Chapter 73 : A Disciple (3)

Mingzhu P.O.V

I wonder, when will that person come? It is already midnight.

I have done everything that person tells me to do. I have already prepared my clothes, some money, and of course, a memento of my family. I have also prepared some dry food and a water pouch so that I do not trouble that person.

Looking at the moon that is just above my head, I know that it is already midnight. But, that person is not here yet. He did tell me that he is going to come in the evening. So, I am sure he will come even if it is midnight. That person will not lie.

"Sister Mingzhu, you have been standing here since sunset. If you are tired, you can go rest. I will wait for your master" (Alan)

"No, Alan. I am grateful for your offer but, I am not tired. I think he is testing for my resolve. So, I am going to stand here till he comes." (Mingzhu)

Alan makes a troubled face but, she continues to stay beside me. I am really grateful for her offer and I appreciate her kindness but, it seems like that person and the two sisters are not from the same organization. It confuses me whenever I think whether that person is really a demon-hunter or not because of the stories from the two sisters.

They said that a true demon hunter has a sword solely made to slay demons called nichirin blade and that everyone wears a jade plate to identify that he belongs to the Demon Hunter Organization. Patiently, they explained to me that the organization is the sole organization in the whole of China that is eradicating the demons since time immemorial and that only hunters from the organization possess the means to kill a demon.

They make it clear to me that a normal person cannot kill a demon no matter how strong he is. For a whole hour, they explained to me stuff about demons and teaches me about the organization they belong to. I was listening to them attentively while trying to memorize everything they said but, at the end of the explanation, they told me that they are the only ones dispatched to this area.

I know they don't mean bad but, I was angry when they vaguely mentioned that a demon hunter who does not wear his jade plate plainly maybe a fake. I don't care if they say bad things about me but, how dare of them to say bad things about my savior and my master-to-be. It is true that I do not know him completely and that it is the first time I have met him but, I don't like hearing someone talking bad things about him.

When I stormed out of that place in anger, Anxi, the elder sister went to the place the demon and that person fought. And, while I was waiting at the village entrance for that person, they came back to me and apologize to me for claiming that 'that person' may be an imposer.

After apologizing, they told me that they have examined the place I told them about and they indeed saw the traces of battle. Well, I am not mad at them anymore but, they tell me that they will wait for that person together with me. It seems, they determined that if the traces of the battle they saw it true, that person is strong and that they want a skilled swordsman like that person in their organization if possible.

So, they take a turn to stay together with me every three hours. As it is already midnight, sister Anxi comes to take Alan's place and this is when I heard it. The gentle and soothing flute sound that always put me at peace whenever I hear it. I will never mistake this sound. This is the sound of that person. He is here!

"He is here!" (Mingzhu)

"Hm. Where?" (Alan and Anxi)

I shouted in joy and hurriedly turns towards the direction the sound is coming from to bow deeply. My intuition was not wrong. My trust was not misplaced. He is really here. All that is left is to beg him to be my master.

"I waited for you at the village entrance since sunset, Master. I have also offered a proper burial for my family. Please take me as your discipline." (Mingzhu)

A black clothing flutter in front of me to tell me that he is standing in front of me. I still do not get up yet as he had not said anything. Soon, a gentle hand touches my head and the warmth that I am feeling from that hand, I am reminded of my mother.

"Losing everything overnight, yet your spirit has not broken. You do not desire revenge either and there is no hated in your heart. All you wish for is a strength that can protect weak people like you. Such a pure heart. *smile* You are one fine discipline I could ever ask for. Get up. I, Embra, accept you as a discipline from now on. I will make you stronger than you have imagined yourself." (Embra)

"I am grateful from the bottom of heart, Master! I won't disappoint you." (Mingzhu)

"Haha. Alright. Pack your things." (Embra)

"Yes, Master!" (Mingzhu)

I could not ask for more happiness than this. My master accepted me as a discipline and under his guidance, I will get stronger like my master expected of me. Resolving my mind, I pack my things and carry it over my shoulder. When I was about to go towards my master's, I remember the two sisters and looks at them.

The sounds I am hearing from them... They are being cautious of master. Hm? Does that mean, my master is stronger? Wow. I am so proud of my master. But, I just hope that they do not misunderstand my master anymore now that they have seen him in person.

"Sisters. Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate it. *bow* Then, I will be following my master." (Mingzhu)

I reach beside my master and waits for him while standing behind him. My master is looking at Sister Anxi, who is looking at him warily and ask her,

"Is there anything I can do for you, ladies?" (Embra)

"... Greeting. I am Anxi, 4-star ranked demon hunter. This is my younger sister, Alan, 3-star ranked. Can you please introduce yourself?" (Anxi)

Oh. Their minds are yet at ease because of Master but, sister Anxi still asks him. Hm. I also wonder who Master is if he is not a demon hunter.

"Well, you heard me earlier. I am Embra. I am a traveling Swordsman who is aiming for the pinnacle of swordsmanship." (Embra)

"... If you are not a demon-hunter, are you our ally?" (Anxi)

Master put a finger on his lips while looking up at the moon. Then, after a few seconds of tension, Master's voice can be heard again and he sounds like he does not really care.

"Hm... Ally, huh? Well, one thing for sure. I am going to kill every demon I encounter on my way to the pinnacle of swordsmanship. *laugh* Well, then, have a goodnight, Ladies." (Embra)

Saying so, Master put a hand on my shoulder and I feel my vision distorted. I feel nauseating but, I hold my feet firm not to fell forward, and again, my vision distorted, and nauseating feeling comes again. Then, I heard the sound of water. My eyes widen seeing the lake in front of me and the reflection of the moon I see on the surface of the water.

What...? We were at the entrance of our village just now, right? Why... Why are seeing the huge lake in front of me? How did we get here? In confusion, I look around for my Master and see him leaning on the tree while breathing roughly. Hurriedly, I run towards him to ask his wellbeing.

"EH. Master. Are you alright? What can I do for you, Master?" (Mingzhu)

"...N-No. I a-am alright. Ugh. Using two times in succession really takes a toll on me. *sigh*... For now, we will rest here for the night and move again at sunrise. I will be resting somewhere nearby. So, take a good sleep without worry." (Embra)

"M-Master. I am alright. Please let this discipline take care of you." (Mingzhu)

"Ahaha. Thank you for the offer. But, I will be resting myself. Good night." (Embra)

Saying so, Master disappear again. I can no longer hear the gentle sound coming from Master anymore. If possible, I want to take care of Master who looks a little exhausted but, I will listen to Master and takes a rest after eating something. When morning came, I don't know whether my training will start or not but, I will try not to disappoint Master.

I will get stronger under the Master's guidance and become a strong demon-hunter. Then, I am sure, I will be able to save people who are weak against the violence of demons. People of this world who are always under the constant threat of demons, I will help them be at ease even for a little bit after I become strong enough. Until then, I will train diligently under Master.