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墨書 Inktalez
As memories surfaced, they often brought forth classic scenes of sighs, heartfelt emotions, and even bouts of weeping or despairing cries. The passage of time had shaped them all; people grew and learned, realizing that those youthful days, regardless of right or wrong, deserved to be commemorated. Yet tonight, when Five opened the long-sealed door with an unusually calm tone, Jufeng felt a chill deep within.
It was not from the outside world but stemmed from his own heart and mind.
On the table sat a teapot and porcelain cups, but Jufeng had no desire to raise a cup. He even dared not meet Five's gaze, despite its seemingly tranquil nature.
Tranquil like a pot of water in springtime Jiangnan.
"Back then, it was I and Snow Moon who wronged you."
After a long pause and much contemplation, all he could muster was an apology. Life sometimes felt so helpless.
Five chuckled lightly, leaning forward with his left hand propped on the table while pouring himself half a cup of tea with his right hand, teasing Jufeng like an old friend.
"I thought after all these years apart, not only would you have learned to smile more, but your eloquence would have improved as well. Otherwise, how could you charm those brothers who fought alongside you? But it seems you're still the same as before—no progress at all."
Five's demeanor was light and carefree, yet Jufeng could not respond in kind. He was not someone who couldn't let go of the past, but the events that had transpired were indeed a lifelong pain for him.
It was a wonderful story that began with the compassion of two young boys and girls and ended with gratitude and reciprocity. Viewed separately, each part could easily fit into the annals of filial piety. However, together they brewed an irremediable regret.
At that time, Five was a drifter in the capital city who happened upon young Jufeng and Flower Snow Moon. Perhaps it was love at first sight or perhaps destiny from a past life; Jufeng generously befriended Five. However, he and Flower Snow Moon soon found themselves surrounded by enemies in the city. Even as children, they were a headache for various factions. A gang even hired assassins to kill them and went to great lengths to capture them—this led to Jufeng's later confrontation with several assassins from Starlight Ranking. Yet despite their best efforts to evade danger, their youthful innocence left them vulnerable. At that moment, Five stepped forward; with nothing to his name, he took Jufeng's place, buying time for the young couple while putting himself in peril. Later on, when Jufeng found Five again, he was already on the brink of death.
Half a year later, Five vanished from the hospital in critical condition and was never heard from again.
Who was right or wrong? No one could clearly discern.
Returning from memories to reality, Jufeng found no peace within himself. Aside from his father's matters, this was the only remaining regret from twenty years of life. His father’s spirit had drifted away beyond reach; no matter what he did, he could not bring him back. But now that this person was still here before him, he did not want to miss another chance.
Without responding to Five's jesting remark, Jufeng lifted his gaze and finally met the eyes across from him.
A pair of bright eyes that seemed disconnected from the life of a drifter or tragic existence.
"Do you know why I reached out to help you the first time we met?"
The tone was somber, carrying a deep sense of regret. Perhaps "conceal" was not the right word, for there were only two people in this room, and this regret did not need to be hidden from one another.
Wu paused with the teapot suspended in the air, and after a moment, he continued pouring tea. Once the cup was full, he slowly began to speak.
"At that time, I truly believed it was simply out of compassion. Now I still think so, but not entirely. Over the years, I've experienced quite a bit, and I understand that you also valued my talent in martial arts."
Wu picked up his teacup and took a sip, pursing his lips before continuing, "You, on the other hand, are still the same as before—always with a compassionate heart, yet unable to show the same level of empathy as a true bodhisattva. Even if you had ulterior motives back then, what difference would it have made? One must choose quality stocks for investment, right? Moreover..."
Wu paused as Zhu Yao entered at that moment, pushing in a cart filled with delectable dishes. Upon seeing the food, Wu swallowed hard and forgot about his previous thoughts. Jufeng also refrained from asking further; after all, with such a vast world before them, eating was the priority.
Zhu Yao pushed the cart to the table. After all the commotion, her heart finally calmed down. Facing Wu now didn’t leave her feeling anxious anymore.
"Tsk tsk, what a beautiful day! Not only is there delicious food, but also lovely company serving it. Life is truly wonderful!"
Zhu Yao's cold expression showed little emotion; however, as she set down dishes on the table, her movements were rather forceful. Wu chuckled foolishly without taking offense. Once all the delicacies were laid out before him, he eagerly began to eat without caring about anything else.
Seeing Wu devour his meal without regard for appearances lightened Jufeng's mood considerably. When he had first provided assistance to Wu, he too had been carefree—just a few bowls of rice and a plate of vegetables were enough.
Jufeng picked up his chopsticks as well. Tempted by Wu's appetite, he grabbed a slice of lotus root and popped it into his mouth. He spoke again, no longer burdened by heaviness.
"From what you just said, it seems you've read quite a bit over the years?"
"Of course!" Wu's lips moved energetically as he spoke without hesitation. He proudly declared, "After leaving the capital, I spent several years wandering on the plateau. Later I met a lama who took me abroad and taught me many things. Eventually, he was pursued by enemies and sent me to a missionary. I stayed at the church until I turned eighteen but couldn't adapt to that atmosphere and returned to China. By the way, how did you know I would come looking for you tonight?"
Jufeng recalled the assassination attempt related to Heroic Journey and couldn't help but sigh at how fate played its tricks.
"I was pursued by Heroic Journey," he explained. "So I delved deeper into it and learned that there are thirteen top experts within it. The most formidable among them is named Wu. I thought it unlikely that there would be such coincidence again; hence I came here hoping for some luck."
As an assassin, Zhu Yao was naturally familiar with Heroic Journey. Hearing Jufeng ’s explanation stirred up waves of realization within her calm heart. How foolish she had been not to connect this earlier—the renowned Five Man Slayer was indeed named Wu!
Wu seemed to sense Zhu Yao's emotional shift and suddenly turned to look at her. His cheeks were still puffed out, and his lips were smeared with grease.
"Don't be afraid," Wu said with a silly grin, which oddly resembled Tong Bailong's smile. "Although I’m called a human butcher, I only kill those who are on the wrong path. If people are honest and straightforward, they won’t get involved with me. Besides, when I was young, I owed a lot of favors to others. Now that I finally have some ability, I have to repay them."
Wu turned back and continued to shovel food into his mouth, resuming the topic about Jufeng. "I only recently found out that the Underworld Young Master is you, which is why I returned from abroad to meet you. Those stubborn folks from Heroic Journey are already out of touch with the situation. They sent those few lackeys to try and assassinate you. When I get the chance to go back, I'll definitely give them a good scolding."
Jufeng was momentarily at a loss for words. Although it sounded like praise, there was an awkward undertone to it.
Wu also realized the flaw in his words and smiled apologetically, shifting the topic. "Actually, Heroic Journey isn’t much of a concern; their strength simply can't shake you. In the Thirteen Halls, aside from me, there are a few formidable characters, but that's about it. They’re all quite arrogant; as long as they don’t join forces, they’re just a scattered bunch. Plus, I see you've improved quite a bit since back then. The things I’m not confident about are even less worth mentioning for them."
Zhu Yao scoffed disdainfully at this remark. She had figured out that the reputation of this so-called human butcher was likely just inflated talk.
(To be continued; the next chapter will be available around six in the evening. Please support us!)
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