After Forgetting Two Exes - Chapter 33

Ji Xunyue pushed her doubts to the back of her mind. After walking with Xuan Huai for a while longer, they finally arrived before the massive tree trunk.

They both raised their hands to touch the dry, cracked bark. Without taking a single step, the surrounding scenery shifted instantly. They had entered the internal space of the Lingxi Immortal Tree. The area was vast and boundless, stretching beyond the horizon. The dome above was a vibrant azure, while the ground resembled the surface of a lake, shimmering with light. Ripples fanned out with every step, yet the surface remained solid beneath their feet.

 

Ji Xunyue looked at her swaying reflection, marveling at the mystical nature of the place.

 

Since the illusions would not open until the hour of the Xu, the participants had no choice but to wait. Some sat on the ground with their eyes closed to rest, while others chatted in small groups. The spiritual energy here was so abundant that one could stay for dozens of days without feeling hunger.

 

With about an hour left before the start, Ji Xunyue felt a pang of distress. With Shi Yuan absent, she had no idea how to pass the time. She was not usually a person of few words, yet in front of Xuan Huai, she consistently struggled to find a topic.

 

Noticing her low spirits, Xuan Huai asked, “What is wrong?”

 

She made up a quick excuse. “It is nothing. I was just wondering where Uncle Master and the others went.”

 

Xuan Huai followed up by asking, “Are you very worried about Shi Yuan?”

 

Ji Xunyue looked at him, stunned.

 

Before she could answer, Xuan Huai added, “It is only natural that you would be worried.”

 

She was not actually that concerned, but since Xuan Huai had finished her sentence for her, she could only give an awkward smile and look elsewhere.

 

Xuan Huai watched her silently, regretting his slip of the tongue and feeling the bitterness of the silence between them.

 

She once used to tell me everything.

 

Years ago, when he was ordered to the mortal realm to capture rebellious demons, he had stayed in her village for a time. By chance, he saved her from nearly becoming demon fodder. Although she had taken the form of a mortal, her soul was inherently different, which naturally attracted the demons.

 

Saving her was merely a matter of convenience, but she had treated him as her savior, even volunteering to act as bait. To complete the mission quickly, he had not refused.

 

In their downtime, she would often try to chat with him. He did not care for mortal affairs, so he rarely responded.

 

The state they were in now must be retribution for his coldness back then.

 

After leaving him, she had met someone who would not ignore her and with whom she shared common interests, while he remained dull and uninteresting.

 

It is time to let go.

 

In truth, as soon as he heard about their engagement, he told himself he should move on. Yet he always harbored a small hope, feeling that she might not actually like Shi Yuan.

 

But the reality was that they had met again without knowing each other’s true identities and had still become close very quickly. They were indeed a match, a compatibility that he envied.

 

“Xuan Huai, so this is where you are.”

 

Shi Yuan’s voice interrupted his memories. Looking toward the sound, he saw Shi Yuan and Yu Zaiye walking toward them.

 

Xuan Huai subconsciously glanced at Ji Xunyue. She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face.

 

“Uncle, where did you go?”

 

Ji Xunyue was indeed genuinely happy at Shi Yuan’s appearance. She finally did not have to worry about how to interact with Xuan Huai.

 

Shi Yuan said, “You have no idea. This junior brother of yours is truly unreliable. He insisted that you took the path on the right.”

 

Yu Zaiye apologized, “I am sorry, Uncle Master.”

 

Shi Yuan quickly patted his shoulder. “I am not blaming you. You must not take it to heart.”

 

Ji Xunyue smiled. How could someone as meticulous as her junior brother remember the path incorrectly?

 

With Shi Yuan present, there was no lack of conversation. However, Xuan Huai, standing by her side, remained silent throughout. She stole a glance at him and saw him looking into the distance, his eyes as still as a deep pool, betraying no emotion.

 

Actually, he had always been like this: detached and far removed from the clamor of the world.

 

“Shi Yuan?”

 

A familiar voice called out. Shi Yuan’s smile faltered, and he stopped talking, turning around with an awkward expression.

 

Ji Xunyue looked up to see Ling Ran and Liu Wenyin approaching.

 

She had been so lost in thought earlier that she had only vaguely felt someone waving at her in her peripheral vision. She had not paid it much attention, but it must have been Liu Wenyin greeting her.

 

She gave a small, apologetic smile and stepped forward. “Princess Ling Ran, Wenyin.”

 

Liu Wenyin grasped her hand warmly. “Jinyue, it has been so long since I last saw you! You haven’t been—”

 

Ji Xunyue quickly squeezed her hand. Liu Wenyin took the hint immediately and did not continue.

 

The group exchanged polite greetings.

 

Ling Ran said to Yu Zaiye, “I heard about the last competition. I think since you and Chu Nian are in the same cohort, you should interact and exchange ideas more often.”

