C712 I Want a Pure World
“Wow... it's so beautiful...”
Bing Yue couldn't help but exclaim as she circled around the Golden Scale Boat.
“It’s just a flying vessel, yet it’s so flashy. It’s a bit too showy,” Woo Zhengyang commented, unable to resist sharing his thoughts as he watched Bing Yue’s delight.
Though known for his wild ways, Woo Zhengyang wasn’t fond of drawing too much attention. The dazzling Golden Scale Boat was a bit much for his taste.
“True, it is a bit ostentatious. But haven’t you noticed after everything you’ve been through? People tend to prey on the weak and fear the strong. If you’re too cautious and low-key, someone might just run into you. And if you keep backing down, they might even blame you and demand compensation. So, it’s better to be a bit more assertive; it saves a lot of trouble,” Bing Yue explained.
Bing Yue had a point. That’s the way the world worked now, and Woo Zhengyang understood it. Yet, something about it didn’t sit right with him.
After a moment of thought, Woo Zhengyang said, “You’re right, the world is like that now—survival of the fittest, fear of the strong. But I don’t believe it should be this way. Do people really train and gain strength just to bully the weak?”
Upon hearing Woo Zhengyang's words, Bing Yue was momentarily taken aback. Having grown up in the Ice Heart Sect, she had never experienced bullying and was taught different principles. She was surrounded by strong individuals, and this was the first time she heard such a perspective from Woo Zhengyang. She was at a loss for words for a moment, then thoughtfully replied, "But aren't these the rules the world has always followed?"
"World rules? What rules are there in the world? Even if there were, who set them? Who decided that the strong should prey on the weak? If you look back through history, there's no such rule. In ancient times, when the gods and demons were powerful and enslaved humans, wasn't that survival of the fittest? If humans had always chosen to compromise under such a rule, we'd still be enslaved or even extinct by now!"
"I never thought about it that way, but you're right... No, I mean, my judgment was right. The man I chose is truly extraordinary. I believe that one day, you'll change the world just like the legendary Profound Mountain did!" Bing Yue said, linking her arm with Woo Zhengyang's.
Woo Zhengyang shook his head and said, "Changing the world is a fantasy, at least with my current abilities, it's a joke. But I believe that when Profound Mountain and those ancient ancestors fought for humanity's future, they envisioned a world where humans weren't ruled by the strong preying on the weak. They dreamed of a new era, one that wasn't about bullying the vulnerable."
Woo Zhengyang couldn't help but think of the ancestral land, Profound Mountain, and the ancient bones and spirits of the forebears, along with the enduring battle songs of their blood and sacrifice.
After a pause, Woo Zhengyang declared with unwavering resolve, "Even though I may not have the power to change the world right now, I won't let this world change me. I refuse to prey on the weak or be a bully. I can't change the entire world, but I want to preserve the essence of the world I'm in, so that those ancient ancestors who sacrificed for humanity won't regret their actions. At least one part of the world will honor their legacy, and I believe this part will grow until one day, they can be proud of what they did."
The journey to the ancestral land had undeniably transformed Woo Zhengyang. Before, he felt that using strength to bully the weak shouldn't be an excuse for martial artists to fight or retreat, but he hadn't thought much beyond that.
Now, he felt compelled to act. So when Bing Yue brought up the issue, Woo Zhengyang couldn't help but reflect deeply.
Woo Zhengyang's words struck a chord with Bing Yue. After considering them carefully, she put aside her playful demeanor and earnestly agreed, "You're right. The world shouldn't be this way. If it were, I wouldn't have come to you for help with my troubles."
“There’s no such thing as having no desires. Since I want the world I live in to be its purest form, I can’t just stand by when I see injustice. Besides, the Sect Master—no, the Gate Master—has been kind to me, and he feels guilty towards you. I really want to help him with some things.”
“It’s a shame that people misunderstand you as someone who’s into beauty and ungrateful, giving you the reputation of a romantic fool, Woo Zhengyang.”
“Reputation is just empty talk. The truth will prove everything!”
“Empty talk? I have a feeling this reputation might be well-deserved! Look at the stunning women around you. I don’t believe you can resist. Let’s not even mention Wu’er, but your four fairies, the legendary mysterious princess, and that enchanting Red-clothed Demon King. Haha...” As she spoke, Bing Yue lost her serious demeanor, no longer resembling a leader.
“Uh...” Woo Zhengyang was speechless. He had explained this many times, but it was impossible to clarify.
“Alright, alright, I know you’re going to explain again. Let’s not talk about them. There’s one woman who’s completely devoted to you. I believe she’ll win you over.”
“Who?” Woo Zhengyang asked, puzzled.
“Duh, it’s me!” Bing Yue said, pointing to herself.
“Bing Yue, you’re still teasing me...”
Woo Zhengyang was speechless again.
“Who’s teasing you? I’m serious. And didn’t we agree you’d call me Bing Yue, your little sister?”
"I'm... I just can't say it!"
"Then try calling me by my name first. It's simple, just drop the title."
"Bing Yue?"
"Yes, that's it. But make it sound more intimate and affectionate. Remember, we're supposed to act like a couple for a while."
"Bing Yue..." Woo Zhengyang tried again.
"That's better, but it's not quite intimate enough."
"I really don't know how to say it..."
Before Woo Zhengyang could finish, Bing Yue suddenly leaned in and kissed him...
Caught off guard by the kiss, Woo Zhengyang stood there, stunned.
What just happened?
"It's still not intimate enough, so I had to take one for the team and help you out. If it's not intimate enough next time, I'll help you again..."
Before Woo Zhengyang could process what was happening, Bing Yue left him with those words and dashed into the Golden Scale Boat.