The Male Lead I Wronged Has Blackened

CHAPTER 48: Finale

　　The two of them had only just laid their hearts bare to each other. There had not even been time to feel happy before Si Yao’s words poured cold water over everything.

　　“Leave me?”

　　Jiang Shuo caught the key words in her sentence, his chest tightening instantly. He hurriedly pulled her closer and sealed her lips with his own, stopping her from saying anything more.

　　No.

　　He would not allow it.

　　Even if it cost him everything, he would never let Si Yao leave him again.

　　…..

　　The great battle did not cause too much lasting damage. After a period of rest and recovery, the Xuanming Sect quickly returned to normal. Among the forces that had come to assist, only the Tianluo Sect was wiped out for colluding with demon races and harboring ill intentions. The other factions preserved their strength. After expressing their gratitude to the Xuanming Sect, they all departed one after another.

　　The people of the Xuanming Sect no longer held any hostility toward Si Yao. From Jiang Shuo’s attitude toward her, and from how Si Yao had risked everything that day in a desperate attempt to destroy the Annihilation Array in search of him, everyone realized that their relationship was far from simple.

　　And the truth was exactly as they had guessed. Later on, the two no longer bothered to hide their closeness. Everyone knew they were deeply in love.

　　Jiang Shuo threw himself into the reconstruction of the sect after the war. He also took the initiative to apologize for trying to kill Mu Yuanbai when he lost control to demonic influence. This shocked Si Yao deeply. Given his proud and arrogant nature, she had never imagined he would ever bow his head to Mu Yuanbai.

　　Mu Yuanbai himself was equally surprised by Jiang Shuo’s apology. But he had always been a gentleman of integrity, and he would not hold a grudge over such matters.

　　Still, from that day on, the senior brother beloved by everyone in the sect grew much quieter. He had completely understood that the person he loved had never been fated to be his.

　　In truth, Jiang Shuo had his own calculations. He had always been free and unrestrained. If not for Elder Situ and Si Yao’s machinations, he would never have taken the position of Sect Leader. Compared to him, the cautious and upright Mu Yuanbai was far more suited to lead the Xuanming Sect. Jiang Shuo planned to clean up every mess and hand over a pristine sect to Mu Yuanbai. Of course, all of that was a story for later.

　　Ever since the system broadcast that day, no matter how hard Si Yao tried, she could no longer contact it. Her calls were like stones sinking into the sea, with no response at all. This made her uneasy. Based on her previous experience, she knew that she could disappear from this world at any moment.

　　Even though her heart was heavy with worry, she could not bring herself to tell Jiang Shuo the truth. He had searched for her for so many years. The love he had sealed away in his heart had only just begun to show a hint of hope. No matter what, Si Yao simply could not open her mouth.

　　But there was no way she could hide this weight from Jiang Shuo.

　　Late at night, after handling official matters all day, Jiang Shuo gently pulled her into his arms. Si Yao felt the fatigue in his body and softly placed a hand over his chest.

　　“Don’t worry. I’ll face it with you.”

　　Jiang Shuo’s voice was calm and cool, yet quieter than the midnight wind, circling softly around her heart.

　　At that moment, all the composure she had been forcing herself to maintain finally broke apart. Si Yao collapsed against Jiang Shuo’s shoulder and cried freely.

　　Her sobs were not loud, yet they carried a deep, aching sadness. Tears poured from her eyes, soaking through the fabric on his shoulder.

　　“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Ah Shuo…”

　　“I don’t want this either, but I don’t have a choice.”

　　“I will leave you. One day, I will leave you.”

　　Her voice trembled as she cried and gasped, her words turning blurred from sobbing too hard.

　　This was the first time Si Yao had allowed herself to fall apart like this. Suppression had always been what she was best at, locking everything deep inside her heart. But too much had happened recently, and her once resilient heart finally gave way.

　　Jiang Shuo gently stroked her smooth, dark hair. Her crying made his heart ache. Over and over again, he whispered reassurance by her ear.

　　“No, it won’t happen. It won’t.”

　　“I’m here. I won’t let you leave. No matter where you go, I will find you.”

　　He soothed Si Yao over and over again, but he was also calming himself. With his current strength, he wasn't strong enough to tear through space, but if Si Yao were taken away, he vowed that even if he had to traverse other worlds, he would find her and bring her back.

　　The emotions she had been holding back surged like a tide, and Si Yao cried until her heart felt torn apart, finally collapsing into exhausted sleep.

