"Are you really prepared for the repercussions?" The woman’s eyes seemed to pierce through Shenlian Yingyue’s thoughts as she spoke, a playful tone lacing her words.
"Of course I’m concerned about the repercussions. But that doesn’t mean I won’t face them head-on," Shenlian Yingyue replied, shaking her head lightly.
"What does that mean?" The woman’s smile widened, curiosity sparking in her expression.
"It means there’s no such thing as a free gift in this world. The moment I decide to take even a few treasures, I know I’ll have to deal with the consequences. I accept that and am ready for whatever comes. I may take a few, but I believe my current strength can handle them," Shenlian Yingyue explained cautiously after a moment’s reflection.
The woman looked taken aback. What kind of reasoning was this?
"How can you be so certain that taking less will lead to facing less hardship? Doesn’t that imply a certain timidity on your part?" the woman pressed further.
The question could have been seen as an insult in another context, but no one perceived it as such when it came from her.
For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, Shenlian Yingyue sensed genuine curiosity behind the question. She responded with patience, "One must appreciate what they receive and avoid overestimating their own capabilities. Understanding when to advance and when to pull back isn’t cowardice; it’s wisdom. It reflects an awareness of the responsibilities that accompany every choice we make."
In essence, she wasn’t afraid of struggle; she simply knew when to hold back and recognized her limits.
"Greed rarely leads to a favorable outcome. If I am able to take something, I will. However, if I cannot, I am not afraid to let it go. I’ve never pursued things that aren’t rightfully mine. I am willing to fight for what matters, fully aware of the consequences, but I will never forcefully seize that which isn’t meant for me." Her gaze lingered on the treasures illuminating the space around her—the radiant martial arts scrolls and mythical weapons, all glowing enticingly. She spoke with conviction.
The woman’s eyes flickered with appreciation.
"Allow me to pose one final question: if the time ever comes when you must steal or battle for the precious belongings of others in order to save the lives of those you care about, would you still engage in that struggle, regardless of moral considerations?" The woman’s heart felt a twinge of uncertainty.
"If you were in my situation, what would you do, Senior?" Shenlian Yingyue replied with a soft smile. She looked affectionately at her companions nearby, diligently gathering spiritual herbs from the damp soil.
Every so often, they glanced in her direction, anxious not to lose sight of her. And each time, they would return her gaze with warm, joyful smiles.
Even the most stoic and seemingly unfeeling among them couldn’t help but soften their expressions like ice melting in the warmth of spring when they laid eyes on her.
"Senior, perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding, but I assure you, I’m not a virtuous person."
The women followed Shenlian Yingyue’s gaze and turned back to her, puzzled by the enigmatic look on her face. In that moment, the answer became clear.
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It was a snowy day today. Who says that life in the Demon Realm lacks vibrancy every single day? Even here, there’s a season for snow.
The snow itself bore a unique hue, occasionally shimmering with an ethereal blue and gray glow. The chill in the air was palpable.
Shen Anshuang found herself beneath a plum blossom tree, its branches weighed down by a delicate layer of snow. With one slender hand, she reached out to feel the cold crystals, while in her other hand, she held a luminous Fire Lily—an offering from Shenlian Yingyue to warm her body.

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