I don't talk about love with my Martial Sister

Chapter 58

It was the second day when they found Pei Chen.

Shang Can and Yun Duan discovered a small cave in a remote area. As they entered, they sensed a lingering aura of recent activity and saw Pei Chen sitting cross-legged in meditation.

At first, Shang Can thought Pei Chen was in the midst of his training and was hesitant to disturb him. Just as she was about to wait quietly at the cave entrance, he opened his eyes and looked at her.

"... It's you two. Have you come to find me?" Pei Chen smiled at her and nodded apologetically. "I appreciate your concern."

His voice sounded fine, unlike someone who had been injured. However, Shang Can felt that he appeared somewhat ethereal, like a bird that had lost its nest, his eyes vacant and hollow.

Shang Can was unaware of the past between him and Nan Shuang and didn't know what had transpired after she fainted that day, but it was evident that his current state was closely related to Nan Shuang. She wasn't particularly good at comforting others and glanced at Yun Duan, who seemed to know more. But she saw Yun Duan merely glance at Pei Chen before shifting her gaze away and saying flatly, "Let's go outside."

After speaking, she turned and left the cave, appearing completely disinterested in Pei Chen's well-being.

... Although Yun Duan indeed wasn't skilled at comforting others, her attitude was still rather unusual. Shang Can blinked in surprise, unsure whether to follow Yun Duan out. However, Pei Chen didn't seem angry; he merely let out a bitter laugh and slowly stood up.

Once he stood, his despair was even more apparent. Shang Can couldn't help but ask, "... Are you okay?"

While most of the trouble she had encountered stemmed from the people of the Outer Heaven, at least this representative of the Outer Heaven hadn't harmed her in any way—if anything, it was she who felt at fault before Pei Chen, since he likely didn't know that Nan Shuang had died at her hands.

Understanding that his current state was poor, Pei Chen didn't force a smile and shook his head. "Just a little worry, nothing to be concerned about."

He raised his gaze to Shang Can, forcing a smile as he changed the topic. "Given the circumstances, why are you still wearing that mask?"

"..."

Shang Can awkwardly touched the white jade mask on her face, realizing that it was merely a superficial attempt to cover up her guilt.

After all, she hadn't worn any mask during her battle with Nan Shuang by the Wangchuan River. Unless something unexpected had happened, he should have recognized her by now.

Seeing her unease, Pei Chen paused for a moment, easing the tension in his expression. At this moment, he resembled the composed Jun Kun Yao from Shang Can's memories. It seemed he made a decision, his expression turning serious. He lifted his hand to his throat and then spoke.

"—I actually knew you were Shang Can a long time ago."

"!"

The words seemed to come from nearby, and Shang Can instantly realized that this was a secret technique Pei Chen had used before, similar to what Nan Shuang had done. She was momentarily confused about why they would use such a technique face to face and was taken aback by his words, her eyes widening in surprise. But he smiled and shook his head.

"I think... it's okay to say this now." He moved his lips, making it clear that Yun Duan outside the cave couldn't hear him. "... A lot has happened while you were unaware."

"You must have some idea about whom to ask for clarification, so I won't waste my breath."

His expression was tinged with a hint of melancholy as he murmured, "... I've always envied you."