Chapter 68: One Strike

July 6th, 2023

Xie Huai’s movements abruptly halted. He gazed at the pliant young man before him. It was a side of him that he’d never seen before, without resistance or evasion, as if he was opening his heart to accept him……

But that “Don’t be mad” immediately sent a chill through Xie Huai’s whole body.

It made him realize suddenly that everything before his eyes was no more than another facade to confuse him.

The only reason he was doing this was to get rid of Xie Huai’s anger. What sincerity or real feelings were there? It was just another necessary compromise.

Had he still not been tricked by this person enough?

Why was it that every time this person put on this kind of manner, his heart would still soften and waver……

Xie Huai closed his eyes, holding back his desolate, ridiculing expression. He suddenly let go, turning and leaving decisively.

Fang Li had originally already made up his resolve to give it a try.

Who would’ve known that Xie Huai, who’d originally been tender and passionate and had looked just fine, would suddenly turn cold halfway through and exit, leaving him behind?!

Fang Li couldn’t help the perplexion on his face.

He had clearly already conceded this much and was willing to try, cough, doing that kind of thing with a man. Besides, wasn’t this just what Xie Huai wanted?

Why was he not only unhappy, but seemingly even more angry?

Other than that “Don’t be mad,” it seemed like Fang Li hadn’t said anything else, either? Was even that something that could anger someone?

Fang Li felt a pounding headache. Something like coaxing someone, he really was no good at it!

Forget it, forget it.

If they weren’t doing it, that was even better.

……………………

Xie Huai didn’t visit Fang Li for a few days.

Today, Xie Huai received a summons from his master.

The message stated that the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance wanted to arrange an Immortals’ Alliance Conference and told Xie Huai to head to Black Star Tower to attend the conference. His master would also personally bring the Cloudbank Keep disciples, but the message didn’t state just what the issue was.

Xie Huai’s eyes became heavy, fingers twirling the message talisman in contemplation, but he still decided to head for the conference.

Before setting out, he went to visit Fang Li.

Fang Li was lying in the courtyard sunbathing, his posture languid and content. This peaceful, relaxed appearance…… In a daze, Xie Huai suddenly recalled the day he’d made up his resolve to retrieve the Nine-Petaled Lotus. He’d arrived and seen Fang Li sleeping peacefully here……

At the time, he’d made up his mind.

No matter what he would face in the future, he would face it together with this person. He would never let go again.

Nine years later, Xie Huai had thought many things had changed.

But actually, they hadn’t changed, either.

His feelings were the same as before.

Fang Li was sleeping very lightly, and he woke as soon as he heard a sound, then saw Xie Huai standing there.

He hesitated for a moment, then said softly, “You’re here.”

Xie Huai responded very quietly with an “Mn.” He paused, then said, “I have to leave for a few days.”

Fang Li said, “Oh.”

You can relax and head out. I’m a big, strong man, I’ll do what I’ve promised you. I definitely won’t leave before you’re satisfied with your revenge.

Xie Huai’s fingers twitched underneath his sleeve, as if he wanted to touch this person, but in the end, he gave up and said coldly, “I’ll be back very soon. You’d best behave and wait here.”

Fang Li felt a bit of an impulse to laugh, but he nodded and said solemnly, “I understand.”

He watched Xie Huai turn and leave.

Only then did realize with a start that he’d actually forgotten to ask Xie Huai what he was going to do. But, forget it, it shouldn’t be any matter of great import, right?

………………

The Immortals’ Alliance Conference was held at Black Star Tower.

When the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance had left Ghost Valley, the majority had returned to their own sects.

Having been summoned once again in such a short period of time, a great deal of people were discussing it animatedly.

The sect masters of the four great sects had all sent out calls at the same time. Such circumstances…… had only happened the year they’d marched on Hollow Ridge. If there wasn’t some matter of great import, they definitely wouldn’t do such a thing. But the demon lord had died long ago, so what great matter could there be now?

When Xie Huai arrived, the crowd was already present.

Plenty of sect leaders smiled and greeted Xie Huai when they saw him, congratulating him. “Yuyi-jun’s grand wedding will be seven days from now. When the time comes, this one will definitely ask for some wedding wine. Yuyi-jun, don’t find it a bother, okay?”

