Transforming into a stunningly beautiful fox spirit, leaving a scar on the heart of a prodigy.

rain.

It was raining heavily.

That was Yunmengze a few years ago. The sky seemed to have a hole in it, and the dark rain mixed with mud soaked the whole world.

Bai Yin knelt in the mud, frantically digging at the ruins in front of him with his hands.

His fingernails had long since curled up, revealing the stark white bone beneath, and blood mixed with muddy water was flowing down, but he felt no pain.

There was nothing there.

Apart from the straw doll that was shredded to pieces by the sword energy, and the flower crown stained with blood, nothing was left.

They didn't even leave him a bone or a piece of clothing.

"Aaaaaahh ...

A desperate roar pierced the rain, like the mournful cry of a wounded beast on its deathbed.

The area was littered with corpses.

The disciples of the Supreme Forgetfulness Sect, as well as those rogue cultivators who rushed to take advantage of the situation, were all torn to pieces.

The tears flowing from Baek In's eyes were not tears, but blood.

The demon core within his body was burning, and the killing intent of the ancient white tiger was completely out of control, with black demonic patterns crawling all over his body.

kill.

Kill everyone in this world.

Since the heavens are unjust, and the world cannot tolerate her, then let's tear the heavens apart and shatter the earth!

Just as he was preparing to rush out of Yunmeng Marsh to slaughter a city.

A figure blocked his way.

He was a disheveled Taoist priest with a broken wine gourd hanging from his waist, a chipped whisk in his hand, and straw sandals on his feet with worn-out soles.

It was the same old Taoist priest who led Bai Yin into cultivation back then.

"Foolish child."

The old Taoist priest sighed, his voice not loud, but it drowned out the thunder that filled the sky.

Bai Yin wouldn't listen to a word.

He's just a killing machine now.

"Get out of here!"

Bai Yin roared and transformed into a blood-red afterimage as he charged forward, his claws, sharp enough to tear mountains apart, aimed straight for the old Taoist's throat.

The old Taoist priest did not dodge.

He simply raised his hand and casually swept the tattered whisk forward.

boom.

Bai Yin felt as if he had crashed into an ancient divine mountain.

The terrifying force of the recoil shattered all the bones in his body, sending him flying backward and crashing heavily into the mud.

Too weak, too soft.

The old Taoist priest shook his head and tilted his head back to take a swig of wine.

"When the mind is in turmoil, the knife becomes dull."

Bai Yin struggled to get up, blood still gushing from his mouth, his scarlet eyes fixed on the old Taoist priest, filled with resentment.

"I'm going to...kill...kill you all..."

"Whom to kill? Me? Or everyone in the world?"

The old Taoist priest walked up to him and looked down at the boy who had already fallen into demonic possession.

"If she kills everyone, will she be able to come back?"

These words were like a nail, piercing deep into Bai Yin's heart.

His body stiffened, then he began to tremble even more violently, letting out a mournful wail as if his spine had been removed.

Can't come back.

never come back.

Looking at him like this, the old Taoist priest's eyes cleared up a bit, revealing a complex expression.

"I was originally planning to wait a bit longer, to let your bloodthirstiness be tempered."

"It seems we can't wait any longer."

The old Taoist priest reached out and placed his hand on Bai Yin's crown.

A warm and vast power surged into Bai Yin's body, forcibly suppressing the demon core that was about to explode and sealing his chaotic mind.

"Come with me."

Bai Yin was unable to move and could only stare at him with his bloodshot eyes.

"I won't leave... I want to stay by her side..."

What's the use of guarding a pile of mud?

The old Taoist priest withdrew his hand and turned to walk into the rain.

"Think clearly about what life is and what death is before you come back to guard this place."

"I'm not going!"

Bai Yin roared, tears mixed with blood streaming down his face.

"I'm not going anywhere! I'll stay right here! I'm waiting for her!"

The old Taoist priest paused for a moment.

He didn't turn around, but just let out a long sigh, his voice carrying a sense of world-weariness.

"Foolish child."

You'll understand eventually.

"I will be waiting for you..."

……

"call--!"

Bai Yin suddenly opened his eyes and sat up abruptly from the stone bed.

Cold sweat soaked his back, and his heart pounded wildly in his chest, making a loud thumping sound.

He was breathing heavily, his eyes were still somewhat unfocused, and his hands unconsciously reached to his side.

Empty?

In that instant, Bai Yin felt his blood run cold.

The immense panic was like an invisible hand, gripping his neck tightly and making it impossible for him to breathe.

Dream?

Was everything just a dream?

She's awake now, so she's disappeared again?

"Little Nine..."

Bai Yin called out in a trembling voice, which was very hoarse.

He turned his head in a panic, his eyes frantically searching the dim cave.

next second.

His gaze froze.

On the inside of the stone bed, the petite figure was curled up in the animal skin blanket, fast asleep.

She was turned to the side, a few strands of hair clinging to her cheek, her breathing long and steady.

Nine snow-white tails were spread out casually, one of which was even draped over his leg; the fluffy texture was so real it made one want to cry.

Still.

She's still here.

Bai Yin felt as if all his strength had been drained away; his body went limp, and he collapsed back onto the bed.

He dared not move.

They didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

I was afraid that if I made any sudden movements, I would shatter this fragile dream.

It was very quiet inside the cave.

The only sounds were the dripping of water in the distance and the soft breathing of the person beside me.

Bai Yin slowly reached out his hand, wanting to touch her face.

But just as his fingertips were about to touch her skin, he recoiled as if he had been electrocuted.

He looked down at his hands.

