When the Beautiful, Strong, and Tragic Meets the Unbeatable Protagonist | Chapter 43

The next day, as the two were about to leave, the villagers who weren't busy with farming came to see them off.

After all, the local customs were simple and pure, and both the people and the scenery were beautiful. Years later, when they looked back, they might still feel a warmth in their hearts.

The newlywed couple approached with a food table, which held some scattered peanuts, lotus seeds, and candies—typical celebratory foods they usually couldn't afford to eat, only brought out for special occasions.

The village chief smiled so wide his eyes nearly disappeared and explained, "We have a custom here of giving out candies during weddings to share in the joy of the newlyweds. We wish you both a smooth journey in your future together, and we hope you won't find it bothersome."

Lu Xiaobai smiled at the shy young couple and took a handful of candies, putting them in his pocket before bowing slightly.

Lin Ji's long eyelashes fluttered as he glanced at Lu Xiaobai before mimicking his actions.

Before leaving, Lin Ji looked back at the red silk hanging from the big tree at the village entrance, feeling a sudden pang of nostalgia.

As they walked along the road, Lin Ji took the initiative to start a conversation, "If only Cui Niang had met a family like the villagers back then, maybe she wouldn't have become a wandering spirit for decades."

Lu Xiaobai replied lightly, "Everyone has their own fate. At least she has found peace now. The past is behind us, and there's no need to look back. Outsiders shouldn't feel pity for her."

"Let's head back to Peifeng Sect as soon as possible."

After abruptly ending the topic, Lu Xiaobai took the lead and flew away on his sword.

"..."

This is why it's so hard for people to get along. As long as neither party wants to sever ties completely, even after a fierce argument, there should be some room for reconciliation.

Last night, they had said all the hurtful things, and now they couldn't find a reason to make up.

At least Lin Ji felt that way. He followed Lu Xiaobai on his sword, wanting to speak up countless times, but his mind went blank, unsure of what to say. Lu Xiaobai didn't even glance in his direction.

Lin Ji hadn't expected Lu Xiaobai to get so angry. It was only when Lu Xiaobai coldly said, "You just hate me," that Lin Ji realized how much Lu Xiaobai had exploded.

He still cared deeply about who that person was, the one Lu Xiaobai praised as a kindred spirit, a mentor and friend.

But compared to the current situation where Lu Xiaobai was deliberately ignoring him, he had no time to think about that person.

Lin Ji repeatedly recalled that moment; he had been overwhelmed by jealousy and bitterness. What had he said?

He could see Lu Xiaobai first stunned, then sneering, and finally, a deep sorrow appeared in his eyes, which eventually turned into self-mockery, leaving no emotion behind.

It turned out that in Lin Ji's heart, he was the one who was deliberately showing off, filled with a sense of superiority, his ugly face making others dislike him.

By the time Lin Ji regretted wanting to make amends, it was too late; Lu Xiaobai had left in anger.

Lu Xiaobai was easygoing and tolerant, but he wasn't a pushover. When poked in the heart, his anger was more terrifying than anyone else's.

The problem was that before this, Lin Ji hadn't realized that his words would hurt Lu Xiaobai. He thought Lu Xiaobai wouldn't care about his opinions.

Recently, Lin Ji had been feeling extremely frustrated because he believed he held no special significance to Lu Xiaobai.

He had never cared much about how Lu Xiaobai treated others, but when he saw Lu Xiaobai helping that poor child, brushing off the dust from his clothes, speaking gently to him, hugging him to comfort him, and even using spiritual energy to heal the child's injured hand...

He suddenly realized that Lu Xiaobai treated him in the same way, with the same gestures.

If the person beside him wasn't him, but anyone else, Lu Xiaobai would treat them the same way.

He couldn't accept that Lu Xiaobai's nature was to help others, combined with the awareness of being a senior brother, that was why he treated him this way.

But after their big fight, Lin Ji seemed to understand something; he might have been wrong.

