New Orders From The Hag

I watched Jiě jie finish another plate of duck and vegetables, taking a swig of wine as she leaned back on the cushioned seat. Her face was practically glowing with happiness. She hooked an arm around my neck, obviously drunk.

"Yā'er, why not drink a little? The wine here is great."

"No."

"Hah, Why not?" she pouted, shaking me by the shoulders.

"Because you're-"

Never mind, why do I still try with her when she's like this? As I always say, if you can't do anything, give up and deal with the consequences later. Suddenly, I felt a certain hag connecting to my spiritual sea.

Feng Sì.

I entered my spiritual sea, answering.

This disciple greets Sect Leader Yan.

I looked at Jiě jie, still drunkenly holding onto my arm. She's probably too drunk to respond. Then, I turned to the corner of the room, a courtesan quietly standing in the corner, a glint of fear in her eyes. I threw a glare, my gaze locking onto her.

"Leave."

The courtesan flinched, her eyes searching around the room before quickly leaving the room. I relaxed a little, pushing Jiě jie away as I returned to the hag. If she's contacting me like this, she's most likely giving us new orders.

What do you want?

Hah, still so rude. No filial piety at all.

You're one to talk.

Just spit it out.

I heard a hmph from the other line, followed by a sigh.

Very well. I hear that you allowed a Boshài disciple to live after he found you out.

I was following your prior orders.

Yes yes, I'm aware. But you shouldn't have gotten caught in the first place. Since I favor you, instead of punishment, I will give you one last chance to prove yourself useful to our Xuèchán sect.

And that is?

You will be tasked to kill the Boshài sect prodigy, that is all. Quite the easy task no?

So I have to kill that brat. Good, I was planning to do that anyway.

Understood, I'll make sure he dies.

Very good, I expect no less from my favorite disciple. Anyway, I have more pressing matters to take care of. I expect success.

I nodded, feeling the hag leave my consciousness as I leaned back on the seat. I exhaled a breath, my heart beating a little too fast for comfort. She hasn't noticed. And if she did, she probably doesn't see me as a threat. Not yet at least.

I turned to Jiě jie, drunkenly lying on the seat as she muttered something I couldn't understand. I sighed, taking out fifteen spirit stones from my storage bag, placing them on the table of empty plates and bowls. I stood up, picking her up, hoisting her over my shoulder. I walked towards the closed door, pushing it open. After, I left the brothel, returning to the lantern-lit street.

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I walked down the mountain, leaving the brothel town towards Yuèhuā town nearby. I entered the northern entrance, ignoring the eyes of others as I walked through the crowded streets. I arrived at the inn and immediately entered our room, activating the sound-canceling talismans on the door.

I placed Jiě jie on the bed, taking off her shoes, and pulling a blanket over her. I sat in one of the chairs, taking out the spatial ring from my storage bag. I snapped my fingers, igniting a small yin flame at the tip of my finger. I held the ring near the fire, the cold fire light reflecting on the silver ring's surface. I could feel a faint spiritual imprint on the ring, but it wasn't that strong. I wonder if this was stolen from someone. Well, it doesn't matter now.

If they come back for it, I'll just kill them. It's unlikely that they're stronger than me. If they were, then the ring wouldn't have been stolen in the first place. They should've known that to make a treasure theirs, they should have the power to do so. 

I easily dispersed the imprint, the ring now an ownerless spiritual tool, allowing me to look inside of it. I sent some demonic energy through the ring, activating the spatial crystal embedded in the metal, opening up the spatial area inside of the ring. Surprisingly, there was something. A black single-bladed sword, with small inscriptions etched into the blade. And more surprisingly, I could sense a faint demonic aura from it. It looks pretty old, with tiny patches of rust around the hilt and base of the blade, and a few of the inscriptions having faded away from time.

I retracted my demonic energy, extinguishing the yin flame as I stood up from the chair. I knelt next to the bed, Jiě jie now comfortably sleeping, wrapped in the soft covers. I reached out, slipping the ring on her finger. I moved her hair out of her face before sitting cross-legged on the floor. I took out a wine jar from my storage bag, popping the lid open as a sweet smell spread throughout the room. I poured myself a cup, taking a sip.

Yup, the best wine is the ones you make yourself.

Suddenly, I heard something move, a sound following after. I turned around, hand on my blade. Never mind, it was just Jiě jie. I quickly resealed the wine jar, tossing it into my storage bag. There's a high chance she might wake up from the scent. If that happens then the wine I've painstakingly made would be gone in one night. And she'd probably go on a drunken rampage, that too.

This is the one secret I don't feel bad about keeping from Jiě jie, so it should be harmless.

I finished the wine in the cup, tossing it back into my storage with the other stuff I put in there before relaxing my back, placing my hands on my knees in meditation. I breathed in and out, letting the surrounding spiritual energy flow through my body. It may not advance my cultivation, but it's good to cleanse my body of extra malevolent qi every once in a while.

I felt my body get lighter as the feeling of something gripping onto me disappeared, replaced by a light comfort that I couldn't name. The feeling was there for an instant, but the moment I exhaled, it disappeared like the feeling before it. I continued on like this throughout the night. At some point, the rats returned from their boot-licking and settled into the room next door.

Tch, they don't even dare to share the same room as Jiě jie and me. Pathetic. How did they even become that hag's disciples with that weak spine? Hah, we may be under the same master, but unlike Jiě jie, I don't plan on showing any goodwill towards them. Fortunately, I won't have to deal with them much longer. Knowing their uselessness, they'll all die in the next coming weeks anyway. Regarding myself? I just need to kill that brat and Jiě jie and I's safety will be secured, for now. Until then, I need to get stronger. Once I'm confident, I'll be able to leave the sect with Jiě jie.

Maybe we'll go to the mortal realm and live as ordinary people again. Maybe buy some land, start a farm, and maybe see Jiě jie get married to the love of her life. Taking care of a kid wouldn't be that bad, I'd make a good uncle.

But that's far away for now. Not until I can rival that hag in strength. Until then, it's best to comply, hide my strength, and strike at the right opportunity. And with the spatial ring and the demonic sword I've given Jiě jie, her strength will surge as well, and she'll be able to protect herself. Once she's gained enough strength, I'll tell her everything, and I won't have to protect her anymore. Maybe not that part, but giving Jiě jie the strength to hold her own is a must if we want to survive. Apart from that, with the current plan, things will get harder from here. But for that thread of a chance, I'll take that leap.

A/N

Yallooow everyone! How are you doing? I've started my main job a week ago so writing production has been a little slow. If you want more of my content, then go to my YouTube channel, there are some characters you might recognize. ;> (Also if you've seen any of my past works on any other platform or old stories on here. No you didn't)

https://youtube.com/@m3pth3c9t?si=34sktuGdoS2byfsS

Anyways, I'm currently trying to get a contract for this book. Unfortunately TS,WC was rejected, most likely to the lack of reoccurring viewers. So I'm calling all readers, if you like my stories, I'd appreciate you supporting me in any way you can. Whether it's power stones or just adding this story to your library. All support is welcome!

Thank you from the bottom of my dead heart and hope you like the chapter!