Bengtie, I'm really not a villain!

They might sit down for a long talk under the moonlight, sharing their innermost thoughts; they might support each other through difficult times, walking hand in hand forward.

But now, the powerful "external force" of the host has intervened, disrupting the original rhythm of fate. In what bizarre direction will this so-called bond of close friendship evolve?

Will the situation become distorted amidst conflict and misunderstanding, or will a serendipitous turn of events lead to a different outcome?

[Host, there's no need to be overly anxious. With your innate "Rogue's Abundance" trait, you'll surely find an effective way to continue pushing Raiden Mei's sword through its transformation in this complex situation.]

Countless possible scenarios of Furibas and Raiden Mei interacting flashed through Jingye's mind.

He could almost see Furibas, after learning of all the "evil deeds" he had committed against Raiden Mei, glaring at him with overwhelming hostility.

She might try to stop her own plans in her own way, and might even inadvertently become a huge obstacle to triggering the effects of "Blade Spirit".

But everything has two sides. A glimmer of hope flashed in Jing Ye's eyes. Perhaps this seemingly troublesome bond with his best friend would become an unexpected opportunity.

Perhaps during their time together, some of Fulibas's words or actions will act as a key, helping her achieve a qualitative breakthrough in her mindset, thus successfully triggering the "Spirit of the Blade" effect and allowing the blade to undergo a magnificent transformation.

Thus, Jingye's sharp, hawk-like gaze began to shift back and forth between Furibas and Raiden Mei.

And Fulibas certainly did not disappoint Jing Ye.

While everyone else looked at Raiden Mei with a mixture of awe and distance, Furibas, like a unique ray of light, walked straight toward her.

Her personality is very much like Kiana's: brave, fearless, frank, and honest, as if nothing in the world could deter her.

[Furibas knew all too well that Raiden Mei, though seemingly successful now, was actually riddled with wounds.]

The injuries inflicted by Jing Ye, though somewhat healed with the passage of time, still linger like a shadow.

She approached Raiden Mei: "Mei, are your injuries any better? Jingye was too ruthless; how could he treat you like that!"

That concerned tone, like the warm spring sun, instantly dispelled the gloom that lingered in Raiden Mei's heart.

Raiden Mei paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

During this time, people kept their distance from her because of the mysterious and beautiful sword marks on her body. Fulibas was the first person to boldly and proactively care about her injuries.

A warm feeling welled up inside her, and she gently shook her head: "I'm much better now, thank you."

Furibas leaned closer, his gaze falling on the faint sword marks on Raiden Mei's wrist.

In an instant, a blush crept onto her cheeks; the knife marks were so beautiful, so breathtaking, they made one's heart race.

But the next second, she clenched her teeth, her eyes filled with anger.

"Hmph, Jing Ye, putting this thing on you is infuriating! What right does he have to treat you like this!"

[His clenched teeth and furious expression resembled that of a fierce beast protecting its young; his displeasure with Jing Ye was palpable.]

[Raiden Mei stared blankly at Furibas's appearance, momentarily stunned.]

She never expected that someone would express their concern for her and their dissatisfaction with Jing Ye so bluntly.

After a moment of stunned silence, a slight, helpless smile appeared on her lips.

[In that gentle laugh, there was acceptance of Furibas's adorable appearance, and also a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of deep emotion or reflection) about this wonderful缘分 (yuánfèn, a kind of predestined connection).]

She never imagined that, amidst this complex situation, she and Furibas would become friends in such a fateful way.

[Raiden Mei's mother and Himeko's eyes were fixed on the actions of Furibas and Raiden Mei in the arena, their shock undisguised.]

[Furibas's bold move of walking straight towards Raiden Mei without hesitation instantly drew all their attention.]

[Raiden Mei's mother's hands clenched unconsciously, her eyes filled with disbelief.]

Since that night of reunion, my daughter seems to be encased in an invisible layer of ice, and everyone around her keeps a great distance from her.

But at this moment, Furibas, like a warm spring breeze, pierced through the ice without hesitation, bravely extending a friendly hand to her daughter, leaving her both surprised and somewhat bewildered.

