Due to an urgent matter, Qin Shousheng left first, leaving only me and the swordsman.
Before I could even speak, the swordsman patted me on the shoulder and said, “Kid, the tribulation between you and that little fox demon is drawing nearer. Fate is decreed by Heaven. You’d better take good care of yourself.”
“Hey! What do you mean by that? Fate is decreed by Heaven? Then why are there still fortune-tellers with street stalls in the secular world?” I looked at the swordsman and asked, puzzled.
This was the second time he had hinted that Mei’er and I would soon face a tribulation.
Although we hadn’t known each other long, I understood that while this guy could be incredibly goofy when he was in the mood, when he was serious, you definitely shouldn’t doubt his words.
The swordsman smiled. “I don’t deny that there are true divination masters among these people, but if anyone boasts that they can defy heaven and change fate, they are absolutely an idiot!”
Knowing he had more to say, I stayed silent.
“Fate [Ming] and Destiny [Yun]—why is Fate [Ming] placed before Destiny [Yun]? Because Fate is decreed by Heaven, while Destiny is self-generated. Therefore, Destiny can be altered, but Fate cannot be reversed. This is also the reason your parents passed away.” After saying this, the swordsman seemed to sigh regretfully.
I frowned and looked at him. “Are you saying my parents died because of me?”
“Nine is the ultimate number. To achieve immortality, one must break this limit. You are a saint of nine lifetimes. If you perform one more good deed, you will transform into a golden carp becoming a dragon, soaring straight to the heavens. Those old fellows who claim to preside over the Mandate of Heaven won’t let you pass through this tribulation so easily!” The swordsman shook his head as he spoke, sighing, “This life of yours is full of complications, so… take care of yourself!” After finishing, he vanished on the spot, leaving me alone, stunned.
Saint of nine lifetimes again—what does that have to do with me? And what is this Mandate of Heaven? This guy is just like that old man, saying things I can’t understand!
We’re in a cheesy, ambiguous cultivation drama—what’s the point of all these mysterious words!
But… Mom, Dad, did you really die because of me…
D8mmit! Nonsense! What’s all this about Fate and Destiny? That idiot must be messing with me!
“Right!” I was deep in thought when suddenly the swordsman reappeared in front of me and patted my shoulder.
He startled me. Describing this guy as elusive was absolutely right!
Before I could speak, he said, “Remember, if you want your fortune told, never go to a street stall. If you must find one, go for a proper hall divination. I know plenty of people who bluff through hall divinations. If you want a reading, you can come to me, but I’ll charge a referral fee!”
“I’ll refer your sister!” I directly kicked at him, but at my speed, before I could even touch his clothes, he vanished again.
“When the boat reaches the bridgehead, it will straighten naturally. You must persevere in certain things to gain rewards. Remember, breakthrough comes after destruction. That’s all I can say. Take care!” The swordsman’s voice drifted over, faint and elusive, taking a long time to fade away.
To this day, I still don’t know his name. I can’t understand why he’s helping me. Even when he saved Qin Mengdie, asking for payment, it was for my sake.
What exactly is his relationship to me?
And… he warned me repeatedly. Will Mei’er and I really face a great tribulation soon?
If there’s a tribulation, fine, but why not just tell me directly so I can avoid it?
The more I thought about it, the more frustrated I felt. Better to just stop thinking!
I returned to Qin Mengdie’s hospital room. A group of beauties were gathered around, asking all sorts of questions. Sigh, if only I were the one lying in that bed right now!
“Hey! You narcissistic jerk, you actually dare to come in!” Tang Shuyao immediately stood up, hands on her hips, and spoke to me.
I was taken aback, then asked, “Why shouldn’t I come in?”
“Xia Tian, Mengdie has forgotten everything that happened right before she fell unconscious. She only remembers up to the bonfire party. Tell us, what exactly happened?” Sister Lin stared intently at me, as if trying to see into my thoughts.
I scratched my head and looked at Qin Mengdie questioningly. “You really forgot?”
“I…” A faint blush flashed across Qin Mengdie’s face, disappearing quickly, but I caught it.
It seems this little girl didn’t forget; she just doesn’t want Sister Lin and the others to know about her boldly charging into the women’s restroom. Of course, the key point is my accidental glance… I swear I was just trying to save her. Who knew she was just… using the toilet…
Since she didn’t want to bring it up, I’d play along with her act.
I smiled and said to her, “If you forgot, then you forgot. But it’s best if you really have forgotten!”
Qin Mengdie shot me a glare but said nothing.
This girl is as cold as ever. But she was unconscious during my fight with that vampire, so she probably doesn’t know about it.
The hero saves the beauty, but the beauty remains unaware. Stuck being an unsung hero—so damn frustrating!
“Alright, since Mengdie is fine now, everyone should head back. It’s getting late!” I said, addressing the beauties.
“I want to stay and keep Sister Mengdie company!” Tang Shuyao said somewhat reluctantly.
Sister Lin also chimed in, adding to the chaos: “I want to stay here with Mengdie too!”
“I have work tomorrow, so it’s time for me to head back. Mengdie, make sure to rest well!” Wang Ziyan said with a smile.
Xu Xin, who was nearby, spoke up: “Since Sister Mengxin and Yaoyao are staying here, I won’t crowd the room. I shouldn’t disturb Mengdie’s rest.”
Mei’er looked at Sister Lin, then at me, and said, “Mei’er will go back with Xia Tian!” As she spoke, she walked over to my side.
Yes! This time, Mei’er finally chose me over the thick-headed Sister Lin!
And with Sister Lin not around tonight, I’ll have a chance to share the covers with Mei’er!
Just then, I suddenly thought of scaring Sister Lin a bit to make her suffer.
“Sister Lin, I heard hospitals have heavy Yin Qi, what with morgues and all. If any unclean spirits come looking for you tonight, remember to call me anytime. I’ll come save you!” I looked at her playfully, thinking that’ll teach her for always opposing me!
Hearing this, Sister Lin immediately grew tense. She looked at Tang Shuyao and Qin Mengdie and said, “Mengdie, Yaoyao, there’s something I need to take care of. I won’t keep you company!” With that, she stood up.
Oh, come on! No way! If Sister Lin goes back, how will I share the covers with Mei’er!
“Sister Lin, I was joking! The hospital is very safe. There are no unclean spirits at all! Believe me!” I quickly added.
Sister Lin, however, waved her hand off, forcing an explanation: “I-I’m not scared of those things! I just don’t feel well! Just not well!”
“If you’re not feeling well, isn’t staying at the hospital perfect?” No, I absolutely cannot let Sister Lin go back.
“I’ll go back if I want to! It’s none of your business!” Sister Lin shot me a glare, then glanced around nervously before walking over to Mei’er and saying, “Mei’er, let’s hurry back.”
Can I just curse once? Just once! I’m such an idiot! I should never have joked about that! My damn big mouth! I’ve brought this on myself!
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