Volume 2 Chapter 30

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Volume 2 Chapter 30: Aftermath

"If I have to die, I’d rather it be by your hand."

Naxiu didn’t even glance at the glaring wound on his chest; he just looked at Xu Qingfan quietly and managed a difficult smile.

At that moment, Xu Qingfan was completely stunned, staring blankly at the spreading red stain on Naxiu’s chest, his mind a complete void.

Xu Qingfan knew that Naxiu’s actions meant certain death, but he never thought it would be his own hands that would kill him. Xu Qingfan had fought with Naxiu because he believed Naxiu broke the Xu family’s code and showed no remorse. Perhaps because Naxiu’s actions tarnished Xu Qingfan’s fond memories of him, there was a flicker of anger in Xu Qingfan’s heart, prompting him to wake Naxiu up through a fight. However, he hadn’t expected Naxiu to offer no resistance at the critical moment, and Xu Qingfan’s hand couldn’t stop, plunging the Blade Grass into Naxiu’s chest.

Since Naxiu was already controlled by the magic orb, why did he abandon resistance and let Xu Qingfan kill him in the end? Was it because Xu Qingfan’s earlier words made him repent? Or perhaps the fight reminded him of the times in Xu Family Village when the brothers sparred, filling him with shame? Or, just as Naxiu had said, knowing he was doomed, he preferred to die by Xu Qingfan’s hand?

Perhaps it was a bit of everything.

Xu Qingfan suddenly noticed that Naxiu’s blood had turned a normal shade of red, and the faint flame totem on his face had entirely vanished. The madness and bloodlust deep in his eyes were replaced by clarity, and in those moments, Naxiu’s face began to overlap with his memories of Xu Lin, his wise and decisive cousin from twenty-seven years ago.

Perhaps, before his death, the magic orb finally released its grip on Xu Lin. At that moment, Naxiu truly became Xu Lin once more. Sadly, it was too late.

"No matter who was right or wrong, in the end, you won," Xu Lin said calmly when he saw Xu Qingfan simply looking at him speechlessly. As he spoke, it was somewhat fractured because blood continuously flowed from his mouth.

"I’m sorry, Cousin Xu Lin," Xu Qingfan said softly, feeling a sting of sadness in his eyes.

"Old Nine, do you know? Actually, I’m really happy right now, truly happy." As Naxiu spoke, he coughed up fresh blood, reached out to stop Xu Qingfan’s helping hands, and continued breathlessly, "When I discovered the deep hatred buried in my heart, I was shocked. But I couldn’t control myself. For years, I’ve lived in hatred every day and dreamed of revenge every night; it was really exhausting. Now, I’m finally free."

Saying this, Xu Lin’s lips lifted slightly, as if he smiled, and he continued, "And you, Old Nine. The Old Nine who needed me to protect you in those fragile times, now you finally have the ability to protect yourself and become a man. I’m very happy."

Xu Qingfan thought perhaps he should be crying now, but found that although his eyes were sore, they were very dry, as if even the tears of sadness dared not emerge to witness this sorrowful scene before him.

Xu Qingfan didn’t know if fate truly existed in this world. If it did, Xu Qingfan felt fate was unfair to him; his parents, the Second Elder, his senior brother, his master—everyone who was good to him left him one after another. And now, his last relative only let him see him one last time.

Is this a curse from fate upon me?

"Cousin Xu Lin…"

Xu Qingfan was about to say something but was interrupted by Xu Lin’s outstretched hand. Xu Lin’s face turned even paler, as he spoke in a broken voice, "Old Nine, I don’t have much time, so don’t speak, just listen to me, okay?"

"Yes, cousin, go ahead," Xu Qingfan replied, his expression growing even more gloomy upon hearing Xu Lin’s words.

"Old Nine, I’m about to die, and there are two things I can’t put to rest. Can you help me with them?" Xu Lin knew that his time was running out; he could even clearly feel life slipping away from him, so his tone became urgent.

"Cousin Xu Lin, you say it, and I will certainly help you accomplish it," Xu Qingfan said softly, looking at the increasingly defeated expression on Xu Lin’s face.

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s promise, a trace of relief appeared on Xu Lin’s face, and he said, "First, after I die, bury me here, not at the old site of Xu Family Village."

Seeing Xu Qingfan’s shocked expression, Xu Lin gave a bitter smile and said, "Years ago, the elders of the clan entrusted the younger ones to me, asking me to lead them in rebuilding Xu Family Village. But not only did I fail to protect my brothers properly, I later committed many heinous acts. I am truly ashamed to face the ancestors of the Xu family." At this point, Xu Lin coughed up a large mouthful of fresh blood, staining Xu Qingfan’s robe, and continued, "The people of the Jiuli tribe saved me when I was near death, and took great care of me these twenty-seven years. Yet now they have perished because of me, and I feel guilty, wanting to apologize to them in the afterlife. Moreover, after living here these twenty-seven years, I have already become part of the Jiuli tribe and cannot bear to leave."

