With a snap, his rationality broke and his seraphic energy shot out before grasping Emperor Rui's neck.
Instead of being frightened, Emperor Rui spoke through gasps saying, "Yes... just like that. Surrender.... to... the...darkness..... just like.... your daddy."
Rui Fei felt a strong inexplicable sensation spread all over his aether and before he knew it black particles emerged from his father's chest and he absorbed them into his body. Like a strong tidal wave, it came crashing down on his aetherial veins as his eyes darkened.
Emperor Rui who was glad that he was dying suddenly regretted his decision. When he originally incited Rui Fei he wanted to use him in order to attain a quick painless death. But who would have thought the process of having your aether extracted was extremely painful. It felt like his face was being forcibly torn off the pain a thousand times fold.
Now he had an understanding of what his offspring felt when he sucked the life out of them. He had to admit this was the worst way for one to die. But now that he had actively provoked the Hornets' nest there was no way to stop it.
This is exactly what Huishe Yue walked into. His body froze in place as cold sweat ran down his back. His nephew was actually absorbing Emperor Rui's core with a content smile on his face like a starved beast that had been without food for long.
His breath caught in his chest he subconsciously took a step back out of fear as a throbbing ache stabbed at his heart. Yes, he had heard of Emperor Rui's inexplicable deeds and how he had absorbed his own offspring's seraphic energy sucking the life out of them. And yes, he also knew his nephew would have fallen victim to the same fate if it weren't for Ji Yao. This is why he had major respect for that boy and would do whatever he can to reunite his nephew with Ji Yao but.... this. He hadn't expected this..... He hadn't expected his nephew to take up his vile father's mantel and inherit such a vile act that had never been seen in Niuq ever.
As the last of Emperor Rui's aether was absorbed Rui Fei's strength gave in as his body slumped in a defeated posture. Breathing heavily his tears began to flow like a waterfall. At that time all he could think about was shutting his father up.
His father's words had repeatedly echoed in his mind and felt that if he didn't shut his father up he would go insane. As expected when he shut him up the voices in his mind died with his father and peace was restored.
But when he realised what he had done he felt so lost that all the strength in his body vaporized. He had become the thing he hated most and his father had ushered him into it. Disappointed in himself he shut his eyes as he bent his knees to bury his head.
Seeing his distraught appearance Huishe Yue swallowed down his discomfort and took a step forward to comfort him. No one wanted to turn into the exact monster that tormented them throughout their lives. He could sympathize with his nephew. The poor cub had witnessed so many horrors in his entire life that a cub in Niuq would go through in their several hundred and something lifespan without experiencing.
This is why despite witnessing such a terrible scene he took a step forward only for his steps to faltter when Rui Fei raised his head and their gazes met. Again out of pure instinct he took a step back but this time he directly bumped into a hard surface.
When he turned around he found his father standing there with a pale complexion staring at Rui Fei with a disbelieving expression. It's safe to say he had bore witness to what transpired earlier on just from the look on his face.
Huishe Yue wanted to explain to his father but before he could utter a word Rui Fei spoke, "So it's safe to say you don't want me anymore, right?"
When he said this his tone sounded so aggrieved before he lowered his head again. Huishe Nan who had been holding his breath just now exhaled deeply before taking a step forward. With his hand on the top of Rui Fei's head, he said, "Why would you say such a thing? This old man would never abandon you."
He proceeded to sit next to Rui Fei with his hand still stroking this young cub's hair. He continued saying, "You should always remember that we are family and family have each other's back."
Huishe Yue, "..."
Who and what had possessed his father to be this sweet and gentle. If it was him in Rui Fei's position he would be supportive but he would never say it nicely like he was right now. For example, when he was eight his twin sister convinced him to climb up the tallest tree in the clan without engaging his aether.
Being a weak chicken he was he climbed up and his twin who convinced him that it was a brilliant idea had stayed on the ground staring at him like she was looking at an idiot. As expected this weak chicken fell out of that tree just as he reached the top and broke his legs.
At the time his father said to him, "Son, I love you no matter what but my respect for you has taken a huge hit. Keep doing stupid shit and I will have a cripple for a son."
Granted there was a huge disparity between the two circumstances but still. His father was never this nice. That's because the way parents treat their children versus their grandchildren is completely different. That in itself is a scientific fact known worldwide.. It's just that this was the first time Huishe Yue had had first-hand experience.