Chapter 65 - Distant Promise
Fusu sat beneath a distant tree overlooking a small lake. The breeze stirred everything around, but he paid it no mind—like the silent, green-tinted waters reflecting the sky, the wind’s rustle meant nothing today.
He sighed, lifted his space-bag, and drew out a dark ceramic bottle. After a long swallow, Fusu exhaled deeply.
— I’m sorry...
He murmured as he avoided looking at the scarred hand he’d carved with his Qi moments before.
— Once upon a time, staying by our side was your duty, yet you gave us so much more... Forgive me for binding you here so long, for denying you the life you truly deserved, and above all... forgive me for never letting you chase your dream.
He clenched the bottle but dared not break it.
— For making you sacrifice yourself to satisfy my desires all these years...
Another drink, hidden tears flooding him from within.
— I don’t expect to live much longer, but if I do—when you walk these lands again, as bright and joyful as you once were—I swear I’ll do everything so your life isn’t weighed down by such suffocating burdens.
Fusu poured some of the red liquid onto a smooth stone slab he’d carefully set into the ground and left the bottle beside it. Then he rose and spoke to the empty air:
— The family you always longed for... I will ensure they live the happiest life any mortal could imagine, just as you always wished.