After Shushin's sacrificial death, seeking revenge or perhaps saving those she loved and fulfilling her promise, there were many who came to look for her, but all traces of her and the shadow killer had vanished completely, leaving only a trace of blood to hint at their demise. Life went on after their separation, and many things changed:
Minghao rose to leadership as the eldest son of an ancient family of doctors and held a high position within his clan. Lingjie and Ziyi strengthened their positions as generals, with promotions to match.
Also, Haoran, the Crown Prince, went missing.
Churan's family struggled to find answers. Because the youngest daughter didn't turn out to be Churan, it was revealed that she was a witch, destined to be evil under the kingdom's claims; she was labeled a demon who had taken the body of a noble girl. These accusations transformed her into a criminal, casting doubt on the truth of Minghao's account of that fateful night. The truth proved too mundane or uninteresting for many, who preferred to believe in the more exciting narrative, making Churan the victim and Shushin the culprit.
Mimi and Li Xin moved in and started a peaceful life together, their relationship improving greatly. Meanwhile, the king demanded that if Shushin were found inside the kingdom's borders, she was to be arrested, invoking his authority as the one who had been targeted by her grandfather, Yet the king's cunning nature and madness cast further doubt on his intentions.
Their story was a complex tapestry of conflicting interests, where power, politics, and vengeance intertwined. The line between victim and criminal seemed blurred, and the true motives of the king remained shrouded in mystery.
With so many layers of uncertainty and intrigue, it seemed that the truth itself was in perpetual flux, elusive to those seeking a simple, definitive explanation. The truth had become a shapeshifting specter, forever escaping the grasp of those who sought to unravel it.
From the very start, they were not the same individuals as they were now, changed by their encounter with her. They were all young, their pain deep-seated and often unbearable, hidden meticulously from the outside world. Yet in her presence, their suffering seemed to ease, growing kinder, and gently lifting the weight they'd silently carried upon their hearts.
The pain that had seemed so impossible to assuage with the passing of time, found a temporary respite as they spent more time with her. Her mere presence somehow managed to quell their inner torments, allowing them to experience a sense of comfort they had long believed unattainable.
Though the pain still remained, its harsh edges softened by her kindness. They found themselves inexplicably drawn to her, unable to deny the soothing effect she had on their tormented souls.
It was as if she was a soothing balm, slowly working its way into the crevices of their hearts, offering a subtle but undeniable relief from the anguish they had carried for so long.
In the face of adversity, individuals are often revealed in their true form, and relationships are tested relentlessly, especially when years pass by in a flash, and life feels wasted, and the future feels like a lie.
The question then arises, will she remain a beacon of hope and rebirth in the frozen hearts of those who need her, or will she, instead, become the harbinger of a never-ending downpour, further solidifying the pain of loss they had already begun to drown in?
She opened her eyes, looking puzzled, and tried to stand, but almost lost her balance, only to be caught by someone. In a soft, caring tone, he said: "You're still unwell; you shouldn't be getting up. He smiled kindly at her."
"Who are you, and where am I?" she asked, looking curiously at him.
He smiled again and said, "You were found bleeding badly under the Hu watch house. I assisted you and brought you to my home; it's a humble abode, apologies if it's not the best for you."
The stranger's words were filled with kindness and compassion. It was evident that he had gone out of his way to help her, and his humble house betrayed a sense of modesty and practicality. Despite the simple surroundings, the stranger's demeanor was imbued with a gentle and earnest warmth.
She clutched her head, seeking an answer about the other girl who had been with her. With a deep, heavy expression, he informed her that the other girl had passed away, her illness having taken its toll late at night.
Tears welled up in her eyes, betraying her sadness, but she quickly brushed them away. "Please show me her burial place," she requested, her voice cracking.
The man studied her, concerned and worried, as she grew weak and somber, her strength failing.
He gently replied, "It's better if we wait until nightfall. In the morning, they're actively looking for you. If you go out now, it could be dangerous."
Surprise flashed across her face as he spoke. "If you're cautioning me, then you definitely know who I am." Her expression turned serious, contemplating his knowledge of her identity.
