213 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 213: He Has Been Weeping Blood, Watching You, Brother Xiao Xiao Mo took up residence in Wei Wei's home. Initially, Xiao Mo was reluctant to stay at Lady Wang's house. After all, it's somewhat improper for a solitary man to reside in a widow's home. However, while attempting to decline, Lady Wang merely smiled and said: "Since my husband's passing all those years ago, I've heard countless rumors. People will whisper behind my back even if I do nothing at all. I'm used to it by now. Yet those who know will know. I have a clear conscience." Listening to Lady Wang's words and observing her serene demeanor, Xiao Mo saw no point in insisting further. He stayed in the courtyard, waiting for the cultivators from Maple Leaf City to arrive. During his stay at Lady Wang's residence over these two days, Xiao Mo meditated and pondered over his sword techniques in the courtyard daily. Since Lady Wang refused to accept the money Xiao Mo offered her, Xiao Mo helped by chopping firewood and fetching water. Occasionally, he even tutored Ning Wei in her studies. Over these days, Lady Wang keenly observed Xiao Mo's every move, hoping to understand his character better. Ultimately, Lady Wang decided that this young man did not seem like one from a dark sect, but rather resembled a scholar. On the third morning, Just as Xiao Mo and the mother-daughter duo finished their breakfast, they heard voices conversing outside the courtyard. "Master Qian, please don't be angry. My sister-in-law is short-sighted. I'll persuade her eventually, and she will agree to let Ning Wei join your esteemed sect." "After all, it's the Wangchuan Sect, a place many dream of entering." "Look at you, don't worry, I'm just here to discuss matters with Lady Wang, and won't trouble her." "Of course, of course, someone as magnanimous as you surely won't bother with us common folk." As they conversed, the group arrived at the courtyard's entrance. Ning Fugui promptly pushed open the courtyard door, leading the group inside. Little Ning Wei was startled, instinctively hiding behind Brother Xiao. "Wang Qian, the city lord is here, aren't you going to pay your respects?" Ning Fugui shouted at his sister-in-law. Lady Wang clenched her small hands, stepped forward, and gracefully bowed to the group: "I pay my respects to the city lord." "Lady Wang, there's no need for such courtesy." Qian Zhenhao smiled gently, "I've long heard of Lady Wang’s outstanding beauty, and today’s meeting proves it true." "The city lord is too kind, I am but a simple village woman, possessing no such beauty." Wang Qian nodded modestly. "Hmm?" Soon, Ning Fugui noticed Xiao Mo, exclaiming in surprise, "Why are you still here?" Qian Zhenhao glanced over, spotting a man gazing back at him. The more Qian Zhenhao looked at this man, the more familiar he seemed. When he noticed the faint scar between Xiao Mo's brows, Qian Zhenhao was taken aback. Years ago, while stealing buns with his brothers, the fifth brother had acquired a scar on his eyebrow from a fall. "Fifth Brother? Is that you?" Qian Zhenhao's joy was palpable upon realizing his kin. "Fourth Brother?" Unlike Qian Zhenhao's excitement, Xiao Mo appeared much calmer. "Hahaha... Fifth Brother, it's truly you!" Qian Zhenhao approached, clasping Xiao Mo’s wrist. "I never expected we’d reunite here after eight years!" "Indeed, it's unexpected," Xiao Mo smiled, though a trace of melancholy flickered in his eyes. "When I heard the city lord of Maple Leaf City shared the same name as you, Fourth Brother, I suspected it might be you. But what of Third Brother? Didn't you all join the Black Dragon Sect?" "That's a long story." Qian Zhenhao sighed bitterly. "We did go to the Black Dragon Sect and participated in their entrance selection, but both I and Third Brother didn't make it. Thankfully, Wangchuan Sect took us in." "What of Third Brother?" Xiao Mo pressed further. "Alas... On a beast-hunting venture, an accident claimed him, and he never returned." Qian Zhenhao's face was pained, his voice heavy with regret. "It's my fault. Had I dissuaded him then, it wouldn't have happened." Hearing Qian Zhenhao's sorrow, Xiao Mo's previously composed face softened into genuine grief. Yet, he offered