Chapter Two: Dreams Return to the Distant Shore, Memories Unforgotten

When the old man spoke, two streaks of crimson instantly appeared on the boy’s cheeks. The corners of his lips lifted in a slight, captivating smile, so dazzling that the watching girl’s heart fluttered like a startled fawn. Overcome by a budding shyness, she lowered her head, innocence coloring her every gesture. The air brimmed with the sweet scent of mutual affection.

The old man observed all of this, his keen eyes missing nothing as he pondered to himself: “It seems that Yu Shang has completely won my granddaughter’s heart. I fear she will never marry another in this life. When Ying’er was in danger, he risked his life to save her, proving the depth of his feelings. Most importantly, he is the heir to one of the three great powers of the Netherworld. Though he has no family elders to support him, the secret arts his parents bestowed upon him before they shattered the void and departed for that unknown world are boundless in their potential. If I can draw him to my side and place him under my control, the Blood Ink Clan’s rule over the Netherworld and the unification of heaven and earth will be within reach! Truly, this is a plan that promises double rewards.”

Thus, a world-shaking scheme, honeyed words concealing a dagger, was set into motion.

His mind made up, the old man’s face blossomed with a benevolent smile as he turned to the boy and said kindly, “Yu Shang, what do you think of my Ying’er? Would you accept her as your betrothed?”

“Grandfather…” the girl protested, stamping her dainty foot. Her flawless face flushed a deeper red, her beauty incomparable.

“Yes!” the boy replied with crisp certainty, not a hint of hesitation in his voice.

“And what about you, Ying’er? If you refuse, I shall never speak of this matter again,” the old man said, smiling gently at his granddaughter, his expression full of love and pride.

“I leave everything to grandfather,” the girl replied, and with that, she turned and darted away, vanishing from sight.

The old man chuckled heartily. “See, the child is shy. The engagement is settled. From this moment, my Ying’er is your bride-to-be, Yu Shang. You must cherish her dearly and never betray her unwavering devotion to you.” Though the matter was entwined with the fate and interests of the family, the old man still longed for his beloved granddaughter to find true happiness.

“I will love and protect Ying’er with all that I am, never letting harm touch her. She will always be the woman Yu Shang loves most in this life!” The solemn vow was like an unbreakable chain, binding their destinies together for all time.

“Remember every word you’ve spoken today. If you ever break your promise, I, Lingyun, will not forgive you! Now, your injuries are nearly healed. You should return to Soulshade Residence and recover fully. Though you and Ying’er are now engaged, it would not do for you to remain under the same roof, lest others gossip.” With those words, the old man turned and walked toward the inner courtyard, while Yu Shang departed as silently as the wind.

A gentle knock echoed at Ling Huanying’s door. Opening it, she was surprised to see her grandfather.

“Grandfather, please come in. What brings you here?” she asked, waving her hand as Lingyun entered. Instantly, a barrier rose, sealing the room from the outside world.

Lingyun did not answer immediately. Instead, he sat down, took up a teacup, and sipped quietly. Sensing his intention, the clever Ying’er said, “Shui’er, you may go.” A strange, soft sound came from beside the bed; a nearly transparent little creature made the noise, then vanished.

“What is it you want to discuss, grandfather? And with such secrecy?” the girl asked with a smile.

“Ying’er, you are a clever child. You always see through my thoughts and plans, so I’ll speak plainly. I need your help with something,” he said, his usual kindly demeanor giving way to gravity.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Control Yu Shang and steal the secret arts,” he whispered, his voice quiet but resolute.

“What?” she replied in confusion.

His voice trembled as he spoke, “The Blood Ink Clan must never bow before others. For the sake of our family’s future, you must make this sacrifice, child.”

“But I am to marry Yu Shang. Would it not be better to persuade him to offer the secret arts to you willingly?” she argued.

“You don’t understand men, child. No man would hand over his power for a woman he already possesses. Especially not a man as ambitious as Yu Shang!” The old man’s words pierced her heart like needles, filling her with suffocating pain.

As she opened her mouth to protest, he cut her off. “No more hesitation. Do you wish to see the tragedy of years past repeated?”

“Very well, I agree,” she sobbed, memories of the past flooding her, her tears flowing freely.

The azure sky, adorned with white clouds, the green grass dotted with vibrant flowers, and butterflies fluttering by—such beauty surrounded her, yet Ying’er’s heart was shrouded in gloom and sorrow. Heavy with regret, she made her way toward Soulshade Residence.

All roads must end. However reluctant or unwilling, what must come will come. Even if one flees today and hides tomorrow, eventually, one must face the inevitable.

At the door, Ying’er forced a bright smile, pushing away her melancholy. As she walked, she called out, “Yu Shang… Yu Shang… Where are you?” She searched everywhere, but the boy was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, her eyes were drawn to a painting on the table. The subject was herself, but she was not smiling; her brows were furrowed in confusion and loss. Beside the painting, lines of poetry were inscribed. She recited them softly:

“She is enraptured—yet for whom does she adorn herself in red?
She weeps—yet for whom does she sing of sorrow?
She gazes—yet for whom does she yearn?
She grieves—yet for whom does she show tenderness?
Her sadness, my secret pain.
May I ask, why is she so lost?”

As she read, tears welled up and spilled down her face.

“Who made my future bride cry? That deserves a punishment,” a voice teased, warm with affection.

“You’re impossible! I’m not your bride,” she replied, laughing through her tears.

“Silly girl, crying and laughing all at once.” The boy wrapped her in his arms, holding her close. “You haven’t come to see me for days. Did something happen?”

“Nothing. I just didn’t want to disturb you while you were healing and practicing. Isn’t it good I didn’t come to bother you? Now you can finally rest in peace—free of me, hmph!”

“That’s true! It has been wonderfully quiet these days. I quite enjoyed it,” he teased with a mischievous grin.

The girl pouted, her lips turning rosy. “So you finally admit it!” She tried to wriggle out of his embrace.

“I was only joking. Without you, how could I ever feel at ease, ever live in peace?” He held her even tighter, as though he feared she might vanish.

“I feel the same. I never want to leave you—not in this life, or any other. I want to be by your side, always.”

In that moment, their eyes and hearts held only each other. They wished never to awaken from the world they shared.

[Author’s Note: The word “Zhu”—on Mars, pronounced zhu (third tone), on Earth, pronounced wang (third tone) zhu (fourth tone). Many readers wonder why I chose such a rare character for the novel’s title. In fact, “Zhu” is an ancient variant of “Wang,” meaning “to go” or “to pass.” The protagonist is trapped in the feelings of the past, unable to let go, resulting in a tragic end. Ming Ying is the same; though she’s told herself to move on many times, she remains circling in place. But unlike the protagonist, Ming Ying does not wish for a tragic fate, to live with regret forever. Thus, “Zhu” serves as a personal admonition: to let go. It also stands as a title for the protagonist’s supremacy after conquering the world. May those, like Ming Ying, who are ensnared by the past, also find it in themselves to let go and begin anew.]