Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao Chapter 1550 - 74: Return

The dialogue exchanged between Feng Zishuang and Mu Qingyan wasn't deliberately concealed from Zhou Sisi.

Upon overhearing it, Zhou Sisi briefly questioned if she was experiencing auditory illusions.

However, after hearing similar confirmations repeated, Zhou Sisi grasped that her hearing was accurate and that the information was indeed the truth.

A feeling of absurdity washed over Zhou Sisi, as though this revelation was the most preposterous thing imaginable.

After all, beside her father, both her mother Feng Zishuang and her other mother Mu Qingyan harbored profound affection for him.

Yet, this deep love was purportedly built upon calculation? Was it founded on a basis of strategic maneuvering?

It struck her as a comical notion, yet it was the undeniable truth.

Perhaps, it was precisely this grounding in strategy that gave rise to such heart-wrenching, enduring sentiments.

Zhou Sisi held numerous questions within her heart, but when the moment arrived to voice them, she found herself unsure where to begin.

All confusion stemmed from love, and by love, it was resolved.

At this juncture, Feng Zishuang and Mu Qingyan remained silent, merely sharing a knowing, albeit sorrowful, smile.

This exchange induced a sudden sense of disappointing detachment in Zhou Sisi; she felt incapable of controlling these burgeoning emotions nor did she wish to distress her already unfortunate family members nearby with her outward display, yet the feelings persisted.

"Sisi, do not grieve, nor should you pity your father. Initially, during some of those calculating moments, we did possess certain ulterior motives, but eventually, those intentions vanished, fading away. What we share now is our love for you and your father; despite the many unbearable aspects of this transformation, we ultimately paid a heavy price for it."

Mu Qingyan offered a sigh and comforting words to Zhou Sisi.

Her declaration, once uttered, ignited an ineffable anger within Zhou Sisi, which surged forth abruptly.

"Then, when dealing with Yanyan, that sword nearly pierced her head directly, could you still stand by? Did you consider the sheer desperation your father felt at that moment? For even a single second, did you consider how desperately heartbroken Sister Yan Yan must have felt in that instant?"

Zhou Sisi’s voice trembled with her questions.

"Sisi, certain actions are taken out of necessity. If not for that particular stimulus—"

Feng Zishuang attempted to explain in a soothing tone.

However, before she could complete her sentence, Zhou Sisi interjected, "Mother, I understand you faced various challenges, reasons, and justifications. I also recognize that anything I say now might seem like creating a scene, utterly unreasonable, but this is my resentment, a heart overflowing with grievance. Even if it means enduring personal pain, even if it hurts you, I still need to express these words."

"In truth, from Sisi's perspective, happiness and all things are straightforward; experiencing life and death side-by-side, perhaps even without any hope of Eternal Life, constitutes happiness. Because cherishing one another, loving each other, and depending on each other throughout the journey is already sufficient."

"Happiness isn't about jointly pursuing Eternal Life, nor is it about collectively seeking Eternity, but rather..."

As Zhou Sisi spoke, tears of sorrow inevitably streamed down her face.

Feng Zishuang's eyes also welled up with moisture.

Mu Qingyan sighed and stated, "Sisi, Yanyan is aware, and my action was merely a formality. As for the Evil Spirit, it is essentially a form of energy; true cultivation doesn't impose many restrictions. Of course, the nature of the Evil Spirit is actually...somewhat linked to Hou Chen, serving as his method of protection for us. Therefore, you've greatly misunderstood."

"Furthermore, while we may have harbored certain intentions initially, we were subsequently transformed, molded by our husband, your father. This change, irrespective of time and space, past or future, is an immutable, eternal one."

Mu Qingyan's words flowed from her heart, resonating with genuine emotion, presenting a stark contrast to her prior absolute indifference.

Even Zhou Sisi felt a sense of being moved, somewhat taken aback by Mu Qingyan's profound sentiments.

Zhou Sisi didn't truly harbor resentment; her heart was merely discontented, seeking an outlet for her feelings about her current reality, so after Mu Qingyan spoke, her emotions gradually subsided, and a sense of peace returned.

"Alas, the affairs of this world, the more ancient the years become, the more intricate they grow. I no longer comprehend them, nor do I wish to; my only hope is that in the future, we can face things together and forge a harmonious family."

Zhou Sisi let out a sigh.

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingyan and Feng Zishuang also exhaled softly, offering no verbal response.

"Mother, Brother Hou Chen... how is he faring these days?"

After a brief silence, Zhou Sisi couldn't refrain from asking.

"Hou Chen... Sisi, he is doing well at present. It's just that certain emotional entanglements haven't been entirely resolved, leading to temporary instability in his emotions. However, he will overcome these challenges in the future."

Feng Zishuang reassured Zhou Sisi.

Zhou Sisi accepted Feng Zishuang's words as truth and, upon hearing them, felt a slight easing of her heart, murmuring, "That's good."

Zhou Sisi’s emotional state finally settled, and a smile, tinged with a hint of sorrow, passed between Feng Zishuang and Mu Qingyan.

