Chapter Fifty-Eight
The demonic blade Muramasa seemed to sense the deathly aura erupting from Zhou Yu and ceased its mischief. Zhou Yu snatched Muramasa from Xiao Jie’s grasp; Xiao Jie, as if drained of all strength, collapsed to the ground. Nian Yu hurried to support Xiao Jie, asking, “Xiao Jie, what happened just now? Why did you suddenly feel so terrifying?”
Zhou Yu had no time to concern himself with Xiao Jie; holding Muramasa, he drew it from its sheath. The blade, a deep violet, radiated an uncanny and seductive aura. Zhou Yu addressed the sword, “I don’t care what you are—be it divine weapon or cursed artifact—but if you dare harm Xiao Jie even slightly, I will destroy you with my own hands.”
Muramasa quivered violently, but Zhou Yu paid it no heed and slid it back into its sheath. He tossed it into the car before returning to Xiao Jie’s side.
He asked, “Do you feel anything amiss now?”
Xiao Jie shook her head. “Nothing, just a bit weak.”
Zhou Yu replied, “Don’t use that blade for now. Wait a while before you pick it up again.”
Xiao Jie glanced at the spot where Muramasa lay, understanding Zhou Yu was acting for her sake. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”
Zhou Yu gently lifted Xiao Jie and placed her in the car that Nian Yu was driving. Wrapping an arm around her head, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead, whispering, “Rest well, my dear.”
Xiao Jie’s cheeks flushed as she lowered her head, murmuring an assent and falling silent.
Nian Yu pulled Zhou Yu aside, dragging him back toward the camper. “What was that just now?”
Zhou Yu replied, “What do you mean?”
Nian Yu said, “You became even scarier than Xiao Jie did. If I didn’t know you’d never harm me or her, I wouldn’t have dared approach to help.”
Zhou Yu said, “Oh, you mean that. It’s simply an aura—under certain circumstances, over time, it naturally forms.”
Nian Yu frowned. “I don’t really understand. Can you explain it more clearly?”
Zhou Yu obliged, “Think of it this way: sometimes, when we’re walking down the street, we see someone who looks rustic, and we immediately know they’re from the countryside. Others, like soldiers from the old resistance days—even if you visit them now and they seem perfectly amiable—you can still feel their fierce presence.”
He continued, “It’s just like when you’re angry; others can see it at a glance. It’s the same principle.”
Nian Yu nodded. “But why was your aura so cold and frightening?”
Zhou Yu replied, “That relates to my past experiences.”
Nian Yu pressed, “But when we’re together and arguing, you get angry too. Why didn’t I ever feel that chilling fear then?”
Zhou Yu reached out and gently ruffled Nian Yu’s hair. “Silly girl, anger is anger. How could I ever want to hurt you?”
Nian Yu slapped his hand away. “How many times have I told you—I’m not a child, stop messing up my hair! And I’m not silly; you’re the silly one. You’re a big silly fool. Hmph.”
Zhou Yu chuckled softly, saying nothing.
He turned to the assembled group, now ready to depart. “Alright, get in the cars. Zhao Yan, you’ll drive mine this time. Keep close, okay?”
With that, Zhou Yu climbed into the first welded police vehicle. Leaning out the window, he called, “Let’s go!” Then he drove off, and the others followed, heading toward their destination.