Xie Huai gave a nod in welcome.

The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious.

Xie Huai’s eyes swept around, and he saw Elder Ming Yin in front of the grand hall. Elder Ming Yin’s hair and beard were thoroughly white, and he was dressed in plain white robes. Behind him stood the Cloudbank Keep disciples. Tao Lu and the others were also among them, smiling and waving at Xie Huai.

Xie Huai walked over to where the Cloudbank Keep disciples were.

Ever since being heavily injured nine years ago, Elder Ming Yin’s health had never been too good, frequently staying in closed door cultivation without leaving. This time, he’d actually come in person, so it was clear that this was a very important matter.

Elder Ming Yin looked at Xie Huai with a complicated expression and said in his aged voice, “Huai’r, you’ve come.”

But Xie Huai acutely perceived that something was wrong. He said respectfully, “Master.”

Elder Ming Yin nodded. “It’s good that you could come.”

Xie Huai’s lips moved faintly. “Does Master know for what purpose everyone has convened here today?”

Elder Ming Yin’s expression became heavy, but just as he was about to speak, the great hall suddenly became quiet.

A figure in green robes slowly stepped into the great hall from the head of the room.

The man’s features were refined and gentle, and he strolled leisurely through the room as if in his own courtyard. He sat down in the only raised seat in the great hall, and following him, Xin Hanzhou, Ji Yuyao, Qi Ding, and their people stood below, their expressions respectful, not speaking a word.

Xie Huai’s eyes suddenly sharpened, his expression extremely grave. He clenched his fists beneath his sleeves.

The worst case scenario had still happened.

In the great hall below, everyone had baffled expressions, whispering amongst themselves, not understanding where this was going.

Everyone recognized Fu Junling.

Fu Junling was Black Star Tower’s deputy tower master. Although he was a figure of great renown in the cultivation world, on what basis was he sitting in the highest seat, making the leaders of the four great sects stand beneath him?

What exactly was happening?

Just as the crowd was puzzled and full of doubt—

Black Star Tower’s tower master Qi Ding stepped forward and slowly spoke up. “The Great Sage’s reincarnation is once again before us. Let us not clamor.”

What?

Everyone present was astonished, looking at Fu Junling with disbelief.

The Great Sage reincarnated?

The only person in the world with the right to call themselves a great sage was the Great Sage of Origin who had fallen four thousand years ago. As the only Unified Dao true immortal in ten thousand years, the Great Sage was a legend, an existence that everyone looked up to yet couldn’t reach.

If he was really the Great Sage reincarnated, then he naturally had the right to sit in the highest seat and receive the worship of the multitudes, but on what basis were they calling Fu Junling the Great Sage reincarnated?

Wasn’t this too preposterous?!

Countless times more preposterous than Yuyi-jun becoming Dao companions with a mortal!

Fu Junling smiled as he sat there. Faced with the probing gazes of the crowd, his expression was easygoing and unmoved.

The sect masters of the four great sects had long made preparations.

Qi Ding said in a heavy voice, “The Scroll of A Thousand Mechanisms that has been passed down in Black Star Tower for ten thousand years was once improved by the Great Sage in the past when he fortunately came to Black Star Tower, but in the thousands of years since, it was damaged in an accident, and only half the scroll remains. Luckily, the Great Sage reincarnated reappeared before us and helped repair the Scroll of a Thousand Mechanisms on behalf of Black Star Tower. This is something that only the Great Sage could do.”

Ji Yuyao spoke shortly afterwards. “In the past, the Great Sage blessed Jade Hawk Palace with the divine vessel, the Red Moon Furnace. The Red Moon Furnace has a mark left by the Great Sage, and only the Great Sage can completely control the Red Moon Furnace.”

Xin Hanzhou slowly opened his mouth. “The ninth summit master of Heaven’s Summit once discussed the Dao with the Great Sage. In his records, he wrote down his discussion with the Great Sage, and the Great Sage’s reincarnation remembers it with complete clarity. Thanks to the Great Sage’s reincarnation, the last technique that the ninth summit master was unable to complete before death has finally been completed today.”

Xie Huai’s expression sank bit by bit. He slowly turned his head and looked at Elder Ming Yin next to him.

