At 8 PM Beijing time, the night had fallen, and the city lights outlined the modern metropolis.


    Yunruo sat on the living room sofa, hugging a cushion tightly, her eyes locked on the television screen. The news channel was broadcasting an emergency report, showing a mysterious new continent that had suddenly appeared in the vast Pacific Ocean.


    "Recently, a massive and mysterious landmass has emerged in the Pacific Ocean, shocking the world. Governments are now mobilizing experts to investigate this sudden phenomenon，The cause of this anomaly remains unknown…"


    The screen constantly switched between aerial satellite images and footage of international research meetings. It all felt as if a sci-fi movie had become reality.


    Yunruo frowned slightly, tightening her grip on the cushion as a sense of unease crept into her heart.


    —Just then, the doorbell rang.


    The crisp electronic chime was particularly jarring in the quiet night.


    "Who could it be at this hour…?" Yunruo muttered, lazily pushing herself off the sofa. She shuffled toward the entrance in her slippers and casually opened the door.


    The moment she saw who was standing outside, she froze.


    Under the dim hallway light, a familiar face gazed at her quietly.


    It was the person she had longed for, the one she had prayed for every day and night—Chongyue.


    He looked just as she remembered—his slightly messy black hair, his warm expression, the faint smile at the corner of his lips, exactly as he had been on the day they parted. The only difference was the golden streaks now woven into his hair, and his golden eyes, carrying a depth of wisdom and hardship she had never seen before.


    "I''m back, Yunruo."


    His voice was not loud, yet it crashed into her mind like thunder, shattering every emotional barrier she had tried to hold up.


    Her lips trembled, her wide eyes locked onto him as if she had been turned to stone, unable to utter a single word.


    Then, tears fell uncontrollably.


    Her breathing quickened, and the tears streamed down her cheeks like broken pearls, unstoppable.


    Her body shook, her mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out.


    And then—


    "Chongyue—!"


    She lunged into Chongyue''s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Her hands clutched his clothes desperately, as if afraid that if she let go, he would disappear again. Her cries were hoarse, filled with grievance, fear, and the overwhelming relief of finally reuniting.


    Chongyue let out a soft sigh and raised his arms, holding his sister tightly.


    He had waited too long for this embrace.


    He could feel Yunruo’s frail body trembling against him, her tears soaking into his clothes. Yet he said nothing, only gently patting her back, offering the comfort she had longed for.


    No words were needed.


    At this moment, the siblings were finally reunited.


    The only sounds in the room were the steady broadcast of the news on the television—


    And Yunruo''s unrestrained sobs, pouring out all her longing and grievances.


    The two sat on the living room sofa, but the atmosphere had yet to fully settle.


    Yunruo clung tightly to Chongyue’s arm, as if afraid he would disappear before her eyes again. Her eyes were still red, and traces of tears remained on her cheeks, showing that her emotions had yet to completely calm.


    Chongyue didn’t rush her. Instead, he gently patted the back of her hand, offering reassurance in the gentlest way possible.


    “Don’t be afraid. I’m here,” he said.


    Yunruo nodded, sniffled, and tried her best to compose herself before speaking softly, “Chongyue… what exactly happened to you?”


    Chongyue fell silent for a moment before slowly beginning to recount everything—from the moment he was transported by the ruins during his camping trip, step by step, detailing all that had transpired.


    He told her how he woke up in an unfamiliar forest, fought goblins, and met Eika. How he struggled to survive on his journey, searching for a way forward even in the direst situations. How he gradually made his way to the Titan’s Peak, where he ultimately received the Divine Principle’s power, becoming one of the chosen to save the world.


    Yunruo listened, wide-eyed, her emotions fluctuating with every part of his story—sometimes shocked, sometimes tense, sometimes relieved, and sometimes curious.


    When she heard about how Chongyue led his team against the snow beast and the giant serpent, or how he negotiated with the dwarves in their mines, she couldn’t help but grip his hand tightly. “Chongyue… you were way too reckless!”


    But when she heard about how he and his companions supported each other, surviving against all odds, a hint of admiration appeared in her gaze—though it was quickly overshadowed by concern.


    “This journey… you must have suffered a lot,” she murmured.


    Chongyue paused, then smiled. “How could it not be tough? But… at least, I’m still alive.”


    He reached out and ruffled Yunruo’s hair, trying to lighten the mood. But the worry in her eyes remained.


