Chapter 114

  Fading Traces (VI)

  Rumors abound as soon as the gash in the sky closed up, and I learned within seconds who the likely 'culprit' behind it is: the town's chief, the titular Raging Bull.

  Huh.

  I guess I finally reached the stage where people are referred to by their nicknames that they've earned through blood, sweat, and tears over their names. Sounds kind of fun. I wonder what my nickname will be?

  The Godly Sword?

  Divine Teacher?

  Heavenly Badass?

  ... Okay, maybe I should let others give me a nickname.

  Regardless, I stayed for a little while after, pondering on a rather... grave matter, you could say. While the Spirit Sage, may his soul rest (or not? probably not), could cut through space and appear places as though from nowhere, I don't think he could quite literally just send a massive arm out and pluck somebody with such ease.

  Which means that the Raging Bull is likely stronger than Spirit Sage.

  Which begs the question: how the hell did that happen?

  Weren't sects hegemons of the area? Weren't sect masters the strongest cultivators around? Why do I feel like the rules of the world are being broken a bit too fast here?

  Hey, system, got anything to add?

  ...

  Yeah, thought so.

  Though it's not like I want a sassy system that talks back and calls me names, sometimes a personal touch of sarcasm interspersed with a bit of truth would be, you know, kind of nice.

  Anyway, I beelined straight home soon after, finding all the kids gathered, appearing equally shocked. Even Long Tao seemed a bit disturbed.

  ... no, wait. That kid's never disturbed. Did I severely underestimate the owner of that arm?!

  "Master, you are alright!" Dai Xiu exclaimed when she saw me appear.

  "Of course I'm alright," I reassured.

  "What was that arm?" Xi Zhao asked.

  "The town's chief, supposedly," I replied. "He caught a murderer as he was trying to run away." I explained, recounting the events.

  "Whoa! That means that the chief is super strong!"

  "He may be, but he's not stronger than Master!" Dai Xiu protested.

  "Of course not," hey. "Master is the strongest!" Xi Zhao agreed.

  ... I, I don't know what to say, honestly. Even Light snickered, and Long Tao just about outright laughed.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "Senior Brother, why are you laughing?! Just because you're stronger than us doesn't mean we won't fight you!"

  "That's right, that's right! Don't disrespect the Master!"

  "Ah~ no, no, I never would," Long Tao calmed down. I seldom saw him laugh that way... which was a good sign, right? It meant that his cold heart was being thawed and opened up to the beauty of life--hey, why does this sound like the plot of a bad rom-com?! "No, Master is the strongest, no doubt."

  "Humph, that's right!"

  "Yes, yes!"

  Okay, I'll need to fix those two inane cheerleaders before they say this kind of crap in front of someone on the outside and they actually decide to take them up on it!

  "Stay inside for the next couple of days," I warned as they dispersed. Well, everyone except Long Tao.

  "... so, the strongest one, what's your plan for dealing with that guy?" Long Tao asked with a sneer.

  "Why would we deal with him?" I asked. "The further away we stay from that guy, the better."

  "Hm. Somehow, I get this feeling it won't be that simple."

  "... the next time you have one of your feelings, please, keep it to yourself."

  "Why? You don't like being in the know?"

  "That's just what the anxiety-addled say to justify their misery. Ignorance is bliss, as it goes."

  "Ignorance is bliss," he mumbled. "That's clever." Thanks. Not that I can take the credit... "In this case, however, I don't think it is. Master," his voice suddenly turned serious as he stood up. "Please, find a way to deal with him. My father's secret means can only cover up for you and me."

  Alright.

  That's new.

  And extremely worrying.

  I sat alone in silence, a frown etched on my face, no doubt. Did I have a way to deal with the arm? Kind of, I guess. But it's extremely risky and full of uncertainties. I'd still much rather not involve myself with him, but if Long Tao says it's practically inevitable...

  A few knocks on the door roused me from my thoughts as I walked up and opened it. Outside, Madame Lu stood, her face an expression of worry that dissipated when she saw me answer.

  "Madam Lu...?"

  "Forgive me for showing up late, Mister Lu," she replied, smiling. "I'd just been informed of the... accident in town today, so I wanted to see whether you and the kids were alright."

  "Ah, how kind! No, we are quite alright," I said. "Please, come in."

  "Alright," surprisingly, she actually took me up on the offer.

  ... hmm? Wait, no--it's not surprising! The bait must have worked!

  I already told Light to 'hang around' where we knew Madame Lu lived and, ever so faintly, release the bursts of Demonic Qi to draw her attention. From the looks of it... it had worked. That was probably why she ran all the way here to see whether we were alright, as she was fearful Light may have been discovered.

  "Would you like anything to drink or eat?"

  "Just the water is fine."

  "Please, have a seat," I said as I went to a nearby barrel and poured two cups of water. Our voices must have been heard, as the doors to the kids' room opened and Light waltzed out.

  "Are we entertaining?" Wow. She's... such a good actor! All my kids are! Damn. Forget merchants; maybe we should become swindlers?

  ... yikes. Just... yikes.

  "Ah, yes, it's Madame Lu. She's come to check up on us," I said. "Madame, this is my youngest, Lei."

  "She's rather adorable," the old woman said, her gaze scrutinizing Light deeply as the latter sat down with us.

  "Takes after my late wife, fortunately," I laughed, setting the cups and sitting down as well.

  "Is that so?" She took a sip of water, turning her gaze on me. I smiled, feeling ever a bit anxious. "Haah. I'm rather old, Mister Lu, and tired of these childish games. I am here. Can we dispense with the shallow pleasantries that do either of us no good and move on to what you want from me?"

  "What do you mean?" I still played dumb, causing her to scoff.

  "I don't know how you recognized me," she said. "But I've long since left the cult. No... rather, the cult has long since left me. I cannot provide you with a sanctuary or resources, nor do I want to."

  "... I'm not interested in either of those." I said.

  "Then why did you use this poor child to drag me here?" she spat out. "And risk exposing herself to townsfolk? Do you think they would have spared her on account of her youth and ignorance? No, they would have nailed her to a stake and set her on fire for the entire town to watch her burn, all while they cheered."

  Her tone and words may be harsh... but isn't she actually being nice? I... certainly didn't expect that.

  "Very well," I said. "I'm not the girl's father. And, you're right, I did use her to draw you here. Not because I wanted your resources or sanctuary--but rather, your knowledge."

  "My knowledge?"

  "This girl's name is Light," I said. "She's the former Demon God's daughter and his direct and only Inheritor."

  "W-WHAT?!"