Hours pass by within a blink of an eye, a mountain made from read books on my left side, with only a few remaining on my right side. My eyes scan every page within seconds, perhaps due to my high cultivation.
''The manuals in this library are useless. Nothing fits me.''
With a sigh, my gaze shifts towards the few leftover books. My will to read them completely gone just by seeing their titles.
''The art of battle tortoise... Iron striking hand... Art of gentleness...''
My stomach turns as I imagine them supplementing my Fear cultivation. Disappointed, a single thought flashes through my mind.
''Demonic cultivation... Is that my only option?''
Despite my best efforts to stay independent, the lack of techniques is an issue I cannot afford to ignore.
Until now, everything went well with raw cultivation. After all, the techniques at lower stages are simple and weak.
The higher my cultivation, the more experienced the enemy. Techniques past core formation, and especially past golden core, are a significant threat.
But unless it's a duchy itself, who would have such powerful techniques in their library?
Shen duchy, the ones I'm most likely able to get closer to, is a peace-loving dukedom. Even if they have some techniques, there's no way they would fit my cultivation.
Other duchies are out of the question. Me getting close to Shen duchy was a mistake from the start. Now the other two consider me their ally.
''So be it. Demonic cultivation it is.''
But there's one issue. Based on the history books I've read, all the Demonic sects are in steep decline.
About a hundred years ago, Demonic sects combined their forces and tried to take control over the continent... just to fail miserably.
Four Great Demonic sects remain, but even they are barely scraping by. The one that seems to fit my cultivation the best is no doubt Eternal Night Sect. Not only is their Qi darker than normal, but they also specialize in mental techniques.
''They would provide me with both cover and techniques...''
With my eyes closed, I lean towards the chair, wondering about one slight issue.
''Just how do I become a member...?''
With my cultivation and Fear Qi, getting admitted is not an issue. But that's it. Even if they call me a rare genius, it will take time to get the benefits I need.
What I need is renown and reputation. The more notorious, the better. My name needs to become something that no demonic sect will dare treat normally.
''Should I do a massacre...? No... Anyone can do that.''
After their crushing defeat, they must be resentful towards the orthodox factions. What if I bring them heads of the so-called geniuses? Not only would it prove that I'm above them, but also show them my 'allegiance' to the demonic path.
''I've decided. Not the safest way forward, but certainly the fastest.''
Knock knock knock.
''Ye, an Elder from the city hall would like to talk to you.''
Yuexin's voice echoes through the library, a hint of nervousness not escaping my ears.
Despite not having a good feeling about the situation, there's not much I can do but make my way towards the guest.
As I open the doors, a familiar figure stands right in front. If her voice had a hint of nervousness, then her expression is now a full-blown confession. She is clearly not pleased about this situation.
''You must be Han Ye. Even someone like me has heard much about you.''
An elderly man next to her speaks first, his voice dignified, but the arrogance behind his words is obvious.
''Yes, that's me. Why have you come to visit me?''
Skipping past the small talk, I steer the conversation towards the important part—the purpose of his visit. Exchanging pleasantries with someone who clearly doesn't respect me is a waste of time.
With a bewildered look, he continues,
''Ehm, The Mayor demands your presence. This week.''
The tone of the Elder's voice makes it clear that it's an order, not a request. Without waiting for a response, he turns on his heels and begins to walk away.
However, after a couple of steps, he stops and turns back towards me.
''Before I forget. Do keep in mind that if you decide not to give the Mayor a visit, the Han family will be held responsible for their revolt.''
Yuexin's face turns pale immediately, her lips open and close a few times as her gaze shifts between me and the elderly man, clearly holding herself back from taking my side.
''I will keep that in mind...''
I say, my voice cold and distant, as if the words had no effect on me whatsoever. Which is true, I do not hold any attachments towards the Han family.
With a nod, the old man turns around and disappears from the spot, not even my enhanced senses managed to catch any movement.
'If even an old man is this strong... I certainly do not wish to meet the Mayor...'
''Ye...''
I turn towards Yuexin, who is looking at me with a pained expression. I wave my hand dismissively, a soft smile hanging on my lips.
''Don't worry about it. It's just a small meeting...''
My words are full of reassurance, but I made sure to insert just the right amount of doubt into my tone.
I can imagine what's going through her mind after she heard it.
'It's all my fault...
'He's pretending like everything is fine...'
'All this just because he helped my family...'
That's right, silly girl. You're very easy to read.
And if that's what you think, Yuexin...
Then you're still useful. For now.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Late Stage ▸ Qi condensation - Early Stage]
[Fear Points: 3 113]
[Trauma: +520/day]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 6 000]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing, Crow Shroud Technique]