105 Worsening Injuries

The Path of Reincarnation had been completed. No matter how much effort had been invested, at this moment it was all worthwhile. Yet, Nuoluo felt a trace of fatigue. She showed little joy, instead calmly gazing upon the miraculous path before her—one that had never appeared until now.

Compared to Nuoluo’s composed demeanor, Time and Seasons were filled with delight. The emergence of the Path of Reincarnation in such a manner was nothing short of a miracle. Still, they wondered why Her Highness remained so serene.

Seasons looked at Nuoluo with curiosity, about to speak, but reconsidered and fell silent. Perhaps Her Highness was contemplating other matters; it was better not to disturb her.

Leaving the Path of Reincarnation behind, seeing the night sky over Fengdu City once more felt like traversing lifetimes.

Nuoluo gazed upward; dawn had yet to break, and the night still veiled everything. Once again, she had accomplished a feat of monumental significance under the cloak of darkness.

When had she become so accustomed to the stillness of night, even beginning to cherish its hue? In the boundless blackness, she could conceal all her emotions. Under sunlight, however, she could never easily hide herself.

That color reminded her of the twilight of the Underworld—an almost elusive dusk. It was there she had learned more secrets about the lineage of the Earth God. She had gained knowledge amidst hardship, struggled through despair, and witnessed a turning point at the darkest hour.

Thinking of the Underworld naturally brought to mind that ever-unignorable figure. His eyes seemed to appear before Nuoluo—profound and tranquil as the night, yet even more enchanting. His gaze always shimmered with dazzling brilliance. She felt as if she understood him, yet simultaneously knew nothing at all.

Regarding the Path of Reincarnation, the Underworld had not interfered; everything proceeded almost exactly as she wished. Even during the time she was absent, the Underworld had remained essentially motionless.

At times, Nuoluo had the illusion that perhaps the Underworld intended to abandon Fengdu City at the last moment, treating it merely as a conduit between the Underworld and the Mortal Realm, rather than truly seeking to claim this ancient city.

Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought. Li Tian would never forsake Fengdu City. Though he had not intervened excessively, it did not mean he would relinquish this place.

Besides, within Fengdu City was the Sleeping God, who had always deliberately concealed himself.

“Your Highness.”

A soft call from Time brought Nuoluo back to her senses.

“Time, what has the Sleeping God been doing lately?”

Mentioning the Sleeping God stirred unusual feelings within Time. At the initial construction of the City of Reincarnation, he had been a persistent obstacle, almost causing the usually composed Time Goddess to lose her restraint. Had she not suppressed her emotions with all her might, a great battle would have been inevitable.

Yet, for some unknown reason, what followed surprised even Time. The Sleeping God seemed transformed, his attitude shifting dramatically to the point that Time wondered if someone else entirely was discussing matters with her.

The Sleeping God began to retreat, almost ceasing to voice any opinions—a change that Time welcomed.

“I do not know. Lately, the Sleeping God has been acting strangely, as if deliberately hiding his whereabouts, though he has not left Fengdu City.”

Seasons nodded beside her. She too had not seen the Sleeping God for quite some time and had once thought he might have left the city.

Nuoluo found this peculiar as well. When she first encountered the Sleeping God in the Underworld, he was as mysterious as the rumors suggested, but upon seeing him again, something felt off. If he still remained in Fengdu City, why was he so quiet? With her limited understanding of him, Nuoluo could not guess his intentions.

Fortunately, he had not interfered with the construction of the Path of Reincarnation—this was the most critical step for the City of Reincarnation.

“Time, inform him of the progress on the Path of Reincarnation now.”

“Your Highness, is it necessary to inform him?” Seasons was the first to voice the question.

“Yes, Your Highness. The Sleeping God seems to be deliberately avoiding involvement in city affairs. Is this still necessary?”

Nuoluo looked at Time and Seasons. She did not wish for the Underworld to meddle in Fengdu City at every turn, but this had been their original agreement, and she could not go back on her word. Moreover, since the Underworld showed no intention of surrendering Fengdu City, its fate could not be changed. Fengdu City would remain under the Underworld’s domain, whatever the reason, and the Sleeping God must be informed.

“Go at once, and tell the Sleeping God to convene discussions on when the souls will begin the cycle of reincarnation.”

Though reluctant, Time obeyed Nuoluo’s command. Seasons accompanied her.

Only after their silhouettes vanished from sight did Nuoluo turn to return to the Main Divine Hall.

Yet, the moment she turned, a sharp pain gripped her chest. This time it was more intense, nearly suffocating her.

