Chapter 395: Chapter 219: The Heroine’s Name Is He Shutong_2
"But how can any child grow exactly according to their parents’ plans? That’s not a child; it’s simply a finely crafted piece of porcelain by the parents. I guess that’s why Master chose to abandon literature for the sword. The sword is a sharp object, and Master hopes to have a sword that can break the shackles forcefully imposed on her by her mother."
In a gentle manner, You Su spoke, with the sympathy in his tone hidden discreetly.
"So I think Master shouldn’t regret it. It’s perfectly reasonable for a teenager to choose what they love. After all, no one knows what the future holds. Even if you insisted on studying literature, it wouldn’t necessarily turn out better than now."
Reflecting on He Shutong’s two hundred years of unbearable memories, the biggest issue actually originates from her family. She shouldn’t blame herself like this, taking all the responsibility upon her shoulders.
He Shutong remained silent for a long time, surprised to be enlightened by someone nearly two centuries younger than her.
"That’s right, even if I start over, I’d choose to learn swordsmanship."
He Shutong spoke firmly, her Sword Heart clear and bright, feeling a deeper integration with the Lotus Heart. She shouldn’t have, under any circumstances, blamed the Sword Dao that has accompanied her for a hundred years.
"Though Master left with some regrets, she allowed Junior Sister to become the Yuan Sword Inheritor; she personally ended Venerable Yo Jing’s suffering but also guarded the Profound Sky Sect for a century as the Thirteen Peak Master; and Senior Sister has no grievances against Master, she still has plenty of opportunities to improve her relationships. Isn’t this a situation of bitter first, sweet later? Master indeed should feel guilty, but she should turn that guilt into strength to compensate those she deems important."
You Su had never spoken so much with Master at once, unconsciously saying more, yet He Shutong didn’t mind at all, instead falling into deep thought due to You Su’s words.
For a long time, she had been trapped in self-inflicted pain, believing everything was a tragedy of her making.
But indeed, as You Su mentioned, rather than dwelling on whose fault it is, it’s better to take action to make amends.
She was indeed doing that, but there’s one thing she couldn’t make up for—
Her mother.
She loved her dearly when she was young, resented her as she grew older, and later, when her anger dissipated and she wanted to see her, found that there were no more days to reunite, leaving only a lingering sadness in her heart.
"In this world, there are ultimately things that cannot be remedied..."
He Shutong murmured sorrowfully to herself.
You Su, seeming to have guessed the woman’s thoughts, then asked:
"Master, have you never gone home again?"
"Mm..."
You Su thought about it, too, how a person like Master could have returned after hearing those words before her mother’s funeral.
She surely felt, just as those gossipy women said, that her mother couldn’t forgive her departure even until her last breaths, and likely the other family members felt the same.
As a result, she felt too ashamed to return home, as a sinner like herself, how could she face those who were once closest to her.
You Su smiled bitterly to himself; Master appeared cold and frosty like a Cold Sword Immortal, but in truth, it was merely a disguise for her cowardice and inferiority.
"Are they still alive?"
He Shutong paused for a moment before lightly nodding her head.
"They are also cultivators."
It seemed that although Master dared not go back home, she indeed cared deeply about her family behind the scenes...
"Master, you’ve cultivated the Ice Heart Skill, and you would unconsciously walk to your doorstep, how could your mother not understand you. Whatever unresolved issues there are, it’s best to confront them directly."
He Shutong knew this truth well, as she extended her slender hand to scoop up a handful of the pool water, then splashed it onto the surface, her eyes softening as she said:
"Many things remain unresolved if unspoken, pent up in the heart for too long. After talking with you, my thoughts have cleared considerably, thank you."
You Su was somewhat flattered; he could see that indeed Master had released some of her burdens, but the knot regarding her family still hadn’t been untied, otherwise she wouldn’t have made that helpless gesture of scooping water just now.
After the Ice Heart had dissipated, Master had been trapped in the Lotus Pool, even though she wanted to see her family, it had always been beyond her ability.