It seemed that with Lu Xiaobai, he didn't have... the same relationship as with others.

Lu Xiaobai, as usual, held his sword with both hands, not glancing sideways.

At that moment, he wasn't really thinking about anything, but his heart felt blocked with a surge of anger.

As it built up, it felt like there was a surge of energy flowing through his body, and Lu Xiaobai, slightly puzzled, reached out to touch it, only to feel a sudden pain in his shoulder.

Cultivators usually recover quickly, and his wounds had healed long ago.

Lin Ji had been secretly watching Lu Xiaobai, and suddenly saw his spiritual energy flicker, causing the sword to drop several feet.

Startled, Lin Ji raised his hand to stabilize the sword with his own spiritual energy and hurried over to support Lu Xiaobai, "What's wrong with you?"

Strangely, that sudden sharp pain only lasted a moment before fading away.

After a moment of confusion, Lu Xiaobai instinctively looked down, seeing the mountains and rivers far below, suddenly feeling a sense of weightlessness and dizziness. The higher he was, the more he felt an urge to jump down and return to the ground.

Lu Xiaobai widened his eyes and quickly looked up, his mind clearing up a bit, and his body instinctively leaned towards Lin Ji.

Seeing his reaction, Lin Ji recalled some images and suddenly had an epiphany, "Are you...?"

Lu Xiaobai suddenly pushed him away, "I'm fine, thank you."

Lin Ji said, "I see your spiritual energy is unstable. How about I carry you?"

Lu Xiaobai replied softly, "I've already established my foundation, no need to trouble you."

"..."

Meng Wanqiu was quite surprised when he received the message talisman. He hadn't expected his two disciples to progress so smoothly and rapidly. Before he could finish his snacks, they had both returned to Peifeng Sect.

The Sect Leader hurried over upon hearing the news, and the two immortals sat at the head of the table, listening with great satisfaction as the two recounted their experiences in the ruins.

But in reality, Lin Ji and Lu Xiaobai had lingered in the mortal realm for a while longer; otherwise, they would have returned even earlier.

They separated the treasures that didn't benefit them much personally but were advantageous for the sect and presented them to the sect.

The Sect Leader smiled so widely his eyes nearly turned into slits, stroking his beard, "Wanqiu, it seems our generation is truly passing, and the next generation is full of talent. Just from your disciples, two have emerged." Peifeng Sect has a bright future ahead!

Meng Wanqiu enjoyed the Sect Leader's joy for a while, but he felt more puzzled and worried, "Why did you harvest so much? You weren't hurt, were you?"

Lu Xiaobai replied, "Maybe it was just good luck."

Meng Wanqiu looked at Lu Xiaobai. He had noticed that since their meeting, Xiaobai's mood had been low.

Normally, according to his character, he would have been eager to share all the events that happened in the ruins, but now most of it was heard from A Ji.

However, after going out, A Ji had indeed become much more talkative than before.

Lin Ji waited for a long time but saw no intention from Lu Xiaobai to explain, so he had to speak up, "The situation was indeed very urgent. The summoning ceremony activated, and a powerful being appeared to help us... me."

No, it wasn't helping them; it only helped him...

And it conveniently summoned the treasures from the ruins.

After Lin Ji finished speaking, he was stunned. Right... no matter what, the timely appearance of Ling Yun Immortal helped him, but after escaping danger, he felt no gratitude, only his own confusion, repeatedly questioning Lu Xiaobai.

Moreover, Ling Yun Immortal clearly recognized him, the deeply sinful demon from his past life, yet made no indication, dismissing his enemies before disappearing, not even laying a hand on him.

Why did Lu Xiaobai's primordial spirit suddenly appear? Was it really as the other said, that he was just annoyed at being awakened?

Or was it to absorb the spiritual energy from the ruins... or did he come out just to help him?

Lin Ji's heart trembled, and he heard Lu Xiaobai's cold voice questioning:

"Ultimately, you just hate me."

