General volador Fengcheng

Capítulo 10

“That’s mine.” Lanxi stared coldly at Bai Wuchang, his right hand holding a long scythe, ready to strike.

White Impermanence makes a cute face: "Trying to steal my business? Don't even think about it."

"Then don't blame me for being impolite with my long scythe." A hint of anger flashed in Lanxi's gray eyes as he raised his long scythe high, and a strong chill immediately filled the entire room.

I've witnessed firsthand how powerful Lanxi's long scythe is; it once cleaved an entire mountain in two and turned a river into a glacier. I couldn't help but worry for the frail White Impermanence. But she seemed unconcerned, still smiling as she called out, "Black Impermanence, get out here right now. If you stay here watching the show any longer, I'll gouge your eyes out."

Ah, now it's even more lively. With the addition of the man in the black suit, my little shop suddenly feels crowded. The Black Impermanence was unexpectedly elegant and handsome, almost comparable to a TV star—no, he was even better. No star could match his charisma. He glanced at me and politely asked, "Witch, when you tire of eternal life, please let us know. We're getting impatient."

I felt embarrassed after he said that, so I quickly comforted him, "I'm still considering it, so please be patient and wait a while longer."

Lanxi looked at me with some surprise, even unconsciously putting down the long scythe in her hand: "You want to give up eternal life? How stupid. Look at some people who are willing to pay any price to live."

But none of those people were witches. Witches have lived much longer than many people. I smiled faintly, and somehow, the problem that had been troubling me for days suddenly seemed to be solved. Compared to mayflies or dragonflies, humans are already considered long-lived, but does that mean we have no regrets? How many people leave this world with contentment and a smile? Perhaps the fundamental meaning of life lies not in its length, but in cherishing the process of living and trying to live without regrets.

"Lanxi, thank you for your kindness, but I have already made up my mind."

The White Impermanence and the Black Impermanence exchanged a glance, both revealing expressions of disbelief. Perhaps no one has ever been willing to give up eternal life; the witch was the only exception.

"I just want to know how I can avoid drinking the Meng Po soup?" That was my only wish. I didn't want to have no connection with Mingran in the next reincarnation. I wanted to preserve my memories.

White Impermanence glanced at Black Impermanence, then hesitated, saying, "I'm sorry, we can't tell you."

I responded with a disappointed sigh, but Black Impermanence smiled and continued, "I can only tell you that Meng Po is very old, so old that sometimes she can't even hold a bowl steadily." A slight hint, but that was enough for me.

"Thanks."

White Impermanence flashed a bright smile and gently tugged at Black Impermanence's sleeve: "Hurry up, we're going to be late again."

They disappeared from my sight with perfect coordination and swift movements. Only then did Lanxi suddenly realize what was happening. She stamped her foot and said resentfully, "They beat me to it again." She glanced back at me, hesitated, then sighed softly, a hint of disappointment in her gray eyes.

"Witch, life is fragile, take care."

A warm feeling welled up in my heart, and I blurted out, "Lanxi, we'll always be friends."

I clearly saw a glint in Lanxi's eyes, but she deliberately said coldly, "Don't think that just because you say that, I'll have the heart to take you in later."

Lanxi is always so stubborn, but I've already seen through her. Lanxi's black cloak disappeared, but her warm smile still lingered on my lips.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [33]: This is the last story of the witch. From now on, the witch's life will be far away from me. I am just He Xiaoluo, an ordinary woman in the world. I will no longer have witchcraft, nor will I be a cold bystander in this world. I will seal away all the magical and mysterious stories. As for birth, aging, sickness and death, I will experience everything that an ordinary person should experience.

Opening the old, red-lacquered camphor wood chest, a scent of the past filled the air. Perhaps due to the passage of time, the red lacquer had begun to peel. The chest was brimming with the witch's past and memories, something she dared not easily open or peruse. Now, she was ready to bid farewell to the past; it was time to put everything behind her. See, that yellowed hairpin was a gift from the fox spirit Shui Hong, and that worn-out plain dress was made by Qing Yan years ago; even the red thread at the hem had faded to brown. This jade necklace was a gift from Bao'er, and that string of beads was a gift from Xiao Xi… These gifts reminded me of them, of the things that happened to them, both joyful and sorrowful, all of which filled the witch with deep emotion.

