Chapter 765: Chapter 765
Sheathing the sword, Huangfu Ziyu's expression turned exceptionally cold. She looked at Ye Qing coldly and said, "You owe me two favors, and these two strikes are my repayment. From now on, you owe me nothing, and you don't need to do anything for me anymore!"
Ye Qing was taken aback, not understanding why Huangfu Ziyu had suddenly become so indifferent. Seeing her like that, Ye Qing felt an indescribable pain. He had feelings for Huangfu Ziyu!
After Huangfu Ziyu spoke, she suddenly stepped forward. Before Ye Qing could react, she casually lifted the Ancient Sword from Ye Qing's hand and drew it out. Without any pause, she reversed the blade and slashed her own shoulder, creating a deep wound.
"What are you doing!" Ye Qing exclaimed, quickly snatching the Ancient Sword from Huangfu Ziyu's hand. He moved to step forward to check on her condition, but Huangfu Ziyu retreated, keeping a distance from him.
"Don't come closer!" Huangfu Ziyu looked at Ye Qing with cold eyes and said in a deep voice, "This strike is one I owe you, and now I am repaying it."
"Miss Huangfu, what do I owe you?" Ye Qing asked anxiously. "From the very beginning, it has always been me who owed you, from the day you came to Shenchuan City, everything has been my debt to you. You owe me nothing!"
"That's only what you think!" Huangfu Ziyu coldly sneered and shook her head, saying, "Ye Qing, do you really think I was helping you? You're too naïve. Your personality is just not suited for surviving in this society. Do you know why I helped you? Do you know why I invested so much in you? Haven't you understood yet? It was all for a purpose!"
Ye Qing was stunned, staring at Huangfu Ziyu, and asked, "What… what purpose?"
"Don't you understand?" Huangfu Ziyu said solemnly, "My lifetime goal has been to restore the Huangfu Household. But at that time, the Shen Family wouldn't let me enter Xi Hang, and I had no hope of reviving the Huangfu Household. So, to return to Xi Hang, I had to take drastic measures. I had to do things that would bring down the Shen Family. I was fully aware of the conspiracies of those people in the Western Province and the issues with Sha Men, but I never spoke out because I wanted them to destroy the Shen Family, allowing me to return to Xi Hang and restore the Huangfu Household."
Ye Qing gazed at Huangfu Ziyu, speechless for a long time before shaking his head and saying, "Miss Huangfu, this is between you and the Shen Family, it has nothing to do with me. From my perspective, you have helped me many times, and all that I owe you…"
"Ha, you still don't understand!" Huangfu Ziyu raised her voice, "Helping you? Why should I help you? Haven't you understood yet? You are the sole disciple of the Northern Fist King Li Changqing. That's why I had to help you. The long-standing enmity between the Northern Li Family and the Southern Shen Family has gone on for so long. My help was meant to lure the Shen Family into action and allow me to benefit amidst the chaos. Did you think I really wanted to help you? Yes, I boosted your strength gradually, but that was also aimed at countering the Shen Family. This has been my real aim. Ye Qing, you saw me too simply, and you saw the people of this world too kindly. I'll tell you, in this society, no one will treat you kindly without a reason. Everything comes with a price. If someone is nice to you, you especially need to see clearly, what motives are behind their kindness? Ye Qing, remember, the more beautiful the woman, the more deceitful she is!"
Huangfu Ziyu spoke with a somewhat hoarse voice, leaving Ye Qing stunned. He stood looking at Huangfu Ziyu, truly never having expected that her initial assistance had such motives behind it. In reality, he had been used by Huangfu Ziyu, something Ye Qing simply couldn't accept at the moment.
Seeing Ye Qing's nearly despairing expression, Huangfu Ziyu's heart also bled. But tonight, she had already thought it through for a long time. She knew that a relationship with Ye Qing was impossible. First, she could not compete with Shen Qingyi, and second, her life's greatest ambition was to revive the Huangfu Household. She could not allow herself to be tied down by romantic entanglements. Therefore, she had to sever all ties with Ye Qing decisively, so she could pursue her aspirations unencumbered!
Seeing Ye Qing's pained expression, she understood that he did have feelings for her, which made her heart ache even more. She turned her head aside to hide her tears from being seen by Ye Qing.
"What you owed me has been repaid. What I deceived you with, I have also returned!" Huangfu Ziyu bit her lower lip hard, trying to keep her voice from trembling, and said solemnly, "From today onwards, there is no debt between you and me. Your affairs are no longer my concern. My affairs are no longer your concern. Take care of yourself!"
After Huangfu Ziyu finished speaking, she turned around and walked away. At this moment, Ye Qing suddenly stepped forward and grabbed her wrist.
Huangfu Ziyu shivered all over, as if electrified. She had imagined this scenario in her mind many times. However, she never expected that when they held hands, it would be under these circumstances.
