After Yun Huanling had been taught a lesson, only the four of them remained.
"I noticed that boy kept running off these past two days. Today was even stranger-he was gone the entire day. Do you think he might have already met this Demon Star?"
"You mean someone is egging A Ling on?"
"Very likely!"
Listening to the three of them, the old man who knew his grandson exceptionally well could not help rolling his eyes. He would wager that the boy had decided to investigate this himself.
Even so, he decided to tie him up at home on the day of the "goddess descent."
Early the next morning, Qiao Zirong knocked on Su Jiu's door.
With an apologetic look, he lowered his eyes and said quietly, "Fellow Daoist Su, I'm very sorry. I was rude yesterday."
Su Jiu shook her head, unbothered. In truth, she understood how Qiao Zirong felt.
He had come here carrying hope. When someone tried to puncture that hope, even a saint would struggle to keep a straight face.
"Deep down, you have your doubts too, don't you?"
If he truly had none, he could have argued with Yun Huanling instead of fleeing in defeat.
Qiao Zirong stiffened. Only after a long while did he slowly utter a single word. "Yes."
"But I've still decided to try." He did not want to return with regrets.
Su Jiu nodded. "Stay safe."
A bitter smile touched Qiao Zirong's face. He understood what Su Jiu meant. She would not accompany him.
That was only natural. They had known each other for less than three months, after all. She was under no obligation to risk her life with him.
According to the schedule, the Goddess would descend tomorrow. Many people had already begun making their way up the mountain