Chapter 11: Past and Present

Chapter 11: Past and Present

11

Past and Present

I

His past wasnt something Tian Jin had shared with anyone before. At first, that was because everyone he knew had known him since he was a child, so there wasnt anything he could tell them that they didnt already know. Later on, that was because there wasnt anyone that he trusted enough to share his past with.

Ever since joining the Blazing Light Sect, Tian Jin had kept his past and background a secret. He had refused to share even the smallest of details with anyone, out of fear that theyd be able to use whatever he told them to somehow find out what he didnt tell them and realize just who exactly he was.

That was why, when Hao Zhen had guessed that he was from a clan, Tian Jin had been alarmed, doubting Hao Zhens identity. Shortly afterward, it had become clear that Hao Zhen had merely been making an educated guess, which was obvious in hindsight. And in reacting so strongly to what had originally been but an innocent guess on Hao Zhens part, Tian Jin had effectively given away that there was something about his past that he really didnt want others to know. That didnt mean, however, that he owed Hao Zhen the truth, that he needed to tell the other boy anything. Tian Jin could easily refuse to divulge any details about his past, and he was fairly certain that Hao Zhen would understand or at least respect his need for secrecy.

Up to this moment, Tian Jin had never considered himself a paranoid person, but now he was forced to reevaluate that. He took a moment to ponder how much of a bad idea sharing his past with someone else actually was. Even if others found out about his secret, what exactly could they do with that information?

The more he thought about it, the more it became clear to him that others knowing his secret wouldn't be as much of a problem as he had originally assumed. His enemies were too far away and had no idea where he was, and he doubted anyone in the Blazing Light Sect, save for those at the higher echelons, would even have the means of contacting his enemies. More importantly, Tian Jin doubted his enemies were even still on his trail. It had already been over a year since the incident.

Tian Jin was also tired of living in a state of fear, afraid that someone would discover the events of the previous year that had led him to join the Blazing Light Sect. He needed someone he could confide in, and the more he thought about it, the more Hao Zhen looked like the right person for that. Tian Jin knew that he wasnt the best judge of characterthe incident with Ke Li being a perfect example of thatbut he was fairly certain that Hao Zhen was someone he could trust.

Originally, he had completely overlooked the other boy, believing him to be just another outer disciple, but the events following Ke Lis assassination attempt had shown Tian Jin he couldnt have been more wrong. Hao Zhen was intelligent, quick on his feet, and highly perceptiveeven if prone to overthinking and excessively cautious. Admittedly, it was rather odd how Hao Zhens personality had undergone a complete change literally overnight, but he had seen odder things in the past.

The two of them were in the same boat, with Du Qing as a common enemy, and so far Hao Zhen had been doing his best to help them deal with the situation.

That settled it, Tian Jin decided. He took in a deep breath, setting his jaw. Across him, he saw Hao Zhen lean forward, the other boys gaze intent.

Tian Jin didnt know whether he was making the right decision, whether this wasnt something he would come to regret further down the line, but at least at the moment, he felt that it was the right decision.

All right, Tian Jin said, his voice firm. Ill tell you.

He didnt start telling his story immediately, however. He first considered where exactly to begin. After all, this was his first time telling someone else about this. What would be the right place to start at? His birth? A few years after that? Or maybe the day of the incident?

Then the answer came to him: Hao Zhen was from a mundane background. That meant that before he could actually start telling his story, Tian Jin first needed to explain some things to him that he was most likely unfamiliar with.

Im not sure if you know this, Tian Jin said, but we live on an island.

At that, Hao Zhen blinked, giving him a puzzled look. Clearly, that wasnt what he had been expecting to hear. What?

Tian Jin clearly remembered that night, his robes already soaked in his parents blood, as he knelt beside his master, trying to do something for him, to keep him from dying, but to no avail. His master had then tried to speak, but no sounds came out of his mouth. In the end, all his master managed to do was use his spiritual power to remove the ring from his finger and slide it into Tian Jins finger. The next moment, his master had taken his last breath.

Hao Zhen glanced at Tian Jin's right hand, where the ring his master had given could be found on his index finger, right next to the spatial ring he wore on his middle finger.

I dont suppose you know why your master gave you that ring, or whether it has any special properties?

I Now Tian Jin was really confused. Just how could Hao Zhen simply tell all of this? Youre right. I have no idea. As far as I can tell, its just a normal ring, not even a magical artifact.

I see, Hao Zhen said, simply. He then went silent for a few moments before asking, After your master died, what happened next?

I stayed there for a few weeks, Tian Jin said, deciding to simply focus on his story for now. He could question Hao Zhen later. One of the families there ended up taking me in and caring for me after finding me the next morning beside my masters corpse. I stayed with them until I washe hesitated, recalling those days and the state he had been inbetter, then I set off toward the nearest city to look for information on the magical organizations of the region. As I was only fifteen at the time, I hadnt started cultivating yet, so I didnt know any cultivation methods. That meant the only way I could become a cultivator was to join a magical organization."

Tian Jin sighed. The nearest city happened to be Drifting Clouds City, where I then found out that out of all the nearby magical organizations, the one that would be holding its entrance examinations the soonest was the Blazing Light Sect. So I got myself a job in an inn and worked there until the day the sects entrance examinations started. The rest, I believe you already know.

As usual, Hao Zhen didnt say anything at first, taking his time to think. Tian Jin waited, wondering what hed say. At the same time, he couldnt help but feel lighter, freer. He had finally told someone his story, what he had been through, and it felt nice. It was liberating, in a way.

Regarding your plans for the future, Hao Zhen finally said, looking at him intently, staring straight into his eyes, I take it youre planning on taking revenge on this Chi Huo?

The Chi Clan will pay, Tian Jin said, simply, keeping his expression stony, his jaw clenched. Now was not the time to give in to his emotions. There would be time for that, later. He took a deep breath in an attempt to relieve himself of the tension.

Hao Zhen stared at him a little longer, then nodded his head. I understand, he said, solemn. He didnt ask any more questions, nor did he say anything else, and for that, Tian Jin was grateful. He didnt need or want anyone telling him what to do right nownot regarding this matter.

Deciding that itd be for the best to end this particular conversation at this point, Tian Jin changed the subject, addressing a question he had had for a while now, but hadnt gotten an opportunity to ask yet.

Theres something I want to ask you, too, he said, and Hao Zhen blinked in surprise, before giving him a nod. Please dont take this the wrong way, but lately, you have been acting rather

What are you two talking about? a voice cut in.

They both turned toward the door Duo Lan had walked through earlier, finding the tall girl standing right in front of it and looking at the two of them inquisitively, her arms crossed over her chest. She had changed clothes, now wearing luxurious violet robes. Besides that, she looked about the same as she had before, though more relaxed.

Just casual conversation, Hao Zhen quickly said.

Hmmm. Duo Lan walked over, eying them with suspicion as she did so, before finally shrugging and sitting down on one of the chairs, choosing one that stood roughly between the two couches they were on. She then leaned back on the chair, crossed her legs, and said, Well, lets get on with it. We need to discuss what to do about Du Qing, right?

Deciding to leave his question for later, Tian Jin nodded his head. For now, Du Qing was the priority.

With that, their conversation about their future plans started in earnest.