Elder Ming Yin’s voice was old and weary. “Cloudbank Keep once received the blessing of the Great Sage, and the Great Sage’s teachings are kept in mind to this day.”

Elder Ming Yin’s eyes were extremely grave. The other three great sects hadn’t actually explained clearly the matter of Fu Junling being the Great Sage reincarnated when inviting Cloudbank Keep to attend the conference. They had only said that it was an important matter that would affect the safety of the entire world, and Elder Ming Yin had only known of it after arriving, so he hadn’t had time to inform Xie Huai.

Now it looked the other three sects had joined hands much earlier, and only Cloudbank Keep had been left in the dark. Recalling what Xie Huai had written in his letter previously, it looked like they were targeting Cloudbank Keep today……

Xie Huai looked coldly at Fu Junling.

Fu Junling had come prepared.

He’d known that Fu Junling wouldn’t let things rest without obtaining the black jade talisman, but to think that he’d actually revealed his identity in such a grand manner. It looked like he’d already lost patience.

Seeing the leaders of the four great sects speak, the people below were silent without a sound. Their expressions as they looked at Fu Junling included fear, awe, suspicion……

Amidst the silence.

Qi Ding and the others turned to face Fu Junling and bow, saying in a clear voice, “We welcome the Great Sage’s return.”

Seeing the leaders of the four great sects speak, the people below finally reacted and could only call in unison, “We welcome the Great Sage’s return.”

Fu Junling nodded with a smile, his expression gentle. “No need for such courtesy.”

Although the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance had been established by Heaven’s Summit, Heaven’s Summit on its own had no way to convince the entire crowd to submit, so in all these years, all of the decisions of the Thousand Immortals’ Sect had been decided jointly by the four great sects.

But at this moment, Xin Hanzhou stepped forward of his own volition and said, “I’m willing to accept the Great Sage as the leader of the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance.”

Qi Ding, Ji Yuyao, and Elder Ming Yin all concurred respectfully.

The crowd looked around and saw that the leaders of the four great sects had already come to a tacit agreement, probably having discussed it much earlier. Besides, other than the Great Sage, who could be the leader of the Immortals’ Alliance? The Great Sage fully deserved the title of Alliance Master. Nobody in the entire world would dare disagree!

Things had already come to this.

No matter how absurd and difficult to believe, one could only follow along.

The crowd said, “We are also willing to accept the Great Sage as alliance master.”

Fu Junling smiled calmly. “The world just happens to be in troubled times today. For the time being, I’ll agree to become alliance master, but when this trial has passed, it would still be best to find another worthy leader.”

The crowd piped up one by one to express that only the Great Sage was worthy of such, no one else would do!

Fu Junling only smiled mildly without speaking.

His fingers tapped his armrest lightly, and his gaze turned to rest on Xie Huai as he said, “Today, I have called everyone here about the matter of demonic cultivators rebelling during the Ascension Conference. I already know who was behind it.”

The disaster at the Ascension Conference was still fresh in everyone’s minds, but there hadn’t been even a single clue in all this time. The Great Sage actually knew who was behind it?

Xie Huai’s cold, sharp gaze was fixed on Fu Junling.

He heard Fu Junling slowly open his mouth. “The culprit was right at the scene of the crime at the time, and everyone saw him. It was Yuyi-jun’s fated Dao companion, Fang Li—or rather, the demon lord, Yan Sui.”

As soon as these words came out, a clamor broke out.

The corners of Fu Junling’s lips lifted faintly, and his tone was mild. “It was the demon lord who ordered Wu Yimei to drown the trial domain in blood, and it was also he who leaked the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance’s battle plans, letting Wu Yimei pretend to retreat to confuse everyone. He then took advantage of the opportunity to bide his time and regain his strength until his return.”

So that was the case. If the demon lord Yan Sui was the one behind the scenes, then everything made sense. Sure enough, it had all been the scheme of demonic cultivators!

No wonder Wu Yimei had been unwilling to engage in battle. So it was for the sake of biding his time!

Only, the demon lord’s identity was far too unexpected.

The crowd’s probing gazes fell on Xie Huai, shocked and unsettled. Yuyi-jun was just about to hold a grand wedding, and nobody was unaware of his Dao companion, Fang Li. But they had all thought he was an ordinary commoner. How could he be the demon lord Yan Sui reincarnated?

