Love & Redemption
Chapter 269: Final Volume: I Am Liuli - Twenty-Eight: Liuli (Part Eight)

Chapter 269: Final Volume: I Am Liuli: Chapter Twenty-Eight: Liuli (Part Eight)

At that time, Jidu had surrendered to Emperor Bai’s command, impressively without informing the Heavenly Emperor. Intimidated by Emperor Bai’s majesty, Xuanwu also did not dare to breathe a word about it, instead choosing to drink by himself when feeling gloomy, speaking drunkenly at length. It seems some clues were overheard by his subordinates, and from there, rumors began to spread.

As Emperor Bai had predicted, Jidu was invincible on the battlefield, with those Asuras who had once pushed Heaven to the brink of collapse unable to match him. Following the initial overwhelming victory, Emperor Bai was overjoyed and personally bestowed upon him the Golden Armor and Purple Cloud Helmet. He also took great effort to find rare materials from the Tianhe River to custom-make a treasure sword for the War God Jidu, named Ding Kun.

This mysterious War God appeared out of nowhere and was inexplicably favored by Emperor Bai. Apart from a few who knew a bit of the inside story, everyone else was speculating about her origins. Coupled with the rumors coming from Xuanwu, Heaven was soon enveloped in gossip. Some said she was a monster formed from the condensed evil energy of the universe, devoid of intelligence and only knowing slaughter. They argued that she must be imprisoned after the conflict with the Asuras to avoid bringing calamity to Heaven. Others recognized her resemblance to the petrified silhouette of the Weaver by the Tianhe River from ages past, believing that the Weaver revealed herself to assist Heaven in its time of crisis. Still others claimed the War God was a soulless killing puppet secretly created by the upper echelons of Heaven, made specifically to resolve the Asura calamity. In short, there was a myriad of guesses, none of which could be confirmed as true. Bold as they were to ask Emperor Bai, he responded with only a smile, further shrouding the War God in mystery.

Eventually, when the rumors reached their peak, they caught the attention of the Heavenly Emperor, who specially summoned Emperor Bai and the War God for an audience.

On that day, the sun shone brilliantly, and the War God’s Golden Armor glittered radiantly. Emperor Bai tied the straps of her Purple Cloud Helmet outside the palace hall, looking up at her expressionless face. This War God was his own creation, using the flesh, blood, and soul of his dearest brother, akin to his own child.

"When you meet the Heavenly Emperor, there’s no need to panic, just follow my lead," he gently instructed, though he hardly expected her to understand.

She was truly like a puppet, unknowing and incapable of anything. She neither spoke nor showed any expression, spending her days idly leaning against the railing, lost in whatever fanciful thoughts. Sometimes, the setting sun’s afterglow reflected in her eyes, deep and misty like the sea, casting a strange radiance. It was as if Luo Hou and Jidu were revived within her, contemplating things that Emperor Bai could never comprehend.

At that moment, that same mystical look reappeared on her face, causing Emperor Bai a sense of unease. He did not like her showing such an expression, as it reminded him of unpleasant things. In his mind, sacrificing anyone for the greater good of Heaven was justified—he had always thought so.

The doors gently opened, revealing the solemn depths of the sacred temple gradually coming into view. Regardless of the Heavenly Emperor’s reaction to the matter of the War God, Emperor Bai was resolved not to regret his decisions, and he would wait until after the tribulation of Heaven had passed. At that time, he was prepared to accept any punishment.

"Let’s go in," he said, patting her shoulder and leading her inside.

Her hand suddenly grasped his sleeve, seemingly reluctant, as if afraid he would leave her side. Since being reborn, she had never exhibited such behavior, and Emperor Bai was somewhat taken aback. He turned back and took her hand, asking softly, "What’s the matter, are you afraid?"

She lowered her lashes, and her lips parted slightly to speak in a low, slow, and slightly hoarse voice, "I feel... anxious."

This was the first time she had spoken, and Emperor Bai was taken aback, unable to utter a word for a long moment. He stared at her face in shock as her eyes shimmered, seemingly brimming with unspoken thoughts that made him uneasy. She added, "I don’t want to fight; it troubles me." Her voice was delicate and melodious, sorrowfully charming.

