Chapter 181

"Whether it is him, or me, it is the same."

Ximen Chuixue shook his head.

Gazing straight into his eyes, he spoke softly.

"What is the purpose of your learning the sword?"

Perhaps it was because he understood him too well.

Lu Xiaofeng, who had long foreseen he would say so, asked again.

"At first to kill, then to save, and finally to save oneself!"

"And now?" Lu Xiaofeng raised his eyes.

"To seek the Dao!"

Without a moment's thought.

Ximen Chuixue answered without hesitation.

In his eyes, a blaze of utter sincerity.

Perhaps he thought of the duel that was about to come.

He tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing a stiff smile.

"This matter, whether for him or for me, is a good thing."

"You should not have come to dissuade me."

"Rather, you should be happy for us!"

Looking at his smile.

Lu Xiaofeng was stunned.

Completely, utterly stunned.

Friends for many years.

This was the first time he had ever seen a smile on the other's face!

Even though that smile looked very stiff.

Still, he understood.

He nodded as if in comprehension.

He drained the tea in his cup in one gulp.

He let out a deep sigh.

"Congratulations!"

Having said that.

He did not wait for Ximen Chuixue's reaction.

He rose and left.

Only the direction he left in was not the way he had come.

"Take care!"

He murmured softly.

Ximen Chuixue gathered his spirit, laying his sword across his knees.

Slowly, he closed his eyes.

Half a cup of tea later.

Yuelai Inn, the side courtyard.

Lu Xiaofeng's figure appeared silently.

Within the courtyard.

Compared to Ximen Chuixue's bathing and incense-burning.

At this moment, Ye Gucheng was merely staring blankly up at the bright moon in the empty sky.

In his eyes, there seemed to be a touch of inner turmoil.

He was a swordsman.

But he was not a pure swordsman!

Or rather, one might say.

After becoming a member of the Qinglong Society.

In this life, he would never again be able to become a pure swordsman!

But just as Ximen Chuixue admired him.

He likewise greatly admired Ximen Chuixue.

And the reason he was torn.

Was not, in fact, worry that he would lose tomorrow night's duel.

With the Qinglong Society's resources and training.

His strength had long since surpassed Ximen Chuixue's by no small measure.

Therefore.

This duel.

From the very start, the outcome was already decided.

Only he did not wish for Ximen Chuixue to perish just like that.

Or rather, one might say.

He did not wish to slay Ximen Chuixue under conditions where their strength was not equal!

But out of respect for him.

And his devout disposition.

He knew.

Only giving it his all.

Would be the best outcome for both sides!

Even if the result was the other party's death!!

Thus.

Only then did he feel a bit conflicted.

He seemed to have noticed Lu Xiaofeng's arrival.

Ye Gucheng withdrew his gaze and spoke with a calm expression.

"Coming from him?"

"You two are truly my nemesis! That I, Lu Xiaofeng, have friends like you two in this life — what misfortune!"

He rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Lu Xiaofeng plopped down unceremoniously across from him.

As for why he would say such a thing.

It was simply that even the two parties involved were acting as if nothing had happened.

While he himself was fretting like an ant on a hot pan.

Running here and there, trying to stop this duel.

Truly, the Emperor isn't anxious, but the Eunuch is.

Wearing out this old friend's heart!

"This matter is not as simple as you think."

"So you'd best not get involved."

"Otherwise, there will likely no longer be a person called Lu Sandan in the jianghu."

The corner of his mouth curved into a faint smile.

Ye Gucheng cast him a covert glance.

His tone was neither sorrowful nor joyful.

"Mm?"

"Could there be some other scheme at play here?"

Lu Xiaofeng's heart stirred at these words.