Ten years had passed in a flash, and beneath the calm appearance of the rivers and lakes, undercurrents surged.
"Have you heard? The Chang'an Sect brought a large group of people to Chen's Fort, and they want to destroy his whole family!"
"Yes, fortunately, Miss Lin arrived in time to save Chen Jiabao."
"Ms. Lin is truly an exceptional woman. Not only is she beautiful and skilled in martial arts, but she also possesses a heart of chivalry, bravery, and courage. It is truly commendable."
In the eyes of the onlookers, the Chang'an Church was established six years ago. Within three years, the Chang'an Sect rose to become the top power in the martial world. During that time, Chang'an's vicious methods and gloomy personality earned criticism from all corners of the world. Simultaneously, the group of black-clad men who had slaughtered Shi's family vanished without a trace.
Shi Changan sneered at the opinions circulating in the martial world, accusing him of being cold-blooded and ruthless. If that were true, why did no one come to the aid of his family when they were destroyed? He didn't care about the opinions of others in the martial world; he was only afraid... that she would care.
Lin Qiushui, the lucky star, had grown from a young girl into a slender young woman. Seven years ago, her father, Lin Xiong, became the leader of the martial arts alliance, and she gradually entered the public eye. Renowned for her exceptional martial arts skills and breathtaking beauty, she was hailed as the "most beautiful woman in the world."
The Lin family's annual martial arts conference seemed to have become her personal stage for showcasing her martial arts prowess.
At that moment, Shi Changan stood before a mirror, examining his attire.
The young boy from the past had grown into a handsome young man. His lustrous blue hair cascaded like an inky waterfall over his shoulders, and his eyebrows extended to his temples.
The round eyes of his childhood had become deep and narrow, shining like cold stars. Even when his thin lips weren't smiling, a hint of a wicked aura lingered, leaving others to wonder what he was contemplating.
He wore a cyan robe embroidered with intertwining snakes and dragons in gold thread. In the dim light, the dragons and snakes glimmered, bestowing a touch of splendor upon the otherwise understated garment. This attire was low-key yet extraordinary, accentuating his tall and dignified figure, exuding an air of elegance and grace.
After ensuring his clothes were in order, Shi Changan hastily left the hall and made his way to the annual martial arts conference.
Gu Yiling, residing in the spiritual space, watched the scene unfold on the photon display screen, speechless. "Does he have a penchant for torment? As the leader of the demon sect and the head of the Chang'an Sect, why does he subject himself to attending the martial arts conference every year and endure the scornful mockery of the righteous martial artists?"
Gu Yiling wanted to grab Shi Changan and scold him awake. "Wasn't it just a bag of steamed buns from his childhood? Why has he been fixating on it for over ten years? Look at him, attending the martial arts conference every year. Even though they can't drive him away due to his status, who will treat him kindly?"
"Even Lin Xiong, because he favors his daughter, accuses him publicly and forces him to kneel. How could he understand Changan's pain? And Lin Qiushui, being ambiguous with Fang Shutian while stringing Changan along. Their relationship is a mess. She claims they are just friends
, and he chooses to believe her? Is he foolish? Can't he see the mixed admiration and disdain in her eyes?"
233 interjected, "Complaining won't solve anything. Hurry up and think of a solution."
Gu Yiling switched off the screen, rubbing their temples with their fingertips, suppressing the anger in their heart. They said, "No rush, I have my own way."
Since Shi Changan established the Chang'an Church, he had locked Gu Yiling in a room in the side hall. Due to the sword's value in the martial world, Shi Changan often had people guard it there, but he himself avoided encountering it. Whenever he saw the sword, it reminded him of the fire that consumed the Shi family and the tragic souls left behind.
Gu Yiling sometimes wished they could steal themselves away. After all the calculations, Shi Changan had not touched the sword for six years, causing Gu Yiling some headaches.
Approaching midnight, Changan returned, reeking of alcohol. His steps were unsteady, his face flushed, his eyes bloodshot. His clothes were slightly disheveled, carrying the distinct scent of cosmetics mixed with the smell of alcohol, suffocating to the senses.
His subordinate standing behind him noticed his swaying form and moved to assist, but was abruptly pushed away.
"Get lost!"
Shi Changan entered the room, expelling everyone within. The sound of objects shattering could be heard, indicating his anger.
