Chapter 40: 40. I Will Strike Them Down First
"Erasing all feelings? A killing machine!"
Qian Renxue murmured, her red lips trembling as she stared at Qian Renjue, unable to believe it.
"How could this happen?"
Qian Renxue quickly stepped forward and grabbed Qian Renjue's small hand.
There was no rejection, no warmth. This coldness was unprecedented, and it pierced her heart.
"Jue! I'm your sister."
"I know."
Qian Renjue responded calmly, without any trace of emotion. His purple eyes were surrounded by a faint circle of blood.
"Jue..."
Qian Renxue bit her lip, her eyes reddening.
Knowing the truth made it all the more painful, the most despairing thing of all!
She gently pulled Qian Renjue into her arms and hugged him tightly.
Qian Xunji couldn't believe it either.
The usually sunny and cheerful Qian Renjue had changed so drastically, just from awakening his martial spirit.
Looking into Qian Renjue's eyes, he didn't see the vitality that used to be there.
Unable to bear it, he turned to Qian Daoliu and asked, "Dad, are you sure you're not joking?!"
Qian Daoliu shook his head helplessly.
"Why can't you two let me finish speaking?"
"What do you mean, Dad?"
Qian Xunji immediately looked up, nervously and anxiously staring at his father.
"Grandpa, is there a way to help?" Qian Renxue looked up, her voice choked with emotion.
At that moment, in Qian Renxue's arms, the faint blood around Qian Renjue's purple eyes flickered and slowly faded.
He seemed dazed, recalling what had happened and gradually returning to himself. He shifted slightly in her embrace.
"Sister, don't cry."
Qian Renjue's caring voice made Qian Renxue's eyes widen in surprise.
She immediately looked down, her eyes filled with joy.
"Jue, you've come back?!"
"I'm sorry, Sister…"
Qian Renjue apologized, raising his hand to gently wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes.
He remembered everything that had happened, as if it were a second personality.
The memories were there, but his state had been wrong. All emotions had been suppressed by the lingering power of his martial spirit.
"Sister's fine, really!" Qian Renxue shook her head, still feeling a bit hurt.
"Smile for me, will you?" she asked softly.
"Of course! Haha."
Qian Renjue nodded earnestly and smiled. But after a few seconds, his smile faded, and his face took on a puzzled expression.
"Sister, does laughing like this make me look silly?"
"Pfft." Qian Renxue couldn't help but laugh at his goofy appearance. She hugged him tighter, though her eyes were still red.
Laughing, she choked out, "It's fine… Jue, you don't have to smile right now. Just like this, this is perfect!"
"Really."
"Don't cry, Sister."
Qian Renjue nestled in her arms, wiping away her tears again.
"I'm not crying." Qian Renxue wiped the last tear from her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Then she lifted her head and gently pinched his soft cheeks.
"Ahh~"
Seeing that Qian Renjue had truly returned to normal, Qian Xunji finally sighed in relief.
He didn't interrupt the siblings and instead turned to Qian Daoliu.
"Dad, what exactly is going on?"
"This is what I was trying to explain earlier. Although Renjue's martial spirit is problematic, it's not enough to erase his humanity in such a short time," Qian Daoliu explained while watching the two siblings embrace.
"For now, this condition seems to be a lingering effect of using his martial spirit. The duration of this state seems to be related to how long he uses his martial spirit."
Hearing this, Qian Xunji suddenly understood.
"So this state is temporary. As long as Jue doesn't use his martial spirit, there won't be a problem!"
"There's no doubt about that," Qian Daoliu agreed. But his eyes were filled with concern.
"However, if this state persists or if the martial spirit is used for too long, it might become irreversible."
"How long is too long?" Qian Xunji's expression darkened again.
"How would I know? It could be quite long." Qian Daoliu shook his head helplessly, worriedly glancing at Qian Renjue.
Listening to the conversation, Qian Renxue made up her mind.
She never wanted to see that cold expression on Qian Renzhe's face again, not even once.
"Jue, you are not allowed to use your martial spirit ever again."
Qian Renxue looked at him seriously, leaving no room for argument.
Qian Daoliu's eyes brightened as he nodded in agreement.
Even if there seemed to be no immediate harm, there could be hidden dangers. The safest and most effective way was simply not to use it.
"But Jue promised to protect you, Sister," Qian Renjue frowned, staring at Qian Renxue, remembering his previous words.
Qian Renxue shook her head gently and said, "Sister will protect herself. You don't need to worry."
Qian Renjue hesitated, still torn.
"What if someone bullies Jue?" he asked.
"Then I'll take them down first!" Qian Renxue's voice was filled with icy determination, her eyes sharp with murderous intent.
If anyone dared to make Qian Renjue treat her that coldly again, they'd have to die.
Qian Renxue's killing intent filled the air as she looked at Qian Renjue with deadly seriousness.
"Jue, trust me. I mean what I say!"
"S-Sister…" Qian Renjue shuddered a little, having never seen this 'scary' side of her before. He lowered his head, finally agreeing.
"Sister, Jue understand."
Both Qian Daoliu and Qian Xunji were surprised by Qian Renxue's sudden burst of killing intent.
Seeing Qian Renjue's slightly downcast look, Qian Daoliu smiled and reached out to gently pat his head.
"Don't worry, Xiao Jue. Your sister's request is for your own good."
"Jue understand."
Qian Renjue nodded slightly, having heard their conversation earlier.
He couldn't help but ask, "Dad, Grandpa, does this mean Jue can't cultivate anymore?"
"Of course you can!" Qian Daoliu assured him with a smile.
"No matter what, you can still cultivate, even if you don't use your abilities."
Qian Xunji also reassured him. "Jue, don't worry about that. In a few days, I'll personally take you and your sister to hunt soul beasts."
Saying that, Qian Xunji squatted down and hugged both of his children.
"Thanks, Dad," Qian Renjue said, wrapping his arms around his father's neck and finally smiling again.
"And thank you, Sister and Grandpa."
"Haha, the best way to thank me is for Xiao Jue to stay well!" Qian Daoliu chuckled.
"Jue, sister will always protect you!"
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