Back then, the demon lord had been killed by Xie Huai’s own hand, and the hatred between them was such that they couldn’t coexist under the same sky. How could Yuyi-jun be willing to become Dao companions with the demon lord? That was impossible!

Could it be that Yuyi-jun was unaware of the demon lord’s identity, and was being deceived by the demon lord? The devil was crafty and treacherous and full of tricks. It was completely possible that he’d tricked Yuyi-jun!

Elder Ming Yin’s expression was incredibly grave. He glanced at Xie Huai with worry, then stepped forward and said, “I beseech the Great Sage’s wisdom, Xie Huai only agreed to this marriage because he was deceived by the demon lord. He wasn’t aware of this matter.”

Fu Junling looked at Xie Huai meaningfully, drawing out his words. “Oh? What does Yuyi-jun say?”

Everyone in the hall looked at Xie Huai.

Wanting to hear Xie Huai himself explain.

Elder Ming Yin looked at Xie Huai, his expression grave, and slowly shook his head, telling Xie Huai that he mustn’t act rashly.

He also remembered what Xie Huai had told him before, but Xie Hau didn’t have any proof that Fu Junling had done it. On the other hand, the fact that Fu Junling was the Great Sage reincarnated was an ironclad truth. How could the Great Sage’s reincarnation do such a thing? Although Elder Min Yin trusted Xie Huai, he couldn’t help a trace of doubt from arising in his mind. Had Xie Huai truly been led astray by the devil?

If Xie Huai really knew Fang Li’s identity, how could he be willing to become Dao companions with him?

The demon lord was the sworn enemy of all of Cloudbank Keep!

Xie Huai looked at his master.

In the end, things had still come to this.

In all these years, he’d been unwilling to return to Cloudbank Keep precisely because he couldn’t face his master and fellow sect members. Falling in love with the devil and turning his back on his beliefs brought him never-ending torment. He could only stay alone at Hollow Ridge, paying recompense for his mistakes.

He shouldn’t have fallen in love with someone that he shouldn’t have fallen in love with. That was his mistake.

But regarding what was happening today, he couldn’t pull back.

Right was right, and wrong was wrong. Back then, Fu Junling had used Chong Wanshan to destroy the Windbearer Sect, and now, he had drowned the Ascension Conference trial domain in blood and was framing Fang Li for it.

With all of this, he had long lost sight of himself. These were the doings of evil.

Good and evil, right and wrong, these should never be determined based on identity.

Even if it meant making the whole world his enemy, Xie Huai couldn’t ignore his true heart.

Xie Huai’s ice-cold gaze fell on Fu Junling, and he spoke up slowly. “What evidence does the Great Sage have to accuse the demon lord of causing what happened at the Ascension Conference?”

Evidence?

Of course Fu Junling had no evidence, but his word was truth.

Fu Junling smiled faintly. “According to Yuyi-jun’s words, it sounds like you knew Fang Li’s identity long ago?”

The crowd broke into a clamor.

That’s right……

Xie Huai had only asked the Great Sage whether he had evidence, yet he hadn’t denied that he’d known Fang Li’s identity. Could Yuyi-jun have known that he was the demon lord long ago, yet had persisted in becoming Dao companions with him, sinking into vice together?

Xie Huai had kept the entire world in the dark. Had he forgotten everything the demon lord had done back then, the earth-shaking disasters the demon lord had brought to the world?

The crowd looked at Xie Huai furiously, their expressions changed.

Elder Ming Yin was full of anxiety as he looked at Xie Huai, not understanding why he was acting this way. As long as Xie Huai said that he hadn’t known the demon lord’s identity and hadn’t been aware of anything the demon lord had done, everyone would believe him! Moreover, Elder Ming Yin had also thought that Xie Huai had been unaware of the demon lord’s identity, Xie Huai must have been tricked……

But why wasn’t Xie Huai refuting it?

Did he not know the consequences of this? He was putting himself at a dead end!

Xie Huai glanced at his master apologetically.

He knew Fu Junling’s purpose. It was to force him to draw a line between himself and Fang Li and join the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance, for the sake of cornering Fang Li beyond escape. Fu Junling would then be able to pressure him by force and compel Fang Li to hand over the black jade talisman.