The subordinate sighed, contemplating, "Master, what are you suffering for? There are so many women in the martial world who admire you, yet why did you fall for Lin Qiushui? Throughout history, right and wrong have always been at odds with each other, not to mention that she doesn't care about you at all! During your confrontation with Fang Shutian, the two of you were evenly matched and both sustained injuries. While she was busy taking care of him and showing her concern, why didn't she utter a single word of concern for you? You were unhappy with their close relationship and stormed off to the brothel. Did Lin Qiushui display even a hint of displeasure? Master, wake up! If you don't have specific criteria for choosing a partner, then Lin Qiushui is simply unworthy of you!"
Shi Changan was oblivious to his subordinate's inner monologue. He had thrown everything that could fall in the house, leaving it in disarray.
He was nothing more than the young son of a declining family. How dare they challenge him? If it weren't for the ancient artifact "Pan Yi," how could he have been evenly matched with them?
After venting his anger, he collapsed on the ground, his face buried in his hands, howling helplessly like a wounded and trapped beast.
In a daze, Gu Yiling couldn't help but recall the image of the young boy crying in the darkness ten years ago.
Over the past decade, no one knew better than Gu Yiling the hardships and humiliations Shi Changan had endured. While the world perceived him as indifferent and ruthless, who truly understood the journey he had undertaken to reach his current position? Every villain had a dark past they wished to keep hidden.
The retrospective sword brought about the destruction of the Shi family, and Shi Changan resented it deeply. Without that sword, how could the Shi family have perished? He had also aspired to become a chivalrous hero like Fang Shutian, but who gave him that chance? If six years ago, he hadn't founded the Chang'an Sect, he would have been killed by those black-clad men. Now, if he were to follow Lin Xiong's advice and disband the Chang'an Sect, returning to
seclusion, he would meet his demise within days.
In this world, no one would care about him. Even if he were to die, no one would mourn him or seek revenge on his behalf.
The only warmth he had experienced in his youth was merely an illusion. After chasing after it for so many years, it still eluded him. Perhaps he shouldn't have harbored such extravagant hopes from the beginning. Perhaps he shouldn't have lived in this world; he should have perished in that sea of fire. After all, there was nothing in this world worthy of his nostalgia.
233 chimed in, "The villain's favorability score is -5, currently at negative five."
Initially, Gu Yiling felt sympathy for the villain, but upon hearing 233's remark, they instantly exploded, exclaiming, "What's wrong with me? Why did the favorability score drop again? As a sword, who am I offending?"
233 responded, "Calm down and maintain your cold image. The villain is on their way."
Just as 233 finished speaking, Changan, having sobered up slightly, opened the door to the room and stumbled inside. He dismissed everyone present, narrowed his eyes dangerously, picked up the retrospective sword, unsheathed it, and slowly ran his rough fingertips along the blade. His mouth exhaled hot, alcohol-scented breath onto the sword, causing Gu Yiling to shiver instinctively.
Unexpectedly, after two or six years of separation, they met again in such a situation. It was truly awkward.
Changan entered the courtyard and began swinging the retrospective sword. Even in his inebriated state, his powerful movements showcased his exceptional martial arts skill. The moonlight scattered in the yard, resembling silk and casting a faint silver glow upon the youth dancing with the sword.
The young man's expression remained indifferent, but traces of redness lingered in the moist corners of his eyes. It was evident that he had just cried. Gu Yiling couldn't help but wonder why this celestial being was shedding tears. The youth's clothes billowed as if carried by the wind, as if he wanted to escape from all the troubles of this world.
Gu Yiling was momentarily stunned, their hand placed over their chest, feeling the strong thumping of their heart.
That familiar feeling...
They were becoming increasingly certain that Shi Changan, Victor, and Shen Junling from both this world and the previous one were not simply a string of data.
When the effects of the wine's strength surged, Shi Changan suddenly felt his mind go blank, and his arms grew weak. The sword in his hand swung upward abruptly, grazing the corner of his eye before clattering to the ground, casting a chilling silver glow.
Dumbfounded, Shi Changan sat on the ground for a long time, eventually covering his face with his hands and screaming toward the sky. His voice carried a note of despair, and a tear of blood trickled from the corner of his eye.