Chapter 19 - Chapter no.19 Meeting Kunlan

As my gaze fell upon Chun Jiao and Lee Min, who were standing a few feet away from me, I couldn't help but notice the soft glow of candlelight casting warm, flickering shadows on the polished wooden walls of the room.
"A few kids decided to group themselves," Chun Jiao said, her voice resonating through the room, accompanied by the subtle creak of the floorboards under our feet.
I raised an eyebrow, curious as to what she meant. I noticed her attire, a flowing black robe embroidered with intricate silver patterns, accentuating her elegant figure. "Let me guess, those who sensed spiritual Qi either banded together into a faction or the more arrogant ones decided to make their factions," I replied, my words ringing out in the stillness of the room.
Chun Jiao and Lee Min exchanged surprised glances, and I could tell that I had hit the nail on the head. "You are quite smart," Chun Jiao complimented, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"And handsome," I added with a chuckle, causing Lee Min to blush.
But deep down, I was wondering what Chun Jiao's agenda was in coming here.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice serious.
"Xie Dongyi," Chun Jiao said calmly, her words seemingly clicking in my mind like the tumblers of a lock falling into place.
It was clear that she was abandoning her lap dog because of his spiritual root trash.
"And why would I do that? Am I going to get one of you for this?" I asked with a chuckle, causing Lee Min to look away in embarrassment.
Chun Jiao's expression turned sultry, a blush on her face as she grabbed my collar and forcefully kissed me. The sound of her lips pressed against mine reverberated throughout the cavern. Lee Min covered her mouth in shock as Chun Jiao tried to push her tongue inside my mouth, but my lips remained sealed.
Chun Jiao pulled away and asked, "I need your strength, join me and I can be yours."
With a chuckle, I leaned forward with my hand on Chun Jiao's face, which was now flushed with anticipation. "So, did you promise Xie Dongyi the same thing when he was with you inside prison?" I asked as my thumb moved across Chun Jiao's pretty face, causing a scar to form as she bled.
"No," Chun Jiao answered as she grabbed my hand and tried to move it away as she felt the scar's searing pain, but I wasn't budging.
"Oh really, then why did that Xie Dongyi follow you like a dog?"
"He is obsessed with me, thinks I am his lover. Clearly, when my heart beats for another," Chun Jiao said with a blush that was faker than my will to continue this convention.
"Oh, really then can I have both of you if I join?" I asked as Chun Jiao answered before Lee Min could even process my words.
"Of course," Chun Jiao said as I saw Lee Min cringe.
I leaned forward towards Chun Jiao and asked, "So, will you also throw me away when you find someone stronger?"
"Of course not," Chun Jiao exclaimed, though I could see through her dishonesty.
"Not interested."
"But I am currently the leader of the biggest faction," she snarled, her words ringing out in the room, her tone like ice.
As I contemplated the situation, I understood that although these factions had formed, Chun Jiao required someone powerful to maintain her status quo as the "strongest faction" among them.
Chu Jiao's desire for control and dominance had driven her to seek out potential allies, and her pursuit of power left her wanting more. It became apparent that she had come to me, hoping to utilize my strength to solidify her position in this intricate web of alliances and rivalries.
"Oh, congratulations on winning the dick-measuring competition even though you don't have one," I retorted, my words dripping with sarcasm.
Chun Jiao snarled at me before turning on her heel and stormed out of the cave, her black robes rustling as she moved like the wind of a brewing storm. I watched as she disappeared into the dimly lit hallway, my mind racing with thoughts.
I had long realized that being isolated for a long time in the dark would cause someone to lose their mind, and even with the luxury of our current life, it didn't mean that everything was fine. These factions would break down in the near future when the great cleansing, or whatever Alexander had called it, would begin. I didn't want to mix with people who would be my enemies in the future.
I looked at Lee Min, who was still standing there, looking at me and the retreating back of Chun Jiao alternately.
Her eyes were filled with confusion and conflict, as if she was struggling to choose between loyalty and reason.
"You might want to leave that egotistical bitch," I said, my voice barely a whisper, but still cutting through the silence like a knife.
Lee Min hesitated for a moment, as if considering my words. With a deep breath, she turned and followed the path Chun Jiao had taken moments before. The sound of her footsteps faded away, leaving me alone in the room once more.
I immediately closed the door behind her and collapsed onto my bed, which was nothing more than a simple straw pallet on the floor. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but despite the chaos, one thing was certain – I had made a powerful enemy in Chun Jiao.
Currently I was much much stronger than her.
