077 The Baili Inn

On the vast lands of the human realm, all things awaken anew. Only after facing the trials of death does one grasp the true meaning of life. Only after experiencing loss does one understand the preciousness of what one possesses. Only after enduring separation does one realize how rare reunion truly is.

The earth, freed from ice and snow, brims with vigorous life, yet cannot bury the scars of past suffering. Across the wide wilderness, those who fell before reaching home remain frozen in their final despair. In remote villages, with no survivors left to bury the dead, corpses lie exposed, their bodies reflecting their last hopelessness, devoured by awakened beasts and reduced to the most pitiful food.

Rarely does a human now cross these wilds; it has become a domain of beasts, their blood-red eyes waiting eagerly for their next prey.

Nuoluo and Shaoguang appeared in such a wilderness, their arrival drawing the attention of the darkness, the gaze of those thirsting for blood.

A shadow leapt at them, but with a single gesture, Nuoluo brought it crashing to the ground.

"Oh, what is this creature?" Niaoniao fluttered its wings, baffled by the sight of such a monster.

Nuoluo regarded the fallen beast with furrowed brows; it looked uncannily like the demons she had sealed years ago. Could they have broken free of their restraints?

Niaoniao glanced into the distance, suddenly shrieking. Nuoluo followed its gaze and was instantly enraged.

Not far away, scattered bones lay exposed. The flesh had been gnawed clean, leaving nothing but pale, tragic skeletons.

Nuoluo could no longer discern their identities; all she could do was bury them, granting them a final resting place.

A simple grave appeared in the open earth, marking the passing of a vibrant life and uncovering the deepest wounds.

Nuoluo and Shaoguang stood before the nameless tombstone, their shadows stretching endlessly into the distance, as if conveying the unbearable sorrow within.

Nuoluo had entrusted the affairs of Fengdu City to Time and the Four Seasons. After bidding farewell to the Underworld King and Fuli, she left the city with Shaoguang. Though prepared, the reality before her pierced her deeply; what she saw now was even harder to accept.

Along their journey, they had encountered much suffering and death, but never before had they come upon bones so unrecognizable. Attacked by the demons, all traces of their former lives were erased. Even as spirits, they could not be reborn, for their past was lost without a trace.

This land had endured too much pain; must it now bear the burden of monsters left behind by the Demon Realm once again? These beasts were far stronger than common wildlife, and their attacks brought even greater agony.

Nuoluo gazed at the nameless tombstone, silent for a long time.

Shaoguang walked up behind her, softly saying, “Your Highness…”

“Shaoguang, have I always been wrong? Had I destroyed those demons completely in the past, perhaps none of this would have happened. I never imagined they could break free of my bindings. The human realm is already riddled with wounds—how can it withstand another invasion?”

“Your Highness, please don’t grieve so much.” Shaoguang was at a loss for comfort; the reappearance of the demons was beyond her expectations. Though Nuoluo had slain countless demons years ago, the fact she didn’t eradicate their kind entirely left today’s calamity.

“Oh, stop blaming yourselves! If you ask Niaoniao, since what’s done is done, we must find a solution. If humans are weak, then we must find a way to strengthen them. If the demons awaken, we must either slay them or seal them again—or even tame them! Any method is better than wallowing in regret!” Niaoniao looked at Nuoluo with irritation, unable to bear her self-reproach. What’s the big deal? Just solve it!

Nuoluo looked at Niaoniao with approval; its suggestion was indeed a good one. But how to proceed? She looked at her palm, a new idea beginning to form.

“Nuoluo, you’ve mourned enough. Can we move on now?” Niaoniao kept patting her shoulder, urging them to leave.

Ahead, a small town appeared. At last, they saw traces of humanity.

The sight of the town stirred Niaoniao’s curiosity and gave Nuoluo some hope; despite everything, life had survived this catastrophe.

“Niaoniao, there will be people ahead. Remember—say nothing, stay silent. Otherwise, you’ll return to the Sanctuary of the Gods by yourself.” Nuoluo reminded it, not wanting Niaoniao’s odd behavior to cause greater panic.

