Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Does That Condition Still Stand?
"You’re also leaving Yun Cang to head to Central Capital, aren’t you?" Qiutong spoke, seeming to have already anticipated his decision.
"That’s right." Lu Chengfeng nodded, "I must go to the Central Capital; there’s an unresolved matter that needs settling. Besides, Yun Cang will soon become a place of conflict and a battlefield. I wouldn’t be at ease if you stayed here."
"I plan to find a place to settle down in Central Capital and have you all move there in advance."
Qiutong said, "The Central Capital seems prosperous on the surface, but in reality, the struggles are even more intense. For martial artists, it’s both an opportunity and a challenge."
"I have a slightly different opinion from you. I think nothing will happen in Yun Cang before July 15th."
"If you have any plans, go ahead and carry them out."
"If by that time, you decide not to return to Yun Cang, then take us along with you."
"If you decide to come back to fight on July 15th, then I won’t go anywhere; I’ll wait here for your return."
"To live together, to die together, that’s all there is to it!"
Her words were very calm, without any passionate intensity, just like flowing water, natural yet allowing one to clearly feel her resolute will.
Lu Chengfeng sighed upon hearing this, taking hold of her jade-like hand, "Don’t speak of life and death so lightly. I’m not a blindly loyal person, nor as selflessly righteous as you imagine."
"To be honest, I don’t want to just throw my life away. I’m also someone who clings to life and fears death. I certainly don’t want you all to follow me to a miserable death at the hands of our enemies."
"Don’t think too much about it. I’ll get ready to leave within the next two days. You and Suyi stay here at Jade Immortal Peak, waiting for my return."
Qiutong leaned into his embrace, resting her head on his chest, "My husband, stay with me."
Lu Chengfeng sighed inwardly once more, slowly carrying her to the bed. Their clothes loosened, and the soft fabric fell to the ground. There wasn’t the previous tumult, only a tight embrace, unwilling to part.
...
By evening, Lu Chengfeng left Qiutong’s room and turned to head towards the Immortal Encounter Palace once more.
In Yunxiao Hall, the windows were wide open, and the biting cold wind from the mountaintop blew in, sending Zhu Yuxian’s hair and clothes fluttering. Lately, she seemed to enjoy standing by the window, gazing out.
"Master." Lu Chengfeng uttered softly.
Zhu Yuxian did not turn her head, "Preparing to leave?"
"Hmm." Lu Chengfeng nodded slightly, a bit silent.
"Although you have gained some fame within the Sect, after all, you’ve not been well-known for long. Most people only know your name but have never seen you. Only a few truly recognize you." Zhu Yuxian’s voice echoed with the fierce wind blowing through the window, inexplicably tinged with desolation.
"Leaving early, hiding your name, could be considered a good thing."
"The box on the table, it’s what I prepared for you. Make sure to take it well!"
Lu Chengfeng remained silent, unsure of what to say. Though the woman at the window was stunning and unmatched in martial prowess, he still felt a tinge of loneliness and sadness from her.
He opened his mouth wanting to speak, yet those words swirled around his lips before he swallowed them deeply back.
He knew that the words he wanted to say were best left unsaid, lest it insulted this goddess-like woman.
Ah!
He couldn’t help but let out a long sigh, "Disciple will leave at dawn tomorrow, heading to the Central Capital for a journey. As for Suyi and Qiutong, please take care of them, Master."
"Hmm, as long as I’m alive, none can harm them." Zhu Yuxian spoke with a faint indifference.
"If so, then thank you, Master. Disciple takes his leave." Lu Chengfeng felt a myriad of words stuck in his chest, unable to find words to express them.
Feeling somewhat stifled, he turned to leave.
"Is it tonight or tomorrow morning?" Zhu Yuxian suddenly asked this question.
Lu Chengfeng’s body stiffened, his expression turning somewhat difficult, "Master, how did you know?"
Zhu Yuxian slowly turned around, her whole frame wrapped in a black dress. Her blue-black hair tossed wildly in the wind, her fair and delicate face showing no expression.
"I can sense the killing intent on you, coupled with the apologetic tone in your words to me, how could I not guess it?"
Lu Chengfeng paused slightly and said, "It’s tonight, Zhao Changzhen dies in the evening."
He didn’t continue, but how could Zhu Yuxian not understand? Tonight, her two disciples would battle to the death.
"Is there no other choice?"
"There’s no other choice!" Lu Chengfeng’s words were resolute, without any room for negotiation.
Zhu Yuxian looked at him for a long time before saying, "Does that condition you mentioned last time still stand?"
Lu Chengfeng’s pupils suddenly contracted, his body trembling involuntarily, "Master, you agreed?"
He could hardly believe it, did Zhou Tong hold such a significant place in the Master’s heart, even at the cost of her own reputation?
Zhu Yuxian’s face remained expressionless, speaking in a light tone, "I can agree, but I have a condition."
Lu Chengfeng could feel his heart pounding intensity, as if it were about to jump out of his throat, his face flushed instantly, veins bulging at his neck, his mind blank for a moment.
"Please speak, Master, whatever the condition, I will agree to it."
Zhu Yuxian’s voice swirled with the wind, echoing throughout the palace, "As long as one day, you can defeat me, I will fulfill it for you."
Lu Chengfeng was stunned. His previous joy slowly dissipated, coming to his senses after a long while, showing a bitter smile, "Master... this... you’re just bullying..."
Zhu Yuxian slightly turned her head away not looking at him, "I always keep my word, as long as you can defeat me, I will comply with your wishes."
Lu Chengfeng lightly gritted his teeth, discovering for the first time that his Master could be so cunning and unreasonable.
A powerful Half-Step Celestial Human Realm expert, against a disciple who has yet to master Sword Intent, is there even a comparison? It’s obviously messing about, certain he cannot win against her.
Moreover, on July 15th, the Lord of Youdu descends on Yun Cang, with Zhu Yuxian’s temperament, she will surely defend Yun Cang to the death. Who knows what will happen then.
Lu Chengfeng felt his previous joy suddenly deflate, unable to resist the disappointment, calling out, "Master..."
Zhu Yuxian turned away, waving her sleeve impatiently, coldly saying, "Enough with the nonsense, do you agree or not?"
Lu Chengfeng took a deep breath, "Since Master has spoken, I have nothing more to say. It’s a promise."
As soon as he uttered these words, he felt the previously oppressive and heavy atmosphere in Yunxiao Hall lighten instantly, even sensing the woman’s relaxed and carefree mood.
"Then it’s settled, a promise is a promise."
"Hmph!" Lu Chengfeng couldn’t help but snort coldly, "I just ask that Master does not go back on her word."
"Heh, that day will never come." Seeing Lu Chengfeng agreed, Zhu Yuxian was even too lazy to pretend, her face broke into a smile and smugly said, "Do you still dream of throwing the heavens into disorder under my watch, Zhu Yuxian? Simply wishful thinking."
"Be a good disciple for life!"
"Hahaha!"
Lu Chengfeng cursed inwardly, "Woman, one day I will make you realize, I’m not a man you should mess with."
"Since there’s such a promise, sooner or later, I will make you my woman."