GOR Chapter 268: Thank You, Sorry
Nagase Komi carried a bag with her and had earphones placed into her ears. Her eyes were cast down and her head lowered as she boarded the airplane. Her face was emotionless and cold as she ignored the flight attendant’s greetings and simply walked into the cabin with indifference.
As she was walking through the cabin entrance, Nagase Komi raised her head and her eyes just happened to meet with Chen Xiaolian’s.
Nagase Komi’s face froze and she shuddered! There was shock, surprise and even a hint of panic on her face. However, it soon faded as she once again recollected herself. She lowered her head while casting a complicated gaze at Chen Xiaolian.
Chen Xiaolian became puzzled. Then, he decided against his desire to get up and speak with Nagase Komi. At the same time, he secretly held onto Roddy’s arm, signalling to him not to do anything.
Because Chen Xiaolian noticed that Nagase Komi was not alone!
…
Behind Nagase Komi, a short figure belonging to an old man slowly walked in.
The most eye-catching aspect of the old man was that he was wearing a traditional Japanese attire.
He wore a large black coloured robe that was devoid of patterns and a hakama under his torso. He sported a trimmed and clean beard while holding onto a small fan in his left hand. Despite his silvery white hair, his face was glowing with pink. He had the standard look of a healthy elderly man. However, those pair of narrow eyes made it hard to discern what lurked behind his eyes. As for his expression, it was cold and serious.
Behind the old man was a middle-aged man wearing a suit. The middle-aged man carried a box while following behind the old man.
The Japanese old man whispered something to Nagase Komi and she grunted in response. She did not turn her head and simply walked forward with her head lowered. Although her expression remained cold, a trace of fear could be seen on her.
The middle-aged man behind them revealed a look of dissatisfaction and muttered something in a low tone.
When Nagase Komi reached Chen Xiaolian and Roddy’s position, she deliberately ignored them. She had her eyes gazing elsewhere as she quickly moved forward.
The old man waved his voluminous sleeve and fanned himself with the fan in his left hand before slowly following behind. When he reached Chen Xiaolian and Roddy’s position, who knows if it was intentional or coincidental, he narrowed his eyes and glanced at them. Then, with a face of indifference, he walked past them.
As the old man was walking past them, Chen Xiaolian could sense a frigid air swirling around the old man. Chen Xiaolian subconsciously frowned and shrunk his neck back.
Nagase Komi, the old man and the middle-aged man sat in a position that was two rows away from Chen Xiaolian and Roddy.
Chen Xiaolian secretly raised his mobile phone and used the reflection on it to get a view of the back. He saw the old man and Nagase Komi sitting side by side while the middle-aged man sat in another corner.
The old man seemingly spoke something in a low tone of voice. Although Nagase Komi appeared rather vexed, she still replied with her head bowed. There was a look of submission in her actions.
Mm, submission was the word.
It was not respect, but a faint sense of fear. One that forced out an attitude of submission.
“This flight is going to be a lively one,” said Chen Xiaolian to himself as he smiled wryly.
Nagase Komi… is she also going to participate in this punishment instance dungeon?
That is not an impossibility.
After a while, a warm announcement by the flight attendant was broadcasted through the airplane.
Next, the airplane slowly began moving across the airport runway.
Following a roaring sound, the airplane took off and ascended into the sky.
After the airplane reached a certain height, it gradually stabilized its flight. The flight attendants then informed the passengers that they may now freely move about. Hearing that, Chen Xiaolian quickly got up. Putting on a façade of stretching his waist, he then threw a signal at Roddy, indicating that he should not do anything rash. After that, he walked toward the rear end of the cabin.
As he was walking past Nagase Komi’s seat, he deliberately staggered and his body knocked into Nagase Komi’s seat. Then, he quickly straightened his body and bowed to Nagase Komi. “I’m sorry.”
There was an indifferent expression in Nagase Komi’s eyes. As she glanced at Chen Xiaolian, a complicated expression appeared on her face – there was also a hint of warning.
Chen Xiaolian gave a soft smile and he kept moving forward as he made his way into the restroom.
After a while, Chen Xiaolian then came out from the restroom and returned to his seat.
He sat in his seat quietly. However, his eyes were constantly paying attention to what was happening behind.
After a few minutes, Chen Xiaolian finally heard Nagase Komi getting up. Again, he used the reflections to watch as Nagase Komi left her seat and headed for the restroom as well.
Chen Xiaolian breathed a sigh of relief.
…
After Nagase Komi entered the restroom, she locked the door and quickly proceeded to inspect every corner of the restroom.
She searched through every detail and finally found a symbol beneath the restroom sink.
It was a big ‘?’ symbol drawn using crayon.
Seeing the symbol, Nagase Komi became hesitant and a complicated expression was etched on her face. Finally, she inhaled deeply.
…
Hearing Nagase Komi walking out from the restroom and back to her seat, Chen Xiaolian smiled and sent a message to Roddy using their guild channel. “After a moment, go into the restroom and check the bottom of the sink to see if there is anything.”
Roddy was surprised to hear that. However, just as he was about to get up, Chen Xiaolian gripped his wrist and shook his head. “Wait another two minutes before going.”
