Chapter 106: Truly Without Remorse?

“At last, we meet again,” Gu Qianyan said. “Three thousand nine hundred and ninety-six days.”

Xu Nuo gazed up in bewilderment.

Gu Qianyan continued, “It has been three thousand nine hundred and ninety-six days since you left that day.”

“You—you remember so precisely?” Xu Nuo tried to muddle through with a habitual laugh, but Gu Qianyan’s expression was so serious it was almost frightening.

“Sister Xu.”

Hearing that familiar address, Xu Nuo was stunned.

“You said you came for me, that once you ascended to the higher realm, I could go in search of you.”

“You lied to me.”

Xu Nuo swallowed, her throat feeling painfully blocked. “Little Lu?”

“Yes.” Suddenly, Gu Qianyan hugged Xu Nuo tightly, arms wrapped firmly around her waist, rubbing his face affectionately against her shoulder. “I followed your instructions and have been diligently cultivating.”

Xu Nuo dared not ask: And then?

“I finally succeeded, but you weren’t in the higher realm.”

Gu Qianyan spoke lightly, “I went to the Underworld again, seeking the Lord of Reincarnation who supposedly governs the Six Paths, but couldn’t find your soul. I returned to the mortal world, a thousand years have passed, and I found not a trace of you. It’s as if you never existed.”

The more Xu Nuo listened, the more alarmed she became, and the arms around her tightened even more.

“After that, do you know where I went?”

Gu Qianyan rested his arm on her shoulder, his breath brushing her ear, creating the illusion of lovers whispering.

Xu Nuo didn’t answer, stiff in his embrace. Gu Qianyan didn’t expect her to reply. He continued, “I entered the cycle of reincarnation. Vast are the stars and endless the worlds. I searched for you for a long time.”

“I never found you, but by chance, I arrived in a strange world where its people seemed poisoned, their minds lost, most turning into flesh-eating corpses.”

Xu Nuo’s heart lurched; if her guess was correct, that must have been the first holographic game world she entered.

“There, people said they had seen you,” Gu Qianyan recalled, “and said I looked like an old acquaintance.”

That world was unlike anything Gu Qianyan had known. The ruins and broken walls still hinted at a civilization once powerful.

He met two men considered strong in that world, and they were searching for someone as well.

“Coincidentally, the woman they sought was named Xu Nuo.”

When he first met them, they mistook him for someone named Gu Xingze.

A man named Sheng Ming said, “Although you don’t look particularly like that Gu kid, you feel exactly the same.”

“What a coincidence, were you deceived by that Xu Nuo woman as well?”

“Believe it or not, I’ve already died once.”

“She won’t come back this time.”

“She’s a thorough liar.”

“Only Gu Xingze, that fool, believed her words and went off somewhere to find her.”

In that world, Gu Qianyan found some information about Xu Nuo. Though he still couldn’t locate her, even this was a great relief.

He visited the camp where she once lived; it was well protected, tended by many servants. The yard was lush with vegetables and flowers, Xu Nuo’s style. The rooms remained tidy, as if someone still lived there, but Gu Qianyan knew she would not return.

Leaving that world, Gu Qianyan entered a new one, utterly different from normal reality. He was trapped like a puppet, forced to relive fragments of memories and scenes, manipulated by unknown hands.

Lost in confusion for a long time, forced to witness scenes blending his memories with unfamiliar images, he was like a marionette.

Until… he heard a familiar voice and recalled some forgotten memories.

“I finally found you.”

“Sister, do you feel even the slightest guilt for deceiving me?”

Xu Nuo woke with a jolt.

The night wind blew through the cracked window. She didn’t know how long she’d slept at her desk; the computer screen still glowed with the starry sky.

Xu Nuo remained dazed, unable to distinguish whether what she’d just experienced was a dream or reality. She had met Lu Ciyuan, who had ascended, broken through space and dimensions just to find her.

She shivered.

“Hiss...” Xu Nuo rubbed her arm, feeling the goosebumps. Luckily, it was only a dream.

She shook her head hard to scatter the remnants of that dream.

She had never considered the possibility of a character she’d conquered seeking her out; it could only be a dream. Should she feel guilty? It was just a game, and besides, she hadn’t really lied to Lu Ciyuan—she only encouraged him to cultivate and become the ultimate hero. Now that he had ascended, why not enjoy his newfound power, instead of invading her dreams?

“A dream, yes, just a dream,” Xu Nuo reassured herself, then asked the digital assistant 007 on her screen, “Little Seven, what has Gu Qianyan been doing while I was asleep?”

007 answered sweetly, “Reporting to master, he has been engaged in AI simulated combat.”

The cute features drawn in simple lines and colors could hardly convey subtle expression. The slight tremor in 007’s voice went unnoticed by Xu Nuo.

She showered, washing away her exhaustion. Daylight broke, a sliver of light illuminating the lush green leaves outside her window.

How long had it been since she’d gone out? Staying cooped up with her phone and computer was enough to wear anyone’s heart thin. Xu Nuo changed clothes and decided to get some air, reconnecting with nature.

