Chapter 174 Qiao Shefei's Choice
Chapter 174 Qiao Shefei's Choice
Not long after, the barber finished his work on Xiaodong and slowly walked to Qiao Shefei, saying with an apologetic tone, "Qiao Shefei, I apologize to you. I misunderstood you."
The barber shop owner sighed softly, his eyes revealing his deep understanding of Xiao Qiao.
He was filled with remorse and regret for his son Xiaodong's behavior. His previous misunderstanding and dissatisfaction with Qiao Shefei had now disappeared.
After all, not only did Qiao Shefei not harm Xiaodong, but Xiaodong's behavior not only cheated on Qiao Shefei, but also colluded with the Netherworld Demon with the intention of harming him.
Qiao Shefei smiled indifferently and shook his head gently: "Master, how can I blame you?" His words revealed his consideration and respect for the master.
"So, what are your plans next?" the barber shop owner asked with concern, "Are you planning to return to the shop?"
Qiao Shefei has always dreamed of becoming an excellent barber. However, a series of events that happened today made him realize that staying with his master might not be the best choice.
In addition, the appearance of the three uninvited guests made him feel unprecedented pressure and distress. He knew very well that his presence might bring unnecessary trouble and distress to his master.
Therefore, facing the master's inquiry, he answered without hesitation: "Master, I think I need some time to sort out my thoughts. I don't plan to go back to the store for the time being."
Qiao Shefei's tone was firm and sincere. He continued, "But please believe that you will always be my mentor in my heart. If I have the chance in the future, I will definitely come to visit you often."
The barber shop owner felt mixed emotions when he heard this. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but finally chose to remain silent.
He just patted Qiao Shefei's shoulder gently to show encouragement and understanding: "Okay, kid, take care of yourself."
Afterwards, the barber shop owner said goodbye to Qiao Shefei, Jiang Zhong and others. They each embarked on different paths, as if they were from two different worlds. Perhaps, such a separation was the best choice for both parties.
......
The figure of the barber shop owner gradually faded away, leaving behind only silence and loneliness.
Qiao Shefei seemed to have all his strength drained away. His body involuntarily collapsed to the ground with his eyes closed. His voice revealed endless fatigue and despair: "Come on... give me a quick death." His words revealed his helplessness about the current situation and his desire for relief.
However, at this moment, Xiao Gang at the side broke the silence with his steady voice: "Don't worry! Although you are a ghost demon, we are not here to take your life."
His tone was full of understanding and comfort, as if he could see through Qiao Shefei's inner struggle.
It turned out that on the way here, Jiang Zhong had already explained Qiao Shefei's identity and his experience in detail to Xiaofei and Xiaogang, allowing the two to have a deeper understanding of him.
Although they are armored warriors and have a natural hostility towards the Nether Demon, their attitude towards an individual like Qiao Shefei who has not really done evil is particularly tolerant and friendly.
Hearing Xiao Gang's words, Qiao Shefei suddenly opened his eyes, with a light of disbelief flashing in his eyes. He looked at the people in front of him, his voice trembling slightly: "You won't kill me?!!"
Seeing this, Jiang Zhong raised a playful smile and said jokingly, "When did I say I would kill you? Of course, if you really feel like you have no desire to live and want to find relief, I don't mind helping you. After all, I, the Armored Warrior, am known for being helpful and loving."
......
Qiao Shefei was shocked beyond words. The familiar yet unfamiliar voice, like an echo that traveled through time and space, stirred up waves in his mind.
He opened his eyes wide and stared at the young man in front of him. A strong torrent of memories suddenly hit the depths of his soul.
"It's him! The mysterious armor summoner from a thousand years ago, the one as powerful as a devil!"
Qiao Shefei's heart was filled with shock. He couldn't believe that he would meet this person again here and in this way.
Although their interaction was limited to that brief battle a thousand years ago, the memory engraved deep in their souls was so clear that Qiao Shefei could not ignore it.
