On the summit of the Misty Peak, two intertwined silver ginkgo trees have stood for a century. In autumn, they shed their green attire for golden robes, emanating a brilliant golden light under the sun, making them exceptionally dazzling above the dome of the sky.
Shen Yanli stood alone under the trees, gazing at the ginkgo leaves scattered across the ground. The autumn wind curled the leaves, making Shen Yanli feel as though she were in another lifetime, as waves of emotions surged like a tide, gradually engulfing her.
She remembered in her past life, after the Demon Lord Mo Bai seized control of the three realms, he initiated grand construction to build majestic palaces. The woodcutters, seeing these towering silver ginkgo trees, thought it a pity to cut them down and reported to Mo Bai, hoping they could be spared. But unexpectedly, Mo Bai not only did not forbid it, he issued an edict that anyone who spoke for the ginkgo trees would be guilty by association!
Nobody knew why the Demon Lord loathed these two ginkgo trees so much, only Shen Yanli knew the reason, because these two ginkgo trees were her favorite thing on the mountain.
Mo Bai resented her, so he even hated her most beloved things enough to destroy them completely!
Footsteps sounded softly behind her, and Shen Yanli turned around to see Xu Yeping had arrived.
Xu Yeping approached Shen Yanli with a smile and informed her, "Mo Bai's life is no longer in danger, so you can be at ease for now."
Shen Yanli nodded slightly, "That's good."
Xu Yeping asked with a smile, "Grandmaster Shen, I do not know what happened when you were all descending the mountain to exorcise evil spirits, but Mo Bai ended up so gravely injured."
"It's my fault." Shen Yanli felt deeply apologetic.
"You shouldn't blame yourself too much," Xu Yeping consoled Shen Yanli. "When I was healing that child, he woke up through gritted teeth to explain to us that it wasn't you who hurt him, but that he accidentally injured himself while holding your sword, so we wouldn't blame you."
Shen Yanli paused, lowering her feather-like lashes, her heart growing exceptionally heavy.
She recalled that when he was injured by her, part of her had even wished for his death.
Yet she never expected Mo Bai to take all the blame upon himself to prevent her from being punished!
In an instant, her eyes seemed to be dampened by something.
"I inhaled some aphrodisiac vapor, nearly harming myself with my sword, not expecting Mo Bai, in his panic to prevent my injury, grasped my hand and aimed the sword at himself. That thrust pierced deeply into him," Shen Yanli recounted the events, her voice hoarse, "It's my fault, he shouldn't have to bear this wrong."
Seeing Shen Yanli's distress, Xu Yeping quickly comforted her, "Mo Bai is young and physically strong, I believe his injuries will heal quickly, don't be too hard on yourself."
"Yes, thank you Sect Leader for your advice."
Xu Yeping continued, "Mo Bai is a child we three have watched grow up; he's inherently kind and simple-minded. Among the three of us, he loves listening to you the most. With his fervent protection of you, he surely holds deep affection for you. Such a good disciple, you must truly cherish him!"
"Yes, thank you for the guidance, Sect Leader. I will certainly treat him well in the future." Shen Yanli nodded gently.
"That is good to hear." Xu Yeping nodded with satisfaction and left with a smile, leaving Shen Yanli to stand alone under the ginkgo trees, deep in contemplation.
As night descended, Shen Yanli took advantage of the moment when no one was around to quietly visit Mo Bai's resting chamber, located north of Shu Wang Pavilion on the Misty Peak.
This area was serene, secluded, a perfect place for cultivation and study.
It was Shen Yanli who helped Mo Bai choose this place, telling him it was suitable for cultivation and study, though in truth, it was because it was the farthest from Shen Yanli's dwelling.
Yet even so, Mo Bai would always come a long way to be near Shen Yanli.
Shen Yanli gently pushed the door open, stepping over the high threshold to enter. The person inside was sleeping, with a soft breathing sound rhythmically rising and falling with the chest.
Mo Bai's soft, dark hair scattered messily across the pillow. Though young, his features were refined and handsome, his face exuding an innocent allure compared to the Demon Lord in memory.
Standing by the bed, Shen Yanli extended her hand over Mo Bai's wound, using Immortal Technique to examine it. Fortunately, the wound had healed, though maybe due to excessive blood loss, Mo Bai's face appeared very pale.
Seeing that he was no longer in danger, she finally felt at ease, her long lashes casting a soft shadow over her eyes, concealing her current emotions.
Time and again, he had saved her, yet she had only ever wished for his life.
She lifted her eyes to gaze at the sleeping figure, recalling something she once read in a book about 'reversing destiny.' Those who sought to reverse destiny would undergo immense trials and challenges, as difficult as ascending to the heavens.