054 The Pain of Memory (2)

He gazed at Nuoluo and spoke slowly, “When you unraveled the Blade of Ice and Snow, the fragment of my divinity that had been buried was brought back into the light. Before that, it had been suppressed by the power of the Blade of Ice and Snow, further bound by the guardian’s seal. Because we share the same bloodline, the fragment was drawn to you, and the power within you could lift the guardian’s imprisonment. Only when the fragment that remained with the Devouring Wraith returns will my memories be fully restored.”

Nuoluo thought of that vile Devouring Wraith, recalling how her father’s divine fragment had remained within its body all this time. Uncontrollable fury surged from her heart—how dare it devour her father’s divinity; it should have been shattered to pieces then and there. The other fragments had already been consumed and would never reappear. What price had her father paid to preserve these two fragments until today?

“You’ve been waiting for me all this time. What really happened back then? Why didn’t you leave with Mother? Mother is gone—I never even met my father. And now, fate brings us together in such a way. How could you treat me like this, leaving me alone to bear everything in the mortal realm? If you knew what would happen, why did you leave me by myself?” Nuoluo’s long-suppressed emotions erupted, a release reserved only for her parents.

She complained like a child, suddenly throwing herself into his arms—a phantom embrace, yet the familial affection unchanged.

Time seemed to halt. She lingered in that rare warmth, craving the fleeting tenderness. After a long while, she pushed him away. The long-awaited embrace could not solve all problems; a greater purpose still called her.

“Father, tell me the truth. I need to know why you abandoned me. The Earth God lineage would never do such a thing.”

“I selfishly wish you never knew, but some things you must learn!”

His soul grew more ethereal. Nuoluo placed her hand over his heart, as she had in the realm of nightmares, only this time the protagonist was her own kin.

A vision appeared—the Underworld Barrier. Nuoluo held her breath, watching what was about to unfold. The memories began.

Outside the powerful Netherfire barrier, two figures appeared—one dressed in white, radiant as snow; the other in red, blazing as fire. Her father and mother, Lingji. Nuoluo held her breath, watching the events about to transpire.

Her mother in the vision was so familiar, yet her expression was entirely different from the one Nuoluo had seen before. There was no sorrow, only gentle worry. No weakness, only strength.

Her father radiated vitality—his presence was like the dawn, emitting dazzling brilliance. The fiery red robes could not mask his sharp aura, dispersing the deep gloom of the underworld and bringing long-lost sunlight. Now, it felt just like the first time she set foot on Sunset Mountain and felt the scorching flames. Though it was only a memory, his brilliance could not be dimmed.

“Fengming, the Netherfire is within. We’ve finally arrived,” he said.

Nuoluo’s heart trembled. “Father is of the Phoenix Clan?” She continued to watch.

Lingji turned to him, her eyes filled with concern. “You’ve endured so much. I’ve burdened you. Truly, you shouldn’t have to bear all this.”

Fengming pretended to scold Lingji with a gentle tap to her forehead, but his gaze overflowed with affection. “What nonsense! Husband and wife are of one body—whether you bear it or I bear it, isn’t it the same?”

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. No matter what happens, I’ll always stand by your side.”

“But I am truly of the Earth God lineage. You gave up your identity, and now you accompany me to the underworld. This shouldn’t be yours to bear. Sometimes I wonder—have I always been wrong? If I gave up dominion over the mortal realm and handed it to the gods, would it have been better?” Lingji hesitated, voicing her thoughts.

“If you keep talking like that, I’ll really get angry. Now, it’s not about giving up the rule of the mortal realm, but abandoning it entirely. Are you truly willing to forsake the generations of Earth God guardians and let the mortal realm be destroyed and reborn? If so, you’re not the Lingji I know. Besides, all we need is to ignite the Sacred Flame at the earth’s heart to save the mortal realm.

Don’t overthink things. Since we’ve come this far, focus only on the task at hand. That is what matters most right now.

And think of the terrible price paid at Sunset Mountain—how can you bear to forsake it now? Remember those clansmen who protected us, those who vanished seeking the Sacred Flame of the earth spirit. You are their last hope; don’t let their shattered divinity remain restless.”

“But what about you? Once you return, how will you face your clan? This is the responsibility of the Earth God lineage, yet you are nearly homeless because of it. It’s my fault, my fault. I don’t worry for myself; as a descendant of the Earth Gods, I’m prepared for anything, but you’ve sacrificed so much for me—how can I bear to let you endure even greater burdens?”