But he wouldn’t let Fu Junling get what he wanted. This time, Fang Li hadn’t done anything wrong…… So, even if it meant making the whole world his enemy, he would stand by Fang Li’s side.

He would do what he should have done back then.

Xie Huai looked straight at Fu Junling and said blandly, “I did indeed know Fang Li’s identity, but wasn’t the culprit behind the Ascension Conference the Great Sage yourself? It was you who instructed Yin Kui to frame Wu Yimei. Distorting the truth and treating life with content like this isn’t very fitting of the Great Sage’s identity.”

Fu Junling laughed. “Yuyi-jun’s arguments are what’s laughable. You are of the righteous path, but you want to become Dao companions with that devil…… Yet you want to slander me as the culprit behind the scenes. Just who is distorting the truth? Why don’t we let the crowd be the judge?”

The crowd?

A hint of derision appeared in Xie Huai’s eyes.

If the people of the world could really see things so clearly, how could there be so much injustice in the world? It was merely people repeating what they’d heard, nothing more.

Xie Huai didn’t even need to look to know how people were looking at him right now.

“Who would’ve thought Yuyi-jun was this kind of person!”

With someone taking the lead, very quickly, all kinds of criticism and suspicion were thrown his way.

“You really can’t judge a book by its cover!”

“In the past, there were people saying that Xie Huai and the devil were joined at the hip, and that maybe he’d long submitted to the devil already. Back then, none of you believed it, but you believe it now, don’t you?”

“But Yuyi-jun killed the devil.”

“Isn’t the devil back now? Maybe they were just putting on a show to trick us, and the devil hadn’t died at all.”

Xie Huai’s expression was indifferent, ignoring their words.

He’d already heard far too much of such idle chatter. Hearing them again now was nothing special.

He only looked at his master and said word by word, “I’m sorry, I’ve let you down.”

Elder Ming Yin’s expression was sorrowful.

There was no way to undo what had been done today.

Xie Huai suddenly struck a palm to his own chest, heavily injuring his veins. Blood trickled out of the corner of his lip. He looked all around him, his clear voice resonating throughout the great hall. “Cloudbank Keep did not know a single thing about this matter. Today, I have turned my back on Cloudbank Keep, and my actions will have nothing to do with Cloudbank Keep from now on.”

The great hall suddenly quieted for a moment.

Then, someone took the lead.

“Xie Huai has already joined hands with the devil, he can’t be allowed to leave!”

“He’s heavily injured right now, it’s the perfect chance to kill him! Everyone, hurry and strike!”

Xie Huai’s scornful gaze swept past the crowd, seeing them restless to move.

His sword, Snowblue, suddenly appeared in his hand.

The sword struck toward the ground.

This one strike was like a flock of startled swans blocking out the sun, and a deep ravine immediately appeared on the ground. Black Star Tower’s great hall shook in its entirety, and after a moment, suddenly collapsed! Countless fragments fell down from the sky, like a galaxy of stars falling to the ground.

Everyone sent out their flying devices and fled in a panic in order to avoid getting buried in the ruins.

Xie Huai looked back and glanced profoundly at Fu Junling, then turned without any hesitation and mounted his sword, departing in a streak of light!

Everyone had originally wanted to kill Xie Huai while he was weak to avoid letting Xie Huai join hands with the devil, but who could’ve known that even heavily injured, Xie Huai’s sword could shake the heavens? Fear arose in more than a few people’s hearts, and they hesitated, unmoving, turning back to look at Fu Junling.

Xie Huai was the number one in the world. How could they be a match for him? This matter still had to be left to the Great Sage!

………………………

Fang Li was sunbathing on Hollow Ridge. He didn’t know why, but he suddenly felt a bit uneasy.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past.

Fang Li opened his eyes and saw Wu Yimei land beside him. He was a little surprised. Wasn’t there a barrier around Hollow Ridge? How had Wu Yimei entered?

Wu Yimei looked at Fang Li with worry and said, “Your Excellency, I’ll bring you away from here right away.”

But Fang Li realized in an instant that something was wrong. He said in a heavy voice, “How did you get in?”

