Tian watched his expression and finally stepped closer, his brows faintly raised. “I know. They are your friends and you want to be there for them when they are in a bad spot. But is there really a need to?

“Jin Ling’s soul is already in this state and that can’t be changed any longer. Furthermore, it’ll still be some time until it is sent to reincarnation. Is there really a need to share that before it has happened? Wouldn’t it be better to wait until the soul has indeed started a new life somewhere? At that point, you can point Jinde to the right person so he can go and take a look to make sure that his son now has a good life to live. Isn’t that much better than anxiously worrying about his fate before it comes into play?

“As for the current king of the dragon race, he is only unconscious because his soul is bound to that of the crown prince. He is suffering the sequela of the fall just like a fallen god would themselves. After some rest, he’ll wake up again. In fact, it shouldn’t be long until then considering he is only feeling some of the effects. After that, he will be back to his usual self. So you just need to give it some time.

“The crown prince of the Nine Heavens, well, he is still unconscious himself and after he wakes up, he’ll start on his own journey. As I said, you can’t help with that.” Tian reached up when he spoke until there and for once actually touched Xiang Yu, cupping his cheeks. “You can’t do anything but wait no matter what issue this regards. Don’t do that to yourself.

“Currently, there is a good opportunity at hand which can almost guarantee that your obsession will be halved. Why not take it? Just drink the potion. I’ll send your soul there and bring your body to a safe spot where it will not be disturbed. I will even keep an eye on the situation of the crown prince of the Nine Heavens and the dragon king. So is there really anything to worry about for you?

“Also, you worry about them because they are your friends. You don’t want them to suffer and want them to live their lives to the fullest. But what about the other way around? Are you not their friend as well? Wouldn’t they want you to get better, to leave your obsession for Yan Xia behind, and be ready to receive somebody new?”

He leaned closer, staring directly into Xiang Yu’s eyes. “Think of Xin Lan: The two of you were so happy during your last trial. You could have that again. Maybe during this new trial or maybe after you return and your obsession has lessened further.

“He would look at you with all the tenderness you experienced as Hua Lin Yu even while you are still a fallen god. He would wait for you to let go of the last remnants of your obsession and turn back to what you once were. He’d cherish you, hold you in the palm of his hand, and propose to you — not as a reincarnated soul for the duration of a trial but as the immortal trueborn god you will be. Finally, you would get married and he would give you all his heart and soul, not causing you to worry and fear what might happen. Do you not want that?”

Xiang Yu’s lips trembled. Did he want that? Of course, he did! Just trying to imagine it, there was hardly any doubt left. It was just … so sudden and he didn’t feel like he had any time to ponder. He had only just found out that he could return to being a trueborn god and now, he already needed to make such a big decision. He felt overwhelmed.

Tian narrowed his eyes. “Xiang Yu. You really shouldn’t waste any time if you want to get over Yan Xia and fall in love with somebody else. This is the best opportunity you might get for a long time. Don’t waste it. Let me send your soul on the way now.”

Xiang Yu looked at the open vial in a daze, slowly raising it. Yes, this … this should probably be done. Everything Tian said was true. He might not get a better opportunity than this and he also knew that his current identity was troublesome. If he could become a trueborn god again, he wouldn’t need to pay attention to his every word that was uttered in the presence of those not in the know or dress up in specific ways to prevent others from realizing. He could just be himself and walk around without the need for any of that so his friends wouldn’t need to worry.

Tian nodded when he saw him seriously considering it. “Do it. When you are down there, I will let you get used to it first. Later, when you have made some progress with getting over your obsession, maybe I can even find an opportunity to send Xin Lan to where you are. Wouldn’t you like that? Another period spent with him during a trial … it’ll deepen the connection between you and maybe the next time you return, he will have an easier time accepting you as you are. Isn’t that worth it?”

Xiang Yu nodded. Thinking of the silver-haired dragon that had somehow managed to steal his heart, he finally raised the vial the rest of the way to his lips and drank the potion. His eyelids fluttered and he fell down, his soul leaving his body and wavering in the air before descending to the mortal realm.

Tian held onto Xiang Yu’s body while he glanced at the slowly disappearing soul, waiting for it to reach the place where his idea could be put in motion.

From the corner of the palace, a scoff sounded, cutting through the silence that had once again enveloped the High Heavens. “Deceiving a naive child, even for somebody in your position, that is low.”