As we resume our trip, the carriage is quiet.
Yuexin hasn't spoken in a while. Her gaze stays fixed ahead, hand casually resting on the window.
''We will be entering Xu controlled territory soon.''
She says suddenly, her tone sharp.
''We will need to be careful now.''
Xu territory.
Perfect.
As I look ahead, I see an unassuming inn.
''Lady Yuexin, before we enter the city, I would like to buy some information.''
I point towards the inn, my smile polite.
''You know that we don't have much time, right?''
She's still cold... but if it was before, she would straight up refuse me.
''I'm aware,''
I pause for a brief moment before continuing.
''However, not having information, especially in our situation, is more dangerous.''
I say lightly, but my gaze is determined.
''Sigh, fine. But, you better hurry, else we will leave without you.''
With a nod, I step out of the carriage, and with my back turned towards the carriage...
Thousand Faces Arts.
My appearance shifts, as if aging by 10 years all in one breath.
Good, no one should recognize my face now.
The building smells of damp wood and stale ale, the kind of place where words travel faster than coin.
I make my way to the counter, the barman giving me a quick glance before returning to his mug.
''Ale.''
I say, my tone flat.
THUD!
The tankard lands in front of me, the ale inside... questionable.
Well. With my cultivation, surely I won't be poisoned. Right?
Gulp, gulp.
The taste is as bad as its appearance, but it serves its purpose.
I set the empty tankard down and let out a slow breath, shaking my head like someone with too much on their mind.
''Damn family…''
I whisper, just loud enough for others to hear.
''Sending me halfway across the continent with that… girl.''
The barman raises a brow but doesn't speak. A few others shift in their seats as well.
''She's… difficult.''
I continue, moving the tankard back and forth.
''But… the way my family treats her, you'd think they were… planning something bigger.''
I let the words hang right there.
''What strange times we live in.''
I shake my head and stand up, my posture slightly unstable.
''Here, you can keep the change.''
When I reach for my pouch to pay, the edge of my sleeve slips back, revealing the Han family token at my waist.
It catches the light for only a second, but that's all it needs.
Oh, I can feel it. All eyes on me. Perfect.
I drop the coins on the counter, nod once, and walk out without another word.
.
Back at the carriage, Yuexin watches me with a faint frown.
"Well? Did you learn anything?"
Cold as always.
''Two things.''
I say smoothly as I make myself comfortable on my seat.
''The Xu have been sending extra patrols through the main gates, and there was some kind of fight in the market.''
Of course, both are a lie. You wouldn't like the truth.
''Nothing useful, but perhaps it will come in handy.''
What's up with that disapproving look?
''So you wasted our time.''
...This little...
''I just diligently fulfilled my duties.''
She rolls her eyes at me and doesn't speak further.
As if I'd get useful information from an inn that the Xu family controls...
The rest of the trip is almost quiet.
Almost, with the exception of occasional insults aimed my way.
''Finally, we've arrived.''
Ahead, the city gates tower above the road, the banners dancing in the wind.
Xu family's banners.
Perfect.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Early Stage ▸ Foundation establishment - Early Stage▸ +]
[Fear Points: 8]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 1500]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing]
.
Authors note: If you're enjoying the novel so far, please add it to your collections! Every single one goes a long way. Honest review will be even better! Gravemind is peacing out~