World-Ending Demon Emperor
Chapter 205 - 138: Qin Shao regrets, confesses! Kill Xuesha, consume!

Chapter 205: 138: Qin Shao regrets, confesses! Kill Xuesha, consume!

"Yes, this memory torments me every day, every moment, almost driving me to complete breakdown," said Gui Qinshao.

An elder from the Dragon Temple said, "Then, could you tell me what exactly it is that torments you? The human spirit is fragile yet powerful, capable of sustaining infinite agony. Memories that can bring such pain are no more than three kinds: loss, regret, truth. To which does the lady belong?"

At the elder’s words, Gui Qinshao was taken aback, as they pierced straight through to her heart.

What was the source of her pain?

Was it loss? She had lost her most precious purity—was this the root of her suffering?

Although she wished to admit it, because it would mean she was of great nobility and purity, the reality was that this was not the source of her greatest pain.

Of course, it indeed left indelible marks on her body and soul, even scars.

But... this was not the most painful source.

Was it regret? Certainly not; she had no regrets about her attitude toward Suo Lun, whether it was breaking off the engagement or humiliating him. All of it was necessary—for her family, for her father, even for herself, she had to do it.

Suo Lun was a madman; she and her family could not be dragged down to die with him.

Then, was it the truth that caused her pain?

Gui Qinshao’s heart skipped a beat—yes... it was the truth that caused her pain.

That bastard Suo Lun had exposed all her weaknesses, greed, infidelity, and other ugly aspects of herself.

It made her see herself clearly—that she wasn’t so proud, noble, or strong.

She was so weak that just missing a few meals made her yield.

After Suo Lun had insulted her, she hadn’t taken her own life, not even harboring a fleeting thought of suicide.

Even for a lousy steamed bun, she could abandon her dignity.

"It is... it is the truth," cried Gui Qinshao, "the root of my torment is the truth. I always thought I was steadfast, noble, and proud. But a devil made me see myself clearly, he unleashed all my hideous weaknesses. This pain has completely destroyed my pride, devouring my confidence every day."

"Ah, the truth..." said the elder, "the truth is the most terrifying. May I share a story with you? A story about the truth."

"Please," said Gui Qinshao.

The elder spoke, "There was a man, revered for his status, with extraordinary achievements. In everyone’s eyes, he was exalted, as if residing in the clouds. However, one day he came to me and said he was almost at breaking point. I asked him why? He said that every time he received people’s reverence, every time he reflected on his achievements, he felt like a noble, powerful, and transcendent individual. But some unworthy memories in his mind kept reminding him it was all a deceptive facade. The real him was evil and cowardly; the reason he now appeared so noble and transcendent was all an act, because the real test had not yet come. These truths constantly destroyed his pride, always reminding him how vile and cowardly he was."

"What was his truth?" asked Gui Qinshao.

The elder said, "This man, when he was just in his teens, was absolutely curious about the opposite sex. He drilled a peephole in his sister’s bathroom wall just to peep."

"Ah... he, he’s so shameless," Gui Qinshao said.

"Yes, very shameless, to a wicked extreme," said the elder.

"Then as an adult, he must have turned into a vile debauchee," said Gui Qinshao.

The elder did not answer, but continued, "That is his vile moral truth, and then there’s the truth of his cowardice. When he had achieved success, he thought himself brave and powerful. Yet, at the age of nineteen, because he could not afford school due to poverty, he would sit in the garden of the county academy in his spare time, enjoying the atmosphere. One day, while sitting on a bench, an extremely kind and refined older male gentleman approached, looking like an instructor from the academy. This gentleman was very kind to him, striking up a conversation and making him feel honored. However, under the guise of caring for his wellbeing, this refined gentleman began to act indecently. Throughout this, he did not dare to make a scene or rebuke the man, just passively enduring until the gentleman made an improper request. Only then did he forcefully break away and run for his life."

"Incapable, cowardly... such a disgusting man," Gui Qinshao said angrily.

"Indeed, how utterly incapable and cowardly," said the elder from the Dragon Temple. "He told me that the old man’s hand was cold and clammy like a snake’s, and he felt very disgusted and scared. But the lecherous elder had the strength of a chicken; he could have easily pushed him away. Even a loud shout would have made the old man run away. However, he did nothing, just cowardly endured it, running away only when he couldn’t stand it anymore."

"Such a weak and incapable man disgusts me. I can hardly believe how he achieved success. And even if he did, it wouldn’t last—now he must be very down and out," Gui Qinshao said.

"Uh... perhaps," said the elder from the Dragon Temple.

"So where is this vile and cowardly person now?" asked Gui Qinshao.