by Mars Gravity
Mu Yubai widened his eyes, then slapped his head, and said in annoyance: “You’re right! Look at this brain of mine, randomly telling someone to become my sworn brother. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way either… hey! Yun Che boyo… oh, no, little brother Yun, I was rude earlier. Come to my Mu Family for a visit someday. I’ll definitely let you see my sincerity. I, Mu Yubai, promise you that I am absolutely worthy of becoming your sworn brother!”
“Alright, alright, let’s talk about this when that time comes. Big Brother, go back home and tell Father about what happened today, let him prepare for it as well. Something huge is bound to happen during the Demon Empress’ Grand Ceremony. After two days, I’ll go back with Qinghong for a visit too.” Mu Yurou stated.
“Mn, if the old man knew that you and brother-in-law have recovered completely, I’d reckon he’ll be so happy that he wouldn’t be able to sleep for three days… Oh! When you come back with brother-in-law, make sure to bring this kid!” Mu Yubai said with great emphasis.
“Xiao’er, go send your uncle off with your mother,” said Yun Qinghong.
“Ah? Yes, Father.” Yun Xiao was still a bit stunned, it was evident that he had not completely taken in and digested everything that had happened today.
Mu Yubai glanced at Yun Qinghong. He knew why Yun Qinghong was letting Mu Yurou and Yun Xiao send him off; he probably had things he wanted to say to Yun Che alone, so he didn’t decline. With a wave of his hand, he left taking large strides.
“Father, do you have something you want to tell me?” Once they left, only Yun Qinghong and Yun Che remained within the courtyard.
“Mn.” Yun Qinghong nodded, then smiled and said: “Che’er, this is all thanks to you. If not for you, Yun Family’s ten thousand years of loyalty would be destroyed in one day. Even so much that we would be beyond redemption.”
Yun Che grinned: “Heh heh, Father’s too polite. I’m still considered to be half a member of the Yun Family. Besides, the one who suppressed everyone is you, Father. And with Father’s wisdom and foresight, even if I wasn’t here, you should’ve seen through everything a long time ago, right?”
Yun Qinghong shook his head, and said: “In these past years, due to my crippling, I knew that I did not have the power to support the Yun Family, so I had always closed my eyes and ears. Even though I was aware of Duke Huai’s disloyalty a long time ago and guessed that he might perhaps already be stretching out his hands into the Yun Family, I didn’t know where he had stretched in from. Furthermore, if not for the fact that you helped recover our health and profound strength for us, even if I knew everything, I wouldn’t have the power to turn it around.”
Yun Che thought for a while, then said: “Father, I have a speculation… I believe that among the elders of your generation, some have not left because of your crippling. All these years that you have been alone, that was something you did deliberately, right?”
Yun Qinghong laughed, and looked at him with praising eyes: “Yes, you’re right. Even though I really don’t want the Patriarch position of our Patriarchal line given to others, at that time, I was completely crippled, and Xiao’er was not my biological child. I’d rather given the head position to Yun Waitian than be a burden on the Yun Family. After all, even though the honor of our Patriarch bloodline is important, how could it possibly compare with our Yun Clan’s future. Che’er, if not for you helping me recover, I originally would’ve already prepared myself to watch Yun Waitian succeed my position as Patriarch. But now that I have recovered, and have enough strength to bear the heavy responsibility of the clan, this position of Patriarch absolutely cannot be given to others. Che’er, you have truly altered the fate of our entire Yun Family. This kind of great favor is enough to let our Yun Family remember it for over thousands of generations.”
“The reason why I wanted to be alone with you is to confess something to you.” Yun Qinghong sucked in a slight breath of air, and said somewhat sadly: “I deliberately allowed the Venerable Stone Dragon to kill Yun Xingyue.”
“I know.” Against Yun Qinghong’s expectations, Yun Che actually gave a direct reply which held no hesitation. He continued: “With Father’s strength, as well as the close distance back then, protecting Yun Xingyue against the Venerable Stone Dragon’s attack could be said to be as easy as turning one’s hand over.”
“…Then, do you think that I am too ruthless?”