At the very bottom of the wooden crate was a small wooden box, about the size of my palm. I hesitated for a moment, then finally picked it up and slowly opened it. In the center of the box was a crystal ball, with a purple shadow frozen in the transparent crystal.

"Zixu, are you alright?" I asked softly. The purple shadow suddenly stirred and slowly began to stretch. I was startled. After such a long slumber, was she finally preparing to wake up?

Zi Xu was once an unparalleled beauty. Her gentle smile and delicate frown captivated countless men. Every move she made was a picture-perfect scene. Beneath her frail and charming appearance, no one knew that she was also a witch, but her skills were still shallow, indicating that she had not been cultivating for very long.

I first saw Zixu outside the Xie residence. As a woman, I felt a pang of jealousy, wondering how such a beautiful person could exist in this world, with such natural and unadorned beauty. Although it was only a fleeting thought, the clever Zixu noticed it, looked me up and down, and a glint of light flashed in her eyes.

What happens when one witch meets another? Will they find mutual respect or engage in a fierce battle? Zixu and I exchanged only a brief nod, but in that instant, we both understood each other's true identities and backgrounds. Our presence was solely for the purpose of obtaining a Soul-Stabilizing Pearl from Xie Daoqing's side.

This occurred during the Qingyuan era of the Southern Song Dynasty. Empress Dowager Yang, grateful to Left Chancellor Xie Shenfu for his support in making her empress, insisted that Emperor Lizong (Zhao Yun) choose his empress from among the Xie family's daughters. At the time, only Xie Shenfu's granddaughter, Xie Daoqing, was still unmarried. She was not only plain-looking but also had a white spot on one eye. Because of this, the Xie family, which had previously fallen on hard times and been deserted, suddenly became bustling with activity. Countless people came and went daily, offering prayers and gifts, all eager to curry favor with the future empress.

It is said that the Xie family's dowry includes a Soul-Stabilizing Pearl, an ancestral treasure. Unfortunately, they don't know how to use it and it's just sitting there unused. Since that's the case, I might as well take it and use it. Unexpectedly, I wasn't the only one who was interested in the treasure.

I seized the opportunity, sneaking into the Xie residence and getting close to Xie Daoqing. This woman, soon to be empress, wasn't as joyful as everyone expected; instead, she spent her days frowning and staring blankly at herself in the mirror. The emperor had countless beautiful women in his harem; with her looks, she was unlikely to catch his eye. I was secretly delighted. Taking advantage of a moment when no one was around, I made a deal with her: I promised her beauty, but she had to exchange it for a Soul-Stabilizing Pearl.

Although Xie Daoqing was tempted, he still hesitated. "If I give you the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl, how can I explain it to the others?"

"I'll give you another fake pearl; it'll surely fool everyone." I had already anticipated her concerns, so Xie Daoqing finally agreed to the deal.

To everyone's astonishment, within a few days, Xie Daoqing seemed to have undergone a complete transformation. Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes shone with the grace of autumn water. With everyone respectfully seeing her off, she happily entered the palace. Once inside the palace gates, it was like entering a deep sea; she only saw the splendor before her, how could she have foreseen her future fate? I hid in the shadows, watching her depart, and couldn't help but sigh softly.

Zixu appeared silently before me, holding a black cat, and looked at me with a smile: "You're quick, Zixu admits she can't compare, but you were a step too slow, the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl has already been taken by you."

I replied calmly, "It all comes down to skill."

The black cat in Zixu's arms glared at me fiercely, as if it had a grudge against me. Zixu gently stroked the cat's back, and the black cat comfortably squinted its eyes and rested its head in Zixu's arms.

"I want your Soul-Stabilizing Pearl. Name your price," Zi Xu said calmly, stating her purpose.

I couldn't help but burst into laughter: "What use are those gold and silver jewels to me? As someone in the same industry, how can you say such childish things?"