　　The next morning, she barely opened her eyes and saw Jiang Shuo sitting quietly by her bedside. Judging by the way he had been staring at her, he had probably been there all night.

　　Groggily, Si Yao rubbed her eyes, and Jiang Shuo helped her sit up.

　　“The peach trees have fruit. Want to go see them?”

　　She heard him ask softly.

　　“Mm,” she nodded.

　　After a quick wash, Si Yao took Jiang Shuo’s hand, and together they walked to the peach grove he had planted for her. Along the way, sect disciples they encountered, seeing Si Yao and Jiang Shuo together, would bow gracefully and respectfully greet the Sect Leader and Sect Leader's wife.

　　Si Yao and Jiang Shuo exchanged a quiet smile and silently accepted the greeting.

　　When they arrived at the grove, most of the peach trees were still in full bloom. Only a few trees bore fruit, since it was not the season for peaches. Jiang Shuo’s spiritual power had forced nature to bloom out of season, creating this breathtaking scene.

　　Jiang Shuo let go of her hand and walked over to a tree heavy with large, red peaches. He picked one, rubbed it on his sleeve, and offered it to her like a prized treasure. “Try it. Is it sweet?”

　　The eager look on his face made Si Yao laugh. She took the peach and bit into it. The juice burst in her mouth, so sweet it made her eyes squint in delight. Truly, the peach tree Jiang Shuo had painstakingly cultivated bore such delicious fruit.

　　“So sweet,” she said, her eyes curving in a smile.

　　“Really?”

　　Jiang Shuo raised an eyebrow, as if he didn’t quite believe her.

　　Si Yao hurriedly held the peach to his lips. “If you don’t believe me, try it.”

　　A faint curve tugged at Jiang Shuo’s mouth. Before she could react, he brushed her hand aside, then forcefully sealed Si Yao's lips with his own. His tongue swept boldly over hers, tasting every trace of sweetness.

　　Having tasted the sweetness between the girl's lips, Jiang Shuo reluctantly released her, licking his thin lips with his tongue, seemingly savoring the memory.

　　“It really is sweet.”

　　“You!” Si Yao was left speechless at his audacity. She pouted, glaring at the culprit, but had no way to fight back.

　　Jiang Shuo had spent nearly half a month handling affairs, and today he had a rare moment of leisure to accompany Si Yao.

　　In the peach grove, Si Yao picked several peaches and snipped a few branches of peach blossoms, shoving them all into Jiang Shuo’s arms as if he were her personal carrying servant. Jiang Shuo didn’t complain at all. Who was he to resist after angering her earlier?

　　They flew together on Jiang Shuo’s sword. Si Yao stood on the hilt, gazing down at the rolling green mountains and towering peaks rushing past below. The scenery was stunning, intoxicating in its beauty.

　　Their flight wasn’t fast, and occasionally a lone wild goose passed by at their level. Watching it, Si Yao suddenly felt a pang of hunger.

　　Hmm, later we’ll stop at the inn at the foot of the mountain for some roast chicken, she thought.

　　【Beep——beep beep——】

　　Suddenly, a faint electronic sound buzzed in her ear. Si Yao’s heart tightened instinctively, and she gripped Jiang Shuo’s hand.

　　Finally, is it here?

　　Jiang Shuo sensed her unease and quickly clasped her hand in his, holding it like he was lending her strength.    

　　All the happiness she had felt moments ago vanished. Si Yao stood on the sword hilt, her eyes vacant as she stared at the glittering lake ahead. She turned to Jiang Shuo and said, “Ah Shuo, I’m tired. Let’s rest up ahead for a bit.”

　　“Mm.”

　　Jiang Shuo replied calmly. With a flick of his fingers, he guided the long sword down to the edge of the lake not far away.

　　The feel of solid ground under her feet brought Si Yao a little comfort. She finally relaxed her grip on Jiang Shuo’s hand, which she had been holding so tightly out of nervousness.

　　Her dark, mesmerizing eyes were fixed on the lake, reflecting the setting sun. Step by step, she walked to the water and lifted her skirts to sit on the shore.

　　Jiang Shuo placed the peaches and peach blossoms he had been holding gently on the ground and sat beside her.

　　Seeing her troubled expression, his heart ached. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close so her head rested against his chest.

　　“Ah Shuo…”

　　Si Yao’s voice was a little hoarse, but calm to the core.

　　“Promise me you won’t come looking for me, and don’t be sad because of this.”

