13: Chapter 13 Knowing it like the back of my hand

Bi Luo smiled bitterly: "Because that romance ultimately brought disaster. I am not sure if I should tell you, fearing it might affect your choice. But the situation is urgent now, so I must speak."

Chu Yang did not know whether to believe her or not, but Bi Luo's expression did not look like she was lying.

"Then tell me," Chu Yang asked, "who should I choose?"

Bi Luo pondered for a moment: "If possible, I hope you choose Bishui Palace. Not because of our past, but because Bishui Palace is the place that can best protect you."

"What about the Demoness?" Chu Yang asked tentatively, "Who is she?"

Bi Luo's expression changed suddenly: "You have met the Demoness? What did she do to you?"

Chu Yang told her the truth: "She tried to take my soul of samsara, but was stopped by the Yin-Yang Talisman."

"That is too dangerous," Bi Luo said urgently, "The Demoness is the reincarnation of the Heaven-Reaching Demoness from six hundred years ago. She has a curse within her that can only be lifted by devouring a soul of samsara. You must never go near her again!"

Chu Yang nodded: "What about Li Qingxuan? Do you know him?"

"Li Qingxuan?" Bi Luo frowned, "I have never heard of this person."

Chu Yang briefly recounted Li Qingxuan's story. After listening, Bi Luo's expression became grave: "That sounds like someone from a hidden sect. Chu Yang, you must be careful. The Cultivation World is very deep, and the methods of some hidden sects are even more terrifying than those of the sects on the surface."

The two discussed some more details, when Bi Luo suddenly looked up into the distance: "Not good, someone is coming."

Chu Yang also felt a powerful aura approaching.

"It is Elder Heavenly Demon," Bi Luo said quickly, "I don't know how he found this place. Chu Yang, you go first, I will hold him off."

Chu Yang hesitated: "Can you handle it alone?"

Bi Luo smiled slightly: "What, are you worried about me?"

Chu Yang blushed inexplicably: "I..."

"Go," Bi Luo pushed him, "Remember my words. In three days, Bishui Palace will await your arrival."

Chu Yang nodded, turned, and left quickly. Behind him, Bi Luo had already met the powerful aura.

Returning to the inn, Chu Yang found Li Qingxuan waiting in his room.

"You went to see Bi Luo?" Li Qingxuan asked.

Chu Yang was surprised: "How did you know?"

Li Qingxuan smiled slightly: "I said before, my master knows everything like the back of his hand." He paused, "What did Bi Luo tell you?"

"Some things about the soul of samsara," Chu Yang said cautiously, "And her relationship with me in my previous life."

Li Qingxuan sighed: "As expected. My master predicted she would say that."

Chu Yang frowned: "What do you mean?"

"What Bi Luo said is not false, but it is not the whole truth either," Li Qingxuan explained, "She did indeed have a romance with your previous life, but she did not tell you the full truth about the disaster that romance caused."

Chu Yang's heart sank: "What disaster?"

Li Qingxuan shook his head: "This is not something I can say. My master says that some truths are too cruel and need to be discovered by yourself."

Chu Yang felt a wave of irritation: "Everyone says this, yet no one is willing to tell the truth!"

"Because the truth might destroy you," Li Qingxuan said meaningfully, "The secret of the soul of samsara is not that simple."

Chu Yang took a deep breath: "Fine, I have decided. Tomorrow I will go with you to see your master."

Li Qingxuan nodded: "A wise choice."

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Chu Yang and Li Qingxuan left the village and headed into the deep mountains.

On the way, Li Qingxuan told Chu Yang that his master lived in a place called "Valley of Forgotten Sorrows," which was protected by a powerful formation and difficult for outsiders to find.

"My master says that on the last day of the three-day deadline, you must return to the world and make your choice," Li Qingxuan said, "But before that, you need to know the whole truth."

Chu Yang nodded. No matter who this "nameless old man" was, at least he seemed willing to tell him the truth, which was already much better than the others.

The two crossed mountains and ridges, finally arriving at the entrance of a hidden valley at dusk.

"We are here," Li Qingxuan pointed ahead, "This is the Valley of Forgotten Sorrows."

Chu Yang looked up and saw a narrow gap between two towering mountain peaks, emitting a faint light. The gap was surrounded by swirling clouds and mist; if one did not look carefully, one would never discover this entrance.

"Follow me," Li Qingxuan led the way, "Watch your step."

Just as the two were about to enter the gap, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind: "Chu Yang, stop!"

Chu Yang turned back and was surprised to see the Demoness standing not far away, a purple dress fluttering in the wind.

"How did you find this place?" Chu Yang asked vigilantly.

The Demoness sneered: "I have my own methods." She looked at Li Qingxuan, "Li Qingxuan, you traitor, you dare to take him to see that old thing!"

Li Qingxuan's expression changed, and he stood in front of Chu Yang: "Demoness, you should not have come here."

The Demoness laughed contemptuously: "What? Are you afraid I will tell him the truth?"

"What truth?" Chu Yang looked at the two of them.

A trace of hatred flashed in the Demoness's eyes: "Who the master of the Valley of Forgotten Sorrows is, and why he pays so much attention to you, Li Qingxuan will not tell you."

Li Qingxuan shouted sternly: "Demoness, do not spout nonsense!"

The Demoness ignored Li Qingxuan and looked straight at Chu Yang: "Chu Yang, do you know why everyone wants your soul of samsara? Because it is not yours at all!"

Chu Yang was shocked: "What do you mean?"

"Your soul of samsara was stolen!" The Demoness gritted her teeth, "And the person who stole it is the master of the Valley of Forgotten Sorrows!"

"Chu Yang," the Demoness took a step forward, her eyes flashing with dangerous light, "Do you really think this Li Qingxuan is here to help you? He is nothing more than a dog for that old thing!"

Li Qingxuan's face was gloomy: "Demoness, say one more word, and do not blame me for being impolite!"

"What? Afraid I will tell the truth?" The Demoness sneered, "The master of the Valley of Forgotten Sorrows is the murderer who killed your previous life!"

Chu Yang felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

Li Qingxuan struck suddenly, a beam of green light shooting straight at the Demoness. The Demoness dodged it easily and countered with a flash of purple light.

"Enough!" Chu Yang shouted sternly, "I want to hear the truth, not watch you fight!"

The two stopped, but remained tense and ready to fight.

"Chu Yang, do not listen to her nonsense," Li Qingxuan said urgently, "My master has absolutely no malice toward you."

The Demoness scoffed: "What a fine 'no malice.' Chu Yang, do you know why it is called the Valley of Forgotten Sorrows? Because everyone who steps into this place will forget their sorrows—by losing their memories!"

"Li Qingxuan, is this true?" Chu Yang stared at Li Qingxuan.

Li Qingxuan hesitated for a moment: "My master indeed has the ability to take people's memories, but it is never used to harm anyone."

"Then he wants to take my memories?"

"Only temporarily," Li Qingxuan explained, "They will be returned once you understand the truth."

Chu Yang took a step back: "I am not going."

"No!" Li Qingxuan grabbed Chu Yang's arm, "You must come with me to see my master!"

Chu Yang could not break free, and in his anxiety, the Yin-Yang Talisman inside him automatically activated, and a powerful force repelled Li Qingxuan.