The Other Side of Zhan Yunfei's Personality! . . .
A warm smile crossed Zhan Yunfei's face. He jokingly asked, "Now that you've kowtowed to your father, what gift should a father give to his daughter?" Despite his intention to appear warm, many couldn't help but feel an inexplicable dread at the sight of his smile.
With his emotions running high, Xiao Mufei reached into his pocket, searching for something. He remarked, "Certainly, I should give my girl something..." His voice quivered with tears of joy.
Observing this heartwarming scene, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but notice a fleeting hint of jealousy in Zhan Yunfei's eyes. It lasted but a moment, a mere flicker. However, it didn't escape Cha Eun Xiao's keen observation.
Zhan Yunfei, a mentor and elder brother figure to Xiao Mufei, had deep insights into the hardships that had marked his life. He recognized the significance of this moment for Xiao Mufei and didn't hesitate to seize the opportunity to bring happiness into his life. It was an invaluable gesture, solving a major issue that had weighed on Xiao Mufei for far too long.
While watching Xiao Mufei and his newfound daughter embracing, Zhan Yunfei was aware of the conflicting emotions he was experiencing. Although he knew he should be happy for his friend, a subtle sense of sadness and jealousy lingered in the depths of his heart. Yet, he managed to conceal these feelings and let out a hearty laugh.
Turning to Cha Eun Xiao, Zhan Yunfei decided to lead him away, suggesting, "Oh come on... Cha Chongxiao, you and I should have a private conversation over there. I have some insights to share about this realm, and you'll find it enlightening." The abrupt change in Zhan Yunfei's demeanor was met with a surprising lack of anger or hostility from Cha Eun Xiao.
In stark contrast to his earlier vow to eliminate Zhan Yunfei at the first opportunity, Cha Eun Xiao's response now was one of bemusement rather than fury. It seemed that he had glimpsed beneath Zhan Yunfei's façade, sensing a hidden layer of warmth beneath the exterior of an aloof warrior.
He was filled with a sense of disorientation. The Zhan Yunfei of his past memories had been ruthless, cold-blooded, and merciless. Nothing in his character had hinted at warmth or empathy. Cha Eun Xiao couldn't reconcile this newfound complexity in Zhan Yunfei's personality with the image he had harbored for so long.
What he saw now was a man who was willing to appear haughty on the surface but harbored a hidden kindness and a penchant for eccentric acts of care for those dear to him, like the gesture he had just made for Xiao Mufei.
Cha Eun Xiao found himself grappling with a complex set of emotions as he observed the unfolding events. It stirred memories of his previous life, particularly the intense battles he had engaged in against Zhan Yunfei.
He vividly remembered how Zhan Yunfei had used the body of another to shield himself from Cha Eun Xiao's attacks. When the unfortunate individual had met his demise, Zhan Yunfei had emerged from behind the lifeless form, thrusting his sword deep into Cha Eun Xiao's thigh. The pain from that wound was etched in Cha Eun Xiao's memory, as it had been an excruciating ordeal.
Zhan Yunfei's tactic of employing a living ally's body as a shield to ensure his own survival and damage his opponent had indeed been a strategic choice in pursuit of victory. However, it had also revealed a ruthless and cold-blooded side to his character.
Despite the wound he had inflicted on Cha Eun Xiao, Zhan Yunfei had suffered severe injuries himself. His soul beast had valiantly held Cha Eun Xiao in place to buy Zhan Yunfei the time he needed to escape. In his eyes, as he had made his getaway, Cha Eun Xiao had seen not just hatred but a desperate reluctance to part with his loyal companion.
As Cha Eun Xiao was lost in thought, Zhan Yunfei observed his contemplative state with curiosity. He could hardly believe that this newcomer, Cha Eun Xiao, would be daydreaming under these circumstances.
Zhan Yunfei had expected Cha Eun Xiao to be exhilarated and inquisitive, eager to learn about this new world and the crucial lessons Zhan Yunfei was prepared to impart. Instead, he found Cha Eun Xiao deep in introspection.
With a demeanor that was aloof and distant, Zhan Yunfei inquired, "What are you thinking about?"
Cha Eun Xiao, having already grasped the nuances of Zhan Yunfei's personality, recognized the true nature of this man behind the facade. He understood that those who befriended Zhan Yunfei would find a reliable and loyal friend in him, regardless of his past actions.
In a subdued tone, Cha Eun Xiao replied, "I'm contemplating the recent events. Elder Xiao has led a solitary life, and I can't help but appreciate the way you have cared for him. You know the details of his life, and you used this opportunity to mend Xiao's existence. Your actions were commendable, and the impact you've had on his life is truly impressive. I've been reflecting on the significance of your actions."
Zhan Yunfei appeared momentarily taken aback. He confessed, "I had thought you were pondering something else."
He then lapsed into deep thought, clearly moved by Cha Eun Xiao's words. After a brief silence, he sighed and remarked, "Isn't it a beautiful thing to mend someone's broken life? There are countless regrets in the lives of people... If only everything could be fixed..."
As the setting sun cast a golden hue over the trees, its radiant light filtering through the leaves, Zhan Yunfei stared at the lush forest in contemplation. He sighed deeply, as if releasing a lifetime's worth of sorrow, and mused, "If I could fix it... I wouldn't want to be a mere Dao Origin Stage cultivator. I wouldn't even aspire to be a god. If I could, ah..."