No one in the crowd noticed Wuying, who stood quietly on the sidelines, her sharp eyes following every movement. She didn't intervene right away; she wanted to see Xuefeng handle the situation. More than that, she wanted to teach him a life lesson—a harsh one, if it came to that. But as soon as the thief drew another knife, she acted.
Her blade sang through the air with the precision of a guillotine. The man's head separated cleanly from his body, rolling to a stop at Xuefeng's feet. Blood sprayed in an arc, painting the stones red. The gasps from the crowd were deafening.
Wuying turned her gaze to Xuefeng. She saw it immediately: the shock that froze him in place, his face pale, his hands trembling slightly. She had forgotten—he had never witnessed such brutal finality before.
As they approached the fountain, she knelt by his side, the bloodied cloth in her hands moving with uncharacteristic tenderness as she cleaned his face. The icy water trickled down his skin, but it did little to thaw the questions building behind his eyes.
"Was it necessary to kill him?" he finally asked, his voice low, almost broken. "Couldn't we have just... imprisoned him or something?"
Wuying didn't flinch, her response measured but resolute. "According to the clan rules, anyone who attempts to harm the Young Master of the Liu Clan with killing intent must be eliminated on the spot. There are no second chances in this world, Xuefeng. A duel with your permission is one thing, but this—this was an attack meant to end your life."
She paused, letting her words sink in, then continued. "Cultivators like us don't have prisons. Keeping an enemy alive is dangerous. They grow resentful, vengeful, and when they're released—because nothing stays locked up forever—they come back stronger and more determined. The only way to stop someone like that is to ensure they can never come after you again."
Xuefeng's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists. "So, that's it? We kill anyone who poses a threat? No second chances?"
"It's not about cruelty," Wuying said, wiping the blood from his clothes now. "It's about survival. That man tried to kill an innocent boy. If we let him live, he wouldn't stop—he'd find another victim, or come for you again. There's no redemption for someone like that. In this world, it's kill or be killed. That's the harsh reality."
Xuefeng looked away, his thoughts a tangled storm. He had known this world was cruel, but he'd managed to live in a fragile bubble of peace until now. This was the first time he had come face-to-face with the raw brutality of survival.
Do you really think someone like that should walk free? Ling's voice cut through his turmoil.
No, Xuefeng admitted after a long moment of silence.
As Wuying said, imprisoning them won't change their nature. The only way to stop them from committing more crimes is death, Ling's voice echoed in Xuefeng's mind, calm yet unrelenting. I'm not saying killing is always right, but if someone aims to kill you, the only response is to kill them first. Mercy is a luxury you can't afford when your enemies would gladly annihilate your bloodline for wealth or power.
Xuefeng exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening as he processed her words. The weight of the day's events pressed heavily on his chest. "I understand," he said, addressing both Ling and Wuying. His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed the internal storm brewing within him. "I'll be more cautious from now on."
Though his resolve was firm, Xuefeng knew the transition wouldn't be easy. Killing wasn't just an act—it was a line crossed, one he couldn't imagine returning from. But the world he now inhabited demanded it. Survival required sacrifice, and he wouldn't let hesitation endanger the people he cared for.
"Come on," Wuying said softly, squeezing his hand. Her touch was steady, grounding. "Let's get some food. You'll feel better after eating something."
He nodded, grateful for her presence. "Alright, let's go."
Her attention shifted to the boy standing nearby. "Where are your parents?" Wuying asked, her voice laced with compassion.
"I don't have parents," the boy said quietly, his gaze dropping to the ground. "They're... they're in heaven now."
A flicker of pain crossed Wuying's face, and she knelt slightly to meet the boy's eyes. "Oh, so we're the same," she murmured. Her tone was gentle, understanding. "I don't know my parents either. How about this—you join us for dinner, and afterward, we'll get that Spirit Awakening Liquid for you. Sound good?"
The boy's face brightened, his smile timid but genuine. "I would love to. Thank you, big sister."
As they made their way to the Golden Phoenix Restaurant, Xuefeng's thoughts churned with Ling's earlier words. Killing isn't just about survival; it's about protecting what you hold dear. He let out a resigned sigh. If he wanted to endure in this ruthless world, he needed to shed his hesitations, no matter how deeply ingrained they were.
Ling, where's the herb? I had it in my hand earlier, but now it's gone, Xuefeng asked, suddenly realizing the absence of the plant.
Ling's voice carried a playful edge. Oh, I stored it in my space. I was afraid you'd damage it. Besides, it was... delicious.
Delicious? Was it special? Xuefeng's curiosity piqued. Should I ask the boy where he found it?
No need, Ling replied smoothly. Fate Spirit Herbs don't grow in the same place twice. Your best bet would be a shop, maybe the Trade Union. We'll look after dinner.
The Golden Phoenix Restaurant loomed ahead, its elegant facade glowing under the evening sky. A long queue stretched down the street, cultivators of various stages waiting impatiently for their turn. Bloodstains on Xuefeng's and Wuying's clothes drew sharp stares and hushed whispers, but Xuefeng ignored them, his gaze fixed on the entrance.
"Welcome, guests," a young waiter said, stepping forward with a practiced smile. "I'm afraid we're fully booked. Please wait in line."
Xuefeng's expression hardened, his patience wearing thin. "We'll take our usual room. Speak to Manager Wu if you need confirmation."
The waiter hesitated, unsure whether to trust the bloodied young man. "Uh..." He glanced nervously toward the lobby.
"Ah, Young Master Xuefeng!" A familiar voice rang out, cutting through the tension. The waitress that led them in last time appeared, her face lighting up. "It's a pleasure to see you again. Please, come in."
"Thanks," Xuefeng said curtly, following the waitress inside.
The name "Young Master Xuefeng" rippled through the crowd, and the disdainful stares quickly gave way to curiosity—and fear. The Liu Clan's reputation was well-known, and Xuefeng's black talent had already become the stuff of whispered rumors.
Once seated in a private room, the waitress handed them the menu, but Xuefeng waved it off. "Just bring the best dishes you have. And a bottle of good wine."
She bowed and left the room, leaving Wuying to narrow her eyes at him. "Since when do you drink wine?"
"Starting today," he said, leaning back in his chair. His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Don't worry, it's just for relaxing."
Wuying studied him, unease tightening in her chest. Did I push him too hard today? she wondered, guilt gnawing at the edges of her resolve.