32 28.2 Because Of Me

Dawn hovered the Demon Clan. The celebration continued in its capital. Golden sunlight brimmed through the dark sky and a fragment of its cold light reached a slightly open window. A string of light entered a dark hall and the candles around slowly died down. The light from outside got bigger until it became yellow. The prosperous color lit up the hall a little, causing the painting on the wall to be more clear. Before the hanging painting was a man in neat white robes. His face was feminine unlike the haughty man on the painting but their eyes are the same shade of purple.

Shen Mo unconsciously raised his hand and touched his forehead. There was no royal mark on his forehead just like his father, because it was suppressed. He is aware if he let his other self free, it will doom Wu, the very reason his master sealed it with no hesitation. Shen Mo lowered his hand. His peach blossom lips raised to a smile. He undoubtedly failed his father which is why Xian Qing did not hesitate to raise Tian Liangzai. If he is not the rightful heir then look for another, even if it was just an illegitimate child unwelcomed by the Xian Family.

While Shen Mo refused everything, lived idly, and permanently used his mother's surname, Tian Liangzai was taken in to substitute him from his responsibilities. The purpose Shen Mo doesn't want to rule the Demon Clan is that he is obliged to make it better, equal to surpassing other races. Demon Clan may have been quiet lately but they are notorious for spreading transgression. Perhaps if Tian Liangzai can take over it, Shen Mo will no longer have anything to do with the Demon Clan and let nature take its course.

"Father, farewell." Shen Mo said gently. He bowed sincerely to the painting, a gesture he had only done in front of his master his whole life.

Although the painting was inanimate, Shen Mo has a strange feeling his father is out there. Even if impossible, it comforted him silently.

Jin Xuanwan yawned but she doesn't want to sleep yet. After learning more about Tian Liangzai, she became vigilant. He knows a lot about the Golden Dragon Realm. He didn't even suspect she was from the Western Desert because of her appearance. Since he knows a lot, he might have noted the rich and rare objects from the Golden Dragon Realm which is the source of greed. What if Tian Liangzai is up to something? But after waiting for so long, Tian Liangzai didn't ask anything.

"Second Brother!" Shen Mo found them at the banquet hall. It was a little bit rowdy because of the performing actors on the stage. The crowd quickly parted a way for him and Shen Mo hurried to their side. "Second Brother, I will have to leave now. Miss Jin, do you wish to stay a little longer or come along?"

"You're leaving?"

"We're leaving?"

Tian Liangzai and Jin Xuanwan asked at the same time. Shen Mo tittered and nodded as an answer.

"I already bid farewell to Aunt and Uncle Han. I can't stay here for long, someone is waiting for me." He smiled lightly and retrieved a crimson sword from his space ring. The sword was slim and thin but long, its blade was wrapped with white old fabrics as its sheathe while the handle is black designed with red patterns. "This is my parting gift for you, Second Brother. I got this from an expedition a thousand years ago before I retired. I don't know much about it but since it has no records, it must belong to the Immemorial or Primordial Period. Take care."

"This... Elder Brother..." Tian Liangzai was stunned. He hesitated to accept the sword, not until Shen Mo placed it on his palms.

"Use this weapon for good, alright? I already wielded it before and it is quite handy." Shen Mo had tried the sword before and figured out its advantages but since he had retired after that expedition, he never used it a lot. He is sure it is not cursed or carries an overbearing demonic aura. It won't affect anyone's mentality.

"Many thanks, Elder Brother. I won't fail you! I will surely treasure it!" Tian Liangzai said with his eyes glimmering.

"Well then, goodbye." Shen Mo waved his hand. Jin Xuanwan strode to his side and Shen Mo turned his back to leave.

"Elder Brother!" He suddenly called out to stop them. Both the two looked at Tian Liangzai and noticed his gaze was complex. "Will you return for my coronation?"

Shen Mo showed no shock. He had expected Tian Liangzai will be the heir. "I can't promise."

Tian Liangzai stepped back secretly. He can only see them leave and his clutch around the sword loosened. A serene smile hung on his face. He knew it, Shen Mo had cut ties with the Demon Clan permanently after today.

"I really can't sleep in this place!" Jin Xuanwan's eye bags are obvious with the morning sun above the horizon. She looks so tired and uneasy.

"Sorry, I didn't know." Shen Mo huffed beneath his hood. He kept his eyes on the road but he raised his arm suddenly and caught Jin Xuanwan's falling figure. He paused his steps as Jin Xuanwan burrowed her head to his chest.

"Good Fenghu, let me sleep..."

"Really..." He sighed helplessly when he saw Fenghu jumping out of the bag. The little tiger became big again so Shen Mo placed Jin Xuanwan on Fenghu's back. "Alright, all set. Let's go."

"Sir Shen." Fenghu made a sound. Shen Mo hummed and continued walking. "You are aware my Mistress will be the next Holy Priestess, isn't it?"

"Yeah." Shen Mo answered shortly.

"Well, you changed her view." Fenghu lowered his head and nudged Shen Mo's back. "Her Highness had never relied on anyone and she is said to be identical with the current Holy Priestess in terms of personality. The Holy Priestess hated demons and Wu, she affected Her Highness' train of thoughts but you changed it."

"Oh." Shen Mo laughed a bit. He just protected Jin Xuanwan out of goodwill, who knew he had taught her something. "Heh, back then, she was just like your master."

"The Holy Priestess?"

Shen Mo said nothing for a while. He looked up to the clear sky and said, "En. I thought she hates my kind because of how they treated her, but I think it was because of me."