Hearing Qingque's carefree words, Herta and Ruan Mei exchanged a glance, unsure whether to admire Qingque's greatness or sympathize with Fu Xuan's struggles.
"Look at that—I win again!"
Qingque played another jade tile and won once more. Herta and Ruan Mei decided to leave. This time, however, Herta took Ruan Mei's hand as they walked away, muttering under her breath, "Before marriage, Qingque made all kinds of promises to Fu Xuan. A few days after the wedding, her true colors show. A leopard never changes its spots."
A faint, knowing smile crossed Ruan Mei's lips. "No one is perfect. Besides, Fu Xuan hasn't stopped her. Why are you complaining on Fu Xuan's behalf?"
Herta paused, turning to look at Ruan Mei. "After we marry, will you become like Qingque?"
"Do you think our personalities are similar?"
Ruan Mei's retort left Herta speechless. For a moment, she could only stay silent.
---
By evening, a cold, moonlit figure stood quietly outside the Ruomu Pavilion, as if waiting for someone.
Herta and Ruan Mei had spent most of the day exploring the Xianzhou and finally returned.
"Jingliu? Why are you here? Aren't you with Bailu?"
Jingliu shook her head slightly and handed over a detailed diagram of how to make the legendary phoenix crown and rosy cape. "As we agreed, this is for you."
Herta examined the diagram, marveling at its exquisite, heavenly craftsmanship.
"Ruan Mei, I'd like to speak with you alone."
In an instant, Herta—who had been admiring the diagram—turned a hostile gaze on Jingliu. "Jingliu, what do you mean? Why can't I hear it? Or are you trying to put a hat on me?"
"You're already wearing a hat."
Herta froze, then stomped her foot in frustration, gritting her teeth. "Jingliu! Even your master wouldn't dare speak to me in that tone!"
"I speak as I please."
"You!"
Herta summoned her magic key. Jingliu condensed moonlight into a sword. Within seconds, they had exchanged thousands of strikes, dropping the temperature across the Luofu until snow began to fall.
A minute later, Jingliu—overtaken by Mara—was forced back to her senses. She leaned on her sword, barely standing. "Herta, you are even stronger than I imagined."
"Just average. Don't joke with me like that again. Besides, you're not exactly in a position to be joking."
Jingliu only smiled faintly. Now that she had seen Bailu living well, carefree, she had no lingering regrets.
"Ruan Mei, I want to invite you to join me in studying the remains of a fallen Aeon—to assassinate the Plaguesauthor."
The moment she spoke, even Herta—who had seen countless wonders—froze for a second before recovering. "Is this your wish alone, or the entire Xianzhou's? Besides you, are any of the other Seven Arbiter-Generals or others involved?"
Jingliu did not answer Herta's questions. She simply removed her eyepatch and looked silently at Ruan Mei, waiting for the answer she wanted.
Herta held Ruan Mei's hand. She had once wanted to replace Machine Head. But how long would that path take? Would she walk it alone? Now, she only wanted to stay by Ruan Mei's side. Aeons, Paths, the Simulated Universe—all were but passing clouds. Only the person before her was the one in her heart.