 

Yu Zaiye nodded stiffly.

 

Chu Nian had not come this time, likely because he was still recovering from his injuries. Ji Xunyue asked out of concern, “Princess, how is Senior Brother Chu?”

 

Ling Ran reassured her, “It is nothing serious, but he needs to rest for a while longer.”

 

Once the necessary talk was over, the conversation hit a lull.

 

Xuan Huai and Yu Zaiye were naturally quiet, and Shi Yuan did not start a new topic, standing there gloomily. Everyone seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts.

 

Seeing that Ling Ran appeared to want a private word with Shi Yuan, Ji Xunyue pulled Liu Wenyin aside to chat.

 

Yu Zaiye understood her intention as well and asked Xuan Huai about matters regarding cultivation.

 

Ling Ran and Shi Yuan exchanged glances and walked to the side to talk. Shi Yuan’s attitude toward her did not seem particularly resistant.

 

With that, the six people split into three pairs, and the atmosphere relaxed.

 

Liu Wenyin glanced at her master and sighed. “Tell me, why must Master engage in unrequited love? She spends every day worrying and grieving over a man.”

 

Since Ling Ran’s situation was entangled with Ji Xunyue’s own history, she could only smile. “After all, when you like someone, it is easy to overthink things.”

 

After saying it, she paused, startled by her own words.

 

Before she could dwell on it, Liu Wenyin continued, “This is the first time I have seen Immortal Shi Yuan. His looks are certainly not bad, and his personality seems acceptable, but I just feel that no one is good enough for my Master.”

 

Ji Xunyue could not help but smile. The deep bond between Liu Wenyin and Ling Ran was truly touching.

 

Liu Wenyin sighed again. “I have not seen Zhong Ling in so long. I really miss her.”

 

Ji Xunyue comforted her, “There are only two weeks left. It will be soon.”

 

“You probably do not know, but Shen Zhiyao actually fainted during class yesterday!”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“I expect she was too exhausted from cultivation and could not hold on any longer. I do not know why she insists on squeezing into the Yanming Sect. It is not as comfortable as our life in a small sect. By the way, I forgot to ask you, how did you reach the Second Realm in just one month? How did you do it? Can you teach me?”

 

In the face of her string of questions, Ji Xunyue smiled. “Of course. You are welcome to visit me anytime.”

 

“Then I will bring my senior brother along too. He and your junior brother will surely get along. When Zhong Ling returns, the five of us can practice together. I cannot even imagine it; such a life would be so happy!”

 

Indeed, the thought of being surrounded by like-minded friends was very heartwarming.

 

Although she had only met Liu Wenyin a few times, her lively and cheerful personality made it easy to get close to her. Chatting with her lightened Ji Xunyue’s mood considerably.

 

Meanwhile, Xuan Huai’s gaze would occasionally drift toward her. Whenever she looked back, she found nothing. Was it just her imagination?

 

On the other side, Xuan Huai looked down at Ji Xunyue’s reflection on the ground, his thoughts growing heavier.

 

Why did she not care at all when she saw Ling Ran approaching Shi Yuan?

 

Thinking back, what Shi Yuan said that day was very vague. Had he misunderstood, or did she simply not need to worry about Shi Yuan’s pursuers?

 

After all, everyone knew of Shi Yuan’s feelings for her.

 

Before they knew it, an hour had passed.

 

While Ji Xunyue was still chatting with Liu Wenyin, the azure dome suddenly deepened in color, and the entire space gradually dimmed.

 

The true illusion was about to appear.

 

Ji Xunyue did not look at Xuan Huai, but the thin string on her wrist, which had been cool to the touch, was now burning hot.

 

She could certainly feel his location.

 

Her heart, which should have been calm, suddenly began to stir.

 

Countless silk-like threads of light descended from the dome, connecting to everyone present. Then, all the light vanished.

 

Total darkness fell, and the ground began to tremble. Ji Xunyue felt her body falling continuously, accompanied by a suffocating sensation like being submerged in water. She could not help but close her eyes.

 

When she opened them again, it was as bright as day.

 

She was in a mountain valley. Just a step away from her feet, a crystal-clear stream meandered along.

 

The sensation on her left wrist became cool again. She looked around for Xuan Huai, but there was no one in sight.

 

She focused her mind to sense his location. He was not far and was already moving toward her.

 

Ji Xunyue decided to stand still and wait, taking the time to study the illusion carefully.

 

The valley was extremely narrow; the distance between the stream and the mountain wall was only wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side. The water crashed against the rocks on the shore, sending up tiny splashes. The droplets landed on her skirt but left no mark. Even stranger was the fact that she could not hear any sound.

 

She touched the mountain rock. It was rough and slightly damp, a realistic sensation. She then crouched down and placed her hand in the stream. The rushing water hit her palm, but when she withdrew her hand, it was dry and clean.

