24 Irresponsible guardian (1/2)

”Wait, what do you mean you have been there before?” Xue'er asked curiously, as they climbed over a large boulder making their way up the mountain.

”I have been in there before.” He repeated himself.

”So, what are those shadow people? Why do they have different techniques? And am I allowed to keep the things I found in there?”

After getting bombarded with questions from the little girl, he directly said: ”You will find out in time.”

”But shouldn't you tell me if you know, aren't you my guardian?” This was the most irresponsible guardian she ever met, even though she only ever had two.

[Does Gan Tian Chi count as a guardian?]

”When did I say I would be your guardian?” Gan Tian Chi asked, in a deep wonder.

[When did I ever promise to commit myself to be her guardian?]

”So a year ago at the abandoned temple, when you said 'Follow me' you weren't promising to become my guardian?” She asked him.

”No, I never make promises.” He said.

”Oh, why?” She was slightly dejected but immediately rebounded him with her question filled with curiosity.

”I don't make commitments, nor do I like to owe favors.” He answered blandly. He hated commitments, since promises were such a serious matter, nor did he like owe favors, simply because his favors were priceless.

A favor from him can be as small as cooking a meal, or as large as bringing the collapse of a kingdom. It didn't matter how strong of a foundation of the kingdom had, as long as he made a move, a new dynasty would soon be established and the previous one would rot.

But of course, he didn't need to personally make a move, with the ambition of the kings and officials, kingdoms would fall and there would wars. He didn't even need to lift a finger.

He simply loved to enjoy his travels, it was a feeling of delight to be carefree and watch others struggle in this chaotic world.

”Hmm…” Xue'er sighed.

Seeing her so dejected, Gan Tian Chi couldn't help but tell her: ”Those shadow people are just lost souls accumulated over the millenniums of years, they are nothing but slaves to the underground maze, perhaps there was a time when they did have glory in their lifetimes, but now that time has long past. They are not the first and they certainly won't be the last.”

[Lost souls?] Xue'er couldn't help but shiver,

[To have once had glory, were once superior martial artist of their time, but doomed to serve the underground maze as slaves for an eternity.] Xue'er couldn't bear such a thought.

Yet still, she remains emotionless, as she hikes up the rocky pathway that seemed to be never-ending.