Chapter 8 — The Eldest Sister from the Underworld

Elder Sister Xiao Hang, I am exceptionally skilled at fighting now. There is not a single soul in the martial arena capable of defeating me. How wonderful it would have been if I had possessed this strength back then, in those bygone years.

These were the words that echoed in my ears most frequently—the sorrowful, regretful weeping of Shen Zhiyu.

Gui Hang, I miss you so terribly.

If only the one who died that year had been me.

I wandered aimlessly back and forth along the desolate path of the Yellow Springs, gazing endlessly into the distance from the Lookout Platform, and crossing the Bridge of Helplessness over and over again. Yet, for reasons unknown, the gates of reincarnation remained closed to me. I mused that it was perhaps because I still harbored deep attachments to them, unable to sever the mortal ties binding my soul. A sudden gust of wind swept through, billowing the white curtains high into the air. I rose smoothly to my feet, dusting my hands together in a casual gesture.

Very well, my period of family visitation has officially come to an end.

Next month, I shall return once more. All of you must take good care of yourselves, ensuring you eat your meals on time and maintain a proper sleeping schedule.

By then, should anyone demonstrate exemplary behavior...

I swept my gaze slowly across the circle of faces surrounding me.

I might just reveal the answer to you all.

One month later. Upon my return to the mortal realm, Qin Rui had finally become a man with a true home of his own. The dwelling was meticulously decorated, and he had even thoughtfully reserved the largest master bedroom exclusively for me. Chu Ziming’s chronic stomach ailment had grown somewhat severe, prompting him to specially hire a professional nutritionist to oversee his daily diet. The stacks of boxing videotapes that once cluttered Xie Yaoguang’s desk had all been replaced with specialized fitness meal plans, and he had even invested in a vast array of new household furniture. As for Shen Zhiyu, he was now able to fall into a peaceful slumber without relying on sleeping pills. Eight young men sat in a neat row within the spacious living room, resembling obedient students anxiously awaiting a strict teacher to inspect their homework. I cast my approving eyes over each of them in turn, nodding gently with a satisfied smile.

Not bad at all.

Just as the words faded from my lips, the faint, ethereal sound of flowing water suddenly rang in my ears. Startled, I jerked my head around to look behind me. The mystical Bridge of Helplessness had materialized right there in my wake. Upon the dreary, ash-colored surface of the bridge, the venerable grandmother of forgotten sorrows was slowly stirring her cauldron of oblivion. Perhaps because the lingering karmic ties and earthly worries that bound me had finally been resolved, the appointed hour for my reincarnation had officially arrived. I withdrew my gaze, looking back toward the eight figures seated before me, and let out a soft, gentle sigh.

When I returned to the mortal realm this time, the truth is, I only ever wanted to tell you all...

What happened back then was never your fault.

The profound favor and unconditional affection that I was denied by my own parents, you all gave to me in abundance.

To have crossed paths and known all of you in this lifetime has brought me immense joy.

I turned sharply on my heel, presenting my back to them as I raised a hand to wave a final farewell.

Do not yearn for me any longer; I am departing to walk the path of reincarnation.

Until we meet again in the days to come.

A sudden flurry of panicked footsteps erupted from behind as someone lunged forward in desperate pursuit. The delicate necklace resting against the left side of my chest flared with a sudden, intense warmth, glowing as fiercely as the interwoven heartbeats of nine souls merging into one. Yet, I dared not turn my head back. Perhaps it is best this way... Until we meet again.