Chapter 104: Let's Go

Lin Yuan was the first to notice when Shi Xianyu left.

The camper was piled inside and out with rice, flour, grains, oil, sweet potatoes, soybeans, water, and fuel, along with many children's clothes—garments that Lu Li never had the chance to wear.

He searched both inside and outside the vehicle and finally found a small, inconspicuous note stuck to the window. Four simple lines were written on it:

—I’m leaving.

—Everything in the space is yours.

—I’ll come see you another day.

—It’s been a pleasure knowing you.

The tone was casual and lighthearted, free of farewell sorrow or lengthy reflections. It felt like an old friend leaving some things behind, turning away, and waving goodbye, promising to return next time.

Lin Yuan stared at the note for a long while, lost in thought.

Though they hadn’t spent much time together, and she already held a special place in his heart, to her, he was just one of the “you” mentioned on the paper.

Ye Liuyun passed by behind him, noticed the note in his hand, and quietly watched for a moment before gently patting his shoulder in consolation: “That’s how heartbreak is. You’ll get used to it.”

Lin Yuan put down the note and said softly, “I’m going to find her. She didn’t take the car; she can’t be far.”

Ye Liuyun followed behind, saying, “A real man loves deeply but can let go easily. When I first met Xiaoyu, I already felt she wasn’t from our world.”

Lin Yuan strode forward with determination, silently vowing that no matter the world she belonged to, he would find her and tell her that he liked her—that he wanted to take care of her.

…

Shi Xianyu walked alone through the desert, venturing farther until the oasis behind her disappeared from sight.

She took out a pearl and crushed it with force. The hot, dry air twisted by the otherworldly space formed a vast rift.

Beyond the rift was a mist-shrouded celestial palace, surrounded by clouds and lush greenery. Spirit attendants floated amid the rising immortal aura, gazing at her with concern.

“Little Spirit respectfully welcomes the Primordial Lord back to the palace—”

Shi Xianyu glanced at him and silently stepped into the celestial palace.

The attendant followed, puzzled, and asked, “This place is rich with concentrated willpower, and the Spirit Furnace has absorbed it all. Why does the Primordial Lord seem so downcast?”

Shi Xianyu felt only exhaustion and a hollow emptiness where her emotions once were.

In the first world, she experienced the novelty of the other realm and the joy of fighting side by side. But in this one, she felt mainly the cost of giving her all and the inevitability of painful farewells.

She was weary, barely willing to speak.

The attendant studied her desolate expression, uneasy. His own fragment of soul had yet to return—an abnormal occurrence. Could it be that once again, he had fallen into a passionate romance with Shi Xianyu in another world?

It was highly probable. After all, it had happened once before; it could happen again. Even without memories, his soul would inevitably feel a familiar connection to her, easily mistaken for romantic affection.

While recalling his soul, the attendant cautiously asked, “Primordial Lord… have you experienced heartbreak again?”

Shi Xianyu was momentarily stunned and looked back at him, unsure why he would say that.

“I used to think love was very important… but now I realize many things are important: making like-minded friends, holding onto unchanging dreams, gaining experiences that foster growth…” She paused and lowered her voice, “All these are very important.”

At that moment, the attendant’s soul fully returned, bringing with it the memories of that world, including his own disappointment and bitterness upon learning of Shi Xianyu’s sudden departure.

The attendant was speechless.

That feeling was deeply uncomfortable.

Shi Xianyu, unaware he was reliving “heartbreak,” walked on and slowly said, “A petitioner thanked me for teaching her how to be a mother. But how could I understand motherhood? It was only by caring for Xiao Li that I naturally stepped into the role of a mother. I used to hear people say there’s no exam for parents because parenting is a process of learning and growth with the child. It’s because of Xiao Li that I have grown into a ‘mother.’ There is still so much I need to learn…”

The attendant said nothing, still troubled.

It was a pain beyond his control—sharp loneliness, a sting of self-reproach for feeling unloved.

Knowing he shouldn’t think this way, he couldn’t help but wonder: why didn’t Shi Xianyu fall in love with him this time? Could it be… because he was too ugly?

That half-hidden face was indeed frightening, but hadn’t he later worn a golden mask? They had always gotten along well, so what was wrong?

Wait—he hadn’t developed romantic feelings for Shi Xianyu, and that was what he wanted. Why then did he feel so lost now?

The attendant silently followed, his expression grave.

Shi Xianyu entered her chamber and reflected quietly, “Maybe it’s time to adjust my mindset. Though I’ve always known I’m a deity who grants others’ wishes, I never truly saw myself as one. Without spells or sacred herbs, I remain an ordinary, timid, and flawed person. But compared to otherworldly powers, becoming a deity requires an even stronger heart, unwavering faith, and fearless courage.”

She took out a painting left by Xiao Li and gazed at the bustling “homeland” depicted, murmuring softly, “With great power comes great responsibility. Master Shen gave up his quest for enlightenment to care for war orphans. Xiao Li has taken root in the oasis, bearing the future of all the people there. With them as examples, maybe I can do better too.”

The attendant couldn’t help but interrupt, “May I ask, Primordial Lord, during this journey through the worlds, was there… a close companion of the opposite sex?”

Shi Xianyu was startled. “Opposite sex? There was someone, but only as a substitute. Our relationship wasn’t very close.”

“A substitute?” The attendant looked at her in astonishment.

She nodded. “Yes, his name sounds like Lin Yuan’s, and his words and actions are similar. But I feel I haven’t fully moved on from my previous relationship, so I’m not ready for a new one yet. That would make me feel like a heartless person.”

The attendant was speechless.

Shi Xianyu asked him in puzzlement, “Why do you suddenly ask?”

Before he could answer, she realized, “Oh—are you worried that if I fall in love, I’ll neglect my duties? Don’t worry, I know what’s important. I’ll always prioritize the bigger picture and won’t act recklessly.”

The attendant had no reply.

Shi Xianyu then asked earnestly, “While I was away, have there been any new golden fish in the Wishing Pool?”

The attendant bowed and replied, “Wishes come and go, and many have increased, but in terms of strength of will, the strongest remain those few before.”

Shi Xianyu immediately rose. “Let’s go see.”