Volume 1, Chapter 202 – Qingxuan Has Left

For a time, the region around the Abyss at the Edge of the Star Sea settled into a brief calm.

The five who had opened the passage each found a place to meditate and recover from their tremendous exertion.

Gu Han, Empress Lingshuang, Buddha Lord Wufa, Demon Lord Wutian, and Old Man Tianji remained vigilant.

Gu Han chose a relatively secluded corner and sat cross-legged.

The Chaos Scripture circulated slowly, absorbing the pure energy drifting through the star sea and replenishing what she had expended.

The Profound Heart Bracelets on her wrist radiated a steady warmth.

Qingxuan was meditating, and her condition was rapidly improving.

Every so often, a faint flicker of mischief or longing came through, tugging at Gu Han’s heartstrings.

Gu Han knew Qingxuan was doing it deliberately.

Even at a time like this, that woman still couldn’t resist “pestering” her.

Several days later, everyone had more or less recovered.

Empress Qingxuan, Sovereign Longteng, Sacred Lord Yaoguang, the Desolate God, and Venerable Baiyun gathered once more before the entrance to the passage.

“We leave now for Xuanhuang Continent, with no way of knowing what lies ahead.”

Sovereign Longteng faced Gu Han and the other four who had come to see them off and solemnly cupped his fists.

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“Thank you, Fellow Daoists, for all your help. Whether we succeed or fail, we will never forget this kindness.”

“You’re too courteous, Sovereign.”

Buddha Lord Wufa returned the salute.

“May the road ahead be smooth for you all, and may you soon attain the Great Dao.”

Old Man Tianji stroked his beard as he spoke.

Demon Lord Wutian inclined his head slightly.

Empress Lingshuang’s cool gaze swept over the others before finally settling on Qingxuan. Her voice was calm.

“Take care.”

Empress Qingxuan smiled at her but said nothing more. At last, her gaze came to rest on Gu Han.

Their eyes met, and a thousand unspoken words passed between them.

“I’m off.”

Empress Qingxuan smiled with easy grace, turned, and stepped into the passage first.

Her purple figure was instantly swallowed by the passage.

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Sovereign Longteng took Sacred Lord Yaoguang by the hand and followed close behind.

The Desolate God and Venerable Baiyun nodded to the others, then strode into the passage.

One after another, all five figures vanished into its depths.

The entrance rippled faintly, then grew calm again, revolving silently as it connected the two worlds.

Gu Han stood gazing at the entrance for a long time without moving.

The Profound Heart Bracelets on her wrist sent out a distinct pulse, filled with the sorrow of farewell and the hope of reunion.

It was Qingxuan’s final message before the passage cut them off completely.

“Little Sister, I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.”

“You must come soon.”

Gu Han gently ran her fingertips over the bracelets, feeling their warmth gradually recede, and whispered in reply,

“I will.”

Her voice was soft, but unwavering.

After Qingxuan and the others departed, the Abyss at the Edge of the Star Sea returned to its eternal silence.

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The newly formed interworld passage slowly faded from sight, concealing itself within the frigid star sea.

Buddha Lord Wufa and Demon Lord Wutian were the first to take their leave. They transformed into streaks of golden and black light and sped away into the distance.

Before leaving, Old Man Tianji gave Gu Han and Lingshuang a meaningful look, then drifted away.

In the blink of an eye, only Gu Han and Lingshuang remained in the vast star sea.

Starlight flowed around them, and all was silent.

The two hovered side by side in the void, gazing at the distant Canglan Continent. For a time, neither spoke.

The melancholy of parting, their thoughts about the road ahead, and the subtle, complicated feelings between them silently permeated the stillness.

In the end, Lingshuang was the first to break the silence.

“Shall we go back?”

She turned to Gu Han. Her eyes held less of their usual icy sharpness and a rare touch of gentleness.

Gu Han drew her gaze back and nodded slightly.

“Yes. Let’s go back.”

They had been away for a year now, and she had no idea how Yaochi Immortal Palace was faring.

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With Yun Yun and Li Hanyi overseeing it, along with the protection of the Nine Heavens Dragon-Guarding Formation, there should be nothing to worry about.

But it was her only home in this world. After being away for so long, she couldn’t help missing it.

Without another word, the two transformed into streaks of white and blue light and sped toward Canglan Continent.

Their return journey was much faster than the trip out.

For one thing, they were eager to get home. For another, they now knew the route and no longer needed to proceed with the same caution as before.

Roughly two days later, they passed through the thick atmosphere and swept over the boundless sea. The familiar mountains and rivers of the Southern Region once again came into view.

By the time they returned to Yaochi Immortal Palace,

Yun Yun and Li Hanyi were already waiting in the square with Liu Ruyan, Gu Luoli, Ye Ling’er, A-Yao, and the other disciples and elders.

At the sight of Gu Han’s safe return, everyone’s face lit up with joy and relief.

Gu Han gazed at the familiar pavilions and towers, and a long-absent sense of peace welled up within her.

A year was little more than the snap of a finger to her, but everything she had seen and experienced during this journey to the Abyss at the Edge of the Star Sea had subtly changed her state of mind.