Chapter 623

Chapter 623: Discussing Path to Enlightenment Again

At first, the Vermilion Bird addressed Lu Ye directly by his name and forbade him from calling her “Sparrow”.

This was due to her guarded nature.

However, as time passed, her wariness quickly faded, and the Vermilion Bird tacitly accepted the nickname “Sparrow”.

Lu Ye looked at the tearful Vermilion Bird, feeling utterly calm inside.

His earlier sentiments lasted only a moment; honestly, evoking past memories didn’t hold much significance for the present him.

“Go on, why did you seek me?” Lu Ye inquired.

The Vermilion Bird let out a soft sob.

“An Li contacted me, asking for my help. She said that if she swallows the Four Spirits of Heaven, she can regain her status as a Saint.”

Lu Ye’s mind stirred.

So, she’s planning to go after the Four Spirits of Heaven!

But seriously, how is An Li’s IQ sometimes on point and other times totally off? She wants to swallow the Four Spirits of Heaven and then informs the Vermilion Bird—who is one of the Four Spirits—to help her devour them.

Is she out of her mind?

But just pondering it, Lu Ye quickly understood.

An Li was in a state of desperation; even though she had successfully occupied the role of a Saint, it was a severely injured one. Such a Saint wouldn’t stand a chance against the Celestial Lord.

Progressing through regular cultivation was taking too long.

Collecting resources, only to get smashed.

She wants to swallow the Four Spirits of Heaven but can’t fight them, knowing that after the battle on the River of Time, the Four Spirits would be in a weakened state, yet clueless about where to find the weakened spirits.

What can she do?

She can only turn to the Vermilion Bird.

In just a few exchanges, An Li understands she needs to be truthful and propose attractive conditions to sway the Vermilion Bird; otherwise, there’s no way the Vermilion Bird would help her.

To the Vermilion Bird, An Li also seemed to be trapped in a dire situation.

First, she was killed by Lu Ye himself and turned into an obsession.

After finally reviving, Lu Ye had completely regarded her as a stranger, and there was no chance she could become Lu Ye’s woman again.

And now, if she lays out the conditions Lu Ye gifted her, would the Vermilion Bird be moved?

Maybe she would be, maybe she wouldn’t.

Listening to the Vermilion Bird’s tale, Lu Ye slowly spoke.

“You’re being a bit naive; even if An Li were foolish, she wouldn’t be foolish enough to this extent. The idea of swallowing the Four Spirits is likely a smokescreen she set up, making us focus all our attention on the Four Spirits.”

“And she could then boldly enter the River of Time to devour resources without a care.”

“If we were to chase her in the River of Time, that would suggest a vulnerability in the defenses of the Four Spirits. Conversely, if we don’t chase her, it implies there are tons of traps already laid out by the Four Spirits; she wouldn’t dare approach.”

The Vermilion Bird, listening to Lu Ye, looked a bit dumbfounded.

Huh?

Is it… that complicated?

Just a classic feint-and-strike tactic.

However, there was still a simple solution to this problem.

What solution?

During the battle on the River of Time, releasing news about An Li would undoubtedly attract hunters; there would be hundreds, if not thousands, of powerful individuals from various time periods keeping an eye on whether An Li shows up.

You should know, An Li’s current state is a massive temptation for all Celestial Lords and even the Great Emperors; there are few who could resist such temptation.

That way, An Li wouldn’t be able to ascertain whether the Four Spirits had laid ambushes.

Of course, An Li’s strength would undoubtedly see significant boosts due to the battle on the River of Time, which is inevitable.

Surrounding and attacking An Li again would be uncertain given only the strength of this era; whether they could take her down remains a mystery.

But Lu Ye could really seek help!

For instance, in the last battle, if the Crimson Dust Saint were to let go of past grudges, all those strong individuals who died at her hands could become Lu Ye’s allies.

But if the Crimson Dust Saint couldn’t let go…

Then everything would be destroyed; all plans, all futures would vanish completely.

Yet, it was surprising that An Li trusted the Vermilion Bird so readily.

It’s quite unbelievable for someone like An Li to directly confess to wanting to devour the Four Spirits of Heaven.

Normally, An Li would surely be subtle and indirect about it; she’d only spill it if she genuinely couldn’t find the location of the Four Spirits.

“An Li actually trusts you this much?” Lu Ye asked.

A sad smile appeared on the Vermilion Bird’s face.

“That’s because in the Six Paths of Reincarnation, while An Li faced countless enemies and isolation during her endless cycles, I stood by her side, unwavering, hoping that one day I could assist my husband!” the Vermilion Bird said with tear-filled eyes.

Lu Ye suddenly understood.

So that’s how it is.

“Husband, I truly love you deeply; I’m doing everything to help you and to make up for my past mistakes and my distrust in you. Can you give me a chance? I just need a sliver of hope.” The Vermilion Bird’s voice nearly shattered.

She was truly regretful and deeply aware of her errors.

She had come to realize that her greatest mistake was not trusting Lu Ye. She knew who Lu Ye was; why did she let herself be led astray back then?

Now, having lived through this life again, she truly understood her wrongs.

She wouldn’t accept any benefits from Lu Ye; after all, she is the Vermilion Bird. Even without Lu Ye’s help, if she diligently progressed step by step, she could reach the level of the White Tiger or Xuanwu.

Her approach to Lu Ye wasn’t about wanting to cling to him for benefits.

She simply yearned for that genuine love once again.

Lu Ye looked at the Vermilion Bird.

Just staring deeply at her.

The Vermilion Bird didn’t shy away, her eyes filled with sadness and pain.

It wasn’t because of her own suffering but for the actions she once took.

In that moment, Lu Ye didn’t know what he truly felt inside.

He also wasn’t sure how to respond to the Vermilion Bird’s current attitude.

Honestly, if Yin Qingcheng or Yue Hongling had come this far, Lu Ye would definitely be stirred. But why was it the Vermilion Bird?

Because Lu Ye had completely moved on from her.

No love, no hate.

In such a state, how could one even talk about forgiveness?

It was simply a matter of indifference.

But Lu Ye also knew that saying anything about not loving her wouldn’t be of any use, especially since the Vermilion Bird’s actions this time didn’t have any faults. He didn’t want to crush her spirit.

“Fellow Daoist, in this life, my heart is set on the Dao; romantic entanglements will have to wait for enlightenment!”