Soul Lock

The Second Life (JX)

Ju Xin drew off his sword from an injured soldier's body and spurred his horse forward to save his soldier who was about to get killed by the enemy general. He attacked the enemy, but the other general was also agile. Two swords clashed and four pairs of eyes met.

"You didn't recognise me, General?" the general asked with apparent resentment in his tone.

Ju Xin looked at the general with genuine confusion. As the general's eyes were ocean blue, there was no chance for Ju Xin not to recognise him if they had met before. Thinking it was the general's ploy to distract him, he attacked the general on his side, but the latter dodged it effortlessly.

The enemy gave him a murderous look with a hint of disappointment and he attacked Ju Xin with tenfold strength.

Two enemies fought each other to death. Ju Xin's moves were elegant and well-calculated while the general fought with surging anger. As the general was distracted by his rage, Ju Xin managed to get the upper hand and killed the general with a stab from his heart.

"I am sorry, I hope you will be happy in your next life," he whispered to the dead general while closing his blue eyes with his palm. Then, he took out his blade from his heart and continued to fight.

Fighting... killing... blood... wailing... sadness...

For the next two years, Ju Xin didn't see anything other than those. Each day passed with never-ending fighting and he hoped to die many times.

When his kingdom won the war after three years, Ju Xin didn't know how to react. He was exhausted but happy nonetheless.

However, the worst was yet to come. When he returned to the capital with his soldiers, he was called to the palace immediately. While he was expecting a mere 'thanks' for his service, the king put him into prison, accusing him with treachery.

Day after day, he was tortured to death and forced to admit the accusation. He refused it, so they continued to torture him. Later he learnt that it was all because of his growing good reputation among the public. The king saw him as a threat, so he decided to declare him as a traitor.

As the king saw his persistence not to admit the accusation, he threatened him with his soldiers and relatives. Not wanting anyone to be killed because of his pride, Ju Xin admitted whatever the king wanted him to admit, but the king didn't keep his word.

All his relatives and soldiers were killed and Ju Xin's legs were crippled. He was humiliated and exiled to the border.

Luckily, one of the soldiers who was taking him to the border pitied him and wanted to end his misery.

At night time, he gave Ju Xin a blade which he accepted with gratitude.

The next morning, the soldiers found Ju Xin's dead body.

Smiling...