Yuexin's gaze is focused on the Xu family's banners as the carriage nears the city gates.
She shifts in her seat, and with narrowed eyes, she speaks to me.
''Be careful, the city guards are all affiliated with the Xu family.''
She taps her soft fingers against the window's frame.
''They will recognize my crest on the carriage immediately.''
I'm counting on that, actually.
''Don't worry, I'll handle it.''
I say, puffing my chest out in confidence.
Her frown deepens as she hears my words.
''And how exactly will you do that?''
I lean back in my seat, my posture relaxed, as if nothing was happening.
...
The line moves slowly, Yuexin becoming more nervous every time the carriage moves forward.
''Inspections.''
The guard calls out. It's our turn.
Not giving Yuexin any time to protest, I step out of the carriage immediately.
''Y-you...''
How cute. Look at her hands. Forming fists, are we?
I turn my attention back to the guard as I leave the carriage entirely.
''Stay where you are!''
He shouts at me, but then... he becomes quiet.
As soon as the black thread of Qi makes contact with him, that is.
''Walk with me.''
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
I close the distance, my smile could even be considered friendly.
''...''
He obeys without a word.
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
I lead him around the corner, away from the main road.
By the time I release him from my Qi, his breath is ragged, eyes bloodshot, and he's drowning in his own sweat.
''Y-you... who are y-yo...''
CRACK.
His neck turns nearly a full circle in one smooth twist. No scream. No struggle.
I catch his lifeless body before he falls, stripping the armor and belt in seconds, along with identification token.
Perfect.
.
Minutes later, the guard walks back to the gate. The armor neat and tidy, identification tuckled at his belt...
I love this technique.
''This one is clear. The man accompanying her will stay behind for a short while. Official matter.''
I call out in the guards voice.
Confused, Yuexin watches the guard attentively, unable to understand what's happening.
The carriage begins to move again, and slowly disappears into the streets.
I, on the other hand, make my way back into the guards outpost.
As I enter 'My office', my eyes linger on the largest map.
Patrol routes, guard rotations...
Xu family outpost.
Bingo. Almost at the finish line.
Not wasting any time, I make my way to the outpost.
.
Upon entering the outpost, the first thing I notice is the scent of ink and dust. A few low-ranking guards glance up but quickly look away.
That makes things easier.
I make my way to the main desk, where a thin, sharp-faced clerk is busy sorting through reports.
''Report.''
I say in guards voice, my tone firm, but little rushed.
As he looks up and sees my armor, he straightens immediately, pushing parchments aside.
''Sir?''
I look him dead in the eye, my words slow and deliberate.
''Rumors, from multiple sources. The kind of rumor that could turn the Xu family's reputation to ash if not handled swiftly.''
That will certainly get his attention.
He freezes momentarily, after which he immediately scans his surroundings.
''What kind of rumors?''
I lean forward, my voice dropping to a near whisper.
''That the Han family is the reason the Xu engagement was broken… and that the Han brat is now traveling with her in the same carriage.''
''Some sources say that they are building an alliance to put pressure on us.''
My hand forms a fist as i slam the table in front.
''At first, I thought it was just a speculation.''
Hooo...
I lean even closer, tone grows heavier.
''But they've just entered the city. Together. The rumors seem... to be true.''
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
The clerk's face pales. I can see the calculations already turning in his mind.
''You're sure?''
I nod, my eyes getting weary.
''I heard it in two different inns and three different districts. People talk when they think no one is listening.''
''There's even a witness at the Sharktooth Inn. Swears he overheard it himself. I verified it personally.''
He swallows, then reaches for a sealed document pouch.
''Good job with the report. The Elders must know at once.''
Not waiting for a response, he quickly turns around and disappears from the view.
''See that they do.''
Their pride has been hurt.
Engagement broken.
Name sullied.
And the ever growing fear of new alliance forming to take their place...
Surely, nothing bad will result from all this...
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Early Stage ▸ Foundation establishment - Early Stage▸ +]
[Fear Points: 10]
[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~