Chapter 107: A Millennium of Waiting for One Soul

“Every cause has its effect; the seed you sowed in your past life is the fruit you reap in this one. There is no need for guesswork or doubt—everything has a predetermined conclusion and lies within your grasp.” The woman did not directly answer Meng Youyuan’s question but instead spoke of profound theories that left everyone half understanding. It was unclear whether she was deliberately being cryptic or simply unable to speak openly, yet all present sensed one thing clearly: she bore no ill intent.

“If what you say is true, then all that has transpired now is merely the inevitable cycle of cause and effect. Can you, then, tell me plainly—who was I in my previous life?” After quietly listening to the woman, a startling intuition flashed through Meng Youyuan’s mind. The revelation was so overwhelming that she could not accept it without a clear answer.

“You resemble me greatly yet are not a complete version of me. One day, when you meet another incomplete version of myself, then you will understand the truth of it all.” The woman had no intention of revealing anything about Meng Youyuan’s past life but softened upon seeing the desperate look in her eyes. Risking the exposure of cosmic secrets, she spoke these words—strange as they were, they contained a hidden truth.

“Enough, you need not say more. I understand.” Though the woman remained vague, Meng Youyuan’s heart settled with the realization that everything was indeed as she had suspected. A silence suddenly enveloped the group, filling every crevice—not just Meng Youyuan but the others seemed to grasp some profound truth. Yet none could fully accept it, for the reality struck too suddenly and too deeply: indeed, one cannot commit evil without paying the price in the next life.

“Surely you have waited here for me all this time not merely to chat idly. Night has fallen; it’s time we spoke plainly.” Meng Youyuan suppressed her true feelings with great effort, forcing calmness as she addressed the woman. She no longer had the leisure to question the heavens why fate toyed so cruelly with her. She only wished to resolve this matter swiftly and digest the bitter truth in solitude.

“Who you were in your last life no longer matters to this one. The reason I have waited here for countless centuries is to give you something—a talisman that will shield you in times of peril, and also to offer you my sincerest apology.” The woman said this and suddenly embraced Meng Youyuan, repeatedly begging forgiveness. Meng Youyuan could almost feel the warmth of that embrace, as if it were truly real.

“You have no reason to apologize. What you did was merely following the call of your heart. What I endure now is simply repaying a debt from a past life. There is no question of owing or being owed; it is all the workings of fate’s cruel design.” Upon learning the truth, Meng Youyuan’s eyes bore no resentment. Instead, she comforted the sorrowful woman quietly, as if she had truly come to terms with it all—how else could she forgive so easily?

“Do you really bear no hatred toward me? You and another have suffered so much because of my mistakes. Had I not harmed him for certain reasons, he would not have gone to such lengths to curse me to a restless existence, deprived of the world’s most precious love and warmth.” When the woman mentioned “him,” a flicker of unease and fear crossed her eyes, yet there was no trace of guilt.

“I do not know what the other person feels, but I know how I should feel. To hate you would be to hate my past self—to resent, despise, and loathe oneself. Why burden myself so? Since the deeds of the past life were done, it is only fair to repay and make amends in this one. I have no reason to blame heaven or earth.” Meng Youyuan smiled softly and spoke with an unexpected lightness.

“You are truly kind—kindness I lack. Promise me, if possible, never to set foot in the Immortal Realm. That place will only ruin a person’s life and condemn her to endless torment.” The woman’s tone shifted abruptly to pleading, mingled with pain and hatred. It seemed she loathed the Immortal Realm and the place of her birth with a passion. This strange attitude puzzled everyone present.

“Very well, I promise. Now, tell me—what is it you wish to give me?” Meng Youyuan knew the woman’s words came from concern. She had heard rumors of the Immortal Realm as a den of pretentious scoundrels; she had no desire to go there. What intrigued her now was what this woman would entrust to her—what could possibly be worth a waiting time of centuries?

“I give you the extraordinary Bone-Eroding Mirror! Whether you hate me or forgive me, the debt I owe you is now a fact. Besides giving you this talisman for your protection, I know no other way to atone for my mistakes.” Saying this, the woman handed Meng Youyuan the Bone-Eroding Mirror. Such a coveted artifact, so generously bestowed, was truly astonishing!