solace: "Fourth Brother, don't blame yourself. Such is the path of cultivation. I'm sure Third Brother would never hold it against you." "That's true. We must carry his share and forge ahead!" Qian Zhenhao inhaled deeply, regaining his composure. "But enough about me. How have you fared these years, Fifth Brother? It's impressive to see you've become a foundation-stage cultivator." "After you left, Fourth Brother, I was taken as a disciple by a wandering cultivator, thus beginning my path. But compared to you... You've reached the cave realm, haven't you?" "Hahaha, just the mid-cave stage, luck on my side." Qian Zhenhao appeared quite proud. "Why have you come to Maple Leaf City, and why stay here?" "I'm merely a wandering cultivator, traveling the land. It was late when I arrived, and Lady Wang graciously let me stay for a few days. But Fourth Brother..." Xiao Mo met Qian Zhenhao's gaze directly. "I heard from Lady Wang that Wangchuan Sect wishes to take Ning Wei for cultivation, yet Lady Wang desires a simple life with her daughter. Could you see it in your heart to ease their burden?" "Fifth Brother, say no more." Qian Zhenhao glanced at the small girl behind Xiao Mo. "Wangchuan Sect bears no ill will toward them. We are an honorable sect, regardless of rumors suggesting otherwise. We've extended the offer to nurture Ning Wei's talents. This visit was merely to discuss matters with Lady Wang. It's just that this fellow was overly rash, storming in without announcing our presence." As he finished, Qian Zhenhao glanced at Ning Fugui: "Apologize to my Fifth Brother." "My apologies, young master, I overstepped. Please forgive me." Ning Fugui hurriedly bowed, nearly kneeling. He never imagined this man was the city lord's brother. "We deeply appreciate the city lord's kindness." At this moment, Lady Wang weighed in, "However, city lord, Wei Wei does not wish to become a cultivator. We are content with our lives now, and I hope you understand." "Very well," Qian Zhenhao sighed, a hint of regret in his voice. "Should you change your mind, our city lord's manor is always open to you." "Thank you, city lord, thank you!" Lady Wang bowed in gratitude. "It’s no trouble." Qian Zhenhao’s spirits seemed buoyant, "Fifth Brother, don't linger here. Join me at the manor, and let's catch up properly." "Alright." Xiao Mo agreed, nodding, "Allow me to pack my things and properly bid farewell to Lady Wang." "As you wish, I'll go prepare a feast at Yunliu Tower while I wait." With that, Qian Zhenhao cheerfully exited the courtyard. "Xiao Gongzi, you and Lord Qian are..." With everyone gone, Lady Wang approached, eyes brimming with questions. It seemed they were long-lost siblings? Yet when Xiao Gongzi described his life, he referred to himself as a wandering cultivator, hinting at a concealed truth. "There's no need to worry, madam," Xiao Mo assured Lady Wang, aware of her concerns. "Master Qian is indeed my long-lost sworn brother, yet it doesn’t pertain to you. Whatever the case, Ning Wei does not need to join Wangchuan Sect, and my previous words to you hold true. Consider them carefully, madam. I'll return for your decision in a few days." "Understood, young master, I'll give it deep thought." Lady Wang nodded respectfully. "Then I shall take my leave." Xiao Mo bowed, gently patting Ning Wei’s head. "Rest assured, elder brother won’t let anything happen to Maple Leaf City." "Mm-hmm." Ning Wei nodded, pale-faced. Xiao Mo turned and departed. Ning Wei watched his retreating figure with a tinge of indecision. As Xiao Mo neared the gate, Ning Wei seemed to come to a firm resolution. She darted forward, gently tugging at his sleeve: "Brother Xiao..." "What is it?" Xiao Mo turned back. "Brother Xiao..." Ning Wei bit her thin lips tightly, her expression tinged with nervousness. She leaned closer to Xiao Mo's ear and whispered softly. "Just now, I saw a spirit. He looked about thirteen or fourteen, with a mole at the corner of his eye and a long scar across his face. He was weeping tears of blood, looking at you, Brother Xiao." Xiao Mo's brows furrowed. He quickly drew a portrait on the ground: "Does he look like this?" "Yes, Brother Xiao." Ning Wei nodded repeatedly. "He looks exactly like what you’ve drawn." (End of Chapter)