Chapter 608: Chapter 607: Sincere Feelings
"When this was said, Yang Fei, despite his ironstone heart, was deeply touched and couldn’t help but look towards the old man who claimed to be his grandfather."
Qin Yanyang was also slightly moved.
She had never heard Yang Fei mention anything about his mother, but she had learned from other sources that Yang Fei’s mother’s name was Duanmu Qing and that she came from Imperial City’s Duanmu Family.
It was later confirmed that Duanmu Qing was not from Imperial City’s Duanmu Family, but instead came from the Hidden Sect.
As for more about Yang Fei’s mother’s side, she knew nothing further.
Now, hearing that Yang Fei’s grandfather had lost two sons just to protect Duanmu Qing, she was quite surprised.
If that was truly the case, then it would be unreasonable for Yang Fei not to acknowledge his grandfather.
"These words... are they true?" Yang Fei gazed intently at the middle-aged man and asked in a deep voice.
The middle-aged man who claimed to be Yang Fei’s uncle upon hearing this, suddenly pulled open his shirt at the chest. There was a large area of his skin twisted together, evidently scarred by fire, and besides, there were several severe injuries on his body that, even now, were completely healed. But the ancient scars still allowed one to imagine the brutal and bloody scene that had occurred.
"Back in the day, to save your mother, your big uncle fought with all his might, but ultimately couldn’t withstand the persecution from other Sects and families and could only watch helplessly as your mother passed away," the man said loudly.
It seemed he recalled certain things from the past that were too painful to think about, his voice trembling slightly and his emotions clearly beginning to fluctuate.
"Do you still think you have no connection to the Duanmu Family?" Duanmu Wugou looked at Yang Fei and said.
Yang Fei raised his eyes to look at him but said nothing.
Qin Yanyang gripped Yang Fei’s hand tightly. Seeing that he kept silent, she looked at Duanmu Wugou and said, "Did you come here just to tell us these things?"
Duanmu Wugou responded, "Some misunderstandings must be clarified. We can’t let Yang Fei continue to hate the Duanmu Family; this mistake cannot go on."
Yang Fei suddenly looked up, staring at him and said, "I have not erred. Duanmu Yun and Duanmu Hai killed my second uncle; they deserved to die. The Duanmu Family’s lack of strict discipline over its members, allowing them to commit evil, also bears responsibility for lax teaching!"
"Even so, the last time you caused an uproar at the Duanmu Family, inflicting numerous casualties. Even if there was great enmity, it should have been resolved," Duanmu Wugou said sternly. "Have you never thought about the relatives of those who also lost their dear ones? Do you want to cause more deaths in the Duanmu Family because of your second uncle’s death?"
Yang Fei fell silent.
Indeed, those who had killed his second uncle had already been slain by him personally; that vendetta had been avenged.
Latterly, he had created a disturbance in the Duanmu Family, killing more than a dozen people. Counting all the deaths, the Duanmu Family had suffered enough losses. If he continued to bear a grudge, it indeed seemed somewhat unjustifiable.
But his second uncle had raised him as his own since he was a child, and had died because of him, a burden that became an insurmountable hurdle in his heart. Hence, even if reason told him he should not resent the Duanmu Family any longer, emotionally he was still unable to forgive.
After pondering for a moment, Yang Fei looked up at the people and said, "In consideration of my mother being a member of the Duanmu Family, I can let go of the matter regarding my second uncle. But between me and the people of the Duanmu Family..."
His gaze landed on those two who claimed to be his grandfather and uncle. After a pause, he resolutely said, "But I have no connection with the Duanmu Family."
"Yang Fei!"
Duanmu Wentong’s face showed a look of sorrow as he called out, "Are you even going to deny me, your grandfather?"
Yang Fei’s heart trembled, and he found it hard to meet the other’s gaze.
He could clearly sense that the man’s emotions were truly agitated, a state of genuine expression.
Perhaps, he really was his grandfather.