“No!” Yun Che shook his head: “The complete opposite. I fully approve of Father’s decision. Since Yun Xinyue has already said ‘Helian’ and ‘Duke Huai’, there is no need to continue asking any further. Even though he had been poisoned and was forced, he still went as far as secretly backstabbing a fellow clansman for the promise of the Patriarch position and the title of a king. What’s even more despicable is the fact that he didn’t hesitate to harm the entire clan! Dying ten thousand times for such a serious crime would not be excessive at all! And if he were to be executed by the clan, even though Yun Waitian won’t say anything, he would still bear resentment over this. Him being “timely silenced” by Duke Hui Ye actually couldn’t be even better. On one hand, he would feel hatred toward Duke Huai’s clan for killing his son, on the other, he would be moved to tears by Father’s comfort and forgiveness. Furthermore, the guilt he’ll feel then would thereby make him unwaveringly loyal to Father and the Yun Family. After all, Yun Waitian is Yun Family’s Great Elder; excluding Father, he is one of the major pillars of Yun Family that must not be lost. This outcome is the most perfect one.”
Yun Qinghong looked deeply at Yun Che, then laughed heartily: “Hahahaha… Che’er, I am still underestimating you. It is hard for me to believe that you are only twenty-two this year. With your talent and temperament, I would not doubt it even if you say that you have a thousand years of experience.”
Yun Che also laughed along, and lightly sighed in his heart… What I have encountered, the life and death situations, as well as the dangers I’ve experienced, even if someone else were to pile up their thousand years of life experiences, they probably still can’t match mine…
Chapter 526: Reunion
During the conversation between Yun Che and Yun Qinghong, two silhouettes flashed past before descending. It was then followed by mild laughter: “Hoho, Yun Qinghong, it’s been a long time.”
That person was Unparalleled Under Heaven and soon, Number One Under Heaven descended as well. The phrase “it’s been a long time” by Unparalleled Under Heaven contained various meanings… being in the same city, yet it had been “a long time since they last met”.
“Brother Under Heaven, it has indeed been a long time.” Yun Qinghong nodded, his expression revealed deep lament: “Where’s Helian Peng? Did you catch manage to catch up to him?”
“That bastard fled really quickly, but I still managed to give him a good kick on his ass, enough for him to feel pain from some days. That has at least quelled some of my anger. Hahahaha.” Unparalleled Under Heaven laughed.
Number One Under Heaven stepped forward and paid respects as a junior: “Patriarch Yun returning to his former glory is a joyous event. With Patriarch Yun, Yun Family’s return to prominence is just around the corner.”
“I hope it is like what you have just said.” Yun Qinghong nodded with a smile. Then, he became serious again, and said: “Duke Huai’s ambition has already been exposed. The Little Demon Empress’ Grand Ceremony would definitely not be peaceful. Please pass a message to Elder Brother Under Heaven, that within five days, I will personally be going over to visit and discuss some important matters.”
“Patriarch Yun is definitely most welcomed to visit. However, I’m afraid that our Patriarch will not be able to wait five days, and come visit you instead after hearing that you have recovered.” Unparalleled Under Heaven laughed. His words were not lies, since all those years back, the person Great Ambition Under Heaven would submit to the most was Yun Qinghong. After Yun Qinghong became crippled, even if he did not sigh a thousand times, there must have at least
been eight hundred times.
“Patriarch Yun, since a major event just happened within your family, you must be busy. We only returned to bid our farewell so we shall not stay any longer. I will deliver Patriarch Yun’s words in full. When you are free, do come to our Under Heaven Clan to visit.” Unparalleled Under Heaven clasped his hands together. Although he was very curious, he did not presumptuously ask Yun Qinghong and his wife just how and when they recovered.
“Definitely!” Yun Qinghong similarly returned his gesture.
“Brother Yun, there are no words to thank you for your kindness.” Number One Under Heaven nodded strongly towards Yun Che.
“Brother Under Heaven is too kind. We’ll meet again in one month.” Yun Che said with a smile: “Also, pardon me for saying this, but the Little Demon Empress’ Grand Ceremony is near at hand. At that time, another storm would likely be swept up, therefore, I think that now is not the time to be distracted by the grudge with the Helian Family. Priorities must be placed correctly and personal grudges should be put aside for now as revenge is best served cold.”
