Back in my room, I turn my attention back to the envelope.
Can't say I'm looking forward to it.
Whatever, let's get this over with.
I tear the flap open, the paper giving way with a hiss, as I reluctantly pull the contents out.
My eyes skim the first line… and my stomach knots.
[I hear you've awakened. Be in Yinfang City within a week.]
What? Your son nearly died and your first thought is to send him on a trip?
I don't have time for this...
Sigh, fine. Let's be optimistic. It's a good opportunity to get him on my side.
I read on, my eyebrows rising the further I go.
[I don't know how you survived, but whoever tried to kill you is still out there.]
[I've also heard that you've lost your memory.]
[If true, which I doubt, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about.]
[Regardless, you have 7 days. Arrive even a day late, and I will no longer protect you.]
Protect me, my ass.
Your son is already dead ... so much for your protection.
A family known for escorting nobility, yet they couldn't even keep their own son alive.
Whatever, that's the business of the previous owner.
''Status.''
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Tremor Initiate - Late Stage ▸ Qi Gathering Stage 10 ▸ +]
[Fear Points: 1]
With this much, I should be fine, right?
System said I should reach mid stage at minimum before venturing out.
So perhaps this invitation is a blessing in disguise. Only so much I can do in my room.
I'm getting tired of this room anyw-
''KYAAAAA!!!''
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
Oh...
Someone found Xiaoye.
1 point? After all that make-up?
Is it because the primary emotion is shock, not fear?
Well... I need more.
Don't hate me for this, it's necessary for my survival...
With that, I ease the door open, letting the hinges groan just enough to draw eyes.
No rush. No sudden movements. I step into the corridor as though I have all the time in the world, my gaze drifting lazily over the scene.
''Y-young Master! W-what happened to her?''
I let my eyes drift from the old maid to Xiaoye, then back again, as if the answer should be obvious.
''I wouldn't know~''
I say, a gentle smile resting on my face. My eyes, however, betray the gentleness.
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
''She was like this when I found her.''
Gulp...
The old maid's eyes dart between me and the limp figure on the floor.
''I said… I found her like this. Understand?''
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
I add, voice soft, almost playful, as though sharing a harmless secret.
The smile stays fixed on my lips, but my gaze lingers on her just a little too long.
Long enough for her to take a step back.
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
''Y-yes, Young Master. S-she was probably j-just tired.''
''Good...''
I whisper, letting the word stretch just enough to feel deliberate.
I take a slow step toward her, close enough for my shadow to reach her.
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
[The target is reaching critical levels of fear. Any more and there will be irreversible trauma.]
"You should rest well too… it would be a shame if you ended up like this as well."
[You've gained 2 points of Fear.]
[Note: The target has suffered permanent trauma.]
[When triggered, Host will be rewarded with Fear.]
Her lips tremble, and she nods rapidly without meeting my eyes.
''Great, health is the most important. You can go.''
The old maid gives Xiaoye an uncertain glance.
She quickly turns around, relief just starting to seep in —
''Wait.''
[You've gained 1 point of Fear.]
She stops in her tracks, sweat breaking instantly, a shiver running down her entire body.
''Take her with you.''
I say nonchalantly, as I turn around and make my way down the corridor.
That worked well, didn't it?
I didn't harm her, I didn't use Qi.
I just didn't clarify the misunderstanding.
One could even say I was gentle with it.
Anyhow, time to learn some martial arts.
Off to the lib-
''...''
Sigh, I should have asked her where the library is...
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Tremor Initiate - Late Stage ▸ Qi Gathering Stage 10 ▸ +]
[Fear Points: 9]
Authors note: Hey y'all! Gravemind here. By this point, you are perhaps wondering about the pacing. I skipped over the beginning phases without much happening. This was done on purpose, as i believe we've all seen and read many novels that had long, detailed beginnings. Not to say they are bad or wrong, but i do think they get old eventually. I have different plans for this novel, and the progression will slow down, and expand in a different way. I won't get into spoiler category, just wanted y'all to know that i'm aware that yes, it might be a bit weird taking this approach.
As always, please do leave a review for me where you share your honest thoughts. Thank you, and i'm peacing out~