Chapter 109: Urging Yushang—Chasing the Heart's Desire

“Whether Fu Youming is eager to dominate the world or simply wishes to retreat from it all in peaceful seclusion, I am grateful for your kind counsel, Miss. We shall proceed with caution. However, there is still one matter I do not understand, and I hope you might enlighten me.” Though Yu Shang could not decipher the deep hatred reflected in her eyes or the faint, intoxicating relief curling at her lips, it was clear she bore no ill will toward the group.

She could even be regarded as their panacea; her arrival was undoubtedly a blessing for them all. Regardless of whom she had harmed in the past, it was of no concern to Yu Shang. As long as she could aid them, she was a good woman in his eyes, a talisman to protect his life. In this world, good and evil hardly exist in absolutes. What is good? That which benefits oneself and does not scheme against one’s interests. What is evil? That which plots one’s demise.

Perhaps the hatred in her gaze stemmed from past grievances in a previous life, but at least in this one, their paths had no entanglements. If that is so, why concern oneself with her true nature? As long as she could be of help, as long as she wished to eliminate a certain someone, the enemy of my enemy is indeed my friend.

Clearly, at this moment, Yu Shang had classified Fu Youming as an adversary. From his recent conversations, he had roughly discerned Fu Youming’s intentions. Though he still did not understand why Fu Youming bore a half-familiar face strikingly similar to his own, that detail had ceased to matter. Even if Fu Youming was closely connected to him, even if their fates were deeply intertwined, Yu Shang could no longer afford mercy or hesitation.

If Fu Youming dared to scheme against those journeying to the otherworld, he would become Yu Shang’s greatest foe. It would be a battle to the death. For the sake of his parents trapped in that other realm, Yu Shang had no choice but to grow stronger. To secure his own future free from manipulation, he must strike first. Yu Shang did not see himself as a virtuous man, but neither did he consider himself utterly villainous. He would be kind to those who treated him well and ruthless to those who did him harm.

At this moment, Fu Youming posed a grave threat. The first half of Yu Shang’s life had been under Fu Youming’s control—from the day of his birth and meeting Xiao Yin, to fleeing into the city of Youming pursued by the Ling family. That face, so eerily similar to Fu Youming’s, and perhaps even his parents’ journey to the otherworld, all seemed orchestrated by Fu Youming. It was clear Yu Shang had long been a pawn in his game. But Yu Shang was Yu Shang—he would never submit to being controlled. The time to retaliate had come.

“Speak plainly. What is it you wish to ask me?” The woman looked at Yu Shang and, unexpectedly, smiled. Though there was something strange about the smile, it did not unsettle those present; rather, it carried an enigmatic blend of relief and joy. The group could not fathom her thoughts—moments ago, her face was full of anger, as if harboring a grudge against Yu Shang, then suddenly she smiled warmly, as if feeling affection for him.

Whatever her strange shifts meant, one thing was certain: she had long known Yu Shang. Yet, Yu Shang’s expression was one of confusion and puzzlement, not recognition or familiarity. He was not feigning it either; the entire atmosphere was uncanny. Whether this was good or bad remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: a storm of blood and chaos loomed near.

“A senior once entrusted me with this pearl to bring into a mysterious realm, and then to embed it upon a coffin. I suppose this is the method to open the coffin. But if I fail to deliver this pearl smoothly, wouldn’t that ruin your plans? For everyone’s safety and the success of the mission, shouldn’t you truthfully reveal the location of the broken remnants of the **blade? That way, everyone would be pleased.” Yu Shang toyed with the pearl in his hand as he spoke gently. Though seemingly harmless, his words caused the woman’s expression to shift dramatically. Perhaps she had never imagined a junior daring to threaten her so openly.

“Indeed, you do me a favor, and I return the kindness. That seems quite fair. Besides, I’d rather you rise to prominence and give Fu Youming a sense of crisis! The broken **blade lies in my tomb. Open my coffin, retrieve it, and then remove the pearl. Using Meng Youyuan as a catalyst to activate the pearl will reveal the remnants of the Bone-Eroding Mirror, and then the broken **blade will surface.” The woman wore a look of malicious delight as she smiled at Yu Shang, hinting that a great spectacle would soon unfold.

She was truly shrewd, fearing Yu Shang might abandon the others to venture alone into the tomb. She had arranged it so only the pearl’s rightful heir could open it, and without finding the Bone-Eroding Mirror’s remnants, no one could claim the **blade’s shards. This maneuver killed many birds with one stone: it ensured Yu Shang could not monopolize the tomb’s treasures, guaranteed Meng Youyuan’s safety, and secured the retrieval of the Mirror’s remnants. A brilliant stratagem.

