warning: mentions of violence and r*pe
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The resentful energy multiplied, growing heavier and more oppressive by the second. Xu Hexian, feeling a little cornered, took her frozen hand into his. "Don't worry," he whispered to her, "I won't believe anything they say until I've seen it with my own two eyes."
This Mu Dong character fell into a monologue, "I had been bewitched by her in the folly of my youth. I gave her plenty of wonderful gifts which she readily took from me. And when I proposed for her hand in marriage, she not only turned me down, but she also refused to return any of my gifts! I was so shocked by her true personality I took it upon myself to inform the entire village of her deplorable habits."
A growl rumbled and Xu Hexian whined a little when the pressure on his hand was enough to crack bone. He took in a sharp breath and steadied his heart. Just where were the Liu brothers when he needed them? "Please calm down, Xiao Tao. I won't believe his words so easily. I know you're not that kind of girl, okay?"
She continued to growl angrily but for a moment, the resentful energy did not rise. Xu Hexian took this chance to clear his throat, "Aren't you just making some wild accusations?" Mu Dong's brow twitched. Xu Hexian pressed on without fear, "I feel bad for Qun Tao who had to face unjust humiliation at your hands. And even driven to death by your unfound words! Now I understand why she became a ghost."
Mu Dong's lips were pressed thin, but he was not ready to give up so easily, "You've been enchanted by her evil ways," he said.
Xu Hexian raised a brow, "Uh, look. I'm not a cultivator for nothing okay? It's going to take more to enchant me than a ghost's pretty face."
There was a light click of a tongue, "Don't think you're so much better than the rest of us." His true character was beginning to show, bit by bit.
"Then do you have any proof of your claims other than your words? I'm sure if our lovely Qun Tao here could speak then she would have very different things to say."
The grip on his hand loosened, giving Xu Hexian the confidence boost he desperately needed in a situation as such.
Mu Dong was making an ugly face. It was obvious that he had nothing else substantial to add, "If my words aren't to be believed then what makes hers more credible than mine? I'll have you know I'm the son of a respectable merchant! My father-"
Xu Hexian's ear itched from the absurdity he was listening to. He sighed, "Does it look like I care about who your father is...? My father is an imperial nephew! How does that sound?"
Mu Dong's lips flapped like a fish, "So you're a villain too! Trying to bring absurd rumors to this good village!"
His brothers cheered him on, pointing and jeering at Qun Tao and Xu Hexian. Xu Hexian wanted to rub his temple. Did these fellows forget who were the ones that watched over them from Wangyun Peak? This area being so close to demon territory would easily be overrun without the protection of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Have they lost their minds?
"You're still not giving me any evidence!" He shouted, "This leads me to believe that the liar is not Qun Tao, but you! The accuser!"
Mu Dong's face was visibly red and Xu Hexian was just about to claim his victory. But he was naive to believe in his luck. Because an old woman parted the crowd. Xu Hexian didn't notice her at first, but Qun Tao next to him completely froze and the atmosphere was suddenly too dense to breathe. He blinked, confused and looked at the ghost next to him. "Qun Tao?" Her eyes glowed red from behind the veil that covered her face.
"You…!" The old woman croaked, "You disgraceful ugly child who has done nothing but bring shame to our poor family! How dare you show your face here again?"
Xu Hexian realized that the woman was likely Qun Tao's own mother. He was reeling hard, trying as he could to find a good retort in his mind but it was already too late. Because Qun Tao roared in rage and lunged out. Her speed and strength burst forward, unmatched with the clumsy ghost that attacked him the previous night.
Xu Hexian, a fool, fumbled for his blade but he was too damned slow!
Clawed fingers clashed against Mingshui, a sharp sound vibrated through the arm. Liu Sumeng sliced right through her digits. She was unperturbed and only raged at him with a savage roar.
"Forgive me," His voice was pleasant and low, stepping forth to stop her advance and thrust his blade through her chest. Mingshui glowed a heavenly light and she screeched at clawed at him like a desperate animal.
The crowd behind him cheered, "Show her!"
"Kill the bitch!"
Liu Sumeng ignored them and sighed, "Sorry." A burst of spiritual energy erupted from his sword and Qun Tao erupted into white flames, her soul and body cleansed by Liu Sumeng's power.