Niaoniao nodded reluctantly. Though silence would be difficult, disobeying Nuoluo would send it back to the lonely temple, which it dreaded. Besides, Niaoniao had never seen a real human town and was eager for the lively experience.

“Shaoguang, once we enter the town, address me by name!”

“Your Highness, how can I? That would be far too disrespectful!” Shaoguang shook her head.

“Shaoguang, forget our identities for now. We are ordinary humans. Only then can we truly understand everything. Names don’t matter. Besides, as the Earth Goddess, how can I face those who have lost their loved ones?”

“Your Highness…” Shaoguang couldn’t bear Nuoluo’s self-blame. In her heart, Nuoluo was always the noblest, flawless, her eternal goddess. Seeing Nuoluo reproach herself pained Shaoguang even more.

“Your Highness, please don’t blame yourself. This isn’t your fault.” Shaoguang saw Nuoluo watching her and finally uttered that noble name.

“Nuoluo.” After speaking, Shaoguang bowed her head. “Forgive my rudeness.”

Niaoniao’s eyes darted about; it always called Nuoluo by name—was it rude too? To Niaoniao, such a matter was trivial. It was just a title—was it really so important?

Nuoluo smiled gently. Since things had happened, self-reproach would change nothing. It was time to face them.

Nuoluo’s smile brought warmth to Shaoguang; it had been so long since she’d seen such a gentle expression. Though the smile held sorrow, the most dangerous moment had passed, hadn’t it?

The sun was setting, its rays stretching their shadows endlessly into the distance.

Nuoluo looked up at the radiant sunlight, realizing for the first time that where life exists, the sun is always so warm. Just like her heart now—though she had faced countless hardships, she was filled with gratitude. Grateful for the resilient lives that made her efforts meaningful. Grateful for those who silently supported her, making her journey no longer lonely.

Though beset by difficulties, compared to the suffocating silence of Fengdu City, this small town, though modest, revealed the vibrancy of life.

Nuoluo and Shaoguang entered the town, with Niaoniao perched as usual on Nuoluo’s shoulder, its eyes roaming, searching for things of interest.

Within the town, signs of past wounds were visible, yet the vitality of life was returning and normalcy was being restored.

Nuoluo walked to an inn, its sign reading “Baili Inn,” reminding her of the mysterious Sunset Inn she had encountered on Falling Sun Mountain.

There were few guests inside; the innkeeper idly leaned against the doorframe, the owner flipping through the account book.

Nuoluo and Shaoguang’s arrival caught everyone’s attention.

The innkeeper hurried over, pointing to a window-side table, “Please sit here, the view is best.”

He kept glancing at them, unable to remember seeing such guests before. How to describe them? Words failed him, but he was certain they were not ordinary people.

“What would you like to order? Would you care to try our signature dish?”

“Water,” Nuoluo replied.

“What?” The innkeeper thought he misheard. He stared at Nuoluo, disbelieving that she only wanted water. Anyone reaching here must be unusual, and after such a journey, to want only water?

“Would you like to try our specialty?”

“Water,” Nuoluo insisted.

His expression shifted. Judging by their attire, he assumed they were wealthy, yet they requested only water—so frugal!

“Water isn’t free. Please wait a moment.” He glanced back at them as he left.

Other guests murmured about Nuoluo, puzzled by her strange request.

Though the innkeeper found it odd, he moved quickly.

Nuoluo ignored the curious glances. She stared into the cup before her, gazing at her reflection in the water, deep in thought.

“Nuoluo, why only water?” Shaoguang didn’t understand Nuoluo’s actions, nor what she sought in the water.

Nuoluo smiled softly. “Water is the most precious thing, isn’t it?”

On Falling Sun Mountain, water was more valuable than anything. Even in the human realm, water remained most precious.

Nuoluo gently swirled the cup, observing the ripples, listening for the messages within.

Her gaze turned to the window. Suddenly, her eyes flashed—she had seen an incredible figure.

----- Author's Note -----
Apologies, apologies, the internet was truly uncooperative!