Yan Xiaohan asked the Ou woman, “Your husband’s illness is beyond medical help, and he’s waiting to die. You should have many years left to live. After the authorities investigate what happened in Xishan Village, no one will escape. However, since you’ve encountered us, I can show mercy and give you a chance to survive. What do you think?
The Ou woman prostrated herself and wept, “My husband and I have been married for years. I cannot easily abandon him. I beg the noble gentlemen to show mercy.”
Fu Shen looked at her pitifully and was about to agree when Yan Xiaohan stopped him with a glance: “His disease is contagious. No matter how pitiful, we cannot let him live.”
He did not lower his voice, and the Ou woman heard everything clearly. Filled with despair, she was ultimately powerless against the heartless Flying Dragon Guard. Fu Shen dragged her out, and she watched helplessly as Yan Xiaohan gathered kindling and cloth to start a fire. Moments later, thick smoke rose to the sky, and the Fox Immortal Temple became a sea of flames.
The Ou woman knelt blankly on the ground, her tears dried, her eye sockets red, unable to shed another tear.
Fu Shen casually tossed a heavy money pouch into her arms and said softly, “You have a long road ahead. Go somewhere else and start over. One day, you’ll forget him.”
Then he turned and walked into the boundless night with Yan Xiaohan.
The Ou woman clutched the money bag, the golden-red firelight reflected in her pupils. After a long time, she murmured, “I can’t forget…”
How could there be survival after a calamity? It only leaves behind a handful of burnt ash, condemning those left behind to live in a pale shadow.
[Fu Shen lazily smiled: “Smelling of copper.”]
Yan Xiaohan deliberately teased, reaching into the blanket and rubbing somewhere unspeakable: “What animal sign are you? Just waking up, let me see if your tail is still out…”