In the end, she was neither powerful or that resentful. A simple ghost that could be exorcised without much effort. Her body collapsed. When he slid his blade free, the corpse dissolved and the wind carried scattered ashes. But he could still feel the presence of a soul lingering.
Xu Hexian could feel it as well, his brows furrowed as he eyes, seemingly unfocused looked upon the air in front of him, knowing well that Qun Tao was still watching. Or at least a fragment of her soul was.
The rowdy men were still cheering and calling Liu Sumeng Big Brother. Mu Dong had a grin plastered upon his face and said, "You did us a great service, Young Master."
Liu Sumeng raised a hand and glared at them coldly. They looked back at him, bewildered.
The Ivory Sword Saint uttered a very simple, "Shut up."
Mu Dong blinked at him, confusion bare upon his visage, "What?"
"Shut up," Liu Sumeng repeated without mercy. "You are a liar. Your face disgusts me."
"W-what!?" Mu Dong's face instantly turned red. "What the heck are you saying!?"
"Qun Tao did not steal from you. You gave her gifts and false promises. She did not want to sleep with you so you slandered her name in retaliation. Who is the real snake in this story?"
Mu Dong's face went white with horror. He sputtered and then said, "Lies! D-Don't spread false rumors about me!" He shrilled.
But this time, his brothers were awkward and silent. None of them dared to refute the Ivory Sword Saint, a name much too honorable and famous around these parts.
Xu Hexian crossed his arms, a rare flicker of anger blazed in his eyes, "I'm not surprised. It seems like your bad character has been exposed. Don't you have anything to say to poor Qun Tao?"
"What is there to say?" Mu Dong spat, "That bitch is dead anyway!"
If Xu Hexian was standing any closer, he would have definitely stepped forward and given the man a good punch in the face.
Liu Sumeng veered his attention to the trembling old woman, "You," his voice was still cold, "forced your own daughter out of the house when she refused to sell her body."
The old woman paled, "I have three sons and two daughters aside from her!" She cried, "That girl could not get married because of the things said about her in the village. And she couldn't make an earning for herself either! What choice did I have?"
"That's right!" Mu Dong backed her up readily, "Plus it wasn't just me who witnessed her bitch personality! There was that poor shoe-maker, Li Fang too, wasn't there?"
It was then that Huamian-jun strode out from the side streets. His arms held behind his back, but the playful smile usually found upon his face was replaced with a grim one. "Yes, there was Li Fang who picked Qun Tao off the streets and pampered her with kindness as a front. But when she refused to sleep with him, do you want to know what he did to her?"
No one said a word, so Liu Suye kept speaking, "Well let me tell you then. He cut up her face. And then her throat so she could not cry. And then he forced himself upon her and strangled her in the throes of passion. Do you think him innocent still?" He grinned full of teeth.
"..."
Not a single word was uttered. The old woman was still grumbling complaints and Mu Dong's face was suitably white. But the rest of the crowd hung their heads in shame. Of course, they had no idea about the injustice done to the poor girl.
"It was only Qun Tao's pride and kindness that saved you fools from karmic revenge." Liu Suye said calmly. Truly, it was a miracle that she didn't return to this place and tear it to the ground. In the end, Qun Tao was a very kind-hearted girl. "Off you go and reflect on your actions," he scolded.
Xu Hexian frowned and sighed, the air feeling oddly light, like something once there had left. He wondered if Qun Tao would be able to rest easier now with her wrongdoer's deeds revealed? He admired her strength and he pitied her misfortune. A stray tear tumbled down his cheek and for a moment, Xu Hexian thought that it had begun to rain.
But it was winter and the only thing that descended the skies were white flurries, with spring yet far.
A hand came down upon his shoulder and he caught sight of Liu Suye's smile, "You did well, A-Cai."
Xu Hexian blinked. "Ah-" And he stood, caught in his own stupor. But the thought suddenly hit him and he was struck with an acute reminder!
This entire ordeal was thrust upon…wasn't it all because of this guy!? In a brazen act of retaliation, he kicked Huamian-jun's leg.
"O-ow!" Liu Suye stumbled and held up his bruised leg like an injured dog, "What was that for…!?"
