Xu Nian questioned about their contemporary politics and economics. He asked about secret routes for safe locations.
After a long interrogation, Xu Nian felt wary of Xu Li. He could sense that something was amiss with this brother sister pair.
He could only interrogate the intruder about trivial things. Though he managed to get informed of the current situation, He was puzzled about 'why'.
The factor 'Why' was omitted in the interrogation. 'Why won't she let me know? Why is there a man searching for her? Don't people with power usually chase out the men in the household first. What is my position in this family? Am I not considered to be a threat. Do they see me as someone insignificant?' Xu Nian had mixed feelings.
Xu Li, on the other hand, was petrified by something. Xu Nian couldn't grasp the context behind her fear.
He found Xu Li's reaction more fascinating than the intruder. 'Is this Murong Chi that dreadful that a musclehead like her is afraid.' Xu Nian thought deeply about their connection. He got more curious about this family called 'Xu'.
" Nian'er the...the intruder is dead. I killed him. I ... I didn't do it deliberately, but he was too feeble. He couldn't handle even a blow. So..Sorry." Xu Li looked scared as if waiting for a judgment.
Xu Nian remained quiet. His silence scared Xu Li even more. She broke the silence. Speaking with hesitation in her voice, " I... I know you are curious about many things. But I assure you we will be safe. Look, I have kept you safe enough, right? I... no... he... Murong Chi.... let's... let's run away. I ... please forgive me for not filling you up with the information you want. I will. I will certainly one day tell you everything. So let's move out now. Please, I know you are smart and witty. You might find a better solution. But let me take care of this. Let me protect this family with my own power." Xu Li was begging by the end. She held Xu Nian's knees and cried for a long time.
Xu Nian thought deeply about what he could really say to her. He squinted his eyes at her while thinking of a good response. But the more he thought, the more he got angry.
" Is running away your solution." Xu Nian raised his voice with slight anger. " Do you think the power that dwells within you is just for show. I have guided you for so long. Not for you to cower away from any difficulty. And sis! as you previously said, we won't leave till you reach Mahayana. Please ... you have to best the fear. Overcome it. I don't know why you are so afraid. Sis, the you now is different from the previous you. Please be wise if you really want to save someone." Xu Nian spilled his thoughts as politely as he could while containing his anger.
After the commotion had subsided. Xu Li tucked Xu Nian to bed. She had a lot going on in her mind.
She left his room and moved to the yard. She swung her sword again and again. Tears were running down on her cheek. Her shoulder trembled even though she barely felt any cold. She kept practicing even though it started to hurt. Her hands were numb. Her eyes were hazy, yet she could see a clear picture of the past.
Xu Li started doing a sword dance. She was in a trance. Her train of thoughts came to a halt. Her mind became a blank slate. Her blissful dance was as enchanting as a heavenly maiden's. She got covered in a shimmering light that turned into blinding white.
The halo lit up the surrounding areas. lXu Li was nowhere to be seen.
A pair of eyes was looking at everything that was happening in the courtyard. He was Wang. He had known there was a commotion in the tree house and came running to help. But he couldn't fathom such an ending.
"Wang!!!"
A call came from the tree house. Wang hurriedly went towards the sound. He looked at the sleeping figure of Xu Nian and helped him to sit.
"Master.... MISS!!" Wang said desperately.
"From now on, I will be your master. You and your sister will serve me. Pack up the essentials we will leave tomorrow morning." Xu Nian said nonchalantly. As if he had known such an inevitable would occur.
"But Master..." Wang tried to get an answer from him but was unable to. Xu Nian was not in the mood to have a conversation. He looked sleepy. But Wang could feel that his Master felt betrayed. " I will serve you to my best. I assure you that our journey would be safe." Wang tried to appease him.
"Who knows?" Xu Nian mumbled sarcastically.