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The heavy rain was always the kind of weather we wished would pass quickly, yet the waiting felt like an agonizing ordeal. We never knew when the dark clouds would unleash their downpour or when the rain would finally cease, allowing the sun to reclaim its rightful place and bring good weather into view. The anticipation turned into tears, falling drop by drop down Luo Yue's cheeks.
Shaomeng gasped for breath, thinking about how to deal with the guy in front of him. Perhaps defeating him would relieve some pent-up frustration, but was this really what he wanted to see? No, he still had years ahead to forget the scene of Evil Spirit killing his father, and he could still walk away from this moment with an umbrella in hand. But what did Ran Xing have? Curses? Doubts? Or some strange emotions that had come out of nowhere? He couldn't force someone who didn't have much time to sort through everything.
Let it be! Shaomeng released his grip on Ran Xing's collar, and An Qi let out a sigh of relief. Luo Yue tried her best to remain silent; this bout of tears was enough! Since Ran Xing was unwilling to speak, she decided not to pry. Perhaps there would come a time when she could calm down, set aside her doubts, and investigate this matter further.
As the crying ceased, Luo Yue opened her slightly swollen eyes and lowered her head, mumbling a few words.
"I never expected that the one who comforted and encouraged me back then would turn out to be such a person! It's ridiculous that I ever held any illusions about him." Accompanied by a tremor from Ran Xing, it seemed that her words brought him some relief. Was it really supposed to come to this? He had lost even the courage to apologize; wasn't that like an invisible knife stabbing at his heart? Yet her words were fitting; perhaps he truly was a coward.
Ran Xing trembled as he stood up. Despite being beaten black and blue, he managed to reply, "Coward, timid as a mouse—at least that's fitting for me right now; soon I won't be appearing before you again."
An Qi looked at his brother in disbelief. After all his efforts to counsel him, Ran Xing was genuinely heading towards Forgetfulness Mirror. Could it be that a few careless words had truly made him resolve to leave? He immediately turned to Shaomeng and considered Luo Yue, who was watching intently. He pulled Shaomeng aside and began discussing Forgetfulness Mirror.
"What! How can he forget who he is? What meaning does living here hold for him?" Shaomeng recalled how Ran Xing had vowed to search for his sister—a promise that had sustained him all along. If he could let go of something so important, just as Shaomeng had tried to move past his father's death, what hope would remain? What difference would there be between that and being a walking corpse?
In shock, he quickly thought of Teacher You Long and Teacher Ziyuan, who hadn't arrived yet. They still had time to report this matter to Commander Qianwen. As long as they got Commander Qianwen's input, there might still be a chance for resolution!
"Quickly! Find Teacher Ziyuan! Find Teacher You Long!"
This statement jolted An Qi awake; how had he not realized there were two key figures who could help resolve this issue?
Before leaving, An Qi asked one last question: who had visited Luo Yue's residence in recent days, what had been said or done—he needed as much information as possible to compile a report for submission in hopes of securing one last opportunity.
At that moment, Shaomeng recalled a few days prior when Luo Yue's father had come: Luo Yue had just woken up from bed after her wounds had healed and saw Xing Han approaching with an inscrutable expression. He took over Shaomeng's duties and helped his daughter up.
You Long, Ziyuan, and Shaomeng were all present then, but they had tacitly agreed not to discuss anything related to Ran Xing—even asking about her health was off-limits since Commander Qianwen had just faced an inexplicable attack at the Convention. With Xing Han's actions, Ran Xing seemed as sensitive as any forbidden topic in Trial Ground.
"Dad, Teacher You Long, Teacher Ziyuan—I'm sorry for causing you trouble!" Although Luo Yue wasn't in great shape at the moment, she understood enough. She had overheard some conversations between Teacher Ziyuan and those recovering from injuries; this greeting was her way of responding. Her father's arrival seemed unexpected; she knew he disapproved of this boy from the neighborhood. However, now that she was healed, as someone who had been hurt herself, accepting a simple apology was her right. She then opened her mouth to broach a topic no one had mentioned in recent days.
Observing the reactions around her, Luo Yue realized she had asked something inappropriate. After receiving only a simple reassurance from Ziyuan that he was doing well, she chose not to press further.
Xing Han's reaction surprised Ziyuan and the others; he told his daughter not to concern herself with someone who had harmed her.
