Chapter 85: Hope for Resurrection

“Ah Jiu, you must remember this: we are always behind you. That’s why, in order to live well, you must face dangers bravely and always act in the direction most favorable to yourself.”

At this moment, he was only a grandfather, nothing more. He had no grand ideals, only the hope that the little girl would learn to protect herself.

“I will remember,” she replied, taking a deep breath. Yes, she needed to adjust her mindset.

This was the world of cultivation, not the world she once knew.

For the first four years, she had grown up carefree and without worries. But as her cultivation progressed, she could not remain forever in her comfort zone.

She needed to experience the outside world. There was still no word of her parents, and her aunt Wen Ying’s predicament was unresolved. She also wished to go to the southern shore to see the place her father once lived, and to meet her grandfather and uncle.

Each of these journeys was fraught with unknown dangers.

If she remained the same, in this world where the strong devoured the weak, sooner or later she would suffer.

Seeing that she understood, Qi Shuoyuan finally felt at ease.

“Grandfather, this is the Moonbud Heart of the Moonwhite Rabbit. I wish to bring her back to life.” To revive a Moonwhite Rabbit, the moonlight from its birthplace was required.

There were many Moonwhite Rabbits within the Xuanyan Sect, which meant the sect might hold the birthplace of the Moonwhite Rabbit.

Seeing the Moonbud Heart, Qi Shuoyuan was somewhat surprised. High-level Moonwhite Rabbits were rare, and with this Moonbud Heart, her rebirth was possible.

“I will see to it. You may go to the Spirit Beast Garden at any time. Seek out He Lingsang; he will teach you how to revive the Moonwhite Rabbit. But after that, you must return to your master.”

To enter the Path of Books and force oneself out at the moment of enlightenment, even attempting a not-yet-mastered formation during a life-and-death duel—such audacity did not match the tearful little girl she had just been.

“All right.” The chance to bring Moonwhite back filled Ji Jiuxuan with joy. Her tears turned to a smile as she looked obediently at Qi Shuoyuan. “Grandfather, may I go to the Spirit Beast Garden now? I want to bring Moonwhite back as soon as possible.”

Qi Shuoyuan sighed, doting yet helpless. “Clean yourself up before you go. You look like a little beggar.”

He glanced outside. “Your senior sister is here. Let her accompany you.”

“Thank you, Grandfather!”

He ruffled her hair. Even understanding some things, it still took time to adapt.

Seeing the little girl’s spirits restored, he stood and walked outside. “If anything happens, tell me first. I will always be your support.”

“Yes.” Watching his departing figure, Ji Jiuxuan felt the sorrow in her heart melt away instantly.

It was only then that she noticed her skirt was stained with Moonwhite’s blood—and Wang Yumiao’s as well. She looked disheveled from head to toe, though not injured.

In her palm she held the Moonbud Heart, gazing at it earnestly. “Moonwhite, I’ll bring you back soon. Wait for me.”

After changing and tidying herself, she emerged to find her senior sister Meng Jiao already waiting.

Meng Jiao walked up and embraced her, her eyes full of concern. At the dueling arena, the first glance at the little girl, red-eyed and tear-streaked, had been heart-wrenching.

Though she didn’t know the best words of comfort, she held her close and praised her warmly. “My little junior sister is amazing. You won the match! You’ve avenged Moonwhite. And now, we’re off to bring Moonwhite back—give me a happy smile.”

From what she’d seen, Meng Jiao realized it was the girl’s first time facing such an ordeal, and she was at a loss.

“Ah Jiu, don’t let that match trouble you. The demonic nature in Wang Yumiao’s heart was already formed. Your provocation only hastened her being overtaken by it.”

“That was bound to happen sooner or later.” With Wang Yumiao’s vicious nature, if not for that life-and-death duel, who knew what further schemes she might have devised against Ah Jiu?

“I understand, Senior Sister. I’ll do my best to adjust. I was just caught off guard this time—it won’t happen again.” She did not regard life as cheap, but when her own life was threatened, she would never hesitate.

Had it not been for the little thin dragon today, her own soft-heartedness might have doomed her.

She stroked the now-sleeping little dragon, then smiled at Meng Jiao. “Senior Sister, will you come with me to the Spirit Beast Garden?”

The first thing she needed to do was bring Moonwhite Rabbit back.

“Of course!” With that, Meng Jiao summoned her greatsword, scooping her up. “Let’s go!”

“Senior Sister, I heard from Uncle-Master that you went into seclusion. I thought you’d be gone a long time!”

Meng Jiao laughed. “That’s right! I thought so too. But this time, I came out unexpectedly early.”

Remembering her master’s worried expression, Meng Jiao smiled without elaborating further.

In truth, Nie Xingyuan had hoped Meng Jiao would remain in seclusion longer, to keep the little girl from picking up any of her mischief. But the moment he saw her in tears, he abandoned his original plan, and Meng Jiao rushed to the arena at once.

All for the sake of easing the little one’s heart—for surely, soothing her was one of his mischievous disciple’s unique skills.

Soon, they arrived at the Spirit Beast Garden. Upon entering, they saw He Lingsang in his gray robe, with a Divine Gale Eagle at his side.

“We meet again.”

Looking at Ji Jiuxuan, He Lingsang’s expression was gentle, filled with fondness as before.

“Elder He,” Ji Jiuxuan said directly, “I’m here to revive her.”

She revealed the Moonbud Heart.

It was said to be not just the key to reviving Moonwhite Rabbits, but also an essential ingredient for the Heart of Heaven Pill—a miraculous medicine capable of snatching life from the jaws of death, as long as there was still a breath left.

Such a thing would tempt anyone, yet the little girl displayed it openly, without a trace of wariness.

He Lingsang nodded. “All right.”

A jade slip appeared in his hand. “Memorize the incantation inside; you’ll need it shortly.”

In that moment, Ji Jiuxuan truly saw hope.

Before, she only knew it was possible. But she’d lacked confidence.

Now, seeing He Lingsang produce the jade slip and agree to help her revive Moonwhite, she finally felt at ease.

She quickly expressed her thanks and began to study it.

The incantation was not difficult, and thanks to her recent immersion in books, she read faster and remembered better than ever.

After ensuring she had memorized everything perfectly, Ji Jiuxuan looked up at He Lingsang. “Elder, I’ve learned it all.”

“Good.” Smiling at the girl before him, he said, “From now on, call me Uncle-Master. I am of the same generation as your other uncles.”

Ji Jiuxuan couldn’t help recalling all the gossip she’d read—did He Lingsang truly like Qi Yanwei?

“Uncle-Master He,” she said respectfully and sweetly, hiding her curiosity.

Hearing her call him Uncle-Master, He Lingsang was delighted and nodded. “Come then, follow me.”

(End of chapter)