Chapter 192: Thousand Eyes of Fear (2)

Chapter 192: Thousand Eyes of Fear (2)

For a long time after regaining consciousness, they lie there, their bodies broken and injured, still reeling from the traumas they have sustained. Beyond that still lingering pain, there is disbelief and apprehension at accepting the reality for what it is as they both stare at the dome of the snowstorm swirling around the courtyard.

Once a cultivator decides to die, normally, no force in the world can reverse that decision, or prevent the result. But not only have they been denied death, but they were left trying to unravel the knot in their hearts that connected them to that desire for death.

To be alive, after sacrificing everything to make a last stand, is something neither one of them expected. Even when they discussed the terms of their release with the princess, in their hearts, they did not truly believe that such an outcome was possible.

Desperation drove Wu Yulan to plead with the princess on behalf of Lan Xiaohui and spare her. It is the same emotion that drove my owner to negotiate Wu Yulans release to treat Yun Fei a burden and self-sacrifice, she hoped, would keep Wu Yulan alive.

Neither one of them truly expected, or even imagined, that they would both survive to see that dome of swirling ice around them. Even when the cold crawled into their bones, through their wounds and bruises, they did not mind it.

From their perspective, they did not need any creature comforts beyond the comfort of hearing each others steady heartbeat or looking up at the same dreary, steel-gray sky.

With that comfort also came great regret.

I am so sorry, Yulan, Lan Xiaohui whispers, the first to break the silence. Because of me, you

Wu Yulan shakes her head. Dont blame yourself, she replies. Do you remember how you said that your life belongs to Yaoyue?

At that question, my conflicted owners cheeks redden and she turns her head away. Silently, she nods in response.

I get it, Wu Yulan says. If it wasnt for you, I never wouldve obtained that sword to begin with. In that sense, it was always yours. When I think about it, it is my greatest happiness to have been able to use it for your sake.

Lan Xiaohui frowns even as her companion scoots closer and lays her cheek on my owners stomach, hugging her closely. My owner embraces her companions head with one arm while laying her other arm over her eyes.

It is not right, Lan Xiaohui whispers, tone on the verge of cracking. I pushed us this far. We never should have come here. Because of this, you you

Xuelian, Wu Yulan intones, raising her head. Slowly, the silver-haired girl shifts her position and sits in my owners lap.

My owner lowers her arm to look at Wu Yulan.

Lan Xiaohui nods again. I promise.

Good, Wu Yulan says, nodding. I sense a great deal of relief in her heart. After we kill Lu Long, I want to live a long and happy life by your side. There are still so many mysteries in this world, and I want to discover them. I want to reach the pinnacle so we are never put in this position again. What about you?

Lan Xiaohui smiles. Then we want the same things. I dont want others to decide my fate anymore. I want to become strong enough to live for my own ideals.

Though their sentiment is that of desiring to live, what I sense in their hearts is far from something that simple. It is a kernel of rebellion and determination. It is to live but by their own rules. Despite nearly dying, their fear of risk evaporates.

It is the same as back then when they gave up their lives and futures to wound the princess; it is the decision that it is better to die with dignity in pursuit of a brilliant life than it is to live in fear or under the yoke of others.

This time, when they look toward the heavens, it is with a heart and gaze full of ambition and determination.

More than ever, I sense that they have accepted that their future will be filled with rivers of blood.

Wu Yulan, I announce. I will teach you a sword method that might be of benefit to you.

When they hear my words, both of them look toward my floating form as if just now realizing I was present. They have become so comfortable with my presence that my absence is hardly imaginable.

A gold flicker of light appears above my reformed core and then floats toward Wu Yulans forehead, merging into her skin.

This is the method Fractured Sword, and it is related to Transient Sword. It is possible that it might help you recover your sword because of this association. Even so, if you can comprehend it within twenty years, you wont be disappointed even if it doesnt help you recover your old sword.

Though I make it sound like it might be beneficial to recovering her lost attainment, I no longer believe that it is truly lost. The Wu Yulan that, at that moment, comprehends the basics of [Fractured Sword] is, technically, a sword cultivator with enlightenment that exceeds even that of my owner.

Even though I dont understand how such a thing is possible.

Wu Yulan nods after receiving my teachings and interpretation of the sword method and smiles. Twenty years? she asks. Thank you, Yaoyue. But if I dont comprehend this sword within a year, I wont have the guts to show my face.

Lan Xiaohui laughs and nods, not doubting a single word from her companion.

On the other hand, I just feel another burst of shock from my sentient core when I cannot find a logical flaw in Wu Yulans declaration. Within a year? For this monster, it might be entirely possible.