"Stop right there! Heaven Dou City is on high alert at the moment and inspections are mandatory, even for nobles," said the guard standing at the gate.
Dammit, can't even give me a second to reminisce, can they?
Seeing the gate of the capital city, of my previous home, brought forth some memories. It's only now that I realize how much I missed my friends, my aunt.
The training and the work distracted me enough so that I wouldn't be too emotional, but now, it's all coming to me at once.
7 years.
Fuck, those three bastards from the Clear Sky Sect better pray I never find them, cause if I do...
Sakura did report having made significant improvement in her torture methods recently.
"Of course, no need for worries, we will gladly cooperate," replied Dahlia from my side, flashing the guard an elegant smile that made him blush.
Forget Sakura, I'll hand them over to her.
Nothing scarier than being under a woman's thumb, so easily manipulated just for some of her attention.
I'd rather die than become the new Yan or Feng Xiaotian, and the thought of those arrogant bastards becoming like that is simply divine.
Happy thoughts, happy thoughts Sieg, time to focus on what's happening now.
The poor man was sputtering, turned into putty in her hands just because she flashed him a smile.
And honestly, who's to blame him?
Dahlia had changed clothes that morning, discarding her usual black robe that she used for stealth, and dawning a green and white qipao with golden accents that brought out her silver eyes. Her long pink hair was done in a bun with two golden pins in her hair.
No wonder he called us nobles, probably thinks we're Dahlia's guards.
"Y-Yes, as I-I was saying, could you please get off your mount so we may inspect you?" the man said as he attempted to regain his composure.
The search was pretty heavy handed, looking within small pouches and bags for any sign of us being involved with the death of the prince.
Dahlia's presence did make things a lot more casual, since the guards were distracted, but it was still annoying to deal with.
It's a good thing that I had most of the stuff we needed stored in my necklace. They have no authority to examine storage tools, since most nobles hide important information within them.
Storage tools are also extremely rare, so most organizations would not give one to an assassin that might eventually be caught.
Ten minutes and one arduous search later and we were in.
Heaven Dou City, I'm back.
It doesn't look to have changed, but I know I have.
So much...
I just hope the people I want to meet will recognize me, somehow.
"Master, what do you want us to do now?" came Dahlia's voice from next to me.
"Alright, you three go and get us some rooms and make sure it's one near the Great Spirit Arena. I'll go around and explore a bit. It's been a while and I want to check everything out, have a bit of fun."
"Sure, we're on it. We'll see you later tonight master~" she said before leading the other two away towards the Great Spirit Arena."
As for me, it was time for me to go home, or at least, visit for a bit.
Walking through the capital was chaotic, just as I remember it, but the tension in the air was pretty noticeable, even for those who weren't locals.
People were talking, I could hear their whispers as they talked, merchants and store owners discussing the situation and the aftereffects of the prince's death.
I could even see a couple disciples wearing the robes of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect running around from one place to the next.
Looks like they took a big hit from this, since they're moving like their ass was lit on fire.
Makes sense though, I would be troubled too in this type of situation. The most profitable businesses they have are here, so a scandal happening just makes people want to leave so they aren't caught in the crossfire.
Walking through the market reminded me of the times with Yanyan and Lingling. Me and that little snake bickering against each other while Lingling tried to separate us, running around between classes and slipping out to watch the matches in the Great Spirit Arena, our... goodbyes.
Shit, get yourself together. You're a divine inheritor, for crying out loud.
I took a deep breath before finally looking up, only for it to catch in my throat, leaving me unable to release it. [A/N: I feel this is required here but PAUSE.]
The Moon Pavilion.
Looks like I still know my way around.
Aunt Yuehua, I want to see you, but I can't, not right now.
I pulled out a folded paper from my pocket before checking around to see if there were any people around.
Coast is clear.
I let out a low whistle, and I didn't have to wait for more than a minute before a Sonic Swallow landed on my shoulder.
"Hey there little guy," I said while petting its head with my finger.
I gave it the paper in my hand before pointing at the specific window I wanted it to reach.
It was open right now, thankfully, so little birdie will probably be back in ten. I can leave without worries, knowing my letter has been delivered.
I've been writing a lot of those these days, haven't I?
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The sun had begun to set and that was my cue to go find Lia. I'll just head to the Great Spirit Arena and I'm sure I'll meet her there.
Nothing major happened while I was making my way there.
Oh, how I wish that were true.
Not even ten minutes into my walk back and I got stopped. The main road was being blocked by a retinue of soldiers wearing golden armor and holding impressive-looking spears.
Imperial guards, huh?
Looks like the imperial family is putting on a show. Probably to rally the people and show that they're still strong.
Speak of the devils.
A golden carriage surrounded by the imperial guards was traveling down the road. It was being dragged around by two rhino-type spirit beasts covered in armor, giving them an intimidating air of grace.
The vehicle was open at the top, allowing everyone to see the faces of the members of the imperial family, all of them wearing those smiles that nobles give to those they consider below them.
Bunch of hypocrites. Guess I'll take the back streets.
As I turned to try and leave, my eyes met blue ones that seemed like they were piercing through me, trying to analyze me.
That's when I felt it. An innate rejection.
My instincts were screaming at me to eradicate it, whatever it was, lest it becomes a danger to myself.
Why? Why do I feel like that?
I turned my head in the direction of that gaze, keeping eye contact with it, only to finally realize who it was.
Oh, fuck me sideways.
Why does the world always want to pin me against this woman?!
We maintained the silent battle for a few seconds before she smiled at me, but I could tell what was hidden behind that smile.
Damn angel!
I turned around quickly and began squeezing in between the crowd to escape, but I could feel her following me with her eyes. It's like I had a tracker on me.
I knew Holy and Evil would reject each other, but I didn't want it to make me a radar!
I'm not strong enough yet, and even though I know Byakko could probably beat those two Titled Douluo that protect her, she herself was the problem.
I'm a divine inheritor with a sliver of innate divinity thanks to Fafnir, so her Holy attribute isn't as effective against me, but Byakko doesn't have that advantage.
I kept running, not looking back until I finally felt safe.
I looked around, observing the walls of the alley for a bit before leaning back onto the wall and letting myself slide down.
It was the same.
Nothing had changed.
She might have grown up, but that hatred she has is still the same. The only difference was the reason for the hate.
I sat on the ground, contemplating.
Life just wants to mess with you sometimes, and you know what?
I really fucking hate it.
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Author's note:
Hey guys, new chapter! I know it's late, but damn, it's been one hell of a week.
I'm trying my best to stay consistent and write longer chapters, but it's been tough with all the exams I'm having right now since it's basically midterms for the summer semester. I'm also getting ready to get my driver's license, so yeah, I'm trying.
The Danmachi fic has been delayed so much at this point I honestly can't promise a release date anymore. I'll release it as soon as I'm ready to, and when it does drop, I'll let you guys know through these notes.
Anyways, not much in this chapter really, just a quick meeting with Qian Renxue to plant some seeds for the future, plus the letter that was delivered to Tang Yuehua to set up another POV switch chapter later.
I'll be putting a pic of Dahlia in the comments, so it's there for those wondering how she looks.
That'll be all from me, see you later!