42 Vows Beneath the Willow, Vows Under the Moon (1/2)

Li Wei was awfully silent for a while.

Perhaps in this encounter, it was because she was his daughter. Even if he finds out... She feels everything will still be okay. Because of their relationship, she was not afraid of him as others would be.

With a resolute tone, she bravely asked the question she was most afraid of. ”Father, have you heard of turning back time?”

Yue Shangwu was happily surprised she wanted to know. Even if his best disciple Song Yishan asked, he would simply ignored it. But this, she was his daughter. ”It's not entirely impossible, but like all dark sorcery, there is a heavy price attached.”

”If, imagine if you learn about my identity after I've died from poison. What would be your first reaction?”

His child was murdered? Her life cruelly ended before she really began living? He grimaced from the horrifying scenario.

Yue Shangwu was blessed from his birth with the mark completed on his skin. He bore the full mark of the moon as soon as he was given life.

In his teens, he became the most powerful sorcerer his family ever witnessed. If Yue Biya wanted to practice magic, he would openly accept her as his second disciple. ”Child, so you are interested in magic. Afterall, you're my daughter.”

Yue Shangwu laughed loudly in satisfaction. He couldn't tell if she resembled him in appearance, but they shared at least one interest so far. His mood was good, so he decided to tell a story. ”Before you were born, an old friend said I would one day reset the universe. I didn't dare defy his vision, but you know what I said? For my child, no price is too high. Even at the cost of my life, I'm willing.”

”The one who turned against the orders of the heavens will receive retribution soon. That's to say, if it's not yet occurred.” Warnings of the High Priest filled her head. Reversing time was against the flow of life. An enchantment of black magic...

Li Wei felt as if she was struck by lightning. Her father loved her so deeply. Even after being separated for her whole life, he still won't hesitate to gamble against the odds on a second chance for her.

To pay with his life... His response held such sincerity and selflessness that she quickly spoke, as if confessing to a crime. ”Father, I am here today because of you. And you, you're now blind because of me...”

”What are you saying, child? Why are you crying?”

Li Wei searched for his hand. She trembled from the immense pain coarsing through her body. This life, she owe it to her father. ”I... I've already died once.”

With that one line, Yue Shangwu understood the words she left unspoken. His old friend, the High Priest's insight came true. If this was Chu Biya's second life, then blindness must be a result of his defiance.

Yue Shangwu held her hand in comfort. Even so, what can be compared to seeing his daughter safe and sound? He patted her hand in assurance. ”It's alright, Biya. To have you here is worth more than anything else.”

”F-father...” Li Wei felt such strong gratitude for her father's kindness there was no words befitting of her feelings. In the comfort of his presence, tears of relief came streaming down-- a mixture of sadness, joy, and bitterness.

During their conversation, her father had uttered no words of anger or blame, only words of encouragement and support. In all her life, she never knew such an amazing feeling existed.

To suddenly find out she had a father who loved her, it was the equal of taking flight from the clouds into the air in the most beautiful world. No matter how high off, the landing would undeniably be soft. He would be waiting for her with open arms, even if she came crashing down.

. . .

Yue Shangwu sat by the window sill of the guest room. Song Yishan had gone to sleep. That young lass was still simple minded and naive. With a full stomach and a comfortable bed, he was instantly gone.

At once, Yue Shangwu drank the jug of rice wine in his hands. To die of poison... Her cold eyes told him she led a miserable life full of regrets. He didn't know the specifics of her previous life, but he knew more than enough.