Shadowless step.
The world around me blurs.
One step. That's all it takes.
My hand clamps around the guard's throat, the force enough to lift him clean off the ground. His eyes bulge, mouth opening in a silent choke.
CRACK!
A sharp crack echoes through the silent street as my grip tightens, breaking the guard's neck like a twig.
I throw the lifeless body in front of the Elder, my expression cold, actions ruthless.
The corpse crashes at the Elder's feet, armor clanging, head twisted at an unnatural angle.
''Is this the official stance of the Xu family?''
I infuse a sliver of Qi into my voice.
''Attacking someone under direct protection of our escort company?!''
The crowd shivers at my words.
The Elder's face is tight with barely restrained fury, but even he takes a measured step back, eyes flicking between me and the body at his feet.
''T-this is a misunderstanding, the guar-''
''Misunderstanding?''
My tone cuts through him like a blade.
''Your family just attempted a public murder on my family's client.''
I take one deliberate step forward, letting my presence bear down, my Qi leaking out just a little.
''If this is how the Xu family conducts itself, I'll make sure my father hears of it.''
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
The Elder swallows, weighing his words carefully. He gestures sharply to the other guards.
''Take her to a physician. Now.''
The crowd parts reluctantly as two guards lead us toward a nearby clinic.
.
The physician's shop smells of crushed herbs. The doctor, with his thin frame, looks more like a patient than Yuexin.
''Please sit,'' he says meekly to Yuexin, already tearing away the blood-soaked cloth.
I stand nearby, arms crossed, watching the treatment without interfering.
He's good. And works quickly.
''She'll need to keep it clean and rest the arm. No straining for a month, minimum.''
Shocked, Yuexin grabs the doctor's collar and attempts to raise him up, but her shoulder flares up and she lets go.
''Yuexin, I know you're frustrated, but this man possibly saved your arm. Don't be rude.''
I step towards her, patting the doctor on his back.
''I apologize for her behavior.''
I lean in closer, my voice turning into a whisper.
''She's... not in her right mind now. Do you... perhaps have something that will put her to sleep?''
I sigh, my voice turning desperate.
''We have a long trip ahead of us, and we share the same carriage. If she doesn't rest, I might be the patient next time.''
The thin doctor glances over to his shelf, giving me a slight nod as he reaches for a small jar.
''This should be strong enough to put even a cultivator to sleep for a few hours.''
My eyes light up immediately, as if he's my savior.
''Thank you so much, doctor. The Xu family will cover it.''
.
Back in the carriage, Yuexin leans back, exhaustion written all over her face.
I pour tea from the travel pot, letting the faint bitterness of the powder dissolve into the steaming liquid.
''Drink it, it's for the pain,'' I say as I hand it over to her.
''I don't need it.''
...
This b*tch. Arrogant to the very end.
''Lady Yuexin, my family was hired as your escorts. Yet, I've disappointed you.''
My voice turns softer, as if filled with regret.
''This is my responsibility. Please, at least take the painkillers.''
She gives me a glance, her eyes softening a little.
''It is me who let my guard down.''
She takes the tea from my hand.
''If I paid attention, a small fry like that wouldn't be able to breach my Qi.''
She takes a sip as she continues.
''Don't blame yourself. In the end, it was you who got us out.''
I watch in silence until the last flicker of awareness fades from her gaze.
...
Tonight, I have work to do.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Early Stage ▸ Foundation establishment - Early Stage▸ +]
[Fear Points: 16]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 1500]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing]
Authors note: If you're enjoying the novel so far, please add it to your collections! Every single one goes a long way. Honest review will be Great too!
Powerstones: If we can reach 70 power stones in a week, I will make one more chapter a day for 1 week. Let's do it!