RISE OF THE MARTIAL GOD

Anthony waited, Miao Miao's answer would determine his next move and if she was worth the effort. But the fire of hate in her eyes kept getting brighter, and it didn't seem as if it would go off soon.

'If she says yes, I will do it. But I won't complete what I have in mind for her.'

He took her hand, carefully watching her as she thought about it.

Miao Miao looked up at him, her eyes watery and filled with doubts.

"Why will you do that for me?"

Anthony smiled and wiped her tears.

"Because I always repay a favor. Even though you didn't know me, you welcomed me home, offered me food, comfort, and shelter. It's only right that I reciprocate."

"That's not the reason." She whispered, holding his gaze.

"It is. But most importantly, I don't want you to lose the goodness in your heart. The innocence is gone, and I know you will find it difficult to trust people after this, which is totally fine. However, I don't want you, and them to turn into three shattered women, broken beyond repair."

"I don't want you to turn evil because of this tragedy. Maybe after today, you will never welcome a stranger home, since that was how you met A'Jiu which led to all this mess. And it's totally fine, learning to be cautious is good. But I want you to realize that good people still exist, people who know how to repay gratitude for the littlest of things, people who will never betray the one that kept them warm on a cold winter. I want you to understand that not everyone is wicked, you just have to be vigilant, and have a discerning eye to sieve out the good from the evil. Miao Miao, I don't want you to turn into a villain because of this insane pain you're feeling now. That's why I will do anything to ease the pain and hatred in your heart."

Anthony waited for a while to let his words sink in before he continued.

"If their blood will ease the pain in your heart, say the word and I will kill them all. I didn't do anything because of the villagers being used as a manipulation chip, and to avoid hurting them. But now that they have gone back to their camp, and the few survivors in the village are safe because they chased after us, we don't need to look back. I can attack them now without being held back."

By this time, Tong Tong had also joined them, looking worriedly at Miao Miao as they waited for her to make the decision.

"There will be no need for that. I can't do something that will hurt your future just to get revenge. The dead ones are already dead, you're still alive. I won't do anything that will cause you trouble. Having you run like a fugitive while trying to protect us is already way too much. I can't add to it. Even if you kill them, it won't resurrect my father. Also…" Miao Miao's voice trailed off at this point and she began to cry hard.

"I can't bear to kill her. Ah… Even after all they did, I can't bring myself to make her pay." She began to cry harder, finally admitting the taboo words.

Even though A'Jiu betrayed her ruthlessly, somehow, she could still understand her because she knew the extent she would go just to make her man happy. Maybe it was how she was raised, maybe she's one of the legendary love brains that live their entire lives revolving around a man. No matter what the reason was, her actions were wrong, but killing her didn't seem right either.

Tong Tong wiped her tears, taking deep breaths to prevent herself from bawling like a baby. Her heart was in pain. Both her parents were among the merchants working for Miao Miao's father, and were among the people killed when the caravan was attacked. She lost two parents the same day, because of the same sneaky person. But was forced to be strong, she couldn't even cry out loud. All her life, she had been told that Miao Miao was the fragile one, and the chief's daughter whom she must defer to and take care of. In a situation where the young miss is devastated and crying heavily, when did it become the turn of her, a retainer's daughter to show emotions?

She must hide her pain, pretend to be alright, and hold Miao Miao even tighter to ensure she's not frightened or alone. She has to do as she had always been told, take care of her, and protect her for life. Even if they're friends, Tong Tong must never forget that Miao Miao was the chief's daughter, the princess, while she—she was merely a soldier's child, being protected by the chief's kindness. And Xinglan, under the guise of being adopted, was nothing more than a blood guard. As the only female youth who is a cultivator, the role of protecting the chief's daughter fell on her under the guise of friendship and keeping her company.

So the two despite being her equals on the surface were actually subordinates. How could it be their turn to act weak? Of course they needed to hold their heart steadfast, and protect the weak young miss, ensuring she's taken to safety.

"Young master, the food is ready." Tong Tong whispered in a small voice, finally delivering the message she came to give. Anthony who was comforting Miao Miao pulled away, and nodded.

"Alright, let's eat. You all are exhausted. You should eat and sleep, it's nearly midnight. Tomorrow, we will continue our journey to Ximen."

"Ximen is a bit far, and it's a city pre dominated by powerful cultivation clans. It's truly big and harsh to survive in. For you, it will be the best option to hone in your skills as your family wishes. But for us, it might be hard to live if we run into people displeased with us. How about we stop at a town with a huge population, a commercial hub filled with merchants and products, with fewer cultivators. In that way, we will be able to quickly blend in and not stick out like a sore thumb. Young master, young miss, what do you think?" Xinglan whispered, looking at Anthony with her hands behind her, standing straight like a soldier, her eyes red from trying to hold back her tears.