Distorted World

Encounter

The Luo Water Repentance spell transformed into a man-sized orb of light, with its glow spreading outwards. Within the transparent barrier, the appearance of a village gradually materialized.

She raised her hand to ruffle Mingxuan's long hair, "Come, let’s go in and take a look."

With that, she took his hand, and the two stepped into the barrier one after the other.

Bailing Village was indeed as she had described it: the warm sun was just rising, dewdrops on the plants were crystal clear. In the distance were staggered houses, and people's expressions were peaceful and serene, moving between fields and markets, akin to an ancient utopian Peach Blossom Spring.

As they approached, the villagers waved warmly at Luo Shui from afar. A few girls with braided hair, only reaching up to her waist, came bouncing over to Luo Shui, sweetly calling her "sister," their smiles full of the innocence and purity unique to children. Boys ran up too, shoving grasshoppers made of grass into Mingxuan’s hands, asking if they were impressive.

In front of a wooden house, an elderly woman in deep red clothing waved at Luo Shui, her smile filled with the indulgence and kindness unique to elders. "It's good that you've returned safely, Ah Shui! Exorcising demons is perilous; you must be extremely careful!"

"I'm fine, see? I'll come by later for some mushroom soup," Luo Shui waved back in response.

This passage paints a picture of a harmonious and tranquil village scene, where the protagonist, Luo Shui, and her companion, Mingxuan, are warmly welcomed by the villagers, highlighting the close-knit community and the care between its members.

The two walked together, and gradually more people approached her with questions about how to treat injuries from demon bites, the herbs for scorpion venom, whether they should put up talismans at home to ward off evil spirits... Luo Shui patiently answered each one. Yet, the villagers seemed unfazed by Mingxuan’s presence.

"Miss Ah Shui, my son was bitten by a spider a couple of days ago; his skin broke a little. Do you think we need to detoxify and apply some herbs?" The villager then called over a child around seven or eight years old, revealing a slightly swollen shoulder.

Just as Luo Shui was about to speak, Mingxuan's voice came coldly from beside, "It's just a minor bite, nothing serious. Take three liang of mint and fangshu grass, grind them into a paste and apply it to the wound twice daily in the morning and evening. It should heal within five days."

The villager and the child froze for a moment, only nodding silently in response before leaving without another word.

"I didn't expect you to know about herbs."

"Just a little knowledge," he said, casually plucking a foxtail and hiding it in his sleeve.

Following Luo Shui's lead, they visited the streets and alleys of Bailing Village, where green plants cast shade and flower stamens emitted fragrance, while children played joyfully.

Mingxuan thought, this is probably what Bailing Village looks like through Luo Shui's eyes.

"Do these scenes represent what Bailing Village looks like now?"

Luo Shui smiled but did not answer, "It's just a dream."

"It seems you don't have much fondness for humans. It's getting late, let's go back."

As they exited the barrier, Luo Shui's face was downcast, her expression hidden. Her right hand still held onto Mingxuan's, seemingly unable to step out of the old dream yet.

Meanwhile, the foxtail inside Mingxuan's long sleeve turned to powder.

"I... won't be staying here much longer. I will continue on to Ailuoshan. Although this place is suitable for seclusion, it's still within Liuzhou City and can't be considered a true paradise away from the world. If you wish to stay, I'll leave this wooden house and its furniture to you."

Mingxuan shook his head: "My matters in Liuzhou City are not yet resolved. You saved me, and our temperaments align. I will find a way to leave this magical world, and we shall meet again."

Meeting Luo Shui's lake-like eyes, which now seemed to shimmer with tears, myriad words and unsettled emotions welled up inside him. He closed his eyes and gently kissed her lips.

There were many things left unsaid—the near half-month of mutual understanding, the divide between the dead and demons, the anger deep within him...

When reaching the end of one's resources, one encounters a bosom friend, only to part ways soon after.

He had a premonition that he and Luo Shui would take completely different paths.

Yet, their entangled fates and soul resonance might transcend time at some point in the future.

Where sincere thoughts linger, a fleeting moment becomes eternity.

This passage conveys the deepening connection and eventual farewell between Luo Shui and Mingxuan, highlighting their complex feelings and the bittersweet nature of their departure.

**Where sincere thoughts linger, a fleeting moment becomes eternity.**

In the remaining days, he tried his best to empty his mind, savoring each moment spent with Luo Shui. He forgot pain, confusion, the ugly mortals, and the impending farewell and fate.

On the seventh night, his dreams were filled with dense white fog, everything blurred, and the path beneath his feet was invisible. The voice of the shaman echoed ahead, reciting the incantation that had sent him to the other world, arrogant as if he were the puppeteer of destiny. Mingxuan, as usual, could not understand a single word.

Thorny vines entangled his feet, and his heart brimmed with long-suppressed anger. With his magic fully restored, his expression was stern. He conjured two sharp blades, slicing through the thorns, but blood also flowed from his flesh. The white mist turned into a blood mist, yet it cleared enough for him to see the path before him.

Without pausing, he stepped forward through ignorance, advancing step by step, his blades continuously cleaving the mist. He would sacrifice the shaman!

As he approached, he saw five or six living people standing in front of the shaman, bound by thorns, each with a piece of paper on their chests—seemingly their birth data. Upon closer inspection, they resembled the people he had seen in Luo Shui’s spell array. His steps faltered.

If it were Luo Shui, she would probably have saved them. He hesitated for a moment, then hardened his resolve. Condensing his blades, he hurled them out. Blood blossomed from the six individuals, the papers on their chests soaked in the blood of the deceased, gradually fading away.

A heavy red mist spread. He faced the shaman directly.

His anger reborn in fire, the blades grew several times in size, striking cruelly. In one blow, he shattered the prayer beads, and with another strike aimed to take the shaman's head. A wild, bloodthirsty and beastly light flickered wildly in his eyes, terrifying to behold.

The shaman intoned solemnly: "Amitabha." Then vanished, leaving Mingxuan's attack to miss its mark.

The thick fog dissipated instantly, and Mingxuan suddenly awoke.

Luo Shui would have saved them, while he chose to kill all.

Rising to seek Luo Shui, daylight was bright, but the long bow at the door was gone. He rushed outside; the soup in the pot was covered, kitchen utensils bore traces of the morning meal. Yet, the scent told him that Luo Shui had already departed far away.

This passage conveys the deep introspection and internal struggle of Mingxuan as he contemplates his actions and contrasts them with what Luo Shui might have done. It highlights the intense emotions driving his decisions and the stark realization of her absence, emphasizing the profound impact she has had on him.