“It’s rare indeed, Sister Xu actually going out on her own.”

Her assistant, a sweet girl about Xu Nuo’s age, always got along with her in a relaxed, easy manner.

Xu Nuo yawned, cradling a fragrant cup of soy milk and sipping lazily, “Xiao Huan, I was exhausted last night.”

The official’s intervention to break game balance caused quite a stir last night. Thankfully, Xu Nuo’s decisive actions resolved most of it, proving her skill. The rest was now in the hands of the authorities.

After such a long live stream, even Xu Nuo would feel worn out. Xiao Huan said, “Sister Xu, you’ve been working so hard. Take some time to rest.”

“You’re absolutely right.” Xu Nuo nodded in agreement.

“Huh?” Now Xiao Huan believed Xu Nuo was truly exhausted. Xu Nuo was a workaholic, formerly willing to sacrifice health for money, now still pushing herself until she ended up in the hospital. She’d never proactively suggested taking a break.

“Where do you want to go? I’ll arrange a tour group for you…”

Xu Nuo shook her head, “No need.”

Assistant: “Then I’ll accompany you.”

“I’m heading to Country K,” Xu Nuo said. “Help me get a visa as soon as possible.”

Hearing this, the assistant realized this wasn’t for relaxation—this was Xu Nuo back to her old ways. Despite her protests, Xu Nuo was determined to change her environment and mood.

Assistant: “What about the live stream?”

“I’ll finish the required hours before I leave.”

The account had been modified by the authorities. Xu Nuo now used an account gifted by a fan—after the recent events, the original owner admired Xu Nuo and, to make amends, gave her the account.

The dream only happened once. Using the new account to control Gu Qianyan, Xu Nuo felt a subtle sense of detachment, as though she’d distanced herself from past troubles.

Nothing else happened in those days; life continued peacefully as usual.

Once her live stream hours were complete, the visa arrived.

On the day she left, Xiao Huan clung to Xu Nuo’s hand, offering heartfelt reminders, and, not trusting her, handed over a comprehensive law book as a precaution.

Xu Nuo smiled wryly, “Relax, things are different now. I’m not about to commit any crimes.”

Xiao Huan replied, “I just worry you’ll go back to your old ways.”

Her concern was not groundless. Xu Nuo was an orphan, often destitute. A few years ago, she was tricked into joining an illegal organization in Country K, almost forced into mercenary work. She was still a minor then, skilled but small and frail, so the organization assigned her only simple tasks like poaching and transporting goods.

Once, during a poaching mission, she escaped and spent half a month in the forest. No one knew how she survived, but when she emerged, the organization had been wiped out and she returned safely home.

For most people, such memories would be a darkness never to revisit, but Xu Nuo was no ordinary person. When bored, she liked to visit Country K, reconnect with “old friends,” and seek thrills in legal hunting grounds.

“I’ve arrived at the airport, come pick me up.”

After landing, she called her old friend.

The man hesitated, then replied in the local language, “I advise you not to come.”

“Why?” Xu Nuo frowned. “Not welcome anymore?”

He forced a few laughs, “No, I mean, it’s not the right season for tourism—the scenery isn’t at its best.”

“I’m not here for the scenery,” Xu Nuo said. “Arrange lodging and meals for me immediately. Thanks.”

The call ended abruptly, not giving her a chance to refuse. The middle-aged man sighed, “Xu, you’re the most troublesome woman I’ve ever met.”

Alone in a foreign land, Xu Nuo easily got a car and went to her usual spot. Her old friend had indeed reserved her a room.

It was already evening. The waiter brought dinner but didn’t leave immediately.

“Oh, I forgot to tip you,” Xu Nuo said, handing him some local currency. “Thank you for your service.”

The waiter, now smiling, enthusiastically described the local specialties and urged her to try them.

“I’m sure I’ll like them,” Xu Nuo replied, though after a long flight she had little appetite. She habitually opened her phone; the network was slow in Country K and it took ages to load her game.

“Why am I opening the game again?” Xu Nuo sighed, feeling weary. She had left the country to get away from Gu Qianyan.

Throwing her phone aside, Xu Nuo decided to nap and adjust to the time zone.

Half-awake, she heard faint noises in the room—footsteps, and the crackle of electric voices speaking in heavily accented local dialect. Xu Nuo strained to understand.

“Has she passed out?”

“Yes, she’s out cold. Should we act now?”

“Do it quick, and make sure to clean up any food scraps.”

“Yes, boss.”

Only two had entered—a fat one and a thin one. They searched the room thoroughly, especially her luggage.

But their tone was disappointed.

“Weren’t tourists from Flower Country supposed to be rich? This woman has nothing! Just a few bills—did she come here as a refugee?”

“No laptop, my god.”

“Just a few clothes.”

“Maybe the clothes are designer. If there’s nothing else, stealing the clothes for some cash is fine.”

Seeing that the woman slept deeply and finding no valuables, the two grew more impatient, their actions increasingly careless.

