The day Bi Yao came back to life, the Joyful Union Bell rang across the southern frontier, and a blood-red moon appeared in the sky.
Zhang Xiaofan went mad.
He left behind the peaceful life in Caomiao Village and returned to the martial world, all to find the woman who had taken the Zhu Xian Sword for him.
But when she awoke, she no longer remembered him.
Going by the alias Qing Deng, Bi Yao wandered among the people, healing the sick and helping the needy.
The Zhu Xian Sword intent inside her was part of a living sacrifice plot planted by an ancient god's priest.
Both the righteous and demonic factions were looking for her. Some wanted to kill her to appease the heavenly calamity, while others wanted to use her to reopen the Pillar of Heaven.
Zhang Xiaofan pursued her with all he had, yet time and again they passed each other by.
Lu Xueqi stood behind him, as she had for twelve years.
She suppressed every feeling she had for him, protected Bi Yao in his stead, and took calamities upon herself for her. At last, before the Zhu Xian Sword Formation, she pushed him away.
"Back then, she traded her life for yours. Now I'll give her mine in return. Xiaofan, goodbye."
When that sword fell, Xueqi slept for three years.
Bi Yao vanished without a trace. Only occasional news reached them that she was doing well.
Three years later, Xueqi awoke.
Zhang Xiaofan took her hand. Deep in the flower fields of the southern frontier, a Joyful Union Bell rang softly.
Bi Yao had left a note with three words: "I'm doing well."
This was the fate of three people, and none of them truly lost.
