Chapter 125: Regaining Focus
Running down the skeleton, Hui ducked into his cave. Breath still ragged, he leaned against the cave wall. The bone cooled his heated forehead. He pressed a hand against his forehead and released the ghoul skin, gulping a breath. Grabbing at his robes, he wiped his face. Damn, Im such a virgin.
You.
Hui startled, eyes wide. He stared around the cave.
The reaper girl faded into view. She tossed the red gem at him. It still has karmic ties to you.
Ah thank you, elder sister, he said breathlessly. Distractedly, he stored the gem into his ring.
She crossed her arms. What are you up to? You
Nothing, he said, a little too quickly.
Her eyes narrowed. I dont mean right now. I could care less about mortal dalliances. Your cultivation, however, is
Elder sister, does it have to be now? Hui said impatiently, giving her a slightly distracted grin.
A firm and disappointed expression crossed the reapers face. Yes. I dont have long. Tell me, what is your goal?
Frustrated, Hui took a deep breath. He settled his breathing, focusing inward, then stood upright. With some effort, he gave her a smile. My goal? To live a good, easy life, eat good food, have fun, and be surrounded by beauties.
Is that so? Then why cultivate that blood-soaked method?
Hui furrowed his brows at her. Blood-soaked? Elder sister, how dare you accuse me! Ive only killed one being in my small life.
She narrowed her eyes at him. Its true How?
He harrumphed and turned away, crossing his arms. Did you come here to taunt this small cultivator? At this time? Honestly, elder sister, this is harassment, just harassment.
You dare?
Hui sighed. He turned around and bowed low to the reaper, a hint of exasperated sarcasm in his pose. Magnificent senior, please forgive me. This small cultivator now realizes how lofty and beautiful senior is. I simply felt disappointment in having no answer for senior.
I see Im not wanted. I suppose Ill leave. I was going to impart a technique to you, but
Hui dropped into a full kowtow. Senior! Forgive this small cultivators impatience! Ah, I see it now, when you arrived, the air itself transforms into bountiful qi. Indeed, this bone cave has become more lustrous with your presence. Your every word overflows with wisdom. Ah to think I overlooked it earlier. Senior, truly, I
Enough, enough. It was an idle threat. Zhu Diyu told me to impart the technique as thanks for showing him the gem. I couldnt go back without imparting it. Sighing, the reaper reached down and pressed her fingertips against his forehead.
Hui stared at the wall, then at his hands. Whoa. This this is a technique!
If I could make it a talisman, how powerful would that talisman be? As it is, I can barely use the technique once. If I could have one, two, ten talismans pre-stocked with the qi and ready to go! Huis eyes lit up. He breathed raggedly, unable to contain his excitement. Drawing out his paper and ink, he lifted his brush.
Xie Hao! Come out! Dai Dagao howled.
Annoyed, Hui glared at the entrance to his cave. Go away. Im busy!
I formally challenge you! You cant refuse!
Hui stood abruptly. Flicking his sleeve, he gathered all his materials into his storage ring and marched out of the vertebra.
Dai Dagao loomed over him, a bold grin on his face. Face me, Xie Hao. Take my hammer! He slammed a golden hammer at Hui, this one twice as long as the one Hui had stolen.
Circulating his death qi dantian, Hui reached up and caught the hammers head one-handed.
Dai Dagao stared. His brows furrowed. You in a month?
Hui closed his hand. The hammer crumbled, head destroyed. Ignoring Dai Dagao, he marched into the dark field.
Where are you going? Come back here!
He stepped into Elder Jings house and bowed to the old man. Eyes still closed, Elder Jing showed no signs of having noticed him. Senior, Ive progressed in my cultivation.
Elder Jing gestured. The bone token flew out of Huis storage ring, and a different bone talisman flew into his hand.
This bone talisman was darker, a pale gray instead of pure white. Hui sent a strand of qi into it, and a number flowed into his head: 60.
Many thanks, Elder Jing. Hui bowed low, then retreated.
Dai Dagao stood outside of Elder Jings building, staring. You
Excuse me, Junior Brother, but I dont believe you have the authority to challenge me for Vertebra 60, Hui said, flashing his new bone token.
Dai Dagao glowered. Dont think this settles the grudge between us!
Does Junior Brother wish to fight? Hui asked simply, pulling a talisman out of his robes.
Dai Dagao visibly flinched back. He narrowed his eyes. Just wait. Ill catch up in no time.
Ill look forward to it, Hui said, bowing. Please, forget about me. Id be quite happy if you worked long and hard for a long time and forgot all about this small cultivator!