Chapter 116: Trapped, Sorrow Unending
Deep within the cave…
“H-how is this possible?!”
Mao Ruoyu’s face was etched with disbelief.
She couldn’t believe it.
She… didn’t dare to believe it!
If what this woman said was true, did it mean she was going to be trapped here forever?!
The thought sent shivers down her spine, and anxiety gripped her heart.
After a moment of silence, she cried out in panic, “How can such a place exist? Is there no way to escape?”
She frantically searched for an exit in the dimly lit cave.
Even the slightest glimmer of light would give her hope, and she would fight with all her might to break free!
As long as there was a chance, she would cling to it with all her strength, unafraid of death!
But…
“There’s no need to search, young lady. This cave is surrounded by impenetrable Netherworld walls.”
Yun Yue sighed and pointed upwards. “Why don’t you look up?”
“Eh?”
Mao Ruoyu looked up instinctively.
Then, she saw a massive, black, door-shaped rock embedded in the center of the cave ceiling, about ten feet high, covered in countless mysterious runes.
Just looking at it made her feel dizzy, as if her consciousness was being pulled in.
“T-that’s…”
“That’s the only exit from this area, the Severing Gate that leads to the outer layer of the Netherworld.”
Yun Yue tilted her head slightly and said softly, “This gate has been sealed for almost a thousand years. Ever since I was imprisoned in the Netherworld, it has never opened, not even once.”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes widened, her lips trembling slightly. “But Senior, haven’t you—”
“I’ve tried everything.”
Yun Yue smiled bitterly. “No matter what Yin techniques I used, no matter how much power I poured into it, I couldn’t even scratch this gate.
The power of an entire realm, a thousand-year-old seal, how could it be so easily broken? If you don’t believe me, young lady, I’ll show you.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a crescent moon of energy formed in her palm. She thrust her hand forward, sending it hurtling towards the gate.
In an instant, a blinding light filled the cave!
“Ugh?!”
A terrifying shockwave slammed down from above, a deafening roar echoing in her ears.
Mao Ruoyu’s expression changed, and she instinctively raised her arms to protect her head, almost losing her balance.
As the light gradually faded, she opened her eyes with difficulty.
Then, she was shocked to see that the gate above…
Was completely unharmed.
“…”
That attack had been so powerful, it could have killed her dozens of times over. And yet…
It couldn’t even leave a mark on the gate.
“Cough, cough!”
Mao Ruoyu quickly snapped back to reality and was shocked to see Yun Yue coughing up blood.
“Senior?!” She quickly knelt down and supported Yun Yue’s shoulders. “Why are you coughing up blood…”
“The gate is protected by countless restrictions. Any forceful attack will result in backlash.”
Yun Yue waved her hand dismissively, a faint smile on her lips. “Don’t worry, young lady. I’ve endured this countless times. It’ll heal in an instant.”
Mao Ruoyu’s lips parted slightly, wanting to say something, but in the end, she could only sigh dejectedly.
She understood why the woman had done this…
To crush any lingering hope she might have.
Even with Senior Yun Yue’s unfathomable power, she couldn’t even scratch the gate and had been trapped here for centuries.
What could she, with her meager strength, possibly do?
Feeling drained of all energy, Mao Ruoyu collapsed onto the ground, her heart filled with despair.
“…Senior, thank you for your efforts.”
She murmured, her gaze empty.
She had never expected such an unexpected turn of events on this trip. She was completely unprepared.
Now, trapped in this cold and silent cave…
What should she do?
What could she possibly do?
Seeing her despair, Yun Yue’s eyes filled with sadness. She reached out to comfort her.
“S-Senior!”
But at that moment, Mao Ruoyu’s expression changed abruptly, and she looked up urgently. “Is there any way to enter the Netherworld… from the outside?!”
“Hmm?”
Yun Yue blinked, her voice hesitant. “If you were brought here by some kind of technique, it might be possible to enter the Netherworld again using the same method.