    She pressed her lips together before finally beginning to recount her own experiences after Chongyue had gone missing.


    —That day, she and Wenyuan waited at the campsite for a long time, but her brother never returned.


    At first, they thought Chongyue might have just gotten lost in the woods. But after hours passed, Yunruo started to feel that something was wrong.


    “Wenyuan immediately called the police, and they arrived quickly,” Yunruo recalled, her voice beginning to tremble. “They organized a search team, brought in police dogs and drones, and searched the entire forest for days… but they found nothing.”


    “Not even… the ruins you mentioned. It never existed.”


    Her voice grew quieter and quieter until it was barely audible, but her fingers trembled uncontrollably.


    “And then?” Chongyue asked softly.


    Yunruo bit her lip, trying hard to hold back her tears. “Then… the police could only classify the case as a missing person.”


    She took a deep breath, but in the end, she couldn’t hold back anymore—tears welled up again.


    “They… they told me that you might already be…”


    She couldn’t finish the sentence, as if speaking those words would make them real.


    Chongyue’s heart clenched tightly.


    At that moment, he finally realized just how much his disappearance had hurt his little sister.


    He had always known that, in Yunruo’s world, the most important thing was this family.


    —After their parents passed away one after another, she had lost both her father’s and mother’s love. The only support she had left was her older brother.


    And then, he disappeared from her world, too.


    She must have been terrified.


    She must have woken up countless nights in fear, afraid that he would be gone forever—just like their parents.


    “Silly girl,” Chongyue murmured, reaching out to pull her gently into his arms.


    “Don’t be scared. I’m right here in front of you, aren’t I? I’m back.”


    Yunruo buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Yet, she still felt uneasy. Deep down, she knew—her brother had returned, but he wouldn’t stay forever.


    Choking back a sob, she asked, her voice trembling, “But… you’re going back to that continent, aren’t you?”


    There was a fragile hope in her voice, a desperate wish to hear something different.


    She already knew the answer. But she was afraid of hearing it spoken aloud.


    Chongyue paused for a moment, caught in silence.


    He was indeed going back—his companions were waiting, the battle was approaching, and his mission remained unfinished.


    Yet, facing his tearful sister, he found himself unable to say the word “yes.”


    Chongyue sighed softly, watching his little sister, knowing that no matter what he said right now, her worries wouldn’t be so easily eased.


    So, he decided to change the subject, hoping to lighten the mood.


    “Hey, let’s not talk about that right now.” He stretched lazily, pretending to be relaxed. “Have you eaten dinner yet?”


    Yunruo looked up, her nose still red from crying, and shook her head. “Not yet.”


    “What?” Chongyue widened his eyes in mock surprise. “You can’t follow my bad habits! You’re already so thin, and you’re skipping meals? No way. Tonight’s a special occasion—tell me what you want to eat, anything you want! My treat!”


    He pulled out his phone, swiftly opening a food delivery app, looking as carefree as ever.


    Yunruo blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her brother’s familiar mannerisms. The gloom in her eyes seemed to lift just a little. She sniffled and mumbled, “Then… KFC?”


    “Done!” Chongyue quickly placed the order and tossed his phone onto the coffee table with a confident pat on his chest. “Tonight, just the two of us, we’re gonna eat to our heart’s content!”


    When the food arrived, they sat on the couch, unwrapping the packages with practiced ease. The aroma of fried chicken filled the living room, dispelling the heavy atmosphere from earlier.


    As she nibbled on a drumstick, Yunruo kept stealing glances at her brother.


    He was still the Chongyue she knew—but something about him had changed.


    —His once black hair now carried streaks of gold, subtly gleaming under the warm light. His eyes, once dark, had turned a soft yet striking shade of gold, making him seem deeper, more extraordinary than before.


    Not only that, but his physique had grown stronger, and his entire demeanor had shifted. He was no longer just her ordinary big brother—he was now a warrior carrying the weight of a great mission.


    A tangle of emotions stirred in Yunruo’s heart.


    She knew, deep down—this version of her brother no longer belonged to just her alone.


    But she tried not to dwell on those troubling thoughts, choosing instead to savor the time she had with her brother tonight.


    They watched TV together, where the news continued to replay reports about the mysterious continent. Nations around the world were scrambling to study these sudden enigmas.


    "Brother… that continent… it''s where you were, right?" Yunruo asked cautiously.


