Across Mountains and Rivers, None Compare to You

As their lips parted, Qin Gou and Gu Feiyan stared in astonishment at the completely transformed Forgotten Self’s remnant soul.

—

“Catch.”

A jade slip, wrapped in a soft glow, was casually tossed into Gu Feiyan’s arms as if it were a piece of trash. The elegant, gentlemanly remnant soul of Forgotten Self laughed heartily. “This is the Dao Breaker Technique, the true inheritance of this Mystic Realm, condensed from my life’s work. It’s yours now. I won’t demand that you go around the world using my name as your master. I no longer care about such things.”

—

Two spatial rings flew out next.

“This ring contains all the original techniques I’ve collected over the years. The other holds rare spiritual medicines. Many of the pills have lost their potency due to age, but a few priceless treasures remain.”

“Thank you, Senior… Master!” Gu Feiyan said, bowing deeply.

Forgotten Self smiled and nodded before turning to Qin Gou. “I know you’re a peculiar one, and you probably don’t care for my techniques. But I have something that might interest you.”

—

Another glowing jade slip landed in Qin Gou’s hand.

“This slip contains the essence of my painstakingly researched puppet-crafting techniques. From now on, this knowledge, along with the Stone Spirit, is yours.”

A glimmer of interest flashed in Qin Gou’s eyes. He cupped his hands and said, “Purple Ridge Arc Moon, I thank you, fellow Daoist.”

—

“Oh?” Forgotten Self’s remnant soul was momentarily taken aback before realization dawned. “No wonder you’ve been so confident, stirring up trouble in my Mystic Realm and nearly causing a disaster. You’re a disciple of that mysterious existence. With such a similar name, I should’ve guessed sooner. I’ve always regretted never meeting that elder. Qin Xiao-you, please convey my regards to them.”

Qin Gou could only chuckle awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

—

Suddenly, Forgotten Self’s translucent body began to fade further. “Young friends, I’ll send you away now. If you ever wish to return to this place, where time flows differently, simply wear those two special spatial rings and revisit Forgotten Self Village.”

“Senior Forgotten Self, you…” Gu Feiyan began, sensing something amiss. But before she could finish, the world spun, and she and Qin Gou found themselves standing in the desolate Forgotten Self Village. It was as if everything had been a dream.

—

Meanwhile, Forgotten Self’s remnant soul appeared in a small room within the Mystic Realm.

Inside stood a human-sized wooden sculpture of a woman, her hands holding a wine gourd, her expression innocent and charming.

Sitting cross-legged beside the sculpture, Forgotten Self’s remnant soul smiled blissfully. “In the next life, you’ll be the most beautiful woman in the world, and I’ll be the first fool to fall for you…”

In the next moment, his translucent form shattered completely, his soul returning to the heavens.

The entire Mystic Realm plunged into darkness. The world lost both the unfeeling lover and the wine-loving dancer.

—

Elsewhere.

“Is this true?!”

Gu Jinghong slammed his hand down, shattering the armrest of his throne. His eyes burned red with fury. “That wretched Gu Xunhe! I’ve repeatedly forbidden infighting and even arranged for the three of you to take separate routes. Yet he still dared to harm your sister? A disgrace to the family!”

Gu Yinjiao knelt on the ground, his face filled with sorrow. “Father, these are my brother’s own words. I had intended to keep this from you, but with my sister gone, I can no longer bear the burden of silence.”

“Defying my orders, harming his own kin… If the sect falls into his hands, it will destroy the legacy our ancestors built! Guards! Arrest Gu Xunhe immediately!”

—

They say daughters are their fathers’ past-life lovers. The endless grief Gu Jinghong had endured over the past days transformed into a raging inferno, threatening to burn the heavens themselves.

Gu Yinjiao, however, wept bitterly. “My heart aches! I wish I could see my sister one last time!”

—

Meanwhile, in Gu Xunhe’s private quarters.

The room was filled with music and laughter. Several beautifully dressed women danced gracefully, their movements alluring.

“D-Dear Young Master, please, I beg you, spare me!” Chen Dayi stammered, his face pale as he pleaded.

Gu Xunhe gritted his teeth. “No way! Chen Dayi, today you’ll experience the joys of women! Look at them—so many beautiful girls. I’ll give you three, and I’ll keep two. Let’s share this rare pleasure together!”

Chen Dayi looked as if he were about to cry. “Young Master, I really can’t! I’m not interested in these… ordinary women!”

—

“What?” Gu Xunhe exclaimed, stunned. “You think they’re ordinary? Does that mean I’ve been surrounded by mediocrity my whole life? Fine, tell me—what kind of beauty would move your heart? You’re my savior, and I want to reward you properly.”

Chen Dayi’s face turned bright red. Gritting his teeth, he said, “To me, even the majestic peaks of the sect and the shimmering pools of Jade Dew can’t compare to you, Young Master!”

—

“You son of a—!” Gu Xunhe punched Chen Dayi square in the nose, raining blows down on him. “How dare you insult me! How dare you covet my pure, unblemished body! I’ll beat you to death, you shameless fool!”

—

“Ah! Young Master, I was wrong! Please, calm down and spare me! Ow—it hurts… but it feels so good!” Chen Dayi rolled on the ground, groaning.

Gu Xunhe froze, his fists mid-air. “What did you just say?”

“Spare me, Young Master.”

“Not that.”

“It feels so good!”

—

“Get out!” Gu Xunhe roared, his face twisted in rage. “Get out of my sight and never show your face again!”

“I can’t!” Chen Dayi shouted back. “Unless you kill me now, I’ll never leave your side!”

“You think I won’t?”

“It’s not that I think you won’t, Young Master. It’s that I’m not afraid! To die at the hands of the one I love would be the greatest honor!” Chen Dayi’s fiery gaze pierced Gu Xunhe’s soul, forcing him to stumble backward and collapse onto the floor.

—

Suddenly, Gu Xunhe grabbed his hair in frustration, tears streaming down his face as he screamed, “I should’ve let the Stone Spirit kill me back then!”

—