Jinshen abruptly woke up in the library, his eyes snapping open as he jumped up, gasping for air, his body covered in sweat. His heart pounded in his ears like war drums
I'm.. Fine? He said as he took a few deep breaths, looking around the library, he was still on the floor.
The library was still the same, stone shelves and black marble floors but there was just one thing different.
The Demonic Qi, is.. Gone? He paused for a moment, pursing his lips in both relief and annoyance. I was scared for nothing.
Nanomachine's voice yelled out in his mind in a shriek of frustration and anger that could be described as annoying.
WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU TWERP??!!
It yelled out in a sharp and annoyed tone, almost causing an earthquake in Jinshen's mind
I was the one who saved your ass!! I analyzed the Demonic Qi and figured out how to absorb it into your Dantian!! Your at the Foundation Establishment stage because of me!! Say thank you ya little tsundere son of gun!!
Jinshen rubbed his ears in annoyance in a small attempt to muffle the yelling that didn't work at all as he slowly stood up from the ground, using the shelves as support as he took a deep breath
Fine.. Thank you. But what's a tsundere? He replied, his tone a blend of curiosity and reluctant gratefulness.
The Nanomachine huffed, muttering something about him being a terrible master. Jinshen didn't argue. He'd probably earned that one.
No one.. Just get the book and leave this damn stupid library before a damn perverted old elder of the Demonic Sect tries to take your body for himself... The Nanomachine said in a somewhat gloomy and annoying tone.
Jinshen just frowned at the thought, not wanting his body to be overtaken by anyone
Yeah.. I'll leave. Jinshen said as he searched for the cultivation book once more but it wasn't on the ground, instead it was now back in its original spot in the shelves.
This confused Jinshen who took the book once more, putting it inside of his robe's pocket
"That's strange. Who put it back...?" He mumbled under his breath as suddenly he heard someone clear their throat behind him.
The pressure increased, it felt like there was someone who had placed his blade on Jinshen's nape.
Huh? Why didn't I hear anyone approaching? He jumped up, instinctively readying for a fight but what he saw surprised him.
There was a very Old Man behind him, probably around his late nineties. He was wearing a simple black robe that fitted him quite loosely. He had short gray hair and his eyes were black, his height was also quite short, reaching Jinshen's chest. He had a small wise smile on his face, one that was welcoming.
"You're really prone to passing out child." The old man said in a warm teasing tone. "The Demonic Qi in this library, is just the will of the ancestors testing to see if your worthy, usually I just have to convince them, but you survived on your own huh? That's rare."
Jinshen looked at the man cautiously as he didn't respond immediately, while the Old Man seemed very wholesome he still part of the Demonic Sect and for some strange reason. He made the hair on the back of his head stand up.
"Ah.. Well, that might mean that I'm worthy?" Jinshen asked in a cold tone that had some curiosity mixed into it
The Old Man just shrugged casually as he walked past Jinshen, arranging some books that had fallen down from when Jinshen was trying to stop himself from falling down.
"Well, I think so or else you wouldn't have survived. But a rule of thumb in this library is to leave as soon as possible since there are a few female elders of the Sect that might find you attractive. And if rumors are true, they'll be with you in bed."
Jinshen's expression went deadpanned as he immediately nodded, walking towards the door as he gave the old man a small bow.
"Thank you for giving me the necessary information I need. I'm sorry for breaking things."
The Old Man just chuckled as he saw Jinshen leave, the library turning dark once more, black steam and smoke floating around.
A shadow stepped into view—silent, slow, deliberate. The figure was cloaked in a robe blacker than midnight, with crimson undertones flickering like dying embers when the jade's blue light hit it just right and on the heart, there was a waning blood red moon.
The man was wearing a smooth, expressionless crimson mask resembling a full moon with a faint, almost glowing, black crescent carved across one eye
Tattered at the edges, the robe drifted slightly, unnaturally, as though even gravity feared to hold it down. A high collar wrapped around the figure's neck, and thin obsidian bracers clung to their forearms like coiled snakes.
"Elder. That child should not have survived, the Demonic Qi rejected him." He spoke in a deep and authoritative tone but there was also something else. Fear of the Old Man in front of him.
The Old Man continued smiling as he once again shrugged, sitting down at his desk, steepling his fingers together as he spoke.
"Then his will to survive was greater than what we thought." He replied simply, his words concise and clear.
The man in the shadows nodded as he took a step back, his hand trembling as he didn't argue, placing his fist on the symbol of the moon on his chest.
"May glory bow to the Crimson God."
The Old Man did the same, placing his fist on his chest as he stood up
"May glory bow to the Crimson God." He repeated, his voice still kind and warm.
The man completely stepped into the shadows as he disappeared completely, the library going into near complete darkness except the blue jades on the ceiling, providing a source of light.
Jinshen was now out of the library, back on the gravel pathway as he looked around the Demonic Sect's base, the sun having started to dip down the horizon, painting the sky in a way that could only be described as beautiful. The cold winds of the mountain starting to whistle past Jinshen.
I wonder... How strong am I now. Jinshen thought to himself as he looked at the book he was holding. It was a black leather one, the words 'The Path Of The Withering Enemies' written in golden ink across the spine.
Nanomachine, I just have a question. Why can't you just give me all the knowledge of the future? That would allow me to become stronger.
The Nanomachine sighed deeply, its voice was still annoyed and gloomy but at least it was talking.
Because I can't, ya brain would literally fry itself. The future is just too complex. Just stick with this time period. Ignorance is bliss ya twerp. It responded in a blunt manner that didn't sugarcoat the dangers of too much information.
Jinshen paused for a moment before nodding to himself in understanding and resuming his walk towards the Ashen hall.
He was silent for the rest of the walk as he arrived at the iron gates of the Ashen Hall, now pushing them open with ease as he breathed a small sigh of satisfaction.
I'm already feeling stronger..
He walked past the woman who was still doing her work but he didn't pay mind to that, he just went towards the stairway and started climbing towards the first floor. He was greeted by the lone guard once more who just stepped aside to let him in without a word.
The room was silent and still dark, everyone was sleeping as his dinner was set on his bed which was in the middle of Ruoxue's and Jinhai's bed, covered by a small plate.
Oh.. I haven't eaten proper food in a decent while...
He sat down on the bed as he took the small plate that was on top of his dinner which was a simple bowl of rice and grilled fish but unfortunately it had gone cold.
Looks like I was late...
Nanomachine hummed softly in his mind, its gloomy and annoyed mood now doing a complete 180 as it spoke to him.
By the way master, it paused before asking in a curious manner what's your favorite food?
Jinshen just shrugged as he started eating his dinner which was still tasty but had gone too cold for it to be appetizing.
I eat anything that doesn't kill me. He replied bluntly to Nanomachine.
The Nanomachine paused in surprise before chuckling slightly.
What did I freaking expect...