The group of cultivators watching this scene had strange expressions on their faces. One of them remarked, "Has anyone else noticed that the relationship between the Emperor and Empress Yaoguang seems to be getting closer?"
They could understand Empress Yaoguang's inner turmoil and complexity. After all, on one hand, there was the immense hatred for the murder of her sister and brother-in-law. On the other hand, she had her sense of justice and what she believed was right.
Because Empress Yaoguang had always followed her heart, she felt that Chu Yang's actions were not wrong. Since there was no wrongdoing, she couldn't bring herself to take action against him. However, her sister and brother-in-law were killed by the Emperor, creating an irreconcilable blood feud. This made Empress Yaoguang's heart deeply conflicted, leading to a subconscious resistance towards the Emperor.
But now, it seemed that the little bit of estrangement in Empress Yaoguang's heart was gradually diminishing.
Watching this, Ye Fan felt numb and extremely conflicted. He realized that things were progressing in ways he hadn't anticipated. He couldn't understand it. Clearly, the Emperor was her enemy, yet instead of seeking revenge, she was growing closer to him?
Had it not been for his reluctance to offend Empress Yaoguang, Ye Fan would have long started cursing. Simultaneously, a terrifying thought arose in his mind. Could it be that Empress Yaoguang, through their interactions, was slowly falling for the Emperor?
One must know, back then, Empress Yaoguang was a naive and pure girl! The hatred between them was already precarious. If they continued interacting this way, it would eventually be completely diluted.
Given enough time, everything could be washed away.
If this continued, it was very likely that the Emperor and Empress Yaoguang would naturally come together.
Ye Fan's mouth twitched uncontrollably.
What did the Emperor have that he didn't? His looks were not superior to his own, and his character was far from outstanding. Yet, one after another, exceptional women seemed to have shown affection for him?
After pondering for a while, Ye Fan speculated, "The hatred between Empress Yaoguang and the Emperor might not just be because of her suppression on the Solar Star and the destruction of her Taiyin body."
"Perhaps there were emotional entanglements between the two that led to love turning into hate, causing them to become complete adversaries."
He was almost certain that Empress Yaoguang must have developed feelings for the Emperor during their interactions. This made Ye Fan grind his teeth in hatred, intensifying his resentment towards the Emperor.
He now fervently hoped that nothing substantial had occurred between the Emperor and Empress Yaoguang; otherwise, he would be utterly devastated.
This was too unbearable!
Ye Fan involuntarily cast his gaze towards Empress Yaoguang.
At this moment, Empress Yaoguang's face showed signs of emotion, as if she were recalling something. Especially as she watched the scenes in the Celestial Emperor's Mirror, she was reminded of her past experiences with the Emperor.
Those warm, touching, and sometimes tragic memories flashed before her eyes.
Empress Yaoguang's expression constantly changed. Sometimes she smiled faintly, other times she looked deeply serious, and occasionally she appeared icy cold.
Finally, Empress Yaoguang sighed and thought coldly to herself, "Perhaps you were sincere with Chu Nannan and Bai Xiaoqi, sharing weal and woe together."
"But with me, you were never genuine, only deceitful and hurtful!"
Despite her harsh words, she had to admit that the Emperor's gentle actions back then had left an indelible impression on her, significantly diluting her hatred.
Moreover, he had managed to deeply enter her heart in the end.
However, why did he later abandon her without explanation, suppressing her on the Solar Star? He never provided an explanation.
No matter how she questioned him, the Emperor remained silent about their past.
Back then, no matter how much she pleaded, the Emperor's face only showed endless indifference.
It was as if she had never touched his heart.
Now, looking back at her experiences with the Emperor, she could feel the Emperor's hidden hypocrisy and exploitation.
Finally having the chance to see the Emperor's past, she hoped to uncover the truth he had always hidden from her.
...
Chu Yang walked ahead with a stoic expression, while behind him followed a cheerful little woman.
It's been more than a month since they started traveling together.
She has long since recovered and looks full of energy.
Ignoring the little woman, Chuyang walked up a mountain peak and looked into the distance.
At the end of this mountain range, not far away, there is a village.
At this moment, dusk was approaching, and smoke from cooking fires curled up into the air.
A sense of earthly warmth hit him, and the weight that had been hanging over Chuyang's heart finally lifted completely.
Fortunately, their journey had been smooth, and they hadn't encountered any demons.
The village ahead wasn't very large. Looking out, he could see the entire village at a glance.
The scenery here was beautiful, with flowers and birdsong. A few small birds could be seen perched on the treetops.
A small creek stretched for miles, connecting the entire village. Under the shade of trees, a few children were playing and laughing.
The houses were neatly lined up in rows.
At this moment, a bright sun hung high in the summer sky, its light shining down on the land.
The sky was blue, clear, and boundless.
It was a refreshing and invigorating sight.
Having left the mortal world many years ago, Chuyang once again felt the closeness of this earthly atmosphere, bringing him a new sense of insight.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of the passage of time.
Without hesitation, Chuyang walked towards the village.
Upon entering the village, he saw children walking together, playing and laughing. On the muddy path, an old man wearing a bamboo hat was leading a strong yellow ox back from the fields.
Those busy in the fields also stopped their work.
It was early evening, the sun was setting, and the sky was tinged with the colors of the sunset.
People were finishing their day's work.
Walking on this dirt path, Chuyang couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.
The scene before him changed.
It was as if he had returned to his childhood village, where he grew up with his parents and little sister.
Back then, he was just like these children, running around and playing.
The faces of his parents, whom he hadn't seen in many years, reappeared before him.
It was as if they were waving at him.
His mother's gentle face seemed to say, "Yang'er, it's time to come home for dinner!"