But... but I’ve been an orphan since I was young, living under someone else’s roof. It was my second uncle and second aunt who raised me. As a child, how much I longed to have grandparents, uncles, and other relatives of my own.
However, where were you all then?
If there was no connection in the past, then let’s not meet in the future.
Other than myself, Yang Hao, and Yang Wen in the Yang Family, plus my second aunt, those are the only relatives I have in my life.
"Yang Fei..." Qin Yanyang took Yang Fei’s hand and shook it gently, looking at him and persuading, "After all, they are relatives. It is still necessary to verify it. If there are indeed relatives, you need to acknowledge their existence."
Yang Fei’s brows furrowed slightly as he turned to look at her.
Qin Yanyang stretched out her other hand and touched Yang Fei’s forehead, "Don’t be like this. I hope my man can live life freely, bearing grudges and seeking revenge when necessary, but I also hope he is big-hearted, cheerful and lively, able to let go of his prejudices, and embrace a better life."
Yang Fei gazed at her silently, his emotions becoming peaceful and warm.
Qin Yanyang smiled encouragingly and nodded at him.
Yang Fei took a deep breath and, looking at Duanmu Wentong again, felt much less resistance in his heart. Although he didn’t feel a warm and enthusiastic affection, his repulsion had subsided, and he could remain calm.
"Yang Fei, can you really not let go of the prejudices in your heart and accept us?" Duanmu Wentong looked at Yang Fei and asked.
Yang Fei took a deep breath and said, "I can try to connect with you gradually. Matters of affection can’t be one-sided."
At these words, Duanmu Wentong was overjoyed, nodding with tears brimming in his eyes, "Good, good. This is wonderful. I believe your mother’s spirit in heaven wouldn’t want to see you holding grudges against her own kin."
"But I’ve already killed many from the Duanmu aristocratic family," Yang Fei reminded.
Duanmu Wentong snorted, "That’s because they were lax in discipline, indulged their descendants in committing atrocities. Afterwards, they were overpowered by you and met their end. They got what they deserved. Yang Fei, don’t feel any pressure in your heart. The Cultivation World values the principle of survival of the fittest. If you weren’t exceptional and didn’t possess great value, the high ranks of the Duanmu Family wouldn’t allow us to acknowledge you."
Yang Fei and Qin Yanyang were shocked, not expecting Duanmu Wentong to say such things in front of Duanmu Wugou.
Sure enough, they saw Duanmu Wugou’s face twitch a few times, but eventually, Duanmu Wugou maintained his composure without showing anger.
Duanmu Wentong once again approached Yang Fei, seemingly wanting to come closer and take a good look at his fine grandson.
His eldest son, Duanmu Song, followed closely and also came over.
Yang Fei did not stop them from coming forward. When they stopped a few meters away from him, he allowed them to scrutinize him closely.
"So alike," Duanmu Wentong said tearfully.
Duanmu Song silently nodded. "He’s almost the spitting image of her between the brows. Truly her son, indeed a handsome and talented individual, and even his cultivation talent is inherited. Her spirit in heaven can definitely rest in peace with a smile."
Looking at the two people who were quite likely his own grandfather and uncle, Yang Fei found himself unable to call out to them.
Feeling the overly affectionate gaze of Duanmu Wentong and Duanmu Song, Yang Fei felt somewhat unable to adjust and awkward.
He looked up at Duanmu Wugou and asked, "Considered from one angle, we’ve crossed swords and I have even escaped from right under your watch, impacting your reputation, haven’t I? Don’t you resent me?"
Duanmu Wugou huffed. "Of course, it’s not pleasant inside, but your grandfather just now spoke very clearly. You’re a capable person, highly valuable right now. After the family’s high ranks discussed, they feel we should not remain opposed to you because you are Duanmu Qing’s son. Thus, you should be a relative of the Duanmu Family, not an enemy."
"It’s not that simple, is it?" Yang Fei scoffed coldly, feeling there must be more to it since after the humiliation the Duanmu Family suffered last time, instead of seeking revenge, they were now cordially acknowledging kinship.