How To Be Indifferent . . .
There were few occurrences in the world that could truly astound Ning Bi-Luo to such an extent. However, the events unfolding before him at that moment were indeed pushing the boundaries of his shock.
"What are you saying... This is my room. What else could it be but my home?" Cha-Eun Xiao replied, facing away from Ning Bi-Luo as he carefully removed his disguise.
With no need for pretense, he decided to be more open.
"I understand now. You must be Cha Nan-Tian! The renowned general! No wonder nobody knows about your background. You've descended from a higher realm, seeking refuge from your troubles! Your current weakness, is it due to an illness?"
Ning Bi-Luo observed Cha-Eun Xiao's back, a realization dawning upon him as he continued, "Ah... You should be stationed in the north. Why are you here..."
"Now I comprehend why you saved me. You've known me for quite some time..." Cha-Eun Xiao found amusement in the situation and turned around, revealing his true face to Ning Bi-Luo with a broad smile. "I am not General Ye."
At that moment, he displayed his genuine appearance, featuring a youthful, somewhat boyish countenance.
Ning Bi-Luo was utterly flabbergasted by the youthful visage before him.
[Damn it! I made another wrong assumption?]
"You... You, you, you..." Stammering, Ning Bi-Luo struggled to find words as he gazed upon the face of an individual who appeared to be younger than 18. His brain felt like it was about to explode.
It was as though his entire world had been turned upside down within the confines of his mind.
Ning Bi-Luo had believed that the Purple Lotus Master was none other than the esteemed General Cha Nan-Tian. This conclusion had neatly answered all of his inquiries. However, when Cha-Eun Xiao revealed his true face, those questions resurfaced, causing his mind to go blank for an extended moment.
Cha-Eun Xiao, still wearing his grin, commented, "What's the matter? Is it really that astonishing?"
Now, he had truly seen the face of the No.1 assassin.
Ning Bi-Luo possessed a slender frame; his height was average, neither tall nor short, slightly shorter than Cha-Eun Xiao himself. He wasn't particularly handsome, but not ugly either.
His eyes held the depth of an ocean, sharp as swords.
Amongst a crowd, he would go unnoticed. He was the epitome of inconspicuousness, a quality highly valued in an assassin. Yet when such an individual made their presence known, they would shine like a brilliant star, captivating the world within mere seconds.
Currently, however, he seemed to fall short of his usual standards.
This was evident in his reaction, as he stared at Cha-Eun Xiao's face with trembling lips. After a lengthy pause, he finally regained his composure and sank into a chair, speaking weakly, "Please, tell me the truth. Is the man who saved me twice truly you? Or is he someone else?"
Cha-Eun Xiao chuckled, "What's the issue? Do you think I have a reason to deceive you?"
"It seems... Both times, you only revealed your disguised face... There is only one conclusion. You are weak," Ning Bi-Luo's expression was quite comical at this point, constantly changing.
Cha-Eun Xiao remained impassive, refraining from responding, but his thoughts were clear: [Screw you. I've saved you twice. You have a right to speak your mind, but that last remark was wholly unnecessary! What do you mean by 'weak'?]
Ning Bi-Luo found himself deep in thought. After a sigh, he continued, "I see... I understand why you'd want to recruit me. Your current vulnerability in the capital during these troubled times must be a source of concern."
Cha-Eun Xiao responded matter-of-factly, "It's a shame. You have no inclination to serve anyone."
He couldn't help feeling a bit irritated, thinking, [This guy really lacks tact. He keeps bringing up something he shouldn't. Yes, I am currently weak, but that's none of his business. Does he have to keep harping on it?]
Ning Bi-Luo bowed his head in contemplation. After a while, he spoke, "I apologize. Despite owing you my life twice, the thought of bowing before someone and following their orders makes me feel miserable and frustrated. So..."
Cha-Eun Xiao understood his sentiments and nodded. He had already considered this aspect.
Ning Bi-Luo had achieved the title of No.1 assassin in the world because of his pride. So Cha-Eun Xiao said, "In truth, there's no need for you to feel vexed. I have no intention of forcing you into anything."
Ning Bi-Luo grasped the meaning behind those words. If he hadn't chosen to follow Cha-Eun Xiao, he wouldn't be burdened by these feelings now. He was suffering the consequences of his own actions, wasn't he?
"But, how can I repay you?" Ning Bi-Luo asked with embarrassment.
"Heh heh. Have I ever mentioned anything about you needing to repay me?" Cha-Eun Xiao smiled mildly. "You have your principles to uphold and your own path to tread. I have mine. We're kindred spirits. I understand you."