But are you really clinging to such unrealistic hopes, young lady? This is a one-way street. I advise you to let go of these thoughts and avoid further heartache and—”
“No!”
Mao Ruoyu shook her head frantically, her face filled with anxiety.
Although it was just a slim possibility…
If Mr. Lin knew she was trapped in the Netherworld, would he do something reckless?!
He possessed extraordinary power, as mysterious and powerful as a celestial being. If he were to rashly enter the Netherworld…
Her mind raced, her chest constricting with worry and fear, almost making her cry out. “Senior! Is there any way to contact the outside world? I can’t let my companion come near here, I can’t let him enter the Netherworld!”
Yun Yue was stunned, her eyes widening slightly.
“…”
Seeing her silence, Mao Ruoyu panicked. She knelt down and said loudly, “Senior! Please forgive my boldness and selfishness. But he’s the only one I—”
“Silly girl.”
Yun Yue sighed softly, stopping her from kowtowing. “Our voices can’t reach the outside world.”
Mao Ruoyu froze, her shoulders slumping in despair.
“But don’t worry. The turmoil in the Netherworld has calmed down. It won’t randomly drag anyone else in.”
Yun Yue comforted her gently. “Once the turmoil subsides, even those with divine powers won’t be able to break through the seal and enter this place.”
“R-really?!”
Mao Ruoyu’s voice trembled, tears welling up in her eyes. “You’re not lying to me, Senior?”
“I promise.”
Yun Yue’s expression softened, and she gently wiped away her tears. “The one you love will be safe.”
Mao Ruoyu lowered her head, unable to hold back her sobs, clutching her hands tightly, trying to suppress the grief that surged within her.
As long as Sir was safe… that was all that mattered.
But she had never imagined that her own life would end here.
Countless regrets and frustrations flooded her heart, turning into bitter tears that seemed to flow endlessly.
Mao Ruoyu clutched her chest, her sadness indescribable.
Her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
She would never see him again, destined to spend the rest of her life alone in this Netherworld.
She still had so much to say, so much to do…
She hadn’t even had the chance to confess her feelings.
“…”
Yun Yue just sat quietly beside her, her gaze distant as she looked up at the stone gate.
“I understand how you feel, young lady.”
“Almost a thousand years ago, I was just like you, full of passion and dreams, looking forward to a bright future. But then disaster struck, and I was imprisoned in this Netherworld. Everyone and everything I knew was gone, leaving me alone, trapped in this place, unable to live or die, only able to cry day after day.”
“I raged and struggled, trying to break free from this seal and regain my freedom. I also wallowed in self-pity, talking to myself to ease the pain. I even went mad, acting foolishly and doing ridiculous things.”
“Only after centuries, when I had cried all my tears and exhausted all my anger, did I finally learn to accept my fate.”
She sighed softly. “Our meeting here is fate, young lady. Seeing you reminds me of my past self… I don’t want you to suffer the same despair and walk the same path I did.
I don’t know what words to say to comfort you, but I hope my experience can ease your pain.”
“S-Senior…”
Mao Ruoyu wiped away her tears. “Thank you for your comfort. I apologize for crying like this in front of you.”
“Have you… let go of your sorrow?”
“How can I forget these experiences?”
Mao Ruoyu’s voice still trembled with sobs, but she managed to force a bitter smile. “But Sir has his own life. There are other women who are more suitable for him, who can stay by his side. As long as he’s safe, I’ll be happy for him here… and wish him a lifetime of happiness.”
“…”
Looking at her increasingly haggard expression, Yun Yue remained silent for a while. Then, she reached out and gently pulled Mao Ruoyu into her arms. Several azure fox tails materialized behind her, enveloping Mao Ruoyu’s body like a soft, warm bed.
“If you’re hurting, young lady, just cry it out. Bottling it up will only hurt you more.”
She held Mao Ruoyu’s head against her ample bosom, like a loving mother, gently stroking her hair. “I’ll listen to everything you have to say. And if you don’t mind, I can also tell you about… my past.”
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