CG Chapter 160: A Tongue of Honey, A Heart of Stone
When one does not know how to see things from an outsider's perspective and allows wrath to seize control of their judgment, they become twisted, blinded by what they think and feel.
Such men quickly turn to something worse than spoiled children. Thinking of themselves as an enraged immortal who has the right to do as they please. To put it simply, one shouldn't become a mindless puppet, only moved by emotions.
From a side view, many might view the girl as the only one in the wrong here, but in truth, isn't the boy at fault too?
He might have had his edges sharpened by the world, as he stated, yet if you truly think about it, you would understand that he, too, was moved by unfounded emotions, such as pride and anger.
Considering it, you could tell that the reason why he provoked the girl wasn't rational. What benefit would he get from it? Amusement? Making a statement? These things are dust on the road, worth less than some common horse dung.
With that being said, and in the next instant, Aretius's next decision might seem just as irrational.
Instead of attempting to calm the girl with reason, he chose to step in front of the two, a silent, and unmoving cold wall, as he faced the two with what seemed to be disgust.
This, however, seemed to cause the young girl's fury to grow further.
Pointing her index finger toward him as if she were questioning how a person dared come between her and her sworn enemy.
"You... How dare you? Are you siding with that wicked demon?"
The rage of the girl seemed like it had reached its zenith at that point, ready to fight the two of them if she had to; this only became more true when she heard:
From the back, the young man shouted in a joyous tone, "See. Even our new friend knows which side is true, and which one is but a false lie."
Nevertheless, Aretius did not plan on proceeding with their flow. He merely said one thing:
"Enough! I was told I was going to join the rising dragons and phoenixes of the Jianghu."
Somehow, from the slight, uncovered part of his face, he was able to show the clear emotions of disgust and contempt.
"Now, all I can see are some children fighting with wooden swords. During a mission, one's fate is left to the Heavens and oneself. If the two of you wish to fight on, then I won't stop you, but don't come in my way."
Aretius's choice in wording might seem even more provocative, and to some extent it was, but that instigation was necessary.
One doesn't stop a tiger by treating it with softness; instead, one would need to make the tiger retreat, thinking that you are too big a prey.
These youngsters, although less wise than the tiger, behaved in much the same way. By forcing the banner of righteousness onto them and treating them much as an elder would treat a child, they would behave. And if they don't, there is the option of...
A few seconds passed in silence, and the place appeared as if it lacked all signs of life, with no side willing to give in.
The two wanted to stare at each other, but their line of sight was broken by Aretius, causing them to direct their sights and hatred toward him. But then again, the words he just said made them unable to even question him.
If they did, then they would truly have no way to go, especially if he chose to side with the other side. Then what would they do?
Their clans might attempt to avenge them, but by then they would long have become but a pile of worthless yellow dirt.
Yet, what was truly aggravating was that who here didn't have a powerful clan? Do you think the other clan would just let you have their rising stars, even if they wanted to? Do you think they would be willing to let go of their reputations due to fear?
If they did, then they wouldn't have a face to remain in the Jianghu and instead become just a small merchant or a clan selling some soy milk.
To add to this, this wasn't some situation where the youngling did some crime; rather, it was a fair duel during a mission, and an initiation mission at that.
A few seconds passed, and finally one of the two spoke.
Surprisingly, however, the one who spoke wasn't the rational-seeming boy but instead was the girl who, just a few breaths ago, had been a vessel of bloodlust and rage, wishing to slice them in half.
In an unfamiliar, innocent, yet confident tone, she said, "I, Hong Gu of 'Ghost Suppressing Pagoda', the protector of the common man, the red fox, and the slayer of demons. Greet the Righteous hero, and ask you to forgive my shameful performance just now."
Seeing Hong Gu take the lead, the boy's eyes widened, appeared stunned for a fleeting moment before responding.
"I greet senior brother. This humble one is of the Li Clan, with the given name of Wuyou. Although I haven't met senior brother for long, I can tell you carry the grace of a dragon, you carry between your brows the air of a righteous sword immortal."
"It is an unfortunate twist of fate that we have met so late. If the Heavens are generous enough to let us step out of the village alive, then I, Li Wuyou, wish to become your sworn younger brother, for in the Jianghu, one's fate is destined by the heavens. One never knows when they will lose their life to a fleeting sword, or an arrow to the back."
How couldn't Aretius tell that all he was saying was but sweet nothings? This Li Wuyou was even more ruthless than that girl; he had a tongue of honey, and a heart of stone.
Aretius didn't doubt for even a second that should he not survive or merely show a subpar performance in the mission, then the sworn brother would simply become a dead one before becoming a stain on the Li Clan's mighty image.