Chapter 13
An old geezer with a walking stick and a nasty cough stopped in front of me. He stood still for a few minutes, reading my sign with squinted eyes.
"You're a damn fraud," he eventually wheezed, waving his cane at me.
Here we go…
"Oh? What makes you say that, uncle?" I replied.
"Well it's obvious!" he spat, legs shaking as he had to put the stick down to keep his balance. "You don't look like a cultivator and there's no way you'd be here with us dirty commoners if you really were some kind of miracle worker."
"How do you know what a cultivator looks like?" I retorted.
"Well, they certainly wouldn't be wearing such shitty robes. And you're not very handsome. Also, you don't have any tools! Even the worst frauds would put on a better show than you," he yelled, bombarding me with insult after insult.
I let him rage on. His words didn't bother me. I had thick skin. Besides, the more complaints he tossed out the better my plan would work.
Looking down at my tattered robes, I frowned. That had stung a little. Perhaps I should've saved some of my coins to get some new clothes.
Eventually he stopped raging, only to burst into a fit of wheezing coughs.
"It seems like you're suffering from some kind of infection, uncle. Why don't you let me have a look? There's no harm in giving it a try," I answered with a smile, gritting my teeth.
I wanted to tease him a little but messing with a potential customer wouldn't leave a good impression on the quickly gathering crowd. My only task here was to show people that my healing worked as advertised.
"Bah! What infection? I'm just old," he cried, shaking his stick so close it almost smacked my nose.
Plenty of passersby had stopped to watch the unfolding argument, though many just scoffed at the old man's behaviour. This clearly wasn't the first time he'd heckled a new stall owner.
This geezer was a tough nut to crack, but luckily I wasn't alone. It was time to unveil my secret weapon.
Before he could say another word, a young girl appeared from the crowd and grabbed him by the arm. "Grandpa, don't waste this opportunity to regain your youth!" she cried.
He was so shocked he almost dropped his cane. Turning to the new arrival he seemed ready to bombard her with a stream of insults but his steely gaze softened upon seeing Xiao Cui's innocent look.
"There's no harm in giving it a go," she continued, gently pushing him towards me. "If he is a fraud like you say, then all you've done is save someone else from getting tricked out of their hard earned money. But what if he's telling the truth?"
She grabbed his walking stick and thrust him into my hands before he could utter a word of complaint. "Imagine being able to stroll through the market the same way you did as a young man, without needing this old stick?" she cried, snapping the cane in two over her leg.
The final blow had been struck.
To be honest, breaking his walking stick was a little over the top. I felt bad for the geezer when the crack of wood rang out through the market. A few onlookers gasped, but none of them turned away.
This was far too entertaining.
But that was just fine by me. The bigger my audience, the quicker word would spread once I healed this geezer's cough.
I grabbed his wrist, not hard enough to hurt him but powerful enough that he couldn't slip from my grasp. "Grandpa, what the girl says is right. Why not let me try?"
"You! Bastard… I bet that girl… never mind," he started muttering random phrases before sighing. "Hmph. Why not? When you fail I'll be able to sleep easy knowing I dealt with another trickster."
"And you, girl!" he shouted at Xiao Cui, pointing at her with a shaking finger. "You'll be paying for my walking stick."
She only smiled and waved at him, not acknowledging the complaint whatsoever. Now that I had his consent, I could begin.
I let a little bit of my blood essence flow into his arm, watching as it raced through his body. Small streams broke off everywhere, but most of it settled around his lungs and right leg.
This geezer was getting a bargain. Not only was I healing his cough, but most of the minor injuries he'd picked up during his long life including whatever made him need the walking stick in the first place.
For a moment everything was going well, but then he grew red in the face and shouted, "What the hell are you doing to me, you bastard-" he began to cough and splutter partway through his complaints.
I knew nothing had gone wrong. A little discomfort was simply the side effect of my healing technique, but he didn't know that.
And neither did the spectators.
However, now that he was committed there was nothing to do but finish the job. "Don't worry, a little discomfort is normal. You've all had medicine before, remember how bitter it tastes?"
A few of them seemed placated by his statement but not all. They would change their minds after seeing the results.
I felt a burst of energy racing up my arms and smiled. Letting go of the old man's wrist I took a step back, letting him stand on his own two feet.
"Wait, I'm crippled you can't-"
He began to shout at me as I released his arm. His brow furrowed and then his eyes widened in shock as he realised he was standing just fine on his own.
Many of the spectators gasped, but his healed leg was just the beginning. Colour filled his cheeks and his eyes sparkled with vitality.
"Well, how does it feel to be healthy again geezer? Now you can wander the market for another decade, heckling us traders," I joked.
That earned a few laughs from the onlookers. The old man looked a little sheepish but soon composed himself.
"Well, I have to admit that in this case I was mistaken. I don't know how you did it but you've truly healed this blasted leg of mine," he said solemnly. "And I can breathe again… the air is so refreshing. I apologise, young man."
"Don't worry about it, uncle," I said with a wave of my hand. "The past is the past. All is forgiven. I hope you can forgive little Cui for breaking your cane, but I doubt you need it anymore."
"I knew it!" he exclaimed, turning to Xiao Cui with a fierce glare. "I'll let it go this time. But you shouldn't go around breaking strangers' property, young miss."
"Many apologies, uncle. I only wanted you to grab this opportunity with both hands. My heart ached, thinking of all those years you'd suffered," she said, putting her puppy eyes to full use.
It seemed we'd discovered little Cui's natural calling. She was a born saleswoman.
Eventually the geezer left, continuing his walk through the market with a spring in his step.
I could see the crowd was excited, whispering and shouting amongst themselves. A few people left, but even those would talk about what they'd seen and spread the word.
"Big Brother Zhao, you forgot to take a payment from that geezer," Xiao Cui said, tapping me on the shoulder.
Crap.
"It's fine," I replied. "A few coins won't make a difference in the long run. And he more than paid for his treatment by being my guinea pig. Call it a trade for his broken cane."
She coughed and turned away. "That makes sense."
I turned back to face the crowd. "You all saw me heal that uncle. I assure you it was no fluke. My prices are low enough that any of you can afford my services, but it will depend on what ails you. Don't be shy, step up and be cured!"
As the first person took a step from the crowd I smiled at her. "Come auntie, tell me what's bothering you," I called out, ushering her closer.
"My back is sore from standing at the counter all day, but I can't afford two silver coins for the medicine to treat it. Can you fix it?" she asked.
"Of course auntie, come closer. I just need to take your hand to perform the treatment. All it will cost is five coppers. And you don't even need to pay until you've been cured!"
