"I am not your Master's lover."
Shi Qiongtian stated plainly.
The five formation spirits looked over at the source of the voice. Han Tu looked like he wanted to protest, but a hand from Han Mu stopped him. In a deeply apologetic tone, the wood spirit addressed his words to Shi Qiongtian.
"We didn't mean any offense, great Immortal. There is a deep bond between us formation spirits and our Master. We just wish for her to be happy."
The scholarly young man nodded lightly in agreement. The lady in silver robes held her sheathed sword close to her body and lightly smiled. The young girl in light blue robes had a satisfied expression and expressed her assent. Even the boy wearing the turtle shell hat stopped squirming and stood confidently to express his support.
Seeing the formation spirits form a united front, Shi Qiongtian smiled lightly. Feeling a deep sense of melancholy, Shi Qiongtian turned towards his Senior sister and reminisced.
"This brings me back to the old days… with just the four of us. Eldest brother always stood at the forefront. His noble and unwavering back held us up through the rough journey. You, with your justice, always getting into trouble… 3rd Sister panicking at any injuries that eldest brother garnered after the fight. It was truly something special."
Looking up at her junior brother, Han Mei huffed and retorted while still embracing Shi Qiongtian's waist tightly.
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"What about you? You were always standing in the back hiding behind everyone. What a great brother."
Finishing her words, she closed her eyes and stuck her tongue out in mock indignation. Seeing these actions, Shi Qiongtian laughed while ruffling her hair with his right hand. With a slight smile and a hint of sadness, he replied.
"I always stepped in when I needed to."
Recounting an unpleasant memory, Shi Qiongtian's expression grew grim as he continued speaking.
"But… I truly made an error that time. I severely underestimated the enemy. I should've stepped in from the start. I was getting lax with myself and allowed myself to fall into complacency. If I hadn't messed up… eldest brother would still… would still be with us."
When he finished his words, his expression hardened. His body started turning into motes of light. Shocked, Han Mei yelled in frustration.
"Qin Ming! You can't keep leaving like this!"
A heavy pressure descended as a mighty spell was cast to lock the space in their surroundings. Veins could be seen protruding from under her skin from the exertion. Despite all her efforts, Shi Qiongtian’s spell continued and he dissolved into motes of light. When the last mote of light had fully vanished from view, a piece of paper appeared in Shi Qiongtian's stead drifting in the wind. Teary-eyed, Han Mei grabbed the drifting paper. Tears dripped down as she read the contents. Not even a second later, her hands started to tremble violently before she threw the paper on the ground. Walking back to her seat, she crossed her arms on the table and rested her chin on her arms. Her eyes were brimming with tears and her lips were trembling. It wasn’t long before she gave in and started sobbing her heart out.
“How dare that bas-“
Before Han Tu could finish his sentence, Han Mu covered his mouth with his hand. Pulling Han Mu’s hand away, Han Tu stared up at the wood spirit with a fierce glare. Han Tu was met with a shake of the head from Han Mu. Observing Han Mu’s grave expression, Han Tu finally understood and stopped moving. With a sorrowful and longing expression, the boy in the turtle shell hat stood and cast his gaze at the sobbing figure in sullen silence. The silver-robed lady and the blue-robed girl ran to their master's side and started to comfort her silently. The red-haired scholar walked past his Master and fellow formation spirits with soft measured steps. Squatting down, he reached out with his right hand to pick up the piece of paper. Shaking the dirt and dust from the paper, he straightened it out with both hands.
On the paper were two words: "I'm sorry."