That day, Zhuge's intimidation was truly something else. In an instant, Yong became terrified. He thought to himself how ridiculous and weak he was to be scared by just one person's intimidation.
"I don't know who I'm talking to, but Zhuge is no ordinary person."
On one hand, he understood quite well. Zhuge was the type of person Yong usually avoided getting involved with. Sometimes even the Dual Swordsman, who was said to be strong and known worldwide, chose not to interfere much.
But, remembering that his goal was the same as Zhuge and the others, Yong tried to endure it for a while, at least until he achieved his purpose.
Clenching his right fist, Yong stood looking down at the ground and said, "I have to get it back."
No one would willingly give up something precious. The same went for Yong, there was no way he could just give up his swordsmanship.
Yong's first job with Zhuge was finished at 7 PM. The sky was a hazy gray, and the moon began to show itself. Its light shone down, illuminating the entire face of the earth.
When Yong looked up and saw the moon, he felt a bit of relief. His change had disappeared long ago, but that didn't mean it was gone forever. He realized that no matter how long he endured, the result would be the same.
"I can't waste any time," Yong muttered.
An unnatural gust of wind came from above, feeling cool, cold, and piercing. A moment later, he realized this was the air of someone about to kill.
Yong was caught off guard. He could only defend himself from the foot that almost crushed him with his right arm. Yong's body was nearly destroyed, just like the ground that had sunk beneath his feet.
"You!"
Yong stared fiercely, wondering why a woman with nine tails suddenly appeared and attacked. The woman smiled, looking at Yong meaningfully.
"I didn't expect a swordsman to be so strong, even with just his arm," said Rin, the fox woman's name.
Her red hair cascaded in waves, and a strong scent of perfume made Yong feel nauseous. After she lowered her killing intent, Yong quickly stood and moved away from her.
"Why did you attack me?" Yong asked, covering his nose.
"I was just testing your physical strength. We've never been on a team before, so I figured it was okay to do this once in a while," Rin thought.
"Nonsense. You were trying to kill me, weren't you?" Yong guessed, his eyes wide.
"Yeah, something like that." Rin didn't deny it, but it didn't mean she killed out of hatred. It seemed the typical legendary spirit, like a fox, made the person it possessed go crazier.
"I hope I don't go crazy," Yong muttered, looking away.
"You really are an unpleasant kid," Rin said, feeling disappointed.
"If that's the case, then get out of my way."
"Hey, what did you think of working with the leader?" Rin asked.
"You're suddenly asking a question. But if I have to answer, my impression was not pleasant at all. Neither he nor the job I just did," Yong replied completely honestly, looking at her.
Rin smiled slightly. Her beautiful round eyes momentarily captivated the young man. Even if only for a short time, it was enough to show the charm of a fox. Especially since she was a woman.
"Ugh, this is annoying. Where am I supposed to look?" Yong grumbled, frowning.
"Yong, there's something I need to tell you. It's about the curse we all talk about. If you feel sleepy at an unusual time, don't fall asleep then," Rin explained suddenly.
Yong blinked repeatedly, confused by Rin's explanation, which he had also heard from Zhuge.
"That dragon man seems to have said the same thing to me," Yong said.
"Oh, really? That's good then. You're possessed by a hell spirit, a demon. Regeneration, speed, attack, and defense—it's all with you." Honestly, this wasn't a compliment; Rin was stating a fact.
"But remember, if you use its power or if you are controlled by it again, your body will be completely taken over by the demon," Rin continued to explain.
More than a shadow, the demon's trace will follow to the end of his life. Yong was not just a puppet but a perfect vessel for that demon.
"That demon is much more dangerous."
"I knew that long before I met you guys. Ever since the beginning, I've felt a change in my physical body. Something is being scratched inside, little by little," he said.
He hung his head, not intending to look up, as he clenched his hands in front of his chest. It hurt to remember the bad things, but it had already happened.
Rin gently patted Yong's back, trying to calm him down.
"This all happened suddenly. I know you're upset, but we'll find the answer to this curse soon," she said.
"Talking is easy. So, do you know anything about Gǔdài dòngwù?" Yong asked.
That term had been said by Hue Li, and Zhuge had said it was a new clue. Rin then nodded, a sign that she understood.
"Yeah, the leader just told me about it. He said that Gǔdài dòngwù (Ancient Beasts) is just what people who have met cursed or possessed people call them," she explained.
"That's it?"
"No. We once heard the same term in the west, isn't that strange? Even though it's an eastern language here."
"Then that means..."
Rin nodded again. "Yes, that's right. There's a group like us. We have to find them," Rin replied.
"Can I hope that if we meet them, my goal will be achieved?"
"It's better not to hope too much. We were possessed without even realizing it, and you think it's easy to get rid of a legendary spirit, let alone a demon like the one in your body?" Rin retorted, making Yong think again.
After thinking it over, Yong realized that achieving his goal was not as easy as he had imagined. Even his small hope had been instantly and completely destroyed.
"After making me hope a little, you immediately destroy it. How very humble of you," Yong said sarcastically.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Rin said.
"Whatever."
Under the moonlight, Rin, the woman possessed by the fox spirit, talked about herself. The woman's name was Rin, she was a sword thief. When Yong heard that, he was instantly shocked.
"That doesn't make sense."
"Hey, what here does make sense?"
"Not much, I guess."
"Exactly."
True to her own image, Rin was possessed by a notorious sly fox spirit. Whether it was a stroke of luck or misfortune for her, the reality was that no matter how weak, a spirit was still dangerous.
"Because I stole, I was possessed by the fox spirit. At first, I didn't believe it, but this tail is proof. Even without it, I've been alone for a long time, so it's no problem."
Rin laughed proudly after telling her dark past. This woman was strange, but this is how people who have been possessed by a spirit and are cursed for a long time are.