My compelling pitch worked and she began walking towards me. However, when she was just halfway I heard a familiar voice ring out across the market.
"What is a talentless reject doing here in the city?" A man wearing the robes of the Cloudy Falls Sect sneered at me.
It took me a moment to place the man's face. I had never met him before, but Zhao Dan had been on the receiving end of his bullying more than once. He was one of the older outer sect disciples, close to advancing to the inner sect.
His status was high, given that he had been taken in by one of the inner sect elders. But now that I had been expelled from the sect, there was no need to respect that difference in status.
Now, I was just a wandering cultivator and he was a disciple of the Cloudy Falls Sect. Whatever trouble he was trying to cause now I would do my best to avoid it, but I wasn't above teaching him a lesson if he interfered with my business.
"Fellow cultivator, there's no need to waste your time with me. I'm just a healer offering my services to those in need," I replied gracefully, plastering a warm smile on my face.
Somewhere deep inside I felt a need to punch the bastard, but I knew that was some lingering will from Zhao Dan. Perhaps just the influence of his memories. I'd never liked bullies.
The man continued to advance towards me, the crowd retreating to give him a wide berth. Everyone in Three River City recognised the robes of their overlords; the sect who stood above City Lord Teng.
"Now, Junior Brother—no, former Junior Brother Zhao—that's no way to speak to a senior," he said, kissing his teeth. "Then again, now that you're not even a part of the sect I think you might even need to call me something like Honoured Senior Cultivator. Yes, I like the sound of that."
He stopped just five paces away from me. My eyes narrowed as I stared at the arrogant bastard. His long black hair was tied in a ponytail and hung to the small of his back. He had sharp brown eyes and a hooked nose like an eagle.
"I think you'll find there isn't much difference between us now, Cultivator Mu. It was nice to see an old friend in this city, but I really must continue with my business," I said, waving a hand at the sign. A final warning.
I didn't miss the way his mouth curled into a sneer as he snorted. I'd really tried to handle this amicably, but it seems that cultivators couldn't resist flexing their strength. There was just one problem.
I couldn't exactly go around beating up anyone who caused me problems while trying to market myself as a generous healer… Though I had no doubt the people of the city wouldn't blame me for defending myself.
All I needed to do was let Mu Shan strike the first blow. From what I remembered, he was in nine-star Body Tempering. Far above the old Zhao Dan, but just a step above me.
The difference between eight and nine-star Body Tempering was a big leap, but I suspected he wasn't at the very peak of the stage. I would be able to keep up.
I tensed my body, preparing for his strike. I would allow him to hit me, but only once. After that I would give him what he deserved.
But the blow I was expecting never came.
All of a sudden, Mu Shan rushed forward and I readied myself to block, but he went right past me. I heard a high pitched yelp and turned to see Xiao Cui held firmly in his grasp.
He held her arm with a tight grip, the other hand clasping the back of her neck. I sighed deeply.
If he'd attacked me, I would've been fine to let him off with a light beating and a warning to never mess with me again. But the idiot had to go and threaten little Cui.
The last men to do that were buried in unmarked graves.
Unfortunately, I doubted I would be able to get away with murder in the middle of Three River City. Especially not the murder of a Cloudy Falls Sect disciple.
"Now, kowtow three times and apologise to your senior and I'll consider letting this brat go," Mu Shan sneered.
I saw the nearby citizens take a few steps back. Fights between cultivators never ended well for any mortals in the vicinity.
Gritting my teeth, I wondered if I should just swallow my pride and apologise. I didn't want more trouble than necessary.
No. That wasn't an option.
I'd told myself no cowardice. And with these kinds of bullies, bowing to their whims would only show weakness and let them know you were an easy target.
There was no guarantee he would actually release Xiao Cui, even if I obeyed him and kowtowed. But I couldn't attack recklessly while he had her in his clutches.
I knew what I needed to do.
Walking forwards, I smiled and raised my hands in surrender. I saw Mu Shan's shoulders relax, thinking he'd won. I continued to step towards him, but when I was around three paces away he frowned.
"Stop there. Kowtow or this girl will pay the price."
I wasn't close enough to strike. Not without risking any harm coming to little Cui. But that was fine, I could drop his guard further. All it would take was swallowing my pride and losing a little face.
Kneeling, I placed my hands on the stone tiles in front of me and lowered my head. I heard Mu Shan snort as I did so. Glancing upwards, I saw him release Xiao Cui's neck, but he still held her arm firmly.
I lowered my head until it touched the ground, holding it there for a second. "Good good. I am glad that you still know your place, Zhao Dan, even after being kicked out of the sect. Never forget that you're a talentless reject. No matter how far you run you will never escape your fate," Mu Shan taunted me, but the words fell flat.
How many times had I heard the same lines from men—and women—who thought themselves better than everyone else. Even in a new world the same shit happened.
I'd pledged to become a healer once more. Sometimes healing the world meant cutting out tumours before they could spread. Mu Shan was just another tumour, corrupting everything around him.
My essence grew agitated and I gathered it in my fist. As I raised my head from the ground, I saw him laugh and look away from Xiao Cui for just a moment.
That moment was all I needed.
I pushed off the ground and darted forwards. Before Mu Shan could even blink I'd ripped his hand off little Cui's arm and thrown her away.
Silently apologising to her for the rough treatment, I stepped backwards as the man's wild punch sailed towards me.
"You dare!? Zhao Dan, you insolent worm. If I don't teach you the meaning of respect today then I, Mu Shan, shall write my name backwards for the rest of time," he roared.
His fist struck empty air and his eyes widened in shock. Stepping past his arm I jabbed two fingers into his armpit and he buckled.
But that wasn't just a simple strike.
The moment I made contact with him, my blood essence flowed into Mu Shan's shoulder and began to go wild. Perhaps it was a little cruel to use the same vicious technique on him as I'd done with the bandits, but as I'd reminded myself then—men who threatened little girls deserve no mercy.
Striking fast and hard was necessary. He was a star above me and I needed to make sure the fight was won before he could leverage his advantage.
Mu Shan staggered back from my strike, clutching his shoulder. But the worst was yet to come.
He glared daggers at me and opened his mouth to say something, but then gasped and doubled over as my blood essence began to twist and mutate his flesh. It had begun.
I lamented the fact that I'd been doing more fighting than healing with my technique as of late, but I hoped that wouldn't be the case for much longer. After this I doubted anyone else from the sect would try and mess with me.
