The Price of Trust and the Calm Before the Storm

This, then, explained why Xiyue could pass through the Ant-Human Tribe’s barrier unhindered and at will.

Upon hearing this, Su Xiaoxiao found it difficult to articulate the turmoil within her.

The image of Xiyue before her last night resurfaced in her mind.

“If this child didn’t share half your blood, I believe I would be alone for the rest of my life.”

“For thousands of years, you are the only one I have ever been this close to.”

These words echoed repeatedly in her mind. Su Xiaoxiao had initially disbelieved Xiyue, but when Yunfa revealed the true purpose of the seal on her foot, Su Xiaoxiao not only felt a surge of panic but also began to harbor complex thoughts about Xiyue’s words.

Seeing Su Xiaoxiao so distraught, Yunfa, concerned that excessive worry would harm her and the child, interrupted her thoughts. “Xiaoxiao,” she said gently, “you don’t need to overthink, nor do you need to be afraid.”

Yunfa explained, “While this charm allows her free passage within the Ant-Human Tribe, the Clan Leader will also be monitoring her actions. Rest assured, you will not suffer further persecution from that demoness.”

“Indeed, if she dares to do anything to harm you, I will protect you with my life,” Yunfa affirmed with grave sincerity.

Su Xiaoxiao opened her mouth, yet found herself unable to speak. Yunfa, standing beside her, understood Su Xiaoxiao’s unspoken meaning at a glance. She gently patted Su Xiaoxiao’s hand, signaling her not to dwell on it.

“Can this charm be removed?” Su Xiaoxiao asked.

She held no trust for Xiyue. Though Xiyue now claimed she wouldn’t harm her and hadn’t yet committed any dangerous acts against the Ant-Human Tribe, her inherent malice was difficult to eradicate.

She had deceived Su Xiaoxiao time and again.

There was no trust left to speak of.

Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but find Xiyue’s magical artifact as worthless as scrap metal, as she thought about meeting her.

She only wished to remain with the Mermaid Clan, surrounded by her people, to give birth to her little fish-cub and raise it safely and peacefully.

Su Xiaoxiao’s question was earnest and resolute. Gu Yan, standing nearby, couldn’t help but sigh, feeling a mix of pity for Xiyue and a conviction that Xiyue had brought this upon herself.

“It cannot be removed. The only way is for one party to die.”

Yun Sheng’s words abruptly extinguished Su Xiaoxiao’s hopes. Yun Sheng, accustomed to her sarcastic demeanor, spoke airily, “Isn’t she about to undergo tribulation? Perhaps she’ll simply die then?”

It wasn’t surprising she spoke this way. Every mention of Xiyue brought back memories of visiting Su Xiaoxiao in the Demon Realm, amidst the freezing cold, where Su Xiaoxiao wore dresses meant for dancers, exposing her arms and skin.

The Mermaid Clan resided in the Southern Sea, where the weather was warm. Snowfall was a rare sight, seldom seen in centuries.

Most of the time, the island bloomed with spring flowers, and the sun, never too scorching, graced them year-round. Moreover, its unique geographical location ensured an abundance of spiritual energy.

Su Xiaoxiao was utterly unaccustomed to the harsh environment of the Demon Realm. Xiyue had never treated her well; in such frigid weather, she hadn’t even provided a single garment to ward off the cold.

What’s more, Xiyue herself knew Su Xiaoxiao was pregnant at the time. To expose her skin to the cold wind so brazenly — if the fetus had been weak or sickly, a miscarriage would not have been impossible.

Xiyue hadn’t cared then, and now that Su Xiaoxiao had finally returned to the Mermaid Clan, Xiyue showed up again the very next day, feigning concern. It made Yun Sheng absolutely furious.

Such belated concern only added to Su Xiaoxiao’s troubles and burdens, serving no purpose but to be utterly exasperating.

Yun Sheng’s words didn’t cause much of a ripple in Su Xiaoxiao’s heart. She simply let out a faint breath, knowing the schemes Xiyue had been up to.

Head slightly bowed, she seemed lost in thought, perhaps still shaken by Xiyue’s visit last night, for her expression now carried a hint of weariness.

“The fetus is stable for now,” Yunxian stated. “I have never witnessed the birth of a child between a flood dragon and a mermaid, so I cannot predict precisely when this child will emerge from your womb.”

After escorting her to her dwelling, Yunxian continued to advise her. “During these days, you must be careful. Do not let anxiety overwhelm you, nor allow your emotions to fluctuate too wildly. Rest well, preserve your strength, and be prepared for anything that might happen.”

“Should Xiyue come again, do not get angry with her, and especially do not shed any more tears, do you understand?”

Su Xiaoxiao nodded, but the thought of Xiyue potentially returning still made her involuntarily betray a flicker of fear.

Yunxian recalled Su Xiaoxiao’s earlier words and thus refrained from telling her, “If Xiyue truly intended to harm you, she wouldn’t have placed this charm on you.”

Su Xiaoxiao was escorted back to rest by Yunxian, but Gu Yan, who hadn’t returned with them, found herself in quite a predicament.

Yunli surrounded her with magical artifacts, and even Xilin joined the fray, both looking as if they intended to flay Gu Yan alive.

“You live in the same courtyard as Su Xiaoxiao. I refuse to believe you heard nothing,” Yunli demanded coldly.

Gu Yan remained silent.

Xilin chimed in, “You harbor ill intentions. You claim to be bringing Young Miss Xiaoxiao back, but your true purpose is to spy on our Mermaid Clan and seize the opportunity to abduct Young Miss Xiaoxiao again, isn’t it?”

One might say she was indeed the esteemed little princess of Shanghua Heaven, the child of the Dragon Clan’s Weili and the Mermaid Clan’s brave and resourceful War God, Yunmao; her intellect was so keen that she saw through Gu Yan’s thoughts with ease.

“Xiaoxiao doesn’t bother with you because she’s kind-hearted and too naive. She trusted your few words and allowed you to stay in the Mermaid Clan.”

Yunli threatened with a chilling voice, “If you continue to side with Xiyue like this, I will make sure you are thrown out of the Mermaid Clan.”

She then declared sharply, “Even if Xiaoxiao pleads for you, it will be useless.”

Gu Yan finally understood the true meaning of being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Xiyue found her incompetent, while the Mermaid Clan saw her as a fickle opportunist, swaying whichever way the wind blew.

‘If only I had known, I never would have agreed to Xiyue’s request in the first place!’ Gu Yan thought.

Gu Yan, chastened, behaved meekly and spoke politely to Yunfa. “I understand…”

****

Three more days passed, and Xiyue never appeared.

The Nine Provinces were in utter chaos. The entire Bird Clan, save for women and children, had been invaded by the Demon and Devil Clans.

Rumors claimed Xiyue had completely succumbed to madness, her actions growing increasingly ruthless.

It was common knowledge that the Bird Clan were mere lackeys of the Immortal Clan, often doing their bidding. Xiyue’s treatment of the Bird Clan was a blatant slap in Weili’s face.

While such turmoil raged outside, the Mermaid Clan, protected by their barrier and further restricted by Clan Leader Yunxiao’s recent decree prohibiting their people from venturing into the world, remained a veritable paradise, untouched by any conflict.

The Clan Leader and the elders were naturally aware of the outside situation. Weili had even dispatched a messenger with a letter for Yunfa.

Yet Yunfa, without even glancing at the letter, dismissed the messenger.

They naturally understood Weili’s intentions, but feigned ignorance, never relaying these matters to the merfolk under their care.

But while the other merfolk were unaware, Su Xiaoxiao, who might go into labor any day now, was even more completely in the dark.