"No matter what I do, you think I have ulterior motives."

When one's prejudice against someone runs deep, they often only see what they want to see, making it hard to view the other person fairly and comprehensively, ignoring many good aspects, even if the essence of the problem is quite shallow, even if that person is right in front of them.

Seeing Lin Ji suddenly fall silent, Lu Xiaobai glanced at him, not expecting him to cover for him.

He thought that even if Lin Ji didn't reveal his identity, he would still hint at it, directly or indirectly.

After a long time, Lin Ji's throat choked up, and he continued to explain the process of the "powerful being" appearing and disappearing, even providing the solution to his master's demonic poison.

"That's great! This powerful being's heroic spirit truly cares for the younger generation. You two are quite lucky."

After the Sect Leader finished his sentiment, he recalled his dealings with some high monks from the Buddhist sect and voluntarily offered to help Meng Wanqiu negotiate, looking for a young monk who had been raised in the temple, cultivated spiritual energy, and had never killed, to obtain some pure spiritual blood to cure Meng Wanqiu's demonic poison.

Meng Wanqiu said, "…Hey, Senior Brother, don't rush."

Usually, drinking strange medicines was one thing, but now he had to drink human blood. Didn't he consider whether he would have any psychological barriers?

The Sect Leader helplessly placed a hand on Meng Wanqiu's shoulder, speaking earnestly, "Junior Brother, don't shy away from seeking treatment. Since there's a way to detoxify, we must first seek it out. Don't worry, I will work with the other brothers to find you the purest spiritual beast blood."

However, if they ultimately couldn't find the spiritual beast blood, the Sect Leader wouldn't tell Meng Wanqiu the truth, believing that if he mixed it with the medicine, no one would be able to tell what kind of blood it was.

Meng Wanqiu said, "…"

The Sect Leader walked ahead, looking at the talented disciples of his sect with satisfaction, continuing to give meaningful advice, "You two brothers have teamed up several times, and each time has been successful. You must continue to maintain this, respecting and caring for each other."

Lin Ji said, "…"

Lu Xiaobai said, "…"

After the Sect Leader left, only the three of them remained on Luoxia Peak.

Lu Xiaobai took out a pile of gift boxes from his storage bag, filled with local specialties they had bought during their travels, including food and some handmade trinkets, all chosen together with Lin Ji.

"Old man, this is what Lin Ji and I brought back for you. Enjoy it slowly."

Bringing back gifts after a trip was something families loved to do; food could satisfy cravings, and toys could relieve boredom.

Meng Wanqiu eagerly rummaged through the boxes, "The feeling of raising disciples is really great; you two are thoughtful."

The master glanced between the two, unable to help but ask, "In the ruins, did you both manage to do what I said—trust each other and never betray?"

The two were taken aback, and Lu Xiaobai was the first to chuckle lightly, "Old man, what are you thinking? We made it out."

Indeed, if they had quarreled in the ruins, they wouldn't have been picking gifts for him together afterward.

So, did their conflict arise only after they left the ruins? Meng Wanqiu thought for a moment and said, "You must be exhausted from the long journey; go back and rest."

"Today is a rest day. You can go to the hot springs in the mountains, invite a few friends to enjoy the scenery and relax a bit," Meng Wanqiu suggested thoughtfully.

"No thanks." Lu Xiaobai stood up, "I’ll head back to my cave."

To be honest, he just wanted to go back and sleep.

"Alright." Meng Wanqiu said, "Let me see how your shoulder injury is healing tomorrow."

Lu Xiaobai waved his hand, "No need, it's already healed!"

Meng Wanqiu insisted, "You need to be more careful after getting hurt in the ruins. Rest well, and let me take a look at what happened."

"Then it's up to you." Lu Xiaobai took the lead, and Lin Ji was about to catch up when Meng Wanqiu called out to him, "First, tell me, did you two have another fight?"

Every time they went out and came back, the atmosphere between the two was different, which really gave their master a headache.