Himeko's mouth was slightly open, her expression complex and difficult to decipher.

[Her eyes held both amazement at Furibas's unexpected act and deep concern for Raiden Mei's current predicament.]

She knew all too well that beneath Raiden Mei's seemingly strong exterior lay a heart riddled with wounds, and it was impossible to predict what changes the appearance of Furibas would bring to her.

Unconsciously, their thoughts seemed to be drawn by an invisible hand, involuntarily drifting back to that unforgettable moment.

[Jing Ye moved with ghostly speed, knocking Raiden Mei down time and time again. Each time, Raiden Mei struggled to her feet, her appearance both disheveled and stubborn.]

"This child..."

[Raiden Mei's mother tried to say something, but her throat felt like it was tightly blocked by a wad of cotton; the soreness and pain prevented her from uttering any complete words.]

Himeko sighed softly, a sigh filled with endless helplessness and regret.

She shook her head slightly, a hint of gentleness in her eyes.

"Although Furibas may seem somewhat simple-minded, like a naive fool, his heart is as pure as an unpolished gem, full of childlike enthusiasm and kindness."

They all understood that Furibas's arrival might bring a glimmer of long-lost warmth and light to Raiden Mei's dark world.

But the pain of the past, like heavy dark clouds, still weighs heavily on their hearts.

Now, faced with this scene, they are filled with immense inner turmoil.

[Worry spread like wildfire in the hearts of Raiden Mei's mother and Himeko.]

They know you are ruthless and merciless.

As Furibas and Raiden Mei drew closer, a terrifying image involuntarily surfaced in their minds: Would Furibas suffer the same fate as Raiden Mei, also being targeted and captured by you for that cruel iaido?

"What are we going to do?" Raiden Mei's mother's voice trembled, filled with anxiety.

Her eyes were filled with fear, as if she could already see Furibas helpless against you.

"Furibas is such a kind and innocent child. If she were to suffer the same fate as Mei, I... I simply couldn't bear it."

Himeko's brows furrowed tightly, forming a deep frown, and her eyes revealed profound worry.

"We must find a way to stop this; we cannot allow this tragedy to happen again."

[Even so, they knew in their hearts that their power was far too insignificant in the face of your greatness and mystery; stopping you would be no easy task.]

They gazed at the two girls in the arena, their hearts filled with helplessness and bewilderment.

They hope that Raiden Mei, with Furibas's support, can overcome the shadows of her past and rediscover happiness.

They were also afraid that Furibas would be put in danger and become your next "target".

One day, the sun was obscured by thick clouds, creating an exceptionally oppressive atmosphere.

Raiden Mei's mother took a deep breath and walked with firm steps towards your home.

Her eyes held a resolute determination; she silently resolved that, no matter the cost, she would fight for a stable future for her daughter and Furibas.

She arrived at your door and knocked.

【“Come in.”】

[Your deep, calm voice came from inside the room.]

Raiden Mei's mother pushed open the door and went inside.

The room was dimly lit. You sat in a chair, your figure obscured by the shadows, your expression unreadable.

"I'm here because of the apprenticeship you mentioned before."

[Raiden Mei's mother suppressed her inner tension and anger, trying her best to keep her voice steady.]

"I'm willing to keep my promise and become your apprentice, but you must promise me you won't involve Raiden Mei and Furibas anymore. They are innocent children."

You slightly raised your head, your gaze falling on her, a faint smile playing on your lips.

"I'm sure."

[Raiden Mei's mother answered without hesitation.]

"I'm willing to do anything as long as you let them go."

Your gaze swept over her for a moment, then you smiled slightly.

[After Raiden Mei's mother became your master, Raiden Mei also seems to have become Furibas's master.]

[At dawn, as the soft sunlight pierced through the gaps in the leaves, their figures could be seen busily practicing in the woods.]

Despite Furibas's boastful claims of wanting to learn from you, he failed due to Himeko's obstruction and could only turn to Raiden Mei instead.

