pa: ?

Su Luo watched silently, making no move to stop her. Yun was probably just looking for an excuse to meet Nangong Xiyun—likely to pass on information.

But he wouldn’t wait for her.

Yun paused. “…Aren’t you going to stop me?”

“Do what you want.”

“…Then I won’t go.” Yun admitted defeat. She’d die if she actually tried. Her earlier outburst was just hot air.

Jiang Ningshu observed Yun closely, her instincts prickling. Something felt off—more than just appearances. It was a familiar presence, one she’d sensed recently.

Then, in a flash of insight, the pieces connected.

So that’s it. Nangong Xiyun—you’re Yun.

The more Jiang Ningshu focused, the more certain she became. There was no mistake.

Nangong Xiyun seemed to sense the scrutiny and met Jiang Ningshu’s eyes—only to find them glinting with knowing amusement.

Instantly, Nangong Xiyun realized.

She’d been exposed.

Her injuries had weakened her disguise.

Su Luo hadn’t noticed. His condition was worse than Nangong Xiyun’s.

Meanwhile, Little Yu was already fussing over Su Luo’s recovery, though her efforts were clumsy. She had never been skilled in healing, having devoted most of her time to cultivation.

She never imagined Su Luo could ever appear so frail.

“How do you feel? Any better?”

“With you looking after me? Of course I am.”

“Don’t joke at a time like this. Just rest.”

“But you really do have that effect.” Su Luo reached up to pat her head.

“Always teasing me.” Little Yu clasped his hand, silently praying for his swift recovery.

She regretted not studying healing arts more seriously.

“Don’t worry. I’ve checked—my injuries have already improved. The Demon Lord treated me earlier.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Meanwhile, a silent exchange unfolded between Nangong Xiyun and Jiang Ningshu.

Nangong Xiyun: Remember our agreement. Don’t speak carelessly.

Jiang Ningshu: Hah. To think you’ve deceived Su Luo for so long—what exquisite manipulation.

Nangong Xiyun: I have my reasons.

Jiang Ningshu: I pity Su Luo. All this time with you by his side, yet he never realized. How do you think he’d treat you if he knew?