Chapter 123: A Life Cut Short

Yun Zui, however, knew nothing once she fell into a deep sleep. Death without pain was not such a bad experience, after all. When awake, she had struggled incessantly, knowing her end was near, but she was far too docile when caught unaware.

Though she had been in a deep, comatose slumber, she suddenly felt a current of warmth flowing into her body, gentle and comforting. As she slowly regained consciousness, Yun Zui was struck with astonishment. If she recalled correctly, she had been lying in that exquisite crystal coffin, unable to move or even open her eyes. Yet now, sensation was gradually returning. What was happening? Could Ling Yuan have released her? But that was impossible. Would someone who had already slaughtered one hundred and seven young women truly spare her, the one hundred and eighth? If so, she was incredibly lucky.

Yun Zui slowly opened her eyes to see a pitch-black night sky, sparsely adorned with tiny, shimmering stars, each one piercingly bright. Again, she was stunned; why was she outside when she had been sleeping in an ice coffin? Filled with confusion, she attempted to move and found that she actually could. Excitement surged through her, but as she moved her head, she felt something hard and uncomfortable digging into the back of her neck.

What was going on? Sweeping her gaze around, she realized she was lying on a rooftop! This was too strange. Puzzled, she sat up immediately and noticed a figure sitting cross-legged beside her. Upon seeing the person’s face, Yun Zui’s eyes widened in shock, followed by a flash of joy, and finally, a descent into sorrow.

Who could provoke such a volatile shift in her emotions? Her shock stemmed from seeing her deceased grandfather; her joy came from the sheer delight of reuniting with someone she thought she would never see again; and her sorrow arose from the realization that since her grandfather had been dead for over a year, seeing him meant that she, Yun Zui, must also be dead.

"Grandfather!" Yun Zui cried out.

The beard of Grand Preceptor Xikong twitched as he emphasized, "I am Grand Preceptor Xikong of the Mo Chi Kingdom!"

"No, you are my grandfather!" Yun Zui insisted stubbornly.

"Fine, I am your grandfather," Grand Preceptor Xikong surrendered abruptly.

Yun Zui was speechless. But the next moment, she blurted out, "Grandfather, I’ve missed you so much!" Only in front of her grandfather, Yun Kong, did she ever show her most authentic, charming, mischievous, and unique self.

At this moment, Yun Zui’s face was flushed, her cheeks red, and tears streamed down her face in her agitation. Grand Preceptor Xikong shifted his body slightly to avoid her incoming embrace. Stunned, Yun Zui looked at him and called out in confusion, "Grandfather?" Why would her grandfather dodge her?

"I am not your grandfather," he said with a hint of helplessness.

Yun Zui froze, then immediately lunged to grab his wrist. The Grand Preceptor was quick to hide his hand. Seeing this, Yun Zui cast a suspicious look at him and retorted, "You are just trying to cover up! You have a birthmark on your wrist. If you aren't him, you could easily show it to me!"

Hearing this, the Grand Preceptor’s eyes flickered. Whether in the modern world or the ancient one, the birthmark remained the same. He let out a helpless sigh and muttered, "You brat, still as sharp as ever!"

Yun Zui’s eyes lit up. "Grandfather, what do I do? I’m dead too!" She had promised Yun Kong she would live well and retire from her life as a mercenary, yet here she was, dead in the prime of her youth.

"How can you be so foolish? Do you truly feel dead? Pinch yourself and see if it hurts," the Grand Preceptor said, acting every bit the crafty old man.

Yun Zui immediately followed his instruction, but instead, she pinched him.