The Book Soul Chronicles: Godslayer

In the human world, in the backyard of the Chen family mansion.

"Father, Father, why are you spacing out?"

Chen Suili looked down and saw a little boy of about seven or eight years old holding his hand.

"Father, you haven't answered my question yet."

Chen Suili squatted down and held the child's hands.

"Yu'er, your father was lost in thought just now. Can you ask him again?" Chen Suili, whose face was always grumpy with people owing him eight hundred taels of silver, actually had a rare gentle smile on it as he softly asked his son.

"I asked, 'There are so many fish in the water, why is it that only koi are so popular?'" The child's fair skin and big eyes were full of questions, and he looked adorable.

"Because koi fish represent many excellent qualities. They symbolize that people can forge ahead and make continuous progress in their areas of expertise, eventually reaching the pinnacle of success. They also represent good luck and happiness."

"The reason people use koi to represent all of this is because of the koi itself. Koi have a beautiful appearance, a long lifespan, a gentle temperament, and in particular, they can predict disasters and remind people."

"These advantages align with people's preferences and aspirations. Beauty, longevity, and gentle nature resonate with the educational philosophy of a refined and gentle gentleman. They can also alert people to danger, enabling them to quickly find a solution and bringing them good fortune. Therefore, koi fish hold a high status and are very popular."

"Father, Yu'er also wants to be like a koi fish, bringing good luck to people and making them like her."

“Yu’er, you’re wrong. Everyone has their own ambitions and pursuits. Even some people don’t like koi fish. Why should you force others to like it? Just do what you think is right and what makes you happy.”

"Yes! As long as Yu'er feels right and happy, there's no need to care too much about whether others like it or not."

"Mother!" Chen Yu ran towards her when she saw her mother.

"Slow down! Be careful not to fall. Father, how have I always taught you? You must be careful in everything you do," the woman said gently.

"Madam is back!" Chen Suili said to the person who came. He was a little surprised when he said this, but he concealed it well.

"Yeah, the results were released today, the streets were so lively! It took a while,"

"It's alright. These students from poor families have studied hard for many years, all for this moment. I've been through that too, so I can understand their excitement."

"Father, when I grow up, I will also take the exam and become the top scholar, so that you and Mother can be happy again."

"Oh, then your father and mother are waiting! But this process will be very tough! Yu'er, aren't you afraid of hardship?"

Without hesitation, Chen Yu answered with a firm look in her eyes, "Yu'er is not afraid of hardship. Father said that there are many hardships in the world. If you don't experience the hardship of studying, you will experience other hardships. There will be no shortage of suffering. So I am willing to choose the hardship that will make Father and Mother happy."

Hearing the unwavering determination in his son's innocent voice, Chen Suili laughed heartily.

"Good, very good! You truly are my son, Chen Suili, so steadfast and resolute. Son, your father believes in you!"

"Alright, my husband, Yu'er, it's time for us to eat."

"Okay, let's go eat!"

The family walked away happily into the distance, but Chen Suili sensed something was amiss. He felt like he had forgotten something important, but he just couldn't remember it. He followed them to dinner, his mind heavy with worry.

In the blink of an eye, Hao Anqi was already engaged in combat with Qingming. The feeling that something was wrong grew stronger and stronger, but he just couldn't quite put his finger on it. Finally, he couldn't dodge in time, and Qingming pointed his sword at his neck.

"What's wrong with you today? Why are you so often lost in thought? And many of your moves just now, I don't recognize them. When did you steal them again?" Qingming sheathed his sword and asked with a frown.

Hao Anqi, somewhat belatedly realizing what was happening, replied with a puzzled expression, "I don't know what's going on today either? Something feels different. When we sparred just now, I instinctively retaliated, but I don't remember practicing it!"

Just then, Qingwu also looked nervous. She came over and grabbed Hao Anqi, looking him up and down. Seeing that he was not injured, she finally felt relieved.

