Heaven, Earth, Me Chapter 1543. Angel’s Tears.
Previously on Heaven, Earth, Me...
Angel found herself momentarily stunned by Yasenia's presence.
Observing the woman before her, displaying such unexpected anxiety and panic – a stark yet familiar contrast – sent a torrent of emotions and ingrained memories flooding through Angel's mind like an unstoppable avalanche.
The impossibly beautiful woman standing there was, undoubtedly, Yasenia. The distinctive mole beneath her left eye, her now golden, slitted pupils, the elegant, unwavering eyebrows, and those naturally rosy, kissable lips – all remained. Yet, everything seemed to possess a heightened level of allure.
Despite the outward changes, a familiar heaviness settled in Angel’s heart. Yasenia's present distress uncannily mirrored the same worried expression she wore when Angel herself was in a dark mood.
Witnessing Yasenia’s earnest plea for forgiveness, so genuine that Angel’s innate ability to discern truth from falsehood registered no deception, only amplified the bitterness of her own pent-up grievances.
A pang of regret struck Angel: how much easier would those arduous times have been if Yasenia had been by her side?
Then, Yasenia noticed that Angel, after her initial shock, began to weep silently, her lips trembling. A sharp, agonizing clench seized Yasenia's heart. She pulled Angel into a tight embrace, her tail instinctively wrapping around them to deepen the closeness. “I’m so sorry, Angel. I should have acted sooner. I should have come to you immediately. I sought opportunities to grow stronger, which caused significant delays. Honestly, I intended to find all of you about thirty years ago, but certain complications arose. I apologize, my dearest. It’s entirely my fault.”
Angel, whose arms had hung limply by her sides, finally succumbed to a wave of heartbroken sobs. She returned Yasenia’s embrace, burying her face as deeply as possible into the familiar comfort of Yasenia’s arms.
Had Angel undergone significant growth in recent years? Undoubtedly.
She had navigated through both the brightest and darkest aspects of her experiences. However, Angel's unique talent proved to be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it was a blessing, enabling her to effortlessly fend off those with malicious intent.
On the other, it was a curse, as Angel gradually realized that, apart from Yasenia, truly sincere individuals were non-existent in her life. Even those she had once considered friends eventually became distant, as Angel could no longer tolerate their veiled falsehoods.
Mirrory, cherishing Angel and desiring only her utmost well-being, had naturally subjected her to numerous rigorous trials. Mirrory possessed the knowledge to guide Angel’s training and knew precisely how to hone her abilities to their peak potential.
As a treasure whose existence far predated even the most ancient stars, Mirrory's capacity for imparting knowledge had long since become unparalleled. It was primarily through her and her former owner’s extraordinary aptitude that they reached a point where Fu Jing Jing earned the direct recognition of the Celestial Court itself.
Nevertheless, due to Angel’s sheltered upbringing under Yasenia’s tender care, the abrupt challenges orchestrated by Mirrory proved more emotionally taxing than initially anticipated.
The fault did not lie with Yasenia.
Nor did it lie with Mirrory.
And it certainly was not Angel's fault.
Yasenia’s doting affection stemmed from her boundless love for Angel, her sole desire being to witness Angel’s laughter and happiness, without any ulterior motives.
Mirrory’s relentless push for Angel’s advancement was born from her unwavering faith in Angel’s inherent resilience to overcome adversity. Time had proven Mirrory’s assessment of Angel to be remarkably accurate.
While Angel possessed a tender heart, she also had the inner fortitude to confront the cultivation world head-on and persevere through its most daunting trials. The sole issue was that Angel had never found a place where she could experience the same profound sense of peace and security as she did when traveling alongside Yasenia.
This prolonged internal tension had kept her on edge for decades, until this very moment, when she finally beheld the woman she longed to see.
The instant Angel witnessed Yasenia’s arrival, effortlessly tearing through space to confront her adversaries, all the accumulated grievances of the past decades simply… erupted.
And so, within Yasenia’s secure embrace, returning to that sanctuary where Angel could finally shed all her inhibitions and defenses, she wept. She cried like a lost child finally reunited with her parents after an agonizingly long separation.
Yasenia gently lifted Angel, tenderly kissed away her tears, held her close, and whispered reassurances of her deep love, yearning to see Angel’s smile return.
“My precious baby, my darling. Don’t you worry, little one. I am here now. Okay? I am here for you, and this time, not even the Heavens can keep us apart.”
Angel listened, her innate talent confirming the absolute truth in Yasenia’s words—honest, heartfelt declarations flowing from the depths of her soul. This rediscovered sense of belonging felt infinitely more precious than ever before.
Only now, after all these years, did Angel truly grasp the depth of Yasenia’s kindness towards her. This formidable dragoness, who was currently striving to overcome her own sorrow through sheer affection, was, in truth, her entire world.
Through a cascade of tears, sobs, and gasps, Angel gave a tearful nod. “I—*Hic*… I love… love you. *Hic*.”
Yasenia reaffirmed her embrace around Angel, holding her as tightly and completely as she possibly could. Yet, while her outward appearance was one of comforting Angel, an uncontrollable inferno raged within her chest.
Her Intent Domain had long since dissipated, giving everyone the opportunity to depart so they wouldn't disturb her as she soothed and cherished Angel. If anyone had dared to interfere, Yasenia truly couldn't predict her own actions, as her fury teetered on the brink of eruption, like a dormant volcano stirring.
Mirrory noticed Yasenia's gaze shift towards her. ‘Oh~? Is she going to direct her anger at me?’