"Qingyan, my dear sister, now that the Cold Ice Palace has no reason to continue its existence, why don't you return with me to the Elf Domain?" Feng Zishuang proposed.

Mu Qingyan considered this for a moment before replying, "Sister Zi Shuang, I understand the circumstances in the Elf Domain, but returning like this might cause us some shame. Furthermore, our forces are directly under 'his' command, which has shielded us from the encroachment of other Evil Spirits. However, once we integrate into the Elf Domain, I fear the other Evil Spirit factions will not accept this and will act immediately."

"No, the conflict between 'him' and Bi Shui has concluded, though the exact outcome remains unknown. Regardless of whether it was favorable or not, all of you must unite with the Elf Domain. The Elf Domain has grown stronger due to the Life Ancient Tree of our Ancient Life Clan and now requires a powerful Holy Spirit to safeguard it. Both you and I are suitable candidates for this. Only by joining forces can we achieve greater strength."

"Moreover, I intend to have my husband temporarily govern the Eternal Domain. This way, upon achieving the status of a King, he can enter the Ancient Life Clan."

"At that time..." Feng Zishuang shared a portion of her strategic plans.

Zhou Sisi found herself unable to comprehend this part of the discussion. Even if she could grasp it, the understanding would vanish the next moment, leaving no coherent memory.

While Zhou Sisi didn't fully grasp the specifics, she sensed that it involved more profound matters related to the King's Rule. Thus, she refrained from focusing on the exchange between the two elders, instead directing her attention to the snow-laden scenery of Snow Peak. In this vast expanse of white, aside from the biting, icy winds, there seemed to be no other distinguishing features to behold. Here, snow persisted throughout the year, accompanied only by an unending sense of loneliness and desolation.

At that very moment, inexplicably, Zhou Sisi suddenly felt that Mu Qingyan wasn't experiencing happiness either. She reasoned that if she were in Mu Qingyan's position, constantly separated from Hou Chen, she would undoubtedly be deeply saddened. This realization caused Zhou Sisi to feel a pang of guilt for her previous criticisms of Mu Qingyan—what right did she, Zhou Sisi, possess to pass judgment?

Zhou Sisi’s emotions were in turmoil, her thoughts in disarray. Meanwhile, Feng Zishuang and Mu Qingyan were engaged in a discussion about the impending transformations within the Ancient Life Clan.

"It is now evident that Lee Ran must have already uncovered the existence of that potent source of Evil Spirit. He positioned Ji Wu beside me solely to observe any unforeseen developments and to ensure prompt communication. However, the majority of his subordinates are unaware, leading to several tragic events."

"Such as Hua Qiudao..." Mu Qingyan began, but Feng Zishuang interrupted her before she could finish.

"Hua Qiudao is not a straightforward individual. Perhaps we only perceived the surface of his apparent submission back then. How could someone of his caliber submit so willingly? That was merely a superficial show. Of course, this might be linked to him possessing partial knowledge of the truth. However, I suspect that Pangu, Nuwa, and the Emperor might also be more complex than they appear," Feng Zishuang pondered aloud.

"This..." Mu Qingyan hesitated, remaining silent.

"I am contemplating, if all of this is directed against our Ancient Life Clan, what course of action should we take? Am I truly inviting disaster by allowing my husband to enter the Ancient Life Clan?" Feng Zishuang expressed her growing anxiety.

"No, absolutely not. After all, if the Ancient Life Clan had not intervened back then, the inheritance of the Ten Thousand Immortals and Ten Thousand Buddhas would have faced extinction. How could they repay kindness with malice?" Mu Qingyan exclaimed in surprise.

"It is difficult to ascertain. Since regaining my consciousness, I have consistently overlooked certain aspects, although I am unsure precisely what those omissions entail," Feng Zishuang admitted. "Yet, this apprehension persists. I am considering that if my fears prove unfounded, we can utilize the Ancient Life Clan to assist my husband in attaining the peak Realm and Combat Power, thereby purifying the unknown Evil Spirit and ensuring a secure future for the Eternal Life Tribes. Even if it necessitates a Nirvana rebirth, even if it means recreating the primordial chaos and the very genesis of Heaven and Earth, a future could still be forged."

"But if my concerns are valid, do you comprehend the potential consequences? If the Ancient Life Clan is annihilated and becomes sustenance, then the proliferation of the unknown Evil Spirit would be beyond imagination."

"Furthermore, why has Lee Ran consistently remained in the shadows? Given his nature, there must be a compelling reason. I have investigated Lee Ran's emergence; he is far from ordinary."

"What my husband can achieve, he, Lee Ran, can nearly accomplish as well! And what my husband cannot achieve, he is almost capable of doing too!"

"In this world, it’s hard to find a Holy Spirit he hasn’t possessed. There were thirteen Form-Intent Holy Spirits, and now it’s uncertain if all have succeeded."

Feng Zishuang spoke of this matter with significant worry and confusion.

Mu Qingyan, however, maintained a far more relaxed outlook on the subject.