“Wait, I found her phone. They say people from Flower Country don’t carry cash—all their money’s in their phone.”

The thin one grew excited. “Let’s open it quick.”

The phone had no lock, making it easy for them to access, but they only saw a refined screen without an exit button.

“Where’s the money?”

“What app is this? Why won’t it exit?”

“Looks like a game, brother.”

The two thieves fiddled with the phone, unable to find an exit. Xu Nuo’s patience was wearing thin. Just as she prepared to subdue the pair, they suddenly screamed in terror.

“Ahhh!!”

“Sadako?!”

“A ghost! Don’t come near!”

Lights in the adjacent rooms flickered on. With such volume, it would be unreasonable if Xu Nuo didn’t wake. She threw off the covers, catching the phone as one thief flung it away.

“Ghost—ghost!” they stammered.

“What ghost?” Xu Nuo looked at her phone; it was displaying the game as usual, Gu Qianyan standing beneath a starry sky. The two on the floor were terrified, but hardly worth subduing.

“There’s a ghost in your phone!”

They babbled, claiming the phone was possessed, that a Sadako-like ghost would crawl out.

Security soon arrived and dragged them off to the police station. Even there, they insisted they’d seen a ghost in the phone.

“Perhaps they’ve never seen such a game. It’s just a character, not a ghost.” Xu Nuo, as the victim, went to the police station and shared a silent glance with the officers.

“Ahem…” an officer laughed awkwardly, “It’s possible they have some mental issues. We’ve contacted the local psychiatric hospital.”

The police couldn’t shake their conviction, and even as the hospital van took them away, they insisted they’d seen a ghost.

“Maybe they're pretending to be insane to escape prosecution,” Xu Nuo remarked to her old friend.

He chuckled dryly, “Haha, perhaps. But who’s so stupid as to mistake a game character for a ghost?”

The matter seemed to pass just like that.

Xu Nuo and her old friend continued to chat. He was the one who had introduced her to Country K years ago and inadvertently caused her to be sold to the criminal organization.

Back then, he wasn’t the main culprit and wasn’t fully aware of the situation. With good remorse, a wealthy background, and a confession, he served only two years in prison.

Afterward, he and Xu Nuo remained “friends.” Out of guilt, he always provided her with the best arrangements whenever she visited, and Xu Nuo never hesitated to accept. Who knew how long she’d stay this time—he wished she’d never return.

“Old Liu, you don’t seem very enthusiastic today,” Xu Nuo teased.

The middle-aged man dubbed “Old Liu” wiped sweat from his brow, “I haven’t been sleeping well lately. Just can’t get excited.”

“Even now?”

They were on a cruise, with champagne, sunshine, and young, handsome men—a lively scene.

Old Liu thought, all men, not a single pretty woman. In his mind, Xu Nuo wasn’t a woman, but a top-tier dangerous person. How could he be interested?

“Well, men get tired with age.” Xu Nuo finished her drink, and a handsome young attendant quickly refilled it.

Not just wine; he massaged her shoulders and back, serving her comfortably. Xu Nuo closed her eyes in contentment. This was life. Truly, when people are tired, they overthink, and pressure breeds dreams. Gu Qianyan was just a game character—how could he possibly be Gu Xingze or Lu Ciyuan, let alone come to the modern world to find her?

She was scaring herself, exhausting herself.

She didn’t notice her phone screen light up.

Old Liu reminded her, “Sister Xu, your phone's ringing.”

“Hm?” Xu Nuo lazily lifted her eyelids. The handsome attendant handed her the phone. Xu Nuo glanced at the screen—it wasn’t anything important; her assistant wouldn’t disturb her without cause. It was just a game notification.

She tapped it casually, and suddenly met those familiar eyes.

Gu Qianyan stood in misty white robes, his gaze deep and forlorn, lips pressed tightly, staring straight at her, as if accusing something.

No wonder those two foolish thieves thought they'd seen a ghost. Seeing that face at night would frighten anyone.

“Damn.” Xu Nuo quickly turned off the screen. What was the official doing? She was enjoying her vacation, and almost got scared to death.

“Put my phone further away.”

“Yes, Miss Xu.”

“Carry on, keep massaging my right shoulder,” Xu Nuo closed her eyes, trying to push aside other emotions, letting herself sink back into enjoyment. Unconsciously, she drifted into sleep again.

A boundless white void, not entirely empty, with clouds beneath her feet rolling like waves. Xu Nuo steadied herself; she was very lucid—this was a dream.

“Gu Qianyan?”

She tentatively called his name.

“I thought you’d never want to see me again,” the voice echoed.

“I knew it, it’s you again,” Xu Nuo sighed and sat down. “Why do I keep dreaming about you lately?”

Gu Qianyan’s tone rose with anger, “You think this is just a dream?”

“Mm,” Xu Nuo nodded, unburdened, talking to herself. “Is it my subconscious guilt for deceiving them, a sense of remorse?”

“Are you truly free of guilt?” Gu Qianyan’s relaxed fist tightened once more.