While watching, he said, "Brother, Brother Hao has been busy these past few days and must be tired. Let's spar another day!"

Seeing this, Qingming was displeased. Why only look at other men and not at her own brother?

He thought to himself, "He's always so busy! He's got nothing better to do. What's he busy with? It's my own brother who's always busy. Doesn't he care if I'm tired or not?"

Although he was inwardly complaining, he wouldn't say it out loud. He said in a deep voice, "Don't worry! I know what I'm doing and won't hurt him."

After saying that, she glanced at Hao Anqi with disdain, not wanting to watch any longer. He was almost turning into a jealous person. His own sister didn't seem to care about him at all. If she didn't say anything, he wouldn't bother making a fool of himself.

He turned and flew away on his sword. His figure disappeared, but his words still echoed.

"You're not in good shape today, let's spar another day!"

Qingwu said worriedly, "Brother Hao, you..."

Qingwu hesitated, but Hao Anqi shook his head and gently comforted her, "I'm fine! I'm just a little tired, I'll be fine after a rest!"

Although Qingwu was very worried, she had no choice but to let it go since her husband had said so.

As night fell, Hao Anqi stood in the courtyard looking at the moon. He always felt that he was used to doing this, as if he had done it many times. Moreover, looking at the moon made him feel inexplicably sad. There was the sorrow of parting with someone important to him by death, and there was also a faint longing in his heart, as if he was far away from the person he missed.

He stood there quietly, letting the silvery moonlight bathe him. From behind, his imposing figure revealed a deep sadness, loneliness, and melancholy.

He remained silent, deep in thought, trying to figure out what was wrong. "Why did I instinctively use moves I'd never practiced before when facing danger? And why does everything feel so out of place? It's like I've forgotten something... It's like..."

Just as he felt the answer was about to be revealed, the person behind him suddenly draped a coat over his shoulders, and he turned to look at her.

"It's late at night, and the dew is heavy. I feel a bit cold!" Qingwu said sadly.

Hao Anqi stared straight at Qingwu, and that sense of unease returned; it was as if he wanted to see something through her.

Looking at him, Qingwu felt as if her heart had been clenched, a mix of soreness and fear.

She thought to herself, "Brother Hao always tells me things, so what is it that he can't tell me now? Has he fallen for someone else? Does he not like me anymore and doesn't know how to bring it up? No, I should ask him clearly. If he really regrets it or has someone he likes, I won't hold him back."

As Qingwu thought about it, she became more and more upset, and tears welled up in her eyes. She tried her best to calm herself down and make her voice sound normal.

"Brother Hao, what's wrong with you? You..." But she overestimated herself. She couldn't hold back her words as soon as she opened her mouth. She wanted to ask him if he had changed his mind, but she just couldn't bring herself to say it.

Hao Anqi looked at the woman beside him, tears falling. The sense of incongruity had reached its peak. Suddenly, an image popped into his mind of someone exactly like the woman in front of him, sitting sadly on the ground crying, seemingly holding someone in her arms. When she looked up at him, she was filled with despair and sorrow.

Hao Anqi was suddenly scalded, his heart pounded violently, and a wave of sorrow and heartache swept over him. He took a deep breath. He seemed to sense that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it yet. He decided to calm the person in front of him first.

Hao Anqi pulled Qingwu into his arms and explained, "I'm fine, you don't need to worry. Marrying Qingwu was the best decision I ever made. I've only ever truly loved Qingwu in my life. I will silently protect Qingwu. If Qingwu doesn't like me, I will bless her from afar and always be her support."

When Qingwu heard Hao Anqi say this, she immediately felt relieved. Although what he said was a bit strange, upon closer inspection, it made sense. Perhaps it was to emphasize how much he valued her, as he used her name in every place.

Hao Anqi, however, was different. He was stunned and didn't know why he would say such a thing. It was as if it was a promise he made a long time ago. Perhaps Qingwu had a special meaning to him.