The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Lord Niruana's Disciple; Daughter of Sian Yi | Resilient, strong-willed, independent
Rang Mi: Yena's caretaker and foster aunt | Protective, sharp-tongued but caring, determined
Bai Xue: Goddess of Space & Time; Guardian of Shiguang Pavilion | Serene, perceptive, and wise
Lord Niruana: The Water God — acting ruler of the Yuanian realm | Wise, composed, powerful and knowledgeable
Jin Yue: A young man from Huliya | Loyal, observant, caring, and protective
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Back in the Divine World
The moment Yena sank into the abyss of her subconscious, a strange ripple disturbed the Ruiyi Pavilion. Rang Mi, seated in one of the chambers, felt the shift immediately. Her instincts screamed that something was wrong. Without hesitation, she rushed toward Yunshui Pavilion.
As she entered, her sharp gaze landed on Bai Xue—the Head Goddess of the Shiguang Pavilion. She bowed quickly, but before she could speak, Bai Xue's calm voice cut through the silence.
Bai Xue:"I know why you are here, Rang Mi. Catch your breath. I will take you there."
Rang Mi nodded, her heart pounding. Without another word, Bai Xue led her through the vast corridors of the Royal Palace. They entered a grand hall where a magnificent basin stood at its center—no ordinary artifact, but a divine relic once belonging to Ruiyi Pavilion, now under the custody of the Yuan's acting ruler, Lord Niruana.
At the sight of them, Niruana spoke calmly. "I knew you would come, Rang Mi." His gaze then shifted to Bai Xue. "You may begin."
Bai Xue bowed and raised her hands. As divine energy flowed from her palms, the basin's waters stirred, thick with mist. Slowly, the blurry surface cleared, revealing Yena's motionless form on a bed, Miao Miao by her side, tending to her desperately.
Bai Xue gave a respectful bow and excused herself. Rang Mi, however, took a sharp step forward, eyes scanning the scene. Something was off. Then, her breath hitched—by Yena's side lay the Moonstone Whip.
"The Moonstone?! she gasped. How can it be there?"
Lord Niruana's expression darkened, but he remained silent. As the two watched in growing unease, he finally spoke. "It seems she was trying to connect the Moonstone Whip with her mind sea."
Rang Mi's stomach twisted.
Rang Mi : "Why? It can't be... Has she fallen into illusions as well?"
Niruana shook his head. "No. This is different. The Moonstone hasn't trapped her in an illusion—it has pulled her into her subconscious."
Rang Mi's pulse quickened. "Then...is Yena the Moonstone's true master? But if she is, why is she like this—lifeless?"
Niruana exhaled slowly. "The Moonstone was always meant for her. As for why it has dragged her into this state... that remains uncertain. Perhaps it seeks to show her something. Perhaps it is testing her. Or..."
Rang Mi's heart pounded. "Or what?!" she pressed, voice laced with panic.
In the vision, the mortal doctor stepped back from Yena, shaking his head—he had given up.
Lord Niruana:(quietly)"Her unstable mind sea cannot handle the power of the Moonstone. It is using her life source to form a link. If this continues, the strain will only intensify, wreaking havoc within her mind sea."
Rang Mi's voice turned distant, laced with a bitter nostalgia.
Rang Mi: "I thought it had caused enough destruction in the past… and now, it wants to take her daughter too."
Niruana's expression remained unreadable.
Lord Niruana: "It is merely a divine essence. It seeks its rightful master—nothing more, nothing less. Had Yena's dormant powers awakened, she would have been able to control it. But as she is now, she has no choice but to endure it."
Rang Mi's breath came in short, sharp bursts. "Endure it?! It could kill her in the process! I'm going to her—"
Niruana's voice remained steady. "Even if you go, there is nothing you can do. You know this very well, Rang Mi."
Despite his calm demeanor, even he was worried. The Moonstone Whip was a powerful divine artifact, and it couldn't be wielded by those with low spiritual power. Right now, Yena was merely a low-level mortal in its presence. The imbalance was dangerous.
Rang Mi:(gritting her teeth)"Then what? Are we supposed to just watch her suffer? What if she falls deeper—lost in endless nightmares and illusions?"
Niruana's gaze softened, but his resolve did not waver. "I told you before—believe in her. She knew the risks. If she has chosen this path, we must trust her choice."
But Rang Mi couldn't stay still. Memories of the past haunted her—Sian Yi, suffering under the Moonstone's influence when she carried Yena in her womb. Is it all happening again? Her thoughts twisted into a painful knot.
In the vision, Miao Miao dabbed at Yena's sweat-soaked forehead. No matter how many times she pressed a cool cloth to her skin, the heat remained. The water, chilled moments ago, now turned scalding hot against Yena's burning body. Miao Miao hurried back and forth, replacing it over and over.
Rang Mi's fingers dug into the fabric of her robes. Her hands were tied—she could do nothing. Sian Yi entrusted Yena's care to me. And here I am, powerless.
A wave of tension tightened the air around them until—
A flicker of hope.
