Jianyu's voice trembled with rage and grief. "I've had enough of waiting. I had no choice except to remain there while they destroyed everything.
Simply put, Tian assured him, "That wasn't your fault." "And you will die if you let your anger drive you."
Jianyu shook his head, unable to put out the fire in his chest. "I can't do nothing."
Tian was obviously concerned, but he remained silent for a time. He was aware that this fire was intense, deadly, and consuming everything. It might go somewhere, he knew.
Long shadows swept across the area as the moonlight hardly penetrated the dense canopy. Jianyu could sense the jungle encroaching on them while they were in it. He paid closely to every tree crack and leaf rustle. He felt stiff all throughout, and his senses were keen.
His memory replayed the sound of the battle: the crash of steel, the grunts of labour, the eerie cooperation of their assailants. The wet fragrance of the dirt blended with the subtle metallic tang of blood.
As they advanced once more, the dense air appeared to be nearly alive. The sense of the forest watching and waiting persisted in Jianyu's mind.
Tian glanced at Jianyu, who was holding the knife as if it were a matter of life or death, as they strolled. Tian both feared and appreciated the fire that was evident in his eyes.
"You remind me of your father," Tian remarked softly. Jianyu's expression was a mixture of astonishment and curiosity as he turned to face him. But Tian said nothing more. "Be careful with that fire, Jianyu," he cautioned instead. It may burn more intensely than you anticipate.
The voice was low but angry as Jianyu continued, "Maybe I want it to burn."
Tian was staring straight ahead and took a moment to respond. His voice became melancholy as he eventually spoke. "Those kinds of fires do more than just light the way." They devour everything that stands in their way."
Jianyu's jaw tightened, but his head remained fixed. "All right, then."
Tian's expression darkened, but he remained silent. Deeper into the forest, the faint rustle of leaves and dark shadows whispered to them in a way they were unable to fully comprehend.