Maintaining a facade of nonchalance, Mirrory kept her expression neutral. Yasenia observed her for a few moments before finally speaking. “Thank you.”
Mirrory exhibited a flicker of unplanned surprise. Yasenia offered a gentle smile, her hand rhythmically patting Angel’s quivering back. “I am aware you have exerted your utmost effort to make Angel more powerful. For that, I thank you. You have faithfully honored your promise from that time.”
Mirrory paused, reflecting on the past. When she had initially forged her contract with Angel, she had pledged to look after her diligently. Mirrory had never anticipated that Yasenia would actually recall those words.
A subtle smile graced Mirrory’s lips. “There is no need for thanks. I am Angel’s treasure… and her guardian. It is my sworn duty.”
Having witnessed Angel’s progression firsthand, Mirrory had fully come to accept Angel as her new charge. Angel was not the type to falter; she was steadfast in her convictions. Above all else, Angel was an individual Mirrory deeply admired.
Angel's capacity to adapt from her familiar surroundings to this new environment clearly demonstrated she was far from being an inconsequential girl who had stumbled upon Mirrory by sheer luck. She remained true to herself, transparent as a clear mirror, just as she had proven during her very first trial.
‘Still, her brand of truth diverges somewhat from what I have always espoused.’ This was the primary reason behind Mirrory’s acceptance. ‘Her truth… it carries a degree of selfishness and requires much refinement, yet it stands as one of the purest truths I have ever encountered.’
Yasenia and Angel continued their embrace for several more hours until Angel finally succumbed to a semblance of calm. Gazing down, Yasenia saw Angel’s eyes gently closed, tiny blonde eyelashes still beaded with residual tears.
With a handkerchief, she tenderly wiped Angel’s sniffling nose. Then, gently propping Angel up, Yasenia stood still. She scanned the surroundings, took a subtle sniff of the air, and then moved with purpose, returning to Angel’s chamber.
Mirrory’s voice held a note of disbelief. “What kind of olfactory ability do you possess?”
A taunting voice echoed from behind. “A dragon’s nose. Are you quite certain you aren’t a counterfeit, old mirror?”
Mirrory’s eyebrow twitched. Glancing sideways, she scoffed. “I had hoped to enjoy a century of peace without encountering your visage. It seems fate is not so benevolent towards me.”
Tatyana descended gracefully into the room, tilting her chin upward with a smirk. “Ah, look on the bright side. Your rather useless surface can now reflect my resplendent beauty. It’s hardly a loss for you.”
Mirrory's green eyes rolled in exasperation. “I would much prefer to reflect one of your zombies than your insufferably arrogant face!”
Tatyana erupted in laughter and moved closer, delivering a light punch to Mirrory’s shoulder. “It’s good to see you’re doing well.”
Mirrory returned the smile. “And it’s good to see you’re as utterly shameless as ever.”
Tatyana clicked her tongue, and Mirrory glanced back. Upon observing Andrea materialize with an egg cradled in her arms, she raised an eyebrow. “Is that the nascent being Yasenia birthed? As I expected from that dragon-shaped anomaly. The child follows in its mother's path. A Sixth Realm dragon even before its emergence.”
Andrea beamed, a tinge of pride coloring her smile. After all, receiving praise for her offspring was an undeniable delight. Nevertheless, she restrained her full reaction. “Thank you. And also…” Her gaze shifted aside, a subtle wave of concern momentarily clouding her light green eyes. “Is Angel alright now?”
Mirrory offered a reassuring smile. “Better than ever. She has drifted off to sleep in Yasenia’s embrace and will likely awaken completely refreshed in two to three days.”
“That long?”
Mirrory provided a simple explanation. “Angel had been somewhat on edge, even with me present. Only now, in Yasenia's arms, can she finally achieve true rest for both heart and soul.”
At this precise moment, Yasenia’s voice cut through the air. “Who were those individuals?”
Her tone was deceptively even, yet even Mirrory felt a distinct chill emanate around her arms upon hearing it. “Heavens… Your killing intent has advanced significantly. I already noted its formidable presence when you descended like a majestic dragon god, but you have truly grown stronger, haven’t you?”
Yasenia shifted her gaze from Angel’s sleeping face and looked towards Mirrory. “Indeed, I have. Therefore, inform me of their identities so I can obliterate anything remotely connected to them.”
Mirrory drifted closer, the corners of her lips curving slightly. “If I were still Fu Jing Jing’s treasured artifact, I might have attempted to dissuade you. However… My allegiance now lies with Angel, and the fundamental meaning of my truth has consequently transformed.”
She elaborated, "The individuals arriving now belong to the upright sects of this realm. This world's structure generally adheres to a common flow: a demonic faction, a righteous faction, and then several other entities. The righteous faction harbors numerous hypocrites, while the demonic faction includes a few virtuous souls who were compelled onto a divergent path. Nevertheless, the righteous side generally represents a more justice-oriented force." Yasenia calmly acknowledged, "I understand. And what are the designations of their sects and clans?" Mirrory recollected the visitors and remarked, "The principal instigators are likely the three clans and five sects. The woman at the forefront is the Sect Master of the Soul Soothing Melody Sect, an all-female righteous sect. The man directly behind her is the Gao Patriarch, and Angel recently..." After she recounted the recent events, Yasenia simply gave a nod. She then cradled Angel close, allowing the child to rest her head upon her bosom just as she had before. This understated acceptance caused Andrea to swallow hard. 'This world may be beyond salvation, even if I strive to persuade Yasenia differently.'