“Is there something wrong with the bald girl?” Roddy asked using the guild channel. “Maybe she is also going to participate in the punishment instance dungeon?”
“That is possible.” Chen Xiaolian nodded his head and continued, “It seems she is pretending that she does not know us.”
“Something is definitely not right,” Roddy was quick to reply. “I remember what you said about the last moments of the Tokyo instance dungeon. She was convinced by Tian Lie to quit our guild. Perhaps… she still harbours a grudge against us?”
“Probably not.” Chen Xiaolian frowned. “Back then, I had already talked things through with her and explained that I did not have any intention of abandoning her. I believe that she is probably not holding a grudge against us. However… it is possible that there is something going on with the other two people beside her. Perhaps… they are her companions or guild members.”
“You mean to say… she might have joined another guild?” Roddy’s eyes flickered.
“That old man is not a nobody,” replied Chen Xiaolian with a frown.
“How can you tell?”
Chen Xiaolian smiled wryly and said, “Did you notice the clothes he is wearing?”
Roddy thought about it and answered, “Isn’t that just traditional Japanese kimono?”
“That is not a kimono.” Chen Xiaolian shook his head and continued, “That is the sokutai, worn by clergy members of Japan. It is somewhat similar to the kimono, but there are differences.”
After saying that, Chen Xiaolian tilted his head and said, “Did you see the knot on his outer layer of cloth? That is an accessory for Shinto priests. Then, recall how his outer layer of cloth looks like. Most kimono would have some patterns or dark lines on it. However, the sokutai worn by members of the clergy would be pure white, signifying piousness, purity and flawlessness.
“Finally, I also noticed the shoes that he was wearing. They were black and had fully enclosed tip. In the Shinto clergy, those shoes are known as the asagutsu.”
Roddy was surprised and he asked, “How did you know all these?”
“I write novels for a living. So, I would look up on miscellaneous stuffs like this.” Chen Xiaolian pursed his lips to the side and continued, “Just now, did you sense any sinister atmosphere from the old man?”
Roddy shook his head. “No.”
Chen Xiaolian knitted his eyebrows but elected to say nothing. He instead checked the time and said, “All right, you can go to the restroom now. See if there is anything and come tell me… remember to clean it up and to not leave any traces behind.”
Roddy rose up and walked to the rear side of the cabin. Chen Xiaolian deliberately picked up a magazine and browsed through it slowly. However, he was constantly straining his ears to listen to what was happening behind.
Three rows behind him, the Japanese old man had his eyes closed while Nagase Komi who was beside him had an indifferent look on her face. She had her head lowered as she listened to music with her earphones. Occasionally however, she would be unable to restrain herself from glancing forward.
As for the middle-aged man, he sat there and had the flight attendant bring him alcohol. He gulped down several glasses before reclining his seat, covering himself with a layer of blanket and going to sleep.
A few minutes later, Roddy returned from the restroom. After he sat down, he glanced at Chen Xiaolian before using the guild channel to send Chen Xiaolian a message.
The message consisted of two words, which formed a name.
…
A luxurious silver coloured Bentley was travelling through the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. The sea could be seen on both sides of the bridge.
The Bentley slowly drove atop the bridge.
In the back of the car was a young man.
He wore white coloured suit and the cuffs of his sleeves were embroidered with a faint golden pattern. The pattern was clearly that of a thorned flower.
The man sported short golden coloured hair. The curves on his face were as sharp as a knife. His was a handsome face resembling that of the Greek Gods. However, there was a hint of feminine aura in his gaze.
He gave a faint sigh as he held a cup of wine and gulped down the amber coloured champagne.
He retracted his eyes that were looking out the window to gaze upon the seat beside him. There, an exquisite mobile phone lay.
Suddenly, the mobile phone rang.
A faint smile appeared on the blond young man’s mouth.
He picked up the mobile phone and answered the call.
“Speak up, I’m listening.”
His voice was calm and gentle, seemingly blessed with a natural quality of harmony, elegance and magnetism.
The other side was silent for a moment before speaking out.
“… … Guild Leader.”
The blond young man – the Guild Leader of Thorned Flower Guild, Augustine Shen gave a soft sigh. He had a complicated expression on his face as he put down the cup of champagne in his other hand. Then, he said softly, “Did you know? I was waiting for you to call.”
There was silence.
Shen then continued, “I am already on my way to meet you. I’ve thought it through. If you did not call me before I find you… then, I will personally kill you.”
More silence.
There was a slight frown on Shen’s face and he said, “Now then, tell me what is going on here, Tian Lie.”
“… let’s talk after we meet.” Tian Lie’s voice could be heard coming from the mobile phone. “The usual place. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Sawakita Mitsuo
That was the name Roddy sent over to Chen Xiaolian using the guild channel.
That was clearly a Japanese name.
After entering the restroom, Roddy was able to quickly find this name written with lipstick in a hidden spot beneath the sink.
It was clear that this name was left behind by Nagase Komi.
That was the only thing he found.
After wiping the name away, Roddy left the restroom.
Sawakita Mitsuo?
What did Nagase Komi meant by giving them this name?