 

In the Demon Realm, there were many illusions created by the power left behind by ancient demon beasts after their deaths. Most of those were dangerous and lethal with no way out, requiring brute force to break.

 

This one, however, featured beautiful scenery and seemed eager to show the intruder that it was an illusion by providing ample hints.

 

Ji Xunyue then realized she could not use much spiritual energy. It seemed she was being restricted. However, since this was a place for a trial, there should be an exit.

 

Footsteps sounded behind her. She turned around and met Xuan Huai’s eyes. Although she was not worried about the competition, seeing him still brought a sense of relief to her heart.

 

“Master.” She could not help but smile at him.

 

Xuan Huai was slightly taken down. A gentle smile rippled in his eyes as he gave a soft acknowledgment.

 

Since they wanted to take first place, they had to make every second count. There was no time to think about irrelevant matters.

 

She exchanged information with Xuan Huai. The scenery he had seen while walking along the stream was identical to this place.

 

Ji Xunyue pondered, “The environment here is simple, and there are no clues for now. Should we try walking further up?”

 

Xuan Huai nodded. “Alright.”

 

Because of the spiritual energy restriction, the two could only hike up the mountain. After walking for a while, they found that the distance to the summit had not changed at all.

 

Ji Xunyue stopped and looked around again. Since they could not walk out, it meant this path was incorrect.

 

The only thing changing here was the stream.

 

Xuan Huai followed her gaze to the flow of the water and speculated, “Could it be that we must take the water route?”

 

“We can only try and see.”

 

Ji Xunyue stepped into the stream. The water level barely reached her ankles, and the chill of the flowing water seeped through her shoes and socks.

 

The water route was not easy to traverse. There were jagged rocks, smooth pebbles, and slippery moss.

 

“Ah—” Ji Xunyue’s foot slipped. In her scramble, she tried to grab Xuan Huai’s sleeve.

 

Xuan Huai reacted quickly, turning to support her other hand. But because his attention was entirely on her, he neglected his own footing and also failed to stand firm.

 

Ji Xunyue watched as the scenery tilted. With her body leaning against him, she could find no point of leverage to stop the fall. She could only tumble backward into the water along with him.

 

Just before they hit the water, he had already wrapped his arm firmly around her waist, protecting her against his chest.

 

Their fall kicked up a large splash of water. She thought she heard Xuan Huai let out a muffled groan.

 

Water droplets splashed onto her face, leaving a wet, cool sensation that made Ji Xunyue dazed for a moment. She raised her head and stared blankly at him, meeting his slightly panicked gaze.

 

His already handsome features were even more stirring due to his look of startled confusion, making it even harder to resist the urge to tease him.

 

Ji Xunyue’s first reaction was not to check on him, but to burst out laughing. She said playfully, “Master, how are you even more careless than I am? You even dragged me down with you.”

 

“…”

 

Xuan Huai’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. He did not speak, but his expression became even more embarrassed. A blush rose on his face, gradually spreading to his ears.

 

She was used to his composed and detached demeanor. Seeing him so helpless and panicked right now was truly… adorable.

 

What a cute little fox.

 

Xuan Huai’s ink-black long hair was spread out in the water, swaying with the waves and making his skin appear even fairer. His eyes were as bright as stars. He lacked the cold self-restraint of a master and the loftiness of an immortal sitting on a cloud. He just looked at her with the innocence of a young man.

 

The illusion was too quiet. Ji Xunyue could hear the sound of her heart vibrating against her eardrums.

 

Just as she was about to drown in his gaze, which was as gentle as water, the warmth from his palm reached her through her clothes. A tingling sensation spread from her waist, finally snapping her back to reality and making her realize how ambiguous their current posture was.

 

“Master, are you alright?”

 

As she spoke, she broke free from his embrace and sat up. She then subconsciously extended her hand to him. By the time she realized what she was doing, it was too late to withdraw it.

 

Everything had happened so suddenly, yet it felt natural, as if it was exactly what she should do.

 

Her hand hung between them like a silent invitation.

 

A moment of hesitation flashed across Xuan Huai’s face, but he did not refuse her kindness, using her support to sit up.

 

When their palms touched, Ji Xunyue’s heart raced again.

 

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

 

She spoke hurriedly, trying to divert her attention.

 

Xuan Huai shook his head gently. The blush on his face had not yet completely faded. His clothes were wrinkled in several places where she had pressed against him, looking slightly disheveled.

 

Under his long eyelashes, his eyes sparkled with light. She could see her own reflection in them.

 

Perhaps when you like someone, you cannot help but overthink. Ji Xunyue remembered what she had said to Liu Wenyin that afternoon. The irritability and restlessness of the past few days finally had an answer.

 

She did not want to admit it, nor did she dare to admit it, yet she had to.

 

Her heart had been moved.