The carriage suddenly comes to a halt. My eyes fixed on Yuexin.
''You have to decide, now.''
I continue,
''My father is currently in Zhenwu City. If we get him on our side, your forces will nearly double.''
But I'm not done yet. I press on,
''I will personally lead the forces. To tell you the truth, my cultivation is Foundation Establishment.''
Upon hearing my words, her eyes open wide, a hint of disbelief lingering within them.
''You don't believe me?''
I ask, my voice monotone and cold.
''I don't. If you were an expert like you said...''
She squints her eyes at me, her body leaning closer to me, as if she was sharing a secret.
''Why would some mercenary kidnap you before?''
Well, she has a point.
I lean back into my chair, my body sinking in, while a gentle smile forms on my lips.
''Well, I sustained a pretty big injury about a week ago. I was half a breath away from death.''
I slowly unbutton my robes, about to reveal my chest to her. But I was interrupted by a scream.
''Y-Youuu!!! What are you doing?!''
I tilt my head to the side, confusion written all over my expression.
''Ehm, probably nothing that you're imagining. Just look.''
I pull on the robe from both sides, revealing a deep, gruesome wound on my chest.
''Someone tried to kill me. In my own house. My shoulder is in pieces too.''
Her eyes snap open, a sliver of something – sadness – flashes over her eyes as she seems to remember something from her past.
''In your own house...''
Hmm? That's an unexpected reaction.
''Is something wrong, Lady Yuexin?''
My voice gentler than ever, my eyes seeking answers as I look deeply into hers.
''Just... we share a similar experience.''
She breaks the eye contact first, turning to the window in an attempt to distract herself.
''I see. Sorry for making you remember something unpleasant.''
I swiftly cover myself back up, my eyes not leaving her the entire time.
''In any case, back then, I was caught off guard. In an actual battle, I can defeat even mid-stage experts.''
She turns to me once more, her eyes full of doubt this time.
''Don't be arrogant. Early stage defeating mid stage? There's a big gap there, you know?''
She extends her finger, gently pressing on my chest as she continues,
''Not to mention, your injury is no joke.''
I gently grab her finger, a playful smile forming on my lips.
''If you don't believe me, how about feeling it yourself?''
Not waiting for her response, I release a little bit of altered Fear Qi into her hand.
''!!!''
The moment the Qi entered her soft hand, her entire body stiffened. Unable to even speak, her eyes remained glued to me, as if I was a monster.
[You've gained 2 points of Fear]
''That's enough, I think.''
Within half a breath, all of the Qi dissipates, leaving no traces, as if it was never even there.
''T-that's... That's impossible! The only person that made me feel like this was...''
Her hand slowly returning to her side, mouth nearly wide open as she tries to process what just happened.
''My father... But that's impossible. He's a late-stage expert!''
I lean back into my chair. My hands leisurely resting on my knees.
''Lady Yuexin.''
My voice sharp and cold, much unlike before.
''I can not only help you win the war, I can help your family benefit from it.''
Her gaze fixed on me, as if studying my every detail. After a while, she speaks hesitantly,
''What will the Han family get out of this?''
My polite smile returns as I clasp my hands.
''That's for my father to decide. You have plenty of time to prepare for negotiations.''
I continue,
''But I'm sure we both can benefit. So tell me, Lady Yuexin. What will you do?''
Her hesitance no longer present, her gaze now burning with determination.
''As a young lady of the Lan family, it's my responsibility to protect it.''
She takes a deep breath, back straightened, for the first time appearing like a proper lady.
''We will be going to Zhenwu City to meet your father.''
There you go, my dear Yuexin.
I'll do it.
I'll save your family.
...
But don't blame me if everyone is left traumatized afterwards.
My eyes close in satisfaction, my back resting against the soft carriage cushion.
Next stop, Zhenwu City.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Early Stage ▸ Foundation establishment - Early Stage▸ +]
[Fear Points: 34]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 1500]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing]
Authors note: If you're enjoying the novel so far, please add it to your collections! Every single one goes a long way. Honest review will be Great too!
Powerstones: If we can reach 70 power stones in a week, I will make one more chapter a day for 1 week. Let's do it!