Miao Miao gently parted Yena's lips and poured a decoction into her mouth. The divine energy within it spread through her veins, calming her trembling body. Slowly, her deathly pale complexion regained color. The tension in the room eased.
Rang Mi let out a breath, but her eyes remained sharp. "That was no ordinary herb... "Without an immortal root, no medicine could have worked that fast," she murmured. "But how did a mortal possess something so rare?"
Niruana's lips quirked slightly. "He just saved Yena, and you're already suspicious of him?"
Rang Mi crossed her arms, her skepticism unshaken. "You know as well as I do—commoners don't simply come across divine herbs. To possess one is rare—almost impossible."
Niruana remained composed. "There is no need for concern. He is not reckless. Besides, Yena sees him as a friend."
Rang Mi's eyes narrowed. "So, you do know him." A beat of silence passed before she shook her head. "But that isn't the issue right now." Her voice grew more measured. "What do you intend to do about the Moonstone Whip?"
Niruana exhaled, his expression unreadable. "What can I do? The weapon has already chosen her, and she has accepted it as her spirit weapon. That cannot be undone… Our primary concern was making sure she never crossed paths with the Sword of Everflame."
Rang Mi tensed. "I know… but the Moonstone Whip is no less dangerous."
Niruana's gaze turned somber. "Then that means her destiny is already written. She is walking down that path."
Rang Mi stiffened. "You can't just say that. You promised—you said you wouldn't let her die like her mother. You said you would help her!"
Niruana turned to her, his voice steady but firm. "And I will. But you must understand… some things are beyond us. Yena and the Moonstone Whip have been connected for a long time. Fate isn't something we can escape."
It was true. He had done everything he could to keep her from setting foot in the two loks[1], training her in both divine and commoner techniques within the Divine World. Four years ago, he had told her only fragments of the truth, letting her go to Bhulok alone. He had never allowed her to train with a whip, hoping she wouldn't choose it as her spirit weapon.
The Sword of Everflame was impossible to find—so he had believed it safe for her to train with a sword—even when they didn't want it to become her spirit weapon. But the Moonstone Whip had always been within reach in Tianlok, so they had always been wary.
Rang Mi exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Alright, maybe it's because I'm not from the Divine World that I can't understand this talk of fate and destiny..." She looked at him sharply. "But are you telling me you'll let her become the Chosen One?"
Niruana's voice was unreadable. "There is still hope—as long as the Sword of Everflame finds its master."
Rang Mi's breath hitched. "Do you mean him—?" The rest of her words faltered.
Niruana:"I am a god, Rang Mi. I do not force fate upon anyone. It is up to them what they will choose... and who they will choose."
Rang Mi fell silent. Then, barely above a whisper, she murmured, "Why is fate so cruel? I don't want either of them to get hurt…" But she pushed those thoughts aside, shaking her head. "Yena is fine now, right? She's out of danger?" fine now, right? She's out of danger?"
Niruana hummed in confirmation. "Her body has enough spiritual energy to handle the Moonstone now. She will wake soon." He paused. "Are you heading to Ruiyi to check the barrier?"
Rang Mi nodded. "I have to make sure she can return home after all this."
Niruana's gaze was distant. "She will, as long as she awakens her dormant power. And she will—before this journey ends."
Rang Mi hesitated before saying, "Tell me if anything happens to her." Then, without another word, she left the hall.
The moment she was gone, Niruana's composed demeanor shifted.
He knew Yena. Even if she lacked the power, she would still try to uncover the past. She always did.
Closing his eyes, he channeled his spiritual energy, slipping into her mind sea. The resistance had weakened after she consumed the divine herb. For a powerful god like Niruana, entering her mind was far easier now.
Yena's mind sea was calmer than before, yet she remained there—suspended in the air above the glowing ocean, caught between the dark sky and the shimmering waters. Golden-yellow and violet-black energies pulsed around her.
It was not the Moonstone Whip holding her there.
It was her own will.
She wanted to see the past, even if only a glimpse.
Niruana stepped forward, standing in front of her. He gathered energy in his palm, but pulling her back proved difficult—her desire to see the past was overwhelming. It took him some time to pull her from her sub-consciousness, but at last, he succeeded.
Yena's eyes fluttered open. She straightened immediately, taking in her surroundings before her gaze landed on him.
"Is this some kind of illusion… or a vision?" she murmured.
Niruana shook his head. "I told you to find answers, not to risk your life for them."
His voice pulled her from her thoughts.
He sighed. "Have you forgotten your duty? You have far greater tasks ahead."
Yena bowed deeply, sinking to her knees. "I'm sorry, Uncle. I thought it was the best way to confirm if the Moonstone Whip was truly linked to me…"
Niruana studied her carefully. "Was that the only reason?" His voice softened. "Yena… even if you want to find the truth as soon as possible, this is not the way. The Moonstone's power is far too strong. If someone with low energy tries to link with it, it will consume their very life force. Thanks to your friends, you had enough spiritual energy to withstand it. But from now on, do not use it recklessly."
