"Saintess?"

From this guy's words, is that man related to their Saintess?

Didn't he say the Saintess was already dead?

Not quite understanding the situation, Xu Fan was curious but didn't probe further, allowing him to continue explaining.

"This was about more than ten years ago..."

"Back then, it was the first time Matsushita Tsuki met Igarashi."

Matsushita Tsuki, believed to be the Saintess worshipped by the ancient cultivators, while Igarashi was likely the person he'd been tracking all along.

Xu Fan nodded, permitting the other to continue talking.

"If it wasn't for the Saintess's kindness back then, these things wouldn't have happened today."

"When Igarashi appeared in Ancient Nara, he was on the brink of death. The Saintess was young at that time and inherently kind-hearted. She secretly saved this man with a cultivation level, without us knowing."

"This matter was kept secret for a long time. We only discovered it after the Saintess had fully healed Igarashi."

"According to the ancient cultivators' rules, martial artists who intrude into Ancient Nara are not tolerated. Naturally, we planned to eliminate this hidden danger."

"But... as you might have guessed, our actions were blocked by the Saintess."

"Though Igarashi was saved by the Saintess, he had already lost all his cultivation. The Saintess did not wish to see us harm someone defenseless."

"Eventually we chose to compromise, promising the Saintess we wouldn't trouble this man, but Igarashi must leave Ancient Nara and never return."

"The fellow surprised us..."

Reflecting on it now brought a sigh, as the other explained past events to Xu Fan and lamented bitterly.

Only after a while did he continue: "This guy insisted on not leaving and wanted to join the ancient cultivators."

"According to him, it was about repaying the favor, returning the Saintess's kindness by choosing to protect her for life."

"The essence of being human lies in emotions. In the month spent together with him, the Saintess naturally couldn't bear to see him just leave..."

"Upon hearing his request, the Saintess didn't hesitate to demand we agree."

"We were naturally reluctant to consent to this stranger."

"Who knew what hidden intentions he had?"

"Unfortunately, despite our repeated attempts to block him, we couldn't stop him from becoming one of our ancient cultivators."

It was partly due to the Saintess's insistence, and partly because Igarashi had already lost his cultivation powers. Despite some concerns, no one thought Igarashi could cause trouble for the ancient cultivators.

And so, Igarashi became a member among the ancient cultivators.

"It seems our initial suspicions were wrong; for over ten years, Igarashi truly became one of us."

"He followed every rule obediently, and over these years displayed astonishing talent."

"Perhaps it was 'break and then rise,' and Igarashi's cultivation made him unmatched among today's ancient cultivators."

"..."

Listening to the explanation, Xu Fan couldn't help but frown; according to him, Igarashi was indeed a genius.

Indeed, in past confrontations, although he hadn't faced him directly, the martial arts he displayed showed true brilliance.

"What happened next?"

If Igarashi joined the ancient cultivators not just to repay the Saintess's kindness, then he might have greater ambitions.

Xu Fan tidied his thoughts slightly and signaled the other to continue.

The other smiled and continued explaining.

"In your Huaxia culture, there's a saying—'affection grows over time,' and this transpired between Igarashi and the Saintess."

"Over ten years, even strangers would bond into husband and wife."

"Igarashi initially felt gratitude towards the Saintess, so it's reasonable that he fell in love with the Saintess over time."

"And this was indeed something many people worried about from the start."

"But, alas, the ancient cultivators have their rules that no one has the right to change, not even one as gifted as Igarashi."

Both the Saintess and the ancient cultivators are lifelong forbidden to pursue emotional desires—this rule has endured across generations.

Their burgeoning feelings broke one of the great taboos within the lineage of ancient cultivators!

Upon learning this, the ancient cultivators couldn't simply ignore it.

They sought out the Saintess, explaining the situation, reminding her of her identity.

The Saintess explained the bond between her and Igarashi was merely friendship.

This claim was naturally met with disbelief.

However, by her and Igarashi alone, they couldn't withstand the entire ancient cultivators' lineage.

So the ancient cultivators asked her to resolve the issue herself.

Urging her to cut off ties with Igarashi, or they'd sever her longing on her behalf.

"..."

Sever her longing—Xu Fan was well aware of what that implied.

Most likely, they intended to kill Igarashi.

Despite his brilliance, Igarashi wouldn't have had the power to contend against the entire ancient cultivators.

Probably, the Saintess couldn't bear to witness such an event.

"Did she agree then?"

With a sigh, Xu Fan asked.

Love between individuals like these is destined for tragedy...

The other nodded bitterly, saying: "I recall Matsushita Tsuki cried terribly at the time, but ultimately, for Igarashi, she agreed."

"She asked for three days to completely sever ties with Igarashi."

"She wouldn't have committed suicide over love, right...?"

Upon hearing the explanation, Xu Fan couldn't help but ask.

Xu Fan remembered that the guy mentioned the current Saintess was dead...

If Matsushita Tsuki committed suicide, then indeed, she would have completely severed their ties...

"No."

Upon Xu Fan's inquiry, the other shook his head and replied.

"The evidence at the scene proved Matsushita Tsuki's death was a murder..."

"Moreover, she died by the martial arts of ancient cultivators."

"This?"

Xu Fan listened, frowning—what was going on here?

"The day of the incident was the day Matsushita Tsuki promised to sever ties with Igarashi. Afterward, Igarashi disappeared completely."

Upon revealing the circumstances back then, the other couldn't help but sigh.

"So, we unanimously believed it was Igarashi who killed her..."

"After all, rejected love could impulsively lead to murder, don't you agree?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.