Chapter 110: A New Deal, A Turbulent Situation

"Enough, please stop talking like this; it sounds as if we are about to part ways forever. It is so heartbreaking!" Xun Mishuang, who had been silent on the side for a long time, finally could not help but interrupt. Despite her usual air of arrogance and detachment, as if she were above the common world, no tragedy could ever stir a shred of pity in her. Yet, the one thing she could not tolerate was the sorrow of separation—a pain she had once endured, feeling it like the pricking of needles.

"It is indeed time to bid you farewell. I have guarded this place for thousands of years, finally waiting for the right person. Now, I have no reason to linger any longer." As the woman spoke, her gaze drifted toward the window. The others followed her eyes, but saw nothing beyond the azure sky. It seemed that even though she was but a wisp of consciousness, she understood her master's heart well; what she desired was freedom, just as she had once allowed herself to fade away without hesitation.

"Must you really leave? Although I know that an existence like yours is destined to vanish from this world sooner or later, I am truly reluctant to part with you just as we have come to know each other. How wonderful it would be if you were a truly living being instead of a lingering consciousness. But that is merely my own wishful thinking; in the end, you do not wish to wake up." Meng Youyuan spoke to the woman in a low, dejected tone, her eyes filled with profound sadness.

Although their meeting had been but a fleeting moment, it had brought their hearts much closer—perhaps the resonance between identical souls. The tragedies of a past life had bled into the destiny of this one. If one must assign blame, it could only be the fault of the Heavens. Had the Heavens not insisted on the cycle of rebirth, causing grievances to persist endlessly, then surely all things would fade away like a lamp extinguishing upon death.

If not for this, Meng Youyuan would not have to suffer the pain of making amends for the sins of a past life. There is so much unfairness in the world; it is as if being born anew is merely a way to settle old debts. Perhaps Meng Youyuan was born solely to repay the disasters suffered by another, but why must this tragic cycle of fate continue? It only ensures that grudges remain for eternity, never allowing those trapped in the world to find release.

"It is enough that you understand; it would be even better if you could forget me. Live your own life well and pursue what you desire. Do not wait until you are exhausted and withered to feel regret," the woman said, turning to look at Meng Youyuan gently. Her expression was like that of a mother facing her child—filled with endless reluctance, helplessness, and worry, fearing that in the days to come, she would be left alone without a light-bearer to guide her future.

"I can promise you anything but that. To forget you would be to forget myself. Although you are merely my past life, you are still me. No matter what, this fact cannot be erased. I do not care if you were good or evil, sad or happy; you are a part of who I once was. I will not heartlessly cast you aside and bear this alone!" Meng Youyuan insisted stubbornly, though tears were already welling in her eyes.

"You silly girl, forcing yourself to remember all this will only bring unnecessary calamity. You are no longer me; there is no need to suffer for my actions. You only make my guilt deeper and my pain more absolute. I would rather you hate me than suffer because of me, for you are too kind—so kind that I feel ashamed," the woman said sadly. She suddenly felt that her existence had been a failure.

During her life, she had lived without self or joy, nearly forgetting how to smile sincerely. She was like a beautiful bird kept in a celestial cage, possessing magnificent wings but no freedom to soar. On the surface, she lived a life of luxury, but in reality, she endured a miserable existence, stifled and longing for an end. When she finally found a chance to escape the celestial realm to seek what she wanted, she realized it was but a dream—a fleeting illusion, leaving only boundless loneliness upon waking.

"This is the path I have chosen. Even if there is a boundless swamp ahead, I am willing to sink into it, for this is what I desire. I should not have any regrets or hesitation. Since my birth signifies an extraordinary beginning, then let me continue to write this tumultuous life! Even if the final result is a fall, at least I will have shone brilliantly for a moment, will I not?" Meng Youyuan said with a serene, light laugh.

Yet the others could hear the helplessness and sorrow hidden within. Since she could not change the beginning, she would strive to shape the future. Meng Youyuan would no longer think of fleeing what was to come, nor would she discard the loved ones who had stayed by her side. Let her be selfish just this once; let her gamble just this once. Regardless, she would stay with Brother Xuan and continue to share her life with everyone. Whoever did not want to let her go, let them make their move—Meng Youyuan would be waiting for them! She was no longer the tragic soul of her past life; in this life, she would live for herself and for those who cherished her!

"Since that is the case, I have nothing more to say. In any event, take care of yourself, and beware of Fuyou Ming!" After saying this, the woman resumed her icy expression. Without a trace of emotion, she walked toward the old Dean. She looked him up and down, then added, "You are the Dean of Yanlan Academy, are you not? I have observed you several times over these many years. Though you are calculating and cold-hearted, you do not lack a sense of righteousness. I know that everything you do is for the sake of Yanlan Academy. Since that is so, I shall make a deal with you."

