XIAO SHUXIANG'S

439 - Long Night II [Revised]

Xiao Shuxiang was in the Eastern Continent, precisely at Zhou Yan's residence, Mother Mountain. His so unexpected arrival came as a surprise to that Alchemist as well as his disciple, Feng Ying.

Xiao Shuxiang's older brother, who was so small and had bitten his hand, has now grown up.

Feng Ying would be extremely cold and frugal to talk to others, but not so when she faced Xiao Shuxiang.

He even made Alchemist Zhou Yan surprised because he immediately embraced his fellow disciple.

"Hungry.."

Xiao Shuxiang smiled, "The first time you met me and you said that word instead..? Do you want to bite my hand again now, huh?"

"I miss you Brother Xiao, you're too much for never seeing us."

"But now I'm here, right? I missed you too. You are now even taller than Hou Yong and almost equal my height, this is shocking."

Xiao Shuxiang patted Feng Ying's shoulder gently and then turned to Zhou Yan. He stared at the white-clothed, thick-veiled figure before grabbing his hand.

"Chairman Three.." Xiao Shuxiang's voice was soft, his gaze warmed and his countenance was so soothing.

Zhou Yan blinked, he did not know how to respond. At first he thought Xiao Shuxiang would jump right away and excitedly hug him tightly, yet it was unexpected that this brat was acting so mature.

"Chairman.."

Xiao Shuxiang gently rubbed Zhou Yan's hand. For a very long time he had not seen an Alchemist who had these beautiful eyelashes. He then hugged the Patriarch of the Sky Sword Sect.

"Xiao'Er, why are you..? Your actions are like treating a lover. Don't tell me you don't remember your teacher's a man,"

"I remember. It's just that I miss you, Elder." Xiao Shuxiang could not act childishly in front of Zhou Yan.

This alchemist was the son of his senior. Therefore treat Xiao Shuxiang no more than an uncle who embraced his nephew, although when noticed in plain sight-Zhou Yan is older than him.

Xiao Shuxiang went through the night with Feng Ying and the Third Patriarch of the Sky Sword Sect. He prepared dinner and presented his best meal.

They talk about many things, most of which are trivial. Xiao Shuxiang and Zhou Yan also drank the Dragon Emperor Arak while paying attention to the beauty of the sky.

Feng Ying herself only drank tea, she had not been allowed to drink wine by Zhou Yan and Xiao Shuxiang. The three continued to talk and seemed to have agreed not to sleep.

".. I thought you'd forgotten where you live.." Zhou Yan poured wine into his white jade cup.

"Where I might forget my home. It's just that I'm busy in the Middle Continent."

"You're really going to marry Ling Qing Zhu?"

Xiao Shuxiang drank his wine and then nodded, "Didn't the Elder have seen the preparations? The old men were really excited about getting everything ready,"

"You're not helping?"

"Of course not, I'm his bride-to-be.." Xiao Shuxiang certainly did not want to expend excessive energy in preparation for his wedding.

After all, he had already given Hu Li the transfer mirror calling paper. It was her friend who played an important role in the smooth preparation of her marriage in three different places.

Feng Ying's. "Brother Xiao, the preparations in the Butterfly Sect are done. I helped a lot and now I just share the duty of care with the other brothers. They're all impatient,"

Xiao Shuxiang gently rubbed Feng Ying's head, he smiled and thanked her. "Many were waiting for the wedding day and I was also nervous considering that it was almost here. I just want to run away.."

"Brother Xiao..!" Feng Ying flinched, "Don't do something as embarrassing as leaving your own marriage. That's not good,"

Xiao Shuxiang laughed and gently patted Feng Ying on the shoulder, "Of course not. Won't do it,"

Xiao Shuxiang said, "I'm just nervous because it's been the first time I've been in a marriage.."

Taking a breath, Xiao Shuxiang looked at Zhou Yan and asked. "Chairman Three, your age is over a hundred.. How does it feel to live in a family?"

?!

Zhou Yan choked on his wine upon hearing this spontaneous question, he looked at the young man beside him and then shook his head slowly.

Zhou Yan said, "Have you ever seen me bring a woman here? Talking to women is rare, and you ask what it's like to live a family? You think I'm married?"

"Aiya, it's not like that. You live with Feng Ying, and only the two of you are here. What does it feel like to not be the same as staying while being taken care of by someone?"

"Of course it's different. Living under one roof with a man is very much different than living alone with a woman. And you need to know, the girls are very chatty.."

Zhou Yan drank his wine back and continued his words, he told Xiao Shuxiang to always be careful. ".. Marriage brings together two different characters and thoughts. Quarrels and disagreements will happen often, you can't expect the happy ending of a marriage."

"But the Elder, the White Cat is not a fussy girl. I only worry when I really live life with him.. And my days are just sitting in front of the table copying the rules of the Sky Pagoda Sect that rival many of your sects.."

Xiao Shuxiang placed down his wine pot violently, he felt his heart pounding incoherently as he imagined his future.

