“Duskspirit... is dead.” Kong Xianglong’s voice thrummed with grief and bitterness, and his eyes no longer sparkled.48

Xu Qing’s heart thumped when he thought about Duskspirit, who had clearly been in love with Kong Xianglong.3

“Before she died, she told me she loved me....” Kong Xianglong shivered. Reaching out, he gripped Xu Qing’s shoulder. His eyes were bloodshot and his hand trembled. “I don’t know how to deal with this, Xu Qing!”16

He closed his eyes.1

Xu Qing didn’t say anything. He just let Kong Xianglong hold on to his shoulder. Xu Qing had been forced to part with loved ones in death. More than once. So he could imagine what Kong Xianglong was feeling. It was a sensation that defied reality, and was something you could never get used to.7

The only thing Xu Qing could think to do was take out a flagon of alcohol and hand it to the trembling Kong Xianglong.1

Kong Xianglong took it and drank deeply. Then he murmured, “I never imagined there would be a time when alcohol tastes like nothing.”27

Kong Xianglong released his grip, patted Xu Qing on the shoulder, and then walked...0