Chapter 1168: Chapter 1168: Love Without Regret
Ye You sighed and said in a low voice, "The clan leader of the Zhulu family was originally Qing Xun’s father, Hong Zhi. Fifteen years ago, Hong Zhi was injured by a demonic beast during an outdoor training session and was too severely wounded to be saved."
Upon hearing Ye You talk about the old stories of the Zhulu family, Qin Sisi couldn’t help but feel wistful inside, realizing that Qing Xun’s background was also quite troubled.
Ye You continued, "Chief Hong Zhi had a son and a daughter, but Qing Xun was still young at the time, and his younger sister was even younger, not suitable for the position of clan leader. My father once tried to have Hong Zhi’s wife temporarily act as clan leader, allowing Qing Xun to directly succeed when he came of age, but the Zhulu family opposed this. Hong Zhi’s wife herself declined, saying she was used to staying indoors and felt unable to shoulder such a heavy responsibility. Helplessly, they had to let Hong Zhi’s second brother, Hong Ji, succeed as clan leader. However, my father had an agreement with him that once Qing Xun came of age, the position should be ceded to him, and Hong Ji agreed readily at that time."
Qin Sisi understood some of Ye You’s concerns at this point. She softly asked, "Are you worried that Hong Ji will go back on his word?"
Ye You sneered, saying, "Qing Xun has already come of age and graduated from the Heavenly Magic God’s Castle several years ago, yet Hong Ji hasn’t mentioned ceding the position. It seems he already has other plans in mind."
In the face of interests, feelings often become fragile. Having finally become the ruler of the family and tasted the flavor of power, how could one easily let it go?
"Are you worried about Qing Xun?" Qin Sisi’s classmates were very important to Ye You.
Ye You paused for a moment and said, "Qing Xun is a gentleman, who often holds unrealistic fantasies about a villain’s malice. Hong Ji’s rebellion is undoubtedly premeditated, and I feel Qing Xun won’t be able to persuade him."
"Then would Qing Xun be in danger?" Qin Sisi felt her heart sinking.
Ye You shook his head and said, "Qing Xun is now a High-level Magic God, while Hong Ji is only an Intermediate Magic God, so I’m not worried about his safety. But I’m afraid Hong Ji might use other means to threaten him. I must hurry back to Taiyi Mountain to handle things there and then rush to Seven Pearl City immediately."
Ye You appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was already in great turmoil, wishing he could split himself into two. He couldn’t abandon either Taiyi Mountain or Seven Pearl City.
Qin Sisi gazed at Ye You, eyes full of tender affection. She pondered for a moment and said, "How about this: you go back to Taiyi Mountain, and I go to Seven Pearl City on your behalf."
"No," Ye You flatly refused, "You don’t know anything about the environment in Seven Pearl City, nor do you know anyone there. You’ll find it difficult to get by."
Qin Sisi smiled and said, "Don’t worry, I won’t be going alone."
"What do you mean..." Ye You was somewhat confused.
Qin Sisi glanced outside the tent and sighed, saying, "Do you think that young lady will really go with us to Taiyi Mountain confidently?"
Ye You understood and smiled wryly, shaking his head.
Jing Jing’s deep affection for Qing Xun was evident to all, but unfortunately, love was unrequited.
Qin Sisi held Ye You’s hand, softly yet firmly said, "Xiao Hei, trust me, I’ll protect myself and Qing Xun. Let me go!"
Ye You gazed deeply into Qin Sisi’s eyes. No matter how strong Qin Sisi became, in his heart, she was still the little woman who needed his protection, whom he habitually shielded.
But tonight, Qin Sisi’s volunteering made him realize that she was no longer the weakling who needed to hide behind him to survive; she was the Demon Emperor, and she was formidable.
Looking around the entire Demon Sacred Realm, Demon Emperors were scarce, and she could be considered almost peerless.
Ye You gently caressed Qin Sisi’s cheek, his gaze still hesitant. Even knowing she possessed the ability to handle herself, he couldn’t help but worry, reluctant for her to take risks.
Just then, a few soft sounds came from outside the tent.
Qin Sisi’s expression changed, and she quickly rushed out of the tent, with Ye You hurriedly following.
"Stop!" Qin Sisi called out clearly, and a slender figure halted in the moonlight.
Qin Sisi walked quickly over and softly said, "You’re leaving like this, aren’t you afraid we’d worry?"
Jing Jing turned around, her eyes slightly red, looking at Qin Sisi and murmured, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry everyone, but I’m really worried about Brother Qing Xun. My father once said Hong Ji is greedy for power and selfish. If Brother Qing Xun goes back alone, he’s sure to face great danger."
Qin Sisi, seeing Jing Jing’s reddened eyes, felt moved and gently comforted her, saying, "Jing Jing, I understand your feelings, but if you go like this, you might not be of any help."
Jing Jing stubbornly said, "No matter how much I can help, I must go."
Ye You came over, and seeing him, Jing Jing immediately kneeled on one leg, choking as she pleaded, "Please, your majesty, forgive me. I cannot follow you to Taiyi Mountain; I must go to Seven Pearl City to find Brother Qing Xun. He’s in danger, I can feel it."
Ye You sighed inwardly and said, "Stand up first, let’s discuss this properly."
Jing Jing shook her head, gritting her teeth as she responded, "I won’t rise unless your majesty agrees."
She was always gentle by nature, obedient to Ye You, never so stubbornly insistent. Clearly, she was desperate for Qing Xun.
The commotion outside grew quite loud, waking Yun Wang and Xiao Meng, who groggily emerged from the tent.
Upon learning that Jing Jing planned to go to Seven Pearl City, Xiao Meng voiced her disapproval, speaking urgently, "Why go to Seven Pearl City? The Zhulu family’s deeds are their business, what does it have to do with us?"
She held no grudge against the Zhulu family but witnessed Jing Jing’s unrequited love for Qing Xun over the years, feeling heartbroken while Qing Xun showed no response, harboring some resentment in her heart for her sister.
Jing Jing retorted, "Xiao Meng, if Yun Cheng were in danger, wouldn’t you go?"
Without a moment’s thought, Xiao Meng quickly answered, "Of course I would. Yun Cheng and I are mutually in love, but Qing Xun towards you..."
Realizing her error, Xiao Meng stopped abruptly and gazed apologetically at Jing Jing.
Jing Jing remained silent, her heart aching so much she could hardly breathe while tears fell like beads from a broken string.
Qin Sisi sighed and turned to Ye You, saying, "In that case, let me accompany Jing Jing to Seven Pearl City!"
"Sister Sisi!"
"Ms. Qin!"
Xiao Meng and Jing Jing stared at Qin Sisi in astonishment, the former not expecting Qin Sisi to agree to Jing Jing going to Seven Pearl City, and the latter surprised that Qin Sisi would be willing to venture with her.
