Chapter 109: Shocking News

Beneath the night sky, Nuoluo stood gazing at the increasingly enigmatic city of Fengdu. She no longer remembered when she had grown accustomed to looking upon the city shrouded in such desolate darkness. As the day of reincarnation drew nearer, she awaited it with both hope and apprehension, wishing fervently that all would proceed smoothly, as she desired.

Yet despite this, unease gnawed at her heart. Her unhealed wounds threatened to worsen at any moment, and she could not be certain how much longer she could endure. She prayed only to witness the souls achieve their rebirth without hindrance.

Amid the somber night, a small shadow emerged in the most secluded corner of the city, glancing about as if searching for something. It was Niaoniao, but unlike its usual brazen and flamboyant self, now it appeared transformed into someone entirely different.

Niaoniao’s gaze fixed upon the temple where Nuoluo stood, its expression unusually complex—this version of Niaoniao was utterly unfamiliar. At last, it approached the temple.

Nuoluo was pleased to see Niaoniao; it had been a long time since their last meeting. When Niaoniao’s distinctive voice sounded softly in her ear, a familiar warmth returned after a long absence.

Niaoniao leapt into Nuoluo’s arms, having long coveted the comfort of this embrace.

Nuoluo regarded the somewhat altered Niaoniao with curiosity; remarkably, it made no complaints upon seeing her. Yet today, Niaoniao seemed somewhat subdued.

“What’s wrong, Niaoniao?” Nuoluo asked, lifting it into her arms and scrutinizing it carefully.

But Niaoniao lowered its head, avoiding her gaze.

Indeed, Niaoniao seemed strange—its demeanor was low-spirited, and its countenance appeared haggard.

Nuoluo carried Niaoniao back inside the temple.

“Niaoniao, what exactly has happened?”

This time, Niaoniao did not evade her eyes. When it finally raised its head, a fleeting glance revealed deeply complex emotions—though the look vanished as quickly as it appeared.

“Nothing much, just that it’s been too long since I last saw you… I suppose I’ve been missing you,” Niaoniao said mournfully, puzzling Nuoluo even more. In her memory, Niaoniao rarely spoke like this. Had it been its usual self, it would never express displeasure so softly; it would have been far more irritable if she had neglected it so.

“Niaoniao, tell me, what’s really going on? Are you hurt?” Though Niaoniao seldom got injured, the possibility could not be dismissed.

“Nothing has happened. I’m fine,” Niaoniao denied, shaking its head.

“Nuoluo, can we continue like this?” Niaoniao looked at her expectantly, as if their relationship could truly persist just by Nuoluo’s agreement.

“All right! But you’re really not used to this,” Nuoluo chuckled. “You should get back to your usual self.”

Niaoniao lowered its head, pondering Nuoluo’s words, but soon lifted it again, reverting to its arrogant, untouchable demeanor.

Good, Nuoluo thought inwardly; this was the Niaoniao she knew.

She recalled everything from when they first met at Sunset Mountain, including the condition Niaoniao had imposed. It seemed she still had no idea what it wanted from her.

“Niaoniao, what was the request you asked me to fulfill that day on Sunset Mountain?”

Niaoniao was clearly startled; it had almost tried to forget that demand. If possible, it hoped never to recall it again.

“It’s not time yet. Why the urgency? When the moment comes, I will tell you. But you must fulfill it. Do not break your vow,” it said with an inscrutable expression.

Nuoluo couldn’t help but raise her hand to pat it. It had been a long time since she had done so, but seeing Niaoniao’s somber mood today, she used only a gentle touch.

“Ouch, that hurts,” Niaoniao grinned, freshly returned to its usual self but already subjected to this treatment.

“Good that you still feel pain. Seeing you like this, I’m sure you’re all right. That’s what matters,” Nuoluo said brightly. “Think carefully about your request. Remember, there’s only one—I won’t break my original vow.”

Niaoniao grew impatient. “Let’s end this topic here. Don’t keep bringing it up, or when I finally mention it, it won’t have the desired effect.” In truth, it was deliberately avoiding the subject.

Since their meeting, Niaoniao’s original intentions had shifted. Now, Nuoluo felt more like family to it. It could not bear the thought of hurting her.

“Niaoniao, I know you hate the undead, so after reincarnation begins, I’ll have to ignore you again.”

“Good you understand. But I truly loathe those spirits and the Underworld. I never want to return there in this life. Even now, just thinking about those souls sends chills down my spine. Oh, except for that one I mentioned before. Besides him, I detest all the undead.”

Niaoniao paused, as if recalling something. “Nuoluo, how have you been feeling lately?”

Nuoluo was startled. Could Niaoniao sense her injuries?