Unlike those pathetic bandits, Mu Shan wasn't helpless. He made a seal with his hands and then jabbed three points on his bicep, shoulder and chest. Suddenly his flesh stopped swelling, the cancerous mutation limited to the point I'd struck.
"Damn bastard, what the hell is that demonic technique? Don't tell me you've sunk that low so soon after being expelled! Or perhaps that is why the elders decided to kick you out in the first place?" he cried.
"Mu Shan, don't spout such nonsense," I calmly replied. "Do you really think the elders would have let me leave if I had been using demonic techniques? I'm not the weak disciple you used to bully. If you leave now I can forget this ever happened."
While I wanted nothing more than to beat him senseless, seeing that he could mitigate the effects of my technique was worrying. I was no longer sure of an easy victory.
If the man decided to drop it here we could both go our separate ways and I wouldn't need to cause a scene in the market. I planned to live in Three River City for a while and fighting publicly in my first week wasn't a good look.
"Bastard Zhao, if you think I'll let you go after making me lose this much face then you're even more delusional than I thought. I won't be satisfied until you're broken at my feet," he hissed, sending spittle flying.
At this point he was just throwing a tantrum. He'd been the one to start this fight and yet he refused to let it end even after knowing we were evenly matched.
"Mu Shan, perhaps if I teach you a lesson today, I might save those poor disciples back at the sect from your wrath. Don't forget I gave you a chance to leave with some of your dignity intact," I declared, making sure the gathered spectators heard.
"Hmph," he snorted, rushing towards me.
I recognised the moves of the Cloudy Falls Sect techniques. Zhao Dan had learned the same movements, but hadn't reached the same level of mastery as Mu Shan.
For lethal effectiveness, the best martial art was Krav Maga. I'd practiced it for six years before my death. Combining it with Zhao Dan's knowledge, I let my instincts take over.
We traded blow after blow. His fists were heavy, his cultivation suppressing mine as the battle dragged on.
However, I seemed to have the upper hand when it came to technique and every single strike of mine had the intent to maim. And when I spotted an opening I wasn't shy about unleashing my blood essence, disfiguring his flesh.
Each time I did so, Mu Shan would need to quickly jab the surrounding acupoints to slow the spread. That gave me the opportunity to press the attack and the tides soon turned in my favour.
He lashed out and caught my chin with a lightning fast kick and I tasted blood. But even as I was knocked back by the blow I returned a devastating kick of my own, feeling the crunch of breaking bone as my foot connected with his knee.
He dropped to the ground, blood dripping from his nose. I raised a fist to deliver the finishing blow, when I heard a sharp whistle and caught a flash of silver in the corner of my eye.
I jumped backwards right as a spear blasted between us, burying itself in the cobbles.
Chapter 14
The shaft of the spear vibrated, twanging as I looked towards the direction from which it had been thrown. A tall man stood on top of one of the nearby buildings, wearing a white robe with three rivers embroidered on his breast.
He jumped down and within a few steps appeared beside us. Another man and a woman wearing similar robes appeared a few moments later, panting but keeping a stern visage.
"Who dares cause chaos in Three River City?" the tall fellow said, his voice booming. The farmers outside the walls probably heard him.
I wasn't sure who these new arrivals were, but I could tell with a single glance that the man in front was far stronger than I. He was in the Qi Gathering Realm.
Mu Shan coughed, blood splattering the ground. I watched as he looked up at the three arrivals and his eyes widened.
"Ah, Captain Kang, perfect timing. This bastard dared to attack a disciple of the Cloudy Falls Sect in the open. He clearly doesn't respect the City Lord's authority," he blatantly lied, getting to his feet.
My eyes narrowed as I stared at him, but I waited to see what this Captain Kang's reply would be before I spoke. I didn't know what the connection between the two men was but based on how Mu Shan had brought up the city lord, I suspected the three were members of the city guard—or perhaps the city lord's personal army.
Captain Kang stared at the wounded Mu Shan, then at me. His gaze lingered on me a little longer and I couldn't figure out what was going on behind those intense emerald eyes.
He stepped forward, placing himself between us. Then, with a grunt he ripped his spear from the stone and flicked the dirt from its tip.
Stepping back, he held the spear against his shoulder. "I agree that causing such disruption to the citizen's day is equivalent to not showing Lord Teng any face," he announced, turning to Mu Shan. "However, just because you are a disciple of the Cloudy Falls Sect doesn't mean you can lie to a member of the city guard, Disciple Mu Shan."
He shrank under the withering glare of the captain. The other two guards remained still as statues behind their leader, their presence seemingly only to provide extra intimidation.
Not that it was needed. Captain Kang was terrifying all by himself. He had to be at least six foot three and even his damn muscles had muscles.
Just then Xiao Cui stepped in front of me and held out her hands. "Honourable Captain, don't listen to this bastard's lies," she pleaded. "He attacked first, taking me hostage and forcing Big Brother Zhao to bow to him. He was only fighting to defend me."
Captain Kang frowned, staring down at little Cui. She wasn't deterred and began to step forwards and continue her passionate speech.
However, he held up a hand to silence her. "Girl, don't try to lecture me. I've been a guard in Three River City my entire life. I've seen it all. I don't need some brat to tell me how to do my job."
Xiao Cui stepped back towards me and I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. I appreciated her attempt to defend me but the best thing to do now was wait and see how the guard captain planned to handle the situation.
"This offence cannot go unpunished. Regardless of the reasons, fighting in public is forbidden and putting the citizens at risk is a great transgression," he said, looking first at Mu Shan and then at me. "I am sure that Disciple Mu Shan had a good reason for his actions and he will have a chance to explain himself, but you," he emphasised the last word, gazing into my very soul, "are another matter."
Here we go. Even though it seemed like he was punishing both of us, there was a hidden meaning to his words.
Mu Shan would be let off, due to his connection with the Cloudy Falls Sect. On the other hand, I as the unknown would face the brunt of the punishment.
"Indeed, Captain Kang. This disciple is deeply sorry for any disrespect he may have inadvertently shown the city lord and the citizens of Three River City," Mu Shan said, bowing and wearing a solemn expression.
What a snivelling bootlicker. This was like a scripted play, something they probably went through every time some vicious bastard like Mu Shan decided to pick on a weaker cultivator.
I wouldn't let them continue this charade. Even though I would likely have to face some kind of reprimand, it would be on my terms.
"Captain Kang, are you saying that there is ever a good reason to take an innocent girl hostage? Everyone saw exactly what happened. I admit that my use of violence was perhaps excessive and for that I am sorry, but I believe anyone in my position would've done their best to protect their daughter, niece, or friend," I said, looking around the market.
