The grand wedding had barely concluded, the blood on the ceremonial grounds not yet dry, when yet another ripple disturbed the Frost Cloud Pavilion.
Sun Menglan slowly approached the group of ancestors.
Under the stunned gazes of onlookers, she lowered her head and spoke calmly:
"Ancestors, I want to resign from my position."
The courtyard, still echoing from the chaos of the wedding, fell into an eerie silence.
The elders were stunned. Even the ancestors' expressions twitched slightly before one of them asked coldly, "Why do you wish to resign from your elder post, Menglan?"
Menglan lifted her gaze. Her eyes no longer held reverence—only tired scorn.
"You all know the reason," she said. "Don't pretend otherwise. Remember the deal your previous Sect Leader made with me."
"You—" An elder opened his mouth but quickly fell silent. They couldn't refute her. The truth was buried in their hearts, inconvenient but undeniable.
An older ancestor let out a sigh and said, "Very well. Hand over all the possessions and privileges granted to you in your capacity as an elder. You may keep your personal wealth."
"No problem." Menglan tossed a spatial ring forward, her tone casual. "Here you are."
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
"Where are you going?" another ancestor asked sternly.
She paused, then replied with a mocking smile, "Oh, I forgot to mention. I'm leaving the sect."
Another wave of shock spread through the gathered disciples and elders.
First, Chu Ying had been expelled due to her involvement with demonic forces—though her case was complex.
But now, Sun Menglan, a promising young elder with deep insight and skill, was resigning of her own accord?
Even Chu Yao was shaken. She remembered her recent words to Elder Sun.
"Elder Sun do you want to become the next elder?"
But Sun Menglan had replied indifferently, "I don't desire the elder position, nor do I have any longing for authority. If you plan to use it against me, go ahead—I won't resent you."
At the time, Chu Yao had thought her arrogant. Now… she didn't know what to think.
Menglan walked straight toward Chu Ying, who still lay in a corner of the hall, her robes torn and blood-stained, her spiritual core shattered.
She crouched beside her and looked down calmly.
"Miss Ying," she said, "do you want to accompany me outside the sect? Once we're past the barrier, you may leave… or join me, if you wish."
Chu Ying blinked. Was this mockery or genuine compassion?
Her thoughts raced. With her cultivation destroyed, she could no longer survive in the freezing climate of Frost Cloud Mountain—even if she had endured it for decades. Without spiritual resilience, she would freeze to death in days.
In the end, she only nodded weakly.
Menglan placed her arm gently around Chu Ying's shoulder and helped her stand. She enveloped her in warm spiritual energy, supporting her weight as they slowly exited the hall.
Onlookers watched in silence, unable to comprehend the sight. Once bitterly distant, the two women now walked side by side. One disgraced, the other leaving of her own will. Two renowned figures, stepping off the stage together.
Even Chu Ying couldn't understand how fate had brought her to this moment. She had ignored Sun Menglan for years, dismissed her insights, and even made her life difficult for the sake of her own authority.
Now, in her weakest moment, the same woman offered her hand.
They reached the sect gates.
Menglan summoned a modest flying boat—not grand, but reliable. It could carry a small group with ease.
She gently helped Chu Ying board, then activated the boat. With a low hum, it rose into the air and soared away from Frost Cloud Pavilion.
During the journey, Menglan sat beside her, slowly channeling spiritual energy into Chu Ying's body. The bloodied wounds across her skin began to mend. Torn tissues started to reconnect, bruises fading one by one.
Her spiritual core, however, remained broken. Nothing could change that.
But for now, the pain lessened.
Chu Ying closed her eyes briefly. Though her body was healing… her heart still bled.
They soon crossed a deep forest, and a wide river came into view.
Menglan slowed the flying boat.
She turned to Chu Ying. "Now… Miss Ying. Have you decided? Will you come with me, or do you have your own plans?"
Chu Ying looked into the distance. The sun hung low, half-covered by dark clouds. Just like her future—dim and uncertain.
"I will walk my own path," she said softly.
Menglan asked gently, "And what path is that, after your cultivation path has been severed?"
Chu Ying gave a bitter smile. "What else is left? I'll live as a mortal… until I die."
Menglan sighed. She didn't argue. Instead, she reached into her pouch and handed over a bundle—a small bag of silver coins, a few healing potions, a couple of low-grade spirit stones, and some bread.
"You'll need these," she said.
She knew that even if she came with her, she could only offer her a sense of security.
Chu Ying peeked inside, then handed most of it back. "I don't need this much. Just the bread and a few coins will be enough."
Menglan didn't press her. She quietly accepted the extras back and left only what was requested.
Chu Ying looked down at the coarse bread and simple coins in her hands.
This… this was her reality now.
No robes of authority. No palace or disciples. Just a bundle of scraps.
"So this is how fate works," she thought. "Stripped of everything… and finally free."
They parted quietly.
Chu Ying—(no longer the Matriarch, no longer a cultivator)—began her journey. Not toward immortality, but toward a humble, mortal life.
Back at Frost Cloud Pavilion
The elders and ancestors gathered around Chu Yao, murmuring soft words of comfort for the disaster that had become her wedding.
Some harbored dark thoughts—Could she also be touched by demonic influence? But no one dared to say it aloud.
Wu Ming stepped forward, gently holding Chu Yao's hand.
"Yaoyao," he said, voice low, "don't be disheartened. You have nothing to do with demons. I will take care of you from now on."
His eyes were firm, his tone gentle.
But deep in his heart, a shadow lingered.
That demonic aura from earlier… it felt familiar.
Too familiar.
A cold chill crept down his spine.
Where had he sensed it before? Was it something… from the Upper Realm?
[Author's dilemma: Readers, what do you think of this chapter? Should I write in same pace or fast forward these emotional heart eching moments?
Which one will you prefer? ]
Choose your Character's future:
1. Chu Ying - give her a forever farewell.
2. Chu Ying - change her tragic fate, revenge in future
comment your choice 1 or 2.