130 Returning to the Old Place

Niaoniao’s eyes were slightly moist as she gazed fixedly at Nv Luo. "Never again!" This was a promise from Niaoniao. Never again would such an incident happen.

A trace of inexplicable unease welled up in Nv Luo’s heart. She feared that one day Niaoniao might become her enemy. She needed this promise, for given their status, any oath they made was destined to be defended with their lives.

In this moment, both chose to forget their positions and recalled the life-and-death struggles they had shared; they needed each other’s support.

Nv Luo struggled to stand and walked toward the outside of the temple, though she was extremely weak, and every step required immense effort.

Niaoniao followed closely by her side. After a moment of hesitation, she grasped Nv Luo’s hand to offer support. This time, Nv Luo did not pull away. Niaoniao felt a surge of joy—did this mean Nv Luo had forgiven her?

Nv Luo led Niaoniao out of the Main God Temple. The previous conflict had scarred the structure, but Nv Luo no longer had the strength to restore it. She decided to leave the traces as they were—a reminder to herself.

Though Lei Ling had departed from the Human Realm, Nv Luo knew her well enough to know she would not give up so easily. Moreover, having left while wounded, Lei Ling’s fury would likely drive her to commit even more vicious acts. However, Nv Luo was not worried about any conspiracy Lei Ling might hatch, as she lacked the power to shake the foundations of the Human Realm.

Outside the temple, the sun was shining brightly, and everything had returned to normal. They stood atop the temple, gazing into the distance.

Standing in the sunlight, Niaoniao felt a sense of pride. The gloom had been swept away by the wind, and the air was filled with hope. In that moment, Niaoniao began to understand Nv Luo’s past actions. The grueling trek through the Sunset Mountains, the struggle in the Underworld, the arduous exploration of Fengdu City—when all these efforts yielded today’s brilliant sunshine, every hardship seemed insignificant.

"Niaoniao, what are your plans?" Nv Luo finally turned her head after a long silence. The Human Realm was at peace, and she could finally leave with a sense of ease.

Niaoniao remained silent for a while. Although she wanted to stay by Nv Luo’s side, she had to leave for now. Her power had not yet fully recovered.

"I have been away from the Sunset Mountains for too long. I must return."

The Sunset Mountains—such a distant place. Thinking back, everything that happened there felt like it belonged to a past reincarnation. Nv Luo had sworn never to step foot there again. If Niaoniao left now, would this be their final meeting? Nv Luo felt a pang of reluctance.

"I promise I will return soon," Niaoniao said hurriedly, unwilling to see the look of eternal parting in Nv Luo’s eyes.

Nv Luo wanted to say something more, but ultimately kept silent. Niaoniao, too, was overcome with the sorrow of departure.

Niaoniao never imagined she would one day be consumed by such thoughts. Before meeting Nv Luo, she had always been unrestrained and bold, never worrying about anything or feeling attached to anyone. The ten thousand years in the Sunset Mountains had been monotonous and quiet. She had spent those long years in tranquility, accumulating power day by day, until she met Nv Luo, and the trajectory of her life changed forever.

She would rush about for Nv Luo’s affairs, worry over her injuries, and burn with rage at those who plotted against her—this version of herself felt so strange.

Now, as she prepared to leave, the memories of what had passed seemed so precious. She would miss this life. But she had to go; she needed to restore her full power as quickly as possible to return to the Human Realm.

Niaoniao chose to slip away quietly.

Nv Luo watched Niaoniao’s retreating figure, her eyes brimming with moisture, but she held it back.

She clutched her chest tightly; her injuries were worsening by the day. Niaoniao’s departure was perhaps for the best.

The Main God Temple did not hold many memories for her; she truly missed another place. Now that all matters were settled, it was time for her to depart.

Nv Luo’s figure appeared before a dilapidated temple. Niaoniao’s previous description was correct; compared to any other temple, this place was nothing more than a thatched hut.

This was the first temple Nv Luo had built upon arriving in the Human Realm, and it was the only place she truly cherished, for it held the memories of her beginnings.

She pushed open the door, the creaking sound a testament to its decay, yet everything felt intimately familiar. Nv Luo gently closed the door behind her. The interior was dim, and the furnishings were worn.

Everything was exactly as she remembered, everything was familiar. She had built all of this with her own hands.

Nv Luo would never forget her first arrival in the Human Realm; it was entirely unlike what she had imagined, filled with murderous intent everywhere. She had built this temple during her most difficult times, and suddenly, she had found a sense of belonging.

