Introspection - I Cultivate Fear Itself

[You've gathered 5 points of Fear.]

'Hmm? Why are there so many notifications?'

[You've gathered 10 points of Fear.]

Lian's expression suddenly becomes horrified, even though I was just standing here, letting the silence sink in.

For some reason, even after I've retracted my Fear Qi, the notifications kept appearing one by one. Could it be that they are communicating?

Taking a good look at the notifications, I notice an interesting pattern. Five Fear points was the maximum I've ever gotten from a person. It seems like at first, only one was scared. But moments later, it spread.

'They are communicating.'

My lips curl up in a smile as I begin to think of ways to exploit it further. The soul formation cultivator is a threat. If I could go back in time and avoid this meeting, I would. But now, it's too late.

'I refuse to believe that a mortal can terrify a soul formation cultivator...'

I'll take the risk. Odds are on my side, and the benefits are great. If I can convince them that I can hear them, they will not dare to plot against me, even in their heads.

''Junior, why are you scaring this little mortal?''

My voice remains cold, but a sliver of amusement is mixed within.

''Forget it. I've wasted enough time here. Become a core disciple of the Serene Lotus Sect.''

With that, I slowly turn my back towards them, giving them no room to ask questions or talk back. The fewer interactions we have, the better the misunderstanding.

''I will contact you when the time is right.''

Using both Qi and Body cultivation, I utilize the Shadowless Step technique to its fullest potential, instantly disappearing from the vicinity.

'This remnant is dangerous. I need to get away quickly.'

With Silent Pulse Breathing concealing my presence, and Shadowless Step taking me far away into the darkness, I leave both of them behind.

Two hours later in the Lan estate. The candles flicker as a dark shadow enters a luxurious room. Dispersing the Fear Qi, I slowly make my way towards the bed. As my body falls down on the bed, I can't help but recall today's events.

'Today was a bountiful day.'

'Status'

[STATUS]

[Name: Han Ye]

[Age: 18]

[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Late Stage ▸ Qi condensation - Early Stage]

[Fear Points: 2 566]

[Trauma: +519/day]

[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 6 000]

[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing, Crow Shroud Technique]

'519 a day. I'll be able to break through to the next realm in one week's time.'

With a satisfied nod, the image of the tattered woman crosses my mind.

'She was beautiful.'

Beautiful is an understatement. She was far more beautiful than anyone I've seen in both of my lives combined. Even with the dirt and blood covering her body, her silver hair, crimson eyes, and fair skin were hard to conceal.

'When did I lose interest in beauty? In relationships?'

The question crosses my mind for just a brief moment, but a more pressing matter replaces it right after.

'Remnant of soul formation expert...'

Sigh.

'I could have died today... Again...'

Closing my eyes, I can't help but plan for the future. The information I have about this world, its dangers and norms, is simply lacking. One could even say I don't have common sense.

'This won't do. I need information. I'll visit the library tomorrow.'

Techniques, information, history, common sense... So much to learn, yet the pressure makes it difficult to prioritize.

'Power is far too addictive. It makes my priorities all messed up.'

For one week, I'll let the Trauma do the job. I'll spend this time learning about this new, dangerous, and illogical world. I relax on the soft bed and slowly close my eyes.