Published: March 4, 2025
Chapter 58: Beyond Destiny, a Meeting
The white-robed youth, crowned with Purple Jade, had a face of white jade, long brows that reached his temples, and phoenix-like eyes that contained a chilling authority. Draped in a white cloak that enveloped his entire body, he appeared delicate and refined, yet gave off a sense that was entirely different from his appearance.
Riding atop his horse, he exuded an overwhelming presence, as if looking down upon the world.
The crown prince of Iron Cloud, Tie Butian, had personally come out of the city to welcome Du Shiqing.
At this moment, he sat confidently on his horse, his right hand gently resting on his forehead, squinting as he gazed at the road ahead, patiently waiting with a calm expression.
In the distance, dust began to rise, and the faint sound of wheels could be heard. A troop of people appeared on the horizon.
"They're coming!" Tie Butian swiftly dismounted, his white cloak still draping over him; although his stature was not tall, he did not give off a feeling of being short.
Beside him, several dozen men stood at the ready, their eyes shining with intensity, hands resting on their sword hilts, guarding him from all directions. This formation could protect Tie Butian from an attack by a martial emperor, allowing him to retreat unscathed!
Meanwhile, Du Shiqing was engulfed in confusion.
"Mr. Du, you have safely reached Iron Cloud, and I must take my leave now." Chu Yang said lightly, bowing with a serious tone, like a hero who had accomplished his mission and was ready to retire.
"Ah?" Du Shiqing could hardly believe that Chu Yang would choose this moment to bid farewell.
Was his journey to escort him truly just a simple act of escorting? Was it merely to repay a favor? Not for any other reason?
Old Gao and the four guards beside him were equally taken aback, looking at Chu Yang in surprise.
Chu Yang resolutely cast a deep glance at Du Shiqing, disregarding his pleas to stay, and turned to leave. His solitary figure appeared exceptionally carefree, as if he had just completed the most significant task on his mind, feeling an immense relief!
As they watched his retreating back, a sense of subtle shame arose in everyone's hearts: it turned out, we truly misunderstood him.
He appeared suddenly, traveling thousands of miles alongside them; if it weren’t for him, their group would never have reached Iron Cloud! If it weren’t for him, they would have been annihilated in that dense forest.
Yet at this moment of success, he chose to leave!
They had almost clashed with him merely two days ago! What ungrateful behavior was this? Chu Yang's departure had firmly established the impression of a selfless hero in Du Shiqing and the others' minds!
Everyone watched as he faded into the distance, becoming a tiny black dot before disappearing altogether, leaving them all somewhat entranced.
Chu Yang came to repay a favor; this had been established through everyone's discussion. But amidst their speculations, they believed he must have other motives.
Perhaps he was seeking to connect with the higher-ups of Iron Cloud through Du Shiqing, aiming for wealth and power—was that his true objective?
Yet at this moment, Chu Yang's actions shattered their assumptions, evoking a sense of shame for thinking "with a villainous heart, underestimating a gentleman's intentions."
What they didn’t know was that Chu Yang's departure was to better execute his plans.
Old Gao and the others were not wronging him at all.
Chu Yang understood clearly that if he followed Du Shiqing into the city, he would naturally meet Tie Butian; however, his status would not be esteemed.
At best, he would become one of Tie Butian’s many subordinates, struggling to find opportunities to stand out slowly.
But without suitable chances, such a prolonged wait would continue indefinitely. Chu Yang could not afford to wait.
What came easily would naturally not be cherished. This adage applied to men, as well as to women. It applied to love, wealth, and careers!