Nonexistent Freedom

"Leave? Go where?" Lin Chuan's expression barely changed, calm to an astonishing degree.

"Come with me to the Great Sound Pavilion, or we can leave this place directly and go to another continent!" Shui Mochan said softly.

"I know your memories were affected after reincarnation, but since you did not choose to return to [Akatsuki] immediately, it means that deep down, you are still very attached to this kind of life. In that case, wouldn't it be better to continue this carefree, free-spirited life?" Shui Mochan continued. When it came to reading people's hearts, she was indeed exceptionally skilled.

Simply from the fact that Azure Dragon had not returned to [Akatsuki] and his feelings toward the Mu Family, she had guessed that Azure Dragon likely longed for this ordinary life of familial affection. As for herself, although she was the Holy Maiden of the Great Sound Pavilion, that title often brought her not honor, but restraints. If she could leave her current life behind with Azure Dragon, she was willing to give up everything.

"There are no truly free people in this world. As long as you have desires and emotions, you can never be free!" Lin Chuan looked at Shui Mochan. "I may be able to run away for a while, but I cannot run away forever. Since I made my choice before, I can never change it again. Otherwise, I would be irresponsible toward others and toward myself!"

The light in Shui Mochan's eyes dimmed, turning dark and profound. After a long while, she sighed softly. "I understand!"

"I'm sorry," Lin Chuan said, shaking his head.

"Why apologize?" Shui Mochan rose to her feet. After a moment, she took a token from her storage ring. It looked very much like the purple token she had given Lin Chuan