    Chongyue nodded and continued telling her about the wonders of Esperan—the land teeming with undiscovered plants and creatures unlike anything on Earth.


    "There’s a tree called the Starvein Vine—it glows at night, making the entire forest look like a dreamlike galaxy."


    "And Firetrace Birds—their feathers burn like flames, leaving trails of fire in the sky as they fly."


    "Not to mention the beastfolk with ears and wings, or the dwarves wielding firearms… it’s like something straight out of a fantasy movie, except even more unbelievable."


    Yunruo listened, wide-eyed with fascination, a mix of wonder and concern in her gaze. "But… is it really safe for you over there?"


    Chongyue ruffled her hair and chuckled. "Relax, I made it back in one piece, didn’t I?"


    Time slipped by as they talked, the night deepening. The soft glow of the television flickered in the living room, accompanied only by the warm conversation between the reunited siblings.


    Late at night, Chongyue returned to his room. Lying on his long-missed bed, he prepared to rest but couldn’t resist picking up his phone, scrolling to Lu Wenyuan’s contact.


    [Chongyue]: Are you free tomorrow? I’m back. Let’s meet up.


    A reply came almost instantly.


    [Wenyuan]: Yue?! You’re really back?! What time? I’m free whenever!


    Chongyue smiled slightly, let out a yawn, and set his phone down, ready to sleep.


    Just then, a soft knock came from the door.


    "Brother…"


    It was Yunruo’s voice.


    Chongyue sat up and looked toward the door. "What’s wrong?"


    Yunruo peeked inside, her face a little hesitant. She clutched the hem of her clothes and lowered her head, speaking in a quiet voice.


    "Um… can I sleep with you tonight?"


    Chongyue raised an eyebrow. "Hey, aren’t you a little too old for—"


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    He stopped mid-sentence.


    Because in her eyes, he saw it—fear.


    She was afraid. Afraid this was just a dream. Afraid that when she woke up, he would be gone again.


    Chongyue sighed, scratching the back of his head with a helpless smile. "You’re impossible… Fine. I’ll sleep on the floor in your room, deal?"


    Yunruo looked up, momentarily stunned, before a warm, relieved smile spread across her face. She nodded firmly.


    "Mm."


    That night—home was truly whole again.


    The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, gently dispelling the lingering chill of the night.


    Yunruo woke up earlier than usual. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she turned her head toward the floor where her brother was sleeping.


    —There, Chongyue was curled up, one arm resting under his head, the other casually draped across his chest, with one leg bent in an oddly twisted position. He didn’t seem to be sleeping very comfortably.


    Yunruo couldn’t help but giggle softly, a wave of warmth filling her heart.


    —It was all real. Her brother had truly come back.


    Carefully, she got out of bed without waking him, packed her school bag, and quietly left for university.


    On the dining table, she had deliberately left a breakfast portion for him, with a neatly written note beside it:


    —Brother, I’m off to class. Don’t forget to eat breakfast!


    Not long after, Chongyue stirred from his sleep, stretching lazily. He instinctively glanced toward the bed, only to find it empty.


    His heart tensed for a brief moment—until he noticed the breakfast and the note on the table. He let out a small sigh of relief and smiled warmly.


    —Even though he would soon leave again, this time was different. At least now, he could come back.


    At noon, in a downtown café, Chongyue sat by the window, quietly sipping his coffee while waiting for his best friend, Lu Wenyuan.


    He hadn’t gone out of his way to disguise his appearance. Now, under the sunlight, the golden streaks in his hair shimmered faintly, and his deep golden eyes held an almost mesmerizing glow. Though his facial features remained the same, his entire aura had shifted.


    —This change made him stand out in the crowd.


    Even ordinary people unconsciously glanced his way—some in surprise, some in curiosity, while hushed whispers drifted from the nearby tables.


    “Wow, that guy over there is so handsome!”


    “Yeah, look at his presence… he doesn’t seem like a regular person.”


    “His hair color is so unique! Is he mixed-race?”


    Chongyue curled his lips into a faint, helpless smile.


    —Yep, he had definitely changed. But he hadn’t expected that, after just a short time back, his altered appearance would already make him the center of attention.


    But this change was undeniable. After all, the divine authority had granted them power—perhaps even enhancing their physical bodies and senses.


    "Well, whatever. Sooner or later, I’ll have to get used to it."


    As he was lost in thought, the café''s entrance bell chimed softly, and a familiar figure stepped inside.


