Chapter 24

Wen Shia was wandering through the market when his eyes landed on a beautiful jet-colored comb made of white jet. It was simple, yet it had a certain elegance. As he admired it, he couldn't help but think how lovely it would be to buy it for Xiang. But, he lacked the courage to approach the shop, so he gazed at it from a distance.

Then, the shopkeeper called out to him, saying, "This comb is truly beautiful. You can buy it and give it to your girlfriend. It's a symbol of love and peace." His words seemed to guide Wen Shia closer to the shop. Hesitant, he bought the comb, thinking it would be a thoughtful gift for Xiang. But as he walked away, memories of how they had drifted apart filled his mind. Doubts began to creep in, and he wondered if giving her the comb was the right decision. Just as he was about to return it, the shopkeeper insisted he keep it. So, Wen Shia silently kept the comb and moved on, his mind clouded with confusion.

A short distance ahead, he stopped, his gaze fixed on something in front of him. There, in a restaurant, was Xiang, ordering food. At first, he thought about approaching her but then decided against it. Instead, he turned around, walking away slowly.

Xiang sat comfortably at her table, enjoying noodles, soup, and some momos. Meanwhile, Wen Shia continued walking, lost in thoughts of her. He couldn't help but wonder how she was really doing. Her body seemed so fragile, yet she held within her a demonic power. How could she be so weak? Was there something she was hiding from him? He felt torn. If he found out the truth, would she run away from him again?

These conflicting thoughts consumed him. Finally, he retreated to his room, but sleep eluded him. All night, he tossed and turned, unable to quiet the storm in his mind. In the morning, his servant noticed the dark circles under his eyes and asked, "Master, what happened? You look exhausted."

Wen Shia couldn't bring himself to explain, so he simply replied, "I couldn't sleep last night. The bed was uncomfortable."

His servant, a little puzzled, said, "But yesterday, you slept fine. How can the bed be bad now?"

Wen Shia didn't respond. He was already thinking ahead. "Bring me some water quickly," he said, "We need to set out. We haven't found the Element Stone yet, and we still need to return to heaven."

Xiang was also preparing for the journey. After a quick bath, she packed her things and set off early in the morning. As she was about to leave, Wen Shia noticed her and went up to her.

"Where are you going? You should rest," he said, concern in his voice.

Xiang shook her head. "I have urgent business to attend to. If I don't leave now, I may not be able to act in time," she replied, motioning toward her horse. "Let's go now."

She made Wen Shia sit on the horse with her, and they started to leave. Wen Shia protested, saying, "You shouldn't ride the horse. It will tire you out. You don't have the energy for it."

But Xiang ignored him, continuing on without a word. Wen Shia's frustration grew. "Do whatever you want," he muttered. "Go to hell."

Reluctantly, he prepared his own horse and set out as well, though part of him still wanted to avoid following her. But in the end, he found himself going in the same direction she had taken.

After a while, Xiang began to tire from walking, so both of them decided it was time to walk alongside their horses instead. As they continued, Xiang couldn't help but recall Wen Shia's words.

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