"Alright, Cousin Xu Lin, I promise you," Xu Qingfan nodded sorrowfully, choking up as he spoke.

Xu Qingfan knew that Xu Lin was doing this because he was too ashamed to acknowledge himself as a descendant of the Xu family, thus exiling himself at the end of his life.

Seeing Xu Qingfan agree to his request, some color returned to Xu Lin’s face, and his expression became more relaxed. But Xu Qingfan felt a heavy heart as he knew this was Xu Lin’s final moment of clarity.

"There’s one more thing, I still have a daughter in the world. Could you help me take care of her as she grows up, Old Nine?" Xu Lin asked again.

"Cousin Xu Lin, you have a daughter?" Xu Qingfan exclaimed in shock upon hearing Xu Lin’s words.

"Yes, fifteen years ago, I married a woman from the Jiuli tribe. Two years later, she gave birth to a daughter, but sadly, she died in childbirth. This daughter should be the only descendant of the Xu family left, besides you," Xu Lin said with a reminiscent look.

Hearing Xu Lin’s words, Xu Qingfan promised, "Rest assured, Martial Brother Xu Lin, I will definitely raise her well."

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s promise, Xu Lin smiled with relief. He then lifted his trembling right hand to point toward the altar. Xu Qingfan followed the direction of Xu Lin’s finger and noticed the strange little girl who had been sitting quietly on the altar was now walking towards them. Her small figure seemed even tinier against the vast night sky of the Southern Wasteland. Surprisingly, she remained unharmed, despite the fierce battle earlier between Xu Qingfan and the Twelve Demon Generals, and the subsequent "Fire Cloud Technique" unleashed by the Penance Valley cultivators.

Xu Qingfan wasn’t thinking about any of this right now. He simply asked Xu Lin, "Is she your daughter, cousin?"

"Yes, her name is Ting’er." Xu Lin watched his daughter approaching, a mix of sorrow and relief on his face.

"Ah!" As Xu Lin’s daughter Ting’er came closer, Xu Qingfan finally got a clear look at her face and couldn’t help but gasp.

Ting’er had big eyes, a small mouth, a straight nose, and fair skin with red lips. Although still young, it was evident she would grow into a beautiful woman. However, Xu Qingfan was shocked to see her usually fair face covered with fiery purple-blue patterns—colors as intense as those of Naxiu in his prime. These, combined with Ting’er’s cold expression, gave her a strange exotic look. Previously, Xu Qingfan hadn’t noticed because her long hair had hidden her face!

Seeing the shock on Xu Qingfan’s face, Xu Lin chuckled bitterly and explained, "Two years ago, on my advice, the Jiuli tribe started building this fortress. After breaking ground, Ting’er accidentally discovered the Eye of the Demon God, which recognized her as its master upon her touch. However, sensing I was stronger, it later chose me instead. Since then, Ting’er has taken on this appearance, growing cold and speaking rarely."

By then, Ting’er had reached Xu Lin’s side, quietly observing his pale face, her expression remaining icy.

"Ting’er, this is your Ninth Uncle. Father has to leave now. From here on, your Ninth Uncle will take care of you, alright?" Xu Lin spoke with labored breaths as though each word sapped his strength.

Upon hearing Xu Lin’s words, Ting’er remained calm and expressionless, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, simply gazing quietly at Xu Lin’s now pale face.

Seeing Ting’er’s demeanor, Xu Lin sighed with guilt and used his remaining strength to reach out and touch Ting’er’s face, but sadly, his hand fell midway.

Even in death, Xu Lin’s eyes stayed fixed on Ting’er, clearly showing his deep concern for her.

At the moment of Xu Lin’s death, Xu Qingfan’s heart felt suddenly empty, as if he wasn’t prepared for everything unfolding before him.

That wise and decisive cousin Xu Lin, the formidable Demon Lord Naxiu, had quietly died right in front of him?

"Cousin Xu Lin, rest assured, I will take good care of Ting’er as she grows up and will never let her be wronged," Xu Qingfan silently promised while looking at Xu Lin’s pale face.

Just then, a small, white hand appeared on Xu Lin’s face, gently brushing over his still open eyes, closing them.

"Papa…" Ting’er, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, but only said those two words. Her voice was as calm as her expression.

At this moment, the morning wind was chilly; Ting’er stood in its midst, her clothes flapping in the breeze. She looked at the deceased Xu Lin with her usual calm demeanor, yet everyone present could feel a deep sadness spreading through the air.