(Jin Guangyao/Reader) You're my sun, my universe

Chapter 24: Beginning of the end

You found yourself being dragged away by Lu Xingyi, her expression grave as she continued down the path. You were confused by her abruptness, but simply allowed her to, and soon enough you found yourself at the entrance of the Sect, where Sisi and Bicao stood.

'Sisi' you called out silently as soon as you saw her again. Sisi's eyes widened with relief as soon as she caught sight of you, and soon you found yourself engulfed with another hug from her, of which after some hesitation you accepted.

"Ah A-(Y/N) I cannot believe that I was blessed enough to see you again, and after you had suffered so much as well" she murmured, her voice mixed with empathy as she expressed the grievances.

You felt your heart clench, for as much as her words soothed you, they also made you feel immense guilt. You did not believe that you had suffered as much as her, if anything from the entire situation you were the most blessed.

'I'm sorry Sisi' you murmured silently, knowing that she would be unable to hear your apology. You wanted to clarify misunderstandings and yet you could not bring yourself too.

It was obvious that Sisi did not know that Jin Guangyao was Meng Yao, that was why she had no clue as to why she was spared and why she seemed so willing to speak against him.

It was your fault really, you had always referred to him as Meng Yao, never letting her know of the name Jin Guangyao ever since that conversation you overheard that indicated that the name was but a slap on the face meant to shame him. Sisi, furthermore, never really cared about cultivation matters, and you never wanted to bore her, so you always ended up discussing other topics.

The selfish part of you did not want to inform her, because it would be better for her to believe that Jin Guangyao was an immoral, heartless monster than for her to know that the one who made her suffer so was her best friend's very son.

It was the least you could do, to honour Sisi's memory of Meng Yao and allow her to live in peace. As such all you did was give a smile as you separated from Sisi's hug, "I am glad we will be able to bring justice to us all" she continued.

Your smile faltered slightly at her words, yet you refrained from expressing any opposition, and instead nodded your head meekly in agreement.

"Where are you going after A-(Y/N)?" Sisi inquired as soon as she could.

You indicated your head towards Lu Xingyi, hoping she would help explain, and luckily, she was willing to help you out as she spoke, "(Y/N) will be staying with me for the time being. I wanted to visit my distant relatives, and (Y/N) was willing to accompany me."

It was a lie of course, you were going to make Lu Xingyi hold to her promise of taking you to Meng Yao as soon as possible.

Sisi seemed to believe that it was a valid reason, as she gave a brief smile, "I see. Will we be able to meet again after?"

You hesitated for a moment, pondering how to respond appropriately, but then eventually nodded in agreement. It was not a lie per-say but depended on whether you managed to find Meng Yao or not.

If...by the time you found him...he was dead.

You would join him.

Sisi seemed to sense something was off but trusting in your words decided to let bygones be bygones as she nodded, "Well then I will be staying with Bicao in this town for a while at this address" she handed you a piece of paper, the calligraphy was rough but readable enough. "Be sure to approach me here."

You clutched the paper tightly and gave a soft nod in reply, your lips quirking up into one last soft smile before bidding her farewell.

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