Chapter 67: A New Appearance
As I head down the road with Shi, I see some debris on the ground move. As if by the wind.
My eyes automatically drift to Shi, seeing her putting away another note.
She looks toward me, seeing where my eyes were looking. Her mouth opens and then closes.
Ah shes probably being told to keep me here, if possible.
She clears her throat. Ah Are you sure you dont want to stay the night? Theres quite a bit that would be done to make you exceedingly happy here.
She coughs and looks away. I-I would also be part of that, as well.
That is simultaneously suspicious and tempting.
But ultimately, I cant trust that Ill make it through the night with my sanity intact. Especially my precious, precious virginity.
Why am I saying no again?
Shaking my head, I say, Unfortunately, no. Im really looking forward to resting in my own bed.
I can practically see her deflate.
I pause before saying anything else.
If I deny too harshly, that might come off as disrespectful. Maybe even leading them to do some drastic actions.
Not only that, but it could be viewed as a failure on her end to secure a client.
And I actually like her.
I should give some ground.
However, I really, really enjoyed your company today. Though there were some difficulties, I am glad I could meet you and am looking forward to getting to know you further. In fact, I was hoping to use this path again tomorrow, to reach the main market area.
Her back practically straightens like a bamboo shoot.
I continue, I was hoping to have your company again, if you have time.
I can feel the air shift near me.
One moment she was there, where I last saw her. The next, she was in front of me, with my hands in hers.
YES! Thank you! Thank you! Thank yo
She pauses for a moment and blinks.
Ah. Im sorry for my sudden movement! she says as she backs away quickly. Though she moved at a normal speed, this time.
My intuition tells me that there may be something going on here.
Why does she panic after showing some strength or taking a lead position? Wait could this be something to do with cultural tendencies?
Wait I could be just making an assumption. This could be something specific to her.
Id like to know, since it seems this keeps happening.
As I open my mouth to say something, an average looking woman crosses in my vision and appears ecstatic. She waves and a gorgeous smile crosses her face, showing something deeper within.
Light and filled with mirth. This voice seems to do the opposite from the sound before and further pulls me out of the daze I was in. Removing her wrapped arms from my shoulders, I can hear her skip backwards.
Ah. Shoot. I got a little too excited and let my form out
Turning around quickly, I brace myself to see that form again. I feel my awareness skill reactivate alongside my scanning ability.
What they actually show is the average womans appearance. Somewhat.
It appears a blend of true appearance with the illusion. My eyes meet hers.
Sorry about that, I got really excited when I heard what you had done today and my illusion dropped for a little!
A smirk crosses her face, though.
But it looks like I wasnt wrong in my thoughts, then. Your body DOES naturally resist our Ways. Even without cultivation. It makes me wonder how strong of a Healing Constitution you actually have
I feel a shiver as she casually reveals one of my secrets.
Oh no. No, no. This is bad, this is really bad.
Wait, wait, wait.
Calm down, James theres plenty of reasons that she could know. Its clear I was covered in spiritual senses earlier. They could have figured out that through seeing my body.
They could have also read my mind. I feel they arent able to see everything, though. But it is plenty enough to get an idea.
As I think to myself, while watching her, she seems to be enjoying my slight panicking.
Hahaha, you dont need to worry about me too much. Youve done quite a few good things for my troop. From healing my ladies to revealing spies in our midst, I would be foolish to forget favors and violate justice.
Then why have you been reading my mind?
Let me see if I can approach this in a way, that doesnt cast down her face, as I think it is called.
Im glad to hear that is the case. With that said, maybe you can help me with something. I have been feeling many probes at me, recently. Im unfamiliar with this feeling and was hoping you could educate me on what this might be.
Silence.
She stares at me.
We stare at each other for some time, as I say nothing.
She shakes her head and sighs.
I guess it is true, when they say the newborn calf doesnt fear the tiger Though, I suppose the mere fact you can feel spiritual sense without cultivation, shows you to be a dragon among men. If there was any question on where you need to go, this would dispel it.
Okay, I get the dragon among men comment, but what does newborn Ah, I think I get it.
Shes calling me ignorant.
Even so, I know she knows that I already know she knows about my ability.
Thats a mind twister.
Alright, I suppose I can explain a few things for you.
With a wave of her hand, I can sense the presence of the still frozen Shi, disappear. A look in her direction only confirms this. Turning back to Wu Qing, she shows an amused look.
Dont worry, my people are just clearing the area of anyone who might not be as close as we will be.
Ugh