Demon of Dawn and Dusk

Our plan to infiltrate the inn and talk with the group of rogue cultivators started off well. Getting into the inn itself proved simple enough. We just rented some rooms. That was it. We hadn’t found any lodging for the night, so it worked out well for us in that regard. The innkeeper treated Elliot with deference, due to his cultivation base, so we ended up renting the rooms at a discount. The inn consisted of three floors, with a dozen rooms on each floor. Our rooms were on the third floor.

After that, finding the group of rogue cultivators took a bit more work. The inn had obfuscation arrays set up, to protect the privacy of its guests. The arrays were powerful enough to block our spirit sense, including Elliot. Asking about the rogue cultivators would have aroused suspicion, and knocking on random doors to look for them was out of the question, so we settled for keeping our eyes open and waiting for them to make an appearance.

While waiting for the rogue cultivators, the six of us settled in our rooms. To save spirit stones, as rogue cultivators tended to do because of their limited resources, we rented three rooms with two to a room. Willow wanted to share a room with me, but Cultivator Isabel put her foot down at that and dragged her off to their room. Cultivator Rexanne and Cultivator Albin shared a room with each other, leaving me to bunk with Elliot. This worked out fine, since I was used to living in close quarters with him.

The rooms were rather plain and simple, but spacious. They also contained a number of arrays for the convenience of the inn’s guests. The most important one was the qi gathering array, allowing the guests to cultivate in their rooms should they choose to do so. The quality and quantity of qi wasn’t great, but it was better than nothing.

There was only one bed, however. I tried to give it to Elliot, since he was the leader of this mission, but he insisted on letting me have it. After arguing back and forth for several minutes, I gave in.

The inn had a restaurant. When it came time for dinner, the six of us headed down to eat. We weren’t the only ones. The inn’s other guests started trickling in as well. The food here wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t as delicious as the food at the restaurant that Willow and I ate at earlier. This disappointed me.

However, we weren’t eating at the restaurant merely to satiate our hunger. We hoped that the group of rogue cultivators, or even just one of them, would head down for a meal. Fate was with us, because soon after we sat down to eat, the group of rogue cultivators arrived.

The six of us kept an eye on them during the entirety of dinner, though we made sure not to make it obvious. Compared to their behavior earlier, the group of rogue cultivators was more subdued. They ate without speaking much, before standing up to return to their rooms. The six of us stood up as well and followed them.

By this point, only a blind idiot wouldn’t have realized that something was amiss. When the group of rogue cultivators stepped onto the second floor, and we followed them, they turned around to confront us.

The group of rogue cultivators seemed wary and afraid. I didn’t blame them. We were a group of strangers. Not only that, but they were all at Qi Condensation, while Elliot presented himself as an early Foundation Establishment cultivator. If he wanted to harm them, there would be little they could do about it.

“Senior,” Cultivator Yellow said. He was the older man in yellow robes. “May I ask why you and your companions are following us?”

He spoke in a polite tone, though it was impossible to miss the suspicion in his voice.

“Be at peace, fellow cultivator.” Elliot said in a soothing tone. “My companions and I merely wish to speak with you.”

This did little to reassure the group of rogue cultivators.

“Hey!” Cultivator Red, the young man in red robes, pointed a finger at Willow and I. “I recognize them. They were at the restaurant earlier.”

The group of rogue cultivators grew even warier of us.

“Yes,” Elliot said, “While they were at the restaurant, my two companions couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. That is why we wish to speak with you. We are traveling north, but we heard some disturbing rumors about people disappearing in the area. We tried looking into the matter. However, there is a lack of concrete information, so we must follow up any lead we find.”

The group of rogue cultivators glanced at each, fear and suspicion in their eyes.

“Don’t do it, Brother Yellow.” Cultivator Red said. Of the four, he was the most overtly hostile. “This could be a trap.”

At that, Elliot released his aura to pressure the group of rogue cultivators. Their faces turned pale.

“If I wished to harm you,” he said in a cold voice, “I would have done so already. As I said, I merely wish to talk.” He gestured to the rogue cultivators. “I will even compensate you for your time.”

Cultivator Blue, the young woman wearing blue robes, touched Cultivator Yellow’s arm.

“I think we should talk with them.” She said. “Maybe they can help us find Brother Gray.”

