Chapter 296: Five Hundred Years Is Too Long; I Only Strive for Today

Under the scorching heat of the exotic flames, the golden skeleton began to shrink and transform. The process was painstaking and lasted an extended period. Toward the end, the changes became increasingly subtle.

The underground cavern housing the grand hall offered no sense of time. Xiaoqing and Xiaobai waited silently on the side as Mu Chen worked tirelessly. Whenever they were hungry, Mu Chen would provide them with medicinal pills to sustain them.

Finally, after Mu Chen's relentless efforts, the massive golden skeleton was reduced to a collection of golden beads. Suspended mid-air, each bead was about the size of an egg, radiating dense energy and exuding a golden mist that spoke of its extraordinary nature.

"Ninety-nine beads!" Xiaobai counted, her voice filled with awe.

"Finally done," Mu Chen said with a smile of relief, wiping sweat from his brow. He retrieved a handful of pills from his storage artifact, chewed them, and swallowed. The pills quickly rejuvenated him, restoring his color and energy.

"Xiaobai, this is for you." Mu Chen flicked one of the golden beads toward Xiaobai.

"For me?" Xiaobai asked, stunned.

"You're my woman. Why be so formal with me?" Mu Chen chuckled and stored the remaining ninety-eight beads in his spatial storage device.

"Thank you," Xiaobai said gratefully, gazing at the golden bead. She could feel its immense energy. If she absorbed and refined its power, she might even reach the Mahayana Stage—or ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

Ascension was not out of the question. These golden beads were the condensed essence of the ancient celestial ruler, Donghuang Taiyi. Even a single bead carried unparalleled energy.

Noticing Xiaoqing's expression, Mu Chen flicked another bead toward her.

"You're giving this to me?" Xiaoqing asked, equally shocked.

"You're Xiaobai's closest sister. Of course, I'll take care of you too," Mu Chen replied with a warm smile.

"Thank you," Xiaoqing said softly, clutching the bead as her body trembled with excitement. With this bead, her cultivation would skyrocket in no time.

"Well, we don't know how long we've been down here. It's time to leave," Mu Chen said, leading the way toward an upward passage.

As they walked through the dim corridors, Xiaobai remained silent, lost in her thoughts. Xiaoqing, sensing the heavy atmosphere, wisely held her tongue.

Finally, they emerged under a starry night sky.

"Ah, nothing beats fresh air," Mu Chen said, stretching lazily and taking deep breaths of the crisp night air.

"Xiaoqing, I'll go with you," Xiaobai said, taking Xiaoqing's hand.

"Where are we going?" Mu Chen asked.

"Not 'we.' Just Xiaoqing and me," Xiaobai replied, her back turned to Mu Chen.

"Just the two of you?" Mu Chen's heart sank.

"Mu Chen, let's part ways here."

"Part ways?"

"Heaven and earth are heartless. They operate by rules we can't defy. There are many things I don't want to do, but I must. You're human, and I'm a demon. You once said some memories are better left forgotten," Xiaobai said, her voice trembling. Her legs transformed into a white snake's tail, her face adorned with faint white scales.

"Yes, I said that to help you move past your amnesia. But I also said I'd stay with you. If gods stand in my way, I'll slay them; if Buddhas block my path, I'll destroy them," Mu Chen declared firmly.

"I'm a demon, Mu Chen. No matter how much effort I put into refining this human form and appearance, I'll always revert to my true self," Xiaobai said, her voice filled with anguish.

"I don't care," Mu Chen insisted, stepping closer to her.

"Mu Chen, let's separate. Five hundred years from now, we'll meet again here. If you still remember me, and I haven't forgotten you, it will mean heaven approves of our union," Xiaobai said, tears glistening in her eyes.

"No, five hundred years is too long. I only strive for today," Mu Chen said, reaching out to take her hand.

Suddenly, a dark arrow shot toward him. Instinctively, Mu Chen stopped mid-step. The arrow whizzed past his nose, embedding itself into the ground.

"Surround them!" 

"Hahaha, we've got them now."

"Well done. You were right—there are snake demons here, and they've even taken human form. Once I absorb their energy, I'll grant your wish and take you as my disciple," said a man riding a three-headed crane, his face obscured by a white veil. 

Emerging from the shadows were numerous soldiers. Among them stood a young man—none other than A'xuan—accompanied by his yellow dog, Doudou.

"You betrayed us?" Mu Chen asked, his eyes narrowing. 

"So what? You stole my beauty—or rather, this snake demon tricked me. Today, I, A'xuan, will rid the world of this evil!" A'xuan declared righteously. 

"Tsk, tsk, absorbing the energy of a humanoid snake demon—one of these equals ten thousand ordinary ones. My power will skyrocket," said the veiled man, his eyes gleaming as he stared at Xiaobai. "Ah, my beauty, we meet again. This time, you won't escape." 

*Smack!* 

Mu Chen swung his palm through the air, striking the veiled man squarely across the face.

"You dare hit me?" the man growled, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Disrespect my woman, and you deserve worse," Mu Chen said coldly.

"Arrogant! I'll kill you first!" the man roared, commanding his crane to attack.

"A mere clown dares act mighty before me?" Mu Chen sneered, summoning his Chaos Sword. With a swing, the sword expanded to hundreds of meters, severing all three of the crane's heads.

Before the man could react, Mu Chen swung again, slicing him in two.

In mere moments, the veiled man and his soldiers lay dead, their blood soaking the earth. 

"Anyone who aids evil deserves death," Mu Chen declared, his eyes icy as he surveyed the scene.