The slamming of the door and the receding footsteps of Jennifer left a vacuum in the room, a sudden absence of tension that felt almost disorienting. Ekaterina, still standing motionless, allowed herself a single, almost imperceptible sigh. The encounter had been unpleasant, but she'd weathered it without revealing a flicker of emotion—a testament to her rigorous training and unwavering self-control.
As the echoes of Jennifer's departure faded, her gaze drifted towards the window. A single object had appeared on the sill—a delicate origami crane, crafted from a vibrant crimson paper. It was an unassuming object, yet it radiated an aura of quiet significance that immediately drew her attention.
Ekaterina knew instantly what it was: a message from her master, Elder Lin. The origami crane was their traditional form of communication—a subtle and discreet way to convey information without attracting unwanted attention.
She approached the window with a measured grace, her fingers gently tracing the intricate folds of the crane. It was a familiar gesture, one she'd performed countless times throughout her training. The crimson paper felt smooth and warm beneath her fingertips, imbued with a faint trace of Elder Lin's unique spiritual energy—a comforting reminder of his presence, even across vast distances.
Carefully, she unfolded the crane, revealing a short, handwritten message penned in elegant calligraphy. The ink was a deep indigo hue, shimmering slightly as if infused with an inner light. The message itself was concise, yet packed with layers of meaning that only someone intimately familiar with Elder Lin's teachings would fully grasp.
Dear student,
It began, the words radiating a sense of gentle affection and unwavering guidance.
This is a live stream platform your senior sister already created you an account that doesn't use your name. Because you love fortune telling, predicting one future, hunting spirits, ghosts, and demons, this is a great way not only will you earn money, but also gain QI merit.
These merits will come from those who truly believe in you, or the good you have done, remember dear disciple they are those who are two-faced so do be so kind those type of people always trust your judgment. Remember do not kill my dear student do not kill.
The message ended abruptly, leaving a lingering sense of both encouragement and caution. Ekaterina rubbed the back of her neck thoughtfully, a rare display of introspection. The concept of a live stream platform was entirely foreign to her—a modern invention she'd only vaguely heard about during her brief forays into the mundane world.
The idea of broadcasting her abilities—fortune telling, spirit hunting, and demon banishment—to a wider audience was… intriguing, to say the least. It certainly aligned with her inherent desire to utilize her skills for the greater good, and the prospect of earning money was undeniably appealing, easing some of the financial strain she felt within the Wilson household.
But it was the mention of QI merit that truly captured her attention. QI, the fundamental energy that permeated all existence, was the lifeblood of cultivators like herself.
Accumulating QI merit wasn't merely about accumulating power; it was about cultivating one's spiritual essence and ascending towards enlightenment. Elder Lin clearly believed this platform offered a unique opportunity to do just that—to earn merit through acts of service and guidance.
The warning about two-faced individuals resonated deeply within her.
Ekaterina's experiences in the mortal realm, particularly her interactions with the Wilsons, had taught her that appearances could be incredibly deceptive.
People often hid their true intentions behind carefully constructed facades, and discerning genuine kindness from calculated manipulation was a skill she'd honed to a razor's edge. Elder Lin's words served as a stark reminder to remain vigilant, to trust her instincts, and to avoid becoming entangled in the webs of deceit that often permeated human society.
The final directive—Remember do not kill—was delivered with a weight that transcended the brevity of the words. It wasn't merely a prohibition; it was a fundamental tenet of their sect's philosophy. While hunting spirits and demons was an essential part of their duty, indiscriminate killing was strictly forbidden.
The finality of do not kill hung in the air, a solemn reminder of the delicate balance between duty and morality. It wasn't about weakness; it was about understanding the interconnectedness of all things, the cyclical nature of existence. Taking a life, even that of a malevolent spirit, disrupted that balance, creating ripples of karmic consequence that could ultimately harm even the one who wielded the power to end it.
Ekaterina rubbed her neck again, this time more thoughtfully. The message had sparked a whirlwind of considerations within her mind—the potential benefits, the inherent risks, and the ethical implications of broadcasting her abilities to an unknown audience.
She didn't care much about the money itself. Her needs were simple, and she could easily sustain herself with her existing skills. Plus she could go days without eating, or drinking.
But the prospect of earning QI merit, of contributing to her spiritual growth, was undeniably alluring. And the challenge of navigating a world filled with deceit and hidden agendas—that was a game she excelled at.
She decided she would check it out later today. Not immediately, not with the urgency Jennifer's dismissal had instilled. She needed time to process Elder Lin's message, to consider the potential ramifications, and to formulate a strategy for navigating this new and unfamiliar landscape.
For now, she would focus on the immediate task at hand—escaping the confines of the Wilson Mansion and finding a semblance of peace before being thrust into the Marchetti family's clutches.
She carefully refolded the crimson crane, preserving it as a tangible link to her master and a reminder of his unwavering guidance.
She placed the folded crane back on the windowsill, a silent acknowledgment of Elder Lin's watchful presence. The crimson paper seemed to glow faintly in the afternoon light, a beacon of hope and guidance amidst the encroaching shadows of her uncertain future.
A subtle shift occurred within Ekaterina—a quiet resolve hardening her gaze. The prospect of this live stream platform, while initially perplexing, now presented itself as an opportunity—a chance to not only hone her skills but also to subtly influence the world around her.
She could use it as a tool for good, guiding those who sought wisdom, exposing those who preyed on the vulnerable, and subtly nudging events towards a more favorable outcome. It was a far cry from the direct confrontation she'd faced with spirits and demons, but it was a battle nonetheless—a war waged not with brute force but with cunning and insight.