"It's been a while, you see." Snowinter spoke as she observed Jin Rou. She felt like a little girl in front of him despite her age. She didn't realize it but she often acted dependent on the other party.
Just how many years had she waited to see him again? She missed him, but she couldn't say it out loud. She didn't want to burden Han Li again like in the past.
Myriad of memories resurfaced in Jin Rou's mind. Han Li greatly favored this woman and even spoiled her in the past. He thought of staying here for good and never fight again. But that was just a passing thought. He knew it was impossible to happen.
He chose this path, and he would surely see the end of it. For there lied the answer he was probably looking for.
"Yes, it's been a while." Jin Rou smiled. The beauty of Snowinter didn't fade, remaining as an ever toppling beauty. People would get mesmerized by it and fall in love with her, "I'm glad that you are healthy despite not being able to avoid the passage of time."
No one in this world could avoid the effects of time. Not even the overlords and saints who stood at the apex. Somen eventually died after the long years, but some still survived by desperate means.
"I still want to see you being the victor of this long war. So I cannot die yet." Snowinter smiled sweetly. She usually was a cold person in the sect but she acted cute in front of Han Li.
"I will be the victor this time." Jin Rou declared, "This challenge will be different to all the challenges I had. I will go all out in this generation."
Jin Rou only had one chance to kill the old man. It's either he kill him, or he get killed in the process. Only one of them would remain standing under the sky.
"You're confident in winning this long game." Snowinter felt at ease as she heard his response. He was still arrogant as ever, but he could back it up with actions.
"I am confident." Jin Rou chuckled, "This time, that old man's head will be flying towards the sky and fall down to the ground."
Talking about killing the old man was a taboo that had should never be talked about in public, yet Jin Rou was even saying it in a loud tone. He wasn't afraid of tribulation or whatsoever.
"But his allies will not stand by." Snowinter reminded Jin Rou. He had to know of all people that it wouldn't be easy to near the old man. After all, there were two Half-Gods protecting him and doing his bidding.
"His dogs aren't worth that much." Jin Rou said.
Snowinter couldn't help but smile wryly, "Indeed, Young Noble. They are just mere dogs."
Soon, silent permeated the air again. No one talked. They were just enjoying each other's companies after a long time of not seeing each other. The silence was also comfortable as Jin Rou closed his eyes.
It was the first time he felt at peace. It was a short moment of not thinking about anything else but rest. The blood and war were nothing but a spect of dust in his thoughts, this time.
But this short moment was as is-- a very short moment of peace.
"This will be the last time I can see you." Jin Rou said. His heart was heavy because he's affected by Han Li's emotions, "After this, you might not be able to see me, too."
It was a bitter goodbye that came unexpectedly for Snowinter. In the past, Han Li had always said that they would meet again if fate permitted it. But today, it's different.
Han Li was bidding a forever goodbye to her, a zero chance of no longer seeing each other again. That's why it felt bitter in her part.
"I..." In all honesty, she didn't know what to say. This came unexpected and she didn't know the right response for it. Or at the very least, she perhaps didn't want to know what to respond to it afraid that once she respond, it would be sealed as the final truth.
She wanted to see Han Li more. Not just today. She didn't need to be by his side, all she needed was she could look up to him in a far distance with a smile.
Jin Rou didn't want to create false hopes for the other party knowing he would disappear after the war. Han Li was dead and his soul dissipated a long time ago. He had no chances of revival.
"Snowinter, everything will always come to an end. It is just a matter of time when, how long or how short." Jin Rou said, "But goodbyes aren't meant that you will be forgotten. You are an important of I, Han Li."
It was Han Li's true feelings. He might be dead now, but his emotions were still alive. He never had forgotten Snowinter even once. He would always remember her at times.
Snowinter closed her eyes and put her head down. She felt her eyes warming and she didn't want Han Li to see it, "It's really admirable to see you like this, Young Noble."
"I only have the forward path. I cannot turn my back." Jin Rou said, "But I will always carry your burden and memories along."
He stood up and pat her head. His smile was gentle and genuine, as if he's taking care not to break the other party.
"Will you be going now, Young Noble?" Snowinter asked. She didn't want to ask this, but she knew it would come to that.
"Yes," Jin Rou sighed, "I need to go to your Winter Worst Sea. Sylvianna want to meet that monster the progenitor have sealed in the past."
"I see." Snowinter knew that her aid wouldn't amount to much. Thus, she didn't offer it and just handed over a piece of paper, "I don't know if this will be of help to you one day but I hope it will, Young Noble."