Zi Xu's face stiffened: "Does this really force me to take action? Why go to such lengths?" The black cat suddenly opened its eyes and lunged at me fiercely. I flicked my finger, and the black cat was immediately knocked to the ground, but it still arched its back and stared at me fiercely.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [34]: I couldn't help but sneer: "With you? You'll have to cultivate for another hundred years before you talk." It was just a small test of my skills, but Zixu already knew how powerful I was. Her beautiful face turned pale with shock, and she couldn't speak. I waved my sleeve and left, leaving Zixu still standing there in a daze.

If this matter had ended there, Zixu and I might never have crossed paths again, merely passing through each other's lives. But many things are unpredictable. One autumn night, under a bright moon, Xie Daoqing suddenly came to visit.

She had changed her appearance and was now quite beautiful compared to before, but her eyes were filled with worry. I was wondering how she had found my place when she saw me and knelt down gracefully, tears streaming down her face, pleading, "Witch, please help me."

I sighed inwardly and helped her up. "You already have the beauty you desire, and you're already the queen of a country. You have everything you need. What more could you want?"

While wiping away her tears, Xie Daoqing cried out, "The daughter of the former military commissioner Jia She has now been made a concubine. She is more beautiful than any other woman and seduces the emperor every day. She even got the emperor to make her empress and depose me, the empress. I only dared to leave the palace to seek help from a witch after hearing the rumors."

Empress, empress—do the women deep within the palace regard it as a throne of paradise? Each one longs to squeeze out the others and sit there alone, employing countless schemes and plots, yet they never consider that throughout history, which empress has ever lived a happy and peaceful life? If they had focused their efforts on other things, wouldn't they have gained far more?

"Then how do you want me to help you?"

A glint of light flashed in Xie Daoqing's eyes: "Get rid of that Jia family member."

I frowned, not expecting her answer to be like this. Just as I hesitated, Xie Daoqing knelt down again, weeping bitterly, recounting how Consort Jia, relying on the Emperor's favor, bullied others and repeatedly provoked her... Seeing how pitiful she sounded, I felt sympathy and led her into the house to fetch the sleeping potion.

Seeing the room full of medicine bottles, Xie Daoqing asked me curiously what this medicine was for and how that medicine worked. I answered her casually while preparing the necessary medicine.

I handed her the prepared medicine, saying, "This medicine can make someone very ill; consider it a warning to her. After I help you this time, you don't need to come looking for me again."

Xie Daoqing thanked me repeatedly and left, and I thought this matter was no longer my concern. But not long after, while checking the medicine bottles, I discovered that a newly concocted poison was missing, and an ominous premonition immediately welled up in my heart.

Sure enough, my premonition was confirmed soon after: Consort Jia died of illness. I knew it was all Xie Daoqing's fault. That woman, who appeared to be knowledgeable, virtuous, and dignified, could do such a thing in private. I regretted my meddling and needlessly burdening others, but it was too late to undo the damage.

Rumors began to circulate among the people that the palace was haunted, and that the spirit of Consort Jia, after her death, lingered within the palace grounds. I was skeptical, but to atone for my unintentional mistake, I used witchcraft to slip into the palace one night, unnoticed by others. In the darkness, the magnificent palace, with its carved railings and jade steps, appeared like a ferocious beast, devouring the youth and beauty of countless women, even consuming their conscience.

Although Xie Daoqing was the Empress, her residence was cold and desolate. The palace maids who served her were fast asleep under the influence of sleeping pills. When I appeared in front of her, Xie Daoqing, who was lying in bed, looked incredulous.

"Did you kill her?" I coldly rebuked.

Xie Daoqing saw me as a savior and struggled to his feet before kneeling down and begging me: "Witch, save me! That Consort Jia's spirit is haunting me all day long. I beg you, witch, for help."

"That's your own fault, it's all karma." I said dismissively.

As we were talking, a chill suddenly ran through us. The curtains moved without wind, and a woman's figure gradually appeared. Xie Daoqing frantically tugged at my sleeve, pleading, "Witch, save me! That Consort Jia has come to seek revenge on me!" I was startled. The woman who had appeared was Zi Xu; it turned out that Consort Jia was Zi Xu. Although her face was pale, her beauty was still undeniable, and her eyes held a deep sorrow.

