Yuanmu said, "Benefactor, why would you say that?"
Qiqi said, "If even the Heart Sutra cannot interest you, Master, that proves you were merely using it as bait. As for this so-called freedom from death and destruction, it seems you intend to bring everything to an end through me, does it not?" Her voice was aggressive, and even before an unfathomable expert like Yuanmu, her face showed not the slightest fear.
Yuanmu said, "I shall give you your answer now, benefactor. Minghui was my disciple. He died at Ling Jiazi's hands."
Qiqi's delicate brows knitted slightly. Although she had already suspected this possibility, hearing Yuanmu say it himself still made her heart sink. In her memory, her mother had always been the kindest, gentlest person in the world. Despite how few memories she had of her mother, she remained flawless in Qiqi's subconscious. Hu Xiaotian had once spoken ill of her mother, and Qiqi could not tolerate it even from him, much less accept it. Yet hearing Yuanmu say this now, she was considerably calmer. She said softly, "He must have done something to wrong my mother."
Yuanmu's expression was utterly serene. "He broke his vows because of your mother, even going so far as to betray the secrets of the Heavenly Dragon Temple. In the end, she cast him aside like a worn-out shoe. Minghui could have become the finest successor the Heavenly Dragon Temple had ever known. Alas..."
Qiqi said, "So you hate my mother, and you want to take your revenge on me?"
Yuanmu sighed deeply. "I have never entertained such a thought. Although Minghui died at Ling Jiazi's hands, he had no regrets. He willingly died for her. To sacrifice one's life for righteousness and to sacrifice it for love both end in death, and both