Xu Hexian glared, "You deserved that." And then turned around huffing and walked off.
Liu Suye stared, stupefied. He then looked to his younger brother, "Do you think it's late puberty?"
Liu Sumeng appeared as indifferent as always, "No. You deserved that."
Later that evening the three friends found themselves in an inn. The owner was sweating at his stock of alcohol but he couldn't complain about the business the Liu Brothers brought either. However the person who drank the most was not Liu Sumeng nor Liu Suye.
Instead, it was Xu Hexian, who had his arms slung over two villagers whose names Liu Sumeng had long forgotten, singing an old love song loudly and out of tune.
"Should we stop him?" Liu Suye laughed. They usually did but this time Liu Sumeng shook his head.
"It's fine." There was nothing wrong with letting loose once in a while. After all, they wouldn't have the opportunity often anymore in the future, one that could be enjoyed without the oppressive tension and anxiety of battle and war.
"You've changed." Liu Suye remarked out of the blue. Liu Sumeng looked across the table. His older brother smirked and poured them both another glass.
"…" Liu Sumeng eagerly accepted. But he didn't really know what to say. Had he changed? If so, he didn't notice.
"I feel like you're…hm. Grown up."
Liu Sumeng glared. He'd been an adult for years.
Huamian-jun laughed, "Don't look at me like that!" And raised his bowl for a toast to placate his little brother. "You've been a lot more thoughtful lately. Perhaps it's love that changed this little brother of mine." Eyebrows wiggled suggestively.
Liu Sumeng almost choked on his drink. What the heck was his brother talking about?
Seeing his brother's silence, the older of the two grinned and continued, "You're so much more vocal lately. And heroic. They say that a woman changes a man for the better, who knew it to be true?"
"..." Liu Sumeng, normally quiet, had so many things he wanted to say he didn't even know where to begin. "Xiongzhang."
"Hm?"
"If this were true, what of your own personality?"
"What are you talking about? I have no woman of my own."
"No. You have many women."
"...Ahahahahaha… Just what is this little brother of mine even saying…?"
…Maybe he should hit Liu Suye. It felt appropriate in that instant. Liu Suye, who felt the ominous pressure, laughed nervously and poured more wine. In the end, Liu Sumeng found himself easily placated.
There had been a lot of his mind lately. "Xiongzhang."
"...Hm?" Liu Suye was smiling awkwardly at him and reached for the wine even though both their bowls were still half full. Liu Sumeng resisted the urge to scold his older brother.
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"Marriage."
"..." There was silence at first, Liu Suye took his sweet time topping up their bowls. "I haven't really thought about it."
"Why not? Are you going to continue playing around?"
"Who do you think I am!" He laughed, faced tinged red, "Do you think I'm no better than Shizun? I like to think I have more honor than that."
"Those are low standards."
Liu Suye coughed, "Okay, maybe. You got me A-Chao. I'm rotten to the core, just like him."
Liu Sumeng found this hard to believe, "You're lying." He poured them both more wine.
At this point, Liu Suye was already feeling the burn of alcohol crawling up his throat and seeping into his mind. His laughter was losing its elegance and resembling more to a barking seagull, "I want to retire first, then live off a farm with my future wife. How does that sound?"
"Boring."
"Ouch."
"But not bad.
The alcohol was really getting to him now because Liu Suye thought he was hearing things. But before he could open his mouth and blurt out something stupid, a staggering Xu Hexian made his way over and slung both his arms around the two Liu brothers.
"I want to marry a celestial beauty!" He hiccuped loudly, "It's not fair!" All his words came out like a slur and Huo Tang was there slapping his cheek with her wing.
"Silence, you fool of a boy! Didn't I already tell you? I will surely find a beauty for you, just leave it to this Dajie of yours!"
"Pfft."
And there it was again, Liu Suye hallucinating. This time there was an illusion of Liu Sumeng sitting in front of him, laughing at Xu Hexian and the little bird, Huo Tang. He was reminded of a cute baby boy that used to cling to his leg with snot dribbling down his nose and smiled only when surrounded by kittens and puppies.
Liu Suye blinked and decided it was all thanks to the mysterious blessings of New Years' magic.