Fengming shook his head unconcernedly. “If you worry about this, you needn’t. From the moment I decided to marry you, I resolved to join the Earth God lineage. By legacy, I should be counted among your people.”

“But you left the Phoenix Clan for me, gave up everything you should have had. And the Earth God lineage passes through the maternal line—your status isn’t recognized. You’ve sacrificed too much for me.”

“Lingji, don’t grieve for me. All this is my choice. I’m willing to give up everything for you, especially for a mere title.

Besides, their actions disgust me. Is the mortal realm’s fate only the Earth God lineage’s concern? It’s the responsibility of all divine clans. Though the Earth Gods have always governed the mortal realm, how can the other gods be so indifferent? They see only the power in your hands, but ignore all you’ve sacrificed for the mortal realm. What they desire is power, not the mortal world itself.

Now you are my wife. Protecting you is my duty. Regardless of whether my status is recognized, I am always our child’s father. As long as you both accept me, what else matters? Isn’t that so, mother of my child?”

“Talking nonsense again! What child?” Lingji’s face flushed instantly. She regretted, too, that she had no child yet. If anything happened to her, the Earth God lineage might end with her. That thought strengthened her resolve—she must acquire the Netherfire, no matter the cost, and ensure Fengming’s safety. If disaster befell her, entrusting the mortal realm to him would bring peace to her heart.

“Don’t worry. We’ll leave this place together. We’ll be happy, and so will our child. Trust me.” Fengming embraced his wife, savoring the rare moment.

Nuoluo gazed at this picturesque scene, thinking of the tragedy soon to unfold—their last moments together. As she faced the impending separation, the pain in her heart was impossible to conceal.

Their figures flashed and entered the barrier. Inside, not a trace of life remained. Here, all living things had lost the chance to survive, even more desolate than what Nuoluo had seen before.

A fierce wind swept through, leaving the earth barren. Lingji and Fengming barely managed to summon a protective barrier amid the raging storm—one wielding the power of ice, the other of fire. Together, they created a strange, beautiful scene: red and white interwoven, bringing a touch of vitality to the barrier.

Nuoluo’s gaze remained fixed on the protective shield—it was only the fifth layer. Could it be that her parents’ power then was not equal to her own now? Impossible.

What she didn’t know was that her strength had surpassed the peak of the Earth God lineage; Lingji and Fengming in those days were far weaker than she was now.

Within the barrier, they searched for the legendary Netherfire—what would it look like?

Tiny sparks appeared on the desolate ground. They brought no life, only a mysterious eeriness. The scene was similar, yet somehow different.

Lingji must have stepped on something, for she let out a sharp scream—just as Nuoluo had experienced before. Nuoluo watched, unblinking, as the next events unfolded.

The sudden appearance of the sparks startled Lingji, and their shrill cries made both her and Fengming take a step back. What were these things?

Amid the sparks’ screams, a powerful figure emerged—the guardian, just as expected. He seemed to awaken abruptly from a dream, his presence emanating anger. Rising slowly, he gazed coldly at the intruders.

Lingji and Fengming were equally shocked. “What a formidable presence!” When had the underworld gained such a mysterious being? Who was he?

“Those who trespass the barrier—your souls shall be destroyed!” The guardian’s shoulder bore one of the sparks, which looked at them excitedly, screeching.

“Our apologies. We are of the Earth God lineage, seeking the Netherfire. You are…?” Fengming and Lingji bowed together, honoring the powerful one.

“Earth God lineage? Netherfire?” The guardian was puzzled. Why did they seek the Netherfire?

“My apologies for my ignorance, elder. Who are you?” Fengming asked again.

“I am the guardian of this barrier.”

“Your Highness, we need the Netherfire to ignite the Sacred Flame at the earth’s heart and save the mortal realm. Please grant us this favor.”

The guardian looked at Fengming. “You—are you of the Earth God lineage? Doesn’t seem like it.” His gaze shifted to Lingji.

Lingji and Fengming exchanged a look. Lingji stepped forward. “I am of the Earth God lineage.”

“Is that so? The Earth God lineage possesses such strength—beyond my imagination. If you want the Netherfire, take it yourself.” The guardian’s figure vanished.

Nuoluo closed her eyes in pain, unable to witness what would come next—the brutal scene, too tragic to bear. This time, who would save them?