Chapter 135 - 3.31

"Mhmm~ And, if I told you that Xu Jiaqi is someone we should watch out for?" He Yiyuan chuckled lowly.

"Xu Jiaqi? Is she even a force to be reckoned with? You were the one who told me that nothing beats wealth. Just by looking at the fact that she is trying to strike a deal with us is already indirectly implying that she needs us in order to flourish. How can you say that we should watch out for her?" Zheng Jianyu did acknowledge Xu Jiaqi as a capable person, and told the King about her because she was young and could be poached early.

There were not many who possessed the qualities Xu Jiaqi had shown him right off the bat, and her eloquency added on to her charms were the ones who made Zheng Jianyu be motivated to try and seek her out.

But it wasn't to the point where he was concerned about her. However, his King is now saying that she should be watched?

"Jianyu, my suu~per scary intuition tells me that the little lady is going to be the one who causes a huge stir in the world.. And her best position really is in Xian Ruo. So, your proposal of me obtaining her is unfortunately declined. Our move is... going to be just staying by the side and watching them. We could support them as well, but don't let us get involved in the currents of things before everything calms down. That way, even if the girl's conquest is over, we are still going to survive healthily." He Yiyuan assessed. "My intuition is never wrong, and I heavily doubt that it would malfunction this time around. We must thrive in the upcoming turbulence, Jianyu."

"..Glory to the Dragon of Xi." Zheng Jianyu kneeled on the ground and lowered his head. Although he didn't completely understand He Yiyuan's point, if there was something to be noted about his relationship with the King, it was that he respected him for how competent he was at fields that he couldn't reach.

He only served under the man because he admired him, knowing how dangerous the man actually was behind his seemingly jolly attitude.

All the while, He Yiyuan was staring into the far distance and mumbling some incoherent words.

"Rise, Jianyu. We must make our own moves as well. We can't lose against this race of time. We will reap all the benefits, as always." He Yiyuan laughed as he clapped, gesturing for the other to get back up from his sudden stance.

Zheng Jianyu did as told and stared off into the vast scenery. They were at the pinnacle of a rather tall hill, and they were able to peek into the Xian Ruo County's condition in one sight. Xian Ruo wasn't particularly large, but it was a beautiful piece of land. They were able to see people of various backgrounds come together and thrive in the community.

And the one who sits in the middle of it all was the center piece of the land, Xie Yongrui's estate. Next to his personal chamber was his advisor's own chamber, which demonstrated how close their relationships were.

Was there a need for anything else to be said?

"..It's really a shame. If only there was a way to turn back time.. That day,  she met you, right? Along with Xie Yongrui. Maybe, if you got to her first, using any means.. She would've been on our side. But that is all just wishful thinking now."

"..My King, it's not too late. If you desire so, I can do the dirty work for you."

"No. We shouldn't take that path. It'll lead to misfortune." He Yiyuan decided that it was time to stop pointlessly looking over the state and turned around. "Let us depart for the center tomorrow. For today, I want to taste the life in Xian Ruo."

"Is it because you want to forge a plan for us?" Zheng Jianyu questioned.

He Yiyuan sighed heavily, turning to look at Zheng Jianyu in the eyes with regret lacing them all over. 

"Am I not allowed to live like a normal person should, Jianyu? Don't you already know the reason I built my Kingdom on top of wealth? It's to enjoy life. If I can't even indulge in that, then what was the point of working so hard to be King?" He Yiyuan jumped off the tall hill, followed by Zheng Jianyu, who didn't say anything more.

The topic of He Yiyuan's past was a sensitive one that he dared not touch. It was best to keep it sealed for years to no end, as opening it would only be akin to unlocking a Pandora's box.

The reason why the land of Xi was formed, and how He Yiyuan became known to be the infamous Dragon.

The figure who motivated him to do so and continue living even after all these years. If not for that lasting memory that they both shared that day, would his King.. no, his best friend be standing beside him right now?

The chances of that happening would be low.

For that, Zheng Jianyu was always thankful towards that figure that they both held dear to their hearts. The one whose life was lost in the tragedy that day. The blood splattering all over them, and the last memory of her being that of a tragic smile with the expression of relief cast on her face. The painful truth cascaded and sunk into their hearts, becoming a painful memory that served as a reminder to them forever and after.

He Yiyuan and him were equals in the sense that they rose from the same path, and worked together to reach the point they were in right now. Both of them were fragile, yet strong. Becoming the 'Dragon of Xi' or the 'Devil's Scale' was never their plan in the first place. They just wanted to prove a point. To the world, to themselves, and to that woman who sacrificed herself so that they could live.

The mark etched within their hearts were their weaknesses, but there was no longer anybody who knew of that incident. Because when it all happened, they were nothing but normal children who had long to live for.

But alas, it was those times that made them the current them.