"So desperate to leave the Spirit Temple with Akiyama Haruto, are you? Then I return to you your freedom!"
Senkaiji's eyes gleamed with mockery as he let out a cold laugh."From this moment on, you and I have no connection whatsoever. You will also have no connection to our Spirit Temple. This is the path you chose yourself!"
Bishō (Bibi Dong's Japanese-localized name) was struck as though by lightning.Her exquisitely beautiful face drained of all color, her eyes wide in disbelief. She cried out in a trembling, sharp voice:"No! Teacher… you're expelling me?"
To Senkaiji, her reaction was utterly laughable.
This girl Bishō—she was like a fragile fairy. Yet just moments ago, she had spoken those words of betrayal. Did she really think everything could return to how it once was? That the affection and care she had been given could be treated as nothing more than her entitlement?
The moment something displeased her, she accused others of having ulterior motives, of harboring schemes against her. And yet she still expected others to continue cherishing her as before, placing her high on a pedestal?
Please! Could she be any more disgusting and hypocritical?
"It isn't I who is casting you out. This is the choice you made," Senkaiji said coldly."Since you treat all our goodwill as nothing more than manipulation, and believe that being with Haruto Akiyama will bring you happiness—then go to him!"
His words struck a rebellious spark deep in Bishō's heart. Pride and anger surged within her."Hmph! Fine! I'll leave. Do you think I care about you or your Spirit Temple?"
She turned sharply and strode away.
"Wait."
Senkaiji's voice stopped her in her tracks. He sneered."I did agree to let you leave with that useless man. But everything the Spirit Temple has invested in you—the cultivation resources, the knowledge imparted—you must return it all."
"When you first came to the Spirit Temple, you were empty-handed. And now, you must leave empty-handed."
Bishō's delicate face flushed red with fury. Rage welled in her chest—this was clearly Senkaiji making things deliberately difficult, proof he still did not truly wish to let her go.
"The cultivation resources the Spirit Temple gave me—I've already consumed them! But if you demand repayment, I'll find a way to return them someday.""As for the knowledge I've been taught—how am I supposed to give that back? Do you expect me to erase my memories?"
"That part is simple." Senkaiji's cold laugh rang out."You don't need to return the resources. Simply abolish your cultivation, and all will be even. As for the knowledge you've gained, I'll seal it away myself, ensuring it's as if you never learned it."
"And to protect the Spirit Temple's secrets from ever leaking out, I'll seal all memories you have concerning our hidden truths as well."
"Furthermore, the spirit bone you bear—it was obtained through the Spirit Temple's power. That too, I will reclaim."
"Once all this is done, you'll be free to leave with that useless man, and run headlong toward your so-called happiness."
He tilted his head, smiling coldly."Well? Isn't this fair?"
(End of Chapter)