672 Farewell, Forgive, Forge (1/2)

Venerable Lord Sword, Snow, and Frost were still recuperating in the house Yun Yang had arranged for them. Their injuries had completely healed by now and their cultivation base had recovered as well. Even then, they had taken no action after knowing about the intense fight for the dragon hide treasure map.

They were not even the slightest bit interested in the matter.

”What's our next step?”

”I have no idea. I only wish to repay Young Master Yun's favor and retire from the martial world. Nothing is better than spending the rest of our days peacefully!”

”What about the seal upon us?”

”What is there to worry about the seal? I'm not concerned about it anymore. The only thing on my mind now is to search for a decent burial spot and send Saber and Ice over as well. Whenever the seals on us are triggered, let us sever our meridians there and go on our way quietly.”

”As for our death and what follows, including the God's Bones that lie within us… those are in the future. We won't be able to plan or become overly concerned about them. Being dead means being dead to everything.”

Venerable Lord Snow said softly, ”Indeed. I am thoroughly sated with the martial world, with this mortal realm. Now, I really don't want to stay here for a moment longer.”

Venerable Lord Sword and Frost let out a long sigh with their heads lowered.

It had been only a few days, but three of them looked worse for wear. It was like they had aged by several decades; despite their healed injuries and recovered cultivation base, their physical states were no better than they were before. They were akin to three withered old men who were already laid out in coffins, waiting to finish their last breath, no hint of life contained within their husks.

”It has never crossed my mind before this that the Four Seasons Tower's three Venerable Lords would end up like this,” Venerable Lord Snow said with a self-depreciating chuckle, ”It's a chaotic and bloody mess outside, but here we are, actually chatting over tea and wishing to retreat from the martial world…”

Venerable Lord Frost and Sword responded with a bitter chuckle of their own before heaving a deep sigh.

”This is probably what it feels like when one no longer has a target and purpose. Our initial intention – to serve the organization devotedly –has come to naught. This heart beats no more; I've grown tired of this life. Even if I were still alive, I am just left with a few more puffs of air. I don't have the patience to look out for these battles and assassinations in the martial world; let the eager ones fight over worldly affairs…”

Knocks were heard from the outside before Yun Yang entered, carrying dishes and wine.

”Young Master Yun,” the Venerable Lords greeted him on their feet.

From their initial hostility and disdain, to respect and now, gratitude, the relationship between these three men and Yun Yang was inexplicably complicated.

”I've come today to send all of you off,” Yun Yang spoke with a smile, ”Let me propose a toast to all of you, wishing that you rejoice beyond this worldly realm from now on.”

Venerable Lord Snow spoke faintly, ”We appreciate your kind intention but we'd never leave without doing anything for you in return.”

He stared into Yun Yang's eyes and spoke slowly, enunciating each word carefully, ”We'll only consider retiring after we repay what we owe you. Otherwise, we'd fell indebted even when we are once again recluses in the forest. When the heart isn't at ease, how can we rejoice?”

”Actually, I do have something to ask for your help with this time. You may consider this as us helping each other; it's a win-win situation,” Yun Yang replied with a smile.

The three Venerable Lords' eyes shone. ”Do speak, Young Master Yun.”

”Ma-i Sect.” Yun Yang said as he laid down the dishes and wine, ”All of you should be aware of their location. What I need your help on is… for Gold Hook Ma-i's name to be erased from this world.”

”Nothing in Ma-i's headquarter lives, nothing alive escapes!”

Yun Yang reiterated, ”This is the favor I ask of the three of you.”

Venerable Lord Snow did not look troubled at all, and immediately acceded to the request, ”Alright! Leave this to the three of us. Even if all three of us perish, we will complete young master's request.”

”My fellow Venerable Lords might have misunderstood me. The sect leader, patriarch, sect elders, and elites from Ma-i Sect have left their operation and are now on their way to Tiantang City.”