Should I kill her ?
A thought flashed through my mind.
.....
I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down on me. The room was dimly lit, the flickering light from a single oil lamp hanging from the ceiling casting a soft yellow glow. The walls were painted a pale white, adorned with a few worn tapestries depicting scenes from forgotten legends. The floor was covered in a once-elegant but now threadbare brown carpet, the intricate patterns all but vanished with time. A large window on the far wall allowed a stream of sunlight to filter through, casting a warm glow on the room. The air was musty and still, but the room had a quiet, almost comforting ambiance.
I closed my eyes, trying to clear my mind and relax. But just as I was about to drift off, I felt something soft against my hand. "Hmmm," I heard a gurgling moan, causing my eyes to snap open.
To my surprise, I saw a large rat-like creature with a conical mask on its face, held together by red ropes that were decorated with more masks. The creature was sitting on my bed, its beady eyes staring up at me with a curious expression.
"Hmm, your touch feels nice, but at least buy me coffee first," the creature said, its voice deep and guttural, yet somehow playful.
I sat up, my eyes wide with shock and confusion. "What the hell?!" I exclaimed, staring at the creature in disbelief.
....
The dimly lit room was filled with an eerie silence as I stood before the massive figure of Kunlan. He was a being unlike any I had ever seen before. He was covered in thick, shaggy fur, the color of which reminded me of a pristine snowfall. His eyes were large and almond-shaped, and they seemed to glow with an inner fire, casting an otherworldly aura. He stood at least a foot taller than me, and his massive frame was imposing and intimidating, causing the room to feel even smaller than it already was.
"So let me get this straight," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "You want me to repay Alexander's debt to you."
Kunlan let out a deep sigh, the sound echoing through the room like a mournful howl. "Yes."
"Why?" I asked, confused.
"Why are you humans so slow?" Kunlan said in a tone that suggested he was growing impatient with me.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of fear rising in my chest. From his tone and appearance, it was clear to me that Kunlan was not human.
"Bravo, looks like we have a genius among us," Kunlan said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
I didn't respond, instead, I stood there in silence, trying to take in everything that was happening.
"Out of curiosity, what did you think I was?" Kunlan asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"I don't know, a pervert who's wearing a fur suit and thinks he's some hot shit," I said, my fear causing me to speak without thinking.
Kunlan's fur spiked up as saliva began to drip down from his conical mask. "That is mean and very specific," he said before pinching my face cheek.
I felt a little sting, and I exclaimed, "Ok, I get it. I am sorry."
"Awe but I was just playing," Kunlan said with a chuckle.
"You hurt me in my most vulnerable spot," I said with a tear in my eye.
"Now I know you are doing this intentionally," Kunlan said, and we both chuckled at that.
I took a deep breath and asked, "So what happens when I don't pay back the debt?"
Kunlan's fur spiked up again as he pointed at Alexander's amulet, "The amulet and everything relating to Alexander—I take it back."
I gulped, "How do I pay back the debt?"
"10 Chrysotiles," Kunlan exclaimed, causing me to frown.
"What the hell is a Chrysotile?" I thought to myself.
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[ Author Note: Chrysotiles ]
[ Category: Spiritual Crystals ]
[ Description:
Chrysotiles are rare, precious crystals known for their incredible spiritual energy content. They exhibit a stunning array of colors, with iridescent hues that seem to change as they catch the light. Chrysotiles are highly sought after by spiritual practitioners and cultivators for their ability to enhance spiritual power and accelerate cultivation.]
[ Formation:
Chrysotiles are formed deep within the Earth, in unique locations known as spiritual veins. These veins are special conduits where the physical world and the astral world intersect, allowing for the flow of spiritual energy between the two realms. Over millennia, the constant stream of spiritual energy flowing through these veins crystallizes and condenses, eventually forming Chrysotiles.]
[ Properties ]
•Contains a tremendous amount of spiritual energy.
•Can enhance spiritual power and cultivation when used properly.
•Highly valued and sought after by Specters and cultivators.
[ Locations: ]
[ Chrysotiles can only be found in the most treacherous and remote places on Earth, where spiritual veins are present. These locations are often guarded by formidable creatures or protected by powerful natural barriers, making the acquisition of Chrysotiles a dangerous and challenging endeavor.]
[ Rarity: ]
Due to their unique formation process and the perilous nature of their locations, Chrysotiles are extremely rare and difficult to obtain. Their scarcity only serves to increase their value and desirability among those who seek to harness their extraordinary properties.]