Chapter Fifty: Abrupt Severance—Cutting Bonds with a Swift Blade, The Black Cat's Heartbreak

The original furniture and beds in the cabin had already been put away into Qi’s storage pouch, so there was plenty of space for a banquet table. The sun was still in the sky, its golden rays streaming through the skylight and bathing everyone gathered at the feast in a warm glow. Yet, even in this golden light, a tense silence hung over the assembly; all eyes were on Qi and Ayase. Even the usually restless Tamaki and Reimu, sensing the charged atmosphere, dared not make a sound, only gazing curiously at the two who had become the center of attention.

“Heh… heh heh… Kirino, I’m sorry. Let’s make up. Whatever my hobbies are, none of it matters anymore compared to being violated, having my life insulted, becoming impure. Nothing else is important.” Ayase’s eyes had grown empty and lifeless. After murmuring these words, she stood up.

“Vi—violation… Ayase, what are you trying to do? Don’t be rash!” Kirino clung tightly to Ayase’s arm. The rest of the group sat with mouths agape, struck silent, not knowing what to say.

“There’s only one way left—kill him, then kill myself. Kirino, thank you for always being there for me. I hope we can still be best friends in the next life.” After gazing at Kirino with her hollow eyes, Ayase gently pried Kirino’s hands away and walked toward the silent Qi.

“Sigh—originally I planned to address these matters after a joyful banquet, but plans never keep pace with change, do they? From here on, those uninvolved should refrain from interfering,” Qi spoke softly but clearly enough for all to hear. “I don’t have many days left in this world, so I’d like to settle what needs settling.”

Kuroneko’s expression was complicated as she watched Qi. Kirino, Kanako, and Saori looked moved but remained silent. Only those unaware of the situation reacted strongly, recalling Qi’s earlier words but saying nothing. Hinata, who had been enjoying the drama, was suddenly overcome—tears streaming down her face. “Ani-nii, you can’t… don’t leave me, don’t leave us!”

Qi, half-laughing and half-crying, patted Hinata’s head as she threw herself into his arms. “What I mean is, I’m leaving here, not dying. It’s like going out to train in martial arts—I might come back to visit if I have the chance.”

“Really? You’re not lying?”

“Of course. See, your sister isn’t nearly as upset as you are.”

“So, you just want to resolve your troubles before leaving? Then how do you plan to do that?” Ayase halted, head lowered, and asked.

“Kuroneko, though I’ve only been here a week, you must have spent these days thinking about our situation. Have you made your decision? Will you come with me?” Qi ignored Ayase’s question and spoke directly to the silent Kuroneko, his tone decisive.

“Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Why can’t you stay?” Tears streamed down Kuroneko’s face. She longed to go with him, but she couldn’t abandon her two little sisters, and as Qi grew stronger, the distance between them seemed to widen. She was frightened—afraid that one day she wouldn’t be able to keep up, left behind to grow old and die, weeping.

“I understand your concerns. But I have mine as well.” Qi spoke quietly. “What about you, Ayase? Would you like to leave with me?”

“W-why are you asking me? I absolutely will not! To elope… that’s just too impure!” Ayase flailed her hands wildly, face flushed scarlet.

Qi seemed to have anticipated her answer; he didn’t react strongly. He closed his eyes, a faint smile crossing his face. “I’ve asked all I wanted; the answers are clear. So, Ayase has accepted Kirino’s hobbies and they’ve reconciled—everyone’s happy. Let’s get back to the banquet.”

“Is that so? Do you really think you can cover up your crimes so easily?” Ayase moved closer to Qi.

“Ayase, though what happened was unintentional, it’s true that you suffered emotionally because of me. So I’ve decided you can stab me—hard—and we’ll let bygones be bygones.” As he spoke, Qi stood in front of Ayase, pulled out a cold, gleaming dagger from who-knows-where, and placed it in her hand.

Ayase’s body trembled as she stared blankly at the knife, then at Qi. The only sound in the room was heavy breathing. “What… what do you mean?”

“Stab me here, as hard as you can. Then forget the past, and let’s remain friends. Let’s continue the banquet cheerfully—just as Reimu says, there’s no place for tears and sorrow at a feast.” Qi pointed at his heart, smiling serenely. “Don’t be afraid—I'm the hero who protects Earth. Even if you stab me in the heart, it’ll just hurt a bit; I won’t die.”

“Idiot, idiot, idiot! Even if you encourage me, how could I actually do it? Do you think this will resolve our grudge? You might be able to let go after being stabbed, but what about me—have you considered my feelings? You really are a cunning man, Qi…” Ayase was already sobbing, protesting his selfishness. But then she froze—everyone stared in disbelief—for the dagger was already in Qi’s heart. Two hands gripped the handle.

