Chapter 46: The Past of Jing Yuan and Jingliu Revealed! Even Generals Were Once Young
Fu Xuan quickly turned to Qingque, her eyes sharp with scrutiny. "Do you know who she is?"
Under Fu Xuan's intense gaze, Qingque felt a wave of unease and stammered, "I... I don't..."
Fu Xuan let out a sigh. It was no surprise that Qingque didn't recognize Jingliu. Her records had been erased from Xianzhou's history, branded as a traitor whose name was wiped clean.
Although Fu Xuan hadn't lived through those times herself, her unique position often required her to perform calculations and analyze historical events, inevitably exposing her to some hidden secrets. This allowed her to be aware of Jingliu's existence and the significance behind her name.
As they continued watching:
Jingliu's expression abruptly changed. The dangerous smile vanished, leaving her eyes clear and bright like red agates.
"Hold fast to this oath: We, the cloud riders, shall shield Xianzhou like clouds veiling the sky."
"Draw your swords!"
Before the gathered Cloud Knights, the young Jingliu exuded unwavering determination, embodying valor among women!
The young man promptly responded, "Yes, Master!"
Seeing the youth's demeanor, Qingque burst into laughter, "Ha, he looks just like General Jing Yuan! Could he be his secret offspring?"
In the next moment, she met Grand Diviner's disapproving gaze, as if looking at a fool.
Realizing his mistake, Qingque cautiously asked, "Is this...a young General Jing Yuan? And the woman beside him, is that Jingliu? Was she once General Jing Yuan's master?"
"You still have some wits about you," Fu Xuan replied.
As their conversation ended, fierce combat erupted in the vision before them.
Jingliu's attacks were swift and deadly, forcing Jing Yuan to barely manage defense after defense.
Suddenly, the scene shifted back to the past.
Young Jing Yuan was vigorously swinging his longsword, drenched in sweat, panting heavily.
Beside him, his master remained stern and unyielding.
"Keep your grip tight! As a Cloud Knight, never let go of your weapon or allow your form to falter."
"Yes, Master!"
"Hummm—!"
The scene changed again.
Amidst flickering flames stood a soldier who had succumbed to the Demonic Yin Body transformation.
"Master..."
"He doesn't recognize us anymore..." The young Jing Yuan hesitated to strike against a fellow comrade.
Behind them, Jingliu remained expressionless as she drew her weapon.
"This is what happens when one succumbs to the Demonic Yin Body."
A cold flash illuminated the scene. Her opponent was instantly slain.
"The Demonic Yin Body is the fate of Eternal Life Beings. If ever I fall to it, you must show no mercy."
"Yes... Master..."
These words seemed prophetic.
In the following vision, Jingliu knelt on the icy ground, trembling and moaning in anguish—a stark contrast to the resolute swordswoman seen moments ago.
Jing Yuan stood outside the cage, helplessly witnessing this sight.
"Once consumed by the Demonic Yin Body, senses are inverted, and all humanity is lost."
"Go back, Jing Yuan. Jingliu has passed away."
"Bang!"
The past memories shattered as countless icy blades struck Jing Yuan, sending him flying backward several meters.
Yet, the demonized Jingliu continued her relentless approach, face devoid of emotion.
In General Jing Yuan's golden irises, a subtle shimmer of vulnerability flickered.
Fu Xuan and Qingque were utterly astounded!
From as far back as they could remember, General Jing Yuan had always been mature and composed. Never before had they witnessed him displaying such heart-wrenching vulnerability!
Before watching this footage, if anyone claimed that General Jing Yuan could feel anguish, indecision, or be driven to despair, they would have dismissed it outright!
Only after seeing this video did they realize:
No one is born a natural leader!
Nobody inherently possesses the qualities to excel as a General!
The journey towards becoming one must involve unimaginable pain and struggles beyond ordinary comprehension!
At that moment,
Jing Yuan's gaze gradually hardened, as if making a firm decision.
Golden aura radiated from his weapon-clutching hand.
His entire figure seemed enveloped in a blaze of golden flames.
A colossal golden silhouette began forming around him.
"Farewell, Master."
"Allow your disciple to repay your teachings..."
"...with this ultimate technique!"
With a sweeping motion of his weapon,
the Divine Monarch behind him mirrored the action, wielding a longsword forged of pure gold.
Amidst the radiant light akin to a blazing sun, Jingliu's figure slowly vanished.
Fu Xuan and Qingque stood speechless, mouths agape.
Within mere minutes, the helplessness and brutality of the Demonic Yin Body affliction, along with the complex grievances between Jing Yuan and Jingliu, were vividly portrayed!
Just as Fu Xuan was about to speak, the scene abruptly shifted.
The atmosphere brightened with sunshine.
"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight..."
"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine..."
"Ten thousand!"
It was a familiar setting, with familiar guidance.
However, the mentor-disciple pair had changed from Jingliu and little Jing Yuan to Jing Yuan and young Yanqing.
Jing Yuan's voice resonated sternly, "As a cloud rider, never let your weapon slip or your form disperse."
"Yes, sir!"
Jing Yuan smiled slightly, his tone becoming somewhat relaxed. "But you're still too young; you can't be considered a true cloud rider yet."
"I want to become like the General, leaving my name etched in legend on the Xianzhou!"
"What's so great about that? The path ahead won't be easy," Jing Yuan replied mildly.
"But, General, didn't you also reach where you are step by step?" Yanqing argued, determination and aspiration shining in his eyes.
After a brief silence,
Jing Yuan frowned, his expression deepening. Suddenly, he grinned, "Since you're so eager, shall we spar then?"
"Sure!"
"Don't expect me to go easy on you!"
With this, the short film officially concluded.
Within the Divination Commission, a profound silence fell momentarily, as both Fu Xuan and Qingque seemed immersed in the emotions conveyed by the footage.
A moment later,
Qingque sighed, breaking the silence, "General Jing Yuan, what a remarkable journey!"
"Seeing Jing Yuan and Jingliu back then compared to Jing Yuan and Yanqing now—it feels like another lifetime."
"And just imagine if it's indeed Yanqing who says, 'General... I shall repay your mentorship with this very technique...' in the future?!"
Fu Xuan sighed. "Qingque, if you have nothing meaningful to add, perhaps it's best not to speak at all."
"All right, Chief Diviner."