A few of the onlookers started muttering and one even shouted out, "He's right! That cultivator grabbed her by the neck."
At that point the female guard leaned forward and whispered something in the captain's ear. He nodded and then banged the butt of his spear against the ground. Everyone fell silent.
"This situation is becoming far too complex. I shall simplify it. Both of you are to pay a fine of five gold to the City Treasury to make up for your crimes. You can pay on the spot or you can visit the Guard Pavilion within the week. If you fail to pay this fine you will be imprisoned and face the justice of the courts," Captain Kang declared.
I winced. Five gold was a lot of money. If I hadn't spent all my savings I might've been able to afford the fine but as things stood I had no chance of doing so in just one week.
Mu Shan's mouth fell open and he looked as though he wanted to complain, but held back. He took a pouch from his belt and started to rummage through when a sharp voice cut through the silence.
"Disciple Mu, put that damn coin purse away," the man snapped, suddenly appearing in front of Mu Shan and slapping his face.
The sound echoed throughout the square and a few of the citizens gasped in surprise. Mu Shan looked annoyed but didn't utter a word of complaint.
After putting the pouch away, he actually smiled and looked at me with a smug expression. What kind of sadistic freak was happy after being slapped in public?
However, what happened next made me realise why he was so ecstatic. Start 4/12
"Captain Kang, I believe I can handle the discipline of my own disciple. Thank you for keeping the peace," the man wearing the dark blue and gold robes of a Cloudy Falls Sect inner elder said.
The captain froze for a moment and gave the elder a long stare. His eye twitched once but he didn't utter a word of complaint.
"As you say, Elder Fei. I shall leave the disciple in your care and hope to never see him causing trouble in Three River City again," Captain Kang said with a shallow bow.
He went to grab my arm and drag me away from the pair but the elder waved him off. His eye twitched again but he said nothing and walked towards the city centre, his two subordinates following after.
I glanced at Xiao Cui. She had a worried look on her face and drew a little nearer to me. Out of the frying pan and into the fire…
Mu Shan sneered at me. "Hmph. Even the City Lord's men cannot touch a disciple of the Cloudy Falls Sect. Now that Master Fei is here, your only choices are to submit or die!"
Another crisp slap rang out across the market. Mu Shan doubled over, clutching his face.
When he stood up he looked towards his master with shock in his eyes. He seemed betrayed. "Master, but why? This scum dares to insult a disciple of the sect even after getting expelled! Why punish me for delivering justice?" he cried.
Elder Fei frowned at the snivelling youth. "Disciple Mu, does the Cloudy Falls Sect gain anything by beating up a Body Tempering brat? Who are you as an outer disciple to say what affects the sect's reputation?
"Instead of doing as I asked and buying the list of herbs, you're wasting time fighting random cultivators?! Fool. You'll spend six months in isolated cultivation when we return to Black Cloud Peak," he scolded his disciple fiercely and sent him packing with another slap.
Mu Shan went off, pulling a jade slip from his robes and looking it up and down. Presumably the list of herbs he needed to purchase.
I let out a sigh of relief. I guess there were still some in the Cloudy Falls Sect with honour left. Though it was odd that this upright Elder Fei had taken in a disciple like Mu Shan.
Then again, the talented were rare and it was only right for the elders to snap up any disciple who showed the potential to reach great heights. Even if their personality was a little messed up.
Right then, Elder Fei turned to me and took a step forward. His gaze was stern and he looked Xiao Cui up and down. Then he turned to me, eyes narrowing.
I shivered as a cold sensation washed over me. Had the elder done something? He stroked his beard a few times.
"It's you! Damn brat," he suddenly exclaimed, slapping a fist against his palm and almost making me jump. "I had to wait at the sect gates for four hours because the sect master told me I needed to escort an expelled disciple to the city, but you never showed up! The disciples' behaviour gets worse and worse with every cohort…"
I coughed, feeling a lump in my throat. What the hell? Don't scare me like that geezer, I thought you were about to kill me for daring to attack your disciple.
"Even after deciding to kick you out of the sect, the sect master still showed you such preferential treatment. And yet you still dared make this Elder wait around like a servant! Hmph," he continued to rant. "You sure have some guts, Zhao Dan."
I wasn't quite sure how to react. So I took the easy way out. Despite his complaints, Elder Fei seemed a lot more reasonable than his arrogant disciple.
"Honourable Elder, this former disciple apologises for making you wait. I have no excuse," I apologised, bowing towards him.
When I glanced up I saw him stroking his beard once more. "Bah, at least you have some manners," he said, waving his hand. "And I see you have managed to improve your cultivation since leaving… Why hide your talent all this time? You might not have been expelled, fool."
I stood back up and frowned. How could I explain that I wasn't the old Zhao Dan, the talentless youth who struggled in the fourth-star for over a year…
"Honourable Elder, I managed to stumble upon a fortunate encounter on my way to Three River City. Perhaps it was fate that I missed you that morning," I lied, using the first excuse I could think of.
Wasn't that how those novel protagonists always explained away their heaven defying cheats? I'd paid a lot for my gains, sacrificing my spirit roots, but he didn't need to know that.
Elder Fei grew a little red in the face and he seemed ready to say something, but then he simply sighed and waved a hand in the air. "Indeed, the heavens have a plan for us all. At least you are not dishonouring the sect. Despite being kicked out, you were still one of us once. Remember that, Zhao Dan," he said, before walking after Mu Shan.
The moment he turned the corner and was no longer visible I relaxed, letting out a breath I'd been holding as my shoulders dropped. "That was terrifying," I mumbled.
"What was that about?" Xiao Cui asked. "Do you know that grandpa?"
I choked, clamping a hand over her mouth and looking in the direction the elder had vanished. Who knew if he was still listening? Those old geezers were scary.
From what I remembered, all of the inner elders of the Cloudy Falls Sect were middle stage Foundation Building Realm at the very least. Two large realms above me…
Elder Fei could squash me like a bug if he so wished. And no one would do anything about it.
I was a little frustrated I hadn't been able to handle Mu Shan myself, but I couldn't deny it was satisfying watching his master's crisp slaps to his face. I just hoped I never had to see him again.
"I suppose it's time I told you about my past, little Cui," I replied, motioning for her to sit next to me.
However, as soon as the commotion was over, I saw plenty of the spectators who'd been too wary to approach drawing near. They hadn't forgotten my earlier display and it seemed many were eager to try my services.
"Though that will have to wait for later. It seems our little marketing ploy worked wonders. Get ready to collect their coins," I told her.