Xiao Shuxiang, "... No. gabe.. That can't be until it happens."

Zhou Yan said. "Xiao'Er, before that day comes.. It's good that you learn a lot. Meet your father and mother, or any cultivators who are married. You don't ask me anything,"

Xiao Shuxiang exhaled and shook his head slowly. "I won't ask you anything complicated. Besides, I also didn't expect this to be a beautiful wedding. My enemies are too many to imagine if I can live quietly or not. I just wish the White Cat could protect herself,"

Feng Ying opened her voice. "Brother Xiao, how many enemies are you? One empire? One continent? You have a lot of friends, so take it easy. Brother Jing, Brother Hou, Big Brother Lu Yang, and everything will help you. We'll face them together."

Xiao Shuxiang smiled faintly, Feng Ying is completely innocent. That sincere speech even made him no longer tasteful to spend his wine.

"Discognition is really dangerous. His words have touched the greatest anxiety I've always wanted to avoid.."

Xiao Shuxiang had only one enemy, yet was extremely dangerous. He who had had all his strength back was not even sure he could defeat the creature.

Xiao Shuxiang let out a slow breath, he had not thought of such a thing for now. It was much more fun discussing the matter of marriage with a bachelor like Zhou Yan.

Feng Ying also followed along, telling her how her father and mother lived in Tani Village. Not infrequently he also talked about the family of his friends.

It was from here that Xiao Shuxiang realized one thing, he turned out to be very selfish for never thinking about what the lives of the children he had met the first time were like.

Xiao Shuxiang, "I knew brother Jing had no father and mother since childhood, but never asked how his parents died. I thought it was sad, so I never asked her."

"Brother Xiao, brother Jing's father and mother are still around. I guess they lived well and had even forgotten the biological child they threw away," Feng Ying's voice sounded cold, she clenched tightly her hands and tried to calm down. He had the eyes of a dead fish until while being upset, his aura was so terrifying.

!!

Xiao Shuxiang and Zhou Yan were even shocked to the point of subconsciously holding their breath. The boy who was so innocent now even looks like he has a grudge.

"I'm sorry.." Feng Ying realized her mistake, she went back to drinking her tea and then looked towards the sky.

Zhou Yan cleared his throat slowly, he could not believe he had already held his breath when he saw the expression of his disciple just now. He then looked at Xiao Shuxiang who was apparently as thoughtful as him.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Tani Village is no ordinary village.." Feng Ying finally opened her voice. He made Xiao Shuxiang and Zhou Yan pay close attention to him.

Feng Ying explained, "The village is where the escapees live. Every citizen in Tani Village has a dark past, an unrequited grudge, and many others."

This was the first time Xiao Shuxiang had heard of it, Zhou Yan was too. They had no intention of cutting off Feng Ying's conversation and patiently waited until the young man continued his remark.

Feng Ying took a breath, "Jing's brother's father was a rich merchant, while his mother was a dancer. Their family life has never been harmonious even often involved in quarrels, my brother.. Always be the target of anger. It's lucky my brother didn't get killed, he was just dumped and Uncle Bai found and took care of him,"

Xiao Shuxiang, "Isn't Uncle Bai also surnamed 'Jing'? So isn't he Jing Mi's father's brother?"

"No, it was Uncle Bai who gave his surname to brother Jing. They had absolutely no blood relation," Feng Ying twirled softly the jade cup in her hand and then exhaled.

Feng Ying said, "Sister Zhi Shu himself is a descendant of the family of the Rising Sun Empire. The story is very long and you could say they went to save themselves."

!!

Zhou Yan would not believe it if he did not hear it. He had indeed once known something about the family of the Rising Sun Empire, the news he heard was that the imperial throne was taken over in an inappropriate manner. It happened a long time ago, but he was indifferent because it was none of his business.

"Zhi Shu's.. Descendants of the imperial family?" Xiao Shuxiang did not expect this. His brothers have an unusual background.

"Right, but Brother Xiao don't say anything to Brother Zhi Shu. She is indeed a quiet girl and rarely gets angry, but when we discuss each other's past.. He doesn't seem to like it,"

Feng Ying again said, "The brothers have their own unresolved grudges. They're just trying to live well and avoid trouble, don't want to get stuck in the past.."

".. Brother Wen himself is a citizen of the Western Continent, he bears a heavier burden than us. But it seems like big brother Wen chose to give up his obligations.." Feng Ying exhaled before making a sound.

".. We already have a family now, have Brother Xiao and also a teacher. But it's a lie to say we don't hold grudges, it's just that we're trying to forget everything." Feng Ying drank her tea, she then looked at Xiao Shuxiang and grabbed the young man's hand.

".. I actually never want to hate you, Brother Xiao. It's just that more than half of the problems and bad memories of the villagers of Tani Village are caused by you."

!!

"That's.."

"We take revenge on the Destroying Star. But somehow Grandpa Shu instead gave the name of the person we hated to his granddaughter. Thank goodness you have such an adorable voice, such a beautiful face, and such a sweet smile that the villagers don't make you the center of their anger."

