Chapter 87: The Stone That Mends the Heavens

Flames are merciless, burning with a pain so sharp it stings the soul. Ning Xianyu summoned her spiritual power to protect herself, but it took her a long, frantic effort before she succeeded. By the time she finally managed to shield herself, she was left wearing nothing but her undergarments and trousers, her entire body blackened with soot.

Bare-shouldered, Ning Xianyu glared at the Demon Lord. In such a perilous situation, not only did he refuse to help her, he even kicked her downward—how could any human do such a thing?

"I think the two of us have been deceived. After all, you're here as well."

Hmph. For someone of the Demon Lord's age to be tricked—what a disgrace.

"Heh. Do you think I didn’t see through his true nature?" Xuan Yuan Tunhan was utterly unconcerned, his whiskers curled in disdain as he looked down on her.

"If you saw through it, why didn’t you tell me?" Ning Xianyu was furious. She hoisted him up by the scruff. "I’ve followed you for so long—if not for merit, at least for my hard work!"

Xuan Yuan Tunhan swatted her face with a claw. "Enough nonsense. Hurry after him—bring back that stone."

Ning Xianyu sat on her leaf boat, refusing to chase after him.

"What’s the point? It's just a stone."

She wasn’t about to go; it was merely a stone, troublesome and exhausting, so why bother?

Xuan Yuan Tunhan pointed at her, ordering her to pursue, even bounced on her head, but she remained unmoved.

"Are you looking to die?"

This woman had always been obedient, always did as she was told, never openly defied his commands. Now, seeing her act like this, he was momentarily unsure whether to strangle her first or ask if she’d lost her mind.

Ning Xianyu snorted, "First tell me what the Starstone is for, why it's so important to you all. Otherwise, I won’t budge."

She’d already noticed that the Demon Lord couldn't reveal his true form here, nor use his spiritual power; otherwise, he would have acted himself long ago. Clearly, he wanted that stone, though he’d pretended indifference while she begged and pleaded, making herself look foolish—and now he’d tasked her with retrieving it.

Ning Xianyu felt terribly wronged, working through all the dirty and tiring chores, yet understanding nothing. She still didn’t know the true purpose of that stone.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan was stunned; this was the first time he’d seen her throw a tantrum. For a moment, he was at a loss.

Ning Xianyu sprawled out on the leaf, basking in the sun, savoring the gentle sway of the sea. It felt wonderful, safe, comfortable—like sleeping in her mother’s womb.

The sun wasn’t too harsh, and the humidity was just right—a perfect day for a nap.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan roared, "Will you go or not?"

"No. You might as well kill me."

Heh—without her, let’s see how the Demon Lord, in his feline form, would paddle his way back.

The Demon Lord fell silent for a while, then suddenly spoke, "That stone is a material for the Sky-Mending Stone."

What?

Ning Xianyu suddenly sat up. "The Sky-Mending Stone?"

The same kind used by Lady Nuwa?

The Demon Lord, of course, knew nothing of Nuwa; in the creation myths of this world, things were told differently. He merely explained, "That is the Sky-Mending Stone, imbued with divine power. Although it is just a fragment, its strength is subtle but indispensable."

He hadn’t spoken the whole truth, but Ning Xianyu caught the implication. That is to say, one day all the Sky-Mending Stones would be needed.

They intend to mend the sky?

She looked up, but saw no sign that the sky was damaged. Wasn’t it perfectly fine?

Why mend it?

Or perhaps the sky of this world would eventually collapse, necessitating repairs?

Ning Xianyu felt the plot veering farther and farther from what she’d learned from the system—the story was now entirely different.

She scratched her head. "So the stone must be recovered?"

Xuan Yuan Tunhan gritted his teeth and said yes.

Ning Xianyu pressed further, "If I bring back the stone, will you promise me one thing?"

"You dare bargain with me?"

Xuan Yuan Tunhan was nearly grinding his teeth to dust. This woman dared to negotiate with him—how bold she was.

Ning Xianyu laughed, "Of course I will. If you refuse, then kill me now."

Now that she knew the stone was so important, she had all the more reason to seize the opportunity to make demands—not asking would be foolish.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan snapped, "Speak."

Ning Xianyu grinned, "My condition is: no matter what I do, you must never kill me, never torture me, never lay a hand on me."

She wanted this talisman for her life; otherwise, living day to day under threat was simply too exhausting.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan was taken aback again. "Just that?"

"Just—just that. Oh, and you must guarantee I live well."

Hearing him say "just that," Ning Xianyu felt she’d asked for too little. She really was too kind, never demanding a high price even when bargaining.

She thought of adding more, but Xuan Yuan Tunhan suddenly said, "Fine. I swear upon my honor: I will never kill you, never torture you, and guarantee your survival."

He extended his right forepaw, indicating she should do the same.

Ning Xianyu was already regretting not asking for more, but since he’d made his oath, she had no choice but to reach her hand forward.

Hand and paw pressed together, a charm formed from spiritual power appeared above them, floated for a moment, then dropped and disappeared.

"The oath is sealed. You need not worry," Xuan Yuan Tunhan withdrew his paw and regarded her coldly. This woman likely didn’t understand; she still had her uses, and he would certainly not kill her.

Ning Xianyu glanced at her hand, still unable to believe she’d acquired her life-saving talisman so easily.

Wonderful—now she need never fear for her life again.

She wiped her hand on her trousers, then produced a set of robes and dressed herself.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan barked, "Aren’t you going to chase after him?"

Was this woman about to break her word?

Ning Xianyu told him not to rush. Once she finished dressing, she extended her palm once more, then suddenly exerted her strength.

Under Xuan Yuan Tunhan’s astonished gaze, a stone appeared out of thin air in her hand.

The stone was ugly, striving to shine but unable to conceal its homeliness.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan looked at the stone, then at her.

"You—you…"

Was this the Starstone? Had it always been in this woman’s possession?

Ning Xianyu laughed, "Heh, did you really think I was a fool, unable to notice Xiao Huai’s odd behavior?"

She explained smugly that she’d sensed something off about Xiao Huai from the beginning. He was too good—polite, obedient, capable, kind to her. While such perfect people might exist, the odds of encountering one were slim.

Moreover, Xiao Huai had led her along the way to find the Starstone, far more anxious and eager than she was. Yet he claimed he had no desire for the Starstone, only wished to bring it to Elder Bu Jiao for her happiness.

But his anxiety exceeded what such motives would warrant.

At that time, Ning Xianyu sensed he was up to something, his determination for the Starstone far stronger than hers.

"So, I handed over a stone I’d found before. This is the one I kept back. Look—is this the Starstone?"

She felt she was truly clever—surely the Demon Lord ought to praise her.

But Xuan Yuan Tunhan was already grinding his teeth.

He had lived over a hundred thousand years, and yet he’d been deceived by a woman?