1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Egocentrism

The sound of horse footsteps was still heard in the wilds. They were a group of Black Roses who were chasing their fugitive, Yu Hao.

“We will not release them,” said one of them.

Others responded, “True. Even though our distance is quite far we can definitely chase them and finish them off!”

The speed of the horse they added in order to catch the target they want to catch.

***

Shuwan, and his three friends are trying other alternatives so as not to be overtaken by the group that hunts them.

“Are we going to keep chasing after him like this? I'm afraid that those people will get here soon and get us,” Shuwan said.

Yu Hao responded to Shuwan's question, “Other streets are nearby. It's just that the area can't be passed by horse. If you want to pass through it we have to walk.”

“But won't the walk take long?” Ask Zhang.

“You're right, Zhang. It's just that for now I think the path is the best. Don't you realize that this horse we're riding left a trail they can track?” Light Yu Hao answered Zhang's question.

They decided to stop and continue the conversation.

Shuwan also made up, in the book they were injured quite badly after facing the group of Black Roses. Is taking another path the best option? Then isn't the story of the book going to change?

Jiao who had been listening only started talking, “I agree with what Yu Hao said. Because of the trail these horses left behind, sooner or later we will be overtaken by them. So, I don't think there's any harm if we try the other way.”

The still-doubtful Zhang kept asking questions to make sure that the choice they took was the right one. “But, is it not too risky? Our next destination is it reachable by that road?”

“What do you mean is a village that is ahead there?” Yu Hao asked Zhang again.

The debate continues between them. Shuwan and Zhang were still hesitant about the choice, as well as Yu Hao and Jiao who were convinced by the choice.

Zhang and Yu Hao still threw arguments at each other.

Zhang responded to Yu Hao's question, “True. We can get groceries for supplies during the trip.”

“Do you not think that we pass through the village will not bring the Black Rose group to come and harm the people who are there?”

Yu Hao's question was like poking Zhang into silence.

How'this? Should they sacrifice their wounds, or choose another path? If the story changes, I won't know what will happen. Will this story end the same? Inner Shuwan continued to quarrel.

Shuwan asked the question, “Can't we come up with a plan to fight them right now? Is it not good to face them or continue to run like this we will still meet them? I'm not sure they're the group that will just give up when it can't catch us now.”

They all fell silent after hearing Shuwan's words.

“What Shuwan said also makes sense. If we avoid them, they will definitely continue to chase after us. They won't give up just like that, because the me that they are talking about is the key that holds their secrets.” After saying so, Yu Hao's gaze led to another place.

Zhang was shocked to hear that Yu Hao was the secret key possessed by the Black Rose group. Unknowingly his lips popped the question in succession, “Rahasia? What secret does that mean? And, how can you be the key?”

“If I tell you guys, isn't it the same that it's no longer a secret?” said Yu Hao.

Zhang just smiled cynically, and said, “I think you trust us, but I guess you still can't do it. Well, it is a natural thing because we just met some time ago.”

Yu Hao simply bowed silently with a blank look.

“Already, don't argue anymore. Now our focus is on dealing with those people,” Shuwan said to end the debate between them.

Jiao who had just listened had asked a clear question,“Then what plan can we run to make them deter after us?”

“Yu Hao, do any of those people have special abilities?” ask Shuwan.

Yu Hao nodded and said, “His name is Shilin, he is a sword specialist among us. His sword ability made him known by the nickname ‘King of the Demon’. I'm sure he was also demoted to do this pursuit.”

“I don't care about his creepy nickname, the most important thing is how to beat him?”

“I don't know that either, Shuwan. During the training and going on missions with him, I could never defeat him. What kind of trick I play, I still lose. As hard as I attacked him, he was not hurt in the slightest by my attack.”

Yu Hao's explanation made Shuwan think hard. He asked Yu Hao again, “Is it possible that he has the power of a Soul Shield?”

Yu Hao was shocked by Shuwan's question, “P-Soul Shield? I've never heard of it.”

“I'll try to face that guy named Shilin.”

Shuwan suddenly volunteered which made the three of them startled.

Jiao said, “But Shuwan, it's very dangerous. If a person as strong as Yu Hao alone was unable to defeat him, let alone with you?”

“True says Jiao. He is not an ordinary person we can face. Just one step, our lives can be lost,” Yu Hao interrupted.

“Jiao, Yu Hao, I know you guys are worried because maybe I look weak and again I am a woman. But, you don't know me. Maybe we're the same age, it's just that I've lived through a lot of these kinds of battles. You won't understand anything I've faced. For that, I beg you to trust me,” Shuwan assured his friends.

Zhang, who was silent about Shuwan's decision, spoke up. “Shuwan..”.

Shuwan looked back at Zhang who called his name.

“Should you do it up to like this? I know you're no ordinary person, but can't you think of the feelings of the person who thinks of you right now?” zhang continued his words.

Shuwan also. Is he worried about me? Butwhy? We have just met and are on this journey together. It can't be ‘kan if he...

“If you only rely on your feelings, doesn't that mean selfishness? I can't let you get hurt. Let me endure that pain. After all, I'm used to this kind of thing" Shuwan replied.

“When we talk about a problem like this, you always say it with selfishness. Then, how is it different from what you're doing right now?”

Jiao and Yu Hao were only speechless at the quarrel between Shuwan and Zhang.

“You're right, I'm the one who's selfish. There's always a reason behind all the selfishness I've been doing. With you guys staying safe and unharmed, it'll make me feel fine. So please, don't stop me. It's all for our common good.”

Shuwan just stared at Zhang coldly. He did not express a bit.

Zhang was still trying to argue with Shuwan. “Keepan said? What good is there to sacrifice yourself for others?”

“If not sacrifice, then we will be sacrificed. I think as a learned people you understand what it means.”

Zhang was still speechless hearing Shuwan's words.

“I can't see the people around me getting hurt more. For that, I will remain a shield for them. And for that reason, I'm here with you.”

Jiao, Zhang, and Yu Hao were shocked to hear Shuwan's statement. Zhang was just bowed, like there was a feeling of sadness that haunted him after hearing Shuwan's words.

He walked past Shuwan without speaking a word and sat down under a tree propped up on his back. He threw his face at Shuwan out of anger.

Jiao then approached Shuwan, “Shuwan should we be like this? By continuing to make you a shield?”

“Even if I don't want it, but I have to, Jiao. The fate I have is like this. Want me to try like anything can not dodge that destiny.”

At least until I complete this mission and escape the curse. Inner Shuwan.

“K-in that case, what can we do to help you?” ask Jiao.

“You can help me by distracting others. That way I can focus on facing that guy named Shilin.”

Jiao nodded in understanding. Shuwan resumed his words, “Yu Hao, you must have understood how to defeat others?”

“Yes.. I know, they are at a level that is below me,” said Yu Hao.

“Then I leave them to you.”

Jiao and Yu Hao nodded in agreement. While Zhang was still aloof from anger at Shuwan's selfishness. So he broke away and sat in the shade under a tree.

Shuwan turned his gaze to her and nodded, Zhang, I'm sorry I can't obey you. I just want you and the others to stay safe.

“Jiao, Yu Hao, can you stay with Zhang? I'm afraid he'll continue like that. What's more, his body condition is not good either.

“Alright, we will stay with him and face the people that Shilin has brought,” Yu Hao told Shuwan.

Finally Jiao, Yu Hao, and Zhang waited under the tree. There were weeds that indirectly prevented them from being seen by the enemy.

Shuwan was alone in the tree opposite the three of them to watch and wait for the arrival of the Black Rose group who were chasing them.