****
I fell into the soft bed back at the inn, exhausted and bursting with energy at the same time. I'd spent the rest of the day healing people of random afflictions after my run-in with Mu Shan and the city guard.
The constant complaints of the citizens about their problems was tiring, but I didn't begrudge them for it. I was glad to be able to help.
And to earn some of my money back.
"How did we do?" I asked Xiao Cui, who'd sat on the floor to count our earnings.
I heard the clink of coins. "Fifty-one silver and seven copper coins," she replied with barely contained glee.
Not bad for a day's work. Far from the gold I'd spent to secure our market stall and get supplies, but if we kept earning at this rate we'd easily earn it back in a week or two.
And the gains in my cultivation weren't bad either. While far from the explosive growth I had during my battles with the bear and the viper, I was approaching the peak of eight-star Body Tempering.
Now that I had a somewhat steady source of income to rely on, I could finally start making progress on my plans. From what I'd seen of Three River City, it might be a good place to open my first hospital.
There were plenty of people in need of healing and despite being a little heavy handed, the guards here seemed like upstanding cultivators. Captain Kang would've only given me a fine as punishment for that scrap if Elder Fei hadn't turned up.
Which was still a little unfair given that Mu Shan started the fight, but not that bad when I considered the brutal punishments often handed out in this world. Zhao Dan's father had ordered plenty of clans to have their nine generations exterminated and other such horrors.
And they were only a minor clan out on the edges of the Cloudy Falls Sects' territory. I shuddered to think what the true powers of this world got up to with no one to hold them in check…
I held out my hand and Xiao Cui tossed the coin pouch to me. I took a few of the silver coins out, letting them fall back in with a jingle. Smiling, I withdrew three and tossed them back to her.
"These are yours."
"What? No, you earned all of this with your healing arts, Big Brother Zhao. I wouldn't dare," she exclaimed, fumbling to catch them.
"Don't be an idiot. How could I have earned a single silver without your help goading that old geezer into letting me heal him? Just take the money."
She grumbled something under her breath but I didn't catch it. Rolling over, I placed the coin purse on the bedside table and closed my eyes. I hoped I would make even more money tomorrow, but only time would tell.
Chapter 15
The next day I'd made sure to arrive in the market early—just after sunrise. Even though I'd done my best to beat the crowds, I was shocked to discover there was already a line of people besides my sign!
Clearly the events of the previous day had done wonders to spread the word about the new healer in Three River City. I spent the entire day working with only a short break to let Xiao Cui eat lunch.
The rest of the week passed in a similar manner and the number of patients wanting to receive my healing continued to grow. On the second day we earned seventy-one silver.
On day three we earned ninety-four silver, just shy of a gold coin. We were also close to earning back all the money I spent on bribes and supplies.
I still had that half of a spirit stone, but I wasn't counting it towards my personal funds. I had no idea whether it would be useful to me without spirit roots but I was loath to spend it in this city.
Besides, most mortals didn't even accept them as payment given how rare and valuable they were. Only cultivators used them as currency.
By the fourth day I reached a limit to the number of patients I could reasonably treat in a single day. It got to the point that I even had to turn away a few of those at the end of the line and promise to treat them first thing in the morning tomorrow.
After one week had passed, we'd earned a tidy sum—a little over five gold. That wasn't quite enough to purchase a building in a good location of the city but it was certainly enough that I could start looking.
The morning of my second week in Three River City I told Xiao Cui to head down to the market and let the gathered patients know that I would be starting a little late this morning. They might be upset but once I had a proper building to work from it would make things even more efficient.
I could also feel that I was right on the cusp of breaking through to nine-star Body Tempering. It was an unbelievable feeling, knowing I was approaching the limits of what a mortal body could do.
Though without spirit roots I had no idea what would happen when the time came to attempt my breakthrough to the Qi Gathering Realm… would I simply fail?
Or perhaps it would cause catastrophic damage to my body.
I had no way of knowing, but since that was still in the future I wouldn't worry about it until the time came. Right now I was on the hunt for property.
Because I'd spent most of my time in the city healing and sleeping, I hadn't really had a chance to explore. Today I was going to change that, but first I needed some help.
With nowhere else to turn I had asked the innkeeper if he knew anyone that could help me find a nice building to purchase. He didn't have any contacts but had told me to come to this district and look around. Apparently it was renowned for having a lot of construction companies.
Walking down the main street I noticed how unnaturally perfect everything seemed here. From the street tiles to the walls and gates of the huge manors, not a single stone was out of place.
I saw a few signs as I walked. "Wen Tao's Wonderful Works". "Shan Huo's Perfect Pavilions". All the companies seemed to follow the same naming structure…
None of them appealed to me and given the luxury on display in their manors I wasn't even sure I could afford their services. I reached the end of the main street feeling rather disgruntled.
Turning to head back to the inn, I suddenly noticed a rotten sign swinging in the wind. The hinges were rusty and their creaking had alerted me.
Walking down the alleyway I arrived outside an iron gate covered in rust. The walls around it were overgrown with ivy and the bricks cracked with age. As I read the sign I couldn't help but smile.
"Grandpa Guan's Property".
It had taken me a few tries to piece that together, given that half the letters were worn away from weather damage and the rotting wood. The simplicity drew me in and I found myself knocking on the gate.
However, it swung open after two hits. The hinges screamed, desperately in need of some oil.
It was a little impolite to enter without asking, but I figured if it was open then the owner wanted customers to feel welcomed.
"Hello, is anyone here? I'm looking to buy a building in the city centre," I shouted out, hoping to attract the attention of this Grandpa Guan, or whoever was on duty.
There was no answer.
Looking around, I saw an overgrown garden that hadn't been tended in years. A pond covered in lily pads and algae lay hidden behind towering grass. I could just about make out the tiled path, though even that was almost buried under the layer of vegetation.
Walking down the path towards the house, I saw it was in disrepair like the rest of the courtyard. Honestly it didn't fill me with confidence given that this was supposed to be a business selling property, but as long as the places they had to sell weren't this rundown it was fine.
I didn't see anyone in the garden and the door to the house swung open when I tried. Walking inside I almost burst into laughter.
Sitting on a chair behind a wooden desk was an old man, who was so wrinkled I thought he could be over a hundred years old. He was fast asleep and snoring loudly.
I didn't want to wake him up, but I also didn't want to keep my patients waiting. "Ahem, are you Grandpa Guan?" I asked with a cough, knocking on the desk.
He spluttered and I thought I'd woken him up, but after he finished coughing he went right back to snoring…
I slapped my hand on the desk loud enough that the neighbours probably heard it. He leapt to his feet, waving his fists in the air.
