Together 2

61. Practice

It had been five days since Wang Yibo left for his mission. Although anxious, Xiao Zhan didn't let it affect his training and continued practicing the mana sword diligently every night. The omega concentrated and let his mana flow in his sword before he swung it across, breaking the practice doll in front of him. "I did it!" Xiao Zhan exclaimed happily. 'I used to have a hard time even standing after using the mana sword. But now, I can handle it much better. There shouldn't be any problem in the tournament.' "I'm one step closer to being a swordmaster!" He said cheerfully. However, he spoke too soon as he suddenly started feeling dizzy.

Xiao Zhan sighed and lay down flat on the ground for a while. 'I may be hiding my identity now... but if I become a swordmaster, His Majesty might reconsider.' Xiao Zhan thought as he sighed. 'If Yibo were here, he would've been happy for me.' Xiao Zhan smiled and closed his eyes. 'I hope he returns to me soon.'

After resting for a while, Xiao Zhan got up and walked back to his room. As he was, he heard someone call him from behind, making him turn around. "Tang, are you on your way back from practice? You've been working hard lately." Gao Tai Yu said. "Chief," Xiao Zhan said, feeling stunned slightly. "I know you want to rest, but I need you to go back to the entrance right now." Gao Tai Yu said, making Xiao Zhan blink. "Is something wrong?" "You have a visitor. Make sure not to make too much noise." "Yes sir."

'A visitor at this hour?' Xiao Zhan thought as he made his way to the entrance. 'If the chief came to get me himself, it probably isn't an ordinary visitor.' Suddenly, his thoughts went to Wang Yibo, making him chuckle. 'Could it be...? Did he come back early?' "He should've just headed back to the room. Yibo has such a cute side." Xiao Zhan went to the entrance and saw a cloaked figure standing there, making him chuckle.

"Welcome back!" Xiao Zhan said happily as he hugged the cloaked figure. "Now this is nice." The cloaked figure said as he turned around and removed his hood. It wasn't Wang Yibo but Shu Hao, making Xiao Zhan widen his eyes in shock. "Thanks for the grand welcome Zhan." Shu Hao said happily making Xiao Zhan scoff before moving away.

"What are you doing here Hao gege?" Xiao Zhan asked, feeling annoyed that it wasn't whom he expected it to be. "Ah! Don't be so direct. You'll hurt my feelings." Shu Hao said dramatically, making Xiao Zhan roll his eyes. "I came all this way to deliver news about Duke Wang. But if you're not happy to see me, then I can't help it." Saying so, Shu hao turned around to leave, although Xiao Zhan grabbed his cloak. "What do you mean?! Of course I'm happy to see you! You're totally welcome here!" He said quickly.

"Shall we walk?" Shu hao asked, making Xiao Zhan nod. "Duke Wang is going undercover at a villa near the capital. We received reports of an impending black-market auction." "Do you mean Green Sky Chrysanthemum?" Xiao Zhan asked, making Shu Hao nod. "The ones we've captured will never be able to recover. We've already secured evidence of their illegal activities." Xiao Zhan nodded. "At that time... you said you planned a clean house." He said as he remembered his conversation with Shu Hao.

"I plan to do some cleaning." Shu Hao said, making Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo and Cao Yuchen look at him, feeling confused. "Cleaning?" Xiao Zhan asked, making Shu Hao nod. "I plan to wipe out all traces of Prince Zhu Zanjin from the empire altogether. Many people suffered to just quench my brother's greed, including you... Zhan.

He became a formidable person to sit on the throne because he had the support of many nobles. In return, he looked the other way and took advantage of the citizens of this empire for his own selfish reasons. As long as his men remain in power, my brother will eventually return. So I intend to tidy this place so that my brother cannot come back."

Xiao Zhan sighed as he looked at Shu Hao, making the prince smile. "Are you worried about me?" He asked, although the omega didn't reply. "Well, I have to atone for my crimes. At worst, I will lose my title and live in exile like Zhu Zanjin. But I'll accept that much." "When that happens, I will be by your side." Xiao Zhan said, making Shu Hao's eyes widen as he stared at the omega. "If that's what you want." Shu Hao smiled. After all, he said the same words to Xiao Zhan a long time ago. Looking at it, Xiao Zhan simply seemed to be returning the favor.

Shu Hao chuckled making Xiao Zhan glare at him angrily. "I'm being serious! Why are you laughing?!" The omega shouted. "Zhan, is Wang good to you?" Shu Hao asked, turning Xiao Zhan's face red. "How did you notice?" He asked. "Didn't I tell you, if it has something to do with you, I will know it." Shu Hao said while laughing before he looked down.

"For a long time, my heart has been yours." Shu Hao confessed with a red face, making Xiao Zhan's eyes widen in shock. "What?" "I'm not expecting a response. I just thought that if I don't say it now, I'll never be able to say it." Shu Hao replied. "Wait! What do you mean by 'a long time'?" "I'm not sure. It was so long ago, I don't remember anymore." Shu Hao smiled as a beautiful memory popped in his mind.

Little Shu Hao was sitting by the wall of the garden as he cried at being ignored. At that time, a young Xiao Zhan came over with a plate of sweets as he smiled at the young prince.

"I lived in my brother's shadow since I was born, and I accepted it as my reality. So even when Zanjin made a fool of you, I fooled myself into believing that everything would be alright since you were so happy. So... I want to be sure this time." Shu Hao said as he turned to Xiao Zhan, who was still stunned at his confession. "Are you happy now Zhan?" Shu Hao asked, making Xiao Zhan smile as he nodded. "Yes I am." Shu Hao smiled, expecting that answer. "I see." While he swore he'd do anything for Xiao Zhan's happiness, the heart wants what it wants. And this second rejection, stung his heart deeper as diamond-like tears brimmed in his eyes.

***

Finally, the day of the tournament came. A huge crowd was bustling outside. Xiao Jianmin arrived along with Wang Yizhou and Yu Bin and smiled. 'I can finally see you again... my son Zhan.'