The word “marriage” was uttered boldly by Shi Hao. Upon hearing this, Huo Ling’er’s face flushed crimson as she glared at him, feeling that this guy had grown increasingly audacious lately.
Yet, thinking of their impending separation, she sighed softly, offering no rebuttal. A misty haze shimmered in her eyes, veiling them in melancholy.
They were parting again, and this time, Shi Hao would venture even farther—into the deepest reaches of the Forbidden Zone, far beyond the Three Thousand Provinces. This journey was fraught with peril, a path where survival was uncertain.
And even if he lived, Shi Hao would eventually leave this world, departing for realms beyond. This farewell might span countless years before they could meet again.
The thought weighed heavily on Huo Ling’er’s heart. A premonition gnawed at her—this parting might stretch into eternity, with no certainty of reunion.
“Be careful,” she whispered, her voice soft yet resolute.
The Forbidden Zone was treacherous, a place where even sect masters could perish, let alone someone like Shi Hao. This was a path of life and death, one that allowed no retreat.
“Don’t worry. No one can kill me. In fact, I’m quite eager to explore the Forbidden Zone. Who knows? I might even capture a divine beast for you to ride,” Shi Hao chuckled.
Ever the optimist, he brimmed with confidence, unshaken by the dangers ahead.
The blue-eyed woman laughed, her boldness matching his. “Get one for me too!”
“That’s a gift for my wife. Are you her?” Shi Hao retorted bluntly.
“Shi brat, aren’t you afraid I’ll have people deal with you once you enter the Celestial Academy?” the blue-eyed girl teased.
“Bring them on. I’ll subdue them all!” Shi Hao roared with laughter.
“Fine, keep being arrogant. I’ll make sure to give you a special welcome—introduce you to a few sisters who’ll take good care of you,” she smirked, her grin carrying a hint of mischief.
“Oh? What kind of sisters?” Shi Hao grinned eagerly.
“Princesses, descendants of immortals, even true celestial maidens. I bet you’ll flee in terror before they even greet you,” she taunted.
“He won’t escape. He’ll be subdued the moment he steps in,” the icy woman interjected.
“Then I’ll await your grand reception. I’ll definitely enter the Celestial Academy and enjoy your service,” Shi Hao declared, his laughter unrestrained.
The ice-cold beauty glared, while the blue-eyed girl giggled. “Keep talking. We’ll see if you’re still laughing then.”
Soon, they departed from Central Province. Following Shi Hao’s request, the silver warship halted after traversing hundreds of provinces.
“See you at the Celestial Academy!” Shi Hao waved, leaping off the ship with Huo Ling’er.
“Where are we going?” Huo Ling’er asked. She had watched his banter with the two women in silence, merely smiling.
“To Demon Province. To see my grandfather.”
Demon Province, a land scarred by ancient wars, had birthed countless fiends in antiquity—hence its name.
Legends spoke of ruins from the Immortal Ancient Era, a battleground of unimaginable carnage, where demonic bones and baleful energy festered beneath the earth.
Volcanoes dotted the landscape, crimson magma bubbling ceaselessly.
This was the first time Shi Hao had brought someone here—a girl, no less—to meet his grandfather.
The Great Demon God had already sensed their arrival. Emerging from a volcanic crater, his towering frame exuded might. His black hair cascaded freely, his bronze skin gleaming with vitality. Though centuries old, he appeared no older than forty.
“Hao’er!”
“Grandfather!”
Though they had reunited not long ago, their joy was undiminished.
“And who is this? Could it be—?” The Great Demon God’s eyes twinkled as he laughed heartily at Huo Ling’er.
“Grandfather, this is my wife. I brought her to meet you,” Shi Hao declared shamelessly, without a hint of embarrassment.
Huo Ling’er flushed crimson. Was this really how he introduced her on their first meeting?
“A fine girl. If you’re happy, I’m happy!” the Great Demon God boomed, his grin widening.
“Greetings, Great Demon God!” Huo Ling’er bowed respectfully. She had long heard of his exploits in the lower realm—how he had stormed the imperial capital for his grandson’s sake.
She revered this man deeply.
“Daughter of the Fire Emperor?” Upon learning her lineage, the Great Demon God laughed even louder. The Fire Emperor had been a peerless figure in the lower realm, transcending mortality.
Having met the Fire Emperor himself, the Great Demon God was more than pleased. Beyond admiration, they shared the bond of being “sinful descendants” from the lower realm.
