Jing Jiu quietly watched the Abyss.
Regardless of whether the Abyss was watching him or responding.
After an unknown length of time, Cao Yuan's voice finally sounded again. "Why ask about this?"
Jing Jiu said, "I wanted to tell your story that day, so I had to confirm whether it was true first."
Lian Sanyue had told him that story. She certainly would not lie to him, but he could not guarantee that a young boy in love would not boast a legendary origin for himself, so he had made a special trip beneath Cold Mountain to ask Cao Yuan.
"It's true."
Cao Yuan's voice disappeared for another long stretch before sounding again.
"When you leave, I'll see you off."
Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue traveled from downstream to upstream along the Lava River.
Scorching lava flowed slowly between the rocks, its surface covered by a layer of ash, not particularly bright.
Because a considerable amount of lava had flowed into the Netherworld, the river's surface was somewhat lower than it had been back then, exposing more gentle slopes. Presumably, lying on them would be more comfortable.
Jing Jiu took off his white robe, handed it to Zhao Layue, and walked into the river.
Zhao Layue draped the white robe casually over her arm. Looking at his back, she asked, "He's stayed in the Netherworld all this time, refusing to come up. Why would he come to see you off?"
Jing Jiu walked into the Lava River, breaking through its surface and bringing forth brilliantly bright light.
"Probably because he doesn't want me talking nonsense."
He submerged his whole body in the lava, leaving only his face exposed, and closed his eyes, seemingly enjoying himself.
Zhao Layue did not know that story, so she did not understand why