The Sorrowmender

Chapter 25 – Story

The stars and moon shone brightly, the full moon hung high in the sky, and there was no sound of people, only the rustling of leaves.

A few miles south of Frostsky City, two people on horseback were borrowing the moonlight to find their way.

One led the horse, a long sword at his waist, while the other sat on the horse, gazing up at the starry sky.

They moved slowly, the sound of horse hooves and frogs creating a symphony, but no words were exchanged between them.

The long road was tedious, and Xu Qingzhou felt quite bored, so he started a conversation.

"Ning Feng."

"What is it, Mister?"

"For someone like you, at the Ninth Layer of the Innate Realm, how much does your master pay you monthly?"

Ning Feng was taken aback, turned his head in confusion, glanced at Xu Qingzhou, and asked, "What is a salary?"

"It's the reward your master gives you each month."

Xu Qingzhou was quite interested in this.

Hearing the question, Ning Feng's lips curled into a bitter smile under the moonlight, though Xu Qingzhou did not notice.

"Mister jests. For us cultivators, worldly gold and silver are useless. They neither advance our cultivation nor can they be exchanged for elixirs. They're merely for food and clothing, but why would cultivators worry about such things? Whether there's a reward or not, it doesn't matter."

Xu Qingzhou unconsciously stroked his chin. Is this what they call treating money like dirt? It seems he's still a bit too worldly.

"Oh—if gold and silver are useless, then why do you serve your master? Did she give you something else? Like spirit stones?"

Ning Feng shook his head. "Spirit stones are precious and rare among ordinary people. If there were many, they'd be in the hands of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Among the Ten Prefectures of Haoran, Mortal Province is the poorest, and spirit stones are scarce. My master naturally cannot afford them."

He spoke to himself, and Xu Qingzhou listened. He had read some books about this world.

This world is called Haoran, vast with ten prefectures, eight wildernesses, and four seas.

The ten prefectures are the domain of humans, the eight wildernesses are the domain of fierce beasts, and the four seas are the world of water demons. Of course, legends say there are immortals in the depths of the four seas.

But that's just a legend, its truth unknown. In any case, the four seas are very mysterious.

Among the ten prefectures, Mortal Province is the poorest because the spiritual energy is thin, making the path to enlightenment difficult.

Also, due to the thin spiritual energy and poor fortune, there isn't a single prominent sect in the entire province.

However, this has led to the rise of three great dynasties and thousands of city lords and marquises.

Compared to the other nine prefectures, Mortal Province is more suitable for ordinary people to live in.

"Without spirit stones and dismissing gold and silver, why serve them? Why not seek the path of cultivation yourself?"

Ning Feng continued leading the horse, calmly replying, "Some for power, some for fame, some to repay a debt. Everyone has their reasons and choices, and sometimes, in the world of rivers and lakes, and the temple of smoke and rain, people are not free to act as they wish."

"And you, why do you do it? For fame, power, or to repay a debt?"

"Me? To be honest, Mister, it's for one word."

Xu Qingzhou's curiosity deepened. "What word?"

Ning Feng stopped, and so did the horse. The sound of frogs continued in his ears. Ning Feng turned around, looking seriously at Xu Qingzhou, and uttered one word.

"Survive!"

"To survive in this world."

Xu Qingzhou's brows furrowed deeply. He could sense that Ning Feng was a man with a story.

The light in his eyes told Xu Qingzhou that he was a rebellious person, yet something had clipped his wings. The frustration and worry burned like a raging fire, intensely passionate.

He longed for freedom, yearned for it. Xu Qingzhou recognized that longing gaze immediately, having seen it many times before, eyes just like Ning Feng's.

To live?

Does it mean being under someone else's control?

This was the information Xu Qingzhou could decipher.

Sensing Xu Qingzhou's unusual gaze, Ning Feng realized he had said too much and quickly laughed, "Why am I telling you this, Mister? We should focus on our journey, that's what's important."

He tugged the reins and continued forward, keeping his head down. He didn't know why he had shared this with Xu Qingzhou, but he knew it wasn't just idle conversation.

Perhaps, subconsciously, he hoped this strange Mister could also ease his worries.

But Mister Forgetting Worries, though named so, could only relieve women of their troubles, not ease a man's heart.

What a pity, what a pity.

"Ahem!" Xu Qingzhou cleared his throat and said leisurely, "Do you know why I'm called Mister Forgetting Worries?"

"Because you said you could make all the women in the world carefree, free from disaster and illness. That's why the people of Frostsky City call you Mister Forgetting Worries. It's also why my Lady came to seek you out, to relieve her heart's troubles and worries," Ning Feng replied.

Xu Qingzhou's lips curled confidently, "That's right, but the world only knows I can relieve women's worries, not that I can also ease men's sorrows."

Ning Feng paused, turning his head once more as they traveled, looking at Xu Qingzhou.

"Are you serious, Mister?"

Even in the moonlight, the expectation in Ning Feng's eyes was evident. Xu Qingzhou knew he had taken the bait.

One hand on the saddle, the other stroking his chin, eyes slightly narrowed, he spoke with a smile.

"Of course, I'm not joking. I know Brother Ning is a man with a story. Unfortunately, I have no wine, but the night is pleasant, and it's quiet all around."

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"To be honest, I'd like to hear Brother Ning's story. Would you be willing to share it, to help me pass the time?"

Ning Feng smiled wryly, "Mister jests. I have no story to tell. My life has been spent doing others' bidding, engaging in unspeakable deeds. Speaking of it might sully your ears."

"Bamboo grows without intention, yet branches sprout. The lotus has holes, yet emerges unstained from the mud. My heart is pure, never judging by appearances. Right and wrong are known from birth."

Pausing, Xu Qingzhou's voice deepened, "In my view, as long as there's a reason, nothing is 'dirty.' So, Brother Ning's story, I'd like to hear it."

Ning Feng was momentarily lost. This Mister Forgetting Worries always spoke in ways he couldn't quite understand, using words he'd never heard or profound truths.

Invisibly, it felt like this frail scholar's body housed an extraordinary soul, commanding respect and admiration.

He hesitated for a moment, then bit his lip and sighed, "Very well, there's still some time before we reach the post station. Since you honor me with your interest, I'll share my story with you."

"Excellent, excellent."

"The story is long, so I'll—"

"No matter, take your time, and I'll savor it slowly, hahaha!!"