After deliberating about it for a moment, Chen Xiaolian asked Roddy, “Is your mobile phone out of the Great Firewall? [1]”
After getting affirmation from Roddy, he borrowed Roddy’s mobile phone and went online to search for the name.
A few minutes later, Chen Xiaolian knitted his eyebrows.
Clearly, he had found what he was looking for.
He had a page opened up. In that page, there was a picture. The picture was none other than that of the Japanese old man.
Indeed, it was the old man sitting beside Nagase Komi.
Sawakita Mitsuo was his name.
Gakushuin University, Professor of Theology.
“Gakushuin University? What is this place? It sounds like some third-rate university for chickens.” Roddy who saw what was being displayed on the screen, messaged Chen Xiaolian using guild channel.
Chen Xiaolian smiled wryly as he replied back: “University for chickens? To think you would actually say that!”
He quickly entered the words ‘Gakushuin University’ into the search engine. After viewing the search results, Roddy became speechless.
Japan’s Gakushuin University… this seemingly simplistic name that would make one scratch their heads… [2]
Possessed a strikingly prestigious status in Japan!
An Imperial university!
Even the name ‘Gakushuin’ was personally given to it by the Japanese Meiji Emperor. Right, the Meiji Emperor from the Meiji Restoration.
The Emperors from the modern era, Taisho, Showa, Akihito… they were all former students of this university!
Although it was not named as such, it could be considered as the standard Imperial University of Japan.
For someone to become a Professor in a university designated to nurture the members of the Imperial family…
Additionally, he was a Professor of Theology!
Looking at the attire worn by Sawakita Mitsuo, it was clear that what he was wearing was the clothing of the Shinto religion.
Shinto religion… Professor of Theology!
The Shinto religion was Japan’s ethnic religion!
He was the Professor of Theology within the university for imperial family members!
Even if the Emperor himself were to meet this person, he will need to address him politely: Great Teacher.
Although he did not have a rank of Grand Preceptor or something of the likes, he was at least a core member of the Imperial family – well, an invisible one.
Someone with such an esteemed identity was actually travelling together with a female ruffian like Nagase Komi?
…
The car moved down from the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. After leaving the highway, it turned into a slightly remote road.
Not long after that, it drove past a rest stop located not too far away from the coast and continued down the road and into a small town.
The place was a standard coastal town located in the southeast area. The car then drove past a plot of windbreak trees by the coast and away from the seawall. It continued to drive on a winding road toward a hillside before coming to a halt before the peak of the hill.
Shen stepped out from the car and sighed softly. He raised his head and turned to look at the hillside.
A faint silhouette of a figure could be seen standing on a stone platform made from concrete.
A grin appeared on Shen’s face and he emerged from the car with a bottle of wine in his hand.
“Wait for me here.”
After saying that, Shen strode toward the stone platform.
The concrete platform had rusted iron fixed upon its edges. When Shen reached the side of the concrete platform, he gave it a glance and proceeded to climb up without any regard to his image.
When he made his way up the concrete platform, he caught sight of the shiny back of a bald head.
The back of a huge body faced him as the owner looked to the ocean while sitting cross-legged.
Shen walked over and casually sat down beside Tian Lie. Next, he used his teeth to bite off the cork of the bottle of wine. After spitting the cork away, he drank two mouthfuls from the bottle himself before handing the bottle over.
Tian Lie turned his gaze back and glanced at Shen. There was a complicated expression on his face as he accepted the bottle of wine. He took a gulp.
“How many times is this?” Shen wiped his mouth and looked at Tian Lie.
“Times?”
“How many times has it been that you had left the guild and I have to come looking for you to ask you to return?” There was a hint of ridicule in Shen’s face as he continued, “We are the Thorned Flower Guild. How many people are begging to the point of tears, hoping to be able to enter our guild? I am the Guild Leader of Thorned Flower Guild. The number of matters that I have to put aside to come here and get you to return… Do you know? At this moment, we have four sub teams participating in instance dungeons. One of them happens to be an [A+] class instance dungeon. I put all these aside and instead ran all the way here to accompany you to enjoy this scenery of the ocean…”
The corners of Tian Lie’s mouth curled into a grin and he handed the bottle of wine back into Shen’s hands. Next, he took a deep breath and the playful and disrespectful smile on his face disappeared.
At that moment, there was only seriousness within his eyes!
“Thank you, Guild Leader!” Tian Lie said with a sigh and continued, “And… sorry.”
Hearing the word “Sorry”, a change came over Shen’s expression.
The smile that was on his face gradually faded away.
His gaze too, gradually turned colder!
“Is there no other way?” Shen frowned and shook his head before continuing, “This is not the first time after all. You’re a mad man who would inexplicably go mad inside instance dungeons and run away. Then, I would have to drop everything on my plate to personally ask you to come back. We will drink several bottles of wine before you would return to the guild… it’s not like these things have never happened before. Why is it that this time… you would say ‘sorry’?”
“Because this time… I’m not going back.” After saying that, Tian Lie turned his head over and looked directly into Shen’s eyes.
“… … …” Shen knitted his eyebrows and carefully assessed Tian Lie’s expression. Through his expression, Shen was able to see traces of seriousness, firmness and… decisiveness!
