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墨書 Inktalez
He leaped into the swimming pool, creating a beautiful splash that drew the attention of those nearby. People began to murmur, some expressing their disapproval of Jufeng's actions, while others were puzzled as to why this man had jumped in fully clothed.
Is it performance art? they wondered.
As Jufeng's body gradually sank beneath the water until it reached the bottom, his friends felt an inexplicable sadness wash over them.
What could be troubling him so deeply that he needed the cold water to awaken his senses?
After submerging his nose in the clear water, Jufeng could hold his breath for more than ten minutes—this was under normal circumstances, of course; he had never measured his limits when completely still.
However, this time, he remained underwater for two full minutes, a complete half of that time.
Many on the shore who were still watching Jufeng began to grow curious. Some were even anxious enough to consider jumping in to rescue him, but they were stopped by Vera and her group.
"The wind needs companions, but it also requires time to settle down. Let's wait for him," Vera said confidently, believing that Jufeng would not simply give up and succumb to despair. So she stood quietly at the edge of the shore, waiting.
The others also remained on the bank, anticipating Jufeng's emergence from the water.
What they awaited was not just the truth but a Jufeng who had come to understand his problems.
As two minutes passed slowly by, Jufeng remained at the bottom, eyes closed in contemplation.
This period had been too rushed; whether investigating Huankezhao or later confronting him head-on, Jufeng had spent three months fleeing without a moment to pause and reflect.
Yet life demands contemplation. After seeing so many landscapes, one must take time to digest them.
In half an hour, many things can be accomplished, and if these tasks were to be processed through the mind, the quantity would multiply even further.
Jufeng's mind was filled with thousands of fragments—memories of the past, reflections of the present, and even the elusive future.
A thinker’s contemplation eventually bears fruit.
Jufeng emerged from his thoughts, finally arriving at a conclusion.
On the shore, the crowd watched as Jufeng broke through the water. Those who did not understand the situation began to applaud, mistaking it for a performance showcasing breath-holding skills.
Standing at the water's edge, Jufeng let the clear water cascade off his body onto the ground. Listening to the applause around him, he felt a sense of clarity within.
He accepted the towel that Vera handed him and wiped away his fatigue, past confusion, and the water from his face.
His handsome features were revealed.
He smiled at Vera and then shared his smile with his friends.
Everyone felt reassured.
After changing into clean clothes and satisfying his hunger, Jufeng approached the door of Dragon Elder's hospital room as night fell.
The elder's condition had worsened day by day. Many had stopped visiting him, but Jufeng was an exception.
The scene was much like that of the morning; however, the light illuminating the elder had shifted from Morning Light to the warm glow of sunset.
Once again, it was the elder who spoke first.
"Did you take a bath this morning? How do you feel now? Are you more awake?"
The Dragon Elder's tone remained gentle, yet Jufeng felt a chill in the air.
It was not that the old man was intentionally threatening him; rather, it was the gentle words from earlier that had nearly shattered Jufeng's resolve. Thus, he had to tread carefully.
"I've thought it through," Jufeng replied, trying to keep his words concise.
The Dragon Elder smiled and nodded, unaware that this smile held many meanings in Jufeng's eyes.
"So you intend to continue with Universal Creation? The Suihuan Army is advancing rapidly; dragging out the war will not benefit the Universal Police in any way. Therefore, you should take your people back to Earth and send my regards to Chen Lao."
Jufeng thought about how he hadn't seen Chen Lao in many years, and it seemed unlikely that he would fulfill this request anytime soon.
Not wanting to answer that question, Jufeng shifted the conversation. "My original intention will not change. Even if the Universal Police compromise, I will continue to fight in my own way."
The Dragon Elder seemed surprised by Jufeng's persistence and scoffed, "With those subordinates of yours, opposing an army is hardly worth mentioning."
Jufeng showed no signs of discouragement. "If I am even less than a mantis, what face do I have left to continue living?"
The Dragon Elder appeared both amused and angry. "Throwing a childish tantrum is irresponsible towards your friends."
Jufeng shook his head. "If a child's temper can dismantle Huankezhao's schemes, I wouldn't mind returning to that time. As for friends, I don't know if you've experienced this, but my friends believe in me, and I will be responsible for them."
Seeing that he could not get through to Jufeng, the Dragon Elder fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Do you not think I have a point? The people desire peace and stability; war only brings them suffering."
In truth, Jufeng had been contemplating this very issue underwater. If what the Dragon Elder said was true, did that not make him a sinner?
However, in the end, Jufeng came to a realization.
"The words of the Dragon Elder may seem reasonable at first glance, but upon closer examination, they are fallacies."
Jufeng organized his thoughts like a scholar preparing his lecture notes.
"If Huankezhao had legitimate reasons to initiate this war, I would agree with the Dragon Elder. But they are merely acting out of their own selfish desires; how can such a war not be resisted?"
"If I did not know beforehand, others would surely be aware. In any case, such conspiracies cannot be allowed to run free. Since I have been chosen, I must fulfill my responsibilities. If I die, I believe others will step forward, so this matter is certainly worth pursuing."
Jufeng paused for a moment, thinking of an even more willful reason, and continued.
"Ultimately, the most important thing is that we are still young. The world has already settled into peace; should we just sit quietly? No, that is impossible. Besides, if I withdraw, Shangguan Wangyu might feel utterly lonely. This is a war concerning great destiny and willfulness, so I cannot irresponsibly back out."
Having expressed all his thoughts clearly, Jufeng felt a sudden lightness in his chest and an overwhelming sense of relaxation.
He didn't even notice that the Dragon Elder was listening to him with a faint smile on his face, feeling quite pleased.
The conversation came to an end; the Dragon Elder was too exhausted to continue and needed more rest.
Jufeng couldn't understand why the Dragon Elder's thoughts had undergone such a significant change as he approached the end of his life. People often speak kindly when facing death, but Jufeng simply could not agree with the Dragon Elder's words.
In recent days, time seemed to slow down; everything was coming to a standstill. Many people were recuperating, and even the machines were resting.
For the past two days, Jufeng had spent almost all his time in the hospital, chatting with the Dragon Elder about his youth and his old friend Chen Lao as well as Commander of the Universal Landing Force. Whenever they mentioned that military chess set, the Dragon Elder would break into a broad smile.
Time passed gently, allowing the elderly man to depart in peace.
Dragon Elder and Jufeng never discussed Huankezhao again, not even until the old man departed.
The rain fell softly, and the dark clouds loomed heavily. Jufeng watched as Dragon Elder's Coffin, surrounded by a group of high-ranking Cosmos officials, slowly drifted away into the distance. Suddenly, he felt a pang in his heart.
Tears began to fall.
Vera reached out her hand and held Jufeng's.
They watched as Dragon Elder left, going far away, never to return.
(To be continued)
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