After being reborn, all I want to do is run away.

Chapter 521 Lotus of Ice Crack

Taking a deep breath, Shen Xu said, "You're right, I'm indeed not good at saying no, and I may have done some things with Ling Hui, but so what? Are you going to kill me?"

"Are you proud?"

"So many people like you, throwing themselves at you, you must be incredibly charming!" Shang Xueyi said coldly.

"But I don't like anyone, I just want to be alone, why do you all have to torture me!"

I don't believe I've offended you in any way, so why won't you let me go!

"If possible, I would rather never see you again in my entire life!" Shen Xu's eyes flashed with ferocity, and his face became contorted.

The three women in the cabin were all taken aback by Shen Xu's sudden outburst of emotion, and for a moment the atmosphere in the cabin became eerily quiet.

Click——!

A crisp sound echoed in the gray mist of his soul, and the crystal lotus that was perched on the gray mist gained an ice crack.

The sound also completely awakened Shen Xu, and he was immediately filled with endless regret.

"Sorry, I'm a little emotional!" Shen Xu picked up the kettle and poured the icy snowmelt water over his head, which finally calmed his wildly beating heart.

During his time in Baihua City, he was suspicious and walked on thin ice.

The witch and the love flower threatened him, countless secrets of the City of a Hundred Flowers troubled him, and the fate of the Xingchuan Domain entangled him. Even he himself did not realize that his spirit had actually reached a critical point.

If it weren't for the Crystal Lotus, he probably would have fallen into demonic possession.

Now, another bomb has been added to his soul. The Crystal Lotus he initially obtained was not stable enough, and the cracks all over its body were like ice cracks. Now, there is an additional crack that runs through the entire lotus body.

He dared not gamble on how long the Crystal Lotus could hold on in his soul. If it really exploded, even as a Soul Devourer, he would be doomed.

"It seems you really hate me." Shang Xueyi picked up the kettle he had put down and poured herself a cup of spring water.

After a moment of silence, Shen Xu replied, "I simply cannot hate you."

"It's getting late, we should get going," Shen Xu said, standing up.

"Originally, I came to stop you from going to Goddess Peak, but given the current situation, that is not a good choice."

But I have a feeling I'll regret letting you go to Goddess Peak. Shang Xueyi looked up at him.

Shen Xu fell silent; he and Shang Xueyi were ultimately not on the same side.

Given the uncertainty of what he intends to do at Goddess Peak, keeping him at home is the best option.

If he really ruined the Blood Fiend Palace's plans at Goddess Peak, Shang Xueyi, even as the young master of the Blood Fiend Palace, would inevitably be held accountable.

"I have a reason to go." Shen Xu looked at Shang Xueyi very seriously.

Shang Xueyi chuckled lightly, "You said you'd rather never see me again, so why should I let you go?"

Shen Xu's expression immediately froze.

"I was wrong! Xueyi, you are so magnanimous, please don't hold it against me," Shen Xu said with a forced smile.

"You gave Xiao Yi such a valuable and meaningful gift, but you only gave me a bouquet of flowers. Isn't that a bit unfair?"

"This... Xueyi, aren't you making things difficult for me?"

"That kind of thing is extremely rare, and besides, I didn't know it was so precious at first." Shen Xu frowned slightly.

"This isn't how you ask for a favor." Shang Xueyi casually crossed one leg over the other, her crystal-clear, jade-like ankle swaying gently in front of him.

"I can only promise that if I find a suitable item of the same kind in the future, I will definitely give it to you," Shen Xu replied after a moment's hesitation.

"Then I'll wait for that day." Shang Xueyi revealed a happy smile.

"Is there anything else you want to say to them?" Shang Xueyi stood up and walked gracefully behind him.

"Linghui, I'm sorry, I couldn't control my emotions just now," Shen Xu apologized to Li Linghui.

Li Linghui shook her head. "I should be the one apologizing because I forced you and me together because of my own selfishness, but I have never regretted making this decision."

These are snacks Qingning specially saved for you. Qingning and I are waiting for you to come back at Tingtao Residence.

Li Linghui handed him a food box.

Shen Xu took the food box and looked at Qing Ning, but the girl still turned her head away, as if she didn't want to see him.

"Qing Ning, how about I have Qing Yun take you to the Green Wood Boat after I get back?"

Upon hearing this, Qing Ning immediately turned to look at him, her eyes filled with a complex expression, and asked weakly, "Really?"

"I'd be a dog if I lied to you!" Shen Xu held up his little finger.

"Then I'll believe you one last time. If you lie to me, you'll have to bark like a puppy!" Qing Ning walked up to him, stretched out her fingers, and hooked them tightly together.

……

Old town, Temple of Flora.

The original crowd had long since left, and the temple, now devoid of life, appeared even more dilapidated and desolate. Even the goddess trees lining the sacred path had lost their former luster and vitality.

But the Shinto shrine remained clean and tidy, as if it had been cleaned by someone.

"Brother Shen!"

Qu Lan was overjoyed when she saw Shen Xu, but her expression changed when she saw the stunningly beautiful woman beside him.

"Brother Shen, who is this?"

“I felt that going to Goddess Peak might be a bit dangerous, so I asked a friend to help me.”

"My surname is Shang," Shang Xueyi introduced herself.

Shen Xu was somewhat surprised, as she didn't know that witches were the type to introduce themselves.

"So it's Sister Shang. My name is Qu Lan. Sister Shang, are you and Brother Shen just friends?"

"You shouldn't be asking me this question," Shang Xueyi said softly.

Upon hearing this answer, Qu Lan couldn't help but look at Shen Xu.

“Sister Shang is a very important person to me, and also my creditor,” Shen Xu replied with a sigh.

"By the way, have you decided which path you want to choose?"

"Yes! I want to go to Goddess Peak too." Qu Lan's expression was determined.

I can't place all of Grandma's last wishes on you, Brother Shen. Although I'm weak and might even hold you back if I go, I still feel I can help you.

"It's good that you have this intention, but Goddess Peak is a dangerous place with an extremely cold temperature. You should listen to your grandmother and leave Hundred Flowers City as soon as possible."

“Brother Shen, my mind is made up. You don’t need to persuade me anymore. I must go to Goddess Peak.”

Hearing Qu Lan's insistence, Shen Xu couldn't help but hesitate.

To be honest, Shen Xu was in a conflicted state of mind. He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to see the goddess if he didn't bring Qu Lan, but he was also afraid that if he brought Qu Lan, the goddess would target him.

After all, the goddess specifically instructed Qu Lan to stay away from Hundred Flowers City, but he took her directly to Goddess Peak.

Moreover, if something really happened to Qu Lan at Goddess Peak, he would have let down the old temple keeper.

“Take her with you! After all, she’s family, and I can look after her,” the witch said.