Chapter 474

Chapter 474: Peace in Death, Brilliance in Life

Bai Wei and the monk sat cross-legged on the ground, deep in a conversation about Buddhism and the path. Their discussion, however, stirred too much noise to remain unnoticed.

Before long, the man with the monkey-like face rapped on a nearby door, waking Nalan and Chao Lu, who had only barely drifted to sleep after leaving the city. The two girls exchanged a quick glance and silently climbed the city wall to observe the unfolding battle below.

The clash between Bai Wei and the monk was fierce, each exchange carrying the weight of their ideals. The scene left the defending soldiers trembling, their morale all but shattered.

Leopard Eye City, though appearing heavily fortified, was in truth a hollow shell. Its commander, ignorant of military strategy, maintained his position by bribing superiors and oppressing the populace. The soldiers under him were nothing more than layabouts, collecting their pay without earning it. They lacked any will to fight; if an enemy were to strike, the city would fall within hours.

When their captain fled, the soldiers followed without hesitation. They hadn’t realized this wasn’t a siege but a battle of immortals. Their fear and confusion scattered them like leaves in the wind.

This chaos provided Nalan and Chao Lu the opportunity to scale the city wall unnoticed. While Chao Lu had witnessed Bai Wei’s power numerous times, it never ceased to amaze her. The sheer mystery of his strength left her unsettled.

A young master of unparalleled martial prowess, a wielder of an enigmatic puppet body, and a man exuding an air of unshakable calm—Bai Wei was a figure of both admiration and unease. To Princess Bai Ze, his composure seemed like the foundation of an unbreakable dynasty.

Nalan Qingshu whispered, “I finally understand where your pressure comes from.”

Chao Lu nodded, her expression serious. The young princess had long feared the gap in status and capability between her and Bai Wei, a gap that felt insurmountable.

From their vantage point, they listened intently to the monk’s words. When he suggested that Bai Wei leave the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, Nalan’s temper flared. She nearly leaped down in protest, but Chao Lu grabbed her sleeve just in time.

“Are you that confident in him?” Chao Lu asked.

“No…” Nalan Qingshu muttered through gritted teeth.

“Then control yourself,” Chao Lu said firmly, holding her back.

Despite her frustration, Nalan kept her composure, though her tongue lashed like a fiery whip. “Why doesn’t he just get rid of that monk already?”

With a sly smile, Chao Lu replied, “The more you wish he’d stay, the less likely he is to leave.”

Their whispered debate felt futile. Bai Wei remained calm, his conversation with the monk devoid of hostility. Yet, his words revealed a depth of thought and experience that the two girls could only admire from afar.

Unlike the passionate princesses of the Demon Kingdom, Bai Wei’s demeanor reflected a life steeped in hardship and wisdom. He had been a ruler, a mentor, and a survivor, adapting to the circumstances with unparalleled pragmatism. His thoughts were his own, shared only in rare moments of reflection.

At this moment, Bai Wei seemed to find solace in speaking candidly with the monk. Perhaps he needed to release the weight of the inhumanity he had witnessed, or perhaps the monk’s presence provided a mirror to better understand himself.

After countless lives and struggles, Bai Wei’s obsession with success had faded. He now valued the process as much as the result.

“To die for an ideal,” he said quietly, “or to die without understanding… To strive for a cause that fills one’s heart, or to live an ignoble existence and fade into obscurity.”

Bai Wei chose the former, not for himself but for the countless lives depending on his resolve. Even if the future remained uncertain, even if the present demanded unbearable sacrifice, he believed in the value of hope.

For Bai Wei, peace came not from success but from a clear conscience. To die with serenity, knowing he had done all he could, was a liberation worth seeking. Yet, he understood that finding such peace was no easy task. Many lives were burdened with regret and unease, their pain etched into their very souls.

To restore hope to the people of Liu State, even amidst chaos, was a cause worth dying for.

Bai Wei exhaled deeply, his words trailing off into the cold night air.

On the city wall, Nalan Qingshu struggled with her emotions, a storm of thoughts swirling within her. Chao Lu, sensing her distress, whispered, “Let’s go back. There’s nothing more to see here.”

The two returned to their inn, but sleep eluded them. Lying three steps apart, Nalan turned to Chao Lu and asked softly, “How are you so calm?”

Chao Lu responded with a question of her own. “Why are you so restless?”

Nalan fell silent, curling into herself beneath the blanket. Chao Lu watched her for a moment before speaking again.

“I studied abroad in Europa,” Chao Lu said quietly.

“I know,” Nalan replied, her voice subdued. “You’ve mentioned it before.”

“You don’t truly understand,” Chao Lu said. “Europa is my ideal—the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom, where different races coexist in harmony. Everyone lives with dignity, free from hostility or disdain. That’s why I believe in what Bai Wei said. I returned because I want peace of mind. To die for a cause rather than live in mediocrity—that is the kind of peace I seek.”

“Peace of mind…” Nalan

murmured. “But when my

mother passed, she wasn’t at

peace. I don’t think anyone can

truly die peacefully.”

Chao Lu sighed. “Perhaps

that’s because their intentions

weren’t pure. Those who seek

personal gain often find

themselves burdened by

regret.”

“Do you think we can find

peace?” Nalan asked, her voice

trembling.

“We can try,” Chao Lu replied

gently. “But it’s best not to

think of death while we’re still

alive.”

The room fell silent. Nalan

buried her face in the blanket,

her thoughts drifting to

Qingyang City and the family

she longed to see.

In the courtyard below, Bai Wei

sat alone under the moonlight,

washing the dirt from his

clothes. The monk had long

since departed, leaving only

the faint echoes of their

conversation behind.