Journey Through Realms: Fulfilling Last Wishes

Chapter 31: The Demonic Sect’s Innocent Lotus – Final Chapter

On a quiet forest path, a leisurely horse-drawn carriage meandered along. Inside were none other than An Ran and Shen Yu.

After spending a month recuperating in the Demonic Sect, An Ran had grown restless and insisted on going out to explore. Shen Yu, unable to refuse her, reluctantly agreed.

Initially, Shen Yu wanted An Ran to rest a bit longer, but she argued that traveling would aid her recovery. She even claimed her chest hurt and wouldn’t heal if she stayed confined. Hearing this, Shen Yu immediately relented.

The memory of waking up to find An Ran lying next to him, covered in blood, haunted him. At that moment, he felt as if his world had stopped. If not for An Ran’s faint whisper of pain, he might have succumbed to despair and joined her.

Learning later that her injuries were sustained for his sake only deepened his guilt. Since then, he had become hypervigilant about her well-being, granting her every request without complaint.

An Ran, however, had her own reasons for wanting to leave. After regaining consciousness, 225 had informed her that her mission was complete. She had a maximum of two months left in this world before being transported to another. She felt she had already wasted enough time and was eager to see the world beyond the sect.

She had yet to tell Shen Yu that he had consumed the elixir of immortality. She feared his reaction, worried he might be angry. She decided to reveal the truth on her last day, sparing herself from facing his wrath and enjoying their remaining time together in peace.

_____

“Brother Shen Yu, at this rate, when will we reach Yong City?” An Ran asked, exasperated by the carriage’s slow pace.

“Ran Ran, you just complained about chest pain earlier. If the carriage goes faster, it will jostle you and make it worse. Better safe than sorry,” Shen Yu replied, prioritizing her safety over speed.

“I’m fine now! But if we don’t reach Yong City by tomorrow, my heart really will start hurting,” An Ran retorted, bluffing to hurry him along.

“Alright, Ran Ran, I promise we’ll reach Yong City by tomorrow,” Shen Yu said with a smile, though he made no move to quicken the pace.

Helpless, An Ran resigned herself to the leisurely pace. She consoled herself with the thought that nature’s unspoiled beauty was a rare treat, with clear lakes and vibrant forests unmarred by pollution.

After eight more days of travel—during which An Ran repeatedly urged Shen Yu to pick up the pace—they finally reached the gates of Yong City. Overwhelmed with joy, An Ran exclaimed, “We’re finally here! Yong City, I’ve made it!”

Shen Yu couldn’t help but smile at her excitement. Though he understood her eagerness, he valued her health above all else.

“I’m going to explore every corner of Yong City, Brother Shen Yu. I won’t leave a single spot untouched!” An Ran declared enthusiastically.

“Alright, I’ll accompany you. But first, get down from the carriage—it’s dangerous up there,” Shen Yu replied, amused by her animated stance.

“Don’t worry, Brother Shen Yu. You’ll catch me if I fall,” An Ran said confidently.

“Of course. Sit tight, Ran Ran. Let’s head into the city,” Shen Yu said warmly, guiding the carriage through the gates.

_______

After settling their belongings at the Yue Lai Inn, An Ran dragged Shen Yu out to sample street food and shop for trinkets.

“Brother Shen Yu, try this! It’s delicious. Oh, look at this—it’s so fun! Let’s buy it. Brother Shen Yu…”

Her cheerful voice echoed through the streets, drawing the attention of passersby. People were struck by the lively girl and her doting companion.

“Look at this hairpin, Brother Shen Yu. Let me try it on you!” An Ran said, stopping at a jade vendor’s stall.

She had already bought several items for herself and thought it was only fair to get something for Shen Yu.

“Ran Ran has excellent taste. If you think it looks good, it must be good,” Shen Yu said, touched by her thoughtfulness and already lavishing praise.

“You two have such a close sibling bond,” the vendor said with a smile, eager to please his customers.

“We’re not siblings—we’re husband and wife, old man. Please don’t misunderstand,” Shen Yu corrected, his tone polite but firm.

An Ran blushed, while the vendor laughed nervously, quickly apologizing for the mistake.

_______

As they continued their exploration, An Ran’s laughter and Shen Yu’s indulgent smiles filled the bustling streets. For An Ran, these fleeting days held a bittersweet joy—cherishing the time she had left while dreading the inevitable farewell.

And so, amidst the vibrant chaos of Yong City, their story—full of love, sacrifice, and second chances—unfolded to its quiet conclusion, leaving behind memories to be cherished for eternity.

