Suffocating pressure. That's the only thing I feel since his appearance. Like a mountain pressing down on my lungs. No matter how much I try, no matter how much willpower I muster, my body refuses to listen to me.
Lian, no matter what happens, do not make this person your enemy.
Amidst the chaos, a gentle voice full of concern echoes through my head.
'Master?! Who is this man?'
I direct my thoughts towards my master, a Soul Formation expert. She stays silent for a while, as if analyzing the man in black.
I don't know. I tried to probe his soul... but I couldn't. Something with his soul... isn't right.
A cold sweat covers my back as I hear my master's words. Couldn't probe his soul? Isn't right? Is he stronger than a Soul Formation cultivator? Is he even human?
''You, on the ground... What can you offer me for saving you?''
The man speaks, his piercing blue eyes penetrating right through my soul as he looks down at me, making me feel helpless and exposed.
Lian, listen carefully. You have two options.
My master's voice reverberates within my mind once more, but this time, her tone is... calm. No... that's not calmness. That's dread. My master, a Soul Formation expert, is scared of the man in front of me.
First option is to submit, the second is death... or worse.
She continues,
If you submit, this might become a fortuitous encounter. I don't know what he will do to you... but you will live.
'Submit? But master, what if he is the same as that bastard Zhao? What if he is after my body, or even my special constitution?'
There's a high chance he knows all about it...
Even about me. Me probing his soul was a mistake... but there's a silver lining. He did not show further hostility even after I disrespected him.
The pressure releases, as if I received permission to speak. But looking into that cold gaze... my breath is heavy, no words leave my mouth.
''I'm in a hurry. Speak now, or all of you will die.''
Gulp.
''This mortal's name is Xue Lian, I come from N-''
''Enough.''
Shocked by the sudden interruption, my body shivers and my words get stuck inside my throat. His voice full of contempt and apathy, as if I were just an insignificant ant.
''Answer me. I'm not interested in anything else.''
He's serious. You have one chance, Lian. You must do everything to stay alive.
If you die... I will die as well.
The man's suffocating pressure is gone, but a newfound pressure is now weighing on my body. My master's words feel as if a bucket of cold water was poured on me.
'I can't die, not like this. I finally got a chance to turn my life around thanks to master...'
With the last bits of my resolution gathered, I meet his eyes.
''I have a special Yin constitution. As well as... a remnant of a Soul Formation cultivator within me...''
Don't stop now, this is what he already knows, promise him manuals, servitude, loyalty!
''I-I... am willing to serve the immortal, share my master's manuals, and show you my unwavering loyalty...''
Feeling defeated, my shoulders drop. The two servants from before wouldn't dare risk my death. But this man is different. Even if I try to trick him with my death, he wouldn't care.
''Your eyes speak a different story...''
LIAN! Get a grip!
THUD!
Realization hits me. My forehead smashes into the ground with enough force to raise the dust.
'I'm so stupid, how could I boldly stare into his eyes...!'
''I apologize, I-I don't know what came over me...''
''Please, give me a chance. If you are not satisfied with me, you can k-kill me anytime.''
My earlier bravado all gone, what's left is my pathetic self trying to survive. A familiar face appears in the deep corner of my mind.
'I won't die... I can't die...Not until I save my sister...'
.
.
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[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Late Stage ▸ Qi condensation - Early Stage]
[Fear Points: 3 193]
[Trauma: +731/day]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 6 000]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing, Crow Shroud Technique]
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!