People like this cannot encounter some setbacks in the Abyss and then fearfully shrink back; they will only remember the lessons and strive even harder to move forward.
However, as his friend, Chu Xiu really didnât want him to be so aggressive. He didnât want to return from the Abyss one day and hear the bad news of his friendâs death.
At this moment, he suddenly thought of the mother he encountered outside of school, the one who lost her son. Unconsciously, Chu Xiu replaced that sorrowful and lifeless face with Zhang Qingshanâs motherâs face. He couldnât help but feel a bit moved. The two families grew up together from childhood; both Zhangâs mother and father took great care of him, and Chu Xiu didnât want to see that scene happen.
"Did you tell Uncle and Auntie?" Chu Xiu asked.
"I did."
"They didnât oppose it?"
"They did, but they will still support me. Itâs always been like that."
"What about Chu Qin? What about her?"
"Sheâs coming with me."
"Are you willing to take her on this dangerous adventure with you?"
"Hey, Ah Chu, what are you saying?" Chu Qinâs displeased voice chimed in next to them. She held Zhang Qingshanâs hand and glared disapprovingly at Chu Xiu: "You make it sound like Iâm some kind of indecisive trophy. The decision to enlist together was mine alone. Even if I die out there, it has nothing to do with Qingshan."
"I support Qingshan, not because heâs my boyfriend, but because his ideals are also my ideals."
Chu Qinâs words rendered Chu Xiu silent, and after a while, he could only let out a bitter smile.
He originally planned to rely on Chu Qin to persuade Qingshan, but now he could only say that this pair is truly well-matched.
Their relationship has gone beyond just men and women drawn together by hormones; they are comrades with shared beliefs.
"So Ah Chu, what do you say?" Chu Qin asked with a smile, "Youâre not in a Combat Profession, so you definitely canât go to the front lines with us. Even if you wanted to, weâd have to stop you. But quietly working a job doesnât seem like your character either."
Chu Xiu hesitated for a moment and then smiled: "People change. After seeing so much death, I donât want to take risks anymore."
He knew that the two actually hoped he would join the military with them, but he had too many hidden secrets and couldnât join any organization. Maintaining a low-profile, unobtrusive status as he did now was most beneficial to him.
Upon hearing that, Zhang Qingshanâs eyes flashed a hint of disappointment, but it quickly vanished, replaced by a bit of relief. He smiled and said: "Thatâs good. If anything happens to me, youâll be there to take care of the family. Youâre like our familyâs second son."
People are complex. On one hand, Qingshan hoped that Chu Xiu would remember their childhood ideals and fight for them together. On the other hand, he didnât want Chu Xiu to fall into danger. Chu Xiu choosing to stay relatively safe in the rear was, in a way, the right choice.
The two said no more. Chu Xiu patted Qingshan and Chu Qinâs shoulders firmly and said: "Take care of yourselves."
"Okay," Zhang Qingshan seemed to understand that after parting this time, it might be a long time before they saw each other again, or possibly never, and his expression turned quite emotional. But he didnât say much, only adding: "You take care too."
As the music played at the end of the memorial service, the three bid each other farewell, heading in different directions.
In the days that followed, Chu Xiu continued to cultivate more diligently.
The conversation with Qingshan had left a deep impact on him. Although he didnât have grand ideals like Qingshan, he also hoped to prepare in advance and have enough Power before a disaster struck.
And so, several more days passed.
Finally, the time had come for the cooldown period to end.
"Once the items are exchanged for Cause and Effect Points and upgraded, immediately start the Ancient Trials."
With his thoughts set, Chu Xiu no longer hesitated and returned once again to the Corpse Demon World.