Chapter 42: Zhao Wei (2)

Chapter 42: Zhao Wei (2)

The cultivator sits by a fire and doesnt notice Lan Xiaohuis approach until she intentionally steps on a branch, twenty or so paces away from him. He is in a clearing, and though most of the area is naturally clear, there is a considerable margin that seems to have been cleared out by hand, and recently too.

He appears to be a young adult, about the same age as Lan Xiaohui though trying to judge the age of a cultivator is an exercise in futility. If they look old, they are either extremely powerful, or they made a big mistake.

His first reaction upon hearing the branch snap is to reach for his sword, which is embedded into the ground next to the campfire. However, when he looks at her and realizes she is not a demonic beast, he freezes and hesitates.

It is a clear sign of diplomacy when he keeps his hand on the hilt of his sword, but uses his other one to lower his hood. He wants to talk.

Lan Xiaohui walks to within a distance of ten steps and then halts. Her hands are relaxed at her sides, though a breeze disturbs her dress, revealing some of her milky pale skin. She reaches for her makeshift coat, and pulls it closer.

From an outside perspective, she must not only look poor and unfortunate to be in this place, with that appearance but also weak.

I did not think I would run into another person here, he says. I have nothing of value.

Lan Xiaohui, despite her appearance, stands proudly and shows no hint of emotion. I am not here to steal, brother.

He blinks. You are a fellow disciple?

Lan Xiaohui nods and then she opens her coat slightly, to reveal a design embroidered into the tattered remains of her left sleeve.

He leans closer, narrowing his eyes, and then nods.

My apologies, sister, he says, waving his hand toward her, allowing her to approach. I thought you were a thief or a rogue. This year, there were rumors that outside forces would attempt the Treasure Hunt.

I know, Lan Xiaohui says. Despite her calm tone, I can sense that her heart is deeply shaken by the words.This chapter made its debut appearance via N0v3lB1n.

Lan Xiaohui sits on the opposite side of the fire, and pulls her coat closer to her body. The air is cold and has been for a while, though she never showed any signs that it bothered her before.

Brother, do you know why the Treasure Hunt began so early? she asks, choosing her words carefully. I have not heard anything.

The other disciple looks up from the fire. I heard another rumor that the Grand Elder ordered it, but more than that, I do not know. There was an incident between Black Tiger Peak and White Raven Peak. Do you know of it?

Lan Xiaohui shrugs. Demonic beasts cultivate the body first, fellow brother. Without a strong Dao, you wont survive here.

The disciple laughs and nods. So it would seem. I thought I could at least collect some resources before I leave, but He trails off. I dont know if I will leave with my life.

Lan Xiaohui does not reply. However, now I am curious to know what she wants. At first, she told me she desires to leave this place and kill the Black Tiger. Recently, though, she has pushed further deeper and deeper into the Forbidden Ancestral Hunting Ground, sharpening her Dao.

The disciple provides me with the opportunity to find out: What about you, sister? Do you wish to leave? We could travel together.

Lan Xiaohui shakes her head, without even a moment of hesitation. I plan to head deeper.

He looks at her, as if she had lost her mind. How? You are only in the Early stage of Foundation Establishment. I am in the Mid stage, and even I cannot survive here.

If he knew that until a month ago she was in the Qi Condensation realm, he wouldve likely recycled himself into Blood Points, on the spot.

Lan Xiaohui offers a pure smile. My Dao is here. I cannot live without my Dao.

The disciples eye widen at her profound words, and he even leans back, as if they deal a physical blow to his center of mass.

He remains silent for a long time, and the only sound in the clearing is the crackling of the fire.

After a dozen or so minutes, he finally speaks. I am Zhao Wei. What is your name, sister?

She thinks for a moment, and then smiles. Xue Lian.

Zhao Wei seems surprised by this unusual name and then nods. The Rivers and Lakes really are vast, fellow sister. You never know when you might meet an interesting character on the road.

Lan Xiaohui covers her lips with her palm and chuckles.

I have some spare clothes if you wish, he says. I can also repair your dress if you allow me.

She offers a smile and nods. Thank you, brother Zhao.