Local Tyrant

Ling Mingyu was looking at the plum blossom charm laying within his palm. Something wasn't right. This fact was extremely frightening. The charm becoming so different couldn't be a normal occurrence. Was it maybe a side effect of transmigrating? 'No, that wouldn't make sense...' Mingyu shook his head, rejecting this thought. He thought back to the time when the heavenly official had given him the artifact. What had the deity said again when he gave it to him?

Suddenly, it dawned on him. Right! Hadn't the old man mentioned that the charm needed to be recharged? This had to be it! Deciding that there was no time to be wasted, Mingyu quickly got up from the bed. While rearranging his long robes, the young man peered into a tall bronze mirror standing in a corner of the room. His looks hadn't changed, only his hair had grown quite a bit. He gently combed through it with his fingers, the ivory skin contrasting beautifully against the silky, reddish- brown strands. Mingyu didn't know how to feel about carrying so much hair around with him. He sighed. 'Well... it can't be helped.' After he was done getting ready, he strode towards the door and opened it carefully, peeking outside. The corridor was empty.

Qi Juan and Ling Bolin hadn't returned yet, it seemed. Mingyu could only hope his brother handn't challanged that man to a duel to restore his honor or something ridiculous like that. Who knew what kind of customs these cultivators had? In any case, he couldn't just stay cooped up in his room all day. How was he supposed to recharge the charm by doing good things if there was nobody to do good things for? With that in mind, he started walking through the abandoned corridor. The whole place was eerily quiet. While looking for any signs of life, he pondered about what kinds of things he could do. How does a person help another in this kind of place? The only things Mingyu came up with were pretty much impossible to do in this world. There were no old women for him to help cross a busy street or carry groceries, and he seriously doubted the cultivators of the sect needed someone to walk their dogs or... spiritual beasts? He couldn't just donate money to charity either, although his family seemed to be quite well off.

Mingyu tried remembering all the movies he had watched in his twenty one years of life. He regretted not paying more attention to these things. But what could he do? Even if he tried helping someone, wouldn't it just go horribly wrong and harm that person instead? It was better not to risk it. Even animals or plants were not immune to his extreme yin constitution. One time, on the day of Mingyu's tenth birthday, butler Gui had brought him a bouquet of beautiful white and pink peonies. Apparently, it had been a gift sent by his great aunt, a woman whom he had never met before.

"In the language of flowers, peonies symbolize prosperity. Young master, your great aunt wishes you to be happy and succeed in life." the old steward had said gently while putting the flowers into a vase on top of his nightstand.

Ten year old Mingyu had been elated that someone from his family had remembered his birthday and even given such a thoughtful gift. He looked at the flowers for a long time, admiring their beauty and enjoying the fragrant, calming scent they exuded. However, as he woke up the next morning and turned to look at the flowers, he was met with a shocking sight. The peonies had withered and died.

Ever since then, Mingyu had not dared to buy flowers for himself or get too close to the manor's wisteria garden. Who knew how long it took for the plants to be affected by his evil aura? No, he did not want any flower to wilt for his sake, and the price for enjoying the garden was not something he would be willing to pay. Looking at the beautiful wisteria blossoms through the window was enough for him. As he kept walking, Mingyu slightly furrowed his eyebrows, a bit lost in thought. He was brought back to reality when a massive door blocked his way. Judging by its size and sturdy look, it should be leading to outside. He pushed it open without a second thought. Shielding his eyes from the blinding reys of the afternoon sun, Mingyu stepped out.

It was warm outside. The air was clean and refreshing, and the countless leaves of lush trees swayed back and forth, moved by a slight breeze. There was the light sound of wind chimes ringing in the distance. It was peaceful.

Suddenly, excited voices could be heard from the foot of the steps leading to the home's front door. Mingyu looked down. His calm, aloof expression did not reflect his curiosity as the young man looked at the disciples making their way up towards him. There was three of them, and they wore orange robes.

"Senior brother! You've got to see this!" one of them shouted animatedly.

Without giving him any time to respond, the person took a hold of his wrist and hurriedly pulled him down the steps. Mingyu could only try to keep up with him so as to not stumble and accidentally fall down the stairs. The other two disciples made way for them before following them with quick steps. Mingyu was befuddled. What was this situation?

At the base of the staircase, the guy in front turned to one side and led them down a narrow trail leading into a forested area.

"We... found him... all by... himself this time!" the disciple wheezed as he came to a halt. In front of them stood another pair of young men. These two were clad in emerald robes, like Mingyu himself. They had their backs turned towards them. Then, as they heard the other disciple's exhausted voice, they turned around. As they gazed at him, their eyes held both excitement and... malice? He felt his hairs stand on end. However, Mingyu was very certain that these feelings were not directed towards him.

The two disciples in green stepped aside, revealing something lying there, huddled up against the tree rooted behind them. It was a person. Their blue, cloud patterned robes were covered in dirt and their hair was dishelved. Mingyu stepped closer to get a better view of the situation, and a small twig broke under the weight of his boot. Suddenly, the person looked up. It seemed to be a boy only a few years younger than him. The youth's round eyes showed fear, defiance and recognition. He scowled at Mingyu. The disciple to his right grabbed one of the person's arms and dragged him up roughly.

"Get up, trash! At least show some respect when facing the second young master of the Ling clan! You should feel honored to have him challenge you to a duel!" the disciple said in a venomous tone.

"Yeah, you were pretending to be some kind of bigshot just a few days ago, but look at you now! What, you don't dare flaunt your 'countless talents' now that miss Suyin isn't watching? Brothers, I guess this one thinks we are not worthy of his time!" a young man in orange robes said sarcastically. He crossed his arms in front of his chest proudly, smirking.

The surrounding people laughed mockingly.

"Tsk, thinking he could be worthy of our pure miss Suyin! Who does he think he is?!" another disciple added condescendingly.

At this point in time, Mingyu could naturally guess what had happened. The old owner of his body must have been some kind of local tyrant! And those guys were his lackeys! Mingyu felt uncomfortable all over. The old him had targeted this poor kid because he'd shown an interest in Ling Suyin! Well... knowing Suyin's personality, the kid could also have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, of course, the old Mingyu had been offended because someone he deemed unworthy coveted his darling sister. And, as it turned out, cultivators did indeed have duels! However, that was not important right now! He had to resolve this situation quickly!

The dishelved young man yanked his arm out of the other disciple's hold, and yelled courageously:

"I-I'm not afraid! If you want to fight, then fight! I-I'll show you!"

One could clearly hear the nervous stutter in his tone. Mingyu could feel a headache coming on. Who wants to fight you, ah?! I just wanna' get out of here!