Flashback End: Present Conversation

"At that time, I remember that our Tai Yang and YoonJin really tried. But till now, I have no way of knowing if their spell worked on my mother. All I know is that she died in front of me, like she said she would."

Tai Yang frowned. "I don't believe s-she did. Besides, the fact that now the spell to contract a familiar no longer has those side effects, and the spell is based on Tai Yang and YoonJin's corrected spell, I'd l-like to believe that it had worked on y-your mother. I don't think she w-wanted to die in front of you. I-I think she didn't want you to die in front of her."

LI Jun didn't respond. After a minute he shrugged.

"I don't think I'll ever know for sure. Perhaps it might have worked, but the last time she spoke to me, she made her feelings quite clear."

Tai Yang chewed at his lip.

"After you escaped your captors, did you talk to Tai Yang about it? He might have known."

Li Jun frowned. "I think I did."

"You think?"