"So, do whatever you believe you should. Don't concern yourself with any obligations between us. They're merely twists and turns in life."
"But I do care. How can I not?" Ning Bi-Luo smiled wryly.
Cha-Eun Xiao was rendered speechless.
[Now you care, but earlier you earnestly told me that you wouldn't serve me. What exactly do you want? What's going on with this guy?]
"Is there anything I can do for you right now?" Ning Bi-Luo inquired seriously. "I'll do it, no matter what it is. Afterward, I can discuss my departure. It can be anything!"
"Unfortunately, there's nothing for you to do at the moment!" Cha-Eun Xiao firmly declined.
He had his own pride.
[You don't want to serve anyone, and I won't force you.
You have your principles, and I have mine. We share the same trait!]
"Can't you just give me a chance to repay you? Do you want me to carry this burden of regret for the rest of my life?" Ning Bi-Luo asked, frustration evident in his voice.
"Heh heh. It won't be long. You'll have your chance," Cha-Eun Xiao replied ambiguously. "Just be patient. The opportunity for you to repay me will come."
Ning Bi-Luo sighed inwardly.
He understood Cha-Eun Xiao well. He knew that even if there came a day when Cha-Eun Xiao needed his assistance, Cha-Eun Xiao would never ask for it. And he had no idea when that day might come.
Ning Bi-Luo was a proud man, and the young man before him, despite his youthful demeanor, was even more prideful than himself.
"I wish to rebuild my assassination guild," Ning Bi-Luo finally revealed in a low tone.
"Oh," Cha-Eun Xiao had finished tidying up and strolled over to his bed. He casually removed his shoes and lay down. He even put his feet up on the bed, showing a certain degree of informality, even though there was still a guest in the room.
Ning Bi-Luo, however, understood that Cha-Eun Xiao's actions conveyed a desire to end the conversation. He knew that Cha-Eun Xiao was essentially telling him to leave.
"I seek your guidance," Ning Bi-Luo added.
They both understood that Ning Bi-Luo was effectively accepting Cha-Eun Xiao's offer, though he still had some reservations.
But he had no other choice; Cha-Eun Xiao had saved him twice.
[I will establish an assassination guild for you as my way of repaying you.]
Cha-Eun Xiao responded calmly, "It's unfortunate. I'm not an assassin, so I don't have any expertise to offer. I believe it's best for me to remain silent when speaking to a specialist like you."
Ning Bi-Luo rose from his seat and declared, "I have nothing more to say."
He took a few steps, paused, and then added, "I won't be leaving the capital in the next few days."
Cha-Eun Xiao maintained his composure. "As you wish. The world is vast, and you are a free man."
With a serious tone, he continued, "Ning Bi-Luo, do not perceive my actions as a quid pro quo. We are both individuals of the martial world, and our interactions are merely a matter of fate. There's no need to take it to heart."
Ning Bi-Luo was momentarily taken aback, then replied with embarrassment, "Very well. I'm leaving now. I won't breathe a word about you. You have my word."
Cha-Eun Xiao spoke calmly, "I have never confided in you. Ning Bi-Luo, you seem to be overly calculating for a martial artist. It's unnecessary."
Ning Bi-Luo smiled awkwardly, thinking, [Well, I owe you my life twice. If I don't try to repay that debt, wouldn't I be ungrateful and lacking in grace?]
He walked toward the window and paused, speaking in a low voice, "Lord Ye, let's both take a step back. I can serve you for three years. After that, I will follow your orders. Once three years have passed, I will be a free man. How about that?"
Cha-Eun Xiao chuckled, "No, I don't want that."
He continued, "It's wet and rainy outside. Take care... Oh, please remember to close the window when you leave."
Ning Bi-Luo's offer was declined once again.
Three years was the most he could offer, yet Cha-Eun Xiao staunchly refused. Ning Bi-Luo understood that Cha-Eun Xiao's pride wouldn't allow him to accept this repayment.
Cha-Eun Xiao would never accept such a gesture.
For Ning Bi-Luo, this was not an act of charity; it was the most significant compromise he could make.
With a sigh of frustration, he departed, closing the window as Cha-Eun Xiao had requested.
From inside the room, Cha-Eun Xiao's voice reached him, "By doing this, you've already repaid one favor. You no longer owe me anything. Go and live your life freely. You're an assassin, and I'm from the General's House. We're on different paths. No need to dwell on each other."
Then, the room went dark.
Ning Bi-Luo couldn't help but feel disheartened. [All I did was close the window as he asked. Can that really compare to saving my life twice?]