Thinking of it that way, Mu Bai had no rebuttal. Perhaps it was an obsession, just as Chen Qi had said, but Mu Bai would not give up. Only if, one day, he met Ling'er again and she was already married, or already had someone in her heart, would he let himself go.
Whether it was love or familial affection, Mu Bai could not let go of Ling'er, and even he could not explain it clearly. Her figure simply lingered, never fading, leaving his heart unable to accept any other woman.
Mu Bai wanted to live freely and without restraint, too, but now he had nothing to say. He sat silently, drinking Frost Wine with Chen Qi. How could he not know that Chen Jianduan had brewed this bridal wine personally for his daughter? Each mouthful only added to his sorrow.
"Before you leave, could you hold me?"
Chen Qi gulped down a mouthful of wine and bravely voiced the words she had struggled with for so long. She gazed at Mu Bai with deep affection, hoping he would stay without looking back.
"Little Sister Qi, the road ahead is unpredictable. I can't make you any promises..."
"Don't say any more. I just want you to hold me..." Tears streamed down Chen Qi's face. "Then you can go your way, and I'll wait for you."
"No, don't wait for me. If all your waiting brings you is news of my death, better that we part for good today!"
At this, Mu Bai's gaze grew resolute. He knew that every step he took crossed the threshold between life and death. Whether in the Spirit Taming Sect or the Sword Sect, who could survive without scheming against others and treading carefully? Moreover, he still had to avenge himself on a great tribe.