The others looked at her in surprise.

“Sister Blue!” Cultivator Red said. “Have you lost your mind? We don’t know anything about them. What if they’re the ones responsible for all of the disappearances?”

Cultivator Azure, the older woman wearing azure robes, looked over at us.

“If that is the case, then it’s already too late for us.” She said. “We might as well see what they want.” She looked at Cultivator Yellow. “Regardless, I will follow your lead, Brother Yellow.”

Cultivator Blue nodded at that. Cultivator Red hesitated for a moment, but nodded in the end. Cultivator Yellow looked conflicted for several seconds, before he left out a sigh.

“Very well, Senior.” He said, resigned. “It’s not like we have much of a choice now, do we?”

“No,” Elliot said, “You don’t.”

I felt uncomfortable with bullying a bunch of people weaker than us. It reminded me somewhat of my life back on Mt. Wind Dance. Except now I was part of the group that was doing the bullying instead of being the one bullied.

I soothed my conscience by telling myself that we meant these people no harm. Besides, maybe Cultivator Blue was right. There was a chance we could find their missing companion if they helped us.

“Shall we go somewhere more private, Senior?” Cultivator Yellow asked.

We were in the hall of the inn’s second floor. While we were the only ones here for now, that could change at any moment.

“Very well.” Elliot said with a nod. “Follow me.”

With that, he led the six of us and the group of rogue cultivators to the third floor. We entered the room that I shared with him. It was spacious, yes, but with ten people in it, the room felt cramped. I ended up sitting on the bed with Willow. Everyone else remained standing.

Elliot activated the room’s privacy arrays, before turning to the group of rogue cultivators.

“Before we begin,” he said, “Some introductions are in order. I am Sand Fang. These are my companions.”

He gestured to each of us, introducing us in turn using our fake identities. When he finished, Cultivator Yellow introduced himself and his companions. I took this opportunity to take a closer look at each of them with my spirit sense.

That was when I realized that their names and the color of their robes also matched their elemental affinities. Cultivator Yellow had an affinity for Earth, Cultivator Blue had an affinity for Water, etc.

All of them had impure spirit roots, meaning they had affinities with three or more elements, but the element they had the strongest affinity for matched their name and the color of their robes. While Cultivator Gray wasn’t here, I assumed he had an affinity for Metal.

“Together,” Cultivator Yellow said he finished introducing his companions, “We are the Five Wandering Blades.”

“I see.” Elliot said with a nod. “However, I only see four of you here. Where is your fifth?”

The Five Wandering Blades glanced at each other.

“Our leader, Brother Gray, has gone missing.” Cultivator Yellow said. “We were traveling south, towards the Whispering Hills province, in order to participate in the upcoming entrance exam for the Dawn and Dusk Sect. However, when we arrived in Azure Canopy City, Brother Gray received a message from his family. He comes from a small cultivation clan that lives in the Sacred Ironwood province. The message said that some of his kin have gone missing. Brother Gray decided to return home to try and help his clan. We offered to go with him, but he told us to continue to Clear Basin City and said that he would join us at a later date. However, it’s been over a month since he should have arrived and we have found no sign of him. We fear that something happened.”

I frowned as I listened to Cultivator Yellow speak. If Cultivator Gray’s disappearance, and the disappearances of his kin, was related to our mission, then whoever or whatever was responsible wasn’t just targeting rogue cultivators. The cause was going after those who wouldn’t be missed by the larger and more powerful sects and clans in the province. With that in mind, it seemed less and less likely that the cause was a spirit beast hunting people. Or if it was a spirit beast, it was an intelligent one. That didn’t bode well.

“Please,” Cultivator Blue said, “I know we have no right to ask this of you, but please rescue Brother Gray. He means a great deal to us. I am willing to offer you everything I own as recompense, meager though it may be. All I care about is getting Brother Gray back.”

Elliot held up his hand before she could continue further.

“There is no need for that.” He said. “We were already heading north for our own reasons. If we find this Brother Gray of yours, then we shall do our best to help him.” He gave the Five Wandering Blades a grim look. “However, there is a good chance that he is already dead. Prepare yourselves for that possibility.”

The Five Wandering Blades seemed stricken by this, Cultivator Blue in particular.