"Damn bandits, you'll never take my money!" he cried, throwing an erratic punch.
I avoided his fist and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Excuse me, are you Grandpa Guan? I'm no bandit, just a customer looking for a property," I said warmly.
The moment he heard the word customer he snapped to attention, a sly glint in his eyes as he leaned over the desk and pushed his glasses up his nose. "A customer? Why didn't you say so, boy," he chuckled, slapping me on the back hard enough to make me miss a breath. "What kind of property are you looking for? I guarantee that I, Grandpa Guan, will not disappoint."
The sudden change in demeanour took me by surprise, but I was glad to hear he actually had some property for sale. It meant I hadn't been mistaken when I walked in here.
Provided he wasn't some kind of scammer with derelict, rundown buildings he was trying to offload, I might be able to get somewhere nice to build the hospital for a cheap price.
"I need somewhere to run a healing business. Relaxing surroundings, plenty of space for patients to relax, and not too difficult to find," I told him.
"Ho? Healing you say… that's something I haven't heard in a while," he muttered to himself, bending down under the desk and looking for something. "Aha!" he suddenly cried, then I heard a loud bang.
"Blasted desk, I thought I told that mischievous brat to do something about it," he cursed. "Where did she go?"
There was no one else in this place, as far as I was aware. I was starting to suspect this geezer was a little crazy.
He lifted a huge, dusty tome that looked hundreds of years old from under the desk and slammed it onto the wood. The bang made my ears hurt and the cloud of dust it sent up made me burst into a coughing fit.
Given that I was almost a peak body tempering cultivator, that was quite a feat. Just how long had that book been sitting there to accumulate that much dust?
"Let's have a look here," he said, opening the book and flipping through the crinkled pages.
After a few minutes of silent reading he finally looked up. "I've got just the place for you, boy! What do you think?" he asked, turning the huge book around so I could see what was written.
A beautiful watercolour painting of a mountain, featuring a waterfall, verdant forest, and endless flowers was in the middle of the page. Above it was written 'Million Flowers Celestial Peak'.
It was a beautiful painting, but I was a little confused… I asked for a building in the city and this geezer was offering me a mountain?
"Grandpa, what's this? I haven't seen any mountains near Three River City. Is this a joke?" I asked.
"What? Not a fan of the waterfall? Don't you know this place was once the home of a renowned master of the healing arts. The flowers are a giant formation that increases the spiritual energy in the air. Don't tell me you're not convinced?" he began to pitch the mountain to me.
The next few minutes was a back and forth of the old geezer showing me a bunch of random places that he had for sale, none of which seemed to be anywhere near Three River City…
"Verdant Jade Valley! A Core Formation princess once shed so many tears here that she carved this valley out of the mountain range!"
"No!"
"Serene Mist Peak! A battle between Nascent Soul elders caused a permanent cloud of mist to settle above the severed peak, offering insights into various Daos!"
"Bastard grandpa, I just want a building in the city! Stop messing around or I'll take my gold and go," I exclaimed, exhausted.
The moment I threatened to leave he instantly slammed the book shut, sending another cloud of dust into the air. "Why did the heavens send this unruly brat my way," he muttered.
Turning to me, he narrowed his eyes. "Fine, have it your way. I offered you all of these majestic places but you want to be boring. Take this, it's the deed to a place in the centre of Three River City. If you don't like it you can find someone else to sell you a building," he said, tossing a scroll at me.
I was a little confused, but frankly at this point I'd take anything as long as it was in working condition. Now came the hard part. "How much?"
He looked confused for a moment. "Oh! Money," he exclaimed, then began scratching his beard. "Hmph, I don't need any. Just don't ruin my building," he said, dismissing me with a wave of his arm.
I was stunned. After all that he was just going to give me the place for free? I was about to turn and walk out with the property deed but I felt bad, so I took the five gold out of my coin purse and left them on the desk.
Grandpa Guan had already fallen asleep when I turned back around. I scoffed and walked back out the overgrown garden. This time as I made my way through the tall grass I spotted a white cat with blue eyes strutting along the top of the wall.
It perched above the gate and watched me as I made my way back out onto the main street. Its gaze burning into my back felt uncomfortable and I was glad to have left the rundown place behind.
However, I'd managed to achieve exactly what I set out to do. I'd acquired a property in the centre of Three River City to turn into a hospital—ahem, medicine sect—and for the exceptionally low price of five gold.
While I'd been a little confused during the entire process, I was satisfied. Now I just needed to take a look at this place.
That was when I realised I'd forgotten to ask where it was…
However, before rushing back and facing the scary cat again, I picked up the scroll and unrolled it. Luckily, it had a section detailing whereabouts in the city it could be found.
Sighing in relief I made my way towards the city centre.
****
"That damn old man!" was all I could think to say when I saw my new building.
Seeing the towering building constructed from varnished hardwood, nestled between the equally opulent 'Myriad Treasures Emporium' and 'Three Rivers Golden Casino', I was in shock. In fact, given how magnificent this place was I was starting to believe that geezer actually owned all those mystical places he tried to sell me.
It was three floors up and about twenty metres wide. The windows were made of pristine glass, polished to sparkle. I observed my reflection as I walked towards the door. I was a bit of a mess.
I actually felt a little out of place now that I was here, but with how much money we were earning I could probably splash out on some new robes. The door swung open without a sound and I entered a beautiful marbled reception area.
The white marble didn't have a speck of dust and neither did the wooden desk, which I checked by running a finger along it.
Smiling, I couldn't help but let out a laugh. My fortunes had changed at last. I wasn't sure what had drawn me to that decrepit manor, but I was grateful.
Perhaps the heavens had taken a greater interest in me since my oath? Then again, the interest of the heavens wasn't always a good thing…
For now though I wasn't going to bite the hand that fed me. I checked out the other floors just to make sure everything was in order, but they were perfect.
There wasn't much furniture and I would need to adjust some things in order to suit a hospital layout, but it was far more than I hoped for when I set out that morning in search of a building.
Xiao Cui was going to be ecstatic. Until now she'd been a glorified chore-girl, doing all the tasks I couldn't while I was healing people. With this shiny new building she could perhaps get a promotion to receptionist.
Or maybe it was time I tried to teach her some of what I knew? She would make a good nurse, or even a mortal doctor.
I had to look after her and if my intention was to found a medicine sect then it would make sense to take a disciple. Even though it was only a cover to prevent suspicion, the idea of passing on my knowledge was one that drew my interest the more I considered it.