Emperor Bai’s expression darkened as he coldly said, "Your duty is to guard the frontier. Heaven does not harbor the idle; each person has their responsibilities and must not act on a whim!"

She then pursed her lips and fell silent. Emperor Bai re-examined her expression, finding it unfathomable. It seemed careless and naive, yet as if she were secretly observing and learning, soon to display a spark of understanding. He was displeased by this, but time was of the essence, so he could not delay bringing her to meet the Heavenly Emperor.

The Heavenly Emperor, of course, saw through her true origin at a glance. He said nothing significant in the court, merely offering a few words of praise before leading them to a small study. The heavy curtains fell, and the room fell into a hushed, dim silence. Hidden behind the curtains, the Heavenly Emperor eventually said, "You are quite daring."

Emperor Bai immediately knelt down, his head bowed to the ground, proclaiming loudly, "This servant’s only intention is for the good of Heaven! I’m aware of the gravity of my error and do not seek the Emperor’s forgiveness. But there is only one person in Heaven who can stand against the Asuras. I implore the Emperor to defer judgment!"

The Heavenly Emperor did not speak to him. His gaze from behind the curtains was locked on the woman. After a moment, he asked softly, "What is your name?"

The woman shook her head hesitantly and said, "War... War God?"

The name Jidu was a private moniker used by Emperor Bai, unknown to others and even less so to her. Since she was unrivaled against the Asuras, and valiant in combat, Emperor Bai, to build her reputation, publicly called her the War God. This inappropriate name was thus taken by her as her own.

Emperor Bai hastily interjected, "She has a name; it’s called Jidu."

Upon hearing the name Jidu for the first time, the woman’s eyebrows jumped, and she looked thoughtful. The Heavenly Emperor spoke warmly, "War God, you may go back now and rest well."

She, unaware of protocol, turned and left as if drifting away.

The room once again sank into stultifying silence. Cold sweat beaded on Emperor Bai’s forehead, and he dared not breathe loudly, uncertain how much time had passed until the Heavenly Emperor suddenly sighed deeply and said, "You’ve kept me in the dark quite well!"

Emperor Bai could only bow his head, not daring to utter a word.

The Heavenly Emperor continued, "No more mention of the name Jidu from now on. Things have come to this point; it is your tribulation as well as hers. I see the girl is exceedingly intelligent and clear-headed. I fear the old name may remind her of something. The title War God is sufficient. I’ll appoint her as a General, commanding ten thousand troops to defend the borderlands. Since you’ve made her a being of Heaven, you must treat her with sincerity and not deceive or coax her. I hope one day she will achieve enlightenment and bright understanding."

Emperor Bai urgently said, "The Emperor must not assign her to lead troops!"

He then presented the Luminous Glass Vase and recounted how Luo Hou and Jidu were reborn by taking the heart out and recounted the story. He added, "Even though she is naive and ignorant now, she might eventually realize her past and consequences. If she commands troops, a rebellion under her leadership could be far worse than the Asura calamity!"

The Heavenly Emperor said sternly, "Knowing such consequences, why did you recklessly proceed! Toying with the fate of other creatures at your whim, ask yourself if you are worthy of being Emperor Bai!"

Emperor Bai said mournfully, "This matter was solely due to my own reckless courage. It is only I whom she hates. If one day she seeks revenge, I will present my neck for execution and will not shirk from it."

The Heavenly Emperor said, "You speak boldly now, but when the time comes, even if she kills you, such enmity will never fade away. You killed Luo Hou and Jidu, and henceforth made enemies with the Asura World. If she comes to kill you, Heaven will become her enemy. Enmity upon enmity, when will it ever end?"

Emperor Bai’s back was soaked with sweat, and he remained silent.

The Heavenly Emperor was silent for a long while, finally sighing, "Enough, perhaps this is a calamity ordained by the heavens, even one as revered in Heaven cannot control it. Let it be as you wish, do not allow her to command troops, to fight alone on the battlefield. Should sudden changes arise later, and Heaven also lies in wait, let her vent her anger without resistance."