“Rest assured, Miss, I will deliver Meng Youyuan safely into the tomb. I have no greed for what is not mine. All I seek is the broken **blade; the other items hold no interest for me.” Yu Shang spoke candidly, laying his position bare. Since her doubts ran deep, it was best to be utterly transparent. Besides, his sole purpose was the **blade.

“Very well, I trust you. In that case, I shall not hold back. The regions surrounding the tomb contain treasures each of you desires. Should fate allow, take what you wish; I will not object. Beneath the pool lies a treasure capable of controlling this pearl. Find it, and it shall be yours.” The woman smiled warmly at the group, revealing a gentler side.

“Then allow me to thank you on behalf of everyone. But this pearl was entrusted to me by a senior; how could I be so greedy as to claim it for myself?” Yu Shang had witnessed the pearl’s power firsthand. Such a treasure was a blessing earned over several lifetimes. Yet, the woman’s generosity made him wary—could this be a trap? After all, sudden good fortune often heralds disaster.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Should you find that treasure, the pearl can enclose this ancient fairyland within itself. Merging with it will multiply your cultivation manifold. Besides, this pearl was mine in life; I’ve promised it to you. Who dares to object?” The woman adjusted her hair without concern, but all present understood she had truly bestowed the pearl upon Yu Shang.

“If I am fortunate enough to obtain that treasure, it will be my luck. If not, then it was never meant to be. In any case, I thank you, Miss. But I do not understand why you, a stranger to me, would be so generous, entrusting such a precious item into my hands.” After much contemplation, Yu Shang could not help but ask. What was this woman’s true intention? What was the nature of her heart?

“Our fates are entwined in countless ways, though all has long since passed with the wind and need not be spoken of. But if you truly wish to know the truth, grow stronger and confront the one in your heart. Then all will be revealed. But be prepared,” she whispered softly into Yu Shang’s ear. The group exchanged glances, surprised by their closeness. Their relationship was evidently no ordinary one.

“Miss, you jest. There is no one in my heart, nor anyone I must face as you say. Since you choose not to elaborate, I will not press. As you said, let all that be carried away by the wind.” Yu Shang smiled gently in return, though beneath his words, he sensed the woman’s keen insight. She saw through his thoughts—he would do well to remain cautious.

“Say what you will, the heart does not lie. The truth will reveal itself in time. Rather than wait for others to tell you, wouldn’t it be better to seek it yourself?” The woman seemed determined to urge Yu Shang to uncover the truth. What secret could be hidden within? Yu Shang felt a pang of unease. His instincts warned him—the truth might be too much to bear.

“You’re always urging others to seek the truth, yet you hide from it yourself, lurking within a coffin, lost to the world,” Xiao Yin snapped at her, clearly displeased. He despised how she manipulated others as if all were mere pieces in her hands, inserting herself in every decision and thought. Such presumptuousness was infuriating.

“Because he chose life, he must face the cruel reality. I chose death, and face only endless darkness. The world of darkness can be simpler than the colorful one—no need for false pleasantries, no cage to bind the soul.” The woman’s voice faltered with sorrow, revealing she did not love darkness by nature, but was weary of the dazzling world.

If waking meant confronting this fractured world once more, then let her remain in slumber. Perhaps one day, when Fu Youming and the celestial realm are no more, she might awaken. But that day would not come easily—perhaps never. Her only companions were darkness and cold.

“Though I do not know all you have endured, your outlook is far too bleak. If you can, I hope you will awaken, and I will show you what else this world holds beyond your words. Then you will see how simple and joyous it can be to find a reason to live,” Meng Youyuan stepped beside the woman, offering comfort without hesitation.

“You foolish girl, that chance will never come. As long as I exist, neither of you may. If awakening that tragic self means sacrificing you both, then I choose eternal sleep within the tomb. Perhaps that is my true resting place.” The woman looked at Meng Youyuan with bittersweet gratitude, then masked her sorrow with a forced smile.

“Everything in the cycle of life and death follows its laws; one cannot defy fate without inviting misfortune.” Lan Bingxian, sensing Meng Youyuan’s intentions, quickly interrupted. He would not allow the woman he loved to sacrifice herself for a past life. The past was gone—why force it back?

“He’s right. I am already dead; that is an unchangeable fact. But you and the other girl have a new beginning. If possible, forget me and be yourselves. You are no one’s reincarnation or substitute—only yourselves.” The woman spoke earnestly to Meng Youyuan, her eyes brimming with maternal love, as if gazing upon her own child.