While I wasn't sure anyone else could replicate the strange healing techniques I was learning and discovering, all of my previous medical knowledge along with the mortal healing arts I was picking up here could be passed down. Maybe I should write a book?
Satisfied that the building was in good condition, I made my way back downstairs and made sure the scroll was securely tucked inside my robes. If I lost it I would have no way of proving I owned this place.
Though I did wonder why Grandpa Guan was living in that rundown manor if he owned such a magnificent building right in the centre of Three River City? There were a lot of strange things about that geezer. I'd have to ask next time I saw him.
I made sure to pull the door shut tightly, wondering who I could ask to install some locks on the door. That would be necessary before we opened for business.
With my building sorted, I planned to head back to the market so I could begin healing patients today. Just because I'd obtained a property didn't mean I should stop making money.
Especially now that I'd gone and spent almost everything we'd earned over the last week…
The sun was approaching its zenith, almost midday. My stomach rumbled and I realised I hadn't eaten anything in almost four days.
That was happening more and more often as I continued to improve my cultivation. Even though my body didn't require food or sleep as much, it made me feel human to eat and rest.
While the miraculous powers and strength granted by cultivation felt incredible, it was still a little unsettling at times. I was sure I would eventually get used to it, but for now I'd stick to my rituals.
I'd barely taken a few steps along the street when I heard dozens of footsteps behind me and turned to see a bunch of the city guard rushing in my direction.
I wondered if something happened nearby?
However, as they drew nearer I realised all of the guards' eyes were fixed on me and a few of them pointed at me, shouting to each other. What was going on? I thought Elder Fei handled the situation with Captain Kang.
Just then a spear whistled past my shoulder and buried itself in the street. The guards caught up and surrounded me in a circle.
The circle parted and the man I least expected to see strode through, stopping right in front of me. Captain Kang towered over me, blocking out the sun.
"Zhao Dan! You're under arrest for defying the city lord's authority. You will accompany me to the palace to face justice."
Chapter 16
Captain Kang had a firm grip on my arm, digging into my flesh just hard enough to cause a little pain. I thought it was over the top, given that he'd also clapped me in chains, but I figured he needed to put on a show for the city lord.
The guards at the palace gate waved us through without any hassle. The place was ridiculous, bigger than any building I'd seen save for the larger pavilions and halls back at the Cloudy Falls Sect.
I didn't get much time to admire the palace. Captain Kang dragged me through the hallways quickly, not letting us stop.
It was rough treatment and I wasn't sure what had happened in just a week to make the city lord want me arrested. As far as I knew we hadn't done anything after the run-in with Mu Shan and Elder Fei.
If there was something that the city lord might want me arrested for it would be… what happened in Nine Paddy Village. But it was so soon after the events that unfolded and there had been no survivors to report our appearances, so how could we possibly be connected to it?
Unless…
The only way was if there was an unseen member of the administrator's group who had watched everything that happened after the spirit bear slaughtered the soldiers and reported back to Three River City. To escape my detection they would've had to be extremely skilled in stealth arts or a higher level of cultivation.
Which was definitely possible. I wasn't exactly a master of stealth and had no idea what kinds of mysterious arts were out there. And after seeing Captain Kang I was sure there were at least a few other Qi Gathering cultivators working for City Lord Teng.
We stopped suddenly. Captain Kang barked some orders and two guards dispersed to push open a set of towering doors made of gold.
While admiring the display of obscene wealth, I felt myself being dragged forward as soon as the doors opened enough to let us through. They didn't need to open them all the way, even a sliver was plenty for a few grown adults to pass through the gap.
As we walked I realised this was the throne room. There were stands along each side with rows of benches. I assumed that was where the other civil servants and lords in the city would sit when Teng Shi held meetings.
Today they were empty. The only people in the room other than the guards and I were a man sitting on a silver throne who I assumed was City Lord Teng, a boy who looked similar to Teng Shi standing next to the throne—probably his son—and another man who looked really familiar standing on his other side.
The city lord was sitting straight, perfect posture as he glowered at me with barely restrained fury. I'd never met him before, so why did he seem to hate me already?
It wasn't a good start to my life in Three River City, I had to say. Hopefully I could find out what was going on here and resolve it so I could continue healing people, making money, and start setting up my hospital.
Captain Kang dragged me down the length of the throne room. I refused to let him break my spirit even with the rough treatment and held my head high. The two men stared at me with hatred but I noticed the city lord's son seemed quite indifferent to everything going on.
We reached the bottom of the stairs leading up to the dais the throne was resting on. Suddenly Captain Kang kicked the back of my knees and pushed me down to the ground.
I couldn't resist him. He was far stronger than me. Even though the difference was just a few stars, there was an insurmountable gap between nine-star Body Tempering and an early Qi Gathering Realm cultivator.
I was sure he wasn't in middle stage Qi Gathering, beyond the third star, because otherwise that would make him even stronger than the city lord. And in this world where power dictated everything, the strong serving the weak wouldn't make sense.
However, I couldn't tell the exact level of his cultivation. It didn't matter, because I wasn't in any position to break free right now. I stared defiantly at the city lord anyway, not letting the man know he had the upper hand.
"Insolent!" cried the man on the city lord's right. "How dare you look at Lord Teng with such violent eyes. Captain, show our prisoner what it means to defy the lord's authority," he ordered.
Captain Kang didn't move a muscle, ignoring the man's outburst and looking to the city lord for instructions.
"Hmph," Teng Shi snorted. "It doesn't matter, Councillor Gao. I'm not so insecure that I need a prisoner to show me face. Especially a treasonous bastard like this."
Captain Kang took a step towards me and slammed his palm into my back. I tried to resist but couldn't. My brain rattled as my forehead slammed into the cold marble floor.
"When you hold a position such as this, you can get face with the snap of your fingers," the city lord taunted. "Now, Zhao Dan, I believe your name was? Did Captain Kang tell you why you are here?" he snarled, rage creeping into his voice.
I tried to look up but felt Captain Kang's boot on my head, pressing my face into the floor. So much for the righteous captain… I cursed inwardly. I'd actually thought the captain was a decent guy until now.
The city lord chuckled as he watched Captain Kang restrain me. "Since you don't seem to want to talk, I'll tell you," he sneered.
"You and some irrelevant ants decided to challenge my authority. To kill men collecting taxes under MY. ORDERS!" he roared, loud enough that I winced.
Fuck. It really was about that… I had no idea how he found out so quickly but now that he knew there wasn't much I could do about it.
