“Yes.” Receiving the decree for reincarnation from the Civil Judge, Ajiu accepted it without hesitation and turned to leave.
The goddess greeted him with a warm smile and ladled out a bowl of water from the River of Forgetfulness. "I've finally been waiting for you. Are you willing to drink it now?" Ajiu happily accepted the bowl and was just about to drain it in one gulp when the goddess suddenly reached out and stopped him. "Wait."
"Over all these years, you carried out your duties faithfully. Whenever suffering came, you willingly endured it instead of running away. Because of that, you have accumulated a great deal of spiritual merit, which you may exchange for the life you desire in your next incarnation," the goddess explained slowly. "You may use it to be reunited with Caihong and Xiaojin."
One by one, memories filled Ajiu's mind—Caihong, Meihao, Shanmei, the old monk, Yun'er, Shun'er, and Renyeong. Their faces passed before him like scenes from a lantern show, until only the old monk remained.
"Amang... let go of your burdens and flow with destiny."
Those who are bound by destiny will always meet again, no matter how many years—or lifetimes—have passed. Besides, such virtue should not be spent so easily.
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