Chapter 178 - Guang, Heian and Mei

What was even more surprising was the fact that he had not cared about her race. He had not even asked her name. Guang was starting to think that to him, she was nothing but an opportunity to learn runes. He also seemed interested in the moon pond. So runes and his cultivation were the only things he valued. Being treated as a tool to get stronger with was not something she wanted to be. But she could not afford to offend him. She was thinking, 'Isn't this what you wanted? Being ignored and hoping that he left you alone?'

Yet after a while, his gaze that only conveyed a glint of unimportance towards her kept on coming back to her.

She then wondered if her sister would also be treated like this. Thinking bout that he went to him again said, "I do not care how I am treated. But you better make sure my sister is happy. I do not want to see her sad... and do not show her that attitude." After saying this to Aile, she went back, not willing to let this turn into an argument. She did not feel any better after venting her anger on Aile. The fact that he ignored her outburst was once again a spike shot towards her. 'So he does not even find arguing with me worthwhile.'

'Sorry sister it seems that I have brought nothing but sadness in your life.' As she thought about it, it seemed that no one cared about her here, she could only stay back and start to reminisce about their past.

The story is one that has painted her as the villain. Living in the beautiful forest of elves, they lived happily in a small cottage on the outskirts. It was her, her aunt and her sister. Although people looked at her differently and somehow with contempt, she did not mind it. This is because she had people that cared for her. While their gazes and attitude affected her, those memories were usually soon drowned by the affection she received. Her sister and aunt were always there for her when she was sad, they would cheer her up, when happy, they would join her and always adored her developing on the feeling.

As she got older, she started to cultivate. Although she was much slower than her younger sister in cultivation, she was happy. That was until a calling in her soul guided her to do the same cultivation, but at night. How could there be no rivalry between sisters? Especially every time her sister advanced, Aunt gave her a treat. Not willing to lose on Aunt's affection, who recently seemed to be the only one loving her she decided to listen to that calling and cultivate in the night. Her sister had been focused on their rivalry and has not shown as much affection as before. While she was nice to her and meant no disrespect, her curiosity for her stunted growth was a sour point for her.

So to earn her position as the older sister and not lose her aunt's affection, she started to cultivate at night. To her surprise, she caught up to her sister in a week. She once again joined the race with her and gaining more of her attention and praise from her aunt. Although Aunt had told her to not cultivate after sunset, as long as nothing was wrong, she did not find a problem with it. It was more comfortable and natural, why would she endure painful cultivation during the day while there is a better option at night.

One more week passed when old people with beards knocked on the door and said, "Elder Mei, the promise has been broken, and the plague of dark elve has appeared in the forest. That little one Guang, is to blame, as per our customs she has to leave now." The old man was pointing at her.

Mei her aunt not believing the elder came to her and asked, "Did you cultivate at night?"

Noticing that she did something wrong, she was scared and lied, shaking her head. Her aunt being fully aware of her blunder and what had happened did not say anything to her and went to the elders and said, "She said she did not, but I know you guys have been against my stay here. So I will leave before any other thing is associated with us." Guang felt protected and yet guilty.

"Elder Mei, she is a dark elf full of deceit, and unlike us, her words cannot be easily trusted, you and Heian are welcome to stay." With those words, the elder left, seeing that Mei did not find their invitation to her liking.

Not confronting Guang about the obvious-lie that she told, they left and arrived at the human domain. There Mei opened a small clinic healing people using her abilities. The three of them were disguised as humans with the rings Mei has given to them. They made a decent living.

However, her lie was eating her from the inside, she knew that her little sister did not like this new place. The quality of energy was lower, and here it was not easy for her to attract energy. When she managed to do it, it was painful to her. It was similar to how Guang felt in the elven forest. On the contrary, this place suited Guang more.

At day, the energy was less painful to cultivate. At night, although, it was worse than the forest but still acceptable. There was also some discomfort cultivating here. But compared to before it was a much better place for her. Nonetheless seeing Heian's painful expression that she knew all too well, she felt guilty. She had sought comfort and lied. Now her aunt and sister are paying the price. She did not want to be hated, so she did not reveal the truth but did the best next thing. She divided her time to cultivation and making the life of her sister and aunt easy.

Helping Heian with cultivation and giving her pointers to reduce the pain of absorbing the energy. She had found ways for herself before, and by sharing those, she helped her pain get reduced. She also protected her and taught her to lie and cheat her way out of things and situations. This was something easy for her to accept. But much hard for her little sister who did not want to deceive people and had a kind heart.

Nevertheless, they had to adapt to their new environment, where the three of them became targets due to their appearance. Although the ring removed their elven traits, it did not hide their natural beauty, making them the target of nobles and powerful individuals. Although they were not forced, they were annoyed almost every day, especially nobles, as most spent their days around their clinic.

Soon a group of bandits appeared around the town and started taxing people. After a few skirmishes, a fight broke out. The bandits stopped the flow of material and healing herbs. At this time the daughter of the town's leader got sick.

Asking the best healer in town, Mei was asked to treat her, she could not heal her without the presence of a herb that was not available due to the bandit's embargo. Mei could not stabilize her enough to heal her.

However, due to the conflict with the bandits, the herb was not available and could not be found anywhere. In his madness, the town leader claimed that Mei was not willing to treat her, claiming that she was finding excuses. He gave her an ultimatum if she does not heal his daughter, then she should pack up and leave. Mei had previously rejected people of nobility because of their lust for her beauty, so his claim was not baseless. He was one of the individuals that also came seeking her hand in marriage.

With a disappointed looked the trio arrived back in the small clinic and Mei started to pack up her things getting ready to leave the town. Seeing the sad Heian and her aunt, she went outside and sneaked out of town as she knew a place that had the herb growing. If Guang gets this herb, then everyone will be happy again, and they could stay in their new home. Maybe they can even forgive her if they find out about what she did before.

Sneakily arriving at the place, she picked up the herbs carefully as her aunt taught her. She was returning to the village much happier because of her find. In contentment, she became less careful in hiding her tracks, and soon enough, she was surrounded. The bandits looked at her lustfully.

She was aware of such behaviour and scared in the beginning. But she also knew that these simple people could easily be manipulated. She decided to get out of the situation with her intelligence.

She asked them if they were part of the bandits bravely showing no fear.