Our trip to Zhenwu City was peaceful. No bandits, no mercenaries, just an awkward silence, a couple of glances now and then, and burning pain from my wounds.
At least it hurts much less than before.
I unbutton my shirt, taking a good look at my wound, Yuexin, seeing this, quickly turns away. Hard to say whether from embarrassment or disgust.
At the very least, the wound closed. At this pace, I can definitely participate in the war.
Satisfied, I cover myself back up, my attention on Yuexin.
''Lady Yuexin. In regards to the upcoming war...''
My voice low as I lean forward to her. Her soft skin shining as the morning sun lands on her through a window.
''I would like to know as much information as possible.''
I say, my expression cold.
''Fine, but listen carefully. I won't repeat myself.''
This attitude, I can't get used to it.
''My name is Yuexin Lan, the Young Lady of the Lan family. Even you must have heard of us.''
She says proudly, expecting some sort of reaction. Too bad.
''I haven't. It's my first time hearing about the Lan family.''
In disbelief, she begins to carefully study my expression, checking whether I'm serious or not.
''You're actually serious, aren't you?''
She says, her voice quiet, filled with confusion.
I don't bother answering, I nod my head and wait for her to continue on her own.
Drama queen...
''Sigh, whatever. You do at least know about our continent, right...?''
I shake my head, not even bothering with the response.
''...''
She's getting really annoying.
''I spent my whole life cultivating diligently. Do you think I had time to care?''
I say bluntly, her arrogance getting to me.
''...We are currently on the Crimson Flame continent, specifically, in the Blazing Sun Kingdom.''
She continues,
''Blazing Sun Kingdom is currently being ruled by a Queen. After the king's death, his power was split between three dukes. The three duke families are Qin, Shen and Fang.''
She looks at me, her eyes squinted, as if making sure that I pay attention.
''There is an intense power struggle between the three Dukes. The Lan family is very close to the Shen Duchy, and this arranged marriage to that idiot was meant to bring the Xu family to our side.''
Her voice less and less enthusiastic with each passing sentence.
''Now that the deal is off, they will likely join the Qin Duchy... Who are the worst of them all.''
She leans back, her eyes closed and voice filled with annoyance.
''All because of the Xu family's young master...''
...
Right.
It wasn't you who publicly humiliated him and broke off the engagement...
Ignoring the last part, I press for more information.
''Is there any chance of them receiving support from the Qin Duchy?''
She shakes her head firmly.
''No, that won't happen. The Dukes don't interfere directly.''
Good. That makes things easier.
''How about families that support Qin Duchy. Is there a chance of them interfering?''
She looks at me and ponders for a while.
''I'm not sure. Xu family is not yet affiliated with the Qin Duchy. This can change at any moment, but even if, it's unlikely.''
You are asking me? That doesn't give me much confidence.
''Let's say, hypothetically speaking... Another family joins the conflict, will your allies provide support?''
As if caught off guard with the question, she scoffs,
''Why do you have so many questions? It's anno-''
''Because it affects my family, thanks to you.''
Giving her no time to talk back, i press on,
''We are in this situation only because of your selfish actions. I want you to remember that.''
My voice low, sliver of Fear Qi released in her direction.
''So answer me while I'm asking politely. Doing so will benefit your family also.''
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
After a brief pause, she composes herself and answers silently,
''...No. Our allies won't help...''
...
Didn't you say you are very close to Shen Duchy? What do you mean, 'No'?
Seeing my dumbfounded expression, with a deep sigh, she continues,
''Shen Duchy is... peaceful. They do not seek conflict. That's why the other two Duchies leave us alone, for the most part. Qin and Fang Duchies are mostly battling each other.''
Unbelievable. How did I end up with the only peaceful Duchy?
Before that...
''How about Han family? Who are we affiliated with?''
...
Why are you looking at me like I'm insane. Just answer me.
''No offense... But your Han family isn't influential or strong enough to join the Duchies...''
Did I hear her right? What bullshit is that?
''Not strong enough to join the Duchies?''
I repeat her words back at her, still trying to wrap my head around it.
''...Yes. Han family is... escort business. That's pretty much it. Independent, small family.''
Sigh.
This is stupid. Since when do you need to reach a threshold to support someone?
Isn't numbers advantage a thing?
What's wrong with this world...
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Early Stage ▸ Foundation establishment - Early Stage▸ +]
[Fear Points: 35]
[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 Great too!
Powerstones: If we can reach 70 power stones in a week, I will make one more chapter a day for 1 week. Let's do it!