[Book II Chapter 26] Dylan: Parting Ways

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Dylan surveyed the warehouse with satisfaction. Packed into every corner were several times more treasures than he’d collected in his entire lifetime.

Over the last six months, the void around the edge of the Godly Herb Garden had been creeping inward. At sunset tomorrow, the ring of archways encircling the land would be swallowed whole. At that point, the only way out would be to wait for the silver veil to retreat and take the exit at the heart of the realm.

Entering the mansion, Dylan found Yingtai slouched on a table, cup in hand. The smell of alcohol was unmistakable.

He shook his head, “So you failed to convince him?”

“I don’t know how I’ll explain this to Venerable Western Wind.” Yingtai dragged herself up and downed the drink. “I was warned not to return without him.”

Soul had declared he wouldn’t be accompanying them in the morning. Instead, he intended to stay and retrieve Panacea. Part of me suspected this outcome, but I couldn’t make myself believe he’d be that foolish.

> Dowart said quietly.

Dylan shot the specter an incredulous glance.

> Dowart explained. <>

Dylan sighed. When he puts it that way…

Soul was sitting on a frozen section of the pond, cultivating eyes closed. Dylan walked out onto the ice. “Yingtai is drinking herself silly inside. Won’t you reconsider?”

Soul answered without moving, “My mind is settled.”

I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. “Do you remember the harpy queen that awoke the other day?” Dylan continued. “It took all five of us to take her down. Beasts far stronger still lie beyond the silver veil. You’re headed for a certain death.”

“And if I success, countless lives will be saved. That makes it worth the attempt.” Soul responded calmly.

Watching this quiet composure, anger boiled up deep within Dylan. He thinks of himself as some kind of saint or matyr. “How is it noble to sacrifice your life on a hopeless endeavor?” He ranted. “Do you crave the recognition of strangers that much? And what of your impact on those around you? Making enemies right and left… Not killing them them when you have the chance… How long before it costs you what you hold dear?”

“Don’t you just lack confidence?” Soul answered coldly, opening his eyes.

“What?” Dylan was speechless.

Soul took a deep breath and continued. “I was born in the most fortunate of circumstances, with enviable talents and an ideal upbringing. Here I am at sixteen, already a saint.”

“I want it to mean something. Sure, I could play it safe and cruise to immortality, but what’s the worth of that? I reject such a self-centered existence and the thinking behind it.”

“Empathy isn’t a binary choice. It’s possible to pursue your own goals while caring for other’s well being. I was blessed with the strength to do so.”

Soul stared directly at him, “I will retrieve Panacea. If Sulai comes after me again, then I’ll defeat her once more. I will spare and save who I desire. Despite the hardships this brings, I will live and protect this world. That’s my resolve.”

“So you want everything?” Dylan was astounded.

Soul smirked. “In my own way, I am the most arrogant of my siblings.”

<> Dowart said sadly.

Dylan agreed, turning away. It’s more madness than resolve.

“Don’t you have anything you value more than your life?” Soul called out after him.

I do, Dylan realized. Revenge and the little mistress. He pondered this and came to a conclusion. It’s the boy’s irrational selflessness that I can’t accept. Sanwue isn’t the place for such things.

Later, Gen Jiang gathered them all around in the dining table. “Are you still determined to collect the colorless flower?” He asked.

“I am.” Soul answered.

Gen nodded. “Then I have a suggestion. Although I will be taking the Celestial Pearl, the sanctuary will remain. It’s far enough inland that the void will not claim it, and I’ve strengthen the enchantments so they will last for another three months.”

“Over the next few days, collect a large supply of food and camp here for three months. By foregoing this realm’s treasures, you will be kept safe until Panacea blooms.”

“And for that final day…” Gen continued, withdrawing three golden talismans. “I offer you three miracles.”

“First, a miracle of stealth, which should get you most of the way undetected.”

“Second, a miracle of discord, which will cause conflict among all beasts around you.”

“Third, a miracle of life. For a few of minutes, you’ll wield the strength of an immortal.”

Gen slid the talismans to Soul. “Use them wisely and perhaps you will accomplish a miracle of your own.”

> Dowart lamented.

Dylan said nothing. The Fate Pavillion disciple clearly led a lavish lifestyle, spoiling those around him. As a recipient of his generosity, who was he too object?

…

When they departed the following morning, Yingtai chose to stay behind. Apparently, yesterday’s plan had somehow won her over. Or her fear of facing the Patriarch of the Rippling Tempest Sect was too great. As if foreseeing the development, Gen handed her two talismans, miracles of stealth and life.

Dowart Fain had been the most shocked, not speaking a word since.

After mulling silently a while, Dylan caught up to Gen and confronted the man, “Was it really alright to gift them such treasures? Five of those have got to be costly, even for you.”

“Each took a month to make.” Gen agreed. “As for why I aided them… I determined their chances of success weren’t zero. Considering how it would benefit our allies, that alone made it worth the investment.”

Dylan shook his head, “It strikes me as a waste to gamble on such low odds.”

Gen laughed. “What gamble? If they retrieve Panacea, it will have been worth it. If they fail… Then the cost of those talismans will be deducted from the spoils those two collected in my warehouses.”

Dylan chuckled at these words. This is one man I can get along with.