Returning here now, she was filled with a thousand emotions. The Sacred Fire of the Earth Heart had been ignited, the City of Reincarnation had been built, and all was progressing steadily in the Human Realm. She had no concerns; she trusted Shao Guang and Shi Kong to handle things.

For now, she only wanted to rest here in silence and set everything else aside.

Suddenly, there was a disturbance outside. A powerful presence had appeared.

Nv Luo was startled. Who would show up at this time? Fortunately, she had already cast a barrier around the temple.

Even to human eyes, this temple was ruins; no one would suspect that the Goddess of Earth was inside.

It did not matter who was outside; what mattered was that Nv Luo did not wish to be disturbed. Perhaps they would leave on their own after a while.

Yet, after a long time, Nv Luo could still sense that presence.

Who could it be? And what did they want here? Nv Luo slowly walked toward the entrance. As she drew closer, her heart pounded; a familiar aura lingered in the air. When she saw the figure, she was stunned.

How could he be here? How did he know she was here?

She saw a complex array of emotions in his eyes. This version of him was unfamiliar; Nv Luo had never imagined she would see such complicated feelings in him.

They stared at each other, forgetting the passage of time, wanting only to imprint the other’s image into their minds in that very second.

Nv Luo watched as he walked toward her, step by step, his shadow gradually blocking all the light before her. In the next moment, she fell into an embrace that, while somewhat cold, provided her with infinite peace.

"Li Tian, you..." Nv Luo started to speak, but was interrupted.

"Don't speak. Don't say anything right now!" Li Tian’s voice lacked its usual coldness, instead trembling.

Li Tian could not hide his agitation; he craved the warmth in his arms. He had nearly exhausted his vitality and even tapped into his most secret powers to help with Nv Luo’s injuries. But he did not regret it.

After Nv Luo left Fengdu City, he had an ominous premonition, but his power had not yet fully recovered. The great battle between Nv Luo and Lei Ling had shocked the entire Human Realm, and it had shocked Li Tian as well. Who dared to challenge Nv Luo’s majesty in the Human Realm?

He had rushed out of Fengdu City, searching everywhere, but found nothing. It was not until he discovered clues at the Main God Temple that he knew. A great battle had clearly occurred here, even though every trace had been carefully concealed.

After a thorough search, there was still no sign of Nv Luo, but he was certain she had been there; her aura remained. If he wasn't mistaken, her injuries had worsened.

Worried about her condition and her whereabouts, yet finding her as if she had vanished, he grew desperate. He wanted to scour the entire Human Realm. Finally, he thought of this place. In his memory, this was the first temple she had built in the Human Realm, and she seemed to love it dearly.

When he saw her figure slowly appear before him, Li Tian was finally certain. At this moment, he was overjoyed—she was safe and sound.

It was rare for Li Tian to lose control like this, and Nv Luo was left completely stunned.

Li Tian held her tightly, as if she would vanish the moment he let go. After a long while, he finally released her, immediately taking her hand.

"You are injured again!" As expected, her old wounds had not healed, and new ones had been added. Who was it that dared to challenge Nv Luo in the Human Realm?

Nv Luo tried to pull her hand away, but could not. This version of Li Tian was unfamiliar, yet she felt even more like a stranger to herself; her heart had never beaten so wildly.

"How... how did you find this place?" Could it be that he had rushed here purely because of her injuries? She saw worry in his eyes. He was actually worried about her! But this place was so hidden—how had he found it?

Li Tian did not answer. After releasing her hand, he examined her closely. Nv Luo instinctively lowered her head. Li Tian’s gaze was strange, as if he intended to see through her soul. Under such a gaze, she felt as though she had become transparent, as if all her secrets were exposed to the sunlight.

"Who was it? Who was able to severely injure you in the Human Realm?" There was clear anger in Li Tian’s voice.

Nv Luo did not want to discuss it further. This was a grudge between her and Lei Ling, one she could resolve herself. But if Li Tian intervened, would it escalate into a war between the Three Realms?

"How did you find this place?" Nv Luo deliberately avoided the topic. In truth, she wanted to avoid Li Tian himself; the Li Tian of today had changed entirely.

"This is the first temple you ever built. Is it so strange that I could find you here?" Li Tian had returned to his usual self. Since Nv Luo did not want to say who had harmed her, he would not press her. He assumed it must have something to do with the Divine Realm. The relationship between the Human Realm and the Divine Realm was always complex; he did not wish to meddle too much.