"Thud."
The lunchbox slipped unconsciously from Gongyang Yue's hand and fell to the ground. She stood frozen, her body trembling slightly.
She had made stewed ribs today, spending the entire morning simmering them until the meat fell off the bone, then adding several spices Qi Yue liked.
The old turtle-shaped lunchbox had gotten a little worn, so yesterday she had gone to the Mortal City Market especially to pick out a new one. It was shaped like a fish, symbolizing abundance year after year.
She did not know exactly how the Mortal Domain's battle was progressing.
But she knew they were in grave danger.
She had intended to leave it quietly outside the Strategist Pavilion and go, without disturbing Qi Yue's work.
But when she reached the foot of Nameless Mountain, she saw densely packed War Pavilion Members.
She saw Qi Yue standing atop the ruins.
She saw him raise the Three-Foot Green Edge that had remained sheathed for so long.
And amid that green light, she saw him sever his own legs.
The lunchbox hit the ground. Ribs and broth spilled everywhere, and the fish-shaped box split in two.
She opened her mouth, wanting to call his name.
But something seemed to lodge in her throat. Not a single word came out.
Around her, Logistics Pavilion Members hurried back and forth. People from the Formation Pavilion adjusted teleportation formations. The roar of Vanguard Sky-Piercing Pillars launching rose continuously from behind the Back Mountain. Everyone was busy. No one noticed her.
She simply stood there, staring in the direction where Qi Yue had disappeared.
Only a pool of blood remained.
An unprecedented loneliness engulfed her in an instant.
She did not know how much time passed.
Then suddenly, she laughed, tears in her eyes.
There was a trace of pride