The Devil Has Fallen (Part 2)

Before setting out for Wun Empire, I made one last stop—Jinjing's grave. I hadn't returned since the day I escaped Ruan Yanjun's clutches, and part of me feared it would be gone, erased by time or by his disciples. But when I arrived at the quiet, secluded corner of his estate, I found it exactly as I had left it.

A wave of relief crashed over me.

I knelt before the simple headstone, brushing away fallen leaves and debris. Memories of her laughter, her gentle smile, and the warmth she had once brought to my life resurfaced, filling the hollow space in my chest.

"Jinjing," I whispered, my voice unsteady. "I will always regret that day—the day I failed to protect you. But I'm learning to live with it now. I hope you've found peace, even if this world never gave you the chance."

I stayed there for an hour, speaking to her as if she could still hear me. Though the silence around me was heavy, it carried an odd sense of comfort. I told her about my struggles, my fears, and my growth. I spoke of the Storm Surge Sect, my newfound purpose, and the determination that now kept me moving forward.

But I couldn't linger.

This was still Ruan Yanjun's property, and his disciples could appear at any moment. The last thing I needed was for them to report my presence to him. With a final deep bow, I rose, dusted off my robes, and turned away.

As night fell, I stopped at a small roadside restaurant to rest. I hadn't eaten properly in days, so I ordered a bowl of noodles and found a quiet corner table where no one would pay me any mind, even if I lowered my hood.

As I savored the simple meal, a conversation at a nearby table caught my attention. Three men, dressed in mismatched robes, spoke loudly enough for the entire restaurant to hear.

"Have you heard?" one of them said, his tone hushed yet eager. "Dark sects all over Xianru are finally uniting. They're going to take down the demon Ruan Yanjun once and for all."

I froze, chopsticks poised halfway to my mouth. I didn't want to listen, but their voices made it impossible to ignore.

The second man scoffed. "We've heard that before. The man's untouchable—an immortal. How many grandmasters have tried to kill him, only to return in pieces?"

"This time is different," the first man insisted, leaning in. "Even Emperor Gao is involved. A few months ago, he sent three grandmasters to ambush Sect Leader Ruan on Silvercrest Mountain."

Silvercrest Mountain. That was just outside the next city.

"And?" the third man prompted, his eyes wide with anticipation.

The first man smirked. "He fled. Mid-battle, Sect Leader Ruan fled. Everyone believes he's weakened—that he's caught in some unknown tribulation, one that could push him to the final level of cultivation. If he succeeds, he'll become an even greater threat, nearly unstoppable. That's why the sects aren't waiting. They've decided now is the time to strike before this world is doomed."

The second man shook his head, skepticism plain on his face. "Or it's just another one of his tricks. The demon is known for deceiving his enemies. Maybe he wants everyone to believe he's vulnerable to draw out his enemies, especially those who only pretend to be his allies, and eliminate them all in one fell swoop."

"But think about it," the first man pressed. "The sects he's crushed for years are desperate. They'll risk everything to take him down now. If they wait, it might be too late."

I kept my head down, feigning disinterest, but my heart pounded in my chest.

Ruan Yanjun, weakened? It seemed impossible. The man was a force of nature, a storm no one could contain. But the thought of him fleeing… it wasn't like him at all.

"Even if it's true," the third man muttered, shaking his head, "three grandmasters won't be enough. That man isn't human."

Their conversation continued, but I forced myself to tune it out. True or not, it didn't matter. I had no intention of ever crossing paths with Ruan Yanjun again. Even the mere thought of him left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I finished my meal, left a few coins on the table, and stepped back onto the road.

Yet, as I walked beneath the dimming sky, their words echoed in my mind.

What if Ruan Yanjun truly was vulnerable? What if the world could finally be free of him? Wouldn't it be better without his shadow looming over everything?

I exhaled slowly, forcing the thought away.

It wasn't my concern. Whether he lived or died had nothing to do with me anymore. My only goal was to stay far away from him, reclaim my strength, and carve out a future that belonged to me alone.