Chapter 169

The rain fell steadily, blurring the figures of those outside. Each droplet shattered on the ground, forming an endless rhythm.

Rain has a way of stirring memories. It recalls life’s unending downpour, from childhood to youth, and from youth into maturity.

“Brother, he’s still as kind as ever…”

Xu Moli held an oil-paper umbrella, quietly waiting for her brother’s return. The rain fell heavily, forming white streaks that wove a curtain over the world. Her pure eyes reflected the silent scene, broken only by a familiar silhouette approaching.

To her, Xu Xi was not just her brother but her hero—the one who would always stand in front of her, no matter what danger came her way.

Growing up, Xu Moli’s heart brimmed with happiness. He was her one true refuge, her family, and the person who gave her warmth in the coldest winters.

Yet she knew her brother’s kindness extended beyond her. He would always lend a hand to others, no matter the cost.

Jealous?

Not really.

When Xu Moli saw the survival seekers, she thought of her younger self. She empathized with their struggles and secretly used her own abilities to heal their wounds.

“If I do this, Brother will be happy, right?”

Her smile was fleeting.

Deep inside, she carried a dream—a dream she dared not speak aloud.

She couldn’t quite believe it.

The same brother who once searched every corner of the market for her favorite candies.

The same brother who cared about her future, enrolling her in early education at the sect.

The same brother who had once tried to sacrifice his own spiritual roots to save her.

Now, he had come back to her.

And he didn’t blame her for anything.

Instead, just like before, he gently stroked her head and spoke in a soothing tone, telling her not to cry.

It felt unreal, like a dream she was afraid to wake from.

The rain poured harder. Xu Moli, still clutching her umbrella, stood lost in thought.

The sound of approaching footsteps, coupled with her brother’s familiar voice, snapped her back to reality.

“Moli, what are you doing here?”

Xu Xi stepped closer, his hand naturally taking the umbrella from hers.

The way he tilted the umbrella slightly to cover her figure, shielding her from the wind and rain, was just as it had always been.

Even as an Eternal Supreme, she could easily deflect the rain herself. Yet, under his care, she felt safe and cherished.

She glanced at the umbrella, then at the hand that held it. A radiant smile spread across her face.

“I just thought… Brother might need me, so I came.”

Her answer was simple, pure, and selfless. She only wanted to help him—just as he had always helped her.

Xu Xi chuckled. “Well, you came all this way for nothing. It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.”

But Moli thought otherwise.

Walking beside her brother in the rain, sharing this quiet moment, made her feel like her journey wasn’t wasted.

…

The two walked slowly on the slippery, rain-soaked path.

The heavy rain had turned the ground into a patchwork of muddy puddles. Each step brought the satisfying crackle of water breaking underfoot.

“Brother, who were those people?”

On their way back to the courtyard, Xu Moli finally asked about the survival seekers.

She had an idea of their origins but wanted to hear it directly from him.

“Uh… How should I put this?” Xu Xi hesitated before briefly explaining the events of his third simulation.

“I see…”

“So, this is what Brother experienced in his past life,” she murmured thoughtfully.

She didn’t know about the simulator itself, but she interpreted it as part of her brother’s reincarnation.

“Brother hasn’t changed at all,” she said softly, her smile warm and reassuring.

“Hmm? Not changed in what way?”

“You still care about saving others without ever thinking about yourself,” she huffed, her tone playful but laced with concern.

“That’s not good, Brother. You should think about yourself more often.”

Though she had once been saved by him, she didn’t want him to bear the burden of everyone’s pain.

Xu Xi nodded without argument. With his free hand, he reached over and ruffled her hair gently.

She wasn’t scolding him.

She cared for him deeply.

How could he be upset by her concern?

…

As the rain poured, they continued to chat. Their conversation shifted to memories of the past—moments they cherished deeply.

They reminisced about Black Rock City, where the two siblings once shared a watermelon. Xu Moli ate so much her stomach bulged, yet her eyes still lingered on the remaining slices.

Eventually, Xu Xi tapped her forehead, and she obediently looked away.

They talked about their days at the Heavenly Sword Sect. Moli would wait for him at the cave entrance during rainstorms, her patient figure a sight that always warmed Xu Xi’s heart.

Their memories carried them closer to home.

The rain continued, drenching the city in a quiet stillness. Streetlights on both sides of the road flickered to life, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that reflected beautifully in the rain.

“Moli, wait here for a moment,” Xu Xi suddenly said.

He disappeared into a nearby convenience store and returned moments later, holding a few lollipops.

“Here,” he said, placing them into her hands.

It was such a simple, ordinary gift.

“Brother is so silly…” Moli muttered, her voice soft but amused.

Despite being an Eternal Supreme, Xu Xi still treated her like a child.

And he still bought her candy.

Such a silly brother…

Such a lovable brother.

Her fingers delicately unwrapped one of the lollipops. She placed it in her mouth, her lips curling into a sweet smile.

“How is it? Tasty?” Xu Xi asked.

“Anything from Brother is delicious,” she replied, looking up at him with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the rain, the umbrella, and even the sky.

In truth, she had come to him not just to help but because of an inexplicable sense of urgency.

It felt as though something was approaching—something she needed to protect.

How annoying…

But for her brother, she wouldn’t mind being annoyed forever.