Chapter 421: Unbearable Parting
Chapter 421: Chapter 421: Unbearable Parting
Zhao Nuanyue understood, however, that Little Red Carp was fated to never leap over the Dragon Gate in this lifetime.
In the End of Dharma Era, Spiritual Power was depleted, and even the Old Dragon King had been forced to leave. Little Red Carp, a small carp only halfway through her cultivation, had even less of a chance to achieve mastery.
Little Red Carp might have been disappointed at first. But ever since she and Zhao Nuanyue plugged the entrance to the underground river, she had received a blessing of merit left behind by the Old Dragon King before his departure. This allowed her to take on a human form. She followed Zhao Nuanyue to live in the mortal world, experiencing all its facets and unpredictability.
In a way, this was its own form of cultivation, its own kind of experience.
Little Red Carp had come to accept this peacefully and was beginning to enjoy her time living among humans.
"Sister, you and Brother are so good to me. I’ll be so happy if we can come back here every year!" Little Red Carp said excitedly, swimming back and forth beside Zhao Nuanyue.
"Alright, we’ve finished cleaning the Dragon Palace. Since we’re here, let’s go pay our respects to the Old Dragon King." With that, Zhao Nuanyue swam toward the Dragon King Statue.
The Dragon King Statue was as majestic as ever. Prostrating before it, Zhao Nuanyue felt incredibly small.
Not to be outdone, Little Red Carp knelt, her eyes fixed on the statue with immense devotion. She bowed her head solemnly, ’thanking the Old Dragon King in her heart for his guidance and teachings.’
Zhao Nuanyue and Little Red Carp swam all around the Dragon Palace, inside and out. Then, from its most hidden corner, Little Red Carp retrieved a few seashells.
"Little Red Carp, are these the protective shells you give us?" Zhao Nuanyue asked in surprise. "Didn’t you say you were all out?"
"Yes, I was out before, but now there are more!" Little Red Carp replied. "This is from where the Old Master used to cultivate. There are still some lingering traces of his power, and these shells have absorbed some of nature’s spiritual energy. That’s why they’re so hard and can be life-saving."
"So that’s how it works!" Zhao Nuanyue remarked with a sigh. "The world of magic is certainly harder to understand than the real world. But it’s precisely this mystery that gives us a secret weapon to defeat powerful enemies. Thank you, Little Red Carp. Thank you, Old Dragon King!"
Little Red Carp didn’t take all the shells, just four of them: one each for her brother, her sister, and herself, plus one for Hua Yusen.
Little Red Carp cast one last, lingering look around before turning and swimming away.
Zhao Nuanyue followed right behind her.
"Don’t be sad, Little Red Carp. This is your home, which means it’s a home for Nuanyang and me too," Zhao Nuanyue said with a cheerful smile. "The Dragon Palace will always have the most tender spot in our hearts."
"I know, Sister. My journey in the mortal world isn’t over, so I have to leave. Maybe I’ll come back when I grow weary of the human world," Little Red Carp said earnestly. She still had ties that bound her, so she couldn’t peacefully stay here alone.
"Little Red Carp, what I’m about to say is a little selfish, but I truly see you as my little sister. We’ve supported each other, overcome so many difficulties, and shared so much joy. If you really must leave, please... could you wait until after Nuanyang and I are gone? Because I don’t think I could bear to watch you go while I’m still alive."
Zhao Nuanyue knew her own life was finite. But because of her cultivation, Little Red Carp’s lifespan was very long—perhaps hundreds of years, or even more.
Zhao Nuanyue understood that she and Nuanyang were destined to pass away long before Little Red Carp. She had formed such a deep bond with the carp spirit that she couldn’t accept the idea of her leaving while they were still alive.
"It’s a very sad topic, and a few decades will pass in the blink of an eye, but I will cherish every minute I have with you. I’ll see you and Brother off peacefully, and only then will I depart in sorrow. Maybe I won’t live much longer after that, either," Little Red Carp murmured. The very thought of that scene made her heart ache.
Hearing this, Zhao Nuanyue hugged Little Red Carp. "Little Red Carp, you must remember what I’m telling you. Even after your loved ones are gone, you have to cherish and protect yourself. That is the best comfort you can give them. As long as you are alive, as long as you can keep living, you must live a good life."
"Mhm!" Not wanting her sister to worry, Little Red Carp nodded solemnly.
「By the time they returned from the Dragon King Temple, it was late at night.」
Little Red Carp’s and Zhao Nuanyue’s Divine Senses returned to their bodies. The two looked at each other and smiled, and Zhao Nuanyue held Little Red Carp as she peacefully fell asleep.
That conversation had been far too sorrowful.
That night, Zhao Nuanyue had a dream. She dreamt that after she and Nuanyang passed away, Little Red Carp was so heartbroken that she wasted away and died of grief.
It made Zhao Nuanyue so sad that she woke with a start.
Looking at Little Red Carp nestled in her arms, Zhao Nuanyue tenderly kissed her forehead.
’Everyone is destined to die, but I’ll live a good life. I’ll live as long as I possibly can. Maybe then Little Red Carp won’t be so sad.’
’That’s right... what kind of life will Little Red Carp have when we get old?’
’Growing up as she is now, she’ll become an adult just like a normal child. If so, she might have her own life and family one day. When she’s surrounded by her own children and grandchildren, maybe she won’t depend so much on Nuanyang and me.’
At that thought, Zhao Nuanyue felt a sense of relief.
’That’s all decades away. It’s pointless to worry about it now.’
’I should focus on the present and live comfortably. That’s what matters. No need to think about things so far in the future.’
With her heart at ease, Zhao Nuanyue finally fell back into a peaceful sleep. She shifted her arm around Little Red Carp, making her more comfortable. Even in her sleep, she would unconsciously do this, always cherishing the little carp spirit.
The next morning, Li Qiong was up early making breakfast. By the time Zhao Nuanyue woke up, it was already on the table.
Smelling the familiar aroma of breakfast in the air, Little Red Carp quickly got dressed and washed up. She then went to Li Qiong’s side and said gratefully, "Ms. Li Qiong, thank you for all your hard work."
"It’s no trouble, no trouble at all," Li Qiong said with a beaming smile. "I’m just worried my cooking might not be to your liking."
"How could that be? Ms. Li Qiong, your cooking is amazing! Everything you make is delicious," Little Red Carp praised. "Oh, right, your wedding is tomorrow! Is there anything we need to do?"
Li Qiong didn’t stop making the egg pancakes as she replied, "Weddings aren’t that complicated these days. I’ve already gotten everything in order. We don’t need to hold a banquet on my side. I’ll just make a nice lunch to treat you all. The main celebration will be tomorrow at the groom’s family’s home."