“I’m fine. Just more tired than before,” she replied lightly.

“No injuries?”

“How could I be? In this world, there are few things that can harm me.”

Niaoniao considered this and relaxed visibly, realizing it had worried unnecessarily.

“All right, Niaoniao, continuing like this isn’t like you.”

At that moment, Shikong hurried into the temple. “Your Highness, the God of Sleep has returned.”

At the mention of that name, Niaoniao’s whole body tensed uncomfortably. It truly detested encountering any deity of the Underworld.

The God of Sleep’s arrival meant that the souls were ready to begin reincarnation.

Feigning discomfort, Niaoniao excused itself and left. Nuoluo understood its feelings and, not wanting it to meet the God of Sleep, consented. “Niaoniao, I’ll have to ignore you again for a while.”

Niaoniao disdainfully rolled its eyes, acknowledging her words.

Shikong watched silently, sometimes bewildered by why Her Highness indulged such a mysterious bird. But considering Niaoniao’s formidable power, she did not wish to provoke it. Besides, Niaoniao was arrogant to everyone except Her Highness.

As Niaoniao stepped out of the temple, it saw Shaoguang, nodded briefly, and then departed.

Watching Niaoniao disappear from view, Shaoguang thought to herself, “Niaoniao is acting quite unusually today, even greeting me first.”

Only after Niaoniao vanished did she enter the temple, having just received word that the God of Sleep had returned to Fengdu. The long-awaited moment Her Highness anticipated was finally at hand.

Inside the temple, Shikong was reporting the final response from the Underworld to Nuoluo.

Shaoguang entered quietly, not disturbing Nuoluo's contemplation, instead standing silently by her side.

Since Shaoguang’s return, this was Shikong’s first time seeing her. Shikong did not know the true reason for Shaoguang’s departure—only that it was by Her Highness’s orders. The purpose remained unknown to her. But Her Highness acted freely according to her own reasoning; there was no need for Shikong to worry. If Her Highness deemed it necessary, she would be informed.

At present, Shikong devoted all her energy to the matter of soul reincarnation. She truly had no spare time to monitor Shaoguang’s movements.

Soon, Siji also entered the temple and was momentarily stunned upon seeing Shaoguang.

As usual, Shaoguang showed no unusual expression upon seeing Siji, greeting her with the familiar smile.

Siji, observing Shaoguang’s demeanor, relaxed inwardly. If Shaoguang had left because of her, some abnormal sign would have appeared by now. Clearly, this was not the case.

Siji refrained from interrupting the conversation between Nuoluo and Shikong, choosing instead to stand beside Shaoguang.

“Your Highness, reincarnation can begin tomorrow. We will decide the number of souls to be reincarnated first. However, the God of Sleep advises that the number not be too large, or crossing the River of Three Paths will be difficult.”

“I have already considered this. The number we chose last time was just right,” Nuoluo replied.

“Also, the God of Sleep has proposed that Your Highness personally accompany these souls into the Underworld.”

“Certainly. Entering the Underworld is only the beginning. The true goal is for the souls to be reborn successfully. For whatever reason, I must go there.”

As Nuoluo spoke, she couldn’t help but recall a certain figure who had not appeared in Fengdu this time. Surely, something important kept him away. Of course—the human realm worries about soul reincarnation; the Underworld does not. If souls fail to reincarnate, their fate is no different from previous spirits: either crossing the River of Three Paths or facing other punishments. Either way, it is simpler than what she now must undertake.

“Your Highness, I will go with you!” Shikong had never been to the Underworld.

Nuoluo pondered. The last time she went, it was with Niaoniao. But now Niaoniao had clearly expressed its hatred for the Underworld and would never set foot there again. Moreover, it was not a good choice; if anything went wrong, Niaoniao’s negative influence could undo much of her effort.

Niaoniao never swallowed its pride when faced with trouble, and the current situation required communication, not confrontation. Shikong had been responsible for this matter all along and was the best candidate.

Yet, the darkness of the Underworld was daunting. Could Shikong endure it?

“Shikong, the Underworld is unlike the human realm. Prepare yourself.”

“Your Highness, I have thought about this for a long time. No matter what the Underworld is like, since we aim to make Fengdu the city of reincarnation, the connection between the human world and the Underworld is indispensable. You cannot always go yourself whenever there is a problem. I will do my best.” Shikong remained deeply troubled by her previous mistake.

“Very well, then you shall accompany me.”

Nuoluo turned her gaze to the eager Siji. “Siji, you and Shaoguang will stay behind. Do not leave without permission. During this time, you must protect Fengdu from any incidents.”

“Your Highness, I want to go to the Underworld too.” Siji also wished to see the true face of the legendary realm of death.