[Fifth Disciple POV]
'He knew that I am that bastard's daughter?!'
Many questions arose in my mind upon hearing his words. Before I could understand the situation, I was in, he continued speaking. I felt great pain in my heart when I heard the master say that I would betray him. I always treated him as my greatest benefactor for raising me, but I cannot escape the shackles that bind me.
My bastard father is holding my mother hostage; If I don't follow his instructions, he will kill her. Although it is difficult for me to admit it, I have come to see you as a father to me. At first, I kept reminding myself that this was just a mission, and that I shouldn't get attached to you; But I could not do it. As much as it is difficult for me to accept it, I have considered you as my own father.
I came to think that if I confessed all my sins, you could help me and save my mother. But something in me told me that I didn't have the right to ask you for anything.
I was stubborn about this matter, but now I regret it. If I had confessed everything at that moment, the master would have helped me and forgiven me. I could have stayed with him, but it's too late. He is tired of mistrust and betrayal; I don't want to give him any more burden. You have helped me a lot so far; I swear to God that I will save my mother, and I will look for you at the ends of the world if necessary.
The master continued talking, each word that came out of his mouth making me feel more guilty. Instead of hating me, he blamed himself. I wanted to tell him that I never trusted that bastard Ye Xiu's words; that I always knew about his womanizing and immature character; and that I only played along because of my father's orders.
Inside, I cursed those ungrateful bitches for being so naive as to believe a stranger's words despite what we had received. I felt frustrated with myself for having made the master sad because of a simple bastard. As if that were not enough, they discussed ways to kill the master; If I had enough strength, I would have killed them all by now.
Although I want to tell you many things, none of them came out of my mouth. Every time I look at your face, I get a lump in my throat that makes me unable to speak. I can only continue to watch as you continue to blame yourself for my mistakes.
"You don't have to worry about retaliation from my enemies. I'll do something about it. Having said everything that needed to be said, I think it is time for a few last words."
'Last words.'
It seems that it is time; I raised my face and looked directly into his eyes. I went over every part of his body, memorizing even the smallest detail that could help me find him once I get my freedom. At the same time, I also listened carefully to his last words.
"From today; I am no longer your master, nor are you, my disciples. Consider all the debts skipped, we no longer owe anything to each other."
'No, not this.'
My head short-circuited, unable to process the words that had just come out of his mouth.
'Did you say that you are no longer my master?'
'Am I no longer your dear disciple?'
'Don't I owe you anything?'
No, a master and disciple relationship is lifelong. I'm not going to let this relationship end like this. And although he no longer sees me as his student, for me he will always be my master. I owe you too much to end everything with a few simple words, nothing in this world is going to prevent me from repaying you for the favor you have granted me.
I felt immense fury course through my body. When I find you, I will make you return the words you said to me today. You will always be my master, even if you don't want to.
"Shadow, come in."
"Master, the preparations are made. We can leave when you order."
I wanted to say a few last words to them, but their warning earlier prevented me from continuing. Helplessness is what I feel right now, I hate this feeling. If I had enough power, I wouldn't have to listen to my father's words; I could save my mother; and I could also be next to the master as Shadow. I felt like a void was forming in me, and that only absolute power could fill it.
I will surpass you master; and then you won't be able to escape from me, even if you want to. We'll live together, away from greedy bastards and these bitches.
"Any last words for your former master?"
Upon hearing his words, I wanted to convey my willingness to pursue him. But someone beat me to it. The one who spoke first was the first to fall for Ye Xiu's tricks, I could even tell that she was attracted to that womanizer. How she has the nerve to continue speaking to the master. If I could, I would have strangled her by now.
Worst of all were the words that came out of his mouth.
'Change?'
It is believed that any problem in the world can be solved with always forgiveness. She is so spoiled as to not have realized what reality is like. I could see a little hope in his eyes, but everything went out when she heard the master's words.
I could see how his expression gradually fell. Why are you so sad? She was the one who brought the others together with Ye Xiu; the one that started it all; and the one who had the most determination to kill the master.
"Since no one…"
My fury was stopped by the master's words; Before he could finish his sentence, I already knew what was coming. Quickly, I cut off his speech and said the first thing that came to mind.
"I will find you; you will not be able to escape from me."
"Do you want to kill me so badly? Go ahead, I will give you a chance to do it right now."
Hearing his words, I understood that my words had been taken as a threat. I wanted to correct him, but instead I advanced towards him. I felt my steps getting heavier and heavier. Memories of my time with the master slowly emerged in my head. He took care of me when I was sick; He protected me when I caused trouble outside; It helped me in my lowest moments. I can't count how many times he has helped me so far. Remembering that this would be the last time I was going to see him; I tried to suppress the tears that wanted to escape from my eyes.
I slowly approached the master who kept his eyes closed. After a slight pause, I hugged him. And as if I had flipped a switch, I started crying like a baby.
Between sobs I told him: "I don't want you to leave."
I knew my words were powerless to stop him, but I still said it.
"It's too late."
Although I knew he was going to respond like this, I couldn't help but feel heartbroken when I heard them. I hugged him tighter, afraid that if he let up he would be gone forever. I noticed that the master's hand gently caressed my head, comforting me just as it did when I was little. I felt hopeful seeing that he still had affection for me.
"If you really manage to find me, I will reconsider. But I will go away, it will take you hundreds of years to find me. "You should live your life, don't waste it on me."
I ignored his last words and focused solely on the positive. I had a chance to fix anythings. As if I wanted to convey my will to him, I hugged him tighter and told him: "I won't give up until I see you again, I swear."
"Silly girl, you have learned nothing I have taught you."
I could see the happy tone in his words, that raised my hopes.
Feeling him gently pull me away, I stood firmly and looked at him one last time.
"Goodbye, take care of yourselves."
'See you soon, Master.'
I resolutely walked away from the other girls who were still grieving and set out to solve my current problems.
'The Master is mine alone.'