Bitter Revelation [Pt 2]

Tense silence erupted in the vicinity as both Liu and Yisheng stared at each other with differing forms of clogged-up emotions.

For Yisheng, he felt a tinge of betrayal as he revealed a secret that wasn't his to utter. As for Liu... his expression depicted what could only be described as immense shock.

One bordering the very edge of despair.

"A-actually, the first instance was when you were saved nine years ago. It was the first time I had seen the Sword Saint so weak. It was so bad that I had to tell him to tell me the problem. That was the first time I got to know about his injury. To be honest, even I don't completely understand it."

"Ahh… haa…" Liu felt like he was going crazy just from hearing Yisheng's words.

"Don't feel too bad about it, kid. I warned him to stop, but he wouldn't. It seems the Sword Saint really wanted to teach you. I can only wonder why…"

'It's all my fault. It's my fault that Yui is this way!' If she never saved him… if she never taught him Swordcraft, then she would still be healthy.

He carried all the blame for her current suffering, and the realization that that single truth brought to him caused him to slowly sink into despair.

"H-how long does the Sword Saint have?" He asked.

"I… am not sure. It's never been this bad before. He must have stressed himself too much this time."

"Give me an estimate."

"Maybe… a couple of months."

Hearing that caused his heart to bleed even more. Liu clutched his chest, feeling so much pain that he wanted to rip his own heart out.

"I… I see…"

His head shamefully hung on his shoulders, and at this point, he had lost all the strength in his body. He could feel himself sink into the deep dark pit of despondency.

"Liu… there might be a way. A way to save the Sword Saint."

"W-wha…?"

"There's a plant known as the Frost Mandrake. It exists in the Spirit Labyrinth of Eternal Glaciers."

"A-ah… haa…"

"It's said that the Frost Mandrake can permanently freeze any defects and evaporate them as mist. It's power is Divine, and it should be able to cure the Sword Sain—"

"Why didn't you say anything before?!" Liu grabbed Yisheng by the collar once more, this time a beam of life reflecting in his eyes.

"It's because, while we know the location of the Frost Mandrake, none of us can make it there and retrieve it…"

"Why?!"

"It's a Spirit Labyrinth, and a high-level one at that. It requires a Spiritualist, and one who is of at least the peak of Master Level to even think of attempting it."

"A-ah…"

It was no wonder Yisheng thought it was hopeless. In the first place, this was the Eastern Continent, and nearly everyone was a Martial Artist. Everyone in the Sect were also Martial Artists.

It was already impossible… or was it?

"I'll go." Liu's voice echoed in the darkness, and a very reckless smile formed on his face.

"You can't Liu. You're a Martial Artist. You'd just be throwing your life away, I guarantee tha—"

"I won't. Trust me." His smile grew broader.

A dazed expression formed on Yisheng's face. He must have wondered what could cause the boy before him to suddenly grow confident.

If only he knew the secrets of Swordcraft.

'I have access to all the energies; Chi, Ki, and Mana. I'm also at the Master Stage.' Liu was qualified in every way.

Besides, all of those reasons paled in comparison with the prime motivation behind his decision.

'I can't allow Yui to die! I won't!'

Over the years, there had only been one reason for living—one purpose for his existence. It was the Sword Saint.

Yui was his light. She defined his life.

"I could never live with myself if I were to lose her…" He whispered, gently settling his gaze on Yisheng.

"Tell me the coordinates. I'll fetch the Frost Mandrake."

"But, it's too dangerou—"

"I won't die, Yisheng. My master is here waiting for me. I can't die yet." His confident smile and completely assured demeanor finally convinced Yisheng. Something about the glimmer in Liu's eyes told a single message.

That he was going to succeed no matter what.

*

*

*

[A/N]

Alright!

Time for Liu's first quest outside the Sect. It's going to be short, but let's see what kind of adventure awaits him.

Will he succeed? Will he fail?

What do you all think?