Clearly there were other options, so why did the Drought Fiend choose the path of utmost sacrifice?

As the final catastrophe approaches, the three realms transition into decay and void, during the cycle of individual life and death, the killing tribulation is inevitable, it’s just a matter of time. Why is the Drought Fiend unwilling to wait for even a moment...

Xu Qing has countless questions. He recalls the days traveling alongside the Drought Fiend, faintly sensing some clarity yet still feeling as if it’s obscured by a hazy veil, preventing full insight into the other’s thoughts.

Since the truth cannot be known, why not ask personally, let the Drought Fiend answer all questions herself!

Xu Qing doesn’t want to owe favors, nor does he wish to be passive. The Drought Fiend may choose the return to void, but can’t leave without clear answers!

"You wish to save the Celestial Maiden?"

Upon Xu Qing opening the passage to the River of Shadows, the Great Sage instantly realized his intention.

"The Celestial Maiden is of Drought Fiend’s essence. Even if you go to the Underworld and find the life and death register, you won’t find her name. If you wish to save her, unless..."

"Unless what?"

The monkey grimaced, finding it difficult: "Unless you go to the abode of the Old Lord in the Heaven of Ultimate Love, perhaps there’s a lifesaving immortal recipe to be found, but Old Sun has only ever saved the dead, and has never encountered a corpse monster before."

"It’s hard enough for the dead to be resurrected, let alone reviving the stiff dead. Even the Nine Turn Immortal Pill might struggle to save them."

Xu Qing contemplated for a moment, about to respond, when suddenly he saw flames swiftly approaching from a distance.

Upon discerning the approaching figure, Xu Qing brightened: "The Great Sea Lord possesses the power to resurrect, if he can find a trace of Celestial Maiden’s true spirit..."

"..."

The Great Sea Lord’s face darkened, before landing, he resolutely refused: "Do you truly believe I’m a Saint on earth? Not to mention Celestial Maiden’s Drought Fiend’s form, the flesh and soul combined like stone and gold, even if true spirit remains unextinguished, there are no more lotus flowers to use in the Golden Light Cave atop Mount Qianyuan."

"That lotus flower barely ripens once in a thousand years, my master picked a ten-thousand-year lotus root for me to embody, I picked a thousand-year lotus body for Shiyue, and now there are only lotus seeds scattered in the cave, not even sprouted. How can I help you?"

Xu Qing’s brow never relaxed.

According to previous conduct, he would never beg around, but the Drought Fiend helped him so much, that unwavering aid, akin to entrusting a child, always left him unsettled.

Apart from a special connection, there’s utterly no one who would unconditionally give to another.

Others might misunderstand due to the phoenix crown and wedding robe event, but Xu Qing doesn’t believe the Drought Fiend harbors any special affection for him.

At most, their bond could be one of master and disciple, yet if the Drought Fiend merely wishes to leave the chance for the successors, Xu Qing cannot allow her to vanish into the return to void.

"Even if the matter can’t be accomplished, at the very least, an effort must be made. If it truly proves impossible, I won’t feel guilty in the future for not having tried my utmost at this moment."

Xu Qing, carrying the green coffin, traveled all the way to where the Celestial Maiden and Earth Treasurer were locked in battle.

The sight before him was nothing but devastation,

The Great Sea Lord clicked his tongue: "In this area of thousands of miles, there isn’t a trace of vitality, that Earth Treasurer monk must have turned to ash. If you wish to save the Celestial Maiden, afraid you’ll only need to call upon the old man in the Heaven of Ultimate Love."

"However, that old man’s whereabouts are long unknown. Now, in the Tusita Palace, there are only two children watching the furnace and guarding the entrance. Otherwise, seeing Shiyue’s face, I would go seek my master to inquire, yet most likely to no avail."

Before finishing his words, the Great Sea Lord took out a swift sound talisman, sending the news to Sect Leader Qingwei and Immortal Taiyi.

But upon hearing his disciple wished him to step in and rescue the Celestial Maiden, the immortal at the other end of the talisman instantly exploded with anger.

"I warned you not to get into trouble all day long, yet you’ve poked here and there, infuriating me to death! Every day you demand this or that, making me clean up your messes. I’m your master, not here to repay your debts! Also! Don’t get close to that Bimawen! As calamity approaches, if you cause trouble, neither your master nor even your ancestor can save you!"

"And! From now on, don’t use talismans or papers to contact for any reason, lest it strains our relationship! Now, move far away, you vex me!"

"..."

The swift sound talisman brought a barrage of scolding, leaving the Great Sea Lord speechless.

Initially, the Great Sage was displeased to hear Taiyi Elder speak with a Shu Region accent and call him Bimawen, but by the end, he began to feel sympathetic towards the Great Sea Lord.

Xu Qing likewise watched with calm detachment, pretending not to have heard anything.

After a prolonged silence, the Great Sea Lord could only offer a wry smile: "My master is unreliable, otherwise Brother Xu could ask Brother Yang? Our uncle is quite approachable..."

Xu Qing shook his head: "Regarding the Celestial Maiden’s return to void, it’s likely not hidden from various immortals and gods. Now no one shows up to aid, seeking assistance would be challenging."

"For now, the only plan is to locate the Celestial Maiden’s corpse, perhaps there’s a ray of hope."

As he spoke, Xu Qing took out a drop of Three Lives Stone dew, stating: "I have a drop of Three Lives Stone dew here, if I could find a thread of the Celestial Maiden’s true spirit, there would be hope for her reincarnation..."

Nearby, the Great Sea Lord hesitated: "To my knowledge, corpse monsters like the Drought Fiend don’t enter reincarnation. Even if the Celestial Maiden takes the Three Lives Stone dew, she may not enter the six cycles, let alone reincarnate."

Xu Qing fell into hesitation upon hearing this, yet next to him the monkey remained relaxed:

"Since we’re treating the dead horse like a live one, save her if you can, should it fail, it’s not your fault, you can proceed as you see fit, as for the outcome..."

"It shouldn’t turn out too badly."

Xu Qing’s brow slightly eased, realizing his monkey brother wasn’t wrong. The ruin of the Celestial Maiden ultimately wasn’t due to him not saving her, and now he’s paused all plans, together with his brother and the Great Sea Lord, searching the River of Shadows for solutions, fulfilling his duty.