"So that's how it is. I'd always wondered what someone at my level could possibly do to help you."
Su Chen chuckled softly, unconcerned by it.
"I've changed my mind. I don't want to see you die."
Ziji's voice softened once more.
"Leave this place. Just keep going straight. If I don't die, I'll come find you."
"Don't say something so depressing."
Su Chen stood up and touched the rough bony armor on Ziji's face.
"Do you remember who you are?"
"Huh? Who am I?"
Seeing the rare sunny smile on Su Chen's face, Ziji was momentarily bewildered.
"Who else could I be? I'm Ziji."
"Exactly. You're a genius of the dragon clan, the future Hell Demon Dragon King, Ziji. How could a mere Hundred-Thousand-Year Heavenly Tribulation possibly stop you?"
"That may be true, but nothing in this world is guaranteed to succeed."
Seeing Su Chen's serious expression, Ziji gave a soft laugh, but her face soon turned solemn again.
"No matter what, you saved my life. Besides, even if you really fail, don't you still have me?"
Su Chen turned around and sat on Ziji's arm.
"If it weren't for you, I should have died more than three years ago."
"Even if you really need my life to evade the Heavenly Tribulation, it would only mean I was paying back what I owed you."
"Go ahead and do it! Believe in yourself."
Su Chen lightly pressed his forehead against Ziji's head, then went around to sit before her.
"Alright."
Watching Su Chen close his eyes and regulate his breathing, Ziji's heart instantly warmed.
"Even if a life lasts only a hundred years, I'll spend those hundred years walking beside you."
In an instant, immense Soul Power began to surge.
The entire valley was enveloped by dark-attributed Soul Power, and