Chapter 2010 - 2006: Temporary Reprieve
The things the Mysterious Woman spoke of aligned with Ye Fan’s previous thoughts, so he didn’t doubt much, though Ye Fan felt that her descriptions were somewhat glossed over.
"What you said, I no longer want to know. Your words don’t convince me you have repentance. For now, I won’t imprison you, but before the tribulation occurs, you must return to be with Xi He. If you don’t want to comply, I’ll kill you directly without giving you an opportunity to explain anymore," Ye Fan said.
The Mysterious Woman asked curiously, "Don’t you want to continue listening?"
"I’ve already lost interest in what you’re saying. What’s the point in listening? You don’t need to weave any more tales in front of me. From now on, you will not earn my trust, nor do I need to listen to you anymore. You can leave now!" Ye Fan shouted sternly.
The Mysterious Woman seemed a bit relieved, though she was still anxious, and she finally glanced at Ye Fan, saying, "Since you won’t pursue me, can Lan Jing leave with me?"
"Do you think that’s possible? I didn’t ask you about Lan Jing because I know even if I did, you wouldn’t be truthful. Now Lan Jing has nothing to do with you," Ye Fan said. "Earlier, I thought she was your daughter, hence allowing contact between you two. Now it’s proven there’s no relation between you. Do you still expect me to help establish some connection with her? You’re just dreaming!"
"Ye Fan, you’re going back on your word!" The Mysterious Woman said angrily.
Ye Fan replied, "I never promised to return Lan Jing to you or anything like that. You merely assumed I would. In reality, you only used Lan Jing. Regardless of my intentions, I won’t let Lan Jing have contact with you anymore. I don’t want her pure heart shadowed by your darkness. You’ve inflicted too much disaster and harm upon her."
"That’s merely your belief that I’ve harmed her. Actually, I’ve always protected her!" The Mysterious Woman still tried to justify herself.
Ye Fan shook his head and said, "Instead of explaining things here, perhaps you should think about how to face Lan Jing and your future. You needn’t waste effort on Lan Jing anymore. If you don’t leave now, I’ll imprison you. Make your choice!"
Ye Fan’s tone was almost threatening.
The Mysterious Woman, even though resilient, could only be compelled to yield to Ye Fan’s pressures since she couldn’t locate Lan Jing whom Ye Fan had hidden. She thought she had a chance to take Lan Jing based on Ye Fan’s previous willingness for their contact, but now Ye Fan’s clear stance left her powerless.
After speaking, Ye Fan stood there, observing the Mysterious Woman’s silhouette, with a sense of desolation in his heart that stemmed from his uncertainty about future matters.
Ye Fan thought, "I can only help Lan Jing a little now but hope my efforts can provide her protection. I wish for Lan Jing to have a peaceful life in the future. If I can’t achieve this, I’d feel guilty for having this girl who is fundamentally a spirit, not human. Her purity surpasses ordinary humans!"
...
...
After Ye Fan and the Mysterious Woman parted, she headed to Earth’s North Pole to find Xi He per Ye Fan’s command. She also wanted to check if Lan Jing was on Earth, hoping to find a chance to take Lan Jing, but she vaguely knew Ye Fan was monitoring her, making finding Lan Jing impossible. Even if found, Ye Fan had ways to prevent her from taking Lan Jing.
Just as she returned to Earth, she felt some force approaching from behind. Coldly, she asked, "Who?"
"It seems your perception remains sharp, little Mysterious Woman." Someone appeared behind her, the voice causing her nervousness because it turned out to be Nuwa.
The Mysterious Woman observed Nuwa, who appeared graceful with unique female charm. Nuwa took human form, a rare sight for her, more accustomed to seeing Nuwa with serpent-like form.
"Weren’t you imprisoned by Pan Gu and Fu Xi?" The Mysterious Woman queried, slightly confused.
Nuwa said, "You seem concerned whether I’m imprisoned, little Nuwa. Are you a bit conceited? My imprisonment benefits you? Or do you aim to replace me as one of the most outstanding ancient cultivators?"
The Mysterious Woman chose not to respond, knowing angering Nuwa wouldn’t profit her. She said, "Nuwa, if you have any conscience, don’t trouble me. I’ve never harmed you. Your enemies now are Ye Fan, Pan Gu, and Fu Xi. Why target me? What’s your purpose here?"
Nuwa chuckled and said, "You’re curious, aren’t you? Actually, I seek collaboration with you. I know you have ambition, and I do too. But my ambitions are unachievable now, so I choose to help realize yours. You can become dominant in the cultivation world, fulfill your ambitions, and I... can leave with Fu Xi!"
"What are you talking about? I don’t understand!" The Mysterious Woman frowned.
"You don’t need to understand, just follow my instructions. Even Ye Fan wonders about Su Nu’s whereabouts, suspecting you and Xi He but lacking evidence, correct? You’re curious too about Su Nu, but I won’t elaborate much. Follow me, and you can achieve what Su Nu has!" Nuwa stated.
The Mysterious Woman assessed Nuwa, suddenly realizing this woman was extremely dangerous. She wanted to alert Ye Fan for protection, but Nuwa severed her external contacts.
"If you resist, you’ll have a miserable end. I believe you won’t take that path!" Nuwa warned, "From now, obey me until the tribulation finishes. I’m your true master who alone can help you gain everything you desire. Ye Fan merely regards you as a plaything!"