1790: Collaboration 1

Collaboration 1

"Fire Lotus is an incredibly precious entity, and I cannot simply part with it without receiving something in return," Ouyang Mingjing stated solemnly.0

He was well aware of what he desired in exchange.

Gu Chaoyan understood his intentions clearly.

She immediately rejected the proposition. "It's impossible. I am the Queen of the Saint Divine Land, Huaijin's wife. Our union is set, and nothing can alter that."

She would rather face death than compromise her position for the sake of the Fire Lotus.

Gu Chaoyan expressed her resolute stance, unwilling to entertain any further discussion on the matter.

Her words came forth spontaneously, without consideration. She declared that she would rather die than become someone else's wife.

In that moment, Ouyang Mingjing felt a wave of sadness and grief engulf him.

Half of his heart had already been seized by Acacia beans, and he was no longer as fixated on Phoenix Girl. However, the idea of marrying Phoenix Girl had become deeply ingrained in his heart, and Gu Chaoyan had become like a snow lotus within Snow Territory, taking root within his heart.

Although his devotion towards her had waned, the pain he felt upon hearing Gu Chaoyan's words still gnawed at his heart.

It was a kind of anguish that couldn't be assuaged by any form of training or medicine. It pierced his heart like a tiny blade.

Gu Chaoyan remained resolute in her decision.

However, Zhou Huaijin found himself wavering.

It seemed to be the only viable solution to save Chaoyan in the present circumstances.

He deeply desired for Chaoyan to be his alone, but above all, he wished for her to live a pain-free life. If she could survive, he could protect her in secret. That would be sufficient.

"Chaoyan, you must live. Don't concern yourself with my feelings," Zhou Huaijin urged.

"Impossible," Gu Chaoyan replied firmly, her gaze locked with Zhou Huaijin's. She prevented him from continuing. He had treated her too well for her to betray him simply to pursue a life of her own. She had her own principles to uphold.

Ouyang Mingjing observed the couple, one willing to make sacrifices while the other vehemently opposed. Yet, they were acting for each other's sake.

He smiled wryly…

"But I haven't finished yet. Don't be so hasty. Snow Territory needs Phoenix Girl because some elder figures within Snow Territory are on the verge of rebellion, inciting the populace to overthrow me. I lack the power to counter them alone," Ouyang Mingjing explained.

"…"

"I require Phoenix Girl's assistance. Once she appears, the civilians will rally to my side. All I ask is for Phoenix Girl to support me temporarily," he continued.

"…"

"You can accompany me to Snow Territory to retrieve the Fire Lotus and stage a performance together. Once I have achieved my goal, our act will come to an end," Ouyang Mingjing proposed, his gaze fixed on Gu Chaoyan.

He was well aware that if he insisted on marrying Phoenix Girl, he would still be unable to take her away under the current circumstances. However, by framing the marriage as a mere performance, he could create an opportunity to bring her along.

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