Lin Ji sat back down, hesitating for a long time before finally speaking, "…It was my fault."

Meng Wanqiu guessed this—having raised two children at home, he could tell at a glance who was angry and who felt guilty.

Meng Wanqiu sighed, "A Ji, remember to talk to Xiaobai properly."

After all, Meng Wanqiu remembered that Lu Xiaobai rarely got angry.

Meng Wanqiu slowly instructed, "Don't rush. Speak well; tone is very important, and communication is crucial."

"If you feel you're in the wrong, soften your attitude and say a few good words; it won't cost you anything."

"Don't always go head-to-head; being too rigid can lead to breakage."

"If I were to quarrel with your Sect Leader like you two do every few days, we wouldn't be able to sit and chat over tea in the sect, let alone be friendly."

But in fact, when they were young, they all had fiery tempers, and their relationships weren't as harmonious as they are now; conflicts occurred from time to time.

It was only after reaching a certain age that their minds calmed down, and they no longer cared about momentary rights and wrongs, nor did they have the energy to argue endlessly like when they were young, gradually learning to respect and yield to each other.

That didn't stop Meng Wanqiu from using their current selves as examples to teach his disciples, since A Ji didn't know what they were like before.

Lin Ji listened with his head lowered, pondering for a long time, and then gently opened his lips:

"Master... please teach me."

Lin Ji had planned for a long time, preparing his speech and apology before finally crossing the bamboo forest to arrive outside Lu Xiaobai's cave.

He walked for a long time, feeling anxious and a bit melancholic.

His cave was one he had specifically chosen, completely opposite to Lu Xiaobai's. One was on the east side of Luoxia Peak, and the other on the west; he had tried hard to avoid too much interaction with Lu Xiaobai.

At the beginning of his rebirth, he had indeed been unwilling and resentful, unable to stand Lu Xiaobai, and had truly hated him, viewing him as a rival to be wary of.

But a person's thoughts change every moment, and he didn't know when that resistance in his heart began to dissolve and fade... he became increasingly concerned about Lu Xiaobai, wanting to act alongside him, not wanting his gaze to fall on anyone but himself.

Now he couldn't retrieve that initial feeling, and he even found it hard to understand why he had to go against Lu Xiaobai.

His feelings had changed, but his previous mindset still lingered. It wasn't until he verbally acknowledged that Lu Xiaobai's primordial spirit had saved him that he suddenly recalled.

Lin Ji, slow to reflect, realized he should apologize. All along, he had taken Lu Xiaobai's protection and care for granted, even... becoming spoiled.

But when he finally gathered the courage to walk into the restrictions of the cave, he found the owner had said he was coming back to rest but was nowhere to be found.

Even the Yan Yu Beast was missing.

Meng Wanqiu would never have guessed that Lu Xiaobai's mindset had also reached that kind of state he mentioned, feeling drained and melancholic after their argument, with anger only lasting for a moment.

Lu Xiaobai had found the highest peak of Peifeng Sect to drink alone, wanting to be quiet by himself.

The Yan Yu Beast flapped its wings in front of him for a long time, but seeing its master ignore it, it could only land aside and quietly accompany him.

Suddenly, Lu Xiaobai said to it, "Little Yan Yu, do you think... I'm being too one-sided and selfish?"

The Yan Yu Beast: "?"

The concept of selfishness was a bit complex for a non-human creature, and it didn't quite understand.

Fortunately, Lu Xiaobai wasn't genuinely seeking an answer; he was more like talking to himself:

"There are too many barriers between Lin Ji and me from our past lives, to the point of being irreconcilable."

"Why would I think that if I treat him a little better in this life, he would have to see me in a different light and not hold grudges against me?"

All he did was self-comfort, trying to repay his debts by making up for Lin Ji, to feel better about himself.

In his past life, Lin Ji had committed the grave sins of killing his master and severely injuring the leader of the Yunshang Immortal Sect, and had been captured by the Punishment Division set up by the immortal sect. At that time, he hadn't fully fallen into darkness.

