Chapter 312: Pushed
[Warning: This chapter contains disturbing content]
Sister Nuans eyes turn to me with a level of seriousness.
I already know shes planning on telling me something that I really dont want to hear.
James I know how you feel about some situations. You can already guess this is going to be pretty terrible. Consider your position and these families.
She looks away at my souring look.
There's undoubtedly something she knows of that she's not telling me. Something that would
She gives a breath out before continuing.
Of course, if you want, I can still crush them for you. It will just make things tougher for later, when we want to do so to an actual threat.
Oh.
So thats what she meant. It seems shes just taking into account how I react to situations and considering future ramifications.
Something Ive been trying to grow in.
With that in mind, I try my hand at reassuring her.
You dont have to worry, Sister Nuan. Ill keep my word. I know this will be terrible, but Im hoping this senior will be a positive change in his family.
Her face turns dark as she spits out.
Theres little chance of that. You will understand when you see it, but nonetheless, we need to acknowledge his actions publicly. As coming from his position, normally they would cover up what they are going to show you up.
It was likely only my lingering spiritual sense that prevented such a thing.
The venom in her voice is palpable. With a slight shake of the sword qi in the area. Something that only happened when she was angry at that other elder in the sect, when I brought in my new recruits.
What the hell is over there, then? And do I even want to see with my scan?
If I use the scan, I will certainly know in detail.
Ill have to do that anyway when I heal them later. I might as well get it out of the way.
Ive decided.
Okay, Ill check it out now, then.
She raises a hand before lowering it.
stay inside the barrier while you do, alright?
Her voice is soft, contrasting with her vague warning. Terrifying in its kindness.
I sneak a look outside and notice a small fleet of carriages waiting outside the hospital. Long Chao anxiously stands outside of them, purposely shooing away others who come to make conversation.
Considering that Sister Nuan seems confident that hes lived up to his promise to bring them all, means that there should be at least 300 people in these. But the normal size of a carriage should hold around 6 people, inferring that there should be around 50 carriages. In contrast, there are approximately 150 of them.
Not a small sum, even for a wealthy elder of a merchant family. But the Long family is a cultivator one, raising its spending power much higher.
What causes me grave concern, though, is the overwhelming amount of talismans that were placed onto each of the carriages. Meant to obscure and hide whats within.Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)
Now that is worth a few big gold coins, or a relatively equal amount of superior spirit stones for cultivator currency.
The real question is, why was this much spent and evidently done in a rushed way, for something like this?
Theres only one answer.
It must be just that bad.
I calming my growing apprehension, before taking a few deep breaths in and out. Then I look inside.
Im pushing her away. Right when I had just committed to bringing her closer. To relying on her more.
Not only that, but what about her? Shes seen this too. Even as cultivators, they have feelings too.
And this is still far out of the norm, even for this world. We both could be traumatized by this.
Actually, I want to be with you during this time. If possible. We can talk about it, while I think. But having you there would help.
Just as she was about to walk through the door, she instantaneously turned around to walk rapidly toward me and sit next to me. Clutching my hands desperately. Her lips are tight with tension and stress.
yeah.
Were both suffering here.
I move my hands out of hers and just move to her side, holding her close to me. A bit surprised at first, she leans in and does the same to me.
Its only a side hug, but enough for both of us.
Its quiet for a while, as we get used to each others presence. This closeness between us.
I speak first.
How can anyone do this? Could someone like that even be considered a person?
The question is in the open air. Neither of us have an answer to that.
The silence falls over us both. I feel her arm hold a little tighter, but nothing else comes to show she acknowledges my words. I use the time to plan my courses of action.
Minutes later, I hear her voice come out, so muted and fragile that if I wasn't enhanced, I wouldn't be able to hear it.
Even the demonic cultivators have a reason to do things like that. But why would they?
Like my question, it's not something to answer at this moment.
With that, the rest of the hour is silent.
I continue to work through several batches of information while we both take refuge in each others company. Reminding me of the times Ive sat in the cave, with Ai and Lin on the bed. Making it through, day by day, finding comfort in the closeness.
Just before I finish my calculations, she speaks again. Louder and confidently than before.
Hes going to die.
Let me handle it.
thats not the best plan.
But its also not a bad one.
Its time to put into practice my principles and commitment to this relationship.
Using a soft voice, I offer a thought.
Do you want to know some things that youll need to know that might help?
She nods and leans her head against my shoulder. The confidence and strength in her actions only marginally contrasting the dependent one she's done.
She doesnt actually need the information, though.
Of course, itd help. Not much, however. Id bet thats something already considered by her.
She doesnt need me. But she wants me in her life and involved.
I can live with that.
Almost together, we stand up.
We end up spending the next 10 minutes communicating plans with each other. All before we step out of the barrier, open the door, and head downstairs.
Towards the entranceway.