Wu Yimei hesitated for a moment, then said, “I’ve been standing guard outside the whole time and never left. After seeing Xie Huai leave, I snuck in here.”

Just like that?

Xie Huai was such an intelligent person, how could he not have expected even this? Moreover, without a barrier, was he not afraid that Fang Li would run? It was more like he’d intentionally left a door open for Wu Yimei for Wu Yimei to come find Fang Li.

But why would Xie Huai do so?

Could Xie Huai be in danger, so he’d had Wu Yimei come to protect Fang Li?

He didn’t know why, but the unease in his chest grew stronger. Fang Li took a deep breath and said slowly, “Have someone scout out news about the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance and Black Star Tower immediately.”

Wu Yimei was a bit surprised and said, “Your Excellency, don’t you intend to leave?”

Fang Li sighed. “This lord has already told you so many times, Xie Huai won’t hurt me. What you saw before, cough…… This lord was willing.”

Disbelief appeared on Wu Yimei’s face.

After he was done speaking, Fang Li also felt a bit vexed from embarrassment, and his ears started to heat up. With this, he didn’t have any face left in front of his subordinate……

Who would’ve expected that Wu Yimei would only be startled for a moment, but didn’t ask further. Then, he lowered his eyes and regained his calm appearance, saying, “This subordinate will immediately have someone scout out information about the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance and Black Star Tower.”

So, His Excellency was together with Xie Huai after all……

There wasn’t actually much surprise in his heart.

That was also good. At least His Excellency hadn’t suffered any humiliation. If their feelings were mutual, then he wouldn’t be in pain.

After Fang Li gave his orders to Wu Yimei, he began to wait.

Wu Yimei’s spies were located everywhere. Three days later, the news came back.

It was a huge piece of news that was enough to shake the entire world.

One day ago, Black Star Tower had called for a grand convening of the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance.

Fu Junling had publicly announced his identity as the Great Sage reincarnated and been accepted by all of the cultivation sects as the alliance leader. He’d exposed the fact that Fang Li was the demon lord and had stated that Fang Li was the culprit behind the scenes at the Ascension Conference. Yuyi-jun Xie Huai hadn’t been willing to draw a line between him and Fang Li and had injured himself and betrayed his sect, and he had already left Black Star Tower by himself.

Fang Li was sitting inside his room when he received Wu Yimei’s report. His face appeared calm, and he didn’t speak a word. After hearing Wu Yimei speak, he suddenly got up and began to walk outside.

Wu Yimei immediately stopped Fang Li and said in a hoarse voice, “Where is Your Excellency going?”

Fang Li said in a frigid voice, “Move aside, I’m going to go find Xie Huai.”

Wu Yimei let out a gloomy sigh. Sure enough.

In truth, after obtaining this news, Wu Yimei no longer suspected Xie Huai’s sincerity toward His Excellency. Xie Huai would rather make the whole world his enemy than to sell out His Excellency. It was he who’d underestimated Xie Huai, and His Excellency clearly also had Xie Huai in his heart. How could His Excellency not be worried when such a thing had happened?

Wu Yimei said slowly, “You don’t know where Yuyi-jun is, where would you go to look for him? You might even just miss him without knowing. It would be better to wait here. He will surely return very soon.”

Fang Li’s fists were clenched so tight that his veins were bulging. His chest heaved violently, but after a long time, he slowly calmed down.

He’d been too impulsive.

What Wu Yimei had said was correct. Xie Huai would come back.

As long as he wasn’t dead.

Xie Huai was sure to return.

He had to stay here and wait for him so that he and Xie Huai wouldn’t miss each other.

Fang Li returned to his room.

The residential palace was exactly the same as before. Fang Li sat there, his gaze sweeping past all of the familiar sights. Everything here had been well-preserved by Xie Huai…… In a daze, he seemed to have returned to nine years ago.

Just when he’d decided to complete the mission and leave, Xie Huai had suddenly left.

At the time, he’d also sat here waiting like this.

Thinking, would Xie Huai come back……

That had been the first time he’d been uncertain about something, uncertain about whether Xie Huai would come back.

Through the door that remained unclosed, one could just see the courtyard outside and that osmanthus tree. He had waited here for three days and nights, and Xie Huai hadn’t come back.

