Chapter 58: Only a Ghost Would Return the Primordial Core to You

“Forget him? Why? What on earth is going on?” Upon hearing this, Mingxi found herself at a loss for words, unable to describe the tumult of emotions within her.

Mingxi’s meaning was unmistakably clear—she knew precisely who Xiaotong’s biological father was, and she was fully aware of what had transpired between herself and that man.

Yet, Mingxi had deliberately sealed away this memory, leaving Mingxi utterly in the dark.

What exactly happened back then in the beast tribe? Why was she unwilling to let anyone know, not even Mingxi herself?

“I can’t tell you, because it concerns Xiaotong’s safety. I simply cannot reveal it to you… nor to anyone else. So… I’m sorry.”

A flicker of pain appeared across Mingxi’s face, but what shone more brightly was her helplessness.

“I’ve said all I can, and there’s no time to dwell on the past. Listen, Mingxi, perhaps we both find the idea of soul possession absurd, but it has happened, and there’s no escaping it now. I only hope you can take good care of Xiaotong from now on, like a true mother. Can you do that?”

“You can rest assured—I’ll do my best. But… didn’t you think I was just a fox without human feelings?”

Mingxi puckered her lips, a hint of resentment creeping into her voice. So what if she was a fox? Though not human, she wasn’t a heartless beast. How could she be without emotions?

If she truly lacked feelings, would she have suffered heartbreak or even contemplated suicide?

“It’s unfair to say you lack feelings or intelligence, but you must understand this is a human society. If you continue to live by the instincts of a fox, you will inevitably be left behind by this world.”

Though slightly annoyed, Mingxi had to admit the truth in those words. Humans were indeed complex creatures, and it was her naïveté that had led to her and Feng’s demise.

“Then why entrust Xiaotong to me? I’m just a fox, even if I have a human body—I’m still only a fox! And my temperament is poor; I can barely care for myself, let alone…”

“Because I believe in you!” Mingxi interrupted before she could finish her complaint.

Mingxi stood frozen, speechless.

“Because I believe in you, little fox… You can do it! At this point, I cannot stay by Xiaotong’s side, but I hope you can live well in my stead! Moreover…”

Before Mingxi could finish, two shadowy figures suddenly appeared behind her—if Mingxi guessed correctly, they were the Black and White Impermanence.

“Time’s up, Mingxi!” The Black and White Impermanence produced chains and gestured for her to put them on.

“But I haven’t finished explaining everything to her yet. Brother Black and White, can’t you—”

“This isn’t about delaying. You’ve already paid the price of ten years’ delay in reincarnation just by waiting here these past few days. If you overstay your time, we can’t guarantee the King of Hell won’t get furious and deny you rebirth forever!”

Wha—what?!

So Mingxi’s ability to remain here waiting for her had already cost her so much...

“That’s enough, Mingxi! You’ve explained everything clearly! I will take good care of Xiaotong, and I won’t seek out Xiaotong’s father. I will train hard, live well on this continent, and… live out the part of your life that you left behind!”

Mingxi’s lips parted slightly in surprise for a few seconds before she smiled faintly. “Little fox, thank you…”

“No need to thank me. Go in peace! The rest… is up to me now.”

Only when Mingxi watched Mingxi smile and slowly disappear did she finally exhale deeply.

Mingxi, go in peace. The rest… I will take care of.

Yes, the rest… is mine to handle!!

…

Inside the cave, as Xiaotong and Ji Yan struggled, a brilliant light suddenly burst forth from the unconscious Mingxi.

The emerald radiance shone dazzlingly in the dim cave.

“What?!” Ji Yan was stunned. How could this be? Hadn’t she already died? What was happening?!

“Mother!” Xiaotong cried out joyfully as Mingxi’s eyes slowly opened.

Mingxi felt as if she had just awoken from a dream, but the key in her hand reminded her that it was no dream.

This was the price Mingxi had paid by enduring ten years of purgatorial torment in the underworld—she had sacrificed so much just to see her once more!

“Mother! Mother, you’re finally awake! Honestly, if you didn’t get up soon, Xiaotong wouldn’t have held on!”

Seeing Mingxi attempt to rise, Xiaotong hurriedly supported her.

Ji Yan, witnessing Mingxi’s full recovery, nearly exploded with rage.

“You damned thief! Give back the Soul Dan of this snake emperor!” Ji Yan’s fury was beyond words as she lunged at Mingxi with claws outstretched.

“You really don’t understand professional ethics at all. In all my years as a thief, I’ve never heard of one returning stolen goods! Lost means lost, so please, Snake Empress, accept your condolences,” Mingxi said nimbly, rising to her feet. This time, unlike before, her gaze held no trace of fear.

“Nonsense! You stole the Soul Dan of this snake emperor and still have the nerve to talk back? Even if you dissect me, I will take back my Soul Dan!”