Chapter 268: The Puppet Seal, Choosing the Love One Is Used To

At this moment, although Liu Yi’s voice was cold, it gave the two a glimmer of hope. It was Lan Ren who answered first, asking with a hint of doubt, “Can we both survive? What do you want?” There are no free lunches in this world. Though happy to hear Liu Yi’s words, Lan Ren knew it wouldn’t be that simple.
Liu Yi’s black figure moved gently. In the airflow, the black shadow moved like nothingness, slowly advancing. Then, his voice came again: “You killed the prodigy. I should have killed you here, but… I think if the prodigy knew, he wouldn’t want me to retaliate in the same way. Since you can stay now, I’ll give you both another chance to live—just see if you’ll cherish it.” Su Shao couldn’t help but ask, “So, what do we have to do?” Liu Yi’s black figure continued moving, slowly approaching Lan Ren. Yet, there was no real body before Lan Ren’s eyes—only a shadow formed by the airflow, with blood-red eyes fixed on her. He continued, “What you need to do is simple: from this moment onward, forget everything from before and work for me from now on.” This was why Liu Yi suddenly changed his mind. He had originally only wanted to subdue Su Shao, but now that Lan Ren refused to leave, he had no choice but to take a risk.
Su Shao didn’t react strongly upon hearing this. For him, he had no true loyalty; he did whatever he liked. In matters of battle, he could stand on any side. So, as soon as Liu Yi finished speaking, Su Shao looked at Lan Ren’s face, waiting for her reply.
Lan Ren glanced at Su Shao’s eyes and seemed to understand his meaning. But if she followed Liu Yi’s words, from today onward, this person would become their master, and in the future, he might even fight her brother to the death. That was unacceptable. Yet, if they disobeyed, they might both die here…
Just then, Liu Yi’s formless figure moved gently again. His black arm rose slowly, and as his fingers stretched out, two arc-shaped black seals crossed in front of him. Then, Liu Yi’s voice rang out, “You have a choice—live or die. Don’t try to deceive me. The seal in my hand is called the ‘Puppet Seal.’ If you decide to live, you must obey absolutely from now on. Of course… I’ll give you some free time.” By now, Liu Yi was no longer the same demon he used to be. The Heart of Darkness had given him unimaginable power, and the resurrection of the true demon made him look down on everything. Hearing Liu Yi’s words, Lan Ren was speechless. If they agreed, they could survive, but it would be as if they lost their freedom.

But if she refused, then it would be a mystery who among the two could live and who could die. As Blue Blade pondered, Liu Yi’s cold voice came through, saying, “Do you think helping your brother like this means you love him? Do you realize how ignorant you are? In his eyes, you are nothing but a tool. See? You’re about to die now, but… what about your own brother? What’s he doing? He’s run away!” Liu Yi spoke in a calm, sarcastic tone.

“I didn’t think giving you both a chance would be of any help to me. Now that the power of the True Demon has returned to its true form, what I need to do is simple: subdue the Divine Dragon, bring my lover back to the heavens, and settle accounts with Pangu. Seeing you both, I only wanted to give you a chance to start over. Everything is coming to an end. It’s up to you to choose.” As he spoke, Liu Yi’s voice carried a hint of sorrow, as if thinking of something. Yes… everything was coming to an end. The love spanning three lifetimes would finally have its resolution. Yet, before that resolution came, he didn’t want to see lovers separated any longer.

The moment Liu Yi finished speaking, time stopped. In the darkness, there was no sound. Blue Blade’s beautiful eyes slowly settled on Su Shao. It was unclear how much time passed. Finally, seemingly unable to bear the oppressive darkness any longer, Blue Blade shook her head violently and cried, “No, I can’t hurt my brother.” As soon as she spoke, Su Shao immediately replied, “Alright. Since you’ve made up your mind, leave quickly. I’m willing to die here.” Su Shao didn’t say much. All he did was wait, waiting for Blue Blade to give him an answer. But by the time he spoke those last words, his voice trembled slightly.

After Su Shao spoke, Blue Blade showed no intention of leaving. She continued to shake her head and said, “I can’t leave either. I can’t let you die here.” For some reason, Blue Blade suddenly said such things, but to Su Shao’s ears, it seemed his death had meaning.

Hearing Blue Blade’s words, Liu Yi continued, “You must choose. Choose for yourself—whether to love your brother or the person by your side.” Hearing Liu Yi’s words, Blue Blade was suddenly stunned. After all this time, she finally understood. Her brother had given her so much support and trust. Yet now, he left so easily. The person by her side was that familiar yet strange figure. What should she do? After a long pause, Blue Blade’s eyes grew confused as she casually asked, “Can I trust you?” That question was so fragile, so helpless, yet it was directed at Su Shao.