    Lu Wenyuan still dressed the same—his usual hoodie and jeans—carrying that laid-back and natural aura. His features weren’t particularly striking, but his steady gaze gave off an unmistakable sense of reliability.


    Their eyes met.


    For a moment, neither spoke. Then, as if in silent agreement, they raised their fists and lightly bumped them together.


    —A single fist bump, saying everything words could not.


    The two ordered coffee and sat by the window.


    Lu Wenyuan lifted his cup, scanning Chongyue carefully before smirking and half-joking, “Should I be calling you a superhero now? Gone for months, and you come back looking like a celebrity.”


    Chongyue rolled his eyes, chuckling. “Yeah, right. What kind of superhero’s first move after returning is buying coffee for his buddy?”


    “Well, fair point.” Lu Wenyuan shrugged, then added, “But you really do feel different. Your face hasn’t changed, but… there’s this presence about you. Hard to describe, but it’s there.”


    Chongyue took a slow sip of his coffee and sighed. “It’s a long story…”


    Then, he began to recount everything—starting from the sudden incident during his camping trip, the mysterious relic that transported him, the countless life-or-death trials, and everything he had seen and experienced in Esperan.


    As the story unfolded, Lu Wenyuan’s expression shifted—from initial shock to deep contemplation.


    “So… you’re telling me that for the past few months, you’ve been surviving on a hidden continent, dealing with elves, dwarves, giant snakes, snow beasts, and even gods?”


    Chongyue nodded and shrugged. “Believe it or not, that’s the truth.”


    Lu Wenyuan lowered his gaze, lost in thought for a while. But in the end, he didn’t question it. Instead, he met Chongyue’s eyes, his tone turning serious.


    “Are you coming back?”


    Chongyue paused. Then, understanding what Wenyuan truly meant, he fell silent for a few seconds before answering in a low voice—


    “I will.”


    “No matter what happens, I will come back.”


    Lu Wenyuan didn’t press further. He simply nodded.


    —Because he believed in Chongyue’s promise.


    After a while, Chongyue put on a relaxed smile. "By the way, I need to thank you this time."


    "Thank me?" Lu Wenyuan raised an eyebrow.


    "Yeah." Chongyue looked at his friend, gratitude flashing in his eyes. "Whether it was reporting me missing or taking care of Yunruo during this time, I owe you a big favor."


    Lu Wenyuan paused for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively. "What’s there to thank? Yunruo is like a little sister to me. Taking care of her was only natural."


    Chongyue''s lips curled into a slight smile. He lightly punched Lu Wenyuan on the shoulder. "Alright then, I won’t keep a tab on this favor. But I''ll buy you coffee for a year."


    Lu Wenyuan laughed. "Deal, I’ll hold you to that."


    Sunlight streamed through the café’s glass windows, casting warm reflections on the table. The rich aroma of coffee lingered in the air, yet a trace of heaviness crept into Chongyue’s expression.


    He set down his cup, interlacing his fingers on the table. His brows furrowed slightly, and his tone carried a hint of hesitation.


    "Wenyuan, I’ll have to leave again soon."


    Lu Wenyuan’s relaxed demeanor stiffened briefly before his eyes darkened. "You’re leaving again?"


    Chongyue nodded, his tone complicated. "Yeah… This visit was only temporary. There’s something more important that I have to do."


    Lu Wenyuan stared at him for a long moment before lowering his gaze. He traced the rim of his cup absentmindedly and spoke in a low voice.


    "You’re going to save the world, aren’t you?"


    Chongyue let out a wry chuckle, not bothering to deny it. "Something like that."


    "Then how are you going to tell Yunruo?"


    That question left Chongyue completely silent.


    He knew exactly how much his disappearance had tormented his sister. Every single day since he went missing, she must have lived in constant fear—afraid that, just like their parents, he would never return.


    And now, after finally coming back, he had to leave again.


    He could already picture the look on her face when she heard the news.


    "…I’m still thinking about it." His voice was quiet, his brows knitted in frustration.


    "Right now, all she wants is for me to stay by her side… but I can’t."


    Lu Wenyuan sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple with one hand. His tone was steady but firm.


    "No matter what, you’ll have to tell her eventually. It’s better she hears it from you now than wakes up one day to find you gone again."


    "I know." Chongyue''s voice was low, his eyes reflecting deep conflict.


    But… How was he supposed to say it?