“You’ve decided?” Shen asked in a whisper. “You’ve really made up your mind this time?”
“Mm.” Tian Lie nodded his head.
He stood up and walked to the edge of the concrete platform. Then, he turned to Shen and extended his hand.
Shen tossed the bottle of wine over and Tian Lie caught it. In one gulp, he downed nearly half the contents of the bottle and exhaled.
“This time, I’ve really made up my mind. I won’t change it.”
Shen was silent for a moment as he pondered it. Then, he said, “I need an explanation, a reason.”
There was an odd look in Tian Lie’s face as he said, “If I were to tell you… I could no longer go back, would you accept it? Perhaps there is another… me and Thorned Flower Guild, we really are incompatible. It would be for the best if we just go our separate ways…”
“Are you going to tell me that I am a good person as well?” Shen laughed as he looked at Tian Lie.
Tian Lie waved his hand and gulped down the rest of the contents of the bottle. After that, he threw the bottle into the ocean.
“Tian Lie, I have always looked highly upon you,” said Shen with an expressionless face. “Although you are an Awakened, your position in Thorned Flower is not low! I even allowed you to become an Inspector, giving you the authority over many Players! You should know that this decision of mine had received countless oppositions.”
“I know,” said Tian Lie as he nodded his head.
“Then, do you know that I have always considered you as… someone like a friend.”
Hearing those words, Tian Lie became silent.
“Follow me back. I will give you another chance to take back what you said just now.” Shen stood up and walked toward Tian Lie. He said slowly, “I can ignore what happened to you in the Tokyo instance dungeon. In fact… why the system judged that you had died only to have you standing here alive before me… if this is your secret, I will not pry into it! Return with me to the guild and we’ll act like nothing has happened.”
“… … …” There was a bitter expression on Tian Lie’s face and he said, “Very tempting… it is a very tempting offer, Guild Leader.”
“You should already know… I actually do not care about the so-called rules, the procedures and whatnot,” said Shen with a tone that was deeply laced with ridicule. “There is only one thing I care about: Joy. As long as this world can give me a sense of joy, I will be happy. As for the other matters… even if the Development Team appears before me, I could even ignore them.”
“You’ve always been a special one,” said Tian Lie. His pupils contracted and he said, “You are the most special existence that I have ever encountered.”
“If so, just return with me.” Shen exhaled and suddenly broke into a smile. “See, no one has ever managed to make me beg to such a point before.”
“Nolan died. He died in the London instance dungeon… his death is connected to me,” said Tian Lie as he looked into Shen’s eyes.
“If he’s dead, then he’s dead.” Shen pursed his lips to the side and said, “Someone as idiotic as that, I can easily recruit eight or ten of them with a snap of my fingers.”
“The failure of the Tokyo instance dungeon is also on my head.”
“I couldn’t care less. It’s just a minor technological type instance dungeon,” said Shen softly. “All we lost was a sub team and a few Thunderstorm Tanks… if we want to, we can just make a couple of them and blast them ourselves.”
“Then… what is it that you care about?” Tian Lie looked at Shen. “What could become worthy of you caring?”
Shen was silent.
Tian Lie walked until he was standing beside Shen. Then he whispered, “Is it the World Tree?”
Shen’s eyes suddenly changed!
His gaze abruptly turned icy cold and his hand shot out, gripping onto Tian Lie’s throat!
Tian Lie who was standing before Shen did not put up any form of resistance. He simply allowed him to grip his throat!
Shen narrowed his eyes and his slender fingers gripping onto Tian Lie’s neck tightened, causing Tian Lie to shudder somewhat.
“Never speak of that thing before me… remember, NEVER!” Shown upon Shen’s eyes was an undisguised feeling of loathing!
Tian Lie who was being strangled had a calm expression on his face as he looked at Shen’s hand.
Shen furrowed his brows and gently loosened his hand.
“Tian Lie, just tell me what the real reason is.” Shen took a deep breath and said, “There is a limit to my patience. Don’t try to provoke me.”
“See? This is my reason.”
Tian Lie continued coolly, “You called me Tian Lie… but the fact is, my real name is Da Gang. Just now, you said that you viewed me as something like a friend. But the fact of the matter is… someone is willing to treat me as a real friend and not something like a friend, dear Guild Leader Shen.”
“Is this the laughable human nature?” Shen let out what seemed like a laugh. “Interesting, did your human nature get stirred? This is also not the first time. Every time you ran away, was it not because your human nature was stirred? Did you kill too many people and went crazy? Or did something happened to remind you of something emotional?
“Oh, what are you doing this for this time around? Friends? Did you end up making some friends?”
After saying that, Shen’s eyes suddenly widened and he asked, “Oy, don’t tell me you fell in love with some woman? Tian Lie! If this is actually the case, I am going to laugh at you until you wish you are dead!”
Tian Lie laughed at the question and answered, “Of course not.”
He shook his head and turned to look at Shen. Then, he suddenly bent his body and made a bowing gesture.
“For everything you’ve done for me in the past, thank you, Guild Leader Shen. As for the future… I am sorry, I can no longer keep working for someone as interesting as you, I am very sorry!”
