Closing Her Eyes

In the Underwater Demon Den.

Faced with Song Hengjiang's fury, Zhuang Gaoxian remained silent for a long while.

At length, he said, "She has already become a demon, hasn't she? The Aquatic Race woman she was has passed away. The one you're keeping here now isn't her, but a demon."

By now, the giant stone weighing on Song Hengjiang's heart had finally fallen away.

No matter how cold and merciless Gao Xian was, no matter how skilled he was in the arts of emperors, Wanxi was still his own grandmother. Blood ties could not be severed, he thought.

"The State Monarch doesn't have to acknowledge her, and neither does the Zhuang Court."

The Qing River Water Lord, now so old that his wrinkles seemed heavy and his back was hunched, said, "She's only my younger sister, Song Hengjiang's."

"She's been here for two hundred and eighteen years. She hasn't hurt anyone or taken a life. I've been sustaining her with the Shadow Demon's demonic energy. When I leave, I'll take her with me."

He looked at Zhuang Gaoxian. "Your Majesty should be able to see that day won't be far off."

Zhuang Gaoxian said nothing for a time.

Du Ruhui let out a soft sigh and picked up where he'd left off. "Why put yourself through this, Water Lord?"

Song Hengjiang shook his head. "Wanxi was too kind, too pure. She didn't understand the world's wickedness. The moment she left my sight and entered the Zhuang Royal Palace, she was bullied and died in the prime of her life. I thought Zhuang Chenggan would protect her, but he didn't. On the road to the Yellow Springs, I must protect her as she goes."

Zhuang Gaoxian fell silent for a moment. Du Ruhui could only play the villain. "But this is