Secrets Revealed

"Young Master!"

Han Xu strode out of the Space Gate. The moment he landed, he saw the devastated battlefield before him—charred cracks crisscrossed the ground, deep ravines carved by willow branches, and dark red bloodstains smeared across withered grass and shattered stones.

Han Xu quickly walked up to Dongfang Haoyue and lowered his head deeply, his voice heavy with guilt. "I'm sorry. I held you back."

His burly body was slightly hunched, his hands clenched into fists until his knuckles turned white. As a guard, being lured away when his master needed him most was an intolerable failure of duty.

Even though he knew it had been part of the plan, even though he knew his strength might truly have been of little use in a confrontation of this level, self-reproach still gnawed at him like a venomous snake.

Seeing the shame and dejection on Han Xu's face, Dongfang Haoyue gently patted his shoulder, the gesture steady and warm.

He understood Han Xu's feelings—this man valued loyalty more than his own life. Every time Dongfang Haoyue was injured, every time he fell into danger, Han Xu would blame himself, as though becoming a little stronger and a little faster would allow him to block every blade for his master.

"Han Xu, you've followed me through life and death for so many years. I remember clearly how many times you've taken a blade for me." Dongfang Haoyue's voice was gentle. "Without you, I would have died in those earlier assassination attempts long ago. This time, Qin Tian and I set a trap to lure out the traitor Wei Dong, as well as the rats hiding nearby. Your departure was also an indispensable part of the plan. So don't overthink it, and don't feel guilty."

Hearing that, Han Xu felt a little