Hearing Lan Bian’s words, Su Shao suddenly froze in place. Looking into Lan Bian’s beautiful eyes, he didn’t know what to say, seemingly not understanding the meaning behind her words. At that moment, Liu Yi gave them the only answer, saying, “Why do you ask such a childish question? Let me give you the simplest example: if a sword is about to hurt you, do you think your brother will save you, or Su Shao?” Listening to Liu Yi’s words, Lan Bian seemed to think of something and glanced at Su Shao. Liu Yi continued, “You could have trusted him.” His voice was soft, as if hiding some other meaning. Just as he finished speaking, Su Shao’s voice quickly came through, saying, “Be careful!” At the same time, a figure swiftly appeared in front of Liu Yi. It happened so suddenly, in just an instant. Lan Bian, behind Su Shao, didn’t even have time to react. Moments later, red blood flowed down from the black sword, while Liu Yi’s hand still held the hilt.

It turned out that as soon as Liu Yi finished his last sentence, his sword had already been thrust at Lan Bian. The speed was so fast that Lan Bian didn’t notice. But with Su Shao’s cultivation level, how could he fail to notice? Without hesitation, he moved at the fastest speed to block Liu Yi’s sword.

In an instant, Lan Bian was stunned, and Su Shao was too in pain to speak. Then, Liu Yi’s voice came through again, with a hint of sigh, saying, “On the edge of life and death, people come to understand many things. In fact, it’s just habit… You’re just used to Su Shao being by your side. That habit has suppressed the feelings in your heart.” For a long time, Lan Bian didn’t say anything, just standing there in shock. Yet Liu Yi’s voice filled the space: “I’ve given you the best outcome. Look at this person who is willing to die for you. Ask yourself—can you trust him?” Liu Yi’s words were simple and clear, but each word struck Lan Bian’s heart like thunder from the heavens.

Finally, Lan Bian’s sad voice came through, saying, “No.” Then, she quickly walked over to Liu Yi and said urgently, “Okay, I promise you. As long as he doesn’t die, I’ll promise you anything.” Liu Yi slowly released his hand, allowing the black sword to pierce Su Shao’s chest. Then he stretched out his hands and quickly formed two “Puppet Seals” with black energy. He then asked, “Are you willing to forget everything that happened before this moment and forever be a puppet of the demon, obeying forever?” As soon as he finished speaking, the “Puppet Seals” in his hands crossed rapidly, becoming even more prominent.

While supporting Su Shao’s body, Lan Bian listened to Liu Yi’s words. After he finished speaking, she didn’t think much and replied, “I’m willing.” The moment she said that, the two black “Puppet Seals” shot straight into their foreheads, crossed there, and then moved quickly, finally forming seals on Lan Bian’s right hand and Su Shao’s left arm.

After a brief pause, Liu Yi’s dark figure spoke again, “To forget the past, you still need to do it yourselves. That mark merely prevents you from rebelling. I hope you understand.” With that, he swung his right hand sharply. As Liu Yi raised his hand, the entire black space began to deform instantly. The dark currents slowly dispersed and vanished, eventually disappearing completely. Liu Yi’s figure also gradually emerged from the darkness. The sky turned blue once more, sunlight shone on the earth, and the black long sword stuck in Su Shao’s chest vanished in an instant. The wound on his chest seemed as if it had never existed. As the darkness disappeared, Su Shao and Lan Ren looked at each other, seemingly wanting to say something. At that moment, Liu Yi quickly walked over to the King of the Underworld. Seeing Yu Chenxing lying in the king’s arms, he asked worriedly, “How is she?” By now, Liu Yi no longer disliked this little girl. On the contrary, after so many experiences, she had left a deep impression on him. The King of the Underworld simply held Yu Chenxing in his arms. Yu Chenxing’s face was pale, devoid of any vitality. Her beautiful eyes were tightly closed, showing great pain, yet her curved lips revealed a sense of happiness. The King of the Underworld shook his head and said, “My daughter will not die. Go back. One day, she will come to you.” Liu Yi didn’t understand what the King meant and asked, “Let me help her.” The King shook his head, paused for a moment, and said, “You can’t help her.” After saying that, he slowly stood up and walked away without saying another word. Liu Yi wanted to stop him, but since the King was Yu Chenxing’s father, he gave up the idea. Watching the king’s tall figure gradually disappear, Liu Yi helplessly shook his head. Gazing into the distance, he seemed lost in thought. Everything had happened so suddenly, as if something was driving it forward. Now, he no longer had many concerns. Everything was coming to an end. He needed to go to the Divine Realm to find Pangu’s tears and the vanished divine dragon. Liu Yi turned to Su Shao and Lan Ren and said, “Follow me back to Tearsless City.” Lan Ren said nothing, but Su Shao nodded and replied, “Yes, master.” By now, the Illusory Realm had been shattered, and the path was clear. As Liu Yi summoned the divine dragon, the three of them rode it back to Tearsless City. Moments later, Liu Yi arrived in the hall of Tearsless City. Liu Yi sat down, while Lan Ren and Su Shao stood behind him. After explaining things to everyone, they finally understood why these two were there. The hall fell silent. After what seemed like a long time, Liu Yi broke the silence and said, “I’m going to the Divine Realm. It’s been so long; it’s time to meet my old friends.” Liu Yi spoke simply and naturally. July and the others also knew who his old friends were.