GOR Chapter 268: Thank You, Sorry
Nagase Komi carried a bag with her and had earphones placed into her ears. Her eyes were cast down and her head lowered as she boarded the airplane. Her face was emotionless and cold as she ignored the flight attendant’s greetings and simply walked into the cabin with indifference.
As she was walking through the cabin entrance, Nagase Komi raised her head and her eyes just happened to meet with Chen Xiaolian’s.
Nagase Komi’s face froze and she shuddered! There was shock, surprise and even a hint of panic on her face. However, it soon faded as she once again recollected herself. She lowered her head while casting a complicated gaze at Chen Xiaolian.
Chen Xiaolian became puzzled. Then, he decided against his desire to get up and speak with Nagase Komi. At the same time, he secretly held onto Roddy’s arm, signalling to him not to do anything.
Because Chen Xiaolian noticed that Nagase Komi was not alone!
…
Behind Nagase Komi, a short figure belonging to an old man slowly walked in.
The most eye-catching aspect of the old man was that he was wearing a traditional Japanese attire.
He wore a large black coloured robe that was devoid of patterns and a hakama under his torso. He sported a trimmed and clean beard while holding onto a small fan in his left hand. Despite his silvery white hair, his face was glowing with pink. He had the standard look of a healthy elderly man. However, those pair of narrow eyes made it hard to discern what lurked behind his eyes. As for his expression, it was cold and serious.
Behind the old man was a middle-aged man wearing a suit. The middle-aged man carried a box while following behind the old man.
The Japanese old man whispered something to Nagase Komi and she grunted in response. She did not turn her head and simply walked forward with her head lowered. Although her expression remained cold, a trace of fear could be seen on her.
The middle-aged man behind them revealed a look of dissatisfaction and muttered something in a low tone.
When Nagase Komi reached Chen Xiaolian and Roddy’s position, she deliberately ignored them. She had her eyes gazing elsewhere as she quickly moved forward.
The old man waved his voluminous sleeve and fanned himself with the fan in his left hand before slowly following behind. When he reached Chen Xiaolian and Roddy’s position, who knows if it was intentional or coincidental, he narrowed his eyes and glanced at them. Then, with a face of indifference, he walked past them.
As the old man was walking past them, Chen Xiaolian could sense a frigid air swirling around the old man. Chen Xiaolian subconsciously frowned and shrunk his neck back.
Nagase Komi, the old man and the middle-aged man sat in a position that was two rows away from Chen Xiaolian and Roddy.
Chen Xiaolian secretly raised his mobile phone and used the reflection on it to get a view of the back. He saw the old man and Nagase Komi sitting side by side while the middle-aged man sat in another corner.
The old man seemingly spoke something in a low tone of voice. Although Nagase Komi appeared rather vexed, she still replied with her head bowed. There was a look of submission in her actions.
Mm, submission was the word.
It was not respect, but a faint sense of fear. One that forced out an attitude of submission.
“This flight is going to be a lively one,” said Chen Xiaolian to himself as he smiled wryly.
Nagase Komi… is she also going to participate in this punishment instance dungeon?
That is not an impossibility.
After a while, a warm announcement by the flight attendant was broadcasted through the airplane.
Next, the airplane slowly began moving across the airport runway.
Following a roaring sound, the airplane took off and ascended into the sky.
After the airplane reached a certain height, it gradually stabilized its flight. The flight attendants then informed the passengers that they may now freely move about. Hearing that, Chen Xiaolian quickly got up. Putting on a façade of stretching his waist, he then threw a signal at Roddy, indicating that he should not do anything rash. After that, he walked toward the rear end of the cabin.
As he was walking past Nagase Komi’s seat, he deliberately staggered and his body knocked into Nagase Komi’s seat. Then, he quickly straightened his body and bowed to Nagase Komi. “I’m sorry.”
There was an indifferent expression in Nagase Komi’s eyes. As she glanced at Chen Xiaolian, a complicated expression appeared on her face – there was also a hint of warning.
Chen Xiaolian gave a soft smile and he kept moving forward as he made his way into the restroom.
After a while, Chen Xiaolian then came out from the restroom and returned to his seat.
He sat in his seat quietly. However, his eyes were constantly paying attention to what was happening behind.
After a few minutes, Chen Xiaolian finally heard Nagase Komi getting up. Again, he used the reflections to watch as Nagase Komi left her seat and headed for the restroom as well.
Chen Xiaolian breathed a sigh of relief.
…
After Nagase Komi entered the restroom, she locked the door and quickly proceeded to inspect every corner of the restroom.
She searched through every detail and finally found a symbol beneath the restroom sink.
It was a big ‘?’ symbol drawn using crayon.
Seeing the symbol, Nagase Komi became hesitant and a complicated expression was etched on her face. Finally, she inhaled deeply.
…
Hearing Nagase Komi walking out from the restroom and back to her seat, Chen Xiaolian smiled and sent a message to Roddy using their guild channel. “After a moment, go into the restroom and check the bottom of the sink to see if there is anything.”
Roddy was surprised to hear that. However, just as he was about to get up, Chen Xiaolian gripped his wrist and shook his head. “Wait another two minutes before going.”