A smile played on his lips as he confirmed her suspicions, "Of course I know. You're Shadow Witch Shushen, and I hold great admiration for you. In fact, I've always dreamt of becoming your disciple. But shall I address you as Churan, given that you're in her body?"
She responded with a hint of skepticism, "You're privy to more information than someone living in a secluded house should be. And you dream of becoming my disciple? How can an ordinary mortal become my disciple?" she questioned. "But you can simply refer to me as Shushen."
He chuckled lightheartedly, "Oh, indeed, I forgot to mention my name - I go by JianGuo."
Shushin nodded in understanding. "So, how long have I been unconscious for?" she inquired curiously.
"About five months!" he informed her cheerfully.
Shushin sighed, a look of disbelief on her face. "Oh, my goodness, that's an awfully long time..."
JianGuo's tone turned serious. "Yes, your condition was quite dire, but I managed to save you. You should feel grateful,"
He extended his hands out, a gesture indicating his hope that she would one day return the favor for his rescue.
Shushin regarded his outstretched palms, a mocking smile dancing across her face. The reason for her expression, though, remained a mystery, known only to her. After a brief moment of contemplation, she reached out and took his hands, meeting his gaze as she responded, "I will owe you a favor...one day."
JianGuo's eyes widened, his heart filled with hope and anticipation. He smiled warmly, his grip on her hands growing firm.
"One day? What a vague promise," he quipped, his tone playful. "But I'll hold you to it. You owe me, remember?"
Shushin observed his growing excitement, knowing the storm would eventually come. Yet, she chose not to reveal the truth to him, not wishing to diminish his happiness in that moment.
JianGuo beamed with excitement, his grip on her hands becoming almost painful, reflecting his eagerness and joy. Little did he know the pain that awaited him, for having saved her, unwittingly sealing his own fate.
A year and seven months had passed since Shushin started her recovery under Jianguo's care. She had spent a lot of time in solitude, claiming to be meditating to enhance her internal strength. As time went by, it seemed that spring had arrived, and Shushin decided it was time to return to the capital and finally bring everything to an end.
As she prepared to leave, Jianguo was by her side, a worried expression on his face. "But isn't it dangerous to leave now?" he asked, concerned lacking his words.
Before Jianguo could finish his sentence, Shushin interrupted him, her tone firm and unyielding. "I never asked you to come with me," she replied coldly. "If you think it's dangerous, then just stay."
Shushin's thoughts were consumed by the unsolved mysteries surrounding her. There were so many unanswered questions - for instance, Churan had had a gang and was known for causing chaos in the capital. So, what was the real reason behind her actions? Also, the fact that Churan wasn't a witch puzzled her. How did she learn the soul-switching magic that her mother had so diligently honed?
Jianguo, however, wasn't backing off. "No," he said resolutely, "I will come with you."
Shushin was growing frustrated. She wanted nothing more than to get rid of him, but his determination to accompany her left her with no choice.
She let out a deep sigh, resigned to his steadfast determination. "Very well," she agreed reluctantly, "If you're coming along, then let's hit the road."
She sat atop the horse, Jianguo taking his place behind her. "We will go to my house first," she announced. "After that, we can figure out how to enter the city."
Their journey came to an end at a seemingly abandoned home. Jianguo asked, "Is this your house? I've always wondered where you lived. I'd like to know more about you, Shushin, not Churan."
Shushin was silent for a moment, then responded as they stepped through the doorway of the home, "This house lies between the kingdom and the Magic Kingdom. My mother owned this place, but I don't have many memories of my time here. My life has always been lonely, growing up alone here. My mother used to bring a little boy here every now and then, and we would play together. I was about 5 years old at the time, and he was around 10."
They settled into chairs outside the house, and Shushin continued her tale, her voice filled with a sense of nostalgia. "He was a kind boy, always eager to make me laugh. We had many wonderful moments together, and I truly cherished his company."
Jianguo listened intently, his curiosity piqued. "He sounds like a special person," he said, his tone gentle. "What happened to him?"
