Everyone has memories, some of which bring joy, causing a quiet smile to emerge without notice; others evoke sadness, leading to tears in the corners of solitude.
Some memories ignite anger, while others leave one feeling helpless. Countless emotions and experiences construct a castle of memories deep within one's mind, serving as a repository to be revisited whenever needed.
As Shangguan Wangyu closed the gates of the Memory Castle in Chuyang, he particularly wished to open its doors. He struggled with this decision for a long time but ultimately resolved to act. However, Jufeng barged in recklessly and rescued Chuyang.
Now, as Chuyang recalls those events, the dust-covered memories slowly resurface. He should feel delighted or even ecstatic, yet he does not.
Chuyang's tone serves as a reminder to Shangguan Wangyu that within their shared castle lie aspects he wishes Chuyang would forget.
If only there were a way to choose which memories to keep.
Shangguan Wangyu did not sigh deeply or express regret; instead, he felt a sense of despair—a chilling despair.
"It's good that you can remember what happened back then."
Upon hearing Shangguan Wangyu's words, Chuyang sensed the heavy sarcasm laced within them, fueling her anger. Any pity she had felt for him vanished in an instant.
"Don't you feel ashamed? To say it’s good. I thought that during these past days, you would be unable to sleep at night, living in guilt and self-reproach. But it seems I was mistaken."
"Of course, someone like you wouldn’t understand what shame and guilt truly mean!"
Coldness of heart is an extreme emotion; Shangguan Wangyu felt it deeply, while Chuyang felt it even more intensely.
What kind of entanglement surrounded those past events?
Shangguan Wangyu took a step forward, standing in front of Cao Ke, on the stage of their final confrontation.
He looked up and saw the sunlight shining down, then further away, he glimpsed the starlight, recalling events from many years ago.
"You should know that if your father hadn't changed his mind at the last moment, we would have been happily ruling this world by now. There wouldn't be so many disputes. The complications that arose have led to so much suffering; do you think I enjoy this?"
At that moment, all of Shangguan Wangyu's thoughts spilled out. He was filled with anger, but it simmered beneath the surface, like a volcano ready to erupt in silence.
Chuyang was even angrier. She would not remain silent; her voice rose in defiance.
"Shangguan Wangyu, you must understand that it wasn't my father's fault. He was able to find his way back because his conscience wouldn't allow him to collude with you. Yet you killed him; you actually killed him. I will never forgive you, not now, not ever."
Jufeng stood beside Chuyang, listening to the exchange between her and Shangguan Wangyu. He began to piece together his suspicions and the past events. Although he couldn't grasp all the details, he sensed it was a tragic and helpless story.
Romain could see that Chuyang's fists were tightly clenched, expressing her fury. This kind of emotion had never surfaced in over a decade; it was an anger that seemed to grow in an instant, making Romain feel a deep ache for her.
It truly hurt him.
Romain reached out and held Chuyang's hand. As her father, he wanted to provide her with steadfast support and a solid backing.
Chuyang looked at Jufeng, her eyes brimming with tears, but she found solace in her father's gaze, which diminished her anger significantly.
On the other end of the communication, Shangguan Wangyu's voice came through.
"Forgiveness is no longer important. Even if you forgive me, do I need your forgiveness? Will familial ties bind my life? You were right earlier; I have the same words for you. If Jufeng beside you is willing to submit to me, I can guarantee that you won't follow in Zhang Huwei's footsteps."
Language is a manifestation of a person's external self, and only the nuances of language can reveal a person's innermost thoughts.
Thus, the reluctance and helplessness in Shangguan Wangyu's tone hinted at the inner monologue of a pitiful person.
Jufeng would not normally engage in such conversations, but Shangguan Wangyu's words compelled him to respond.
"Actually, you are quite pitiable. Living to this point only to realize you are all alone, don't you find that tragic? Looking at those people on the mountaintop, gazing at the countless mechs on the battlefield in the distance, how many of them are fighting for you? If you die here today, how many will genuinely mourn for you?"
Shangguan Wangyu scoffed, "Do you think your so-called emotions can last? I can use money to make them fight for me just the same. Save your pity for someone else; if you die today, many will weep and grieve for you—let them do so."
As soon as Shangguan Wangyu finished speaking, the Wolf Fang Club appeared in his hand and struck down upon the head of the Dual Mech.
In that moment, there was no talk of love—only slaughter.
Chuyang's desire for revenge against Shangguan Wangyu for her father's death had fermented in her memories, making her fearless.
The Dual Mech allowed for complementary operations.
Years ago, during their first interstellar voyage, Jufeng had fought alongside Bill from Azure Level amidst a meteor shower. He had collaborated with Chuyang then.
One controlled close combat while the other managed ranged attacks; their coordination was seamless.
Now, one had reached Mid-Level Red Rank while the other had matured into a rational young woman of seventeen or eighteen. The impact of their renewed partnership was naturally far greater than before.
However, the Wolf King Gang was formidable enough to warrant a fight.
Jufeng made his move, and Chuyang fired an isolation projectile, sending two mechs soaring from the peak of the mountain into the sky.
When one person moved, everyone moved. The conversation between Shangguan Wangyu and Chuyang had delayed them for several minutes, allowing Cao Ke and the four opponents across from them to rest well. Now, as they resumed battle, it had turned into a one against five situation, but Liu Xing was injured, making the outcome uncertain.
The fight continued, and no one knew how much longer it would last. The wreckage of mechs on the ground was increasing at a terrifying rate, yet there was no sign of it slowing down.
In the distant starry sky, battleships were still clashing. Although it had only been less than an hour, there was no shortage of debris in the cosmos, which, influenced by the gravity of various planets, had become space junk.
Many years later, this area would be designated as a danger zone, with transport ships avoiding it at all costs.
However, this place was always spoken of with reverence because it stood as a testament to the dawn of the New Cosmic Era.
(To be continued)
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