Past the Trial

The refinement had reached this point, and its success had surpassed all expectations.

But Xu Yi knew even better that the Soul-Summoning Banner still needed more time to finish refining. Unfortunately, there was no time left.

Through the vent, he saw that the world outside had turned into a black sea. Thunderclouds roiled at every moment. Somehow, he could even sense that the Yin Tribulation would descend within the next few dozen breaths.

For those few dozen breaths, he was bound by the Soul-Summoning Banner and couldn't break free. Li Xiuluo couldn't save him.

If Li Xiuluo stayed here, he'd only be throwing his life away. What's more, Yan Zi's whereabouts were unknown, and Xu Yi sensed trouble lurking.

"Life and death are trifles; loyalty and affection are priceless. To have Brother Xu as a confidant, I don't regret enduring a hundred years on this Yin Body, clinging to life. At last, I have no regrets."

Li Xiuluo's voice drifted like clouds and smoke, his eyes hazy. "Brother Xu, tell me: what's life's greatest regret?"

Xu Yi glanced out the window. In the ink-black clouds, arcs of electricity churned, already gathered into a thundercloud. Knowing there was no turning back, he sank into utter despair—yet, strangely, his heart was at peace.

For a moment, memories came rushing back like a dream. He looked back on his brief two lives, gazed into the distance, and let his eyes grow unfocused. "Who will stand with me at dusk? No one asks if my porridge is warm."

At this life-or-death moment, Xu Yi felt no regret that his dream of cultivating immortality had been shattered. His long-cherished ultimate ambition—to "ride the flying immortals and roam, embrace the bright moon and endure forever"—vanished like clouds and smoke.

All he felt was guilt and longing.