The Unhallowed Child

Xiao Hong remained silent as Jiu Tian continued to speak. She shot him a glance, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her, and then suddenly, her strength gave way. She collapsed, tumbling into his arms. He caught her effortlessly, his grip firm yet gentle, and carried her back to his territory. "Ling Yu, will you come back?" he murmured, his voice a mix of hope and desperation. The name struck her as unfamiliar, a word that held a meaning just out of reach. Confusion washed over her, and as her eyelids grew heavy, she drifted back into a deep, dreamless sleep.

When morning light filtered through the window, Xiao Hong felt the warmth of the sun on her skin. As she began to regain her strength, the sound of approaching footsteps roused her. It was Jiu Tian, the immortal who had saved her. He spoke softly, warning her not to return to her own territory for the time being. "You risk your life by doing so," he cautioned, his expression serious.

At the mention of Zhang Li's name, a shiver coursed through her. She had encountered the man before; his reputation for ruthlessness sent chills down her spine. He was known for killing without a second thought, and her father had once been his ally. But everything had changed when one of her father's people had interfered in the investigation of Zhang Li's missing sister, Yinou. Since that moment, they had become enemies. Yet, as much as she feared Zhang Li, she knew she couldn't stay here either. These people were immortals, and she was a demon. If they weren't planning to use her for their own ends, why would they allow her to live? "Immortal," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

"You've helped me, but I'm sorry for this." In a sudden surge of emotion, she lunged forward, attempting to strike him. To her surprise, he didn't retaliate. Instead, he allowed her to choke him, a strange calmness radiating from him. Something deep within her tugged at her conscience, urging her to stop. Coughing up blood, the realization of her actions hit her like a tidal wave. How could she have tried to kill someone she barely knew? Yet, in that moment, it felt as if they shared a connection that transcended their current circumstances.

The pain in her head intensified, and she clutched it, feeling as if she were on the brink of remembering something long forgotten. "Who are you?" she gasped, her voice trembling. "You should ask yourself that. Who are you?" he replied, his gaze piercing through her confusion. His words echoed in her mind. "Ask yourself," he repeated. The pain in her head worsened, overwhelming her senses. "Are you a demon or an immortal?" he asked just as darkness enveloped her, pulling her into unconsciousness.

When she awoke, she found herself back in the familiar tent where the people from Dongying had treated her wounds. The girl named Susu approached her, concern etched on her face. "Xiao Hong," she said softly, "you know Yinou, right?"

That bastard's sister. Although she had never met her, she was all too aware of Yinou's existence. The girl had vanished, likely dead by now. "That dead girl? Of course," Xiao Hong replied defiantly. Susu shot her an incredulous stare and abruptly pulled her by the collar, revealing the raw emotion in her eyes. Something tightened in Xiao Hong's chest; how disgusting…

"What? Am I wrong?" she challenged, determined to provoke Susu further. "Ask yourself that. How many years has it been?" Susu's voice trembled with restrained anger.

"Enough!" a voice from outside spat. It was Lin Jian, his eyes burning with fury as he glared at her. "Xiao Hong, I asked you to cooperate with me. If you refuse, just leave. Do not insult my people." The turmoil within her was palpable. Her body yearned to remember something, but she hated this feeling of confusion. "I will tell you what I know," she finally said, the words escaping her lips before she could think them through.

Su Ning stood there, silent, while Susu let go of her and stormed off in frustration. Su Ning clenched his fists, his anger radiating in waves. "As an apology, you're free to slap me," she said, trying to ease the tension surronding them.

"No need. Just cooperate with us," he replied, turning his back on her. In the following days, she shared everything she knew about Zhang Li and offered insights that might lead them to Yinou.

As she spent more time with these humans, she began to see how they valued and cherished Yinou. Curiosity blossomed within her. She recalled a painting of the girl hanging in Su Ning's room—a depiction of someone with beautiful, soulful eyes. It was said that Yinou was a demon, yet she had an aura that resembled that of an immortal. How could this be? The thought of her being Zhang Li's most beloved and Su Ning's most treasured filled Xiao Hong with envy.

Time slipped by, and before she knew it, a month had passed. One night, as they gathered around the campfire to grill fish, the conversation turned once again to Yinou. "How lucky she was," Xiao Hong said, her voice barely above a whisper. Silence fell over the group, and she could feel their eyes on her, heavy with unspoken truths. "She was unfortunate," someone finally replied, their tone somber.

Xiao Hong looked at them, eager to hear more. "If she were here, I'm sure she would thank you," she added, trying to lighten the mood. But the silence returned, thicker this time, leaving her with a lingering sense of confusion. What had this Yinou gone through? What dark shadows haunted her past?