Yun Che’s words did not make them unhappy. Number One Under Heaven nodded slightly and Unparalleled Under Heaven even revealed signs of admiration, uttering: “Patriarch Yun, your godson is really extraordinary.”
“Farewell.”
Unparalleled Under Heaven and Number One Heaven left. It would not be possible to keep whatever happened in the Yun Family today a secret, and perhaps by evening, it would’ve already spread throughout the city like wildfire. The ambition that Duke Huai had all this time would be largely made public. During this period, Demon Imperial City would certainly be tense and the Twelve Guardian Families would enter a very nervous state.
The Little Demon Empress’ Grand Ceremony in one month’s time definitely would not be as simple as a celebration of the Demon Empress having reigned for a century, and would likely become a turning point for the future of the Illusory Demon Realm.
After the two left, Mu Yurou and Yun Xiao, who went to send Mu Yubai off, returned. Once Mu Yurou returned, she immediately sprinted beside Yun Qinghong, and asked nervously: “What happened with the Patriarch’s Crest? Where did you get it from?”
Yun Qinghong also would like to know where the Patriarch’s Crest came from. He looked towards Yun Che, and replied: “Che’er passed it to me.”
“Che’er?” Mu Yurou turned back in shock, revealing a face of disbelief.
“Che’er, isn’t it about time for you to tell us about this Patriarch’s Crest? This is your promise from earlier.” Yun Qinghong calmly spoke, but his gaze already revealed his anxiousness. Because when this Patriarch’s Crest was lost a hundred years ago, it was on his father, Yun Canghai… As Yun Family’s most important object, Yun Canghai would have never left it alone!
Yun Che’s lips moved for a little, as he calmed himself, and said: “Let’s go in… I will tell you everything you all want to know.”
“Good!” Yun Qinghong nodded. Looking at Yun Che’s expression, he knew that whatever he was going to say would definitely be overwhelming. He held Mu Yurou’s hand, and they walked towards their room.
Yun Xiao quickly walked beside Yun Che, asking with a face of shock: “Big Brother, that Patriarch’s Crest, did you really give it to Father?”
“Yup,” Yun Che nodded: “I will say in full how I obtained it. It is after all, a Yun Family object.”
As he finished, he looked at Yun Xiao, who looked a little out of sorts, and asked: “Yun Xiao, are you still thinking about what happened just now?”
Yun Xiao lowered his head, speaking half in regret and half self-deprecatingly: “Until now, I still could not accept that the Yun Xinyue, whom I respect the most, is actually… such a person… Just now, I still suspected Big Brother because of him. I’m really… too foolish!”
“All these years, I worked so hard in order to do something for Father and Mother, however, when the entire Yun Family was in a predicament, I was unable to do anything and foolishly supported a man who nearly caused the death of a fellow clansman… If it wasn’t for Big Brother, who knows what would happen to the Yun Family from now onwards… Me and Big Brother are of a similar age, but… I’m too far behind Big Brother… I’m totally useless, who knows when I’ll be able to be like Big Brother.”
Yun Che stopped walking, turned back, and patted Xiao Yun’s shoulders as he said seriously: “Don’t look down on yourself. You have worked hard in your cultivation for Father and Mother all these years, withstanding everything that came for them. Your filial piety is more important and precious than anything else. As for Yun Xinyue, weren’t those elders who lived for hundred of years, and some even close to a thousand years, in the dark as well? There’s really no need for you to diminish yourself. Oversensitive instincts, predictions, and insights are not something people your age will possess.”
“Uh, but Big Brother, you’re obviously the same age as me…”
“I’m different.” Yun Che shook his head: “Yun Xiao, I would rather you keep your personality forever and be as ‘useless’ as you said, than to experience what I have experienced.”
Yun Xiao looked at him perplexedly, unable to comprehend what he just said.
Although they talked softly, it was unable to escape Yun Qinghong’s ears. Hearing what Yun Che had said, he stopped for a moment as a complex expression appeared on his face… That’s right, being just twenty-two and already possessing a maturity and insight that was unlike anyone of the same age; he couldn’t comprehend just what had he been through.
“Yun Xiao, if you really want to mature more quickly, today will be an opportunity.” Yun Che suddenly said.