He’d thought that Xie Huai wouldn’t return……

But that wasn’t the case. The very moment that the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance had been about to engage in battle, Xie Huai had rushed back in the end, standing before him with his white robes soaked in blood.

Looking battered and bruised.

What had Xie Huai gone to do that time?

He had never asked.

At the time, he’d been single-mindedly thinking of completing the mission. They were going to separate in the end. There were some things that would be of no help to inquire about. They would only make things awkward for both parties.

So he hadn’t asked anything at all.

But right now, at this moment, Fang Li suddenly wanted to know very much. That time, what had Xie Huai gone to do?

Had he gone out to do something dangerous for Fang Li’s sake, just like this time?

Xie Huai had done so much for him, but he never spoke of it. This person’s protection was silent and wordless, gentle and calm yet never leaving or abandoning you. It had always been so.

Fang Li’s chest was unbearably heavy. His thin lips were pressed together.

Wu Yimei was waiting silently to the side.

He paused, then turned and left. Perhaps His Excellency needed to be alone right now.

Outside the room, light and darkness interchanged.

Day, and then night.

Fang Li sat there unmoving the whole time.

To the point that his gaze never even moved.

Xie Huai would definitely come back. He never doubted it even once.

Finally, on a dim early morning, he saw that familiar silhouette.

Xie Huai, dressed in white.

This time, he was clean and tidy without any bloodstains. His cool face was indifferent, and he barely looked like he was injured at all, as if he had only casually gone out for a bit.

But Fang Li’s lips were trembling.

He stood up abruptly, and perhaps it was because he’d been sitting in one position for too long, but he staggered as he got up, his eyes fixed squarely on the person in front of him.

Xie Huai stepped slowly into the room. As soon as he saw Fang Li’s expression, he knew that Fang Li knew. Before Xie Huai had left, he’d had a feeling of foreboding, so he’d released the barrier on Hollow Ridge. With Wu Yimei by Fang Li’s side, even if there was danger, they would be able to handle it, or perhaps…… By the time he came back, this person wouldn’t be here anymore.

But, Fang Li hadn’t left.

Xie Huai then thought, perhaps Fang Li only felt guilty. Although this person was heartless toward him, he was gentle and kind inside. Most likely, he would feel ashamed to toss him aside and leave. Right now, he probably hadn’t left only because of pity……

He wanted to say something, but he didn’t know how to begin. After all, all of this…… was only his one-sided wishful thinking.

The corners of Xie Huai’s lips hooked up in derision……

Just then—

Fang Li suddenly charged toward him and grabbed his collar, saying wrathfully, “Who told you to do this? You should just stay on your righteous path, who told you to mind someone else’s business? Do you know how hard it was for me to protect your reputation? Why won’t you properly cherish yourself, why do you have to get yourself mixed up with me?!”

He was so angry that the corners of his eyes were red, and his hands were shaking.

But rather than saying that he was angry at Xie Huai, it would be more accurate to say that he was angry at himself. If not for him, how could Xie Huai have fallen to this step?

If not for him……

“I’ll handle my own problems, I don’t need you to bear the burden for me. Did you ever ask me whether I needed you to do this?!” Fang Li asked viciously.

Xie Huai looked at the person before him, lost in a daze for a moment.

The young man’s eyes were reddened, his words rambling and incoherent. He was looking at Xie Huai with such worry, such guilt and pain. He wanted Xie Huai to cherish himself, just as Xie Huai himself had felt back then, and he was also hurt and in pain because of Xie Huai’s solitary, single-minded course, as if hoping that Xie Huai would properly cherish himself……

At that moment, it was like their hearts were connected, as if, they had always cared this much about each other……

Seeing the other as more important than their own lives.

“Say something, what are you pretending to be mute for?! You’re too scared to take responsibility for your actions?!” Fang Li said furiously.

Traces of warmth suffused him from the depths of his heart.

Melting the ice and cold in his chest.

Xie Huai suddenly smiled, that smile coming from the depths of his eyes, tender yet scorching hot. He grabbed Fang Li’s hand and pulled him into his arms, lowering his head to kiss him with all his strength.

………………

The Author Has Something to Say:

Fu Junling: Please call me Mr. Wingman, thank you.