For such heinous crimes that extinguished humanity, the cultivation world had special prisons waiting for him.

Lin Ji was locked in the Flame Mountain Purgatory, where the underground magma boiled continuously, and the heat was so intense that even ants couldn't survive. It felt like being in a giant steamer; if not for his spiritual power, he wouldn't have lasted even a few days.

Lin Ji's limbs were bound by chains, unable to escape, and could only passively wait for the elder council of the immortal sect to gather for his trial in the Punishment Division.

He suddenly heard the respectful voice of the immortal sect disciple guarding outside, "Lu Daoshi, what brings you here?"

Lin Ji looked up with a cold smile, not expecting the first and only visitor to be him.

Lu Xiaobai, did he still think he hadn't been hurt enough?

The prison in the purgatory didn't look like a human prison; it was a bit more "humane." Lin Ji was locked in a cave near the magma, which had a hollowed-out section, making him look like he was embedded in the stone wall from a distance.

Seeing this, Lu Xiaobai quickly flew in to check. Lin Ji was sitting on the ground, his clothes soaked with sweat, his forehead covered in perspiration, his face extremely pale, and his lips cracked like a parched field.

Lu Xiaobai rushed to his side, quickly taking out a water flask and handing it over, while feeling puzzled.

Logically, Lin Ji's spiritual power was quite high; he shouldn't be suffering so much from the heat.

After a long time, Lin Ji opened his narrow eyes halfway and directly pushed Lu Xiaobai's hand away, causing the water flask to fall into the magma and disappear.

Lu Xiaobai advised, "Why do you have to make things difficult for yourself?"

Lin Ji coldly laughed, "What are you here for? To watch me make a fool of myself?"

Lu Xiaobai's lips moved, his face slightly pale, "…No, I'm here to take you out."

He had just recovered and learned that Lin Ji was suffering in the purgatory, so he hurried over.

Lin Ji seemed to hear something amusing and gradually laughed out loud, "You want to take me out... how do you plan to do that?"

Lu Xiaobai replied firmly, "I don't believe you would commit such a crime. I will guarantee your release."

Lin Ji was taken aback and self-deprecatingly said, "You trust me that much?"

Lu Xiaobai remained confident, "You are not that kind of person. The news of Xuan Yi Zhenren's death was released by the Yunshang Immortal Sect; I don't believe them."

"You tell me the truth... even if you don't understand the situation, we can buy time and investigate the truth together."

Seeing Lin Ji's emotions stabilize, he once again offered the spare water flask.

It was once again violently rejected by Lin Ji, falling into the magma.

Lin Ji raised his gaze, revealing a smile, and countered, "Is your status in the cultivation world now so unassailable? Congratulations."

"But I'm still very curious, how do you plan to guarantee my release?"

Given the current situation, breaking out of prison was simpler than guaranteeing his release.

Lu Xiaobai remained silent for a long time, suddenly looking directly at Lin Ji, "Lin Ji, come to my side."

Lin Ji was stunned.

Lu Xiaobai took out the disciple token of Peifeng Sect, speaking slowly, "I can take you as my disciple on behalf of my master, Ling Yun Zunzhe."

"As long as you come to my side. You tell me your grievances and the situation at that time, even if it's just a thread of evidence, I will definitely investigate the truth and clear your name."

Lin Ji was dazed for a long time, and finally, his expression showed some movement.

Just as Lu Xiaobai thought he was about to succeed, Lin Ji returned to his previous state, coldly mocking, "Finally found a chance to look down on me from above, huh?"

He had long become a mass of ink; how could he have any innocence?

"Lu Xiaobai, you must think of yourself as very righteous and like a savior at this moment, right? Tell me, do you want me to praise your abilities, your wisdom, or your magnanimity?"

"Clearly, not long ago, I had severely injured you, yet you are so forgiving. I'm truly moved."

