CHAPTER 7 . You don't belong to this world

Chuyang's heart was still unable to calm down. Having witnessed the wonders of the celestial realm, he could feel the faint spiritual energy lingering in the air. Every breath he took seemed to draw in the very essence of heaven and earth, filling his body with an inexhaustible power.

Yet, the shock of such an extraordinary sight did not completely erase the lingering unease from the disaster he had just witnessed. The rift, the crimson light devouring the land—it all remained etched in his mind.

More importantly, Chuyang knew that he was no longer just an ordinary deliveryman. His fate had seemingly been altered by an unfathomable force beyond his control.

They stood beside the lotus pond of the celestial realm. The water was as clear as a mirror, lotus blossoms swayed gently, and the air carried a delicate fragrance.

Chuyang wanted to break the silence, but he didn't know where to begin. His gaze unconsciously fell upon Qingying. She still looked somewhat tense, clearly harboring as many questions as he did.

"This… this is really the celestial realm?"

Chuyang finally spoke, his voice tinged with hesitation.

Qingying nodded slowly, her expression carrying a trace of unease.

"Yes, this is the celestial realm, one of the most mysterious existences between heaven and earth."

Chuyang fell into silence for a moment, then recalled what Master Void had said earlier: "There is an aura on you that does not belong to this world."

The words struck his heart like a heavy hammer.

He did not speak immediately. Instead, he lowered his head and gazed at his own reflection in the lake, lost in thought.

His eyes flickered between Qingying and the scenery around him, and his doubts grew deeper.

This girl… she seemed to belong here completely. Her every movement carried the grace of the celestial realm, blending seamlessly with the divine surroundings.

So, was the celestial realm truly as she described?

Something he had only ever seen in TV dramas was now right before his eyes. He felt a rush of uncontrollable excitement, but along with it came a flood of unanswered questions.

He was merely a deliveryman from the modern world. How could he be connected to a place like this?

"You… are you really from the celestial realm?"

Chuyang couldn't help but ask, his tone filled with disbelief.

Qingying was slightly taken aback by his question. Then, she shook her head gently, a faint sorrow flashing through her eyes. Yet, it disappeared as quickly as it came, replaced by her usual calm demeanor.

"I am not entirely from the celestial realm."

She chuckled softly, her voice clear yet carrying a subtle sigh.

"Half of my bloodline comes from the celestial realm, but the other half comes from the mortal world. So, strictly speaking, I am not a true celestial being."

She paused, her gaze drifting toward the distant lotus pond as if recalling something.

"In the hierarchy of the celestial realm, I am considered among the lowest."

Her eyes darkened for a brief moment, as if she was remembering painful memories. However, she did not allow the emotion to linger. With a gentle smile, she swept away the gloom.

"But that doesn't matter. Living freely, unbound by restrictions, is the kind of life I prefer."

Qingying's smile was like sunlight, instantly dispelling the earlier somberness. She turned to Chuyang, her eyes shining with determination.

"Besides, whether in the celestial realm or the mortal world, what truly matters is one's mindset, don't you think? I believe that as long as I keep striving, one day, I will stand higher."

Chuyang looked at her and felt a surge of admiration.

"You're really an optimistic person."

Qingying chuckled, her gaze calm yet firm.

"Of course! There's nothing in life that a smile can't get you through. Especially in a place as otherworldly as the celestial realm, how could I not keep a good attitude?"

Chuyang couldn't help but smile, feeling a rare sense of ease.

However, Qingying's laughter gradually faded, and her expression became serious once more.

She turned toward the distant celestial landscape and spoke softly, "Even though I am not truly a child of the celestial realm, I still hope to do something for this place. After all, it is my home, too."

Chuyang did not press further. He could tell that Qingying did not like discussing sorrowful topics. Perhaps it was just in her nature to find strength in adversity rather than dwell on the past.

"The celestial realm and the mortal world… maybe they aren't as different as we think. As long as we have the courage to face whatever comes, there will always be a way forward."

Chuyang stroked his chin and smiled, deciding not to dwell on these complicated matters any longer.

"By the way, I still don't know your name."

Chuyang spoke again, breaking the brief silence. There was a hint of apology in his voice.

"With everything happening so fast, I never even asked for a proper introduction."

Qingying lifted her head and looked at him. Seeing his slightly sheepish smile, she couldn't help but laugh lightly.

"My name is Qingying."

"Qingying…"

Chuyang repeated the name a few times. It sounded fresh and elegant, perfectly matching her aura.

"That's a beautiful name. It really does sound like someone from the celestial realm."

Qingying let out a soft laugh.

"Oh, not at all. I'm just an imperfect celestial descendant, nothing more."

Her tone carried a touch of self-mockery but remained lighthearted.

"And you? What's your name?"

Chuyang paused for a moment before smiling.

"Me? I'm Chuyang. Sounds pretty ordinary, doesn't it? Not as celestial as yours."

"Ordinary?"

Qingying laughed. "I think it's a good name. Simple, down-to-earth—it feels warm and familiar."

Chuyang chuckled.

"Well, I do feel lucky. A while ago, I was just struggling to survive in that forest, but now… I feel somewhat at ease."

Qingying smiled.

"That's because you met me, haha!"

She playfully winked, her lips curving into a confident smile.

"I believe that as long as we persevere and hold onto our beliefs, there's no obstacle we can't overcome."

Just as they were talking, Master Void slowly approached.

His steps were as light as falling leaves in the wind, yet his presence carried an undeniable authority.

His gaze swept over Chuyang and Qingying, his eyes filled with quiet contemplation.

"Come with me."

Master Void's voice was calm yet firm. Chuyang and Qingying exchanged a glance before immediately following him.

"You both must have sensed it—the anomaly in the sky."

Master Void gazed at the lotus pond, his expression unreadable.

"I just cast a divination. That was a sign of a celestial disturbance… one that may determine the fate of this world."

"A celestial disturbance?"

Chuyang's heart trembled.

Master Void turned to look at Chuyang, his deep eyes seeming to hold an endless abyss.

"There is an aura on you that does not belong to this world. Perhaps your fate is entwined with these anomalies."

Qingying furrowed her brows. She looked at Chuyang, a hint of wariness flashing through her expression.

"You said before that you were just passing through. Then… where exactly do you come from?"

Her question caught Chuyang off guard. He let out an awkward chuckle, unsure of how to answer.

"Master, is there something unusual about him?"

Qingying turned back to Master Void.

The elder let out a faint sigh. "Perhaps you are no ordinary mortal. Perhaps some unseen force has led you here. And the source of that power…"

"What is it?"

Chuyang and Qingying asked in unison, but Master Void merely stroked his long, white beard and looked away. Instead of answering, he changed the subject.

"Qingying, since you're here in the celestial realm, why don't you show your friend around? But be careful—don't wander too far."

With that, Master Void turned and left, his robes fluttering as he disappeared beyond the lotus pond.

But Chuyang's mind was still clouded with countless questions.

Though he was burning with curiosity, he found himself unable to voice the questions pressing against his lips.

All he could do was watch as Master Void faded into the distance, leaving behind an unsettling silence.