"Don't ask about Ran Xing anymore; recovering your health is what everyone hopes for. Do you understand?" Xing Han's tone carried a hint of reprimand but didn't escalate further.
Ziyuan and You Long remained silent; Shaomeng merely followed protocol by bringing over warm herbal medicine for her.
"Dad!" Luo Yue didn't know what was happening but looked at her father pleadingly with her eyes, hoping he'd listen as she shared details—this was also crucial for Teacher Ziyuan and Teacher You Long’s investigation. However, after such an intense reaction from her father, no one felt inclined to continue the conversation. They all reached an unspoken agreement: silence reigned as Luo Yue slowly began to understand something.
"Could it be that my father did something to Ran Xing?" The sudden question from the silent Luo Yue caught both men off guard.
An Qi immediately recalled the night when Ran Xing had suddenly gone mute after seeking an apology—what foul language could have turned him into this? Did dealing with someone he disliked really require such despicable actions for satisfaction? With these thoughts swirling in his mind, An Qi felt anger rising within him but also began piecing together an answer.
Perhaps at this moment, the answer was already evident! It was indeed Luo Yue's father who was meddling behind the scenes.
Naturally, Qianwen observed everything while sipping tea. It seemed he had anticipated today's unexpected events long ago and told the messenger guards to return; help would arrive shortly while he continued enjoying his tea.
"But Commander, won't this...?" You Long expressed concern about letting Ran Xing run amok without oversight. However, seeing Qianwen remain silent on the matter deterred any further questioning.
Meanwhile, An Qi rushed towards Qianwen after gathering information with Shaomeng and Luo Yue.
"There's nothing to worry about. If he truly wants to leave, then let him go. If he's struggling to express his discomfort about certain matters, I think he needs time and understanding. As for whether he stays here or not, that will depend on the answers he finds within himself." Qianwen was not in a hurry to make arrangements; instead, she examined An Qi's materials. Just as she had suspected, it was indeed Xing Han who was causing trouble.
After steadying her breath, Qianwen inquired about Meng Jiang's student, Lan An.
"That's right. Lan An's mother's Tea Garden is located near the Forgetfulness Mirror. I've already sent someone to inform him," You Long immediately recalled the student named Lan An. Although he wasn't personally in charge of him, Lan An was steady and reliable, possessing a good understanding of life's principles. His presence might buy Qianwen some time to make arrangements.
Shaomeng helped Luo Yue wipe away her tears. The two quickly set off to find Ziyuan as per their prior arrangement.
At this moment, Jiangshan Hall was surrounded by Ziyuan's people. Each exit had three guards taking turns on watch, and there were at least two guards stationed near the entrance of the Forgetfulness Mirror. Ziyuan held a letter in hand, waiting for Luo Yue and Shaomeng to arrive.
Seeing Shaomeng supporting Luo Yue from a distance, Ziyuan rushed over and took out Ran Xing's apology letter. Due to various circumstances over the past few days, this letter had been stuck in his hands and had not been delivered to Luo Yue until now. Ziyuan hurriedly apologized, explaining that with so many affairs to attend to, the letter had arrived late and hoped Luo Yue could understand.
"Teacher Ziyuan, thank you," Luo Yue replied without any resentment. This letter seemed to be what she had been waiting for; although it arrived a bit late, it at least calmed the turmoil in her heart compared to the earlier behavior of its author.
As Luo Yue opened the letter, she suddenly realized that her father was orchestrating a plot to expel her friend! Why would he do such a thing? Perhaps it was an unforeseen consequence of the chaotic situation at that time. Was expelling someone who would inevitably make mistakes at this age truly a form of care? Wasn't it just adding another cold blade into her already wounded heart?
"Why..." A tear fell from Luo Yue's eye. She couldn't understand why her father refused to accept an honest person's apology and instead wanted to cast him out into the world as a mere mortal stripped of everything. Was this really the reason her father wanted her to regain her body?
"No matter how your father thinks, it's time for you to handle this now. Go fight for it!" Ziyuan organized the personnel and prepared to head towards the Forgetfulness Mirror with Shaomeng, bringing along some belongings from Ran Xing's room that might come in handy.
Like tea leaves floating up and down, reflecting Luo Yue's current emotions, several guides ran ahead while she broke free from Shaomeng's support and began running recklessly. Ziyuan followed closely behind them, ready to prevent any unforeseen incidents.
