I Refused To Be Reincarnated-Chapter 697: The Weight of Truth

Of course, Adam hadn’t really left. Instead, he wrapped himself in a coat of lusterless mana that reflected light away from him. Although he stood at the same spot, he became invisible to those relying on their eyes—commoners and mages. Cultivators were another story since they could feel his life force, but he doubted he’d meet one in the village anyway.

Hidden, he watched Qing collapse in the mud, crying her heart out and calling his name with her quivering voice. He massaged his throbbing temples, feeling horrible. But it had to be done if he wanted to get to the bottom of this story.

As if to echo the girl’s sadness and his guilt, clouds roiled in the sky. Light dimmed, and soft rain drizzled on their faces.

After a moment that stretched a little too long, Wei gently reminded her about reuniting with her parents. But Adam felt the insincerity in his tone as if those words prickled his throat like thorns and poison melded with his saliva, making the man scrunch his nose and twist his lips against his will.

Though ready to intervene, he watched as Wei’s hand trembled on her slumped shoulder while helping her up. There was a paternal care to his touch, a sense of respect, and a stalwart determination that made little sense, considering he would only guide her to her parents’ new home.

Intrigued, he followed the limping man, who had removed his coarse woollen coat to protect the crying Qing from the rain—a gesture that made him nod.

Soft mud splashed on their way, coating their cloth shoes brown. The rain had chased most pedestrians back to their homes or the nearest tavern. Occasional stragglers rushed past them, shivering in the cold and cursing the bad weather.

However, the citizens’ dishevelled tunics and hurried steps soon turned into colorful robes and relaxed paces. They held the bamboo shafts of rudimentary umbrellas, walking on pavement from which rain rolled into channels that pushed it back to the modest district.

Confused and a little scared, Qing lowered her face, hiding it behind her blond hair. The center of the village only housed merchants and renowned artisans. Wretched people like her and Wei were not welcome.

Much worse, the last time she came to catch a glimpse of the wine merchant’s daughter, a girl her age dressed in clothes and ornaments she had dreamed of trying one day, she received only scornful glances. They hadn’t voiced their disgust, but she had felt it in her bones. To these wealthy people, she was worth less than a chicken—perhaps even less than an insect...

"W-Why did we come to the central district?" She clasped her hands over her chest, her breath quickening.

"Your parents are here." A bitter taste filled Wei’s mouth.

But her eyes lit up. "Did someone hire them? I’m so glad they found good jobs."

However, Wei’s face grew somber. "Not work. You... You’ll see."

Sighing wearily and ignoring her questions, he guided her to a luxurious courtyard. Drops of rain cascaded down red flowers and lush potted plants flanking the arched gate. The door, carved from shimmering wood, immediately drew Qing’s attention. It reminded her of the robust trees of the witch’s forest.

No matter who lived here, they must be one of the wealthiest families in the village. So why did Wei bring her here?

Before she could ask, the man crouched, their eyes meeting. She saw the solemnity in his scowl, felt it when he gripped her shoulder and spoke hoarsely.

"I would have preferred you never to learn the truth. Trust me, little Qing. I’ve seen you crawl to my lawn to play with my wooden dolls and grow into a lively young sprout. I’ve considered you like my daughter and tried to keep you safe even if I didn’t always succeed..."

He bit his trembling lip. "More than anyone, I don’t want to see you suffer. But there are things you must see—must experience to believe."

An icy shudder ran down her spine. She had seen and experienced horrible things in the witch’s cottage. Did she renege on her words and do the same to her parents instead of curing them? Suddenly, the world seemed to turn bleaker as horror crawled beneath her skin. "W-What things? You’re scaring me, Uncle Wei."

He brushed her hair, reminiscing about her mischievousness, determination, and adorable face when she stuffed the candies he had offered her. A soft smile curved his lips for a second before gravitas returned.

Ignoring the burning pain in his right leg, he rose and walked to the door. "You must learn that we can’t always get what we want—that reality, no matter how cruel it is, is the best teacher. I don’t know if I’ll have another opportunity, so I’ll tell you now. I’m glad you’ve sprouted into a beautiful flower and found your way home."

Before she could ask more questions, he slammed his palm on the door, knocking like a madman.

An irritated voice responded to the commotion. "Which irreverent fool dares to disturb my master?" The door flung open, revealing a male servant’s twitching brows. "You? Hahaha! Did you return to get your left leg crippled this time?"

Wei pushed Qing behind him, feeling how she gripped his pants in fear. But he did not. His back remained straight, and his eyes clear. "Escort me to Min and Qiao. I have news about their daughter."

As the servant glared at him, Qing’s eyes widened. Her breath caught in her throat, suffocating her as her heart throbbed, each thump reverberating against her sides in a painful cacophony of confusion and dread because... Min was her father, and Qiao her mother.

When she had offered her services to the witch, they had been sleeping on empty stomachs more often than not. Meat and rice were luxuries she had perhaps enjoyed twice, one of which was because of Wei’s generosity. Yet, they somehow lived in this extravagant house now? How? Why? Weren’t they ill?

Unfortunately, her turmoil didn’t pause time.

The servant scoffed. "Sure, I’ll guide you to them. But know that you have more to lose than your left leg. Will you try another stunt and lose the hands you were so proud of as a carpenter? Ah! I just remembered you sold the small hole you called your shop. You don’t need those hands anymore, so perhaps your eyes?"

Wei clenched his jaw, his fists tightening. "Enough! I came to deliver news. I’ll leave this dirty place as soon as they are."

With a snort, the servant turned and waved his hand, indicating to follow. "They’d better be worth their time."

Visit freewe𝑏nove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺 for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience