Chapter 103: Wenqing Pleads for Forgiveness
“I don’t care what schemes you’re plotting in the Upper Realm,” Ye Yuan said coolly, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at the man kneeling before him. “But if you insist on running into me, I won’t be merciful.”
“Master!” Qi Qing blurted out anxiously, unable to stop himself. “But the Emperor truly—”
“I don’t want to hear it!” Ye Yuan’s voice cut through the air like thunder, silencing him. He stepped forward, his gaze turning toward Wenqing. “Wenqing, do you still remember what you said the day you begged to enter my tutelage and seek the Dao?”
Wenqing froze. Something flickered in his eyes as memory returned—his face turned deathly pale, guilt surging like a tide in his chest. “I… I said I wished to uphold righteousness in the mortal world and protect peace among men…” His voice grew smaller and smaller as he spoke, his body bowing lower and lower, as if he wished he could sink into the ground.
Ye Yuan’s expression didn’t change; he looked at him calmly, his voice slow and heavy. “I still remember the vow you made that day. You, however, have already forgotten it.”
“M-Master, please forgive me!” Wenqing fell to the ground again, his face burning with shame. “This disciple has failed your teachings!”
“You’ve not failed me,” Ye Yuan replied, stepping aside to avoid the bow. But the words that followed pierced deeper than any reprimand. “The only one you’ve failed is yourself.”
“…” Wenqing trembled all over. A rush of conflicting emotions filled his chest—shame, regret, self-loathing. He had thought himself cautious and prepared, aware of every price he’d pay. Yet he had already lost the most important thing long ago. The heart that once sought righteousness—when exactly had it slipped away?
Ye Yuan paid no mind to his turmoil. His tone remained cold. “I cannot concern myself with the affairs of Heaven. But if any of you bring your conflicts into the mortal realm…” His eyes narrowed, and a freezing aura burst forth. “I destroyed one once before—believe me, I can destroy a second.”