Chương 42: Imperial Magistrate Yue Zhenli (Part I)

Watching Monk Shui Di leave, Lucian glanced at the sleeping Wang Chen and at worried Bai Xiaomeng. After a while, he said, "You don't seem too surprised by the monk's appearance. It's almost like you saw one before." Lucian felt there was something weird about the encounter. His mind had throbbed throughout the entire exchange, and he had wanted nothing more than for Shui Di to begone. This kind of reaction was unusual for him. It wasn't fear, he thought. It was a sense of wrongness. I can't put my hand on it, yet.

Even after the monk left his field of vision, Lucian was not certain Shui Di would not appear out of nowhere. After all, the man moved without making a sound. Besides, the worst part was that he could end up meeting others like him. In Xu Hua's memories, Lucian had seen paintings of monks from the Endless Desert. Though they wore glass ornaments and Shui Di carried a simple wooden plaque, they were all bald monks who claimed to help others.

"It's not like that, Grand Cultivator," Bai Xiaomeng said, caressing Wang Chen. She didn't turn to look at Lucian, despite talking to him.

"The Wang Clan came from the Endless Desert. Lady Wang used to tell us stories about the Everlasting Sun Monastery. She was Young Master's mother." Bai Xiaomeng flinched slightly after speaking, as if the memories of the Wang Clan's downfall hurt her deeply. Glancing at her, Lucian thought, Everlasting Sun Monastery? Xu Hua had learned about monks from there. But is Shui Di from the same origin? Unlikely. He seems to be from another region.

Among the vast amount of memories he had stolen from Xu Hua, one of the most valuable, second to cultivation knowledge, was the Resonant Sea Ancestor's teaching about this world's Four Regions. Every sect teaches its disciples about the Four Regions and the major powers that rule them, Lucian recalled. But the insight of a Nascent Soul cultivator went far beyond that. She had not taught him merely to avoid offending powerful factions, but to broaden his understanding of the world.

Within Xu Hua's previously sealed memories, certain pieces of information stood out. Most people believe that each region is ruled by a few sects, and that within the Golden Peng Empire, the Vast Sky Sect and the Whispering Banyan Sect are the dominant forces, Lucian thought, recalling the information. In truth, the Golden Peng Empire is controlled by the secluded Ancient Golden Clan. The other two sects don't care about the common people.

In the other regions, the Great Sea, the Endless Desert, and the Forbidden Lands, each has two dominant sects: one orthodox and righteous, and one demonic and unorthodox. His gaze sharpened as his thoughts were carried away by his curiosity about this world, throwing Shui Di's previous appearance to the back of his mind. Demonic Cultivators from other regions would occasionally appear within the Golden Peng Empire, often fleeing persecution from the major sects.

Those who refused to join the Demonic Sects were hunted by powerhouses from their region to either submit or die. Smacking his lips, he massaged his temple. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it. The reason Bai Xiaomeng fears mentioning the Everlasting Sun Monastery in front of me is that they are a righteous sect known for exterminating demonic cultivators without mercy, he thought. A monk appearing here may have caused her inner struggles.

She did not know if she should side with me or not. Lucian frowned as his thoughts drifted once more. Wait. Why was I thinking so much about the Four Regions? Not remembering what started this train of thought, he looked at Bai Xiaomeng.

"I can assume his mother taught him to call others benefactors," Lucian said, pointing at Wang Chen, the word carrying a faint sense of disgust on his tongue.

"He calls me that, at least." Bai Xiaomeng nodded meekly, caressing Wang Chen's arm.

"Yes. Grand Cultivator saved Young Master's life. Lady Wang always taught that those who lend a helping hand in times of need deserve the utmost respect." Lucian hummed in acknowledgment. Then, he wiped the sword clean against his clothes and moved toward the door.

"I will wash myself outside. Call me when Wang Chen wakes." Just as he was about to leave, Lucian was startled by a sudden thud behind him. Turning around with a questioning gaze, he saw Bai Xiaomeng kowtowing.

"I beg mercy, Grand Cultivator," Bai Xiaomeng said, her head lowered.

"Please, please, do not hurt Young Master Wang, he—""Stand up when you speak to me," Lucian interrupted.

"If you have something to ask, look me in the eyes while doing so." He knew she was following the customs of this place, lowering herself to acknowledge his superior status. However, Lucian was beginning to dislike such actions coming from her. She's still a blood bag, he thought. But she is also a potential servant.

Others might have preferred to keep their servants beneath them, but Lucian had learned through experience that mistreating valuable people who followed commands willingly inevitably brought major issues. Deadly ones, in fact. Noticing Bai Xiaomeng's reluctance to stand, he turned and began to walk away.

"Wait, Grand Cultivator Lu Xian!" Hearing her shout his fake name, he stopped and turned back once more. Bai Xiaomeng stared at him, her fists clenched as she stood up and met his gaze. She was trembling like a leaf.

"I know you hurt Young Master Wang," she said.

"Believe me, we will obey you and serve you however we can! Just please don't hurt us. If something happens to Young Master Wang, I... I would rather die as well!"

"You respect this man way more than he deserves," Lucian said, his eyes glinting with morbid curiosity.

"I can't believe you would choose death over a life without him."

"I was born into the Bai Clan. I should die with the Bai Clan," she said, as if the words were carved into her soul.

"As long as I can serve Young Master Wang, even if he carries a different name, even if his behavior changes, and even if he dislikes me, I can live happily!" Staring into her clear eyes, Lucian smirked.

"You are talking about happiness when you're afraid all the time. You aren't happy even in your dreams, unable to have a peaceful night, tormented by nightmares. You are naive. Too naive." Bai Xiaomeng let out a soft, self-mocking chuckle.

"What's the problem with being naive? I am alive! Maybe I'm weak and easily frightened, but yes, I'm happy. I can eat, sleep, and carry out my tasks, putting to use the skills I learned throughout my life. Talking with Young Master, bickering here and there. That is good enough! I enjoy the small things during my day, so yes, I'm happy!" For a brief moment, Bai Xiaomeng's figure overlapped with that of a blonde woman in Lucian's eyes. The power and certainty behind her words weren't something Lucian had expected.

"I see. You enjoy the little things," Lucian muttered to himself. Then, he gave a small nod.

"I will not lay a finger on that one unless doing so serves his interests too. At least, for now." Without another word, Lucian stepped out of the house. His head was plagued with many thoughts, and he completely put the previous event out of his mind. It was as if his powerful soul was helping him avoid a weird and dangerous situation. Even without grasping what was happening, he felt deeply annoyed.