Chapter 4 — The Demon Queen’s Ten-Lifetime Pact

Seven days later, my wounds having finally knit together enough for me to stand, I ventured alone to the banks of the Vong Xuyen River. Ngoc Nhien was hunched over, meticulously gathering the ghost-flowers that bloomed along the dark shores. Hearing my footsteps, she whipped her head around, her complexion draining of color at the sight of me. She recoiled instinctively, her eyes wide with a frantic, guarded edge as she stammered, Why have you come here? I warn you, do not try anything. Mother Meng has promised to accompany me to the depths of the river to harvest the Wuyang herbs; she will be here any moment.

I offered a chilling smile. You are a stranger to the ways of the Underworld, otherwise you would know that Mother Meng and I are the closest of confidantes. Ngoc Nhien’s spine stiffened, the realization hitting her like a physical blow. Her voice trembled as she whispered, Did she lead me here on purpose? Huyen Ninh, what is it that you truly want from me? If you dare to harm me, the Emperor will never forgive you!

I could not suppress a cold, hollow laugh. No matter what I do, in his eyes, it is always a transgression. Since that is the case, it is better that I make your life a living hell first; at the very least, my own heart will find some solace. Terrified, her face contorted in panic, and she spun around to flee. I will go to the Emperor at once and tell him you mean to take my life!

It was too late. Without Ky Uyen at her side, Ngoc Nhien was nothing more than a pathetic, hollow shell of a person. With a flick of my wrist, I burned her throat to cinders, ensuring she would never utter another word. In the same breath, I shattered the bones in her limbs one by one, leaving her to collapse upon the earth like a heap of discarded clay. I reached out and gouged out her eyes, shoving two cold, glass beads into the empty sockets. Ngoc Nhien could neither weep nor scream, only release muffled, incoherent sobs. I dragged my fingernails across her cheek, whispering coldly, Do not think for a moment that I am unaware of the truth. Over the past nine lifetimes, it was always you, whispering into Ky Uyen’s ear, goading him to torment me. Someone like you deserves nothing less than to taste the agony of a fate worse than death.

As the words left my lips, a violent gale descended upon the banks. In the blink of an eye, Ngoc Nhien was swept into the arms of Ky Uyen. Seeing her grotesque, broken form, he choked back a sob, murmuring reassurances: Nhien, do not be afraid. I will surely find a way to heal you.

I offered a dry, mocking chuckle. Do not waste your efforts, Emperor. You used the bone-shattering vine to break me in the past; surely, you know I am well-versed in its application as well. Your precious, beloved darling will bear this mark for the rest of her days. Upon hearing this, Ngoc Nhien shuddered violently, her terror so profound that she slipped into a dead faint. Ky Uyen ordered the spirit-guards to carry her back to the palace before turning his gaze toward me, his eyes brimming with pure, unadulterated hatred. He gritted his teeth and spat, Huyen Ninh, Nhien is the final boundary of my patience. I had intended to spare your life, mindful of the years we spent as husband and wife. But it is you who refuses to cherish that mercy. Then do not blame me for what follows!

Consumed by rage, Ky Uyen no longer possessed the patience to draw out my suffering. His dark, ghostly aura coalesced into a blade of pure malice, piercing directly through my heart in a single, swift strike.

For the first time in my existence, I felt no pain. Instead, a strange, profound sense of lightness washed over me. After ten lifetimes of endless entanglement, the dust was finally returning to the dust. Seeing the faint smile that tugged at my lips, a flicker of unease crossed Ky Uyen’s face. Huyen Ninh, what are you smiling about?

I coughed up a spray of blood, a ghost of a grin remaining as I replied, Ky Uyen, can you not see? I have been praying for this death with every fiber of my being. And more than that, I prayed for it to be by your own hand.

Ky Uyen, failing to grasp the hidden weight of my words, knitted his brows and barked, What are you babbling about? Speak clearly!

I smiled, my eyes shimmering with secret intent. The truth is, the Emperor of Fengdu and I share a long-standing pact… Before I could finish, the rising tide of blood choked my throat, rendering the rest of my words a strangled murmur. Ky Uyen rose, his expression twisted in disgust. I care nothing for your pacts! Once you are dead, your promises are worth nothing. I have a duty to attend to Nhien—see to your own end!

Watching his retreating back, I let out a self-deprecating laugh. To Ky Uyen, Ngoc Nhien would always be the priority. I was on the brink of death, yet he could not be bothered to stay and hear my final words. The young man from the years of old, who once claimed that the world held nothing for him but me, who once listened patiently to my troubles night after night, had truly vanished long ago. It seemed I was the only one left who still clung to those ghosts of the past.

I shook my head, banishing those useless thoughts from my mind. With the last dregs of my fading strength, I projected my voice across the thousand miles: Great Emperor, if you do not save me now, I shall truly have to die a second time.

When I regained consciousness, I was already within the walls of the city of Fengdu. The wounds at my heart and the mangled state of my limbs had been completely restored. Seeing me wake, Mother Meng pulled me into a tight embrace, her face still etched with residual fear. Huyen Ninh, thank the heavens you called for help in time. The Great Emperor warned that if you had expired this time, your soul would have been scattered to the winds forever! If only you had told me sooner, I never would have agreed to help you…

I patted Mother Meng’s shoulder to reassure her, then turned toward the Great Emperor of Fengdu. My thanks for your intervention, Great Emperor. But what you promised me—is it not finally time for it to be fulfilled?