The Devil CEO’s Reborn Lover

Qin Yanzhou's arm remained firmly wrapped around Wu Mei's waist, his expression unreadable, but his grip said enough—he didn't like this Zhao Xi. Not one bit.

Zhao Xi noticed it too, but he merely offered a respectful nod. "It's an honor to meet you all. I didn't expect help, especially from someone so skilled," he said, his eyes flickering to Wu Mei for a second longer than necessary.

Qin Yanzhou narrowed his gaze.

Mo Qing, sensing the awkwardness, clapped her hands. "Now that introductions are over, maybe we should look around the village more? We might find a clue about how to return home—or at least learn more about this world."

Zhao Xi gestured toward a winding path leading out of the village. "Actually, if you're looking for answers, you should speak to the Oracle. She lives atop the hill near the Moonlight Cliff. They say she sees everything that happens in this world. Maybe she knows why you three were brought here."

Wu Mei exchanged glances with Mo Qing and Qin Yanzhou. "It's worth a try."

As they began following Zhao Xi through the village, the crowd thinned, and the stone streets turned to dirt paths. Children with glowing eyes chased translucent butterflies, and merchants peddled shimmering fruit that floated just slightly above their stalls. Strange creatures, like foxes with multiple tails or dogs that spoke in riddles, crossed their path as if it were the most normal thing.

Despite the enchantment all around them, Wu Mei couldn't shake off the feeling that the crow's warning earlier hadn't been just a random event.

After nearly an hour of walking, the village gave way to a forest with pale golden trees that whispered when the wind passed through them. The group climbed a long staircase made of moss-covered stone, ascending to a small plateau where a small hut sat nestled beneath a tree with silver leaves.

Zhao Xi stopped and pointed. "That's her place. The Oracle doesn't like too many visitors. It's better if only one or two of you go in."

Wu Mei looked at Qin Yanzhou and Mo Qing. "I'll go," she said softly.

Qin Yanzhou frowned. "Are you sure? I can go with you."

"I think… I need to do this alone. Something tells me she'll talk to me."

Reluctantly, he nodded.

Wu Mei stepped toward the hut and knocked lightly. The door creaked open before her hand even touched it a second time.

Inside, the air smelled of dried herbs and rain. A woman, neither young nor old, sat cross-legged on a cushion. Her eyes were white as snow, blind… or perhaps seeing something far beyond normal vision.

"Come in, Wu Mei," the Oracle said before Wu Mei could speak.

Her heart skipped a beat. "You know who I am?"

"I've known for longer than you can imagine. You were destined to come here. Sit."

Wu Mei sat down across from her, the wooden floor warm beneath her.

"There is a reason you found the ring and the bracelet," the Oracle began. "They were not lost. They were waiting. For you."

"Why me?"

"Because your heart is torn between two worlds. This one needs someone who carries both fire and sorrow. You see things not only as they are, but as they were—and as they could be."

Wu Mei remained silent, her fingers brushing over the bracelet on her wrist.

The Oracle reached out and lightly tapped the map Wu Mei carried. "This will take you to the Wand. But be warned—Dracon is not far behind. He has waited centuries for this moment. He seeks not just power, but destruction. The magic in this world was once pure, but he has corrupted it."

"Then I'll find the Wand and destroy it. That's what Xia Yi Ling wanted, right?"

"Yes. But the Wand cannot be destroyed by just anyone. It must recognize your soul. You will have to prove yourself."

Wu Mei frowned. "How?"

The Oracle did not answer right away. Instead, she lifted a small bowl filled with water. "Look."

Wu Mei leaned in. The surface shimmered and then shifted. Images flashed—Dracon in a black robe, his eyes like fire. Then another vision—Wu Mei, standing at the edge of a cliff, holding the Wand. And finally, Qin Yanzhou standing behind her, wounded… bleeding.

She gasped and pulled back. "What was that?!"

"A glimpse of what might be. Not what must be."

Wu Mei stood abruptly. "I need to tell the others."

The Oracle nodded. "The path ahead is dangerous. But you are not alone. Trust your heart, Wu Mei. Even when it trembles."

Outside, Qin Yanzhou stood by the edge of the cliff, his eyes scanning the horizon. When Wu Mei appeared, he turned quickly.

"What did she say?" he asked, concern etched into every word.

"That we're running out of time," Wu Mei replied. "Dracon is after the Wand. And if we don't get to it first, everything in this world—and maybe even ours—will be destroyed."

Qin Yanzhou stepped forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then we'll find it together."

Mo Qing and Zhao Xi walked toward them from the trees, sensing the urgency in Wu Mei's expression.

"We need to keep moving," she said. "We have a map. And a mission."

Zhao Xi nodded. "Then I'll guide you. I know the lands ahead. But we'll have to cross the Whispering River and the Forest of Echoes first."

"What's in the Forest of Echoes?" asked Mo Qing.

"Spirits," Zhao Xi replied. "Memories. Illusions. Some say the forest shows you your greatest fear. Others say it lures you with what you desire most."

Qin Yanzhou's jaw tightened. "Sounds like a trap."

"Everything in this world is, in some way," Zhao Xi muttered.

As the group descended the hill and began their journey through the enchanted land, Wu Mei felt the weight of the letter in her pocket and the warmth of the bracelet on her wrist. She couldn't help but think of the vision in the Oracle's bowl.

Qin Yanzhou—bleeding, behind her.

She bit her lip and glanced at him walking beside her. He was strong. Fearless. And somehow, more human in this magical world than he'd ever seemed in their own.

"I won't let that happen," she whispered to herself.

But deep down, she wasn't sure if she was promising to protect him…

…or if she was warning herself not to fall too deep into something she couldn't control.