Lian... and giggles

Over the next few days, I felt as if I was being watched.

That uneasy feeling of being stared at often struck me, but when I looked back, nobody was there.

The townsfolk came to the clinic. Their gratitude and praise boosted my confidence. Still, Elder Xu's warning hung over me.

I understood what he meant. It was hard to ignore.

He saw me as a threat for reasons I couldn't grasp.

Anxiety welled up in me, and for the first time since arriving in this world, I felt trapped.

Akari stayed on high alert. I could see it in her face, the way her eyes darted around the market when we shopped together.

Akari seemed to share my concerns. Something was brewing.

Despite her protective nature, I found myself relying on her more.

She was my only ally here, and I didn't know what I'd do without her.

She had a knack for sensing trouble before it arrived. Her sharp wit and loyalty were my greatest assets.

One evening, after closing the clinic, she turned to me, her expression serious.

"You can't keep this up forever," she said.

"Healing people is good, but someone will see you as a threat. That time is now. We are being watched like hawks, and there's nothing we can do."

I frowned. Her words hit close to home. "What do you suggest?"

Her smirk widened, her amethyst eyes shining. "Simple. We need to stand on our own. We need allies who will fight for you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any idea how to do that?"

Her grin widened, and her tails swayed in a playful manner. "Leave that to me."

As the sun set, I wondered what her plan was and what the repercussions would be.

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The sun rose, and I noticed Akari was gone.

Her absence wasn't unusual. She often vanished like the wind to handle important matters, but she usually gave me a heads-up.

Yet, the uneasy feeling in my stomach wasn't normal.

I sensed that something big was about to happen.

I busied myself in the clinic, treating patients and finding cheaper ways to make potions.

No matter how hard I tried to focus, my mind kept drifting back to Akari's words.

Allies. People who could fight for me. It was tempting, but why should they fight for me when I didn't even belong here?

By midday, the clinic was filled with injured patients.

Young people with broken bones from fights, an elderly woman struggling to breathe, and a cultivator with a festering wound.

Big or small, I worked hard; my Flesh Regeneration ability healed them in a short time.

As I worked, I chatted with my clients, but I couldn't ignore the whispers.

The townsfolk whispered about a tough group of cultivators that had vanished. They noted more bandit attacks and new sects moving in.

More than a few glances were cast my way.

I didn't need to hear the rumors to know that Akari and I were somehow involved.

As my day ended, I wiped my brow and heard the clinic door creak open.

"Sorry, we're closed for the day," I sighed, turning to deal with the annoyance.

Fortunately, it was Akari. Her silver hair shimmered, and her amethyst eyes glowed with pride.

She moved with her usual grace, but there was a new energy in her.

"I found her," she said, excitement in her voice.

"Found who?" I played along, already guessing.

"Lian the Ghost-Hand," Akari replied, her smile sly. "She's as dangerous as they say, but she's willing to talk."

"For a price."

I sighed, wondering if it was worth it.

"What kind of price?" I asked, running a hand through my hair.

"Nothing we can't handle. She wants protection, a place to lay low. In return, she'll help us."

I frowned, considering. Lian sounded like the kind of person Akari would recruit. But her wanting protection raised alarm bells in my head.

Lian was likely hunted by cultivators and wanted revenge. Our goals aligned, but I wasn't thrilled about the situation.

Bringing an unknown variable into our plans feels risky.

"I'd rather not get burned."

"And what about the other one we talked about?" I tapped my foot, trying to recall her name.

"Madame Silk, I think… What about her?"

Akari's tails swished lazily behind her. "I'll deal with her tomorrow. She's a bit more complex. For now, let's focus on Lian. I've set up a meeting. She's waiting for us at the edge of town."

"Fine, let me finish up here, and we'll go."

Akari turned to the door, her tails happily following her. "Okay! I'll be outside. Just come out when you're ready."

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The cracked stone beneath my feet revealed that the edge of town felt very different from the busy market square.

The buildings were old and worn. Their walls had cracked and rundown. 

People huddled together to stay warm to fight off the bitter cold.

Akari led the way, her silver hair a guiding beacon while I followed closely.

My Flesh Regeneration ability eased the burden of the long walk, but I still felt uneasy.

A shadow rested against the alley wall as I followed Akari inside.

Lian waited for us, barely visible in the dim light. She was tall, lean, and moved with fluid precision.

Her dark hair was tied back with a blue gem nestled in the makeshift hair tie.

Her clean blue eyes stood out, deep as the ocean, masking her true danger.

Lian's calculating gaze flicked over me, mixing curiosity and disdain.

"So, you're the reason I'm here," she said, her voice gritty. "I expected someone more dependable."

I forced a smile, masking my unease. "And I expected someone less intimidating. Maybe even someone nicer."

"Guess we're both full of surprises."

Lian's lips twitched, but her expression remained guarded.

"Akari says you're looking for help. What's in it for me?"

"Protection," Akari interrupted, taking charge. "A place to lay low. Safety. And a chance to get back at the sects that cast you out."

Lian narrowed her eyes, weighing her options. Sticking around in alleys in the slums didn't leave her with many choices.

I thought she might refuse out of spite.

But to my surprise, she nodded slowly. "Fine. But if this falls apart, I'm not picking up the pieces."

"Fair enough. I wouldn't either," I said, extending my hand. "Welcome to the team, Miss."

Lian hesitated for a moment, then shook my hand, her grip firm. "Don't make me regret this."

"I don't intend to, Lian."

As we walked back to the clinic, the silence allowed me to think.

I couldn't shake the feeling that we were stepping into something bigger than us, a battle we weren't ready for.

The Jade Serpent Sect was watching us closely.

Their interest in me was anything but benign. With Akari by my side and Lian's skills, I felt a flicker of hope. I just hoped I wouldn't drag them down.

We might not be ready for what was coming, but at least we weren't alone.

That fact eased my mind a little.

That night, as I lay in bed, Akari curled beside me, her head resting on my chest, her silver tails draped over my legs. Her amethyst eyes were the only light in the dark, and for a moment, I felt peace.

"You did well today, Al," she murmured, her voice soft as silk. "Lian's not easy to win over."

I chuckled, running my hand through her soft hair. "What can I say? I had a good teacher."

Akari smiled, clearly pleased with our exchange. She pressed her head softly against my neck trying to get comfortable, her breath warm as it radiated on my neck.

 "Get some rest, Al okay? Tomorrow is going to be a busy and exhausting day."

A snappy remark seemed impossible for me to respond with so I just shut my mouth and prepared for bed.

 'After all who would I be to ignore such a beautiful woman?'

A chuckle came almost immediately from Akari as I thought so.

"What is so funny Akari?"

"Oh nothing now let's sleep.."

I couldn't help but be a little suspicious at her chuckle but I was too tired to think about it for too long.

I wondered what the future held. The Jade Serpent Sect was a formidable enemy, and they didn't seem to type to just let us slip through their fingers.

 Regardless, with Akari by my side I felt confident that no matter what happens we'll be alright.