Zhao Chiying took a sleeping Shiwu from Shen Qiao’s arms. His sleep acupoint had been pressed. “Must you do this?” she sighed.
“Even if you can’t bear to part, parting must arrive.” said Shen Qiao. “Shiwu is still young, and my journey will be full of dangers. I absolutely cannot let him come with me. He’ll understand once he wakes up. I entrust Shiwu to Sect Leader Zhao. Please allow me to apologize once again.”
He cupped his hands at Zhao Chiying and bowed deeply.
“Why does Daoist Master Shen insist on doing something so dangerous?” asked Zhao Chiying. “When you know the mountain has tigers, why insist on climbing it? Yuwen Yong may not be an enlightened ruler. No matter how the world changes, it has nothing to do with us. If you focus on cultivating in Bixia Sect, then with your abilities, breaking through the sword heart and attaining the echelon of sword spirit would be just around the corner.”
Shen Qiao gave a self-deprecating smile. “There are certain things in this world that a person must do, even if they know it’s impossible. Perhaps the results won’t be as you wish, but I won’t give up as long as a strand of hope remains. Perhaps I’m just foolish and naive.”
Zhao Chiying was silent for a while, then heaved a long sigh. “You’re not foolish and naive. You know all the dangers and consequences, yet you go on, unflinching in your pursuit of righteousness. You hold righteousness above all else. I cannot compare to you.”
“I’m not as incredible as you think.” Shen Qiao shook his head. “I only want to see that man one more time, to see the disappointment on his face. Let him know that the demonic core didn’t take, that it didn’t control me. That I’m still myself.”
Done speaking, he cupped his hands at her, then turned and left the mountain, never looking back.
During his time at Bixia Sect, Shen Qiao had removed his common robes and changed back into the Daoist robe he used to wear every day, a long time ago. His hair was held in place by a jade pin, his white Daoist robe danced in the wind. From afar, he looked like an immortal or a god. It was hard to look away.
Zhao Chiying quietly sent him on his way, and two verses sprang into her heart.
For the ideals I pursue within my heart, I’d not regret a thousand deaths to die.