She spoke in a somewhat detached tone, her voice betraying her pain. "I heard from the neighbors later on that after she got married, my mother ran off with another man who wasn't my father, and I guess I'll never know where she truly went. Perhaps she ran off to be with that other man, enjoying the life I should have had."
Jianguo's response was gentle and measured. "The things that are within your reach belong to you," he said. "And the things you can't touch, well, they were never meant to be yours, you know?"
Shushin smiled faintly as she looked at him, her gaze settling on the flowers in the garden nearby. "This house is quite lovely, isn't it?" she observed, her tone slightly wistful.
Jianguo echoed her sentiment, his eyes taking in the simple beauty of the house and surrounding landscape. "It really is charming," he agreed. "Even though it's simple, it somehow looks so elegant."
Shushin nodded, her gaze returning to the blossoms. "I planted these flowers myself," she revealed, her voice tinged with a touch of pride. "And I organized the whole green stretch of land as well, including the house's interior and exterior. Of course, I had a little help along the way."
Jianguo noticed Shushin's affection for flowers, and he gently asked, "What is your favorite flower?"
Shushin pondered his question, her gaze shifting to the blossoms in her garden. A small smile graced her lips as she rested her face in her hands. "Perhaps orchids," she answered, her voice soft and contemplative. "I feel that orchids express much of who I am – my boldness, hope, strength… and so much more. You can see I've planted many orchids of different colors in my garden."
She continued to look at the flowers, appreciating their beauty, while he couldn't help but look at her. "I agree with you," he replied, his eyes tracing her profile as she admired the blossoms. "The flowers truly are beautiful."
There was a moment of comfortable silence between them, filled only with the gentle rustling of leaves and the hum of insects. As they sat there, Shushin seemed lost in her thoughts, her fingers tracing the petals of a nearby flower.
Jianguo observed her quietly, marveling at the beauty of her profile framed by the surrounding blooms. The soft light illuminated her features, casting a warm glow on her skin. He found himself captivated by the moment, the quiet serenity of the garden enhancing the feeling of tranquility between them.
As the silence stretched on, time seemed to stand still. The only sounds were the chirping of birds and the soft rustle of leaves dancing in the breeze. Jianguo broke the silence, his voice hushed but filled with sincerity.
"You know, it's strange," he began, his voice gentle and thoughtful. "Looking at you here, surrounded by these flowers… it feels like you belong here, like this place suits you perfectly."
Shushin raised her eyes to meet his, a small smile playing on her lips. She seemed both surprised and pleased by his observation. "You think so?" she murmured, her voice soft and tinged with a hint of vulnerability.
Jianguo nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Yes, I do," he replied softly. "There's something about this place, the flowers...and you...it all fits together perfectly. Like it was meant to be."
The peaceful moment between Jianguo and Shushin was abruptly interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Shushin's expression shifted subtly, as if she had been expecting this intrusion. Before she could reach the door, Jianguo grabbed her hands, trying to hold her back. She gently pushed his hands away, her voice tinged with resignation. "It's too late," she murmured, a ripple of sadness crossing her face. Jianguo's expression grew sadder and more guilty, as if he had suddenly experienced a change of heart.
She gazed at him for a moment before finally letting go of his hands. A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes, as if she knew that there was no going back once she released her grip.
Shushin opened the door, as expected, Lingjie, Ziyi, and Minghao stood together, and Minghao lingered near the threshold. Shushin welcomed them with a smile: "Welcome."
Minghao commented, slightly surprised: "I didn't expect you to open the door yourself." everyone were surprised because they saw her, but they didn't say anything
Shushin responded, her voice carrying a sense of acceptance: "Even if I hadn't opened, I knew you would enter. I didn't hear many voices, and I knew you were alone anyway."
Lingjie entered with a smile, his tone filled with relief: "I'm glad you're fine. When I heard about what happened, I was worried, i thought i will never see you again."
As the others took their places in front of the chair where Shushin sat, Minghao asked, "Who is this?"
Jianguo stood up and extended his hand to shake Minghao's: "I'm Jianguo, I saved Shushin."
Ziyi sat in front of Shushin and remarked, "Shushin?.. I'm not used to this name."