“I’m sorry, I really am cunning. Can we still be friends?” Qi still wore a smile, though his face paled visibly.

“Call an ambulance!”

“Ani-nii!”

“Lord Qi!”

The scene erupted into chaos. Only Kuroneko, who knew Qi best, remained calm, a touch of irony in her gaze. Yet even her feelings were in turmoil.

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t die? Didn’t you say you were a great hero? Why are you so pale? Don’t scare me…” Ayase, her own face ashen, supported the even paler Qi, tears streaming uncontrollably.

“I won’t die—it just hurts, that’s all. If you’re still angry, stab me a few more times,” Qi joked, coughing up blood, his voice frail.

“I’m not angry anymore, just be quiet!” Ayase, in a panic, had lost all composure, not realizing that despite the knife in his chest, there was no blood.

Hearing her promise, Qi’s color returned. He pushed away the stunned Ayase and laughed aloud. “Everyone, calm down! That was just a little magic trick. Sorry for the scare. Kirino, there’s no need to call an ambulance—I’m really fine.”

Everyone stared blankly at Qi, who stood there with a bright face, a smile, and a dagger in his chest. The room fell silent.

After being roundly scolded by everyone, this farce finally ended. Ayase, though furious, did not lash out again, but sat sullenly in her seat, comforted by Kirino and Kanako.

“Once again, I apologize for frightening you all with that trick. When I return from my journey, I’ll bring gifts for everyone. For now, let’s forget our troubles and enjoy the feast.”

Time passed, and the bizarre banquet finally concluded before nightfall. Though Reimu was not entirely satisfied, the others managed to talk and laugh until the end.

Qi, more exhausted by this ordeal than after a day and night of battle, swore he never wanted to experience anything like it again. Emotional exhaustion was not his forte—his performance today was simply dismal. He vowed never to let such a thing happen in the future.

He sent his two tired sisters inside to rest and saw the others off. Then he and Kuroneko stood silently at the door, neither speaking. Perhaps a minute passed, perhaps ten. At last, Kuroneko spoke. “I’ve decided to stay in this world. Whatever happens, that’s my choice.”

Qi took a deep breath, closed his moist eyes, and said quietly, “I see. I’ll come back to visit you all.”

Kuroneko gazed at his back and murmured, “I want this world to be your safe harbor, just as a woman waits at home for a man returning from his struggles. I’ll wait for you, so that when you’re tired, we’ll live a simple, happy life together. Or, when my sisters are grown and married, I’ll join you to roam the world—if you won’t leave me behind.”

“There’s no need for that. My path is too long. Sometimes a single retreat lasts years, even decades. Don’t pin all your hopes on a man you’ve known less than two weeks. Kuroneko, you’re lovely—someday, many people will cherish and pursue you. When I return, perhaps you’ll already have children of your own.” Qi forced himself to utter these cold words.

As he said, ever since he began cultivating, he was already an immortal in all but name. Kuroneko, however, was just an ordinary girl. Even if he found a way to grant her longevity, she had no such desire for now. Better a short pain than a lingering one—their relationship was best ended here.

Kuroneko bowed her head, trembling. “Heh… maybe someday I’ll find a better mount. I am… I am the Queen of the Dark Night, after all… someone will—will—” Her words dissolved into sobs, and she cried out to the sky, her wail shaking the heavens as the noon rain returned, darkening the sky.

Qi hesitated, then suddenly turned and embraced Kuroneko. “Don’t be sad. No one knows what the future holds. Maybe I’ll grow weary soon and come back. Or maybe I’m just a fickle man who’ll fall for someone else and become unworthy of your affection. So don’t cry—let things take their course.”

Kuroneko stood motionless in his arms, only the occasional sob making her tremble. “I was planning to curse you, but not now. Four years—from now, I’ll be in college. If you haven’t come back in four years, maybe I’ll curse you, or maybe I’ll forget you.”

“Don’t get your hopes up. Men are like that—when I first arrived, I nearly started something with a beautiful girl. Who’s to say I won’t fall for someone in the cultivation world? Don’t expect too much from any man.” Qi let go, self-mocking. “The threads from last night’s tale have now come together—time to conclude. I’ll go save the world first.”

“Wait, Qi—” Before Kuroneko could react, Qi had vanished into the rain, leaving only a dazed, weeping girl behind.

“Ruri, what’s wrong? It’s raining—come inside! Where’s Ani-nii?” Hinata ran out with an umbrella to shield Kuroneko from the rain.

(More to come after 9 p.m., another 2,000 words.)