Book 2: Chapter 11: Bad News

Book 2: Chapter 11: Bad News

I walked across the plains, taking in the rushing wind. Chi flowed through my feet, my steps barely touching the ground as I stepped throughout the whole way. The sensation was akin to being flung off and at the edge of falling, as the world seemed to warp around me, yet I never hit the ground. There was something oddly relaxing about speeding through grassy plains, following no particular path in general as the world stretched on endlessly.

Little tid bits that I’d picked up jingled in my pouch. If allowed to, I would’ve emptied the entire place, but for now, I only took the bare minimum of things. There will be time later to utilise the Lord’s generosity, but for now, we had a new drug industry to start.

As I closed in towards Taizhou, I slowed my steps down, returning to a more regular run, before transitioning into a light jog. The sun was setting as I walked down the hill that led towards the entrance path of the village. Reaching a bit closer, I sensed a small crowd gathered around the village head’s place.

Watching the people walk past, I could see an odd tension in their body language. Speeding up my approach, I walked closer, when a familiar face stopped me. Chen, the blacksmith and carpenter of the village found me, a worried expression on his face.

“We’d been looking for you Lu Jie. There’s a visitor in the village. A cultivator,” the man said, walking beside me. I frowned, glancing towards the Village head’s home. Sure enough, I could sense a first realm cultivator.

“What are they here for?” I asked, speeding up on my way over.

“The sect sent a messenger,” the man replied. Before he could finish, I was already rushing over.

Making my way through the crown, I walked up to stand beside the village head. The man briefly glanced towards me, but there was none of the regular nervousness or courtesy in his eyes.

“What is it?” I asked, glancing down, when the village head handed me the scroll.

“They’ve decided to terminate their trade with Taizhou for spirit herbs, and withdraw their protection,” the village head said grimly.

Silently, I held the official scroll in my hand with the termination of the contract for buying the spirit crystals and spirit herbs produced in the village of Taizhou, and its protection from spirit beasts and the like.

I’d expected Elder Yan to do something petty like this, the only thing that surprised me was how long it took him to do it. Despite my anticipation of the event, I did not feel any less angry as I heard the villager’s fearful whispers and saw the anger and frustration crawling upon their faces.

As I mulled over my plans, the two girls made their way towards me. Yan Yun stood next to me, her fists balled and even without a spirit bond, I could sense her anger as clear as day.

“Do you think... no what am I saying. This was most certainly my grandfather’s work.”

“Likely,” I replied, looking ahead at the villagers talking and fretting. “But that does not mean you’re responsible,” I said, turning back to look at Yan Yun.

“How can I not be?” Yan Yun asked, her voice wavering as she looked me in the eye.

“Because I am too. And because your grandfather’s choices are not yours. He has made his decision, and now I will make mine. There is no avoiding this conflict that has begun,” I said, turning to face the village of Taizhou and its residents.

Perhaps there had never been a way to avoid this. If not Li and Lei, then there would’ve been someone else who would’ve stepped on my toes. Sect elders, lords, bandits. There was no end to it. This world was tied in the chase for immortality, that as long as you had power, your actions were justified.

I clenched my fists, letting out a deep exhale. Feeling my anger settled, I looked sideways. For a brief moment, my eyes met Yin’s and I saw a strange pause in her gaze, as if she wanted to say something. But if that was so, then the girl did not seem up to the task, quickly diverting her eyes away instead.

I ignored it for the moment. “Yan Yun, can you get my spirits? Zhang bring Granny and everyone else at the village head’s place. We need to discuss some things.”

Yan Yun nodded, stepping away. Yin looked at me briefly, before running after Yan Yun. I let out a breath, reaching out to Labby, Sheldon and Twilight through my bond.

Stepping to the village, I patted the man’s shoulders. Guo Zou turned towards me, grim wrinkles dotting the corner of his eyes, but the man kept a composed face. “What can I do for you Lu Jie?” the man asked calmly.

“I believe I have some important things to discuss with you. I may have a way out of this problem for all of us,” I said to the man.

Guo Zou looked at me with wide eyes. The man’s composure returned quickly, and he nodded, heading towards his chamber.

I followed behind him, gathering my resolve at the discussions to come. If I succeed, then this would be it. The first step towards a new era.