But there was one problem: in the correct timeline, my body should be in terrible shape. Even though I would heal once I returned, all the accumulated pain would hit me at once, so I needed to be mentally prepared.
"Thank you both."
"What's this for, why so formal?"
Past Ethan Justice steadied me. I gave an awkward smile. This time, it was thanks to the two of them that my life was able to go on—otherwise, I would have died long ago.
I glanced sideways at Lady Meng behind me, and finally managed to say thank you.
"We're running out of time. Hurry up."
Juchen was already urging me. I gave a quiet reply, still uneasy as I looked at Future Ethan Justice. I walked over, opened my arms, and gently hugged him. He looked surprised, but soon smiled.
"Spend more time with Sylvia Blue. In that darkness, as long as you don't bring your power over, they should let you live there. Sylvia Blue actually has a lot she wants to say to you—you are her father, after all!"
After letting go of Future Ethan Justice, I smiled at him. He nodded in response.
"And about Seven—no matter what happens, don't resent him. He also longs to live with his family, so..."
"I understand. Go quickly."
I quietly replied, then turned to look at Past Ethan Justice. He was grinning at me.
"Are you really not planning to get married and have children?"
I asked, and Past Ethan Justice shook his head.
"Ever since I became aware of myself, I've preferred being alone. I guess this sort of thing just isn't meant for me in this life. As long as I'm comfortable, that's enough."
I made a sound of acknowledgment and slowly walked toward the time corridor Juchen had opened. Juchen entered first. I glanced back at the two Ethan Justices—clearly identical, yet completely different people, in personality, habits, and what they cared about.
Smiling, I walked slowly to the entrance of the time corridor, hands behind my back, head raised, looking at the starlit night as I reluctantly glanced back. This experience might have been the most thrilling of my life. I wanted to tell Ethan that when he comes back someday...
"Go quickly, Rachel Lan."
Lady Meng muttered. I answered quietly, looked back one last time, then raised a hand to say goodbye and stepped into the time corridor.
Entering the time corridor again, I felt a wave of dizziness. I still remembered what John Chou told me before we left the past: from here on, I could only rely on myself. After returning, I had a clear goal—to train seriously under John Chou and hone my strength. That was what I needed to do now.
Only that devious man could help someone achieve such rapid progress in a short time. Although he is cunning, he actually puts people at ease, like a wise elder. Following him reveals a lot. Now I understand why Ethan Zhang never doubted John Chou.
Gradually, I sank into a patch of bright white light. When I opened my eyes, memories familiar to me began to flow forward smoothly, but in all those scenes, one person was missing—Ethan Zhang was nowhere to be seen, just a shadow.
"Stop overthinking. Get ready—it's about to begin."
I quietly acknowledged, closed my eyes, and prepared myself to accept the pain that was about to flood my consciousness. My awareness slowly began to fade.
Suddenly, I jolted awake, my whole body drenched in sweat. A faint fragrance drifted past my nose, but soon I opened my eyes wide and sprang up from the bed, crying out in agony.
Pain surged through every part of my body, sending me into violent convulsions. A hand pressed against my head. I glanced sideways and saw Isabelle Frost, her face filled with worry. I flailed uncontrollably, my body completely out of control.
My mind was abnormally exhausted. Memories of lying in bed these past days kept flooding my head. Now I finally understood how agonizing the ordeal had been. I couldn't take it anymore, but then a dazzling warm yellow light flashed before my eyes, and gradually I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Even in sleep, I was stuck in a half-awake state, unable to truly rest. My body alternated between chills and fever. I felt someone holding me, weightless, as if I were sinking into water.
The pain had completely numbed my body. Eventually, I lost consciousness and fell into darkness.