Shen Yu’s face darkened upon hearing the vendor mistake his relationship with An Ran as siblings.

He promptly corrected.

“We’re husband and wife, not siblings, old man. Please don’t misunderstand.”

The vendor, startled by his firm tone, quickly apologized.

“My apologies, young master. This old man’s eyesight must be failing.”

An Ran blushed at Shen Yu’s words and hurriedly settled the bill. “How much is it?”

“One tael of silver,” the vendor replied, relieved that the sale wasn’t lost.

An Ran handed over the money and pulled Shen Yu away from the stall. Once back at their room in the Yue Lai Inn, Shen Yu embraced her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“Ran Ran, don’t you think it’s time you stopped calling me Brother Shen Yu?”

“Why? Don’t you like it when I call you that?” An Ran asked, feigning ignorance.

Shen Yu gently turned her to face him, his gaze firm but loving.

“Ran Ran, we’re married now. You should call me ‘husband’ or ‘my lord.’”

When An Ran remained silent, Shen Yu’s expression turned hurt.

“Ran Ran, are you ashamed of me? Do you not want to acknowledge me as your husband?”

“No, no! I’m happy to have you as my… my husband,” An Ran stammered, her face flushing with embarrassment.

She silently scolded herself for being so shy.

Shen Yu, unsatisfied with her timid tone, teased. “I didn’t hear you. Say it again.”

“Husband! Husband! Husband! Did you hear me now?” An Ran exclaimed, deciding to throw caution to the wind.

“Loud and clear,” Shen Yu replied, smiling contentedly.

But before she could react further, Shen Yu scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

“What are you doing? Where are we going?” An Ran asked, startled.

“Something only a husband can do for his wife. Don’t be afraid, Ran Ran,” Shen Yu said with a mischievous grin.

That night, Shen Yu proved his affection with an overwhelming tenderness that left An Ran exhausted.

“Brother—no, Husband, you’re too much,” she muttered weakly.

_______

For the next few days, An Ran spent her time either exploring Yong City or in Shen Yu’s arms. She cherished every moment, knowing her time in this world was coming to an end.

On the final evening, An Ran found herself struggling to tell Shen Yu the truth. When night fell, and 225 began urging her to leave, she finally pulled Shen Yu to a secluded spot under a tree outside the inn.

“Husband, I have to go,” An Ran began, her voice trembling. “I don’t belong to this world. My purpose here is fulfilled, and now I must leave. Please, live well. Only by living can we have the chance to meet again someday.”

Shen Yu was stunned. Before he could process her words, An Ran vanished before his eyes.

“Ran Ran… don’t go!” Shen Yu shouted in despair, dropping to his knees.

Deep down, he had always sensed something unusual about her, but he had never imagined it would end like this. Shen Yu felt as if his reason for living had been ripped away, but An Ran’s words echoed in his mind. Live well, and perhaps we will meet again.

Determined to honor her wish, Shen Yu rose, suppressing his grief, and returned to their room.

______

Meanwhile, 225 was furious.

“Do you realize what you’ve done? Revealing that you’re not from this world is a violation of the rules!”

An Ran, unfazed, replied, “And suddenly disappearing isn’t a violation? You were the one rushing me to leave, so let’s move on to the next task.”

225 huffed, but seeing no severe repercussions, relented.

“Fine. But you’re losing half your reward points for this. Instead of 200, you’re getting 100.”

“Fine. Just give me the details for the next mission,” An Ran said, brushing off the reprimand.

225 was surprised by her calm demeanor but didn’t argue further. It loaded the next mission.

An image of a young girl, frail and battered, lying in a dark alley appeared. Stray dogs and cats wandered nearby, and occasional passersby either ignored her or avoided her entirely. Soon, her fragile body grew colder, and she passed away, unnoticed and unloved.

The accompanying details were simple—The girl, named An Ran, was abandoned at birth for being a girl. She was raised by an old beggar who died when she was ten, leaving her to fend for herself. Her tragic death was caused by a single steamed bun.

A kind old woman had given her the bun out of pity, but other beggars saw it and demanded she hand it over. Desperate and starving after five days without food, the girl refused. Enraged, the beggars beat her until she was left for dead.

Her final wish was painfully simple—To live and live well.

An Ran sighed as she read the file. If they couldn’t care for her, why bring her into the world at all? She felt a deep sadness but resolved to fulfill this wish.

“Let’s begin,” she said, ready to start her next mission.