"You say you were using me, but that day you jumped off the cliff to save me without regard for anything, was that using me too?" Ye Qing asked in a low voice.
Huangfu Ziyu's heart inevitably skipped a beat that day when she jumped off the cliff without much thought, solely wishing to save Ye Qing. Even if it meant death, she was prepared to die alongside Ye. She had steeled her heart to sever ties with Ye, but when Ye posed that question, she genuinely didn't know how to respond.
"No matter what, I remember the kindness you've shown me," Ye Qing whispered, "Even if you really were using me, I wouldn't care!"
Instantly, Huangfu Ziyu felt as if struck by lightning and turned to gaze deeply at Ye Qing. At that moment, how she wished to throw herself into Ye Qing's arms. However, she ultimately forcefully wrenched her hand away from Ye's and turned to leave.
In her heart, she forever remembered that phrase: she was the sole heir of the Huangfu Household, and she must take on the responsibility of reviving her family. In the process of revitalizing the Huangfu Household, she couldn't allow any personal affection to distract her!
As Huangfu Ziyu walked away, Ye Qing seemed completely drained. At that moment, his longing for Huangfu Ziyu unexpectedly intensified. Perhaps, even he didn't realize to whom his heart truly leaned more between Qin Qingyi and Huangfu Ziyu.
Barely sleeping through the night, he got up early the next day and went straight to the residence where Shen Tianjun was staying. Today would be his last day at the Shen Family Manor. After mastering the boxing technique taught by Shen Tianjun, he had to leave the manor. Deep down, he still had many unsettled matters concerning Qin Qingyi and Huangfu Ziyu, and he didn't know how to handle them.
Qingyi was completely unaware of what had happened and felt rather dejected following alongside Ye Qing. After all, Ye Qing was going to leave today, and she truly didn't want him to.
Upon arriving at the residence where Shen Tianjun was staying, Du Tianyi was already there early. However, the Huangfu Ziyu that Ye Qing wished to see was nowhere to be found, which added to his melancholy.
"Brother Ye, you're here!" Du Tianyi greeted Ye Qing with a smile, saying, "Elder Shen specifically instructed me to learn this boxing technique with you."
"That's great!" Ye Qing nodded and smirked faintly, knowing why Shen Tianjun wanted to teach Du Tianyi. After all, Shen Tianjun had a good relationship with Tie Yongwen, and Du Tianyi was Tie Yongwen's most esteemed disciple. Thus, teaching Du Tianyi a boxing technique was also a way to honor Tie Yongwen's memory.
Although Ye Qing wore a faint smile, Du Tianyi still understood him quite well. Seeing Ye Qing , he nearly knew what Ye was thinking and casually mentioned, "By the way, Miss Huangfu has already left the Shen Family Manor. It is said that she has bought a piece of land in Xihang to rebuild the old Huangfu family mansion."
Ye Qing wanted to know where Huangfu Ziyu had gone, and Du Tianyi's words hit right at his heart. Ye felt an indescribable sadness—he had thought he could meet Huangfu Ziyu today. But now, it seemed that meeting her again would not be easy after this separation.
After all, Xihang and Shenchuan City were over two thousand miles apart. Moreover, after returning to Shenchuan City, Ye had to face even greater chaos and couldn't just leave at will. As for Huangfu Ziyu, her focus would shift to Xihang, and she wouldn't likely visit Shenchuan City freely. This separation made future meetings truly difficult!
Seeing Ye Qing's expression, Du Tianyi glanced over at Qin Qingyi and sighed lightly. As an observer, he, like Shen Tianjun, could discern the relationships Ye had with these two women. However, these relationships were the most complex and the hardest to resolve. The saying went: "A hero often finds it hard to surpass the barrier of love," and Ye Qing's current situation certainly confirmed that. Despite his great ambitions and imposing manner, he was at a loss between these two women!
Just then, Shen Tianjun came out from the inner room, greeted them with a light smile, and went straight to the point.
Looking at Ye Qing, Shen Tianjun said, "Li San's Li Style Bajiquan is formidable, representing the strongest of the Northern Fist. However, your physical condition is not quite suitable for such a fierce and aggressive boxing style. Today, I will teach you the essence of the Southern Fist, Wing Chun!"
Upon hearing this, Du Tianyi couldn't help but feel overjoyed for Ye Qing. Ye might not understand the significance of Wing Chun among the Southern Fist styles, but he was most aware. Known for its technique, Wing Chun was a premier form among such boxing styles. Numerous sects practiced Southern Fist Wing Chun, but Xihang Shen Family Manor was among the strongest. With Shen Tianjun personally teaching Wing Chun to Ye Qing, its power couldn't be underestimated. Once Ye mastered this technique, he would be no less skilled than anyone in martial arts!