Although Furibas felt that learning from Raiden Mei, whom you had defeated, would make it impossible to defeat you, fatefully, she still chose Raiden Mei.

However, it was precisely because of seeing Raiden Mei's powerful martial arts skills that Furibas's doubts grew even stronger.

She couldn't help but wonder to herself, if Raiden Mei was already so powerful, then what terrifying strength did you, Jing Ye, who had defeated her so decisively, possess?

Her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the day she first met Raiden Mei.

This stark contrast filled Furibas with mixed emotions. Her desire to understand you grew stronger, and her resolve to become stronger became even more unwavering. She wanted to uncover the secrets behind your immense power, and hoped that one day she would have enough strength to avenge Raiden Mei.

Raiden Mei often patiently explains and personally demonstrates, her movements flowing smoothly and effortlessly.

As the days went by, Furibas showed significant improvement under Raiden Mei's careful tutelage.

But every time training ends and the two of them take a short break, the conversation inevitably turns to you.

After all, you've left too many indelible marks on Raiden Mei's life.

"Mei, I really don't understand why that guy would hurt you so badly?"

[Furibas frowned, his face full of confusion and anger.]

A blush instantly spread across Raiden Mei's cheeks. She lowered her head slightly, her voice soft yet tinged with complexity.

"I... I'm not entirely sure either. But although that experience was painful, it also led to a significant leap in my development, and now I can share those experiences with you."

Whenever they talk about you, they fall into a brief silence because of their past experiences filled with pain and shame, as if there's a hidden corner in their hearts that they can't speak of.

However, what's amazing is that each of these exchanges deepened their friendship.

They gradually came to understand each other's inner pain and cherished this hard-won friendship even more.

As the days went by, Raiden Mei and Furibas's friendship deepened. They often strolled together along mountain paths, sharing their innermost thoughts.

However, even in these seemingly beautiful times, a lingering shadow always hung over Raiden Mei's heart.

When with Furibas, Raiden Mei always unconsciously tenses up, afraid of missing Kageyo's summons.

Every time a breeze rustled the leaves, she would instinctively startle, thinking it was a command from Jing Ye.

This constant tension makes it difficult for her to fully immerse herself in conversations with friends.

[Clearly, she was greeted by a genuinely kind friend; they laughed together, trained together, and spent many wonderful times together.]

[But Raiden Mei's thoughts always involuntarily drifted towards Jingye.]

She would recall Jingye's cold and stern face, his overwhelming strength in the iaido duel, and the painful past experiences of being dominated by him.

These memories clung to her like maggots, making it impossible for her to escape Jing Ye's shadow even when she was with Furibas.

"Mei, why are you daydreaming again?" Furibas's voice, tinged with a hint of doubt and concern, pulled Raiden Mei back to reality.

[Raiden Mei snapped back to reality, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "I'm sorry, I... I was just spacing out."]

She tried to hide her unease, but her slightly trembling voice betrayed her nervousness.

[Furibas looked at Raiden Mei, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes. She didn't know why Raiden Mei was always so nervous.]

However, Furibas seemed to vaguely sense that Raiden Mei's absent-mindedness was definitely related to Jingye.

[Not to mention Raiden Mei, even Furibas can't forget the first time he met Raiden Mei, when Jingye used Iaijutsu...]

Chapter 112 Huang Quan, who longs for men in front of his best friend

[Furibas could sense that Raiden Mei carried a heavy burden in her heart that she could never let go of.]

"Mei, if anything's on your mind, you must tell me. Don't bear it all alone."

[Looking into Furibas's concerned eyes, Raiden Mei felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She nodded slightly, but didn't reveal her secret.]

She knows all too well that the entanglement between her and you is far too complex to be explained in a few words.

This feeling of thinking about men while spending time with close friends left her feeling both guilty and helpless.

She could only pray silently in her heart, hoping that one day she could escape Jing Ye's shadow and truly enjoy a pure friendship with Furibas.

She knows all too well that the entanglement between her and you is far too complex to be explained in a few words.

This feeling of thinking about other men while spending time with her best friend made her feel both guilty and helpless.