Thankfully, Time and Seasons had already departed; otherwise, a commotion would surely arise.

Nuoluo forced herself to steady her breathing. Though she could not see herself, she imagined her face was drained of all color. Such agony made her fear that her divine essence might shatter at any moment.

Beneath the night sky, Nuoluo’s solitary figure seemed on the verge of being swallowed whole by the thick darkness.

She uttered no sound, bearing the pain in her heart alone. She could not reveal her injuries—she had no such right.

If anything were to happen to her now, it would surely spark chaos in the Mortal Realm. She could not risk that.

Struggling, she returned to the Main Divine Hall. Thankfully, it was empty except for the echo of her solitary footsteps.

Nuoluo sat down with effort, searching for a point of support—a strength upon which she could briefly lean.

She restored herself to her usual appearance, showing no signs of distress. At that moment, Time and Seasons returned.

“So soon?” Nuoluo skillfully concealed her condition, though the trembling of her fingertips beneath her sleeve betrayed her lingering pain.

Not only was Nuoluo surprised, but Time and Seasons were as well. When they informed the Sleeping God that the Path of Reincarnation had been completed, he only smiled faintly, acknowledging his awareness and promising to relay the news to King Underworld immediately. Regarding the souls’ reincarnation, he would await the King’s command.

Time relayed the Sleeping God’s response to Nuoluo.

“Is that all?”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Time paused, then added, “I watched closely for any change in the Sleeping God’s expression. When I told him the path was finished, he merely smiled slightly. His expression seemed to say, ‘It was to be expected.’ There was no surprise at all.” Time wondered if the current Sleeping God was another deity in disguise, as he bore no resemblance to the one she first encountered.

“That’s fine. Since he raises no objections, we shall proceed according to my plan.”

“Your Highness, do you think he is harboring some scheme? His smile feels strange,” Seasons expressed her doubts.

“That’s unlikely. If he had any sinister intent, the Path of Reincarnation would not have been built so smoothly. As for other matters, those will unfold after the souls enter the Underworld. So far, no signs of conspiracy have appeared. But since Seasons has doubts, we must watch carefully—neither neglect nor over-suspect. Unfounded suspicion will only cause unnecessary trouble.” For now, the calm may reveal new discoveries.

“Time, hasten the selection of souls to undergo reincarnation. This matter will require your utmost care. There may yet be unforeseen obstacles.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Time had already conceived a plan, even drafting a detailed proposal. Just as she was about to report it, she glanced at Nuoluo.

Nuoluo immediately understood and nodded, signaling that she would await the plan. Time and Seasons took their leave.

“Seasons, if you had not reminded me, I might not have noticed,” admitted Time, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Time, you’ve been too uncharacteristic today. Usually, you would have spotted this before me. Are you trying too hard to make up for your past mistakes? Hasn’t Her Highness already forgiven you? Put your guilt aside. Things must proceed slowly. Besides, Her Highness has labored through the night and deserves rest. Don’t you feel tired?”

Though Nuoluo hid it well, Seasons discerned her slight weariness, though she did not detect her injuries. When she saw Time was about to share her plan despite this, Seasons was ready to pull her aside. Fortunately, Time realized her intent.

“That’s true. I only wanted to finish this matter quickly and didn’t feel tired until you mentioned it. Now I do. Her Highness has endured even more; I have been careless.” Time truly felt off balance and fatigued. She glanced quietly toward the Main Divine Hall, silently praying that this brief rest would grant Nuoluo a moment of peace.

After Time and Seasons had just left, Nuoluo could no longer hold on. Her straight figure weakened and slipped down, collapsing onto the cold floor. Her fingers trembled violently. She had struggled to control herself earlier, fearful of suddenly losing control and exposing her injuries before Time and Seasons.

The chill crept inch by inch, and Nuoluo trembled. It was as if she had once again been plunged into the icy waters of the Sanzu River, powerless to save herself.

Supporting herself with her fingers, Nuoluo rose again. She could not fall now.

Enduring the pain, she staggered to the bed behind the hall and lay down slowly, appearing to rest naturally. Her vision darkened, and in the last moment before closing her eyes, she erased all signs of her distress from the floor. Even if they noticed her, they would think she was merely resting.

Having completed all this, Nuoluo closed her eyes and slipped into darkness.

Outside, the night gradually faded as the light of dawn strengthened. Under the sun’s rays, everything that had transpired during the night was concealed.

This novel is first published by Xiaoxiang Academy. Please do not reprint!