The villagers would probably be safe with the spirit bear protecting them unless the city lord himself or Captain Kang went out to subjugate it, but I had no such luxury. I was stuck in a room with both of them.
"And then," he said softly, catching me by surprise. "AND THEN YOU DARED TO START FLAUNTING YOUR FRAUDULENT SERVICES IN MY CITY?!"
I winced, not because I was scared of the man, but because he had spat on my head during his ranting. Why were all cultivators like this…
In the first place it was his greed that had led to the situation at Nine Paddy Village. If he'd just kept the taxes at a reasonable rate the village head would've paid them and everyone would be happy.
Instead he decided to try and squeeze them for everything they had and his men ended up dying. And now I was here facing a grown man throwing a tantrum like a brat.
"So, because you dared to challenge my authority, I must make an example of you," he sighed. "But first there's someone else who needs to understand their place."
I heard footsteps behind me and then muffled shouting. A few moments later someone was thrown onto the ground beside me.
Even under Captain Kang's boot I was able to turn my head just enough to see them and when I saw who it was I burned with rage. They had chained up Xiao Cui and she had bruises on her neck and arms.
She met my gaze and I could see she was angry and confused. I tried to soften my eyes to let her know I would do my best to fix this but it was difficult to communicate while restrained.
A guard planted his foot on her back and I grit my teeth, promising vengeance on the bastard. I heard Councillor Gao snorting. Even the name was familiar… Where had I heard that before?
"I'm bored of this already. There's no satisfaction to be had in taunting a stubborn fool like you," the city lord muttered. "Captain, throw them in the prison cells. They will be executed in three days' time in front of the citizens as an example of what happens when you dare to defy me."
"As you wish, Lord Teng," replied the captain, before grabbing me by the neck and hauling me to my feet.
I glared daggers at the city lord but he just smiled. The guard handling Xiao Cui was rough and I saw her wincing when he lifted her up. I made sure to remember his face clearly.
Looking towards the throne, I saw the annoying guy, Councillor Gao, seemed to be even angrier than the city lord—as though I'd personally insulted him. At that moment, the city lord's son started coughing.
City Lord Teng suddenly looked worried and reached out to grab his son's hand. "Are you okay, Sheng'er?" he asked.
I was almost too far away to see them, but as I looked at the boy I saw something that made my eyes widen in shock. A few purple strands of energy flickered in his body, looking almost like my blood essence.
I couldn't see much more than that because Captain Kang dragged me through the huge golden doors. However, I couldn't help but grin. I knew how to get us out of this mess.
First I needed to find out if I was correct in assuming that the boy was the city lord's son. "Captain-" I started to speak but Captain Kang slapped me.
"Silence. Prisoners don't talk."
This motherf…
I was dragged down three flights of stairs and the air grew colder and staler. I knew we were underground by now.
The city lord had his own private prison underneath the palace. I wondered if all criminals were held here or only the ones sentenced to death like us.
Then again, in this violent world I was sure most crimes were punishable by death, even the minor ones. A guard stood by a studded iron door and he struggled to pull it open.
Perhaps it was because it was thicker than his head!
Captain Kang nodded to the man as we walked in. The first thing to hit me was the stench.
Rotten food, a lingering scent of blood, and… excrement. Clearly the concept of prisoner's rights hadn't made it to the Celestial Jade Empire yet.
I could handle whatever they threw at me. I'd been a prisoner more than once in my life and it was a shitty experience, but often quite boring.
However, if they continued to hurt Xiao Cui there would be hell to pay when we were free. And we would be freed, of that I was sure.
The guard behind us stopped and unlocked one of the cells, tossing little Cui inside. She tried to call out to me but he smacked her and she cried in pain. Gritting my teeth, I increased the severity of the revenge I was going to deal out in my mind.
Captain Kang led me down another flight of stairs, going deeper into the prison. Keeping us separated was just another form of mental torture.
He led me to the end of the corridor and only then did he unlock a cell, throwing me inside. I noticed the door of this one was thicker and there was just a single horizontal slit, through which they could watch me.
This must be a cell for holding cultivators. There wasn't as much need to feed and water a cultivator kept in chains.
"You know, when I saw that you were offering healing to the citizens without extorting their money, I thought you were an upstanding fellow," Captain Kang said with a frown. "I was disappointed to discover you were a lesser man than I believed."
I stared back at his melancholy gaze. Inwardly I sneered at his hypocrisy, but I didn't let him have the satisfaction of seeing that. "I feel the same way, Captain."
He shook his head and turned to walk away. Before he left I tried to ask the same question I'd attempted earlier before he slapped me into silence.
"Out of curiosity, who was the boy standing beside the city lord?"
"Why are you asking such a thing now?" he replied, narrowing his eyes. "Don't tell me you-"
"Of course not!" I exclaimed, realising what he was thinking. "I'm not one of those disgusting perverts. I just happened to notice that the boy seemed quite ill. Perhaps I could have a look to see if I am able to treat him," I suggested.
"You, how could you possibly…" he muttered, seemingly surprised. "Maybe you are as talented as you seemed to be. It is not my place to share such things. The only fate that awaits you is death. Repent and pray the heavens are kinder to you in the next life."
With that he slammed the door shut and I heard the clinking of a key in the lock, followed by his retreating footsteps. I sighed. I'd given it my best shot.
I supposed I would just have to spend the next three days trying to punch my way out of the cells, though I doubted I would have the strength if these cells were built to hold cultivators even more powerful than I.
For the first time since arriving in this world I felt my faith in the oath I'd made wavering. I had the power to heal the boy—at least I hoped so. Unless his problem was one beyond my means to treat, which was possible given that I knew so little of this world.
However, a small, vengeful part of me felt that even if I was given the chance to heal him I shouldn't, just to spite the city lord. And yet I would have to heal him if I could, since that was the only chance I had to free Xiao Cui and myself.
There was also the possibility that the boy wasn't as much of an arrogant asshole like his father. Though they did have that saying—a tiger father will not beget a dog son.
With nothing to do but wait, I decided now was a good time to try and study my body and my techniques.
I wouldn't be able to practice much or refine my lungs without any resources, but I could at least attempt to figure out more of the mysteries behind them.
So I meditated in silence, my gaze focused inwards as I pondered the profundity of the Fivefold Medicine Forge Physique and my strange blood essence. I wasn't sure how long the trance lasted, but I hadn't managed to achieve much despite my intense focus.
My physique was simply that mysterious. Other than the basic knowledge I had obtained upon awakening it for the first time, nothing else was revealing itself to me.
Eventually I was interrupted by the clicking of the lock and the scratching sound of the cell door swinging open.