Chapter 26: A Threat of Death

"Senior, I have a question to ask," Yu Qi said, his expression filled with respect.

The man glanced at him and replied, "Speak."

Yu Qi cupped his hands in a salute. "Due to certain circumstances, I have lost my way here. Could you please tell me in which direction I might find the main road?"

The man had expected Yu Qi to ask about the path of the sword, so he was surprised by the nature of the request. He pointed forward. "Walk ten miles north, and you will reach it."

"Many thanks, Senior. I shall take my leave." After offering a respectful farewell, Yu Qi headed in the direction the man had indicated.

Once he had left the clearing, Yu Qi felt a sense of profound relief. Standing in that man's presence had felt less like standing before a person and more like facing an insurmountable mountain; he had been stifled by the overwhelming pressure. The man’s strength was beyond his imagination. That vast, majestic aura alone was proof that he had stepped into the realm of True Manifestation, or perhaps even that of Unity.

Ten miles was not a great distance. Half an hour later, he could see the outline of a main road through the grass ahead.

"Finally out." The days spent in the mountains, devoid of any signs of life, had been incredibly monotonous.

Just then, the sound of hoofbeats echoed from behind. Yu Qi turned to look and saw a cloud of dust rising on the road not far off, stirred up by galloping horses.

Yu Qi thought for a moment before stepping into the center of the road.

As the sound of hooves grew closer, a carriage appeared before him, flanked by several mounted attendants. They were armed, clearly acting as guards for the carriage. To be protected in such a manner, it was certain that someone of great importance sat within.

The attendant driving the carriage saw the black-robed man blocking the road and pulled the horses to a halt. At the same time, the surrounding guards drew their weapons, their eyes fixed vigilantly on the stranger.

"Why have we stopped?" a soft, masculine voice drifted from inside the carriage.

"Reporting to Young Master, someone is blocking the road ahead," the driver replied hastily.

"A road-blocker?" The young man's voice held a note of curiosity. A moment later, there was a rustle of movement, and a fair, slender hand lifted the curtain, revealing the occupant.

Yu Qi looked toward the carriage and was momentarily stunned. Had he not heard the man's voice earlier, he would have mistaken him for a woman.

The man appeared to be about Yu Qi's age. His features were delicate, his long hair tied back with a silk ribbon. His bright, lively eyes blinked incessantly, his lips were ruddy, his skin was fair, and his fingers were slender. He wore a light blue robe embroidered with a fan—a picture of a refined young noble. His complexion was such that even a woman might envy it; had he been a woman, he would surely have been a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.

"My friend, why are you blocking the middle of the road?" the man asked, puzzled.

Yu Qi cupped his hands. "Are you headed to Fenghua City?"

The man nodded.

Seeing this, Yu Qi said with a touch of embarrassment, "I, too, am traveling to Fenghua City. However, the journey is long—would it be possible to catch a ride? Name your price, and I shall pay."

"It's no trouble, we're going the same way. Come on up. I find it rather boring by myself, and having company would be nice." The man smiled, revealing a row of white teeth, and gestured for Yu Qi to join him in the carriage.

"My thanks," Yu Qi said, and without further ado, he climbed inside.

Seeing their master's decision, the attendants said nothing. They sheathed their weapons and resumed their journey.

The interior of the carriage was quite luxurious, with soft fabric covering the floor and silk-covered stools for seats. A small table sat in the center, laden with fruit. It was evident that this man was a scion of a wealthy family.

"Hey, what’s your name? How old are you?" The man’s voice was so gentle that it made Yu Qi wonder again if he were a woman in disguise.

"Yu Qi, twenty," Yu Qi replied flatly, his eyes fixed on the view outside the window.

"Oh, I’m Mu Qingnan, eighteen. It’s nice to meet you!" Despite Yu Qi’s cold demeanor, Mu Qingnan continued to speak with a cheerful smile.

Yu Qi offered a nod in response. Since the tragedy that befell his family, his heart had been locked away; he only revealed his true self to those like Li Changchu. Because of this, he maintained a frosty exterior toward strangers. If not for the fact that he needed a favor, he would have preferred not to engage with Mu Qingnan at all.

"Where is your home? Is it fun there?" Mu Qingnan continued to ask questions like a curious child.

"I have no home," Yu Qi replied coldly.

"How pitiful, not even having a home." Upon hearing this, Mu Qingnan’s eyes filled with sympathy. He thought for a moment and said, "How about this? You’re two years older than me—why don't we become sworn brothers? You be the older brother, and I’ll be the younger. That way, you’ll have family."

Yu Qi was quite taken aback by this suggestion. He turned his head to see a face full of genuine innocence, and said with a touch of sternness, "One does not joke about such things as sworn brotherhood. It is contrary to honor."

"Who told you I was joking? I’ve been the only child in my family since I was small, with no brothers. My father never let me play with others my age. Now that I’ve finally met someone, what’s wrong with making you my big brother?" Mu Qingnan pouted, his eyes even welling up with tears.

Watching this, Yu Qi was at a loss for words. He could not believe a grown man would be so tearful.

Seeing that Yu Qi remained unresponsive, Mu Qingnan produced a dagger from somewhere and pressed it against his own throat. "If you don't swear brotherhood with me, I’ll die right here in front of you."

Yu Qi was speechless. He had never encountered anyone like this before.

"Do you think this will threaten me?" Yu Qi asked flatly, looking at Mu Qingnan with amusement.

"You..." Seeing that Yu Qi remained unmoved, Mu Qingnan pressed the blade closer to his throat, drawing a few beads of blood.

He stared at Yu Qi, his mind racing. *Why doesn't the trick that always works on my father work on him? If I keep this up, I’m really going to cut my throat. No, I cannot be the first to yield. I don't believe it.*

With a stubborn glint in his eyes, he pressed harder, and the dagger broke the skin, allowing thin trickles of blood to flow down.