"Sister, don't be afraid. Zixu isn't seeking revenge. It's already tragic that we, as women, hate each other and exhaust ourselves for a man. My body is barely cold, and he already has a new favorite, Yan Wanrong. I thought I had the Emperor's favor, but it was all just a fleeting moment. Sister, I don't blame you; I only lament the cruel twist of fate. Though you are the head of the six palaces, you are still just a pitiful person in this palace. I've seen you these past few days; have you been happy? Even if you get rid of me, there's still Yan Wanrong; even if she's gone, there will be others." Zixu looked at her killer without hatred, her face instead filled with sympathy and helplessness.

Xie Daoqing stared at her blankly, two lines of tears finally sliding down her cheeks. She lowered her head, her face filled with shame, and sobbed softly. She had schemed and plotted, but what had it all amounted to? She was still alone in her empty room. Why do women always assume that a man's abandonment is because of another woman, regarding him as an enemy? In truth, both are merely pitiful figures.

Zixu glanced at me and sighed deeply: "I foresaw that I would die a violent death that day and wanted the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl to protect me, but you, witch, took it first. It was all predestined!"

So that's how it is. Now I understand why Zixu insisted on having the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl that day. To me, it was just a treasure for cultivation, but for her, it was a life-saving magic weapon. If I hadn't taken the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl before her, perhaps everything would have been different. But there's no going back on what's done.

"If you could make a wish, what would it be?" I felt guilty towards Zixu in this matter and wanted to make amends.

Zi Xu smiled faintly: "When people are dead, what wishes can they have? If only I had just been a simple witch back then, I wouldn't have had to go through all this."

I suddenly had an idea. I took out the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl from my bosom. It was just a small crystal ball that emitted a dazzling light. "You can sleep inside this Soul-Stabilizing Pearl. Perhaps one day my witchcraft can bring you back to life." She looked at me with some surprise, a sense of gratitude welling up inside her. She nodded to me and then threw herself into the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl, instantly becoming a wisp of purple soul within the crystal ball, beginning a long sleep.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [35]: For so many years, Zixu has been sleeping inside the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl. I never expected that she would wake up one day. Well, it's good that she woke up at the right time. I can repay what I owed her back then. On the day I performed the Resurrection Spell, I asked Mingran to guard outside the shop and instructed him not to let anyone into the inner room. The Resurrection Spell cannot tolerate the slightest mistake, otherwise the power of the spell will rebound back to the caster.

As the faint smoke of the resurrection herb rose and filled the entire room, I closed my eyes and focused on chanting the incantation. The Soul-Stabilizing Bead floated in the air, gently swaying up and down with the chanting.

Sweat poured from my forehead as I concentrated all my energy, feeling it gradually drain into the Soul-Stabilizing Bead with each incantation. After the resurrection spell was completed, I collapsed to the ground, utterly exhausted. Zi Xu's ethereal figure materialized, and she helped me to a chair beside her, tears welling in her eyes: "Witch, you exchanged hundreds of years of cultivation for my existence. Zi Xu is eternally grateful."

I waved my hand and laughed, "He Xiaoluo is no longer a witch, but the world has gained another witch. Make good use of your abilities!"

Zi Xu nodded earnestly, “During the years I slept in the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl, I suddenly realized the true meaning of life. Love, hate, and grudges are all experiences. It is because of these experiences that life has room for reflection. I was wrong back then.”

Do you want to know the ending of Xie Daoqing and Zhao Yun?

Zixu paused for a moment, then looked at me with clear, bright eyes: "They are too far in the past for me. We have to look forward, don't we?"

Yes, Zixu is right. What's past is history, but what really matters is the present and the future.

As I stepped out of the room, Mingran rushed up to me, looking anxious, and asked, "How are you? Is everything alright?" I felt a surge of warmth in my heart and nodded with a smile.

My centuries-long witchhood has finally come to an end. Perhaps there's a touch of reluctance, but mostly a sense of relief. From now on, I will face a brand new life. Precisely because life is finite, it is worth cherishing and living it to the fullest. (The End)