Rough, wide, covered with hideous scars and calluses.

These are murderous hands.

Yesterday in the reed marshes, these hands had just crushed the wolf demon's head and torn open the chests of countless demon soldiers.

Although he had washed it many times, he still felt that there was a lingering, indelible bloody smell under his fingernails.

Dirty.

It's so dirty.

Looking at Su Xiaojiu, who was fast asleep and as pure as a white lotus flower, Bai Yin felt a strong sense of inferiority welling up from his very bones.

He doesn't deserve it.

He is a demon rife with sins, a monster whom everyone has the right to kill.

She is a goddess from the heavens, the most beautiful being in the world.

How could he dare to drag her into this mess?

Yesterday's reunion overwhelmed him with ecstasy.

But now that I've calmed down, those suppressed dark thoughts have started to grow wildly.

What if she finds out what I've been doing all these years?

What if she finds out she's a serial killer?

Will she find it unpleasant?

Will she be scared?

Will she... leave again?

The thought of "leaving" instantly turned Bai Yin's eyes sinister.

His white hair moved without wind, and his aura began to become unstable.

We can't let her go.

Absolutely not.

We need to hide her.

It's hidden in a place where no one can find it.

Or... break her legs?

No, it will hurt her.

Then chain her up, keep her by your side, and don't let her go anywhere.

As long as she's still around, it doesn't matter if she hates him.

Bai Yin stared intently at Su Xiaojiu's sleeping face, a faint crimson glint in his eyes, a morbid possessiveness growing wildly and uncontrollably within him.

He was like a dragon guarding a rare treasure, wanting to show it off to the whole world, yet afraid of being spied on by anyone, and even more afraid that the treasure would grow legs and run away.

This torment of fear and uncertainty was driving him almost insane.

He clutched his head in anguish, his fingers digging deep into his hair, tearing at it forcefully.

Forget it.

Bai Yin, stop thinking about it.

You'll scare her.

But I couldn't control it.

The crazy voice in his head kept urging him to completely possess, crush, and merge the person in front of him into one.

Just as Bai Yin was trapped in a vicious cycle of self-loathing and madness, trembling all over and on the verge of collapse.

A pair of soft arms suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind.

Bai Yin's body suddenly stiffened.

All the hostility and darkness came to an abrupt end in that instant.

A warm body pressed against my back.

Even through the thin fabric of her clothes, he could clearly feel her body temperature and her steady, strong heartbeat.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Each tap struck a chord deep within his heart.

"What's wrong with you so early in the morning?"

Su Xiaojiu's voice, hoarse and languid from just waking up, came from behind.

She didn't let go; instead, she pressed her face against Bai Yin's broad back and rubbed against it like a sleepy cat.

"Did you have a nightmare?"

She asked the question very casually.

They didn't ask him why he was trembling, nor did they ask him why he exuded a murderous aura.

It's as if I've long been used to his neurotic behavior.

Bai Yin opened his mouth, but his throat was so dry that he couldn't make a sound.

He remained stiff, not daring to turn around or move.

"Little Nine..."

"Yes, I'm here."

Su Xiaojiu yawned and tightened her arms a little.

"Don't be afraid."

Only two words.

But it was like a spring rain, instantly extinguishing the raging fire in Bai Yin's heart that was about to spread like wildfire.

Bai Yin slowly lowered his head, looking at the hands wrapped around his waist.

Fair-skinned, slender, and looking completely weak.

But it was these very hands that pulled him back from the endless abyss.

The crimson in his eyes faded, and he returned to being that clear-eyed yet humble boy.

"I...I'm afraid you'll leave."

Bai Yin said softly, his tone filled with deep grievance.

"I'm afraid that when I wake up, this place will be empty again."

"I'm afraid this is just another dream."

A soft laugh came from behind.

Su Xiaojiu released one hand, walked around to the front, and gently patted his chest, which was covered in cold sweat.

"Fool."

"Where in my dreams can I find such a soft bed? Where can I find such a fragrant fox?"

She rested her chin on Bai Yin's shoulder, turned her head, and looked at him with a smile in her fox-like eyes.

Their faces were very close together.

Their breaths mingled together.

"We'll see."

Su Xiaojiu stretched out her finger and poked Bai Yin's high nose bridge.

"You silly tiger, you're so fierce now. If I dare to run away, you'll eat me alive!"

Bai Yin was stunned for a moment.

Immediately, his face turned red at a visible speed, all the way to his ears.

"No...it can't be..."

He stammered his explanation, at a loss for words.

"I don't eat people...no, I won't eat you..."

"I...I'll catch some fish for you to eat."

Seeing his simple and honest appearance, Su Xiaojiu's smile deepened.

She hugged him tightly again, closed her eyes, and savored this rare moment of peace.

"Alright, stop overthinking."

"Sleep a little longer."

"If you dare to move, I'll rip your tail off."

Bai Yin dared not move.

He straightened his back, serving as the most dutiful human cushion.

Feeling the warmth behind me, and listening to the soft breathing in my ear.

That sense of realism finally filled his empty heart little by little.

Not a dream.

It wasn't a hallucination.

She is right here.

In his arms (behind him).

Bai Yin slowly raised his hand and placed it on the back of Su Xiaojiu's hand that was wrapped around his waist.

Hold on tight.

This time, even if the sky falls down, even if gods and Buddhas block our way.

He will never let go again.

Outside the cave, the sun was shining brightly.

The wind blew across the surface of Yunmengze, creating ripples.

Deep within that dark and damp cave, two broken hearts finally came together perfectly at that moment.