DESCENDANT OF THE DRAGON 4

Ah... if Ava King were evil to me because I am a Ming, while Yunwen and Youxun defended me because we are family, it would be much easier for me to understand since it is logical... But apparently, this world has gone crazy, everything can be upside-down. It really makes me get headache!...

"... This world, isn't as cruel and ruthless as you always think. It is the same with that life rule, that we won't be happy forever without enduring any kinds of suffering. When we fall into a deep ravine, Heaven won't let us crouch in there forever. The help will come in an unexpected form. Our savior is often an unexpected person. Like this time."

Zhu Su blinked his eyes. "Your Majesty..." His voice abruptly turned hoarse. "How... how can I repay your kindness?..."

The king kept smiling. "No need for you to do that. It has been paid off. You heal Mother, and I grant your wish. Paid off completely. There is no debt between us anymore."

"No... I really owe you..."

"Alright, alright! You insist like this, then just wait until you regain power in Ming, at that time we can continue discussing this topic... but really, you don't need to repay anything. Because I give help sincerely and expect no reward!"

"Ah..." Zhu Su gasped. "Your Majesty... I will remember all of your kindness... won't forget it... forever..."

Yes, whatever happened, even though God did not allow him to have the ability to repay the king's kindness, he would keep remembering it, forever.

Zhu Su bowed deeply, as a sign of respect and gratitude to the king who had been very kindhearted to help him.

People say, when we fall, look at the person who is still with us, who still wants to give their hands to us even though we are nobody... He is, the real good person we mustn't forget till the end of our life.

***

When Zhu Su returned with three hundred military soldiers with him, Gao Qing had finished meditating.

Liu Ku and Wu Qi immediately realized what had just happened. They looked at the grand army in amazement. "Your Highness... you finally get them..." Liu Ku whispered in admiration.

Zhu Su nodded. "His Majesty is really kind to me. I must not waste his kindness. We must succeed in saving those who get imprisoned."

While both of them nodded firmly, Gao Qing walked towards them. He was clearly unhappy. "So, you will still go to fight?"

"Sir Gao, I am a Ming. We are Ming people. We must fulfill our duties as Ming people. Besides, not the entire Ming is rejecting us. Look at Liu Ku and Wu Qi. There are still the Team of Wellbeing. Brother Di is also fighting with the Emperor. Our hope for being accepted by Ming is now stretching widely."

"Sir Gao," Zhu Youdun chimed in, "Please return to Ming together with us."

Gao Qing's eyebrows rose, his eyes widened. Zhu Youdun's offer was evidently out of his expectation. "I... return to Ming???..."

Zhu Su also said, "Yes, Sir, you're also a Ming, so let's go back, Sir..."

Gao Qing pursed his lips. His hands slightly trembled. "I... return to Ming... can I... I am a rejected person there, that's why I must evacuate here... so how can I?..."

"You can!" Zhu Su said firmly. "Why not? Many foreigners have come and studied in Ming, many traders from other countries do business in Ming, and many others come to Ming for miscellaneous purposes. The foreigners are allowed to come, let alone you, the real Ming person. There is no reason to forbid you from returning back to your motherland!"

"Re... really?..."

Something strange flashed from Gao Qing's eyes. He looked straightforward at Zhu Su, as if asking for confirmation from him, that what he had promised could indeed be done.

Trying to give him confirmation, Zhu Su nodded firmly.

However, the look in Gao Qing's eyes suddenly changed. "No, no!" He shook his head. "You will fight there, and I disagree with it! I don't like war. War only brings misery to innocent people. I don't want to go with you!"

Zhu Su and Zhu Youdun soon gasped. "Sir!... This is not..."

"Well, you know, I am the same as you. You have been determined to return to Ming and fight for your destiny, so have I. You can't be persuaded anymore, I'm also the same. So, no need for us to debate anymore."

"But... if you don't go back with us, then you will stay in Ava?..."

"No need for you to think about it. After all, I can live anywhere because I have been so used to living in the harsh realms."

Gao Qing was already very firm. Zhu Su could not say anything else. He just looked at his teacher, said sadly. "So, we have to say goodbye..."

Gao Qing answered briefly. "Yes."

A gentle breeze blew, bringing the cold air to their faces. Zhu Su kept on staring at Gao Qing. It was very difficult for him to say goodbye to the teacher he loved so much. The teacher who had been with him in joys and sorrows, who had helped him in crisis, and who had taught him many valuable things.

He did not want to bid farewell with him.

But, he knew very well about the character of his teacher. Hard as a rock. Only he himself could change his opinion, no matter how hard others persuade him, it would not be useful in any way.

Therefore, Zhu Su could only say. "Well, I won't force you anymore. But, please allow me to pay homage to you. The distance that separates us will be miles away, it is almost impossible for us to meet again. Let me thank you for your kindness and guidance to me all this time."

Then, he bowed deeply.

He saluted for three times. His salutation was also followed by Zhu Youdun and Hu Nayin.

After finishing saluting, with a sad smile Zhu Su said, "Farewell, Sir Gao. Take care of yourself."

Gao Qing himself, did not reply at all. He just stared back at his disciples in silence.

***

Five o'clock in the morning. The sun had risen in the eastern horizon.

The cold morning air carried the aroma of fresh morning dew. Zhu Su, Hu Nayin, Zhu Youdun, Wu Qi, and Liu Ku were sitting on their horses. Behind them, three hundred military soldiers were lining up, following them.

Zhu Su looked sadly at Ava's panorama. He stayed here for quite a long time, there had already been a deep feeling between himself and this country. This country had helped him so that he could gain this current achievement. But soon, he must leave it. Far distances would make it difficult to return back to this country.

Perhaps, he should say goodbye to this country, forever.

Also to Gao Qing.

"Thank you very much, Ava," He muttered. "And farewell... Sir Gao..."

The beat sound of the horse's feet got closer, made all of them twitch to surprise. Few seconds later, a brown horse had been standing before them. But the most surprising was its rider.

"Sir Gao!" Zhu Su and Zhu Youdun shouted in surprise.

Riding his horse, Gao Qing also carried a backpack behind him. His clothes were very neat, and his eyes looked straight ahead, full of determination.

"I want to join you, return to Ming," He said firmly.

"Eh... why do you change your mind?..."

"You are right. The distance between Ava and Ming is so far, it will be difficult for us to meet again if I stay here. And moreover, it'll become so difficult to monitor and guide you. You are so naïve and careless, but you want to fight instead, and even worse, it is the Emperor whom you want to fight! If something bad strikes you, I will suffer a life of guilt. So, I have made up this decision - I will follow you. At least I can still guide you so you can successfully realize your mission."

Gao Qing smiled broadly. He snapped the reins and his horse stepped towards Zhu Su.

Zhu Su looked at Gao Qing, deeply affected. "Thank you very much, Sir..." So affected, the voice coming out of his lips was no louder than a whisper.

"Alright! Come on, we're departing soon!"

The sun rose higher and higher. Its bright light accompanied their departure from Ava.

Towards Ming.