Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan stood at the foot of the mountain, their breath taken deep by the sight before them. The mountain's aura was heavy and majestic, as if announcing the difficult path ahead and the irreversible fate ahead. The summit was shrouded in mist, as if it held the only key to the future. Whoever could reach it would uncover the truth of their destiny.

"Are you ready?" Lu Lingyuan turned to look at Zhao Shufang, his tone a little nervous.

Zhao Shufang looked up, gazing at the mountain with a firm and cold gaze. "No matter what, we cannot retreat. This is our only choice."

Both men knew the mountain before them was more than just a geographical obstacle; it was a symbol of destiny. Every choice, every trial, could alter the course of their future. Now, standing at the foot of that mountain, they faced the final decision.

"Let's go." Zhao Shufang said softly.

"Yeah." Lu Lingyuan nodded, took her hand, and walked towards the mountain road firmly.

Along the way, the mountain road was rugged and uneven, and the surrounding scenery became increasingly desolate. The fog was thick, like a maze-like space, with a subtle threat of getting lost. After walking for a while, a low voice suddenly came from the front.

"You are finally here." The voice was steady and ethereal, as if coming from all directions.

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan stopped and looked around, but saw nothing.

"Who is it?" Zhao Shufang asked with a hint of vigilance in her voice.

"You know, this mountain holds an inescapable force." The voice rang out again, this time coming from beneath their feet. "Every step you take is a challenge to fate."

"A challenge of fate?" Lu Lingyuan whispered, frowning slightly. "What does this mean?"

"You will be faced with choices, and each choice will determine your future." The voice became clearer. "No matter which path you choose, you must bear the corresponding consequences."

Zhao Shufang took a deep breath, her eyes sharp. "Who are you? Why are you giving us this trial?"

"Trial?" The voice seemed to chuckle. "I am merely fate's spokesperson, shouldering the burden you must face. Your fate has already been determined."

"Destined?" Zhao Shufang sneered, "Nothing is predetermined. Fate is not immutable; it can be changed."

"Do you believe you can change it?" The voice was slightly low. "Your choice is the key to changing your destiny. Whether you can find the path to the future in this mountain will determine your fate."

"We will find the way." Lu Lingyuan said no more. He held Zhao Shufang's hand tightly and continued to lead her into the depths of the mountain road.

As they continued to go deeper, the mountain path began to become increasingly precipitous, and the air became more oppressive. With every step, it seemed as if countless shadows were crawling under their feet, making people feel terrified.

"Are you ready for your decision?" The voice sounded again, seemingly filled with some unspeakable threat.

Zhao Shufang stopped, her eyes darkening. "If we don't have a choice, it means giving up. If we give up, that's the real failure."

Lu Lingyuan looked at her, a hint of surprise in his eyes. Although he had long known Zhao Shufang's determination, her words at this moment made him more convinced that she was ready, no matter what difficulties she faced.

"We've come this far, there's no turning back." Zhao Shufang took a deep breath. "No matter what lies ahead, we will face it together."

Lu Lingyuan held her hand tightly and whispered, "I'm always by your side."

The two continued walking until suddenly, at the end of the mountain road, a massive door appeared. Carved with ancient runes, it emanated a mysterious light. An indescribable sense of oppression permeated the door frame.

"Is this... a door?" Zhao Shufang couldn't help but stop.

"That's right." Lu Lingyuan whispered, "This may be the gateway to the land of destiny."

"We must go through it before we can reach the end." Zhao Shufang said firmly.

The two walked forward and pushed open the door. Behind it was an empty space, filled with deep darkness, with only a bright path stretching into the distance. The air was filled with a strange smell, making people feel oppressive.

"You're finally here." The voice rang out again, but this time, it was clearer. A figure slowly emerged from the darkness, dressed in a black robe and a mask.

"Who are you?" Zhao Shufang asked coldly.

"I am the guardian of this mountain," the man said slowly. "If you want to pass this mountain, you must pass my test."

"A test?" Lu Lingyuan raised his eyebrows. "Does it mean that the secret behind this mountain still needs you to protect it?"

"Everyone's destiny requires testing." The Guardian's voice was calm, yet it carried an unquestionable pressure. "You have come a long way, but even now, you are still not ready to face your true destiny. The next test will be the most severe."

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan looked at each other, with unspoken determination in their eyes.

"No matter what test you give us, we will pass it," Zhao Shufang said with a piercing gaze. "Because we have come this far, we must not retreat."

The Guardian lowered his head slightly, as if thinking about something. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "Very well. In that case, are you ready to accept the most difficult choice?"

"Choice?" Zhao Shufang's heart tightened, vaguely feeling that this choice would determine everything.

"You must choose to give up a part of yourself or give up the most precious thing in order to move forward." The guardian's voice was low, as if reminding them that this was a road of no return.

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan knew very well that this choice was not a simple trade-off, but was related to their future and even all the beliefs and goals they held.

"We have no choice." Zhao Shufang took a deep breath, her eyes determined. "As long as we can keep going, we can give up anything."

Lu Lingyuan didn't say anything. He held Zhao Shufang's hand tightly, his eyes full of determination.

The Guardian nodded and smiled. "Your determination is the beginning of passing the test. Now, it depends on how you face your true destiny."

As his voice fell, the scene before his eyes suddenly changed, and the light flashed, as if everything had entered a new situation.