Chapter 297: Chapter 273 How to Stop Him

Almost simultaneously, from Rong Zhi’s silence, Guan Canghai suddenly understood his thoughts. A kind of almost unstoppable pain seized his heart. He raised his hand and grasped Rong Zhi’s shoulder, whispering, “Junior brother Rong Zhi, it’s not too late for drastic measures to be taken.”

Rong Zhi losing his power and other such things was not of much concern to him. Such external possessions had never been important to him. However, when he learned that Rong Zhi was willing to sacrifice his own life to save Chu Yu, he finally couldn’t remain calm and indifferent.

Death was not frightening. What Guan Canghai couldn’t bear was that Rong Zhi was voluntarily walking towards death in this manner.

He had not died on the battlefield, yet he would perish amid treachery. He was not brought down honorably and openly, but rather had to give up a victory that was within easy reach, all for the sake of one person.

Guan Canghai’s grip tightened, his voice deep, “Listen, Rong Zhi, I won’t let you seek death on your own, even if it’s to save Chu Yu. There are other ways. If that bracelet can transport someone to Luoyang in the blink of an eye, then let someone else go. It’s the same thing. Why must you take the risk yourself?”

Rong Zhi lowered his head and smiled.

Ever since making his decision in the front hall, his smile had been this gentle and tranquil, as if he had not been coerced, had not lost everything, watching death with a smile, so composed.

The strength of Guan Canghai’s grip showed his resolve. As long as Rong Zhi didn’t change his mind, he didn’t mind using force to stop him. Rong Zhi tried to push his hand away but failed. He could only sigh and say, “Senior brother Canghai, why do you treat me this way? The master is the master, and you are you. There’s no need for you to harbor a grudge about the past and always be indulgent with me.”

Back then…

In fact, Rong Zhi and Guan Canghai, as well as Tian Rujing’s group, all came from the same master. Guan Canghai’s father, Guan Riyue, was actually the senior apprentice brother of Tian Ruyue, and the bracelet was originally intended for Guan Riyue to inherit. However, Guan Riyue always had a rebellious spirit. He did not want his life to be controlled by an inanimate object, nor did he want to spend his life upholding some heavenly mandate, so he willingly gave up his inheritance. As a result, the bracelet finally ended up in the hands of Tian Ruyue, who was only a substitute.

In terms of wisdom and strategic calculation, Tian Ruyue was originally no match for Guan Riyue. But ever since Tian Ruyue inherited the bracelet, relying on its power, he secretly harmed Guan Riyue, even leading to the death of Guan Riyue’s wife. Guan Riyue, heartbroken and resentful, vowed to make Tian Ruyue pay. But when he gave up the bracelet, he had also sworn before his master that he would never be an enemy of Tian Ruyue in this lifetime. Therefore, he had no choice but to cultivate a tool to deal with Tian Ruyue.

Rong Zhi was that tool.

Even though Guan Canghai’s talent was not inferior to Rong Zhi’s, how could Guan Riyue bear to let his own flesh and blood take risks against Tian Ruyue? Hence, when he recognized the potential in Rong Zhi, who was sent by his parents to seek tutelage, he immediately decided on the person who would take revenge for him.

Guan Riyue devoted everything to teaching Rong Zhi, but by the time Rong Zhi was seventeen or eighteen, he realized that this tool was growing too fast, already reaching a level he could hardly control. He tried to manipulate Rong Zhi’s will, but was met with his revolt. And it was in that revolt that Guan Canghai lost his sight.

After Rong Zhi left, Guan Riyue aged rapidly. His wife and son successively suffered because of him, which made him feel immensely guilty. And after Rong Zhi left, the remorse he felt for his disciple finally surfaced in his heart. He had not taken Rong Zhi in with good intentions in the first place. How could he blame him for being disobedient?

Guan Canghai, in his younger days, had always shared a strange rivalry with Rong Zhi. Many years later, Guan Canghai finally realized that he was simply jealous of how devoted his father was in mentoring Rong Zhi. Even after Rong Zhi left and he learned the truth, his feelings towards Rong Zhi turned conflicted.

On one hand, he understood Rong Zhi’s actions; had he been in the same position, he wouldn’t have tolerated being controlled by others either. Yet, on the other hand, he was the one who suffered. Guan Riyue’s early demise, burdened with depression, was inextricably linked to Rong Zhi. Hence, during the years they were apart, Guan Canghai tried his best to avoid inquiring about Rong Zhi, simply because he didn’t know how to face him.

When Guan Canghai was entrusted by He Ji with the task of hunting down Chu Yu, Rong Zhi reappeared before him and collapsed due to a recurring ailment. Catching Rong Zhi, Guan Canghai was astonished to find that his brother was so frail and thin. From that moment on, pity finally outweighed all past grievances, and he remained discreetly by Rong Zhi’s side, protecting him until this day.

His help for Rong Zhi was not because Rong Zhi had treated his eyes, nor was it due to his father’s past debts to Rong Zhi; it was simply because Rong Zhi was Rong Zhi.

Guan Canghai said in a hoarse voice, “You are so convoluted, always scheming, always calculating, overly shrewd and manipulative, and I utterly despise it. But no matter how distasteful you are, after father’s death, you became my only family. How could I possibly let you go?” Throughout his upbringing, aside from his father, he spent most of his time with Rong Zhi. Even though their interactions involved constant competition, they never became enemies.

Regardless of his initial intentions towards Rong Zhi or who owed whom, the years they spent together, competing and yet remaining close, had become a precious part of his life. Just as Rong Zhi couldn’t let go of Chu Yu, neither could he let go of Rong Zhi.

Call it selfish or despicable, but how could he possibly stand by and watch his only kin seek death?

As for Chu Yu, to him, Chu Yu was nothing more than an acquaintance he had met a few times; even calling Chu Yu a friend felt forced. However, Rong Zhi was his only family, and it was clear who was more important.

Moved, Rong Zhi softly chuckled, then pressed his hand against Guan Canghai’s on his shoulder, whispering, “Senior brother, you don’t understand. A wrist can be severed, but how can you expect me to carve out my own heart? In my life, there have been few times when I was truly happy, only during my youth when I competed with you was I somewhat carefree. These past years, because of Chu Yu, I’ve started to feel a little more human,” he said, his voice warm and gentle, yet his tone was desolate, like a lonely traveler on an endless road without companions, softly singing a song of parting. “Senior brother, consider this a last request, I’ve always been willful and reckless, indulge me one more time.”

Guan Canghai listened intently, suddenly overcome with tears, his grip gradually loosening.

Although he could forcibly prevent Rong Zhi by his own strength, if he were to do that, would it truly be for Rong Zhi’s benefit? This exceptional brother’s life had been fraught with hardship. His parents oppressed and tortured him; his master deceived and used him. When his character was still tender, he was forcibly twisted by a heavy hand, losing his true self. Just when he found someone who allowed him to open his heart, he suffered such coercion and assault. Despite his unmatched talent, he encountered a force not of this world that cruelly stifled him for so many years and was now threatening to take his life.

But, ever since he had known Rong Zhi, he had never heard such a gentle voice. At this moment, he was so happy; how could Guan Canghai bear to stop him?

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