[Mingjue took his time to listen and understand. Truthfully, he understood where Huaisang was coming from. Had it been him a year ago he would have thought much the same thing. Even with what he had heard from Huaisang now there were still moments that left him questioning, doubting.

Did he fall for all of Guangyao's sweet lies after resisting them for so long?

He watches Huaisang, despite the airs he put on only moments before, he was still just as frail as he was all those years ago. And considering all he must have been through after Mingjue's passing, it was no wonder he felt so betrayed.]

You're right.

[It wasn't often Mingjue admitted such things, especially not to Huaisang. But perhaps, now of all times, Huaisang needed to hear it.]

If it were father I would have searched the five realms over in order to retrieve him back and avenge him. I wouldn't even question it.

[He did start a war for their father after all, as much as he would state that it was for the moral good of everyone.]

And I will not defend my actions as, from what I have heard from you, there is plenty worth your hatred. And although I lay with him it does not mean I completely forgive him.

[How many times now have they spent nights upon nights arguing their points to one another only to end up in a stalemate? They had practically agreed to disagree about everything leading up to Xue Yang's verdict.]

Things are complicated Huaisang. Ridiculously so. And I do not think it will ever stop being such. But regardless--

[Taking a step closer, Mingjue slowly bowed forward, his eyes lowered to the floor in apology.]

I am merely grateful to see your face once more Huaisang. I thought--

[Man he was no good at this, admitting fault, feelings, the whole ordeal.]

I truly thought we may never see each other again.