"How did you get to this place?" she asked.
Minghao sat next to her, ignoring Jianguo's outstretched hand, and replied: "Someone reported that they saw you here, so we came first before the others."
Shushin smiled, "Well, he's forcing me. But unfortunately, I wouldn't have gone anyway, but it's good to see you sooner."
Lingjie sounded surprised as he said, "You're going to the capital? Can't you just go back to your kingdom? You know the king is very sensitive to anything related to you and this place holds rights for two countries. The king has the power to punish you if you commit any crimes here."
Shushin smiled as she addressed the group, her voice tinged with resignation and determination. "We went to the castle because of Churan, but it doesn't change the fact that there are still many unresolved issues," she stated. "Are you not curious about why she tried to kill Hao Ran, or about his disappearance?"
Minghao spoke up, his frustration seething beneath his calm demeanor. "So... you're just going to go and get forty lashings, and you're not even guilty?"
Shushin's expression turned more serious as she considered her response. Her voice was calm but firm as she said, "I have my reasons for leaving, and I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions if i got catch. As for Hao Ran's disappearance, I believe we may still find the answers if we go back."
Then she added, "And we have a prince with us. Perhaps he can offer some help if they catch me."
Everyone's attention turned to Jianguo, who was trying hard to suppress a laugh, having already figured out that Shushin had known his identity from the very beginning.
He finally spoke up, his tone filled with a mix of resignation and slight irritation. "My relationship with my father is not good," he confessed. "I ran away to lead a normal life. You won't use me, right?"
Shushin smirked, her voice tinged with mischievous nonchalance. "I'm a witch," she replied. "I can use you as much as I want. I can't just run away without facing the consequences, as there are people, I wouldn't be able to face out of shame."
Ziyi, knowing that Shushin's mind was firmly set, chimed in, "Then we'll bring you along. The prince can offer support if anything goes wrong."
Shushin nodded, acknowledging her weakened state. "Yes, I'm still recovering, so I don't think I'll be able to withstand much, but I'll do my best. Lets hope they wont find me"
Finally, Lingjie spoke up, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "You're a witch, can't you use magic to help yourself?"
Shushin let out a tired laugh, a hint of irony coloring her voice. "I guess this place isn't really beneficial for me," she acknowledged. "The spiritual energy here isn't potent enough to enable me to fully exert my powers, and it has negatively impacted my physical well-being."
As the others listened intently, Jianguo suddenly spoke up, a hint of determination in his voice. "I can help you."
Shushin, she thought she was bold and cool . but she was an idiot...
After several hours passed at the Royal Palace, General Wang finally broke the silence, inquiring, "Your Majesty, may I ask why you have called us all here today?"
The king chuckled, his demeanor exuding a mix of arrogance and authority. "Our state has endured numerous challenges in recent times," he declared. "It has come to light that the murderer is a daughter of a prestigious family, so I have decided to show leniency towards her family due to their unwavering loyalty to the state. However, a girl who took advantage of this situation and influenced the girl to commit acts of wrongdoing has been apprehended."
He then issued a command to the servants, "Bring her in." The king, whom many believed to be fair, was revealed to be cunning and deceitful. Shushin, who had thought she understood the world, found out that she had been mistaken, and she repeated the same mistake her grandfather had made, failing to stick to her own principles.
All eyes turned towards the corridor as the servants entered, dragging a bruised and battered girl into the room, her clothes stained with blood. They threw her onto the cold, hard floor and shouted an order for her to kneel. She lost against him this time.
The servants hastily restrained her arms, forcing her into a kneeling position. Another person pulled her hair, forcefully raising her head to face the king. Her face was caked with blood, and she glared at the king with intense rage.
Mimi, still in shock from the unfolding events, instinctively tried to get up, but Li Xin, who had anticipated her reaction, grabbed her firmly and made her sit beside him. Even he, with his usual tough demeanor, was clearly disheartened, realizing his powerlessness to change the situation.
The room was filled with a heavy sense of tension as everyone waited for the king to speak. He surveyed the scene before him with an air of smug superiority, relishing the sight of the girl's suffering.
