Chapter 46: Jing Yuan and Jingliu's Past Unveiled! Even Generals Were Once Young

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Fu Xuan swiftly turned her head, glaring at Qingque. "Do you know who she is?"

Under Fu Xuan's gaze, Qingque felt somewhat uneasy and stammered, "I... I don't..."

Fu Xuan sighed. Given Qingque's demeanor, it was unsurprising that she didn't recognize Jingliu. This individual's records had been expunged from Xianzhou, marked as a traitor whose name was erased from history.

Fu Xuan herself hadn't lived through those times either. However, due to her unique position, she often received orders to perform calculations and analyze past events, inevitably exposing her to some sealed secrets.

This allowed her knowledge of Jingliu's existence and the significance behind the name.

As they continued watching:

Jingliu's expression abruptly transformed. The dangerous smile vanished, along with any traces of her enigmatic aura. Her eyes shone clear and bright, akin to red agates.

"Hold fast to this oath: We, the cloud riders, shall shield Xianzhou like clouds veiling the sky."

"Draw your swords!"

Before the assembled Cloud Knights, the youthful Jingliu exuded unwavering determination, embodying valor among women!

The young man promptly responded to her command, "Yes, Master!"

Seeing this youth's demeanor, Qingque burst out laughing, "Ha, he looks just like General Jing Yuan! Could he be his secret offspring?"

In the next moment, he met Grand Diviner's gaze, as if looking at a fool.

Realizing his faux pas, Qingque cautiously asked, "Is this...a young General Jing Yuan? And the woman beside him, is that Jingliu? Was she once General Jing Yuan's master?"

"You still have some wits about you," Fu Xuan replied.

As their conversation concluded, intense combat erupted on the vision before them.

Jingliu's attacks were swift and lethal, forcing Jing Yuan to barely manage defense after defense.

Suddenly, the scene shifted back to the past.

Young Jing Yuan was vigorously swinging his longsword, drenched in sweat with his mouth agape, panting heavily.

Beside him, his master remained stern and unforgiving.

"Keep your grip tight!

"As a Cloud Knight, never let go of your weapon or allow your form to falter."

"Yes, Master!"

"Hummm—!"

The scene changed again.

Amidst flickering flames stood a soldier who had succumbed to the Demonic Yin Body transformation.

"Master..."

"He doesn't recognize us anymore..." The young Jing Yuan seemed to encounter this situation for the first time, hesitating to strike against a fellow comrade.

Behind them, Jingliu remained expressionless as she drew her weapon from within her robes.

"This is what happens when one succumbs to the Demonic Yin Body."

A cold flash illuminated the scene.

Her opponent was instantly slain.

"The Demonic Yin Body is the fate of Eternal Life Beings."

"If ever I fall to it, you must show no mercy."

"Yes... Master..."

These words seemed prophetic.

In the following vision, Jingliu knelt on the icy ground, her body curled up and trembling incessantly, emitting anguished moans—a stark contrast to the resolute and formidable swordswoman seen moments ago.

As for Jing Yuan, he stood outside the cage, helplessly witnessing this sight.

"Once consumed by the Demonic Yin, senses are inverted, and all humanity is lost."

"Go back, Jing Yuan. Jingliu has passed away."

"Bang!"

The past memories were abruptly shattered by an onslaught of countless icy blades.

Jing Yuan was struck, sent flying backward several meters across the ground.

Yet, the demonized Jingliu continued her relentless approach, face devoid of emotion.

In General Jing Yuan's golden irises, a subtle shimmer of vulnerability flickered.

Fu Xuan and Qingque were utterly astounded!

From as far back as they could remember, General Jing Yuan had always been mature and composed. Never before had they witnessed him displaying such heart-wrenching vulnerability!

Before watching this footage, if anyone claimed that General Jing Yuan could feel anguish, indecision, or be driven to despair, they would have dismissed it outright!

Only after seeing this video did they realize:

No one is born a natural leader!

Nobody inherently possesses the qualities to excel as a General!

The journey towards becoming one must involve unimaginable pain and struggles beyond ordinary comprehension!

At that moment,

Jing Yuan's gaze gradually hardened, as if making a firm decision.

Golden aura radiated from his weapon-clutching hand.

His entire figure seemed enveloped in a blaze of golden flames.

A colossal golden silhouette began forming around him.

"Farewell, Master."

"Allow your disciple to repay your teachings..."

"...with this ultimate technique!"

With a sweeping motion of his weapon,

the Divine Monarch behind him mirrored the action, wielding a longsword forged of pure gold.

Amidst the radiant light akin to a blazing sun, Jingliu's figure slowly vanished.

Fu Xuan and Qingque stood speechless, mouths agape.

Within mere minutes, the helplessness and brutality of the Demonic Yin Body affliction, along with the complex grievances between Jing Yuan and Jingliu, were vividly portrayed!

Just as Fu Xuan was about to speak, the scene abruptly shifted.

The atmosphere brightened with sunshine.

"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight..."

"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine..."

"One hundred thousand!"

It was a familiar setting, with familiar guidance.

However, the mentor-disciple pair had changed from Jingliu and little Jing Yuan to Jing Yuan and young Yanqing.

Jing Yuan's voice resonated sternly, "As a cloud rider, never let your weapon slip or your form disperse."

"Yes, sir!"

Jing Yuan smiled slightly, his tone becoming somewhat relaxed. "But you're still too young; you can't be considered a true cloud rider yet."

"I want to become like the General, leaving my name etched in legend on the Xianzhou!"

"What's so great about that? The path ahead won't be easy," Jing Yuan replied mildly.

"But, General, didn't you also reach where you are step by step?" Yanqing argued, determination and aspiration shining in his eyes.

After a brief silence,

Jing Yuan frowned, his expression deepening. Suddenly, he grinned, "Since you're so eager, shall we spar then?"

"Sure!"

"Don't expect me to go easy on you!"

With this, the short film officially concluded.

Within the Divination Commission, a profound silence fell momentarily, as both Fu Xuan and Qingque seemed immersed in the emotions conveyed by the footage.

A moment later,

Qingque sighed, breaking the silence, "General Jing Yuan, what a remarkable journey!"

"Seeing Jing Yuan and Jingliu back then compared to Jing Yuan and Yanqing now—it feels like another lifetime."

"And just imagine if it's indeed Yanqing who says, 'General... I shall repay your mentorship with this very technique...' in the future?!"

Fu Xuan sighed. "Qingque, if you have nothing meaningful to add, perhaps it's best not to speak at all."

"All right, Chief Diviner."