“No need for formalities. We’re family!” the Great Demon God declared, his joy uncontained.
In high spirits, he clapped Shi Hao’s shoulder, demanding celestial ingredients and fine wine for a feast.
Shi Hao had left ample provisions during his last visit—flood dragons, phoenix-sparrows, golden cranes, and sacred wines.
Soon, the golden crane simmered in the cauldron, phoenix-sparrow wings roasted to perfection, and the aroma of immortal wine filled the air.
“How about I officiate your wedding today?” the Great Demon God proposed, half-drunk.
Huo Ling’er lowered her head, flustered. Though tinged with sorrow, the suggestion felt abrupt.
“Grandfather, there’s something I haven’t told you. I’m about to embark on a perilous path, one that may take me away for years. The future is uncertain—now isn’t the time for romance,” Shi Hao said quietly.
He confided telepathically, explaining the dangers ahead. If he didn’t return, he wouldn’t bind Huo Ling’er to a promise.
“The depths of the Forbidden Zone?” The Great Demon God frowned, his heart heavy. He couldn’t bear to lose his grandson, yet he couldn’t stand in his way.
Huo Ling’er’s embarrassment faded, replaced by sorrow. Was this truly goodbye? The road ahead was shrouded in mist—when, if ever, would they meet again?
The Great Demon God understood. He couldn’t interfere with his grandson’s path, nor could he recklessly bless a union that might leave a young woman widowed.
After two days with his grandfather, Shi Hao prepared to depart.
Huo Ling’er sighed, her heart laden with sorrow.
“Where will you go? I’ll escort you,” Shi Hao said, shedding his usual levity for solemnity.
“You’re leaving again. In this vast upper realm, only my father and you are my anchors. Now you’re going too,” Huo Ling’er murmured, her voice tinged with desolation.
No longer a princess, she had lived simply among the fire mulberry trees, waiting for his return—a stranger in this world.
Now, as another crucial figure departed, grief overwhelmed her.
“If I live, I’ll return for you,” Shi Hao vowed.
“They say the world will descend into chaos. Is it true?” Huo Ling’er asked.
If war ravaged the land, where would they be? Would they ever reunite?
“If that day comes, no matter where I am, I’ll return to protect you,” Shi Hao swore, his voice ringing like a divine blade.
“I just want you to be safe,” Huo Ling’er whispered, tears glistening. In this lonely upper realm, she couldn’t bear to lose him.
“I will return. No one can kill me,” Shi Hao affirmed.
He asked where she wished to go.
Huo Ling’er remained silent, lost in thought. Where was home?
Shi Hao escorted her to Sin Province, to the Fire Emperor’s seclusion, hoping she’d await her father’s return.
But Huo Ling’er shook her head, eyes brimming with tears. Instead, she wished to see him off, to watch him venture into the Forbidden Zone.
“It’s too dangerous. I won’t let you travel back alone,” Shi Hao refused.
“Stay here. The Fire Emperor will return. Stay with him,” Shi Hao urged, then turned to the little wolf. “Train hard. Protect Ling’er.”
After two days, Shi Hao prepared to leave.
“Take me to the fire mulberry grove. I want to live there,” Huo Ling’er suddenly requested.
Shi Hao’s heart clenched, a bittersweet ache swelling within him.
Fire mulberry blossoms painted the land crimson.
Returning to this tranquil haven, a breeze stirred the trees, scattering petals like rubies across the sky.
Amid the scarlet rain, Huo Ling’er found solace. Here, memories and hopes intertwined—a place where waiting had once brought peace.
Yet now, the future loomed darker. Shi Hao’s journey was perilous, and even survival meant departure from this world.
Huo Ling’er’s heart wavered in sorrow.
How many years would pass before they met again? By then, the world might be aflame—would reunion even be possible?
This reunion had been a miracle. The next might never come.
She knew the coming era would claim countless heroes. Amidst war’s chaos, Shi Hao would march forward, unable to look back.
As farewell neared, Shi Hao gazed at her silently, words failing him.
“Fire mulberry blossoms bloom year after year. I’ll wait here for your return,” Huo Ling’er murmured, her eyes lingering on him.
Yet, she sensed—this parting might be eternal.
Her words, her gaze, pierced Shi Hao’s heart. A pang of sorrow welled within him, his eyes stinging.
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