“Is there something wrong with the bald girl?” Roddy asked using the guild channel. “Maybe she is also going to participate in the punishment instance dungeon?”
“That is possible.” Chen Xiaolian nodded his head and continued, “It seems she is pretending that she does not know us.”
“Something is definitely not right,” Roddy was quick to reply. “I remember what you said about the last moments of the Tokyo instance dungeon. She was convinced by Tian Lie to quit our guild. Perhaps… she still harbours a grudge against us?”
“Probably not.” Chen Xiaolian frowned. “Back then, I had already talked things through with her and explained that I did not have any intention of abandoning her. I believe that she is probably not holding a grudge against us. However… it is possible that there is something going on with the other two people beside her. Perhaps… they are her companions or guild members.”
“You mean to say… she might have joined another guild?” Roddy’s eyes flickered.
“That old man is not a nobody,” replied Chen Xiaolian with a frown.
“How can you tell?”
Chen Xiaolian smiled wryly and said, “Did you notice the clothes he is wearing?”
Roddy thought about it and answered, “Isn’t that just traditional Japanese kimono?”
“That is not a kimono.” Chen Xiaolian shook his head and continued, “That is the sokutai, worn by clergy members of Japan. It is somewhat similar to the kimono, but there are differences.”
After saying that, Chen Xiaolian tilted his head and said, “Did you see the knot on his outer layer of cloth? That is an accessory for Shinto priests. Then, recall how his outer layer of cloth looks like. Most kimono would have some patterns or dark lines on it. However, the sokutai worn by members of the clergy would be pure white, signifying piousness, purity and flawlessness.
“Finally, I also noticed the shoes that he was wearing. They were black and had fully enclosed tip. In the Shinto clergy, those shoes are known as the asagutsu.”
Roddy was surprised and he asked, “How did you know all these?”
“I write novels for a living. So, I would look up on miscellaneous stuffs like this.” Chen Xiaolian pursed his lips to the side and continued, “Just now, did you sense any sinister atmosphere from the old man?”
Roddy shook his head. “No.”
Chen Xiaolian knitted his eyebrows but elected to say nothing. He instead checked the time and said, “All right, you can go to the restroom now. See if there is anything and come tell me… remember to clean it up and to not leave any traces behind.”
Roddy rose up and walked to the rear side of the cabin. Chen Xiaolian deliberately picked up a magazine and browsed through it slowly. However, he was constantly straining his ears to listen to what was happening behind.
Three rows behind him, the Japanese old man had his eyes closed while Nagase Komi who was beside him had an indifferent look on her face. She had her head lowered as she listened to music with her earphones. Occasionally however, she would be unable to restrain herself from glancing forward.
As for the middle-aged man, he sat there and had the flight attendant bring him alcohol. He gulped down several glasses before reclining his seat, covering himself with a layer of blanket and going to sleep.
A few minutes later, Roddy returned from the restroom. After he sat down, he glanced at Chen Xiaolian before using the guild channel to send Chen Xiaolian a message.
The message consisted of two words, which formed a name.
…
A luxurious silver coloured Bentley was travelling through the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. The sea could be seen on both sides of the bridge.
The Bentley slowly drove atop the bridge.
In the back of the car was a young man.
He wore white coloured suit and the cuffs of his sleeves were embroidered with a faint golden pattern. The pattern was clearly that of a thorned flower.
The man sported short golden coloured hair. The curves on his face were as sharp as a knife. His was a handsome face resembling that of the Greek Gods. However, there was a hint of feminine aura in his gaze.
He gave a faint sigh as he held a cup of wine and gulped down the amber coloured champagne.
He retracted his eyes that were looking out the window to gaze upon the seat beside him. There, an exquisite mobile phone lay.
Suddenly, the mobile phone rang.
A faint smile appeared on the blond young man’s mouth.
He picked up the mobile phone and answered the call.
“Speak up, I’m listening.”
His voice was calm and gentle, seemingly blessed with a natural quality of harmony, elegance and magnetism.
The other side was silent for a moment before speaking out.
“… … Guild Leader.”
The blond young man – the Guild Leader of Thorned Flower Guild, Augustine Shen gave a soft sigh. He had a complicated expression on his face as he put down the cup of champagne in his other hand. Then, he said softly, “Did you know? I was waiting for you to call.”
There was silence.
Shen then continued, “I am already on my way to meet you. I’ve thought it through. If you did not call me before I find you… then, I will personally kill you.”
More silence.
There was a slight frown on Shen’s face and he said, “Now then, tell me what is going on here, Tian Lie.”
“… let’s talk after we meet.” Tian Lie’s voice could be heard coming from the mobile phone. “The usual place. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Sawakita Mitsuo
That was the name Roddy sent over to Chen Xiaolian using the guild channel.
That was clearly a Japanese name.
After entering the restroom, Roddy was able to quickly find this name written with lipstick in a hidden spot beneath the sink.
It was clear that this name was left behind by Nagase Komi.
That was the only thing he found.
After wiping the name away, Roddy left the restroom.
Sawakita Mitsuo?
What did Nagase Komi meant by giving them this name?