Yena clenched her fists. "But it's the easiest way to unlock the past. I have leads—but not enough to piece it all together. How else will I find my answers? I know my duty, but I can only fulfill it once I understand myself and my powers."
Niruana sighed. He understood.
For years, Yena had tried to prove her worth. Four years ago, when she discovered the truth, she had buried her emotions beneath duty, focusing solely on uncovering the past. But every path led to a dead end. So when she learned the Moonstone might show her the past, she had taken the chance.
"The Moonstone cannot be forced," he said. "Even though it has chosen you, it will only reveal its visions when you are truly capable. Until then, you must uncover the past by your own means."
As he turned to leave, he added one final piece of advice.
"Do not forget those closest to you. They will help you see more clearly."
Then, he vanished.
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Yena gasped, jerking awake. Her breath came in short, uneven pants as she struggled to steady herself. The dim morning light filtered through the windows, casting a soft golden hue across the room.
Across from her, slumped over the table, was Jin Yue.
Even in sleep, he had kept his guard. The warm sunlight traced his sharp features. As if sensing her movement, his eyes fluttered open.
His gaze landed on her immediately. In an instant, he was on his feet, crossing the room.
"Are you okay?" His voice, though firm, carried a hint of urgency. He picked up a glass of water and handed it to her.
Yena, still catching her breath, reached out slowly and took the cup. She gulped down the cool water, letting it soothe her parched throat.
"Do you need more?" Jin Yue asked. "Are you sure you're okay? You still look exhausted… Should I call the doctor?"
She shook her head weakly. "No, I'm fine," she said, exhaling a tired laugh. "Ha... You look worse than me. Were you here all night?"
Jin Yue nodded. "Miao Miao was here too. She took good care of you… I'm sorry I was late. If I had arrived earlier, maybe—maybe you wouldn't have fallen this ill."
Yena's lips curled into a faint smile. "No need to blame yourself. It's not your fault. I'm fine." Her eyes flickered toward the empty space beside him. "Where is Miao Miao?"
Jin Yue hesitated. "She left several hours ago… I looked for her near the inn, but she wasn't there. And I couldn't leave you alone in your state. I'm sorry—I really am. I wasn't able to find her."
Yena let out a tired but knowing chuckle. "You two fought again, didn't you?" She shook her head. "Don't worry. She'll be back soon."
Her voice softened as she looked at him. "Why don't you rest in your room? Sleeping on that chair must've been uncomfortable. I'm sorry for troubling you."
Jin Yue shook his head. "It wasn't trouble." He knelt beside her bed, looking into her eyes. "Are you sure you're okay? You still look weak."
Yena blinked, surprised by his reaction. Exhaustion lined his face, worry clear in his eyes. She realized just how much he and Miao Miao must have worried—how he had likely stayed up all night, watching over her.
She didn't want to burden him further.
"I'm really okay," she reassured him with a small smile. "A short nap will do. You should rest in your room—I'll be fine. And… I think I'll be able to continue our journey soon."
Jin Yue stiffened at her words. Slowly, he stood up.
"You… You'd better not leave this room until you're fully recovered." His voice, usually composed, carried an edge of authority.
There was no hesitation, no request for permission—just firm resolve. Until now, he had always been careful, always waited for them to let him in. But this time, he couldn't. He wouldn't.
Yena tilted her head, caught off guard by his sudden declaration. He had always been cautious, always sought permission before stepping in. This was new. Different.
And yet… she wasn't sure what to say. She wasn't used to him speaking to her like this.
Still, she nodded slowly.
Jin Yue lingered for a moment before finally turning to leave. The door closed behind him with a quiet thud.
As soon as he stepped outside, he placed a hand over his chest, exhaling sharply. His heartbeat was unsteady—why?
Had he been too harsh? Had he overstepped?
Leaning against the door, he ran a hand through his hair.
After calming himself, he cast one last glance toward Yena's room before heading to his own. He lay down, but his thoughts refused to quiet.
His mind raced.
"Was I rude? Did I cross the line? It hasn't been that long since we met. It's understandable if they still want to keep their distance. Maybe I was too forceful. Maybe I shouldn't have said that."
A bitter voice whispered:
"You fool. How could you say that to her? It's her choice. You don't mean anything to them—just a stranger. What right do you have?"
His last thought was laced with bitterness, almost as if he were scolding himself.
Yet… when he had seen Yena lying there, pale and unconscious, something inside him had twisted. He never wanted to feel that helpless again. If he had overstepped, he would learn. Adjust. But one thing was certain—he wouldn't let his friends down again.
Too much had happened today. But at least Yena was safe.
It was his first time taking care of someone like this. After Miao Miao left, he had stayed by Yena's side all night, checking on her every few moments. No matter how exhausted he was, sleep never fully claimed him—not when she was like that. Only when his body could no longer keep up did he finally drift off, and even then, it had only been a short while before she woke him.
Before he finally succumbed to sleep, he stared at the ceiling, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.
"Jin Yue, Jin Yue… what have you gotten yourself into?"
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[1] The Tianlok and the Bhulok.