Why is this place so big?
I've been walking for 15 minutes, yet there's no library in sight.
''Surely, there is a library somewhere... right?''
Sigh... I really do regret not asking for directions earlier.
Yeah, it would ruin the mood. But at this point, I'd say it's worth it.
And how come everyone avoids me?
Just what did the previous owner of this body do?
I tried to ask for directions multiple times, yet everyone just runs away.
A faint ''Ha!'' cuts through the stillness, muffled by the walls.
Hmm? What was that?
Might as well check it out.
The closer I get, the clearer the origin becomes.
A satisfied smile forms on my lips.
Not a library, but even better.
Martial hall.
There should be some techniques in here, surely.
I just wish they don't react like others did...
I press my palm against the heavy, reinforced wooden door.
''Oh fuc-''
BOOOM!
My strength. I'm not used to it.
The doors slam open with a loud crash, nearly tearing from their hinges.
I should be glad it was a door, not a person...
Anyways, why is it so quiet?
So quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Every head turns toward me.
Over dozens of eyes lock on mine.
...Well, this is awkward.
I just wanted a manual. Now what...
I don't want to waste time, better find the person in charge.
My eyes sweep the room, trying to find the instructor.
Where the hell is he? Elegance be damned...
''Exc-''
[You've gained 2 points of Fear.]
''...?''
I just raised my hand, trying to get the instructor's attention...
Why the notification?
Why the flinch?
Perhaps due to my enhanced body cultivation, a few whispers slip into my ear.
''Execute? He came to execute someone!''
''No way… that door weighs a ton…''
Execute my ass! Excuse!
Yes, I accidentally slammed the door open, but isn't this a bit much?
Everyone in the mansion has been avoiding me, but there's no way that maid spilled the beans already.
Even if she did, there's no way everyone would know!
Even rumors need time to spread!
What's wrong with you all? I just want a book.
''Umm... Y-young Master...''
Hmm? A somewhat masculine, yet meek voice reaches out to me from the side.
Don't tell me...
An instructor! Yes! Muscular build, shaved head, different clothes — he has to be the instructor.
He seems a little bit meek, but no one is perfect, I guess.
I turn my attention to him, my smile polite.
''Greetings, would you happen to be the instructor here?''
I ask, my tone playful and my smile professional. No theatrics this time. Give me my book.
''He just challenged the instructor to a fight!''
''Just look at his expression... Something is not right with him...''
''???''
HUH? I did not!
And you, buddy... I will remember that...
''Y-young Master... W-what realm of cultivation have you r-reached?''
Why are you stuttering like a girl in love, Mr. Instructor?
''I'm in late stages of Qi Gathering. Why do you ask?''
I should remain polite. There's no reason to make things worse.
Worst case scenario, I won't get access to manuals...
That would be a big setback.
Losing a few Fear points is fine.
Perhaps he did not like my answer, because his eyes nearly rolled out of their sockets.
''N-no way...! It has to be higher than that...! I mean, still a very impressive feat, it's just...''
Don't just stop in the middle of the sentence... I'm getting annoyed, calm down, me.
''Please, speak freely.''
Gulp.
''Young Master, why are you walking around like that?''
I tilt my head to the side.
How do you say so much, yet also nothing at the same time?
''Please elaborate.''
My smile stiffens, but still remains polite.
He takes a deep breath, seemingly trying to recover his composure.
''Hooo''
''Young Master, your Qi... ref- ... Please, refrain from releasing it so freely. Honestly, it's terrifying.''
''That Qi... It's certainly not Qi of someone who is in Qi Gathering stage...''
[System Notice: Host is encouraged to suppress his Qi. The nature of Host's Qi is different from the norm. Its innate characteristics are to arouse uneasiness, intimidation, and dread.]
You could have told me sooner... But.
...Now that sounds like fun.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Tremor Initiate - Late Stage ▸ Qi Gathering Stage 10 ▸ +]
[Fear Points: 11]
Authors note: If you're enjoying the novel so far, please add it to your collections! Every single one goes a long way. Honest review will be even better! Gravemind is peacing out~