With that, the woman waved her hand. Everyone present, save for the Dean, was trapped and pushed back into the inner room by a surge of true energy. Then, with a gentle touch on the bead curtain, she formed a barrier—seemingly a plain, harmless light, but actually harboring boundless power. The sudden change left everyone stunned; they forgot even to struggle against the restraint, though they would have been in vain had they tried.

Since the woman was determined to keep them away, she would not let them escape easily. Although she was only a wisp of consciousness left behind by the original, having been purified by the long ages here, she had attained profound natural mysteries. Her cultivation was now second to none. It was a pity she was but a wisp of consciousness and could not forge a physical body; otherwise, her presence would surely have terrified those with malicious intent.

"I presume the deal you offer is one that would be the envy of many. How could I be so tactless as to refuse? Please, speak your terms!" Truth be told, even a man as knowledgeable as the Dean felt a jolt of shock. Fortunately, his reaction was swift, and he immediately agreed to the woman's deal. Since it was explicitly called a deal, it was a matter of mutual benefit; the conditions she offered must surely be tempting.

"You have long coveted the scrolls concerning Yanlan Academy, and perhaps even the entire ancient city of Biluo, have you not? I shall grant them to you as you wish, and from then on, nothing will be able to threaten your Yanlan Academy." The woman sneered at the Dean, certain that this condition would lure the old man. Although her cultivation was far beyond his, he did not fear her and even hoped to take advantage of her. That was fine; he could take advantage, but it would come at a price!

"I was determined to obtain those scrolls regardless; how can you claim this as a favor? This condition is hardly sincere. If you want others to work for you, you must first show some effort. If this is all you have to offer, there is no need to proceed with this deal," the Dean retorted mercilessly. To use something that was already within his grasp as a bargaining chip—this was going too far!

"True, I cannot stop you from entering the tomb to steal my scrolls. But do you know that to obtain them, one must have the map of the tomb and the key? Without them, not even a god of antiquity could open it!" The woman, as if she had long anticipated the Dean's response, spoke these words lightly, yet they reached the old man's ears with perfect clarity.

"Very well, I agree! But what is it you want me to do? I do not believe you would let me gain such an advantage for nothing!" the Dean said irritably. He had hoped to use this opportunity to extort her, but instead, he had been outmaneuvered by her move. He had truly lost more than he had gained. Yet, he could not help but admire her; despite being only a wisp of consciousness, she possessed wisdom that left everyone behind. Her original self must be even more astonishing!

"Like you, I have never liked to suffer a loss. However, I will not be so unreasonable as to ask you to climb mountains of blades or dive into seas of fire. Yushang's future achievements are limitless; surely you have already seen that. I only want you to assist him in becoming the master of this world, and then defeat Fuyou Ming so that he may never rise again! It is merely helping one person, yet in exchange, you secure the safety of the entire Yanlan Academy. This is a deal where you do not lose at all!" The woman’s eyes turned terrifying whenever she mentioned Fuyou Ming, causing even the Dean to shiver uncontrollably.

"Very well, I agree. In any case, I have long seen that the brat is no ordinary person; he will surely become a figure who shakes this world in the future. Helping him once in exchange for a favor is not a loss. However, I do not understand why, since the ancient gods have already prophesied the appearance of one who transcends the world, you would have me assist Yushang. Could it be that Yushang is that person?" The Dean was clearly frightened by his own thought. Although the brat’s abilities were indeed significant, to suggest he was an existence that transcended the world was truly astonishing.

"Say what you should not, and keep it buried in your heart; it will save you much trouble!" The woman did not answer his question directly, but the Dean was emboldened to believe his hypothesis was correct. He never expected the brat to have such a profound origin. Though, in his view, the boy himself probably did not know this! It seemed this matter was becoming more and more interesting; he would wait to see how it would unfold!

"The lady is right to reprimand me; I was indeed reckless. Rest assured, words that should not be spoken will not reach anyone else's ears." The Dean smiled gently at the woman. It seemed his Yanlan Academy was destined to have a powerful backer. He would let the brat Yushang take his share of the benefits for now; there would be plenty of time for him to pay it back later.

"Good, as long as you understand. Here is the map of the tomb and the key to the scrolls. As for the other items in the chamber, take them if you wish. I believe there are treasures within that will benefit your Yanlan Academy. And... be kinder to Meng Youyuan; after all, none of this is her fault." The woman suddenly let slip these words, leaving the Dean momentarily stunned before he regained his composure.

"Thank you for your kind reminder, but this is, after all, my family matter; it does not require an outsider's interference." After taking the map and the key, the Dean replied coldly. Yet, in his heart, he thought silently: Was everything he had done truly so heartless and excessive? How he wished to enjoy the joys of family, but reality had dealt him a heavy blow, leaving him afraid to ever try and reclaim that warmth, which was as painful as it was comforting.