Chapter 65 — The Past
劍問蒼天 · Page 4 of 6
Seeing Zhang Qingyue silent, Song Dayi thought he was afraid. He put on a smile, reached out and patted his shoulder: "Xiaofan, you need not worry too much. Master is stern in daily life, but in his heart he cares deeply for us disciples." Here he paused, lowered his voice, and said: "But you must not suddenly lose your temper again. If you happen to talk back to Master, there will be no way for us to plead on your behalf!"
Warmth rose in Zhang Qingyue's heart. He gritted his teeth, looked at Song Dayi, and said in a low voice: "Senior Brother, I—I treated you badly some days ago. I am truly sorry. You—please do not hold it against me!"
Song Dayi chuckled, reached out and rubbed his head, and said with a smile: "What is there to say such things for? Hurry along, do not keep Master waiting too long. Though this weather is really something—just now the bright moon was hanging high, and in this short while dark clouds have drifted over. The East Sea is different from our Central Plains after all."
Zhang Qingyue looked up at the sky. Sure enough, the heavens seemed to have darkened all at once. The moon that had been so brilliant a moment ago now threaded its way through the gradually piling dark clouds, its light much diminished, and the sight made one's heart feel stifled.
As they talked, the two of them had come back. Song Dayi and Zhang Qingyue halted, and from within the cave came the clear, ringing laughter of Tian Lingsu teasing Du Biyan.
Zhang Qingyue was silent a moment, then said to Song Dayi: "Senior Brother, I will not go in, then. I will go straight to the woods to find Master."
Song Dayi glanced at him and nodded: "Very well, go quickly! But it is rather dark now—mind your step as you walk through the woods, understand?"
Zhang Qingyue smiled, nodded, and walked toward the forest ahead.
Song Dayi watched his back and suddenly felt that this junior brother of his cut rather a lonely figure. He sighed, shook his head, and turned back into the cave.
The moment he stepped into the forest, the darkness seemed to rush out from its depths with a whistle, surging over him and swallowing his figure.
Zhang Qingyue paused, his heart stirring, but after a moment his eyes gradually adjusted to the forest. The remnant moonlight above still spilled down through the dense branches and leaves, falling on empty places in faint, indistinct light.
Everything in the forest was silent—no birdsong as by day, no breathing of beasts; even the low chirping of insects, usually heard everywhere, seemed this night to be gone. Everywhere stood giant trees, tall and towering, rearing up in the darkness like silent warriors!
Only the wind!
The sea wind, blowing in from the depths of the distant ocean, swept over the top of the forest, stirred the treetops, and rustled.
In the dark, deep forest, the youth walked on alone.
Zhang Qingyue's thoughts suddenly drifted far away. In this deep forest, in the silent night, he suddenly recalled events from very, very long ago: beneath a dim yellow lamp, he as a small child, nestled in his mother's arms, staring wide-eyed at the night outside, feeling a faint terror...
So it was—without his noticing, that stretch of bygone years had already grown so distant.
He closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, then shook his head, quickened his pace, and walked on.
Only, he did not notice that on the path he had come by, deep in the darkness, two red lights had suddenly kindled without a sound—like flames burning with hatred.
Like a person's furious eyes!
Tian Buhui frowned, growing impatient, and said: "What is going on? So long, and still not here?"
Su Wan glanced at him and said: "How could it be so quick? Daren had to run and find him, and then he has to come back from the Venerable Strongman's—even at a run, it would take some time. Surely you would not have him ride the clouds and mist over here for such a trifle?"