    "If possible, I hope you can continue looking after her while I’m gone." He looked at Lu Wenyuan, sincerity in his voice. "I don’t want her to feel lonely, and I don’t want her to constantly worry."


    Lu Wenyuan let out a soft scoff, the corners of his lips quivering. "You really do treat me like a free babysitter, huh?"


    "Haha, didn’t you say she’s like a sister to you? My sworn brother from another mother!" Chongyue shot back playfully, though relief flickered in his eyes.


    Lu Wenyuan had never been the type to shy away from responsibility. If he said he would do it, then he would.


    "Fine, I don’t have much going on these days anyway. I’ll play babysitter for a while." Lu Wenyuan shook his head, his tone regaining its usual casualness.


    "But remember—don’t disappear on her again."


    A warm feeling spread in Chongyue’s chest. He nodded firmly.


    "Don’t worry. I won’t leave her alone again."


    On Friday night, Chongyue returned home, casually scrolling through his phone as he spoke offhandedly, "Let’s go out this weekend. You can pick the place."


    He had only meant to find an opportunity to spend time with his sister, but to his surprise, Yunruo''s eyes lit up with excitement. She immediately jumped onto the couch beside him, her gaze filled with anticipation. "Really? You’re not going to change your mind, right?"


    "Of course not. I always keep my word." Chongyue chuckled, patting her head. "Saturday, we’ll watch a movie. Sunday, we’ll go to an amusement park. How about that?"


    Yunruo’s excitement was undeniable as she eagerly nodded. "Yes! We have to go!"


    —It was a long-overdue sibling moment.


    On Saturday, they went to the cinema to watch a movie Yunruo had been looking forward to for a long time. The two shared a bucket of popcorn, whispering about the plot as Yunruo excitedly shared her thoughts while Chongyue played along, responding with interest.


    On Sunday, the amusement park was bustling with people. They rode every thrilling attraction—roller coasters, drop towers, haunted houses, Ferris wheels—each one filled with laughter and screams. When they got tired, they sat down for snacks, and once recharged, they went back for more, as if making up for all the lost time they hadn’t spent together.


    By evening, the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the park’s benches in warm light, painting the sky in shades of orange and red.


    Chongyue and Yunruo sat side by side, each holding an ice cream cone, watching as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. The amusement park was still lively, but at that moment, it felt as if the world had quieted, leaving them in their own little peaceful space.


    It had been a long time since they had shared such tranquility.


    "Yunruo..."


    Chongyue looked down at his ice cream, his gaze dimming slightly before he gathered the courage to speak. "I… will have to leave again soon. But I promise—I will come back."


    He expected her to react as she had before—to get upset, throw a fit, or even push him away. But to his surprise, Yunruo simply gazed at him, the corners of her lips curving into a warm smile.


    "Mhm, I know."


    Her voice was soft, yet it carried a maturity that made Chongyue’s heart ache.


    He froze for a moment, expecting tears or anger. Instead, she accepted it calmly.


    "That night, when I asked if you were going back to that continent, you didn’t answer me..." Yunruo licked her ice cream, her eyes fixed on the fading sunset. Her voice was light, but it struck deep in Chongyue’s heart. "At that moment, I already knew you had to go back."


    Chongyue remained silent, unsure of how to respond.


    "You don’t have to worry about me, big brother. I’m not a little kid anymore."


    Yunruo turned to him with a bright smile, holding out her pinky finger. "Pinky promise—you’ll come back."


    The golden sunlight illuminated her face, and her expression was so warm and determined that it sent a tremor through Chongyue’s heart.


    In that moment, he realized—his little sister had grown up.


    Chongyue chuckled softly, extending his pinky and hooking it with hers, solemnly saying, "Mhm, I promise."


    As night fell, the siblings returned home. The soft glow of the living room lights cast gentle shadows on the floor, and the lingering scent of sugary treats from the amusement park still hung in the air.


    Yunruo stretched with a yawn, still brimming with excitement. "Today was amazing! I haven’t had this much fun in so long!"


    Chongyue watched his sister’s smiling face, a mix of emotions stirring in his heart.


    She had grown stronger, more independent, but he still wanted to protect her—to keep her from facing loneliness.


    Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a delicate silver necklace. The pendant was an amber gemstone, shimmering with a warm golden glow under the light.


    "Yunruo," he called softly.


    "Hmm?" She turned to look at him.


    Chongyue stepped forward and gently placed the necklace into her palm. "This is a gift for you."