He subconsciously took two steps back, his body tense and his face alert, as if he was facing a ferocious beast about to wake up.
Qiao Shefei knew his own strength very well. As one of the three captains of the Netherworld Army, he possessed extraordinary power. But standing in front of Jiang Zhong with his current strength, this power seemed to become weak.
He had no doubt that if Jiang Zhong wanted to take his life, it would be easy.
However, Jiang Zhong did not show any hostility. There was always a gentle smile on his face, like a spring breeze, yet it made people feel cold.
This chill not only came from physical perception, but more from the trembling deep in the soul, making Qiao Shefei feel an unprecedented sense of oppression.
He tried to say something, but his throat seemed to be stuck. He could only swallow hard to relieve the tension and anxiety in his heart.
Qiao Shefei was full of doubts. He didn't understand why Jiang Zhong appeared here, and he didn't understand why he said "I won't kill you".
Although Jiang Zhong's promise surprised him, Qiao Shefei did not feel relieved. On the contrary, he became more alert and confused, not knowing what Jiang Zhong's real intention was.
Qiao Shefei barely managed to stand still, his eyes full of confusion and doubt. He looked at Jiang Zhong, his voice trembling: "If you don't kill me... then what is your purpose in coming here this time?"
His heart was full of contradictions. He hoped that Jiang Zhong could give a reasonable explanation, but he was unwilling to believe that the man who had once frightened him would let him go so easily.
However, Jiang Zhong's next words caught people off guard: "I won't waste any more time talking nonsense, just follow me from now on?" These words sounded light-hearted and casual, but Qiao Shefei felt an invisible pressure coming towards him.
He tried to find room for refusal and asked cautiously, "What if I refuse?" Jiang Zhong's answer was simple and direct, even a little joking: "Then I will just knock you out, put you in a sack and take you away!"
This sentence made Qiao Shefei's mouth twitch, and he muttered to himself: This guy is definitely a devil!
Facing such a strong and unconventional Jiang Zhong, Qiao Shefei fell into deep thought. He knew that he could not escape Jiang Zhong's control, and resistance seemed to only bring more pain.
In this case, why not try to accept this reality and see what Jiang Zhong is up to?
After a fierce psychological struggle, Qiao Shefei finally made a decision. He took a deep breath and stretched out his hand to Jiang Zhong, as if to declare his surrender.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhong smiled and held his hand. At that moment, the fate of the two seemed to be closely linked by some force.
"Welcome to join us!" Jiang Zhong's words were warm and powerful, making Qiao Shefei feel an unprecedented sense of belonging.
Although the road ahead is unknown and full of challenges, he has taken this step and is ready to face everything in the future together with Jiang Zhong and his partners.
Although Qiao Shefei was extremely reluctant, the reality was as Jiang Zhong said, he could no longer remain free. After weighing the pros and cons, he chose to join to avoid a worse situation.
Jiang Zhong's satisfied smile and slight nod were undoubtedly recognition of his wise decision.
......
When Jiang Zhong mentioned Kufens and Amiceu, Qiao Shefei couldn't help but feel worried for these two former "colleagues". He knew Jiang Zhong's intentions and understood that he would soon become a part of this new plan.
So, he revealed the current situation and location of Kufens and Amice without hesitation, secretly hoping that they could make a wise choice.
In Qiao Shefei's opinion, continuing to follow Lu Fa is tantamount to walking into a dead end. Lu Fa's ambition and ruthlessness have already made Qiao Shefei discouraged.
He knew very well that only by leaving Lufa and finding a new way out could he escape from this endless darkness and despair. Therefore, Qiao Shefei not only had no objection to Jiang Zhong's plan to win over Kufensi and Amice to join the gang, but also agreed with it.
For him, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. He is willing to seize this opportunity to fight side by side with Jiang Zhong and his future partners and write their legendary chapter together.
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