After deliberating about it for a moment, Chen Xiaolian asked Roddy, “Is your mobile phone out of the Great Firewall? [1]”
After getting affirmation from Roddy, he borrowed Roddy’s mobile phone and went online to search for the name.
A few minutes later, Chen Xiaolian knitted his eyebrows.
Clearly, he had found what he was looking for.
He had a page opened up. In that page, there was a picture. The picture was none other than that of the Japanese old man.
Indeed, it was the old man sitting beside Nagase Komi.
Sawakita Mitsuo was his name.
Gakushuin University, Professor of Theology.
“Gakushuin University? What is this place? It sounds like some third-rate university for chickens.” Roddy who saw what was being displayed on the screen, messaged Chen Xiaolian using guild channel.
Chen Xiaolian smiled wryly as he replied back: “University for chickens? To think you would actually say that!”
He quickly entered the words ‘Gakushuin University’ into the search engine. After viewing the search results, Roddy became speechless.
Japan’s Gakushuin University… this seemingly simplistic name that would make one scratch their heads… [2]
Possessed a strikingly prestigious status in Japan!
An Imperial university!
Even the name ‘Gakushuin’ was personally given to it by the Japanese Meiji Emperor. Right, the Meiji Emperor from the Meiji Restoration.
The Emperors from the modern era, Taisho, Showa, Akihito… they were all former students of this university!
Although it was not named as such, it could be considered as the standard Imperial University of Japan.
For someone to become a Professor in a university designated to nurture the members of the Imperial family…
Additionally, he was a Professor of Theology!
Looking at the attire worn by Sawakita Mitsuo, it was clear that what he was wearing was the clothing of the Shinto religion.
Shinto religion… Professor of Theology!
The Shinto religion was Japan’s ethnic religion!
He was the Professor of Theology within the university for imperial family members!
Even if the Emperor himself were to meet this person, he will need to address him politely: Great Teacher.
Although he did not have a rank of Grand Preceptor or something of the likes, he was at least a core member of the Imperial family – well, an invisible one.
Someone with such an esteemed identity was actually travelling together with a female ruffian like Nagase Komi?
…
The car moved down from the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. After leaving the highway, it turned into a slightly remote road.
Not long after that, it drove past a rest stop located not too far away from the coast and continued down the road and into a small town.
The place was a standard coastal town located in the southeast area. The car then drove past a plot of windbreak trees by the coast and away from the seawall. It continued to drive on a winding road toward a hillside before coming to a halt before the peak of the hill.
Shen stepped out from the car and sighed softly. He raised his head and turned to look at the hillside.
A faint silhouette of a figure could be seen standing on a stone platform made from concrete.
A grin appeared on Shen’s face and he emerged from the car with a bottle of wine in his hand.
“Wait for me here.”
After saying that, Shen strode toward the stone platform.
The concrete platform had rusted iron fixed upon its edges. When Shen reached the side of the concrete platform, he gave it a glance and proceeded to climb up without any regard to his image.
When he made his way up the concrete platform, he caught sight of the shiny back of a bald head.
The back of a huge body faced him as the owner looked to the ocean while sitting cross-legged.
Shen walked over and casually sat down beside Tian Lie. Next, he used his teeth to bite off the cork of the bottle of wine. After spitting the cork away, he drank two mouthfuls from the bottle himself before handing the bottle over.
Tian Lie turned his gaze back and glanced at Shen. There was a complicated expression on his face as he accepted the bottle of wine. He took a gulp.
“How many times is this?” Shen wiped his mouth and looked at Tian Lie.
“Times?”
“How many times has it been that you had left the guild and I have to come looking for you to ask you to return?” There was a hint of ridicule in Shen’s face as he continued, “We are the Thorned Flower Guild. How many people are begging to the point of tears, hoping to be able to enter our guild? I am the Guild Leader of Thorned Flower Guild. The number of matters that I have to put aside to come here and get you to return… Do you know? At this moment, we have four sub teams participating in instance dungeons. One of them happens to be an [A+] class instance dungeon. I put all these aside and instead ran all the way here to accompany you to enjoy this scenery of the ocean…”
The corners of Tian Lie’s mouth curled into a grin and he handed the bottle of wine back into Shen’s hands. Next, he took a deep breath and the playful and disrespectful smile on his face disappeared.
At that moment, there was only seriousness within his eyes!
“Thank you, Guild Leader!” Tian Lie said with a sigh and continued, “And… sorry.”
Hearing the word “Sorry”, a change came over Shen’s expression.
The smile that was on his face gradually faded away.
His gaze too, gradually turned colder!
“Is there no other way?” Shen frowned and shook his head before continuing, “This is not the first time after all. You’re a mad man who would inexplicably go mad inside instance dungeons and run away. Then, I would have to drop everything on my plate to personally ask you to come back. We will drink several bottles of wine before you would return to the guild… it’s not like these things have never happened before. Why is it that this time… you would say ‘sorry’?”
“Because this time… I’m not going back.” After saying that, Tian Lie turned his head over and looked directly into Shen’s eyes.
“… … …” Shen knitted his eyebrows and carefully assessed Tian Lie’s expression. Through his expression, Shen was able to see traces of seriousness, firmness and… decisiveness!
