Chapter 402: What Will the World Look Like a Millennium From Now
“Daoist Master, do you truly lack feelings?” the woman, dressed in white, locked her gaze unwaveringly on him. “Or is it that the knot we left in your heart before cannot be untied, no matter what we do?”
“Rebuilding the Ghost City was only possible thanks to your yin-yang spiritual energy. Truly a meritorious act. If you are willing to stay and guard the Ghost City to ensure the smooth formation of the underworld, preventing interference from gods, Buddhas, and demons, that would be another great merit.” Song You’s tone was still soft and calm, almost weary from sitting too long on the high platform.
He added, “You have no direct ties to the human world, so this exchange is made with sincerity.”
“I only helped you, not the human world. Just as I played the qin here only to ease your boredom,” the woman replied.
“You seem unwilling,” Song You remarked.
“It seems you still don't believe in our sincerity...” The woman’s gaze lowered for a moment, and when she raised her eyes again, they carried a new calmness.
She smiled faintly and said, “Fine. If you don’t believe, so be it. An exchange is an exchange... But if you now ask us to guard the Ghost City, what about the other exchange we discussed earlier? Do you no longer need our help in your battle against the heavens?”
“If you are willing to guard the Ghost City and bring peace to the spirits, I would already be deeply grateful,” Song You replied.
“I have another proposal,” she said.
“Go on,” Song You said, bowing courteously.
“The exchange we spoke of before remains the same. When the day comes that you truly need us—when you need the power of an ancient being to aid you in your struggle against the heavens—we will sacrifice the ancestor’s severed tail and a hundred years of our lifespan to summon that ancient power. We will fight alongside you with all our strength, with no regrets, even if it costs our lives.