Lin Ji's tone was flat, as if he had already given up on himself. His soul had died the moment Xuan Yi Zhenren passed away.

He had even lost interest in comparing strengths and weaknesses with Lu Xiaobai.

Lu Xiaobai looked at him in disbelief, finally unable to hold back and exploded, "Why do you reject me so much from the beginning to the end?"

"Am I really that detestable to you?!"

Lu Xiaobai lowered his gaze, "Is it because of the Mermaid Pearl I summoned that day, does it have something to do with you...?"

Lin Ji suddenly became agitated, "Shut up!"

His eyes were filled with hatred for Lu Xiaobai: "I hate your seemingly innocent face the most, yet you enjoy all the good things in the world!"

Lu Xiaobai was astonished, not doubting that if Lin Ji had a knife at that moment, he would definitely stab him.

After Lin Ji shouted, he realized his limbs were bound and he couldn't move, and his emotions gradually calmed down after a long time.

He looked at Lu Xiaobai, and the corners of his lips suddenly curled into a smile, "Don't you want to know why I hate you? Come closer, and I'll tell you."

Lu Xiaobai was well aware that such words were a trap.

He had read in storybooks that when someone truly leaned in, the trapped beast would bite off the enemy's ear.

But Lu Xiaobai still felt that he and Lin Ji didn't have a deadly hatred, but more of a competitive rivalry.

He still remembered their agreement to duel after reaching the peak. Not long ago, they had been drinking and laughing together; why had it changed so quickly?

He couldn't understand, and he was determined to hit the wall before he was satisfied.

So Lu Xiaobai leaned in. Lin Ji also slowly moved closer, their breaths warm against each other's necks.

Lin Ji didn't bite off his ear; instead, he tightly embraced him with his chained hands, as if wanting to embed him deeply into his bones and blood.

Lu Xiaobai suddenly felt a warm liquid slide down his collar, corroding his skin.

Lin Ji choked back a sob, filled with grievances, but the next moment, a triumphant smile appeared in his eyes.

Since they were destined not to stand together, he wanted Lu Xiaobai to remember him for a lifetime.

He wanted the other to never, ever escape from him.

Lin Ji suddenly leaned down and bit hard into the pale side of Lu Xiaobai's neck.

By the time Lu Xiaobai felt pain and pushed him away, gripping his neck, Lin Ji had already left a deep bite mark on him.

Lin Ji's eyes were bloodshot; this scene was truly a mix of hatred and lingering affection.

He left Lu Xiaobai with his final heart-wrenching words:

"As long as you exist, you are my calamity."

"..."

In his past life, Lin Ji's goal was achieved; the bite mark would fade, but the memories would not.

It was just that when they were good, Lu Xiaobai would recall the beautiful memories between them, but now that they were not, the bad memories also surfaced in his mind.

Lu Xiaobai touched his neck, recalling that Lin Ji must have hated him deeply to bite him.

Lin Ji always said that anyone who met him would like him, but Lu Xiaobai thought otherwise.

Just like he used all his means, he couldn't make Lin Ji eliminate his aversion to him.

Perhaps if he were just A Ji's senior brother, there might be a chance, but unfortunately, he was still the enemy Lin Ji hated in his past life.

Lu Xiaobai breathed in the wind to clear his mind, and by the second half of the night, he finally understood.

He shouldn't force Lin Ji to live according to his wishes and ways, insisting on walking side by side with him, being some kind of travel companion.

What he wanted might not be what Lin Ji wanted.

"Forget it, in the end, I owe him."

The next day, Lin Ji anxiously searched everywhere, checking all the places Lu Xiaobai might go.

Lu Xiaobai hadn't returned all night.

Lin Ji asked his fellow disciples if they had seen Lu Xiaobai, but they all said no, instead asking him, "Aren't you two together?"

Some junior brothers and sisters even took the initiative to ask him, "Hello, Lin Senior Brother, where's Lu Senior Brother? Aren't you two usually inseparable?"

