One-Eyed Monster

Kadi’s persistent pursuit forced Kuyi Tulan to react. However, no one expected Kuyi Tulan to respond in such a way. This was beyond everyone’s expectations.

No one present had ever thought the arrogant Chief of the Alchemy Workshop would respond this way. He actually chose to lower his head and genuinely apologize to the monsters of Guru Mountain.

The monsters of Guru Mountain hadn’t anticipated this, nor had the alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop. Everyone thought Kuyi Tulan would lose his temper, perhaps even fly into a rage.

However, Kuyi Tulan did not do so. He merely heaved a heavy sigh and then apologized to each of the monsters present.

This startled the monsters of Guru Mountain. Should they accept this sudden apology or not?

Complex emotions suddenly overwhelmed their minds, leaving them somewhat at a loss.

In this awkward moment, they all invariably thought of the Great Mentor, so their gazes turned towards him in unison.

The Great Mentor was also experiencing mixed emotions. He had never anticipated Kuyi Tulan would apologize so readily, and in such a manner—performing the Empire’s highest ceremonial bow before everyone. It indeed seemed utterly sincere.

What exactly is this Kuyi Tulan doing? What does he intend to achieve? This was likely the foremost question occupying the minds of the Guru Mountain monsters following his apology.

Based on their understanding of Kuyi Tulan, this proud man would not voluntarily lower his lofty head. His apology couldn’t be that simple.

Sometimes, people are just that complicated; a simple matter can be so convolutedly misinterpreted.

Kadi watched the scene with considerable satisfaction, thinking his earnest persuasion had finally yielded results.

”See? Apologizing isn’t that difficult,” Kadi said, growing more enthusiastic. ”It’s the first step to making amends after you’ve done something wrong. Once you take that step, things will be fine.” He began his earnest persuasion anew; this sort of thing could be addictive.

Kadi’s tireless enthusiasm eased the atmosphere in Moonflow Stream. Even Kuyi Tulan, whose carefully prepared composure had begun to crack, found the words he intended to say jumbled by Kadi’s nonsensical remarks. He was left unsure how to organize his thoughts.

”I... Stop spouting nonsense!” Kuyi Tulan struggled to control his emotions. Even though he could usually command any situation and appear imposing, Kadi’s meddling still left him flustered.

Kadi’s meddling was truly an unsolvable puzzle; no one had yet managed to smoothly extricate themselves from it.

”How am I spouting nonsense? I’m speaking the truth! You know, I’m sharing my personal experiences with you, and you don’t even appreciate it. That’s really hurtful. Doing this, doesn’t your conscience ache?”

Kadi rattled on like popping beans, a torrent of words. No one had ever seen this side of him; it was truly unusual, quite extraordinary.

Everyone was astonished. Since when had Kadi become so eloquent?

Kuyi Tulan felt helpless. He had never encountered such an opponent—one who was not only relentlessly persistent but also played by no conventional rules, appearing entirely like a scoundrel.

Faced with this, he truly didn’t know how to respond.

Kadi had no intention of giving Kuyi Tulan a chance to recover, continuing his seemingly nonsensical speech.

”You see? You apologized just as I said. That’s the first step. Don’t deny it. I know what it means to take this step; it’s not a simple decision. I understand the inner turmoil. I’m not without experience, you know…”

Kadi’s incessant chatter was like that of an old woman. This was truly different from his usual self. What had made him so talkative? It was something worth investigating thoroughly.

At this moment, Kuyi Tulan found himself unable to refute anything. Arguing further with this youth seemed somewhat inappropriate, yet he was reluctant to simply let the boy continue his incessant chatter.

But Kuyi Tulan didn’t know how to respond; after all, he couldn’t possibly take action against a youth in whom he had taken an interest.

”Don’t worry, everything will get better once you take this step. It’s okay to boldly admit you were wrong,” Kadi continued to persuade. His meaning was clear: if Kuyi Tulan would just admit his mistakes, Kadi wouldn’t need to be so insistent.

However, Kadi still felt that this Kuyi Tulan didn’t seem to have any intention of admitting his mistakes. Despite remaining silent, his expression was blank. This was a very awkward situation. It meant Kuyi Tulan wasn’t taking his words to heart!

How could this be acceptable? No matter what, the one who erred must realize his mistake, or all this effort would be for naught.

Since this fellow wouldn’t listen, then let him see it. A visual impact, combined with my earnest persuasion, should surely make him a little more receptive.

The best method for visual impact would be Kuren’s Spirit Painting. For something like that, Igor would be the one to ask.

So, Kadi nudged Igor, who was beside him. Igor, puzzled, scratched his head, his face a mask of confusion.

It was then Kadi realized he hadn’t yet reached the level where he could communicate with two people simultaneously; he still couldn’t use Spiritual Clones.

”Don’t just stand there silently,” Kadi said. ”I originally planned to provoke you in another way, but unfortunately, I’m not at that level yet. So, for now, I think it’s better if you voice your own grievances.”

Finally, Kadi stopped his incessant chatter. This allowed even the Great Mentor to breathe a sigh of relief; after all, Kadi’s rapid-fire delivery was quite potent.

”PHEW...” Kadi exhaled deeply, feeling immensely refreshed.

”We... are not enemies. You’re right about that.” After the silence, Kuyi Tulan once again began to gather his turbulent thoughts.

All of this had happened contrary to everyone’s expectations; no one had anticipated this scene unfolding.

”I also caused the Glorious Seven Knights to disappear from the Empire’s records. I admit this. It was my failing. I apologize.”

”Mmhmm, that’s more like it,” Kadi said, smiling cheerfully.

”However, I have done nothing wrong. I apologize because I feel I didn’t do well enough, that I wasn’t strong enough to ensure everyone could proceed safely under my protection.”

This statement also took everyone by surprise.

”This is also why I am even more resolute about the Purification Plan! Without a sufficiently strong foundation of power, we cannot even protect ourselves!”

”This...” Kadi suddenly realized this fellow hadn’t accepted his line of reasoning at all. He was still lost in his own world.