Before anyone could speak, Liu Yi turned his gaze to July and said, “You don’t need to go on this trip to the Divine Realm. I’ll finish what I need to do quickly and return to the human world.” July naturally knew that what Liu Yi meant was to search for the tears, but she didn’t realize there was still one drop of those tears in the human world. Still, she had her own concerns and asked, “With your current level of cultivation, aren’t you afraid of danger in the Divine Realm? The Divine Dragon hasn’t been tamed yet.” Liu Yi nodded and said, “There might be danger, but I still have to go. I must meet Pangu; otherwise, how can I get his tears?” In truth, Liu Yi hadn’t planned it this way. He was well aware of the dangers in the Divine Realm and originally intended to return to the human world first to tame the Divine Dragon and find that drop of tear in the Upper Divine Realm, which would be safer. But the human world was vast compared to the Divine Realm, much simpler to navigate, and Pangu’s tears were absolutely essential. Liu Yi had already made up his mind—he wouldn’t fight Pangu unless he rescued the Heavenly Maiden.

Hearing Liu Yi’s words, July realized he had made a decision that couldn’t be changed. She wanted to say something but couldn’t, her eyes showing concern. Looking at this deeply affectionate woman, Liu Yi suddenly smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I won’t fight Pangu until the Heavenly Maiden returns to the Divine Realm. With my current cultivation, I can still escape if needed.” Liu Yi’s words eased the tension in the hall. Ye Luo Baihua beside him couldn’t help but laugh and say, “Right, if you can’t fight, just run. If there are too many people in the Divine Realm, go back to the human world.” Hearing Ye Luo Baihua’s words, Liu Yi nodded and smiled, “I definitely have to return to the human world. If July likes it, she can stay here.” Hearing this, July seemed to remember something and said, “I don’t want to stay here. I want to return to the Eternal City. It’s been so long—I wonder how Brother Wolf is doing. I really miss him.” Although she said she was returning to the Eternal City to see the Wolf King, she had other plans in mind.

At that moment, Ye Luo Baihua asked, “Is the Eternal City in the human world? Is it fun there?” July nodded and said, “That’s our home. There are many good people there. The city is above the Tian Mountains, and snowflakes fall every day—it’s very beautiful. It’s not cold at all inside the city, and flowers bloom there.” After so much wandering, July had come to regard the Eternal City as her home, where at least she had people she loved.

Ye Luo Baihua nodded and said, “Is that so? I really hope I can go and see it too.” July nodded and said, “Sure. If you like it, stay in the human world. The Netherworld is so desolate.” The two chatted happily back and forth. Watching the two women, Liu Yi took out the stone from “End of the World” and handed it to July, saying, “This stone leads to the Netherworld. I think it can also take you back. If you miss the Wolf King, go and see him. And by the way… give my regards to him.” Speaking of the Wolf King, Liu Yi was filled with emotion—first meeting as young people, meeting again after ten years, and now, up to this very day.

In July, as she took the stone, she suddenly remembered something. She looked up at Liu Yi and said, “Be careful when you go to the Divine Realm.” Those few words expressed July’s concerns. Hearing this, Ye Luobaihua beside her also showed a worried expression.

At that moment, Su Shao behind Liu Yi said, “How about I accompany my master to the Divine Realm? There won’t be any danger.” Liu Yi turned to look at Su Shao, then saw Lan Ren’s worried expression. He shook his head and smiled, saying, “Too many people will only cause trouble. You stay with Lan Ren. I can go by myself. You all can return to the Eternal City with July.” What Liu Yi said was true—he didn’t want too many people involved in his conflict with Pangu, nor did he want to see Lan Ren worry about Su Shao. Perhaps it was because of his own experiences that he could better understand others’ feelings.

After hearing Liu Yi’s words, Lan Ren didn’t say anything, but gratitude appeared in her eyes. From that day on, she finally understood that she needed to take control of her own future instead of relying on others. She seemed to have more insights now, and deep in her heart, she was especially grateful for the opportunity Liu Yi had given her.

Ye Luobaihua listened to Liu Yi’s words, glanced at July, and said, “Be careful. Your sister July and I are very worried. We’ll wait for good news from you in the Eternal City.” Liu Yi slowly stood up and said, “You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll know when to stop.” With that, he slowly walked out of the hall. He didn’t want to continue the conversation—perhaps that would only bring more sadness and worry. It was better to end the day like this.

The clouds in the sky drifted slowly by, and the sun gradually set. The day had finally arrived. Although the Eight Deserts Divine Dragons hadn’t gathered, Liu Yi, who now possessed the Heart of Darkness, planned to head to the Divine Realm. At the very least, he wanted to obtain Pangu’s tears and those legendary divine dragons.