Chapter 103: Violet

What kind of strange place is this? Qin Yu wondered at the same time.

All around was a lush green forest, and from time to time, a rabbit or two hopped past Qin Yu’s side. She walked forward cautiously, her face full of confusion. After about a quarter of an hour, she arrived beside a small stream.

What she saw there utterly bewildered her.

Meanwhile, Zi, gazing at the unfamiliar yet strangely familiar scenery, wore an expression of helplessness. Seeing the stream before him, and remembering how long it had been since he'd last bathed, he decided to enjoy a thorough wash. He quickly stripped off his clothes and plunged into the water.

Just as Qin Yu reached the stream, she happened upon the scene of Zi bathing, completely naked. She looked at the man's back, her lips twitching—was she having a spring dream?

She wasn’t some desperate woman, but the situation was undeniably odd.

Zi sensed someone approaching. He swiftly put his clothes back on, drifted over to Qin Yu, and scrutinized her stunned face.

Qin Yu blinked, gazing at the man who was now only an arm’s length away, a faint smile on her lips.

"Who are you? How did you get here?" Zi asked, stepping back.

"Me? I walked over. And you?" Qin Yu replied.

"Heh, do you think I’d believe that?" Zi sneered.

"Whether you believe it or not is your affair, but I’d like to ask how you ended up here," Qin Yu countered, suspecting this was her dream, though she wondered about the man's presence.

Zi, however, knew this wasn't his dream—he was the sort who couldn't sleep. But what was this place? Why did it feel familiar? And who exactly was this woman? Why did he feel strangely at ease around her?

Zi pursed his lips and sat down right there, speaking gruffly, "Woman, do you know where this is?"

Qin Yu, seeing him sit so casually and sensing no threat from him, relaxed and sat down as well.

"I don’t know where this is either, but it’s nice to meet you," she said with a smile.

"Oh? What's your name? I can't keep calling you 'woman' forever," Zi said.

---

"Qin Yu. And you?" Qin Yu asked, watching Zi pull at the grass.

"My name? It's been so long, I’ve forgotten it. But Yin calls me Zi, so you can call me that too," Zi replied.

"Zi. Pleased to meet you," Qin Yu said, smiling and extending her hand.

Zi paused, looking at her fair palm. He turned it upwards and placed the grass he’d pulled in her hand, then laughed.

Qin Yu glanced at the blades of grass in her palm, then at Zi’s mischief-filled smile. She truly couldn’t understand his train of thought. Actually, since her rebirth, she found most people’s minds a mystery.

But the situation didn’t allow her much time to ponder. Zi suddenly stood and swung a blade at her.

Qin Yu dodged, but a lock of her hair was sliced off. She quickly jumped up, frowning at Zi.

Zi raised an evil smile, saying, "It’s been ages since I’ve had a proper fight. I’m in a good mood today—let’s spar. Maybe I’ll even give you some pointers. Many people would beg for this chance!" Without waiting for Qin Yu’s reply, he hurled a fireball at her.

Qin Yu dodged swiftly, gripping her dagger and conjuring a water sphere to fling at Zi. Thus began their duel.

But calling it a duel was generous—Qin Yu was simply being battered. Zi’s attacks were never the same twice, and his style felt oddly familiar.

As she struggled to cope, Qin Yu studied the man. His long hair and height reminded her of Nangong Yao, though that was hardly relevant.

Most striking was that his fighting style matched Nangong Yao’s exactly—down to the smallest details. For instance, when casting fireballs, he always touched his stomach; when using wind blades, he always touched his ear; the whole time, he acted as if he were the greatest in the world.

If their faces weren’t different, she would almost have suspected they were the same person.

Panting and exhausted, Qin Yu lay down, thinking, "So you can still get tired in a dream."

"You’re far too weak. No, no, you must get stronger, or else in the future—" Zi paused. What was he about to say? He shook his head, puzzled.

Qin Yu glanced at him and replied calmly, "In the future what? Someday I’ll beat you."

Zi looked at her sidelong, his earlier confusion vanishing, a mocking smile curling his lips. "I’ll wait for that day. Just don’t make me wait too long, or I might kill you."

---

How did the friendly man just turn into a lunatic? Qin Yu fumed inwardly, though outwardly she remained composed and merely replied with a simple "Mm."

After a while, as her breath steadied, she sat up and addressed Zi, who was now staring blankly into space. "Do you know Nangong Yao?"

"Nangong Yao? Never heard of him. I only know three people. One is Yin, another is you, and as for the third—" Zi’s face flushed slightly.

"And who’s the third?" Qin Yu asked, curious.

"Hmph! Why ask so much? I won’t tell you. Don’t even think about him," Zi snarled, glaring at her.

Qin Yu’s expression froze.

Zi ignored her reaction and continued, "Don’t even try to find out. He’s my treasure, my darling! Wait, that’s not right! I’m here to find him. So why did I meet you here? Could it be—?"

Zi suddenly leaned in close, startling Qin Yu, who edged backward. "What’s wrong?" she asked.

"Have you met him? Or is he by your side?" Zi asked, his tone serious.

"Him? Who?" Qin Yu asked.

"He’s my treasure! Tell me, is he with you?" Zi moved even closer, almost pressing himself against her.

Qin Yu gazed into Zi’s eyes, which glowed with an enchanting violet light, momentarily stunned. Just then, the space around them began to collapse.

Zi realized the place was crumbling and snarled at Qin Yu, "Take care of him! If he loses a single hair, heh—"

Qin Yu thought to herself that she had no idea who "he" even was! Before she could speak, the entire space shook violently. Everything went dark, and she lost consciousness.