　　The casual, almost resigned tone of her words made Jiang Shuo’s heart twist. Not come looking for her? How could he ever do that?

　　Through heaven and earth, he would find her, no matter what.

　　Si Yao nestled into a comfortable position in his arms, staring blankly at the sun dipping behind the mountains. The last rays of sunlight spilled across her breathtaking face, making her look heartbreakingly beautiful.

　　【System connected. Task complete.】

　　The system’s voice sounded to Si Yao like a death knell. She clutched at Jiang Shuo’s chest, holding onto him tightly.

　　“I will come back for you.”

　　【Data importing. Spatial transfer countdown initiated.】

　　“I will. I promise.”

　　As Si Yao’s resolute words fell, her body gradually turned transparent. Jiang Shuo felt the weight in his arms growing lighter. Panicking, he reached out to hold her, desperate to keep her with him, but it was as if she had become a spirit. His hand passed right through her.

　　No—

　　Don’t leave me—

　　Don’t leave me—

　　He went mad, trying to touch her, trying to hold her, trying to keep her by his side no matter the cost.

　　But Jiang Shuo had miscalculated. Even unleashing all his spiritual power, he could not hold her. All he could do was watch helplessly as Si Yao vanished before his eyes.

　　He slumped to his knees by the lake. Her presence had completely disappeared. It was as if she had been nothing more than a dream.

　　Could it really be impossible?

　　Could he really not keep her?

　　“I will come back for you.”

　　Just as despair threatened to swallow him, Si Yao’s voice rang suddenly in his mind.

　　Jiang Shuo turned and saw the peach blossom branch he had placed on the ground earlier swaying in the wind. The flowers on it floated gently in the air with the breeze.

　　“Good.”

　　He spoke as if to the air itself. His gaze fell on the peaches and the floating branches—traces of where Si Yao had been.

　　At the threshold of Half-Step Divine Transformation, with immortal life, he could wait for a thousand years, ten thousand years. He had all the time in the world.

　　……

　　That familiar feeling returned again—a blur where she could see nothing, yet her consciousness was sharper than ever.

　　She was inside the system space.

　　【Task released, proceed to the new task world.】

　　The system’s voice sounded utterly emotionless as it immediately issued the task.

　　Si Yao clenched her fists. No matter what, she had to complete this third task. She had promised Jiang Shuo that she would, no matter what, go find him.

　　【Spatial transfer—】

　　A sudden wave of dizziness hit her, and she grit her teeth against it. She endured the intense discomfort, waiting for the new world to arrive.

　　When sunlight finally appeared before her eyes, the overwhelming dizziness faded. Si Yao opened her eyes and looked around.

　　She was in a quaint, old-fashioned little town. In the distance, shouts and calls rose and fell, while she herself stood in a quiet, tucked-away alley.

　　【Memory data loading—】

　　Just like the previous two times, as soon as she arrived in this world, the system began to upload information about it directly into her mind.

　　【This is a xianxia world. The Male Lead has lost the one he loves and fallen into despair. The host’s task is to win over the Male Lead and help him regain his Dao heart.】

　　Again… a “win-over” mission…?

　　Thinking of the person in her mind, Si Yao let out a bitter smile.

　　Once the data finished uploading, she collected herself and prepared to set off again. She turned to leave the alley, but froze.

　　At the entrance stood a man dressed entirely in black. He was tall and elegant, with black hair flowing over his shoulders, and a face so striking it could be godlike. Excitement and joy danced across his features. Si Yao noticed his long fingers trembling slightly, the result of overwhelming happiness coursing through his body.

　　Her chest tightened. Locking eyes with him, her heart started racing uncontrollably.

　　She bit her lip, her voice trembling with an ache of longing: “Jiang Shuo—”

　　At the same time, the system chimed.

　　【Target Appeared—】

—The End—

________________

T/N: Yay, finally it’s finished!! 😩 So many things happened during this time, but I finally finished this novel. Phew. In the future, if I translate any xianxia genre, I won’t translate so many novels at the same time anymore. It really messes up my brain. Lol.

I have several translated novels, right? The one that’s so easy I can translate it while smiling in my sleep is Time-Travel: The Tragic Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Character Makes a Comeback. It’s very easy to translate, just that the chapters are long. Haha. Sometimes when the author gets excited, she can write 3k words in one chapter. Tsk.

Anyway, I think this is the end. Hehe. Hope you guys enjoyed this journey to the xianxia world with me. See you in the next novel.

…..

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