Yun Xiao was stunned: “Really? What opportunity? What opportunity!”
“Fate often plays all sorts of pranks on us; sometimes it is friendly, sometimes it is evil, and other times cruel, or even vicious. As a man, if you really want to be indomitable and independent, the first thing you must learn is to calmly face the changes that fate brings about! This requires one to be broad minded and have enough courage. If you are able to do this, then your life will improve and you will possess more strength for Father and Mother to rely on, more strength for Seventh Sister to rely on.”
“Calmly… face…” Yun Xiao was still a little shocked, and although he did not really understand the things Yun Che had said, he felt that it was very powerful!
“What’s going to happen next, will be a test of sorts for you.” Yun Che said in a positive manner: “Let me see whether or not my good brother of a lifetime will be an indomitable man who is not easily defeated by the twist of fate!”
Even though he still did not completely know what Yun Che was saying, his words still raised Yun Xiao’s morale as he strongly said: “I, Yun Xiao, do not have such a weak mind! Even if I cannot compare with Big Brother, I will not let Big Brother look down on me!”
“Alright, that’s what you said… let’s go in.”
After they entered the room, they closed the door. Yun Qinghong took out the Patriarch’s Crest that was glowing purple and felt the unique aura on it. Suppressing his agitation, he anxiously asked: “Che’er, tell me, where did you get this?”
When the question was asked, Yun Qinghong, Mu Yurou, and Yun Xiao all looked straight at him, anxiously and nervously awaiting his reply. Under their gaze, Yun Che did not reply, but looked towards Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou and gradually knelt down… Furthermore, he had knelt down on both his knees.
“Che’er, what are you doing… hurry and stand up.” Mu Yurou panicked, and quickly went forward to try and help him up.
Yun Che did not rise, but raised his head and looked at them… his own birth parents. Slowly, he opened his palm…
“Father, Mother… Do you all still remember this thing?”
On Yun Che’s palm, was an old looking copper colored pendant.
The second they saw the pendant, Yun Qinghong and Mu Yunrou seemed as though they were struck by lightning as their entire bod
ies trembled violently. Mu Yurou suddenly rushed forward like a madman and snatched the pendant in Yun Che’s palm, raising it up to her eyes to look at it. Her hands continued to trembled madly: “Mirror of Samsara… it’s the Mirror of Samsara… It really is the Mirror of Samsara!!!”
Mu Yurou, who usually spoke gently, like water, was currently speaking in a frightening, trembling, hoarse voice. Yun Xiao was shocked as he anxiously asked: “Mother, what’s… what’s wrong…”
He turned towards Yun Qinghong, only to realize that his entire face had already distorted.
“This Mirror of Samsara… You… Where did you get it from…” For the intelligent and proud Yun Qinghong, this short sentence was extremely hard to say. However, a sudden thought flashed past his mind, and his body trembled even more violently: “Could it be… you…”
Yun Che did not answer. He only raised up his left arm, and on his arm, the mark of the Profound Handle shone vividly.
“Ahhh! Profound… Profound Handle!!!” Yun Xiao screamed in surprise. Even though he did not have the Profound Handle, being in the Yun Family for twenty odd years, how could he not recognize it?
Holding the Mirror of Samsara in her hand and looking at the glowing mark of the Profound Handle, Mu Yurou was stunned. Her hands trembled and even her lips trembled intensely, yet she could not utter a single sound. In an instant, her eyes were flooded with tears and her mind spun, before she directly fell backwards.
“Mother!!!” Yun Xiao rushed forward to support her: “Mother! What… What’s wrong? Don’t scare me!”
Yun Qinghong’s eyes were unfocused. His breathing completely stopped and he could no longer feel the existence of his body, which was burning hot. The instant the Profound Handle shone, blood rushed into his head, causing him to hallucinate. He nearly vomited blood and fainted…
Yun Che’s eyes were misty as he softly said: “Before I was sixteen, my surname was not Yun but instead Xiao. At that time, I was called Xiao Che… I’m not from the Illusory Demon Realm. The place I grew up in was one of the seven nations of the Profound Sky Continent, called Blue Wind Nation. The city I lived in was Floating Cloud City. My adopted father was called Xiao Ying and my grandfather is Xiao Lie.”