Emperor Bai exclaimed, "What are you saying, Emperor! Would all that has been done today be in vain?"

The Heavenly Emperor said, "All things in the world are inherently empty. Something comes from nothing, yin and yang reverse, giving birth to each other and overcoming each other. Heaven itself is empty, as is Shura; the demon in your heart is simply unwillingness to let go."

Emperor Bai remained silent, touched deep within, and the Heavenly Emperor sighed, "You may leave now..."

Emperor Bai then said, "I have several more requests, I implore the Emperor to listen."

"Speak."

"Even if the heart demon I harbor is indeed unwillingness to let go, I truly cannot bear to watch Heaven destroyed before my eyes. If one day Jidu comes to his senses, I will wait for him to come and kill me, I ask the Emperor not to pursue his past faults. Also... the flesh of Luo Hou and Jidu was transformed by me, split into two Divine Artifacts of tremendous power. I request the Emperor to grant them to a mighty general, to add wings to a tiger."

The Heavenly Emperor said, "The Divine Artifacts are to be locked away in the treasury, not to be used. As for the changes of the future, I can make no definite assertions, we shall speak again when the time comes."

Emperor Bai had no choice but to withdraw.

Upon leaving the palace gate, from afar, he saw the War God standing behind the high railing, removing the Purple Cloud Helmet, her hair flowing like clouds, dancing in the wind, her grace beyond words. Just like the Weaver of yore, weaving by the Heavenly River bank, with the river’s starlight gleaming brilliantly, meandering past like flowing gold and shattered jade. Her cheeks rivaled Bright Pearls, reflecting the scattered light, mesmerizing to behold.

Emperor Bai felt a raw sorrow, and only at this moment did he awaken to the realization that he might have committed a grave error.

The Heavenly Emperor was only half right: half of his heart demon was indeed unwillingness to let go, the other half was private desire.

He walked slowly over and joined her in gazing at the early morning sun as it rose, the sunrise fiery, spreading dazzling colors.

"I’m sorry, Jidu," he whispered, seeing her eyes clear and calmly looking back at him. He smiled faintly, stroked her head twice, and then fell silent.

******

Xuanji abruptly opened her eyes, as if she had just emerged from a lengthy dream, still somewhat dazed.

She was lying in a gorgeous palace room, completely different from the side hall she was in before. The Luminous Glass Vase sat quietly on the case before the hall, its splendor serene. It was extremely quiet all around, the wind carrying a hint of sandalwood scent. She hurriedly got up, only to see that the room was surrounded by numerous hanging gauzes, and Emperor Bai stood in front, his complexion pale but resolute, calmly looking at her.

A surge of impulse ran through her, and she wanted to charge forward and shatter him, but for some reason, her body wouldn’t move. Perhaps the real Luo Hou and Jidu didn’t want to kill him. Her lips trembled slightly, and tears fell before she could speak.

Behind the curtain, the Heavenly Emperor said, "General, now that you understand the past and the consequences, what you choose to do is entirely up to you, and I have no objections."

Xuanji rubbed her forehead, struggling to break free from those terrible memories. Hearing the Heavenly Emperor speak thus, she couldn’t help but be astonished, "How can it be... you threaten me and persuade me, brought me here, just to have me make a decision?"

The Heavenly Emperor said, "Indeed. Heaven owes the General much, and Emperor Bai committed such actions, it is also my failure to guide him, I cannot shirk the blame. From the moment the General became a General, Heaven no longer held itself aloft as the revered creature. This is a destined calamity, as well as a sign of renewal. Whatever decision the General makes, I will have no further comment."

Xuanji said softly, "Even if I kill all of you now, can I go back to the past? Pretend that nothing ever happened? I killed my own kind in the Asura, and the Divine Artifact forged from my flesh has also killed gods of Heaven. Where can I go now? What am I really?"

No one spoke; they could not answer her question.

After a while, Xuanji continued, "You speak so righteously now, but if you were truly ready for your execution, why did you not keep your promise back then and instead sent me to the Lower Realm?"