Despite Zhuge Xiang's words of praise, Niu Geng didn't appear particularly pleased. He simply sat down on the grass nearby, his face carrying a profound weariness. Instead of expecting an answer from Zhuge Xiang, he posed a seemingly trivial question, "Zhuge Xiang, why did you come to the Shura Sect?"
Before Zhuge Xiang could respond, Niu Geng began recounting his own story, his eyes tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "I used to be a handyman in the Tang Sect. The Tang Sect has a long history of expertise in mechanisms and poisons. Even as a handyman, I observed and learned about mechanisms and poison. But because I was just a lowly handyman, no one paid much attention to me, and I had no friends. Fortunately, the lady didn't disdain me as her handyman..."
Niu Geng's words carried a sense of depth and hinted at a life filled with untold stories. Seated next to Niu Geng, Zhuge Xiang listened intently, playing the role of a captive audience.
Niu Geng's story was simple yet poignant. He had lacked friends in the Tang Sect, which led him to be introverted by nature. At the young age of thirteen or fourteen, he couldn't quite discern whether his attachment to another person was rooted in romantic feelings or simply the result of having just one friend. Regardless, Niu Geng had poured his heart and soul into that friendship.
However, over a year ago, the Tang Sect arranged a marriage for Miss Jiu, and she strongly objected. Niu Geng, out of loyalty to her, had bravely stepped forward. His audacity drew considerable criticism, and in response, the Tang family had sentenced him to death. Yet, at the last moment, Miss Jiu had intervened and secretly spirited Niu Geng away. Before releasing him, she had advised him to make more friends and lead a joyful life.
"Miss Jiu told me to make more friends and become stronger. So, I joined the Shura Sect. Whether it was you or Li Bin, I considered you both friends. I endured hardships without complaint, served tea and water diligently, and didn't harbor any resentment, even though I faced such suffering. But in the end, Li Bin wanted to kill me..." Niu Geng's voice grew quieter as he continued. When he mentioned Li Bin's betrayal, a profound sense of powerlessness crept into his tone. Memories of Tang Sect weighed heavily on him, coupled with the heart-wrenching betrayal by Li Bin.
Zhuge Xiang had witnessed Niu Geng's sacrifices over the past year. While loyalty was admirable, Zhuge Xiang couldn't help but feel that Niu Geng's unwavering loyalty had been taken advantage of by Li Bin. Zhuge Xiang understood that true friendship should be built on trust and mutual support, not exploitation.
"I only wanted to have a few friends. I never begrudged any effort, serving tea and water willingly. Yet, he still wanted to kill me..." Niu Geng's head drooped, and his voice trembled slightly.
"Friends are meant to support each other. People like Li Bin, who betray you without hesitation as soon as you face adversity, are not true friends. But you still have me, don't you? We've always been friends," Zhuge Xiang reassured him, gently patting Niu Geng's shoulder.
Zhuge Xiang was genuinely moved by Niu Geng's plight. While Niu Geng's ruthlessness had surprised him, he also recognized the hardships Niu Geng had endured. Zhuge Xiang had no doubts about Niu Geng's words. The method of poison that Niu Geng possessed could have easily subdued both Zhuge Xiang and Li Bin if he had chosen to use it. However, for over a year, he had willingly allowed himself to be pushed around by others, lending credence to his words.
"A person who betrays you without hesitation when the going gets tough isn't a true friend, no matter how much you give," Niu Geng pondered these words carefully, his simple and honest face reflecting deep thought. He felt profoundly touched by Zhuge Xiang's understanding and support.
Sitting down beside Niu Geng, Zhuge Xiang adopted a quieter tone as he shared his own story. "I used to be a little beggar, roaming the streets with an old beggar..."
As Zhuge Xiang recounted his tale, Niu Geng listened with keen interest. When he heard that the old beggar had been killed by a dog, Niu Geng sympathized with Zhuge Xiang's experiences. The story of Zhuge Xiang startled Niu Geng, he was amazed by Zhuge Xiang's tenacity and determination. It was evident that Zhuge Xiang had a strong drive to achieve his goals.
"So, my reason for coming to the Shura Sect is quite simple: I wanted to gain great power, become a master, and have enough to eat and live comfortably here," Zhuge Xiang explained with a straightforward sincerity.
This simple yet weighty reason for joining the Shura Sect struck a chord with Niu Geng. The desire for security, food, and comfort was something everyone could relate to, and it explained Zhuge Xiang's unwavering commitment to his training.
"You're doing well. You've already comprehended Qi, whereas I haven't reached that stage yet," Niu Geng admitted with a touch of envy. With the testing conference just over ten days away, he felt the pressure to advance quickly.
"Don't worry about it. Have you forgotten about the Blood Spirit Fruit? I'll help you obtain it. Just like how you assisted me with Li Bin's Broken Heart Powder, it's my turn to help you. We're friends, after all. We should support each other," Zhuge Xiang said, standing up with a bright smile. He gazed at Niu Geng earnestly, emphasizing the bond of friendship between them.
Niu Geng was momentarily speechless, touched by Zhuge Xiang's sincerity. The contrast between Li Bin's betrayal and Zhuge Xiang's unwavering support was stark. Placing a hand on his chest, Niu Geng felt a warmth inside him. He was beginning to grasp the true essence of friendship.
"A person who betrays you without hesitation when faced with adversity isn't a true friend, no matter how much you've given," Niu Geng contemplated Zhuge Xiang's words. The simple and honest expression on his face reflected his deep thoughts, and he was deeply moved by Zhuge Xiang's genuine friendship.
In the heart of the Shura Sect, a tense atmosphere hung in the air as the news of Li Bin's death spread like wildfire. Zhao Feiyun's furious shouts echoed through the night, and his determination to seek revenge on Zhuge Xiang was palpable.
With a murderous look in his eyes, Zhao Feiyun declared his intent to challenge Zhuge Xiang to a life-and-death duel. His anger and resolve were apparent, and he wasted no time in making his intentions clear. The disciples who overheard his words hurriedly conveyed the message to Zhuge Xiang, knowing that this challenge would be a matter of life and death.
Meanwhile, Li Bin's lifeless body was carefully attended to by a few disciples, who prepared to give him a proper burial. The disciples who hadn't yet comprehended the energy observed the somber scene, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Zhuge Xiang, however, remained composed. He decided to accept Zhao Feiyun's challenge, recognizing that this was an opportunity to settle their feud and prove his strength. With unwavering confidence in his own abilities, Zhuge Xiang calmly instructed Niu Geng to relay a message to Zhao Feiyun.
"Don't worry, I will definitely not lose," Zhuge Xiang assured Niu Geng, his determination shining through. He had been preparing for this moment and believed in his ability to emerge victorious.
As the days counted down to the duel, Zhuge Xiang continued his training diligently. The Bloodthirsty technique, Blood Thunder Slash, and the Elixir of Defense were all part of his arsenal, and he was determined to make the most of them. While Zhao Feiyun aimed to secure a better ranking in the upcoming competition, Zhuge Xiang had his own goals and ambitions, confident that he could overcome any challenge that came his way.