Hearing that Qingdai was injured made my heart skip a beat.
However, when I learned that the ones who injured her were Black and White Impermanence, I showed even more shock.
I looked at Qingdai with disbelief.
Black and White Impermanence, those were legendary soul reapers.
They were known as the netherworld's officials, one of the Ten Great Underworld Commanders.
Ordinary ghosts would tremble and their legs would go weak at the mere sight of them.
A ghost that could fight such divine beings was no ordinary ghost.
Qingdai's words implied not only had she fought them, but she had also escaped from them…
Qingdai saw my surprised expression.
She seemed to smile:
"What, you don't believe me?"
"No, no, no, it's not that I don't believe you, it's just that I'm too surprised.
After all, Black and White Impermanence are soul reapers.
And, they are divine beings.
It's astonishing that you could escape from them…"
I took a breath and said in surprise.
Qingdai looked at me, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Then she sighed and spoke to me again:
"I have wandered the human realm for two thousand years.
I have long been a wanted fugitive by the netherworld's authorities.
But my wish remains unfulfilled, and I do not wish to descend yet.
So, for these two thousand years, I have been hiding.
However, half a year ago, I was targeted by a group of ghost officers.
Eventually, Black and White Impermanence were drawn in.
I used my last bit of strength to escape.
But since then, my soul has been injured, and my strength greatly diminished.
Coupled with the strict pursuit by the ghost officers, I had to hide temporarily.
It was also during that time that your lifespan was most depleted.
By the time I emerged, you were on the brink of death."
Qingdai suddenly spoke of her past experience, which greatly surprised me.
Her ability to escape the netherworld's officers was truly formidable.
And my encounters with ghosts in the past two months were also inextricably linked to Qingdai's injury and secluded retreat.
But thankfully, Qingdai had been secretly protecting me all along.
Although I was troubled by ghosts, my life was never in danger…
"Qingdai, thank you for everything in the past."
I said with sincere gratitude.
Qingdai waved her hand:
"Perhaps, all of this is the best arrangement!
But now that you know I am a wanted ghost,
Will you still continue to help me?
If you do, you might violate the netherworld's laws, and your lifespan will be shortened."
Qingdai looked very serious.
I was stunned for a moment, then a wry smile appeared on my face.
Without Qingdai, I would have died over a decade ago. How could I still be alive?
A drop of kindness deserves a gushing spring in return.
She protected me for twenty years, so what if Qingdai is a fugitive from the netherworld?
I have no intention of distancing myself from her.
To repay her kindness, and to fulfill the promise I made to her in my past life.
And, most importantly,
I genuinely want to help her.
Because seeing Qingdai, I am not just attracted by her aura.
More than that, I feel an inexplicable sense of closeness, that heart-pounding feeling…
Besides, Qingdai and my master both said that
Since this destined connection exists between us,
Why should I be afraid?
"Qingdai, I said before,
I will definitely help you find the person with the fire cloud on their chest.
Since I promised, I will certainly do it.
As for shortening my lifespan?"
At this point, I shook my head with some helplessness:
"Without you, how could I have lived until now?
And my lifespan is only a little over a hundred days.
What is there to lose?"
I let out a self-deprecating laugh.
But it also showed my resolve.
I will definitely help Qingdai with her affairs.
And Qingdai is not an evil person or a malevolent ghost.
She simply wishes for the person she has been yearning for to appear in the human world, and that is all.
Such persistent devotion is worthy of admiration and moving.
Not to mention, we share a connection spanning two lifetimes.
As for anything else, I don't care.
It is just as Qingdai said: all of this is the best arrangement.
Qingdai's eyes flickered upon hearing my words.
She nodded slightly:
"Yes, thank you, Qin Ze!"
Seeing the atmosphere becoming a bit somber,
I let out a few "hahaha"s to break the ice and change the subject:
"Let's talk about something else.
By the way, Qingdai.
You've been wandering the human realm for so long.
You must have seen many interesting anecdotes or met very powerful beings, right?
Why don't you tell me about them?
Or, tell me a story of yours?"
I was just making conversation.
At the same time, I invited Qingdai to sit down.
I took out the cheap tea leaves distributed by the factory last time, preparing to make tea for Qingdai.
Actually, I had a little ulterior motive, wanting to get a glimpse of Qingdai's appearance in advance.
Qingdai nodded and sat on the sofa.
Perhaps it was because no one had spoken to her for a long time.
Or perhaps, it was due to our connection across two lifetimes.
After sitting down, Qingdai thought for a moment and began to chat casually with me.
But it was mostly me asking and her answering.
The conversations were mostly about trivial matters.
During this time, I also lit incense and offered Qingdai tea.
In reality, I just wanted to see Qingdai's appearance.
But Qingdai simply held the cup and took a gentle sip,
And the aroma of the tea in the cup vanished…
Qingdai looked at my somewhat disappointed expression and tilted her head, looking at me:
"You really want to see my appearance?"
Seeing that she had seen through me, I no longer concealed it:
"Yes, a little!
After all, we've known each other for so long.
I still don't know what you look like."
Qingdai smiled:
"Actually, I'm very ugly. I just wear a mask because I'm afraid of scaring people."
I wouldn't believe a word of what Qingdai said.
Generally, beautiful women say they are ugly.
Ugly women have a misplaced confidence, always believing they are unrivaled in beauty…