    Yunruo blinked, opening her hand to study the necklace. The amber seemed to hold a faint, flowing light, as if carrying some unseen energy.


    "It’s beautiful…" Her voice was filled with surprise and delight. She immediately clasped it around her neck, then struck a playful pose. "How do I look?"


    "You look great," Chongyue said warmly, watching her with contentment.


    "It may not be anything extraordinary, but I hope that when I''m not around, it can keep you company in my place."


    Yunruo lowered her gaze to the pendant, falling silent for a moment before smiling. "To me, it’s very special. I’ll treasure it because it’s from you, big brother!"


    Chongyue paused for a second, then gently patted her head.


    Late at night, Chongyue stood at Yunruo‘s bedroom door, watching his peacefully sleeping sister, his gaze filled with warmth.


    "It''s time… But before that…"


    He murmured to himself, then quietly left the house, making his way to another destination—their parents’ graves.


    The cemetery at midnight was eerily silent, with only the faint rustling of the wind through the treetops. Moonlight bathed the tombstones in a pale glow, casting a cool shimmer on Chongyue’s face.


    He gazed at the names engraved on the stone and softly murmured, "Dad, Mom… I’m home."


    The night breeze carried a faint chill.


    "But soon… I’ll be leaving again."


    He knelt down, tracing his fingers along the edge of the tombstone, his eyes clouded with complex emotions. Memories surfaced in his mind—his father’s hearty laughter, his mother’s gentle touch, the warmth of a home that once was.


    "This time, I have a mission."


    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.


    "I don’t know if I can fulfill it. I don’t know what the future holds… But I will protect Yunruo."


    The wind whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves, as if answering his silent vow.


    At that moment, a familiar voice echoed beside him—


    "Human emotions are truly fascinating."


    Chongyue turned sharply, only to see the girl, Divine Principle, standing behind him without a sound. She still carried that indifferent, carefree demeanor, standing barefoot on the stone path of the cemetery, her golden eyes reflecting the night.


    "You do realize that spying on others is considered stalking, right?" Chongyue frowned.


    "It’s not spying, it’s observation," the girl tilted her head slightly, her golden hair swaying gently. "I’m just… curious about human emotions."


    Her voice carried a hint of intrigue and exploration. "You humans know that death is the end of life, yet you still choose to remember the departed, even bearing the pain of longing… Why is that?"


    Chongyue was silent for a moment before lowering his gaze to the gravestone, his voice calm yet resolute. "Because living isn’t just for ourselves."


    The girl blinked, as if contemplating his answer.


    "Humans die twice. The first is when their body ceases to function; the second is when they are forgotten by the world."


    "Family, friends, loved ones… Even if they’re gone, the memories they leave behind remain. We remember them not just out of sorrow, but because their existence mattered. They left a mark on our lives and became a part of us."


    Chongyue slowly stood up, gazing at the night sky. "Just like how, even though we’re only home for a few days, we still want to see the people who matter to us—because they are the reason we keep moving forward."


    The girl crossed her arms and let out a soft "hmm," as if deep in thought. After a moment, she suddenly smiled. "Interesting… It seems emotions are even more complex than I imagined."


    "Since you created life, shouldn’t you already understand emotions?" Chongyue asked.


    "Understand?" The girl let out a quiet chuckle. "Do you think a creator automatically understands their creation?"


    She lightly kicked a small stone on the ground, her tone indifferent. "I can comprehend your logic, analyze your emotions—but that is not the same as ‘feeling’ them."


    She paused before continuing. "For instance… I know what pain is, but I don’t feel pain. I know what love is, but I cannot truly ‘love’ someone."


    Chongyue was momentarily stunned as he looked at the girl before him.


    She had the appearance of a human, spoke in a casual, even mischievous tone, yet at her core, she was still the supreme God.


    What she lacked was the warmth that made humans human.


    "And that’s why…" the girl tilted her head slightly. "You humans intrigue me."


    Chongyue let out a quiet laugh. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"


    "Mmm… I suppose so." The girl shrugged before turning away. "Are you ready? Before you leave, let’s take a walk together."


    Chongyue cast one last look at the gravestone, whispering, "Dad, Mom… I’m leaving."


    The wind passed by, rustling the leaves, while the photos on the gravestone remained still, their gentle smiles watching over him.


    Under the moonlight, a man and a god walked side by side, slowly vanishing into the night beyond the glow of the streetlights.