After waiting with difficulty for Zhang Qingxiao's laughter to subside, Zhang Qingxiao cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks for Fellow Daoist Zhang's high regard, but I'm afraid I cannot possibly join the Xuanjian Sect!"
"Eh? Why is that?" Seeing Zhang Qingxiao explain himself, Zhang Yutong secretly rejoiced and pressed on.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, there is no need to ask any further!" Zhang Qingxiao waved a hand impatiently. "You should give more thought to your own safety!"
"My safety is no longer in my own hands!" Zhang Yutong sighed. "I would like to learn more about your Heavenly Demon Sect, and I also wish to know why a man such as Fellow Daoist Zhang joined the Heavenly Demon Sect. Could it be that Foundation Establishment is truly so important?"
"Foundation Establishment?" Zhang Qingxiao glanced at Zhang Yutong, then turned his gaze toward the distant mountains. Those mountains lay to the west, where the setting sun was sinking and orange-red clouds spread across the mountaintops. After a moment, Zhang Qingxiao said faintly, "What of Foundation Establishment? What of the Golden Core? They are nothing but boundless loneliness! How could they compare to even half a moment of family affection? How could they compare to reuniting with one's kin and speaking joyfully together? I joined the Heavenly Demon Sect not for cultivation, but for... a blood feud carved into my bones and etched into my heart! For this blood feud, even if I must fall into demonic corruption, I will not hesitate!"
Seeing a flicker of savagery cross Zhang Qingxiao's handsome face, Zhang Yutong's heart trembled. After pondering for a moment, she said softly, "I did not know I had stirred Fellow Daoist Zhang's grief. Please forgive me."
Zhang Qingxiao stared into the distance as though he had heard nothing.
Zhang Yutong