“This precious item I cannot accept. Besides, possessing it would be like inviting trouble. Many covet it; if they knew it was in my possession, how could I find peace?” Meng Youyuan had expected a token for self-defense, but never imagined the woman would part with such a treasure. Though they were essentially the same person, differences remained. Yet this generosity surpassed all expectations. Suddenly, Meng Youyuan wondered if the woman was not as cold-hearted as rumors suggested—perhaps hidden reasons compelled her to harm the one she loved.

And why forbid her from entering the Immortal Realm? Could the origin of all this suffering be linked to that place? Her suspicion deepened.

“You must not refuse. Only with this mirror can you survive the coming calamity. Otherwise, I will destroy the artifact and then end your life myself! Better that I deal the final blow than let others torment you with it.” The woman raised her hand as if to strike Meng Youyuan. Though reluctant and pained, she could not bear to see her future self suffer endlessly for past sins.

“Yuan Yuan, just accept it. Since this Bone-Eroding Mirror is bound to you, no matter how you try to cast it off, what is yours will remain yours. You cannot let go; you can only keep it close.” After a long silence, Lan Bingxian finally spoke. Though shaken by the truth, he quickly regained composure. He knew the one she loved was Meng Youyuan; regardless of who she was, his affection would endure.

“So you are Yuan Yuan’s lover? Handsome and fair, with considerable cultivation. I saw how anxious you were for her—clearly you care deeply. Since your feelings are so entangled, you must protect her well and never harm her. Remember, to hurt her is to hurt me; consider the consequences carefully.” The woman’s face hardened as she addressed Lan Bingxian coldly.

“You need not warn me. Unless I die, no one will harm her!” Lan Bingxian’s gaze was resolute. Despite his dislike for the woman’s use of emotions as a ploy, she was another version of Meng Youyuan. He could see her genuine care, which was why he answered so kindly.

“I hope you keep your word. Yuan Yuan, take this and consider it the fulfillment of a wish.” The woman placed the Bone-Eroding Mirror in Meng Youyuan’s hand. Whether the mirror sensed its destined owner or fate willed it so, it emitted no glow nor attacked, lying quietly as if an ordinary hand mirror.

“I don’t know why, but suddenly I’m at a loss for words. Anyway, thank you.” Meng Youyuan looked at the mirror, then raised her head sincerely thanking the woman. She felt as if they were truly one soul—heart to heart, sharing faults and sorrows. No words were needed; she understood, and so did the woman. Perhaps this was the bond between past and present lives. Even if debts existed, they could be forgiven.

“Silly girl, why so formal? I am you; no need for thanks that create distance! Oh, and this Bone-Eroding Mirror is incomplete. A fragment lies in my tomb—you must venture to a mysterious realm to retrieve it. Also, I have a favor to ask!” The woman’s hesitation gave way to earnest pleading, fearing rejection.

“You said it yourself—I am you. No need to beg. Just say it; I will go through fire and water without hesitation!” Meng Youyuan sensed the woman’s worries and promised to ease her mind. Helping her was helping herself. She would not let herself risk death for tasks that could shatter her to pieces. Why not then?

“This time, you must enter that mysterious realm. One, to find the mirror’s fragment; two, to open my coffin. There is something within I ask you to safeguard. When you meet the other incomplete me, deliver it to her. I owe both of you. These things rightfully belong to you.” The woman’s voice grew somber, her eyes filled with guilt.

“What is this thing you want me to keep? And how am I to find that person?” Meng Youyuan asked, puzzled. Without details, how could she search? Though a difficult task, she was willing—and curious about the other incomplete self: her nature, her fate, if it was as troubled as her own.

“Some things I cannot say lest I bring you mortal danger. Just know the item is special and lies within my coffin. The person is a woman. When you meet her, fragrant flower petals will fall from the sky.” The woman spoke mysteriously, as if this matter involved many others. The others wondered who in the ancient immortal realm could enter and why such secrecy was necessary.

“But you still haven’t told me where to find this person. I can’t just search blindly!” Meng Youyuan felt troubled. In this vast world, finding even one person was difficult—finding a nameless stranger seemed impossible.

“You need not seek her deliberately. Sooner or later, you will meet. There will be troubles then, but only you two can resolve them.” The woman smiled lightly. The troubles she mentioned did not seem life-threatening; otherwise, she would not speak so calmly.