A sudden sense of responsibility sprouted within You Su.
This process of refining the life-bound object had no known timeline, and with such concerns weighing on her mind, how could Master concentrate on refining?
Thus, he sat upright in the water and said:
"I’m happy to chat with Master too. Master... may I ask one more question?"
"Ask whatever you wish without reservation when speaking with me." He Shutong’s gaze was as gentle as water.
"Master... could you tell me your name?"
My name?
He Shutong was slightly taken aback, confused by the boy’s solemnity.
Through the mist, her eyes reflected You Su’s face.
The boy’s face was steely, his eyes looking eagerly at her.
She didn’t know why, but the name she hadn’t willingly revealed in almost two hundred years emerged naturally from her lips as if a treasure chest opening before a wise ruler:
"My name is He Shutong."
...
The crescent moon hanging over sparse sycamores—Shutong, Master’s name is truly beautiful.
So thought You Su.
As he gazed at the clouds crawling atop the mountain peak, You Su’s mind didn’t cease turning over Master’s name.
With each passing thought, a fascinating curve appeared on his lips.
Ji Lingruo was secretly hiding behind a large rock nearby, suspiciously sizing up this senior who seemed somewhat off after visiting the Lotus Pool yesterday.
What’s wrong with this person?
The girl moved stealthily to the boy’s back, trying to hear You Su’s murmurs more clearly.
"He Shutong... He Shutong..."
Who is He Shutong?!
"Ahem!"
Ji Lingruo deliberately coughed loudly twice, hands on hips, questioning with mock anger: "Speak! Who is He Shutong!"
You Su was caught off guard and startled, clutching his chest, showing a look of lingering shock.
"Junior, why are you so abrupt."
"Me abrupt? Before, within three meters, you’d notice me approaching. Today I’ve been behind you for ages and you haven’t noticed. Speak! Who is this woman!"
Ji Lingruo widened her eyes, forcing him aggressively to answer.
"Why can’t it be a man?" You Su replied helplessly.
"Do you believe you’d be so captivated by a man’s name?"
In matters of catching infidelity, Ji Lingruo couldn’t be easily fooled.
"If you don’t tell me who it is, I’ll get angry!" The girl threatened.
You Su couldn’t admit he was lost in his Master’s name, so he suddenly got an idea, saying:
"Junior, do you remember when I was with you, looking forward to life at Henggao Divine Mountain in Chuyun City? We’d continue writing, earn big money, and buy a house in Henggao City?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Lingruo’s eyes softened, seemingly reminiscing the times we were filled with hopes for the future.
"I remember, I thought you forgot..."
"How could Senior forget? Isn’t that what I’m pondering—my new story? He Shutong is the name of the protagonist in the new story, and I’m still planning her plot."
"Really?!"
Ji Lingruo’s eyes sparkled, "So you already have new inspiration?"
You Su saw his junior sincerely believing him and hesitated whether to confess or continue deceiving her.
But sensing the girl’s hopeful appearance, he hesitated.
Should I go with the flow... Name the protagonist after Master and write a book?
That way, he wouldn’t be deceiving his junior, and could fulfill the agreement with his junior.
"Yes, inspiration came suddenly last night, and I’ve been planning tirelessly."
"Great!"
Ji Lingruo cheered in delight; she’d worn out her eyes reading the few books by Senior, finding all the circulating tales nothing compared to his.
"But be cautious about the surname ’He’. It’s one of Henggao City’s three famous Immortal Families." Ji Lingruo advised.
You Su raised his brows and asked:
"Junior, are there many with the surname He in Central Continent?"
"How could I know? But the most famous is the He Family from Heng Gao City."
You Su nodded slightly, noting secretly the matter of relieving Master’s burden.
"Oh, Senior! What’s the title of this book?" Ji Lingruo tugged at You Su’s sleeve, asking eagerly.
You Su actually had no inspiration, unsure how to respond.
Just then, at the edge of the peak, a great condor screeched, leading You Su to extend a finger and say:
"Let’s call it... The Return of the Condor Heroes!"
Comments