At this moment, clarity gradually returned to Chu Qiqi’s eyes. She looked at A Qiang, guilt and helplessness flashing within them.

　　Holding her tightly, A Qiang asked with a trembling voice, “Qiqi, how did you become like this? What really happened?”

　　Chu Qiqi took a deep breath and slowly recounted the entire course of events.

　　After suffering devastating tragedy and grievous wounds to both body and soul, Chu Qiqi sought only death. At that moment, a mysterious demonic woman appeared, telling her she could teach her a sinister cultivation method that would grant her the power to exact revenge upon those who had harmed her. The price, however, was to fuse the cauldronshaped evil artifact into her body.

　　Chu Qiqi agreed without hesitation and began cultivating the dark art.

　　As she trained, she grew ever stronger, yet steadily lost herself.

　　For the sake of revenge, she used her beauty and evil techniques to lure those who had once hurt her.

　　She first seduced the beggar into an abandoned house and drained him of his vital yang. Then she deliberately allowed Li Hun’er to capture her, using her body and the dark art to slaughter him and his followers one by one.

　　As vengeance progressed, her soul was corroded by the evil art and the cauldron, growing ever colder and more ruthless, eventually even harming the innocent.

　　Her existence plunged the entire village into fear and darkness, leaving the people both terrified and helpless.

　　In the end, she became a monster that knew only revenge, her soul utterly twisted. Her story turned into a tragedy—and an eternal nightmare in the hearts of others.

　　Yi Chen and Qing Nianli were filled with shock and sorrow after hearing her account.

　　They had never imagined she had endured such torment, nor that she would pay such a devastating price for revenge.

　　Yi Chen asked in a low voice, “What about the children? Where did you take them?”

　　Pain flickered through Chu Qiqi’s eyes as she slowly raised her head. “They are all in the cave behind the mountain… They’re safe. I took them only to remember my poor son…”

　　Hearing this, Yi Chen and Qing Nianli felt a surge of grief.

　　Her son had been murdered by ruffians, and she herself had suffered unimaginable humiliation and harm.

　　“My son… he was so adorable, so kind… yet those brutes mercilessly took his life…”

　　Her voice trembled with despair. “I couldn’t endure the pain of losing him. I couldn’t accept that my child had left me like that… so I took those children!”

　　Her gaze grew hollow and unfocused, her body trembling as memories flooded back.

　　“I know what I did was wrong… but I couldn’t control myself. Every time I saw those children, I thought of my son—his smile, his voice, everything haunting my mind…”

　　Tears streamed down her cheeks, her voice hoarse.

　　“I took those children only to comfort my broken heart. I know it changes nothing, but it was the only thing I could do…”

　　Yi Chen and Qing Nianli were stunned and sorrowful. They had never expected such a reason.

　　“Chu Qiqi, we understand your pain,” Yi Chen said gently. “But you cannot harm innocent children because of it. They have parents and families too.”

　　Chu Qiqi looked up at him, guilt and helplessness in her eyes.

　　“I know… but I truly couldn’t control myself. I’ve already lost my sanity…”

　　“Elder Sister Qiqi, please believe us,” Qing Nianli said softly. “We will help you walk out of this shadow. We’ll find the children together and return them safely to their parents. You can begin anew…”

　　Chu Qiqi gave a bitter smile. “There’s no turning back for me anymore…”

　　Yi Chen looked at her with pity. He knew she was pitiable, consumed by hatred and pain.

　　Yet he also knew her actions were unforgivable.

　　“You’ve already killed many people. Your hatred has been sated. If you continue, you will fall into eternal damnation.”

　　Qing Nianli nodded. “Yi Chen is right. You’ve already lost too much—you cannot lose your soul as well. Let go of hatred and start over.”

　　Chu Qiqi was torn by conflict. She knew they were right, yet her sins were grave and she had nothing left. Could she truly begin again?

　　“Can I… really start over?” she whispered.

　　“Yes,” A Qiang said firmly. “Qiqi, I’ve always loved you. No matter what you become, I’m willing to care for you for the rest of my life.”

　　Hearing this, emotion surged within Chu Qiqi.

　　She knew A Qiang was a good man, one who had always treated her well. But…

　　She shook her head. “A Qiang, I appreciate your feelings. But I am already broken beyond repair—I am unworthy of you. Even without all this, I was merely a widow… You deserve someone better.”

　　A Qiang felt as though his heart were struck by a heavy hammer. Pain seized him.

　　He held her tightly, his arms trembling. “No, Qiqi, don’t demean yourself like that. From the first moment I saw you, you were the most beautiful and kindhearted woman in this world. Let the past be the past—I don’t mind at all. Just give me a chance, a chance to take care of you, please?”

　　Her heart surged like a raging sea. She slowly lifted her tearfilled eyes to him, lips parting, yet no words came. She could only shake her head.

　　“A Qiang, thank you for loving me. But there is no turning back for me. I have killed too many people—my hands are drenched in blood. I cannot drag you down with me, nor allow more people to be hurt because of me.”

　　Her eyes ignited with fierce resolve—she had made a final decision.

　　Without hesitation, she gathered her strength and shoved A Qiang away. Caught off guard, he fell backward heavily onto the ground.

　　In that instant, Chu Qiqi rose swiftly. She glanced at Yi Chen, then at Qing Nianli.

　　“Little sister, this young hero is a good man. Treasure him well.”

　　With those words, she did not linger. Pushing off the ground, she turned and ran swiftly out of the cave.