Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Breaking Down
As Zhu Zhuqing recounted her years of suffering to Yun Feng, he listened intently.
When she finally finished, Yun Feng sighed, "A young girl like you, burdened with such a heavy fate just because you awakened your family's inherited martial soul—it's truly the work of fate, both cruel and ironic."
Zhu Zhuqing's story was a tragic one. Once adored and cherished, her life took a dramatic turn for the worse when her elder sister suddenly changed, becoming cold and distant. Her father turned a blind eye to her plight, allowing her to be tormented by her once-beloved sister and ignored by servants who only saw her as a doomed pawn.
Everyone in the Zhu family knew Zhu Zhuqing was likely to perish. Her marriage contract with Dai Mubai, the estranged heir of the Star Luo Empire's royal family, marked her as expendable—a sacrificial lamb in a cutthroat game of politics and power.
Yun Feng remained silent throughout her recounting, letting her release the pain she had bottled up for years. When she finally finished, he said softly, "You've been through a lot."
His words, though simple, hit a soft spot deep within Zhu Zhuqing's heart. It had been years since anyone had shown her genuine concern or care. Her eyes turned red, tears brimming as she lowered her head to hide her vulnerability.
Feeling a pang of empathy, Yun Feng reached out and gently placed his hand on her head, stroking her silky black hair. Zhu Zhuqing flinched slightly at the unexpected touch but didn't pull away. The warmth from his hand spread through her, filling her with a sense of comfort she hadn't felt in years.
However, after a moment, she cautiously moved a few steps back. Gratitude aside, Zhu Zhuqing still held reservations. Yun Feng had saved her life, but she couldn't let herself grow dependent on anyone. Her tragic experiences had taught her to rely solely on herself.
Sensing her hesitation, Yun Feng didn't push her further. Instead, he smiled lightly and said, "Let's keep moving. Staying here isn't safe. Didn't you say you were heading to find that fiancé of yours?"
"I happen to be heading to Shrek Academy myself. Let's travel together—at least we'll have each other's backs on the road."
Zhu Zhuqing was surprised by his offer. She had initially planned to continue her journey alone. But upon hearing that Yun Feng was also bound for Shrek Academy, she hesitated. Traveling together with him seemed... safer.
Moreover, curiosity stirred within her. Yun Feng's astonishing level of power intrigued her. If she could grow as strong as he was, would she finally be able to control her own destiny?
After deliberating for a moment, she nodded. "Alright."
The two continued their journey, with Zhu Zhuqing pushing herself to keep up despite her injuries. Yun Feng noticed her struggle but refrained from offering direct assistance. He understood her pride and resilience—forcing his help on her would only hurt her pride further.
Eventually, as the sun reached its zenith, Yun Feng stopped. "Let's rest for a bit," he said. "Your injuries haven't fully healed yet. Pushing yourself too hard will only leave lasting damage."
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated but eventually agreed. She was nearing her limit, and she knew it.
Yun Feng began unpacking, preparing to cook some of the Rift Hound meat he had gathered earlier. Zhu Zhuqing, unwilling to remain idle, gathered firewood to help. Though physically weak, she insisted on contributing in some way—she couldn't bring herself to take from Yun Feng without offering anything in return.
Once the fire was lit, Zhu Zhuqing retrieved a box from her storage soul tool and handed it to Yun Feng. "You don't seem to have a storage soul tool. I have a spare—please take it."
Yun Feng accepted the box without hesitation. Upon opening it, he found a ring inside. Its simple yet elegant design, adorned with intricate carvings, caught his attention.
"Thank you," Yun Feng said, holding the ring in his hand. "Soul tools like these are rare, aren't they?"
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "Not really. In Gengxin City, they've already mastered the art of crafting storage soul tools."
She didn't elaborate further, but Yun Feng understood the value of the gift. He nodded in gratitude and said, "Thank you again. But stop calling me 'savior.' We're about the same age—soon, we might even be classmates and friends. Just call me Yun Feng."
Zhu Zhuqing blinked in surprise before nodding. "Alright. Then you can call me Zhuqing."
Their exchange marked a subtle shift in their relationship. As they continued their journey, the initial awkwardness between them began to fade. Zhu Zhuqing found herself speaking more freely with Yun Feng, a stark contrast to her usual reserved demeanor.
For the first time in years, she felt a sliver of ease and security in Yun Feng's presence. Yet, as they neared Soto City, her thoughts grew increasingly conflicted. The thought of reuniting with Dai Mubai filled her with dread and uncertainty.
Finally, after several days of travel, the duo arrived at their destination: Soto City.
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Soto City, located in the Balak Kingdom, was a bustling hub of activity. The kingdom, a part of the Heaven Dou Empire, bordered the Star Luo Empire to the south. Despite its relatively small size, the Balak Kingdom boasted the strongest military forces within the Heaven Dou Empire, serving as a critical buffer zone against Star Luo's aggression.
As Yun Feng and Zhu Zhuqing entered the city gates, Zhu Zhuqing's heart grew heavier with each step. Her thoughts were a turbulent storm
of emotions as she prepared to face the challenges ahead.
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