Chapter 1332: Dead, But Not Completely Gone

Chapter 1332: Dead, But Not Completely Gone

Is this a chance to reminisce about the key events of my life before I go?

Honestly, meeting the Demon Star is way more comfortable than meeting Su Kexin, considering that it was a turning point in my life.

Of course, wherever it is I change, that’s where I leave this world, and ultimately, I meet my end in front of the Demon Star.

If the Demon Star were a person, I’d want to sit down and share a few drinks with it — one cup to ease a thousand sorrows, and then I’d be on my way.

But sadly, it’s just a star that fell from outside the heavens, radiating endless energy, yet still lacking any emotions of a sentient being.

Maybe I could touch it, just to feel the power emanating from the Demon Star one last time.

“Old friend, have you come to see me off on my last journey? Too bad there’s no wine here; otherwise, we could have a good drink together in our misery.”

Lin Nuo’s hand landed on the surface of the Demon Star, and indeed, a wave of Demon Qi surged towards him, feeling as though it was a baptism — very comforting.

This might be the last illusion he experiences, enjoying this final leg of his journey.

“Alright, even though I’d love to linger here, I must set out. Farewell, old friend.”

With that, Lin Nuo slowly withdrew his hand from the surface of the Demon Star, feeling reluctant but knowing he must find closure.

“Young human.”

Suddenly, a deep voice resounded from the Demon Star, startling Lin Nuo, causing him to stagger back a couple of steps.

What’s this? Is it an illusion, or am I just hearing things?

“Where is this voice coming from? Is it you, old friend?”

“It is I, young human.”

The deep voice continued, and the Demon Star emitted a series of faint lights.

“You can talk? Oh, I get it, this is my illusion space — you are conjured from my imagination. So, there should be a wine jug and cups here, and we can even drink a few.”

As he said this, Lin Nuo waved his hand, attempting to conjure the desired wine jug and cups for a toast before his journey.

However, nothing materialized as he wished.

What a letdown! After all, I’m the one about to embark on a journey—what’s wrong with a couple of drinks? I haven’t even asked for a Meat Floss Cake!

“Isn’t this supposed to be my death day illusion? Why isn’t it working? Not even a little wine to ease my sorrow before I reincarnate? No Meng Po Soup either? The service in this underworld is terrible these days.”

“Young human, you are not dead.”

The Demon Star replied anew, but Lin Nuo only took this as another instance of auditory hallucination. Denial was all he could muster — I’m not dead, I’m not dead, but what a futile attempt at self-deception! No matter how much you suggest it, can it really bring me back to life?

“Alright, old friend. If I’m not dead, why did I come to visit? Besides, I just met the Time Old Man and my past-life nemesis, Su Kexin. They’ve answered some riddles about this life for me, confirming that I’m dead.”

“You are dead, but not completely gone.”

“No way, do you surf the internet too? You know this meme?”

Lin Nuo was shocked. No, brother, I’m definitely finished. It’s impossible to have a Demon Spring that knows internet memes!

“Your life signs have indeed vanished, but only temporarily,” the Demon Star said.

“Why?” Lin Nuo asked.

“After you absorbed my energy, part of your true soul was completely protected, while the soul you burned through didn’t completely consume your essence.”

“What does that mean? Are you saying I burnt half of it and still have the other half left? This operation is wild!”

Listening to this, Lin Nuo was dumbfounded. No, I’m ready to face my end, and now you’re telling me there’s a chunk of my soul left?

But what good is it? I’m here now, and a fragile soul is just as good as being crippled. How can I even know what part is missing?

What if it’s an important part for a man?

I still have several wives waiting for me, and if you send me back and I can’t perform, it’s better to just kick the bucket!

But a broken soul is almost as good as being dead. The soul burning was intense and probably consumed most of it, so whatever remnants are left probably won’t matter much.

“It’s not half; I’d say 90% of it is burnt away,” the Demon Star responded.

“Well, that’s no different from being dead. A mere 10% of a soul can’t sustain my life. Even if I could, I’d be extremely defective.”

Lin Nuo spoke, having come to terms with it; he was dead, so no need to hold onto any hope.

“10% can still be restored. If you wish to return, my power can help bring you back.”

The Demon Star said coolly, almost like a supreme being offering Lin Nuo a chance.

Casually said, like it’s a breeze — you give me 10% of a soul and expect me to thrive again. Who do you think you are?

Oh, the source of the ultimate villain.

If that’s the case, it seems somewhat justifiable.

But…

Lin Nuo felt it wasn’t that simple.

After all, he had seen enough movies and read enough novels to know there would be a catch behind this ultimate villain’s offer:

What’s the price?

Maybe it really can let him live again, but at what cost? Perhaps his mind would be controlled, losing his autonomy, and the Demon Star might use his body to become the next Liang Zhao, stepping into the role of the biggest villain.

This could be compared to Arthas in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, gripping Frostmourne and ultimately becoming a puppet of the Lich King.

If that happens, he would plunge into an endless abyss, far more terrifying than death itself.

Nonetheless, it didn’t seem like something to worry too much about.

After all, with the Demon Star’s prowess, his mind could have already been controlled, easily turning him into a mindless being like the death knight Arthas.

However, protocol dictates that he ask:

“So, what’s the price for me?”

“Actually, you’ve been paying the price all along.”

“What do you mean?”

Lin Nuo found this statement cryptic, indeed something only a powerful figure would say. He probably should pull out his little notebook to jot down these classic quotes.

“You were meant to die back then, but you chose the path of the dark arts, enduring endless suffering, from betrayal to annihilation — that’s your price.”

“True, that’s a hefty price. But this time, I should face an even greater cost, like my broken body or being reborn in some dark, hidden place, forced to endure suffering again,” Lin Nuo said.

“You won’t.”

“Why?”

“What are you referring to?”

“Why would you let me be reborn? You surely have something to gain from this, or you might want Liang Zhao to come back too. Since you’ve descended to the mortal realm, wouldn’t you find a suitable vessel to create your demon empire?”

“Not interested. Plus, it’s not entirely me bringing you back; your will is helping you too. You can wield the power I grant you, which reflects your will. You can choose to go back or continue your journey to the underworld; it’s all determined by your will.”

The Demon Star said meaningfully, and it began to fade, showing signs of disappearing.

“Choose, young human.”

“Return,” Lin Nuo replied with just two words.