Ever since Zhu Fen left, Shen Chongyan had been in a state of utter despair. Except when Jin Wenye needed his help, he would shut himself in his room and ignore everyone.
Only he knew what had happened before she left that day. Others, though they wanted to comfort him, didn't know how to approach him and could only fret anxiously.
Shen's father and mother now spent most of their days with Old Mrs. Jin. They would chat idly or help Jin Wenye organize things. Both were management-type talents, more useful than random hires.
During this time, many people had come seeking refuge. Firstly, the system's reminders indicated that many had survived thanks to 007, earning their trust. Secondly, it was likely due to the propaganda from Old Jin's group. People traveled from hundreds of miles away to join them, including members of some smaller organizations.
With more people came more issues. When there was nothing else to do, small friction would often arise between these smaller organizations. Jin Wenye, with his protagonist's halo and Lin Wan's assistance, had powerful abilities, so those people dared not confront him directly, but they caused trouble subtly.
Shen's mother came to persuade Shen Chongyan to go out for some fresh air, fearing he would become too pent up. Shen Chongyan remained unmoved.
"Xiao Fen asked you to help Xiao Ye manage them. You're letting him handle everything alone. When Xiao Fen returns, she'll be very disappointed in you. She entrusted you with this important task because she trusts you. If you continue like this, how can you face her when she returns? What will you say to her?"
Shen's mother spoke for a long time, but Shen Chongyan didn't open the door. Finally, she left in disappointment.
The room window was open, but where had he gone?
Nearly half a month had passed, and she hadn't returned. Shen Chongyan regretted countless times the argument he had with her before she left. He even thought that if he hadn't argued with her then, she might not have left.
He blamed himself entirely, which was why he felt so uncomfortable.
He was holed up in his room. The long sword could not roam freely, as its master had warned it. If anything happened to the master while it was out gallivanting, the master would surely send it back to be stored away.
For millennia.
Compared to the loneliness of tens of thousands of years, this current tedious period didn't seem so unbearable anymore.
He hadn't expected this person to be willing to take him out. At first, he was uneasy and wanted to send him back.
"Ah Fen asked you to listen to me."
The long sword flew back and gestured something in front of him. Shen Chongyan asked, "Are you asking where we're going?"
"Nowhere in particular, just a stroll."
The long sword returned to his hand somewhat dejectedly, swinging left and right, clearly uncomfortable.
"What do you want to do?"
"Teach me?"
The long sword struggled to express its meaning, and Shen Chongyan found it equally difficult to understand. Finally, as both of them were getting exasperated, the long sword suddenly lunged upwards, nearly cutting Shen Chongyan.
It was then repelled and sent flying, pinned down by something, and crashed to the ground, leaving a sword-shaped mark on the surface.
Shen Chongyan landed back on the ground, walked over, and looked at the long sword lying in the pit, asking in confusion, "What are you doing?"
The long sword was dejected for a while, then slowly got up and etched words onto the ground.
【Give me your blood.】
Shen Chongyan finally understood that it had intended to cut itself just now.
"Why? What do you want to do?"
【You'll know when you give it.】
That was precisely what it had intended, but because of its past transgressions, its master was too wary of it. As soon as it tried to make a move, it was slammed onto the ground.
It hurt so much.
Shen Chongyan hesitated for a moment, then thinking that it was given by Zhu Fen and she wouldn't harm him, he used a small knife to cut his fingertip and dripped his blood onto the long sword. The blood flowed rapidly throughout the long sword, glowing with a blood-red hue and emitting a humming sound. Dust and stones flew around, and Shen Chongyan was almost blown over. After managing to stand firm, the long sword "whooshed" and flew out, running around like a madman before quickly disappearing from sight.
Just when Shen Chongyan thought it wouldn't return, a sword shadow descended from the sky and landed with a clang on the empty ground in front of him. Streams of light enveloped the sword body, and gradually, the light disappeared.
The long sword vanished, replaced by a youth dressed in ancient silver robes.
He stood up, examining himself as he laughed heartily, "Hahaha, I'm finally out. Ten thousand years, I'm finally out! Hahaha…"
His laughter was somewhat jarring and only subsided after a long while. Shen Chongyan watched him, astonished and bewildered, not understanding.
"I'm out, I'm out…"
He repeated it many times, spinning and jumping excitedly in front of Shen Chongyan. After more than ten minutes of joyous commotion, he finally calmed down and turned to look at Shen Chongyan, smiling like a villain, "Master, long time no see."
"You, you're that sword?"
"Mhm." He beamed, "I forgot you have amnesia now, but it's alright, hahaha, I'm out, I'm out."
"Master, I, I'm just so happy. I've been confined for over ten thousand years, ever since that time… never mind, let's not talk about that. Master, the owner is not here, what do you want to do? I'll help you with anything, as long as you speak well of me to the owner when she returns, and don't let her lock me up again. I really don't want to be locked up anymore."
He pounced and hugged Shen Chongyan's leg, looking up at him.
He appeared to be no more than a teenager, with fair skin and clear eyes. He looked very innocent and adorable, like a little immortal child who had just entered the mortal world.
His eyes were now moist as he looked at Shen Chongyan, making it impossible to refuse any of his requests.
"Master, I know I was wrong. Don't worry, from now on, you will be my second master. I will listen to you and protect you. Just help me persuade the owner. I don't want to be locked up. I'm so pitiful, being confined for so many years, unable to eat delicious food, unable to speak, unable to…"
"They're coming!"
Shen Chongyan became instantly anxious. "Someone's coming, hurry up and get up."
"I won't. Master, promise me first, or I won't get up."
"I…" Shen Chongyan knew he was being tricked and hesitated, unsure of what to do.
"Over there, quickly!"
"You get up first."
"I won't, unless you promise me."
Shen Chongyan said with difficulty, "I can help you plead with Ah Fen, but whether she agrees or not…"
"Good!" The youth stood up immediately. "You speak on my behalf. The owner listens to Master the most. Moreover, I was confined because of Master. If you speak up, the owner will surely agree."
"But I have a condition too."
"Master, speak."
"You said I have amnesia. Can you tell me about my past?"
Now it was the youth's turn to look conflicted and hesitant.
"Over there." The group of people ran over, led by the leader of a newly joined organization.
Upon seeing Shen Chongyan, he was somewhat surprised and raised his hand to stop the people behind him.
"Mr. Shen, why are you here? We heard a commotion just now. Have you seen what it was?"
Shen Chongyan shook his head. "No."
The man's gaze shifted to the charming youth beside him, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "Mr. Shen, who is he?"
"A friend of mine. I have some urgent matters, so I'll be leaving. You all carry on."