Skoll grew up under Zagonnas's watchful eye.
Though not bound by blood, their bond was akin to that of brothers.
Despite Randolph's vile nature, Skoll was of pure character—a truly good boy.
Observing Skoll's flickering gaze, hesitant and troubled, Zagonnas felt his expression gradually chill.
"Speak—what has happened to your master's wife?"
"Senior Brother..."
Unable to hold back any longer, Skoll sank to his knees once more.
"Lord Lupan of the Wen clan has desecrated my mother's grave and scattered her ashes!"
"…"
For a fleeting moment, Zagonnas's mind went blank upon hearing Skoll's words. His revered master's wife had not only perished at the hands of her husband but was now denied peace even in death.
The Wen family! Lupan!
Clenching his fists tightly, Zagonnas's eyes burned a deep crimson as he spoke, each word dripping with intent.
"Why? What is their objective?"
"They seek the Sword Mound. They wish to uncover its location, but as you know, Senior Brother, it was destroyed by Grandfather thirty years ago. There is no Sword Mound left. Now that my father is gone, the Wen family unleashed their fury upon the cemetery.
If not for a few uncles risking their lives to protect me, I fear I wouldn't be standing before you now."
Tears streamed down Skoll's face as he recounted the harrowing tale, his frail shoulders trembling, embodying the helplessness of youth.
"Alright, I understand. I understand."
Taking a deep breath, Zagonnas fought back his own tears. He then rose from the ground and approached Skoll, pulling him to his feet with a single motion.
"Junior, I have married. My wife is gentle and kind-hearted, so timid she wouldn't dare harm a chicken. She doesn't even know I am Zagonnas, so be cautious with your words."
"Yes, I understand, Senior Brother." Skoll nodded obediently.
"Give me two days. After the New Year, I shall accompany you, but do not speak of this to your sister-in-law."
"Alright."
Wiping his tears away, Skoll ceased his weeping.
"Let's eat."
Zagonnas served Skoll a bowl of rice but did not pick up his own chopsticks.
That evening, Cendrarsa returned home.
The Poisonous Phoenix had gone to Aunt Fat's house for mahjong.
Upon entering, Cendrarsa was greeted by the sight of Zagonnas preparing a basin of water for her feet.
"You're back! Come, soak your feet. How is Grandma?"
As usual, Zagonnas's expression remained unchanged as he led Cendrarsa to the side of the bed, helping her sit down before kneeling by her feet to remove her cotton boots.
"Grandma is well today, quite spirited."
This was not Zagonnas's first time washing her feet, but each time left her feeling embarrassed.
"Darling, where's that little brother? Has he gone to sleep?"
"I sent him to the academy; he was exhausted after a long journey."
Zagonnas gently held her ankle, adorned with a golden bell, and slowly submerged her small feet into the basin of water.
"My dear, do you have any questions for me?"
"No, not at all."
Cendrarsa shook her head innocently, feeling the warmth rising from her feet.
"Ah, I see."
Zagonnas smiled softly and let the matter drop.
After washing her feet, they blew out the lamp and climbed into bed.
Despite lying together for some time, Zagonnas remained motionless. Cendrarsa, yearning for intimacy, edged closer to him.
"Darling, what are you thinking about?"
"Nothing in particular—why do you ask? What do you wish to do?"
"What could I possibly wish for?" She pouted playfully, though her small hand beneath the covers began to wander.
"Don't be naughty. If you won't say what you want, then it's time to sleep." He seized her wandering hand, reclaiming control of the situation with ease.
"Darling, it's been two days since we've been together." Unable to escape, Cendrarsa could only feign a delicate whimper.
"Hmm? Two days? It's only been one, hasn't it?"
"It's not! It's two days! What's wrong with your head? Ah! I know—you must have someone else out there."
"Stop with the nonsense."
Without further teasing her, Zagonnas turned and pinned his beloved beneath him.
"Let me hear you call me 'good brother.'"
"Brother, you're so wicked…"
Today, Zagonnas seemed different, more unrestrained than usual.
Cendrarsa, who prided herself on her stamina, ultimately cried out several times before he finally relented.
As he gazed at the woman nestled in his embrace, Zagonnas's once fervent gaze began to cool, gradually tinted with sorrow.
He longed to spend a lifetime with her, to bear children together, and to witness the bloom of spring flowers, the summer rains, the golden autumn sun, and the gentle winter snow.
He yearned for simple meals and an ordinary life together.
But that world—the one he abhorred, the one he desperately sought to escape—remained a haunting nightmare that refused to release its grip on him.
In his life, having lost his parents at an early age, all the familial warmth he had experienced was through his master's wife.
Now, with her remains barely cold, her honour defiled by wicked hands, he felt compelled to slaughter the entirety of the Wen clan. Otherwise, he feared he would never again find peace.
With a heavy sigh, Zagonnas embraced his beloved wife more tightly.
Pressing his cool lips to her forehead, he finally whispered that which he had always yearned to say.
"Cendrarsa, I love you."
Two days passed, and it was New Year's Eve.
Throughout the village, families prepared dumplings, affixed spring couplets, and set off firecrackers.
Cendrarsa wore her newly tailored red coat, bouncing with uncontainable joy.
Though each family member harboured their own secrets, they gathered for a New Year's Eve dinner together.
Even though the Poisonous Phoenix was comfortable in their little mountain village, she could not ignore the affairs of the outside world. She contemplated leaving early, but Cendrarsa insisted they stay until at least the fifth day of the New Year.
The village tradition dictated that the New Year was not truly over until after the fifth day, and she didn't want to leave Zagonnas alone during such festive times.
Seeing how much Cendrarsa treasured this union, the Poisonous Phoenix relented.
On New Year's Eve, everyone stayed up late, and after a day filled with fun and a bit of wine, Cendrarsa, after showering Zagonnas with kisses, collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep slumber.
Zagonnas helped her out of her clothes, untangled her hair, and covered her with the blanket.
Once these tasks were completed, he gently kissed her forehead once more.
"My dear, I'm sorry. In the end, it is I who has failed you."
With those softly spoken words, Zagonnas, tears welling in his eyes, took out a red envelope and a letter of divorce he had penned for Cendrarsa.
He had written her a notice of separation.
After one last glance at Cendrarsa, Zagonnas ultimately stepped out of their home.
Outside, every household glowed with red lanterns, the cold white snow contrasting with the warmth of the lights.
This half-year's time—this fleeting dream of bliss—had come to an end.
Cendrarsa had enough trouble dealing with Randolph as it was; he could not allow her to become entangled with the Wen family.
At the entrance of the academy, Skoll waited for a long time with his burden. When Zagonnas arrived, he spoke not a word, leaping over the doorframe with ease.
From behind the academy's plaque, he retrieved a long parcel wrapped in coarse cloth.
As he unwrapped it, the Xiu Shui Sword, which had been lost to the world for over half a year, finally reappeared.