Chapter 34: Bloodlines and Curses

Chapter 34: Bloodlines and Curses

Xue dashed away. Hui dangled off his shoulder, desperately holding on. Er, Xue! Where are we going?

Laughing, Xue shrugged. A safe place. He turned around and fired another two slashes of his fan at the trio. They huddled down and cast a barrier between the three of them, seconds before they vanished under the flames.

Not going to fight them? Hui asked. That blast of flame was easily at the fourth stage! He could take them all out with no effort!

I cant stay out long. This realm doesnt like it, and anyways He glanced up at the sky and flinched. He shook his head. We have to find a place to hide.

Curious, Hui sent a small probe of qi into Xues shoulder. As Xue had warned, the heat of his yang energy quickly faded, while the cold yin energy rushed up to take its place. Again, Hui noticed the smoke, the cold blotch in the yang. That it almost feels like

Huinows not the time, Xue bit, distracted.

Ohsorry. Hui retracted his qi. But Ill have to ask him. Later.

Over there! I found A blast of fire shut the cultivator up.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Xue ducked into the castle and raced down the corridors at random. Hui craned over his shoulder to see ahead.

Left, left, go left! he hissed.

Xue turned left and found a staircase. They bolted up it, into the next level. Near the top of the stairs, Xue paused. Ghouls ahead.

Scare them down the stairs with your fire! Hui called.

Xue smirked. Good call.

Closing his fan, he charged at the ghouls. They turned to face him, opening their mouths.

Xue slashed at the ground behind them. A bonfire lit up where he slashed. Instinctively, the ghouls fled. They rushed past Xue and Hui, down the stairs.

Distantly, the other cultivators rushed into the castle. Whered they go?

Whoa! Watch out! Ghouls!

Breathing heavily, Xue ducked into a room. He pressed a hand against the door. Spark-Flint Fusion.

Fire seared along the edges of the door. The flint sparked, then merged together.

Outside, footsteps clattered down the hallway. Hui held his breath. Xue pressed a hand over his own mouth and leaned against the wall, listening.

Hui winced. Thats horrible.

Xue shrugged. I had just broken through into fourth stage. I thought I was invincible. Its partially my fault for being so reckless.

Xue

He waved it away. I went out one night, against the advice of my elders. Ran into a demonic cultivator. I got away, but not before he cursed me. Because of the curse, I fell back a realm well, my yin form did. Which made my yang form unstable and hard to maintain for long.

The elders did their best, but they couldnt break the curse. They reduced it. Theres a few side effects

Is that why the rope? Hui guessed.

Xue nodded, glancing at his ankles. It disguises my gait. And when I turn He shook his head. The curse only activates at midnight now, instead of eating away at me all the time. It still eats at me, but slower, now. Only when Im in this form. And it makes it harder to swap forms. Xue took a deep breath, then stopped. He pressed his hand to his mouth, thoughtful.

The curse turns you undead, doesnt it? Hui said.

Startled, Xue stared at him.

Earlier, I sensed death qi inside you. Or I thought it was death qi. I guess I was right, Hui muttered, half to himself. That, and your shuffling gait, and the rope. Its there to disguise the fact that undead-you cant climb up stairs or over thresholds, right?

Xue laughed. He patted Huis head. You are clever.

Shut up! Hui replied. He leaned away, covering his hair.

Xue reached after him, grinning, then flinched back. He put a hand over his face. A shudder crawled over his skin. In the dimming light, his pale skin looked paler. He sucked in a ragged breath. Ah, shit.

What if we open the door? Send you out there to rampage? Those third-stage cultivators Hui started.

Xue shook his head. I turn into a ghoul in many respectsthe weaknesses, the stiff limbsbut I maintain my fourth-stage strength. Its a curse. Its meant toto force me to kill those I care about, or force them to kill me. In a situation like this, where the Mysterious Heavenly Forest Sect came to eradicate ghouls they came equipped to exploit my weaknesses. I only retain my bodily strength, not my skills, spells, or intelligence. They could take me down easily. Im sorry, Hui, but I must survive. For the sake of my clan.

L-last night. You handled it, no problem, Hui said, remembering.

I was in my yin form. The curse is sealed there, and I have talismans in my clothes to help me. Now

Cant you swap back?

Xue gave him a pained grin. Wish I could. Not until the yang qi runs out.

Dammit, then why did you steal so much of my qi? Hui raged silently.