Guidance
“Hahaha, your grandpa didn’t suspect anything since Mr. Bai introduced himself as True God’s friend, your father-in-law, provided correct, logical information and is formidable. It’s understandable for your grandpa to welcome him with open arms. Your grandpa carries the mantle to protect the family. Since Mr. Bai is friendly, your grandpa was quick to welcome him. I, in contrast, have kept my guard up since we had no idea what his background is; I didn’t even know if he really is your father-in-law. Initially, I thought he approached us with ulterior motives until you returned.
“He deliberately suppresses his power level so that we aren’t under pressure. The way he confidently carries himself, nevertheless, tells me that he’s a powerhouse. When I add together the rumours associated with you and Archfiend Baiyuan, his ability to wipe the floor with a group of Body Synthesis Realm cultivators in addition to him being friendly toward us, I inferred he’s Archfiend Baiyuan.”
“Your guess is on the dot,” admitted Mu Yu, finally seeing why his grandpa held Mu Zhexing in such high regard. “He won’t harm our family.”
“I know. If he wanted to, none of us could stop him, haha. Do you think he qualifies as your father-in-law?”
“He can be trusted.”
“Understood.”
“Are you not going to ask me about what happened during my time away, why I’m being lynched or why I’m the way I am?”
“From the way you snapped me out of my stupor two years ago, I understood you aren’t the type to make wrong decisions. I won’t pry because I trust you; I’m sure you have your rationale for what you do.”
Mu Yu squeezed his robe and blurted, “But the person you trusted massacred everyone in Eastern Desert City. Do you still trust him?”
Though he got it off his chest, Mu Yu started to fear the response.
“Aren’t you shocked?” Mu Yu questioned with his head down.
“I am, but I still trust you.”
“Why?!” Mu Yu erupted.
“Why did you kill them?”
“Because they deserved to die.”
“Why does it still bother you, then? If there’s a reason someone deserves to die, they should die, shouldn’t they?”
“Many of the people there were innocent, though.”
“What would’ve happened to the city if you weren’t there?”
“… The elemental demons still would’ve overrun it.”
“Worded differently, your presence didn’t change the outcome, correct?”
“Yes…”
“Word out there is that over a hundred of the city’s denizens survived. You were the one who teleported them out, correct?”
“Yes…”
“Instead of the entire city perishing, you saved over a hundred of them. What are you guilty for?”
“Because I killed the majority of the cultivators!”
“You said they deserved to die, which means they must die. There’s no reason for you to have any qualms about killing them. You feel guilty about involving innocent lives, but their deaths were inexorable in the first place. If you did anything, it was save over a hundred lives that should’ve perished.”
“I could’ve saved them…”
“You did save them! You’re just hung up whether you made the right decision or not and how others perceive you. You’re questioning yourself; questioning yourself doesn’t make yourself wrong. I, at the very least, have fathomed that I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you’re not in this world to live up to mine. It’s too tiring to constantly try and live up to everyone’s expectations.”
I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine… True. I’ve constantly measured myself up to everyone else’s standards, Mu Yu internally noted. “I get it now.”
Mu Yu finally looked up, revealing his calmer eyes.
“Can you tell me about Qiao Xue now?”
“She’s sensible, kind, polite, gentle and has principles. It’s always pleasant being around her,” answered Mu Yu, unaware he was smiling.
“Sounds like your mother. I’m sure your mother would be happy to hear that. How did you two get to know each other?”
“We first bumped into each other at Second Heaven. We had to help each other out there to escape the earth demons after us. Later on, I learnt that her goal was to liberate Archfiend Baiyuan. Due to circumstances, I couldn’t allow Ghost Gate to harm her, which was why I helped her escape Second Heaven. Over time, she fell for me. Sometimes, I just don’t get her; I can’t figure her out. Sometimes, she chews me out for no reason.”
“Hahaha, I might not be able to educate you on other things because you’ve figured them out, but I can teach you about girls. I, after all, had my bag of tricks to win your mother’s heart, so I do have experience to impart. Girls are easy to get along with. They all have their unique temperaments, and it can change at the drop of a hat. Whatever changes, though, it always has to do with you…”
As Mu Yu offered his ear to Mu Zhexing’s lessons, he smiled and laughed his aggression away.
“I also like another girl.”
“… You’re implying you don’t know who to choose?”
Tian Ran’s innocence, curiosity, fun and genuine nature won Mu Yu over, although both of them were amateurs in the romance department. Qiao Xue and Mu Yu’s case was the product of one thing leading to another, resulting in them understanding each other through the things they tackled together.
“No. It’s a question of who I like more, especially since they both reciprocate my feelings. How would you choose?”
“Hmm…” Mu Zhexing cracked a smile. “You’re lucky to have two girls fawning over you. Don’t overthink. Cross the bridge when you come to it. You’ll have your answer when you find yourself again.”
“Did Mother ever mention this issue to you?”
“Yeah, she did… She said, ‘If someone else also likes my husband, it means that I have good judgement and married the right man.’”
“Wow. She’s cool with you liking two women?”
“She was extra bright. If she didn’t threaten to eunuch me if I dared to have an affair, it would’ve been perfect.”
“Hahaha.” The two shared a laugh, bringing them closer and clearing the ominous atmosphere without Mu Yu even realising.
“She wouldn’t actually do it, would she?”
“Nah, doubt it. She wouldn’t want to see me in pain. I assume that’s what you’re referring to.” Mu Zhexing set his gaze overhead. “You still have a long life ahead of you. Cherish those you love. Those who love you don’t want to see you suffer.”
Mu Yu was not the only one who stood to gain from the lecture for Mu Zhexing also had the opportunity to do his part as a father.
***
Author message: some people may be wondering why I/Mu Yu am so hung up on the murder topic. I prefer to emphasise character development in my writing slowly unlike reincarnation stories, where the main protagonist already developed into an adult in his previous life (I even feel some of them are incredibly naïve). If I wanted to write a face-slapper series, I wouldn’t need to care for logic; kill when you want instead of challenging morals, world views and philosophies. If Mu Yu could get over slaughtering a city so easily, it’s clearly not important enough for him to think twice about his decision.
I like Mu Yu’s bright character and his tendency to start trouble. I don’t like dark, edgy, grim protagonists. I want Mu Yu to rediscover himself and return to his fun days with Xiaoshuai (Mu Yu does take life advice from me).
We will now begin the arc around Third Heaven Palace, and you can begin guessing who the ninth immortal is. The hint is: Mu Yu knows him, and you know him.
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