A Peacemaker's Sorrow

Chapter X

Shen Yuan couldn't say he particularly knew what was about to happen, though he could say he was fairly certain that Zhuzhi-Lang's decision could not and would not waver. If his expression was any indication. Jing Lian still tried her best regardless. "Please, just let us explain."

Zhuzhi-Lang did not regard her, instead looking over to Shen Yuan, a silent question if any explanation was truly warranted, or if action should be taken first. The transmigrator hated being the one asked! How was he supposed to know!? So, he only nodded weakly. "Very well." Zhuzhi-Lang sighed.

Is he upset he has to wait to kill him?!

Jing Lian looked over her shoulder at Shen Yuan, and for the first time in the years he had known the woman, he saw true grief in her eyes. "My husband, Yinchen Baolie. He's not well, not at all. He has not been well for some time now. It does not excuse any of the things he has done, and I agree that he should be dealt with accordingly. I only worry as to how, and the consequences such actions will have."

Zhuzhi-Lang's expression became thoughtful and gave only a respectful nod to signal he understood. "You see, he suffers through intense and violent qi deviations. Though when such things occur, he is not in any sane state of mind. He is aggressive, violent, and hostile. He will harm anyone in his way with little care for who they could be to him." At this, the Omega looked over at Shen Yuan once again, and the boy felt his stomach drop.

Had that been what happened?

A murderous qi deviation? Was that why he'd been acting so out of character for so long?

Shen Yuan wasn't sure how to feel. On one hand, he despised Yincehn Baolie for what he'd done to Jing Lian. He wanted to see the man face the consequence of his actions. But to learn that the sole drive behind his years of abuse was over qi deviations? Something out of almost anyone's control? He didn't know what to think.

As though she could sense his apprehension, Jing Lian stepped back and placed a hand on his head. Smoothing out his hair with a sorrowful smile. "This does not change what he has done. He is in the wrong, he should face the consequence. Unfortunately, if anything were to happen to him, the entire estate would likely fall into chaos. Seeing as..." She paused again, staring at the boy for a moment longer than necessary, and Shen Yuan responded in kind and a hand reaching out to grab onto hers. "We...He has no children. There would be no one to run the estate."

Shen Yuan felt the press to his head when Jing Lian changed 'We' to 'He'. A part of him felt his heart clench at the implications, and the other wanted to sob all over again. But he could only keep his hand in hers and squeeze with all of his strength, hoping his feelings could be conveyed.

"Would Madam not take control of the estate?" Zhuzhi-Lang questioned, and Jing Lian sighed with a shake of her head.

"No, I wouldn't dare try. For if Baolie is gone, A-Chun, A-Yuan, and I would leave. But it would ensure chaos. Baolie has a great influence on the city. Many of the merchants and civilians rely on his help to keep a sustainable lifestyle. I find it cruel to leave them with no means of help."

"Also to bare mention, he is a past cultivator. He's never told us what sect he joined. But we know it was one of the great four. Despite his leave, he still has close personal acquaintances with strong cultivators. If anything were to happen to him, there would likely be a search, and we would not be able to stay hidden for long." Madam Fang chimed in, taking a seat on the bed near Shen Yuan's feet, where she then checked his bandages and rubbed his calf comfortingly.

His mind was made up, he definitely wouldn't leave unless Auntie Fang and Ayi-Lian were with him!

Zhuzhi-Lang seemed to see the resolution in his eyes. So, he spoke his idea. "I could help your escape. My Lord, Tianlang-Jun: The Saintly Ruler of The Demon Realm. He would be willing to help you, he regards Young Master Shen fondly. We could take you to the borderlands, it would be safe and secluded. No one would find you, not even cultivators of the great sects."