“You’ve decided?” Shen asked in a whisper. “You’ve really made up your mind this time?”
“Mm.” Tian Lie nodded his head.
He stood up and walked to the edge of the concrete platform. Then, he turned to Shen and extended his hand.
Shen tossed the bottle of wine over and Tian Lie caught it. In one gulp, he downed nearly half the contents of the bottle and exhaled.
“This time, I’ve really made up my mind. I won’t change it.”
Shen was silent for a moment as he pondered it. Then, he said, “I need an explanation, a reason.”
There was an odd look in Tian Lie’s face as he said, “If I were to tell you… I could no longer go back, would you accept it? Perhaps there is another… me and Thorned Flower Guild, we really are incompatible. It would be for the best if we just go our separate ways…”
“Are you going to tell me that I am a good person as well?” Shen laughed as he looked at Tian Lie.
Tian Lie waved his hand and gulped down the rest of the contents of the bottle. After that, he threw the bottle into the ocean.
“Tian Lie, I have always looked highly upon you,” said Shen with an expressionless face. “Although you are an Awakened, your position in Thorned Flower is not low! I even allowed you to become an Inspector, giving you the authority over many Players! You should know that this decision of mine had received countless oppositions.”
“I know,” said Tian Lie as he nodded his head.
“Then, do you know that I have always considered you as… someone like a friend.”
Hearing those words, Tian Lie became silent.
“Follow me back. I will give you another chance to take back what you said just now.” Shen stood up and walked toward Tian Lie. He said slowly, “I can ignore what happened to you in the Tokyo instance dungeon. In fact… why the system judged that you had died only to have you standing here alive before me… if this is your secret, I will not pry into it! Return with me to the guild and we’ll act like nothing has happened.”
“… … …” There was a bitter expression on Tian Lie’s face and he said, “Very tempting… it is a very tempting offer, Guild Leader.”
“You should already know… I actually do not care about the so-called rules, the procedures and whatnot,” said Shen with a tone that was deeply laced with ridicule. “There is only one thing I care about: Joy. As long as this world can give me a sense of joy, I will be happy. As for the other matters… even if the Development Team appears before me, I could even ignore them.”
“You’ve always been a special one,” said Tian Lie. His pupils contracted and he said, “You are the most special existence that I have ever encountered.”
“If so, just return with me.” Shen exhaled and suddenly broke into a smile. “See, no one has ever managed to make me beg to such a point before.”
“Nolan died. He died in the London instance dungeon… his death is connected to me,” said Tian Lie as he looked into Shen’s eyes.
“If he’s dead, then he’s dead.” Shen pursed his lips to the side and said, “Someone as idiotic as that, I can easily recruit eight or ten of them with a snap of my fingers.”
“The failure of the Tokyo instance dungeon is also on my head.”
“I couldn’t care less. It’s just a minor technological type instance dungeon,” said Shen softly. “All we lost was a sub team and a few Thunderstorm Tanks… if we want to, we can just make a couple of them and blast them ourselves.”
“Then… what is it that you care about?” Tian Lie looked at Shen. “What could become worthy of you caring?”
Shen was silent.
Tian Lie walked until he was standing beside Shen. Then he whispered, “Is it the World Tree?”
Shen’s eyes suddenly changed!
His gaze abruptly turned icy cold and his hand shot out, gripping onto Tian Lie’s throat!
Tian Lie who was standing before Shen did not put up any form of resistance. He simply allowed him to grip his throat!
Shen narrowed his eyes and his slender fingers gripping onto Tian Lie’s neck tightened, causing Tian Lie to shudder somewhat.
“Never speak of that thing before me… remember, NEVER!” Shown upon Shen’s eyes was an undisguised feeling of loathing!
Tian Lie who was being strangled had a calm expression on his face as he looked at Shen’s hand.
Shen furrowed his brows and gently loosened his hand.
“Tian Lie, just tell me what the real reason is.” Shen took a deep breath and said, “There is a limit to my patience. Don’t try to provoke me.”
“See? This is my reason.”
Tian Lie continued coolly, “You called me Tian Lie… but the fact is, my real name is Da Gang. Just now, you said that you viewed me as something like a friend. But the fact of the matter is… someone is willing to treat me as a real friend and not something like a friend, dear Guild Leader Shen.”
“Is this the laughable human nature?” Shen let out what seemed like a laugh. “Interesting, did your human nature get stirred? This is also not the first time. Every time you ran away, was it not because your human nature was stirred? Did you kill too many people and went crazy? Or did something happened to remind you of something emotional?
“Oh, what are you doing this for this time around? Friends? Did you end up making some friends?”
After saying that, Shen’s eyes suddenly widened and he asked, “Oy, don’t tell me you fell in love with some woman? Tian Lie! If this is actually the case, I am going to laugh at you until you wish you are dead!”
Tian Lie laughed at the question and answered, “Of course not.”
He shook his head and turned to look at Shen. Then, he suddenly bent his body and made a bowing gesture.
“For everything you’ve done for me in the past, thank you, Guild Leader Shen. As for the future… I am sorry, I can no longer keep working for someone as interesting as you, I am very sorry!”
