Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 40
1090 Words
CHAPTER 40
Four days later.
Lord Fei ordered the men carrying the palanquin as he spotted Yattsu standing on the side of the path into Eagle Peak mountain. He lifted the curtains. He did not bring too many people when he left the capital. His two guards who accompanied him were also the same people who were carrying the palanquin.
“Lord Fei,” Yattsu gave a respectful bow.
Without saying anything else, Yattsu led the way towards their hideout in the depths of the Eagle Peak mountain.
A weird anticipation welled in Lord Fei’s chest. He really, really wanted to play with Keisuke. His eyes bright, a cruel smile on his lips. It was a handsome smile that could make one fall in love. But if one knew what he was thinking, just seeing this smile could make one faint in fear.
They entered a hidden house somewhere in the middle of the mountain. The path towards the entrance and the main opening on the side of a rocky terrain were both shrouded with trees, bushes and vines. One had to discern the surroundings carefully to notice it.
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Nephrite was tied tightly on one of the pillars of the house. He did not struggle since the day Dekai brought him there. With his wounds and bruises, he gave the impression of someone who gave up life.
As soon as he heard the sliding door open, he looked up. Upon seeing Lord Fei walking towards his direction, he secretly grinned, especially when he saw the other’s clothes.
Lord Fei was wearing an elegant black kimono. Red spider lily was carefully painted on the sleeves of the kimono and from the middle to the hem of the hakama.
Just like in Keisuke’s memory. He once again felt Keisuke’s emotional fluctuations as memories overlap with his vision.
“Let me lead you through the entrance towards the cycle of death.” These words echoed in Nephrite’s head.
“We meet again, Young Master Keisuke,” Lord Fei greeted him, voice sounding soothing and charismatic, reminding those who knew Lord Shun that this man indeed was the Left Minister’s nephew.
Nephrite spat blood, “Are you that happy to see me, Lord Fei?”
“Of course,” he walked back and forth, seeming restless. “My uncle taught me that I should always clean all the filth and stains I left behind.”
He stared at Keisuke’s eyes, “You’re that stain I left behind. However, being a cleaner doesn’t suit me. So, let me be your guide to the after life. Let me lead you through the entrance towards the cycle of death.”
To Lord Fei’s surprise, Keisuke chuckled. He said the same thing! His chuckle then turned to laughter.
Lord Fei smiled kindly at him. He really started to resemble his uncle, “Did you lose your head in fear?”
Keisuke laughed until tears came out of his eyes. Nephrite had momentarily lost control over the body. Keisuke’s residual emotions came out like a flood.
When he spoke, it was like two voices joined that even Lord Fei noticed it.
“Let’s stop this game. I wasted two days waiting for you.
Before Lord Fei could respond, Dekai and Kurokami appeared out of nowhere.
Dekai dealt with the two guards. His hammer’s impact was no joke. The impact caused parts of the floor to break.
Kuro cut the rope binding Keisuke then handed the latter’s sword before he turned to dealt with Yattsu.
Yattsu’s hate for Kuro was already at a grudging level. These two already faced each other many times.
Nephrite rubbed his wrist. His eyes narrowed as he observed Lord Fei.
“I’m glad you’re excited to see me. I did not even need to add traps. You guys just walked into it yourselves.”
Lord Fei drew his sword and attacked him.
Nephrite dodged and jumped away. “I did not expect you to be a coward,” Lord Fei stated.
Nephrite just grinned. He knew He could not counter Lord Fei head on. The latter came from a military clan and grew up doing harsh training. Clashing head on means death.
But it did not mean Nephrite would not counter-attack.
The house was probably an old rest stop used by merchants. Some parts of it were not run down. Aside from the walls, only the ceiling frame and broken roof remain.
Nephrite swiftly used the pillar to surge upward and jump on top of one of the beams. He then threw something at Lord Fei. Powder scattered in the air.
Strong, flowery fragrance suffused the air. Lord Fei and Yattsu, being victimized by this trick many times already, covered their faces instinctively.
It was too late before Lord Fei recognized what happened. Before he knew it, the back of his head smashed on the floor. Consecutive kick landed on his body. Without giving time to recover, he grabbed Lord Fei, sat over him and landed punches over his face.
Whether it's the assaulted or assaulter, no one perceived what else was happening around them. Every kick landed, every fist collided with Lord Fei’s body, Nephrite could feel the satisfaction in Keisuke’s body.
The quest was completed a long time ago since he decided to let Shier take his cousin away.All Nephrite needed to do was find Kazuyuki and figure out how to return.
But he decided to see things through. He needed to see things through.
He needed to beat the crap out of this b*stard who decided to destroy innocent lives all for the sake of self benefit.
Even if Nephrite would still give them to the authorities to be dealt with properly, the punishment he would get from the law would never be enough. Nephrite could never get a chance to make Lord Fei pay his sins for two lifetimes now.
Nephrite was not a violent person in his original world. So does the real Keisuke.
But Nephrite could only rely on his legs and fist to take all the payment and interest on behalf of Keisuke.
Before Lord Fei could lose consciousness, Nephrite pulled the collar of the other’s robe towards him. He could clearly see the pale face and the fear in Lord Fei’s eyes. One that he never saw before. He leaned on Lord Fei’s ear..
“I’m breaking away from this cycle, the curse you gave me from the last lifetime,” Nephrite whispered.
He could finally set Keisuke free from the shackles of his past life.
- Writer
