The Guanyin Temple had been destroyed, and Jin Guangyao was dead. The truth about his dark deeds, including his collusion with Xue Yang and Su She, had finally come to light. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the Red Blood Master's sudden death were also revealed, as were the secrets of Never-night and the truth behind all the deaths. The accusations against Wei Ying, courtesy name Wuxian, had been proven false.

Lan Wangji felt a profound relief. At last, he and Wei Ying could look forward to a life of peace and happiness. As they traveled together with Little Apple, Wei Ying suddenly halted. Turning to Wangji, he said, "Lan Zhan, Gusu is on the other side, and I need to go this way. Will you walk with me forever?"

Wangji looked at him, puzzled. "You want me to travel with you?"

Wei Ying's voice was steady, though his eyes betrayed his emotion. "It's okay if you don't want to come, Lan Zhan. It seems our paths have diverged."

Lan Wangji's eyes filled with tears as he listened. "Anyway, Lan Zhan, you have many responsibilities now," Wei Ying continued softly. They shared their final song together. Wangji's tears flowed freely as he tried to hold back his emotions.

Wei Ying didn't look back but turned away. "You should go towards the Cloud Recesses." With that, he began to move in the opposite direction.

Wei Ying ascended a high hill and, with a sad smile, took out his flute. He began to play a lament, his fingers moving gently over the instrument. He thought, If I looked back now, I could never leave you. Perhaps you don't feel for me the way I do for you, Lan Zhan. Maybe you don't see me the way I see you. Never mind, my journey will continue with your memories, Lan Zhan.

Unable to control his grief, he played the flute continuously, tears streaming down his face.

hearing the mournful melody, wangji was too overwhelmed to speak. He understood the depth of Wei Ying's unspoken words.

On the other side.

Qinghe

In the city of Nie, rumors were swirling about the recent events at the temple of Goddess Guanyin. Opinions were divided: some supported the Yiling Patriarch, while others believed the whole situation was a ploy for him to cleanse his reputation. For many, it was hard to believe that someone they had despised for so long could have changed overnight from a villain to a hero. Distrust lingered, and some continued to harbor fear and resentment, looking for reasons to condemn him.

Baoli Inn

Inside the Baoli Inn, patrons were enjoying rice wine when a commoner began discussing the recent upheavals in the cultivation world with his friends.

Someone: "Have you heard about what happened at the temple of Goddess Guanyin, which was created by Jin Guangyao?"

Inn Keeper: "Yes, we've heard. Everything changed overnight- Yiling Patriarch's name has been cleared after that incident."

Someone 2: "Everyone is talking about it. Can someone explain exactly what happened?"

Someone 1: "The clan leader Jin created a temple for Goddess Guanyin, which was then destroyed by the Yiling Patriarch. The incident allowed him to clear his name from the Never-night affair."

A Cultivator of Jin Clan: "Don't speak ill if you don't know the facts. That whole event was a show orchestrated by Yiling Patriarch to hide his crimes. He also eliminated his greatest adversary, Jin Guangyao, in his quest for world domination."

Another Jin Cultivator: "Our master built the temple to bring harmony and blessings to the world, but Yiling Patriarch destroyed it to flaunt his power. It was his way of showing he could even challenge the heavens."

A Mysterious Cultivator (laughing): "Defeating heaven? Is that a joke? It's not child's play."

(He vanishes from his place and reappears instantly before the Jin cultivators.)

In the world of cultivation, the Jin clan possessed the most precious jewels and treasures. Even a simple slipper of this mysterious figure was made of the finest jade, his clothes crafted from silk more valuable than gold and diamonds. The patterns on his garments were intricate, made from delicate gold threads. His face was concealed by a cap.

The Jin cultivators looked like mere peasants in his presence. The mysterious figure began questioning them about the Yiling Patriarch.

Everyone was astonished by his speed and opulence. In another blink, he was on the inn's second floor.

Mysterious Cultivator: "Continue your story from the beginning."

The Jin cultivators recounted the events, but their narrative heavily favored Jin Guangyao. Midway through, the mysterious figure started laughing, finding the unfolding events increasingly interesting.

As they concluded their story, claiming Yiling Patriarch had destroyed the temple and was challenging the heavens, the mysterious cultivator's demeanor shifted. His anger was palpable, and his aura was intense.

Mysterious Cultivator: "What audacity! Such an evil soul!"

He asked the Jin cultivators for the name of the Yiling Patriarch.

Jin Cultivators: "Wei Wuxian from Lotus Cove."

The mysterious figure laughed again.

Mysterious Cultivator: "Now he must pray to the heavens to save himself, but it won't help him. He's beyond salvation."

With that, he vanished once more.

This revelation sparked a new idea among those who despised the Yiling Patriarch. They decided that if they all prayed to the heavens together, it would force the heavens to pass judgment on Wei Wuxian. They began to plot, convinced that their united prayers would compel divine action.

To be continued.