Ran Xing, you fool! Did you really think my father represented my opinions? Why didn't you clarify things earlier? I didn't understand everything back then; that's why I said those things. Is that your reason for leaving? Stop being ridiculous! If you could explain clearly, no one could stop me; no one would interfere with what you and I have—don't you realize that yet?
At this moment, a special emotion stirred within Luo Yue's heart, agitating her already tumultuous feelings. Even if she missed this opportunity due to a misstep, she couldn't leave herself with an unclear memory. She needed to hurry—she absolutely needed to hurry! That silly boy must not act recklessly!
It seemed that her rapid pace exceeded the limits of her recently healed body, causing Luo Yue to stumble hard onto the ground. Ignoring the pain, Shaomeng immediately picked her up and continued running forward. If this blockhead did something foolish again and caused Luo Yue more harm, he would never forgive such behavior—he needed to hurry!
Ziyuan and the others quickly advanced towards the Forgetfulness Mirror, racing against the setting sun hanging halfway down the mountain.
In the bamboo grove at the foot of the mountain, the fragrance of the small Tea Garden was particularly captivating. This place produced specialty tea leaves for the Trial Ground. Behind the high walls of the Tea Garden lay the Forgetfulness Mirror; nearby in a pavilion, someone seemed to be waiting for Ran Xing's arrival.
"Why so hurried? Why not take a moment to enjoy?" Lan An said politely as he handed a teacup to Ran Xing. He had just received a task from You Long and aimed to clarify matters regarding Forgetfulness Mirror with Ran Xing while buying time for Ziyuan's group.
"No need for formality; we're friends after all. It's rare for me to taste tea here," Ran Xing replied without knowing Lan An's intentions but felt it impolite to refuse his offer. He accepted the cup of tea and followed Lan An’s lead.
However, unexpectedly there were three cups of tea on the table—one taken by Lan An and another placed beside Ran Xing.
Suddenly tasting bitterness, Ran Xing recalled his earlier cowardice and remarked that this tea truly tasted bitter.
"This tea has its own charm."
Lan An seemed to have hit the mark with Ran Xing, and without hesitation, he began to speak.
"Tea is not just about the flavor of the cup you have now; why not try this cup beside you?" Lan An picked up another prepared cup of tea and handed it to Ran Xing.
As he took a sip, a sweetness danced on his palate. Just as Lan An had said, life is like the tea leaves in this cup. When steeped in cold water, the leaves float on the surface, resulting in a bitter taste; but when steeped in warm water, they sink to the bottom, fully releasing their flavor, bringing a hint of sweetness.
"Some ups and downs are the norm in life, just like your choice in brewing tea. Choosing cold water means leaving here and treating everyone coldly—that's your choice. But becoming a hero and coming to the Trial Ground to create warmth in your own way is also your choice. Since you've chosen the former, I respect that. However, before you leave, at least here with me, you have one more chance to think."
"A chance to consider?" Ran Xing's eyes lit up, but he still lacked the courage to face what he had done to Luo Yue.
"Yes, you have one last moment. Think about why you came here; for those important to you—would they want to see you like this? If you truly wish to leave after reflecting on this, I won't stop you. But if you decide to stay, you'll return with me to meet Teacher Ziyuan and Teacher You Long, to explain everything to everyone."
Lan An clearly stated his opinion while watching the silent Ran Xing, waiting for his answer.
After a moment of contemplation, Ran Xing slowly stood up. He didn't say a word but felt more resolute in his judgment. Leaving here seemed like it would prevent him from hurting Luo Yue further with his Evil Thought. It would also spare Teacher You Long and Teacher Ziyuan unnecessary pressure. Perhaps this way, everyone could find some relief.
Lan An observed that Ran Xing appeared to have made a decision. He slowly walked out of the pavilion, choosing to forget his identity as a hero, forget the memories of this place, and forget his purpose for coming here. He would leave as an ordinary person; this too was an answer. Lan An did not stop Ran Xing from leaving but watched him head toward the entrance beneath the high wall until his figure completely vanished.
At that moment, Ziyuan and the others arrived just a step too late. They watched as Ran Xing entered the black hole that swirled like a vortex, instilling fear in heroes. Luo Yue did not give up; she immediately activated her Vitality and began brainstorming ways to bring him back!
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