Chapter 7: The Tree Demon
In a dimly lit room with vines hanging from the walls and ceilings, the air was thick with an eerie atmosphere. This was no ordinary room, but a prison cell, where the old man, formerly the tree demon, stood massaging a purple-haired boy lying on a stone slab. The boy, Ryujin, lay on his back, his eyes closed, as the old man worked out the kinks in his muscles.
(Crak..... Crak.... Snap... Crak)
The cracking noise echoed through the room, like bones snapping into place. The old man continued his story, his voice low and soothing, as he used his vines to massage Ryujin's back.
"I was once the locust tree in my story, planted by a young boy named Zhang Heng. Unfortunately, the spot where he planted me was also the resting place of a high-level magic weapon, buried deep beneath the earth. The energy emanating from the sword nurtured me, allowing me to grow and flourish at an alarming rate."
(Snap.... Crak...snap)
Ryujin's eyes fluttered open, and he spoke in a relaxed tone, "Let me guess, the magical sword nurtured you, and you gained life and nourishment from it. That's why you were able to grow and transform into a demon, all thanks to the magical sword, right?"
The old man nodded, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "Yes, Master. This little demon was planted in the same ground where the wood attribute magic sword was buried. I was nurtured day and night by its power, gradually gaining a physical body. The sword's energy coursed through my veins, granting me strength and vitality."
Ryujin's gaze turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing. "And what level is this magic weapon? It must be at least Mysterious Ranked to have such powers. I've heard of magic swords, but I've never seen one in person. The idea of a sword imbued with spiritual energy is fascinating."
The old man's face contorted in pain, his nose broken, and blood dripping from his lips. "Master has a good eye. The magic sword is known as the Wood King Sword, a high-level Earth Ranked sword. However, it was damaged and lost its spirituality over time, dropping to the Mysterious Rank. Despite its diminished power, the sword remains a formidable artifact."
Ryujin sat up, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Let me guess, not only did its rank drop due to damage, but I'm afraid you might have absorbed its spirituality during your transformation, am I right? That would explain why you're so powerful, despite being a demon."
The old man nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "You have good eyesight, Master. Indeed, I absorbed the sword's spirituality, which granted me immense power and strength. However, this power comes at a cost, and I am forever bound to the sword's will."
Ryujin stood up, his movements fluid, and began dressing. "Alright, stop flattering me. Where's the Wood King Sword? I need to see it for myself, to understand its true power and significance."
The old man's expression turned solemn, his eyes clouding over. "The sword is hidden, Master. Its location is unknown, even to me. But I sense that you will find it, eventually. The sword's power calls to you, and you will be drawn to it, like a moth to flame."
The old man's smirk grew wider as he continued, "When the Demon Dispel Bureau came after me, I knew I couldn't defeat them. So, I hid the Wood King Sword in a secret place, where only I could find it." Ryujin's patience wore thin, and he suddenly pounced on the old man, pinning his head down with his palm.
"I hate it when people beat around the bush," Ryujin growled, his grip on the old man's robe collar tightening. "Get straight to the point! You're wasting my time with your unnecessary details."
The old man panicked, his voice trembling. "I-I'm sorry, Master! The Wood King Sword is hidden at the Shenshan Temple underground, behind the Zhang family village in Jixian County. It's a treacherous path, Master, filled with deadly traps and illusions. You'll need to be cautious."
Ryujin's expression softened slightly, satisfied with the answer. He released the old man and headed for the door. "I'll visit another cell. I'll see you tomorrow. Don't think about trying to escape; the chains and talismans will ensure you remain here."
As Ryujin locked the cell door and replaced the talismans and chains, the old man called out, "Yes, Master! Have a safe journey! May the gods watch over you!" Ryujin's unpleasant expression returned as he walked down the hallway, the flickering torches casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"Damn that talkative tree demon," Ryujin thought, "wasting my precious time. Now it's almost dawn, and I won't have enough time to visit a new cell before my shift ends. I hope the little dead charmer is doing well; I need to check on her soon."
Ryujin's thoughts drifted to the little dead charmer, and a hint of curiosity sparked within him. "It's been a day since I last saw her. I wonder how she's doing with those dances and poses. Is she still as captivating as I remembered?"
As Ryujin approached another prison cell, adorned with chains and talismans, he retrieved his keys and unlocked the chains. He pushed the door halfway open and stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light within.
"Little dead charmer," Ryujin called out, his voice echoing through the cell, the sound waves bouncing off the cold, damp walls. He saw her sitting alone in the middle of the room, her eyes fixed intently on him, awaiting his instructions.
"I want you to change into a mature lady for me," Ryujin instructed, his gaze intense, his eyes burning with anticipation. "Put on a courtesan's costume, one that showcases your beauty and elegance. Wear a red veil to cover your face, and let your hair flow like a river of night." Ryujin's voice was low and husky, filled with desire.
The little dead charmer nodded, folding her hands together in a gesture of obedience. Her cheeks flushed red as she replied, "Yes, Master." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it sent shivers down Ryujin's spine.
A pink mist enveloped her body, and she transformed into a stunning, mature woman. Her new form was captivating, with curves in all the right places. Her skin glowed with a soft, ethereal light, and her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the dim light of the cell.
"Master, are you satisfied with my appearance?" she asked, her cheeks burning with a fierce blush. She struck a seductive pose, placing her hands on her hips and bending slightly. Her short gown rode up, revealing her thighs, which were clad in long black socks that reached up to her upper thighs. A pink ribbon tied up her hair, completing the alluring ensemble.
Ryujin's eyes widened in appreciation, his gaze roaming over her body. "Good... good," he said, a smile spreading across his face. He even clapped his hands in approval, the sound echoing off the walls.
However, in a matter of seconds, Ryujin's expression changed. He looked around the cell, seemingly forgetting something important. His gaze shifted towards the door, and he turned to leave.
"I'll be right back," Ryujin said, his voice trailing off as he walked away. The little dead charmer watched him go, confusion etched on her face. What was Ryujin thinking? Why did he leave so suddenly?
The little dead charmer was confused, unsure of what to make of Ryujin's sudden change in behavior. But she knew she had to wait to find out what was going on. She stood patiently, her eyes fixed on the door, awaiting Ryujin's return.