Lin Ji: "..."

It turned out that they didn't know when it had changed from never appearing together to being inseparable in others' eyes.

A crowd had gathered in front of the martial arts arena at Lingxiu Peak, and Lin Ji hurried over, "What's going on?"

Everyone turned to him and greeted, then explained, "Greetings, Lin Senior Brother."

"Nothing much... just that we don't know who split that little desolate mountain at Lingxiu Peak in half."

"Such deep power, only the Sect Leader could do it."

"But why would the Sect Leader split a mountain in front of his own door?"

"..."

Lin Ji looked up, and indeed, that mountain had been split in half, without any exaggeration.

Looking at the break, it didn't seem like it was cut with a sword; it looked more like it was struck by heavenly lightning...

Lin Ji quickly asked, "Did anyone see Lu Senior Brother?"

With many people gathered, someone finally said, "I saw him; Lu Senior Brother was the first to discover it, and he has already gone back."

Lin Ji returned to Luoxia Peak and indeed saw Lu Xiaobai walking back along the bamboo path to his cave.

He hurried to catch up, "Xiao Bai!"

Lu Xiaobai stopped, turned around, and smiled, "What's wrong?"

Seeing his relaxed expression, Lin Ji felt relieved, but then his heart tightened again.

He didn't mention that he had waited for Lu Xiaobai all night; he just stepped forward to walk alongside him, "I'll walk back with you."

Lu Xiaobai glanced at him and nodded slightly, "Sure."

The two walked slowly, and when they reached the entrance of the cave, Lin Ji took a few deep breaths and grabbed Lu Xiaobai's wrist, "I... I have something to say to you."

Lu Xiaobai looked at him calmly, "Go ahead."

Lin Ji had rehearsed countless times in his mind, finally mustering the courage to speak, "About what happened last time... I owe you an apology."

Lin Ji had never said soft words before, and it was incredibly difficult to do so, but he still spoke slowly, reciting from the draft he had prepared: "I shouldn't have spoken harshly to you and lost my temper. From now on, I will listen carefully to whatever you want to say."

Lin Ji lowered his head, "I admit I had many misunderstandings about you in the past. From now on, I will get to know you again."

Without preconceived notions, without any prejudice, to get to know him once more.

Lu Xiaobai was taken aback, then chuckled lightly, "It's alright; it wasn't that serious!"

He patted Lin Ji's shoulder, "We were both impulsive that day; it was just a moment of anger. Don't take it to heart."

He raised his hand and yawned, "I'm actually a bit tired right now; let's talk more after I wake up."

Lin Ji hesitated for a moment, cautiously asking, "Okay. But what were you doing last night?"

Lu Xiaobai replied, "Enjoying the moon and relaxing."

Then why didn't you call me? Lin Ji thought to himself, recalling that they were still in a cold war, so he didn't ask out loud.

He took out a delicate brocade box from his sleeve and placed it in Lu Xiaobai's palm, "This is my apology."

After a pause, Lu Xiaobai accepted it, "Alright, I'll take it. I also made a mistake; I'll apologize to you another day."

After saying that, he greeted Lin Ji and returned to his cave. As the breeze brushed by, Lin Ji caught a faint scent of alcohol.

Lu Xiaobai placed the brocade box into the box where he usually kept his valuables and lay down on the bed, falling asleep immediately.

As usual, he fell asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.

In his dream, Lu Xiaobai's primordial spirit arrived at his own sea of consciousness, hands behind his back, surveying the surroundings.

Suddenly, he saw a swirl of red and black mist in his sea of consciousness and cautiously asked, "Who are you?"

The black mist replied, "I am you."

Hearing the same voice and seeing the same figure slowly materialize, Lu Xiaobai realized it was himself, and he immediately felt at ease.

After a comfortable sleep, Lu Xiaobai stretched and got up, his pupils flashing red for a moment before disappearing.

A smile crept onto his lips, filled with ambiguous meaning:

"The fish has taken the bait."