The king's gaze shifted from the girl's beaten form to the faces of those present: the officials, generals, and members of the imperial family. He then proclaimed, "I have gathered you all here to witness justice being served."
"Your name is Shushin, correct?" he asked, his tone laced with condescension. "Are you familiar with your own name? Perhaps you've become too complacent using a name that's not truly yours."
Shushin's laughter echoed harshly through the room, her defiance unflinching. "All you're capable of is killing people and hiding within your castle like a princess," she taunted. "Do you think I will show mercy upon you? Do you think I lack the power to end your life right now?"
The king's anger flared at her audacity, his eyes narrowing with annoyance. "You're as crazy as your grandfather and mother!" he spat. "But she is clearly smarter than you, knowing when to submit. Now, you'll face the consequences!"
He turned to the servants, shouting, "Flog her! Make her suffer"
The servants swiftly obeyed, forcing the girl onto her knees before them. The king observed the scene unfolding before him, a sadistic smile playing on his lips. He relished the sight of her distress, enjoying the sense of control he wielded over her, her back was full of blood. Trying to kepp her pain to herself and not screaming.
The room was filled with a heavy silence as Shushin slowly lifted her gaze, her body covered in blood. Mimi clutched her heart, tears streaming down her face, unable to ease the pain she felt for her friend. Li Xin and Minghao struggled to maintain their composure, trying to keep their emotions in check. Minghao's grasp on the cup tightened until it shattered in his hands.
"You can't kill me," Shushin managed to say through bloodied lips. "You know that."
As the servants prepared to inflict another blow, Jiangu entered the room, brandishing a sword and swiftly slicing through the ropes that bound Shushin's hands. Shushin caught sight of him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "You have come then," she murmured before collapsing unconsciousness.
Jiangu quickly caught her, cradling her limp form in his arms. He turned to the king, his voice firm. "You have punished her sufficiently. Anyone who dares touch her will face severe consequences from now on."
Minghao stood in his place, his heart torn at witnessing Shushin's suffering. Though he longed to help her, his helplessness left him feeling powerless. Yet now that she was alive, he found solace in that fact alone.
A servant of the king spoke up, his voice tinged with doubt. "Should we pursue them?"
The king responded with a cold chuckle; his gaze fixed on Jiangu. "No," he declared. "Let them go. It will be interesting to observe how they fare henceforth."
The servants reluctantly withdrew, leaving Jiangu and the unconscious Shushin standing alone in front of the king. He held her tightly, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as the king observed them with an air of detached curiosity.
Mimi stood frozen for a moment; her heart filled with conflicting emotions. Her eyes darted between Shushin's unconscious form in Jiangu's arms and the king, whose smirk seemed even more menacing now.
Jianguo took Shushin and left the palace.
Ziyi emerged and Mimi immediately chased after her, anger evident in her voice. "I heard you helped capture Shushin. Why did you do that?"
Ziyi's eyes filled with sadness as she replied, "I can't tell you, but I didn't want to either."
Mimi forcefully released her grip on Ziyis hand, her expression resolute. "Regardless of her identity, she's still the person we know," she declared before abruptly leaving Ziyis side, leaving her standing in silent contemplation.
Lingjie soon approached Ziyis side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, a smile on his face. "What a mature attitude you have," he commented with a hint of irony.
Ziyis eyes held a mixture of melancholy and understanding as she chuckled bitterly. "Destruction comes in so many forms," she mused, her voice tinged with a hint of despair. "Life's pace can be so frightening. There's no way to distinguish between friends, lovers, enemies, and even family when the moment of truth arrives. Everyone bears some degree of guilt."
Lingjie nodded solemnly, his gaze reflecting the weight of her words. He stood beside her in shared contemplation, the gravity of their world bearing down on both of them.
Together, they stood in a moment of shared understanding, contemplating the complexities of their relationships and the uncertainty of trust in a world where everyone carried the burden of guilt in some form or another.
It was a moment of connection, a silent acknowledgment of the fragility of loyalties and the consequences of their actions. They both knew that in this world, innocence was a luxury few could truly afford.