Xiao Shuxiang could not feel his heartbeat. He turned his gaze in the other direction in disbelief. Really very distrustful.

"The Star of Destruction is indeed worthy of hate," Zhou Yan poured the wine back into his jade cup, ".. My grudge against him even reached the bone marrow. He had already made a lot of mess and now wished to live a good life with his beloved girl? Hah, it's not that easy."

"Chair Three.."

Xiao Shuxiang looked at Zhou Yan. The alchemist smiled but his voice just now seemed to have vented the vexation he had been holding back. He was really worried that he would end up fighting with these two people.

Xiao Shuxiang exhaled and then looked at the sky. The stars look very beautiful and soothing, baby now many people are not aware of it.

"I know what I did in the past was wrong, very wrong. But even if I take away every bone of mine as an apology, those who have died will never come back to life. Even if I wanted to, the past wouldn't be repeated."

Xiao Shuxiang snorted and then smiled, "Haah.. I really suck. Apologizing is nothing, I have absolutely no regrets. So how is it now?"

Feng Ying held tightly onto her Brother's hand and then shook her head. He liked Xiao Shuxiang, but did not like it because this brother of his was too honest.

"Brother Xiao.. I just wanted to take pity on you, encourage you, and tell you not to remember the past. But you never regretted anything. Wouldn't you be afraid if me and our other brothers turned around and hated you?"

"Feng Ying's.." Xiao Shuxiang held the hand of the young man who was seriously staring at him, ".. To be honest, I'm actually afraid of myself. Afraid that I will forget you, forget brother Jing, Elder Three, and all. You don't know how hard it is to have a Black Jade Heart.."

"heart.. What..?"

Zhou Yan, "That means.. Even though you hate him and want to kill this Brother Xiao of yours. He will without a doubt swing his sword and forget all the things you have done together. Your brotherly bond will only be remembered after you die, that too.. He won't regret killing you."

!!

"Isn't that so cruel?!" Feng Ying was startled, she had long since lived with Xiao Shuxiang, so where might her brother not feel anything.

"Brother Xiao, is it true what Master said?"

Zhou Yan, "Ying'Er, is of course correct. He can kill you without even batting an eye. No matter how deep your relationship is and for how long, he will not regret killing you. That instant was those who had black jade hearts."

Xiao Shuxiang did not deny the Alchemist Zhou Yan's remark. Arguably, he agreed to the words of the Third Patriarch of the Sky Sword Sect. It's just, he doesn't know what to say.

Zhou Yan poured the wine into his jade cup and then gave the cup to Xiao Shuxiang. The young man in the black uniform was no longer tasteful, but was forced to accept it.

"Brother Xiao.."

"Feng Ying, what should I say? I regard you as a friend and a brother, as well as brother Jing and the others. But if the word at the end of the day we'll be on the opposite road, then I'll never hesitate."

"Brother Xiao," Feng Ying looked dislikefully, she looked at Xiao Shuxiang and tried to dig a lie into his brother's eyes.

"Ying'Er.." Xiao Shuxiang smiled and gently rubbed Feng Ying's shoulders, his eyes so soft as to draw others into them.

".. Ying'Er, don't you remember what I told you guys? You have to be strong.. So strong that it could kill me. I'd be happy to die at the end of their swords that I consider precious."

"You're just saying that, but it sounds like insincere. Your smile and the look in your eyes contain lies, Brother Xiao." Feng Ying gave a sullen expression, she could not be lied to.

Xiao Shuxiang pinched the gaunt cheek of the young man beside him, "Who lied to you? I put love in every smile and look in my eyes. Many are caught up in my charms, except for you."

"Brother Xiao.." Feng Ying just wanted to talk, but Xiao Shuxiang had already stood up first and then said goodbye.

!!

"Brother Xiao, don't you want to stay the night?" Feng Ying prevented Xiao Shuxiang from leaving, she still wanted to be with her brother.

"I should visit the others, not have time to rest now.." Xiao Shuxiang smiled, he rubbed Feng Ying's head and said they would meet again.

"Don't look for unnecessary trouble, let alone destroy someone else's door."

!

Zhou Yan's request was really heavy. The alchemist knew only that Xiao Shuxiang was intending to disturb others and destroy some of the doors of the house.

"All right, I'm not gonna do it. Then I'm going-"

"Brother Xiao," Feng Ying grabbed Xiao Shuxiang's hand, she wanted to say something.

"What's wrong? You wanna come?"

"No.. I just want to say, you don't have to worry, brother. The past will not change the fact that we are brothers. You're never alone,"

Xiao Shuxiang hugged Feng Ying, he knew that. He knows very well so loved either as bad as his mistakes, that's what makes humans feel attractive.

Xiao Shuxiang started to let go of his embrace, he then stepped away and this time was no longer held back by Feng Ying. A star-filled night sky accompanied her every step of her foot.

***