“Even so,” Cultivator Yellow said in a somber tone, “If Brother Gray is dead, we would appreciate it if you sent word back to us. That way, we would know for sure.”

Elliot nodded, before pulling out a paper map of the Sacred Ironwood province.

“Now then,” he said, “Tell me where Cultivator Gray’s clan is located, as well as the route he took to reach them from Azure Canopy City.”

Cultivator Yellow complied. While he didn’t know the exact location of Cultivator Gray’s clan, he pointed out the general area. Cultivator Yellow also pointed out the route that Cultivator Gray would have taken to reach his clan.

“Thank you.” Elliot said, before pulling five jade bottles out of his storage bag. “As promised, here is your compensation. These Qi Condensation Pills should prove useful for your cultivation.”

The Five Wandering Blades stared at the jade bottles, their expressions of a mix of surprise and excitement. Well, most of them. Cultivator Red wore a conflicted expression on his face as his suspicion of us warred with his desire for the Qi Condensation Pills.

Once again, I realized the difference in my experiences compared to theirs. Thanks to Second Master’s influence, I received a stipend of these pills every month, even though I was a mere honorary disciple of Celestial Warrior Hall. However, to rogue cultivators such as the Five Wandering Blades, these Qi Condensation Pills were valuable.

“Thank you, Senior Sand Fang.” Cultivator Yellow exclaimed.

He took the jade bottles and divided them amongst his companions.

“Here,” he said, giving the fifth bottle to Cultivator Blue, “Hold on to Brother Gray’s share for now.”

Cultivator Blue hesitated, before she nodded and took the jade bottle.

“You aren’t rogue cultivators, are you?” Cultivator Red asked, narrowing his eyes at us. “You’re too-”

Cultivator Azure clamped a hand over Cultivator Red’s mouth and prevented him from speaking further. Despite this, the atmosphere in the room grew frosty.

“I apologize, Senior Sand Fang.” She pleaded, her features twisted with fear. “Brother Red must be exhausted. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

Elliot studied her for several moments, before nodding.

“I understand.” he said, giving the Five Wandering Blades a cold smile. “Next time, teach your companion that there are some things that shouldn’t be said out loud. Discretion is a virtue.”

With that, Elliot all but confirmed Cultivator Red’s accusations. Cultivator Yellow blanched, while Cultivator Blue stared at us in surprise.

“Yes, Senior Sand Fang.” Cultivator Yellow said.

“Good. You may go now.”

At that, the Five Wandering Swords scrambled out of the room. As they left, I heard Cultivator Azure berate Cultivator Red for running his mouth. Cultivator Isabel crossed her arms and watched them go.

“Maybe we should silence them.” She said after the Five Wandering Swords left the room. “Just in case. We are supposed to be in disguise after all.”

I stared at her surprise.

“Should a disciple of a Dawn Hall suggest such a thing?” I asked.

I knew that there were some things that a cultivator needed to do as a matter of practicality. However, killing innocent people just to silence them was a line I refused to cross.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Cultivator Isabel asked. She studied me for a moment, before she smirked. “I just meant we should put them under a restriction or make them swear a heart demon oath.” Her smirk widened. “What did you think I meant, Brother Flamewind?”

I clenched my jaw and glared at her. However, I had no room to retort. I assumed the worst and made an ass out of myself.

“I apologize, Sister Black Saber.” I said. “I misunderstood your intentions.”

Cultivator Isabel held my gaze for a few moments, before she nodded.

“I accept your apology.” She shrugged. “It wouldn’t be the first time someone misinterpreted my words in an unfavorable light. I know how I come across to others.”

I sighed. Willow caught my attention and grinned at me.

‘Sister Isabel comes across as rude and abrasive,’ she said, speaking to me through telepathy, “However, she’s a good person underneath. There is a reason why Grandfather Riordan assigned her as my protector.’

‘So I’m beginning to realize.’ I said back.

However, before we could continue our telepathic conversation, Elliot stood up and showed the rest of us the map. The area that Cultivator Yellow marked for us was to the northwest of Clear Basin City, about halfway to the Sacred Ironwood province’s northern border.

“Considering the circumstances, I think this is as good a lead as we’re going to get for now.” He said. “However, I would like to get your opinions before we make our move.”

Cultivator Rexanne grunted.

“I think we’ve been too limited in our thinking.” She said. “When we walked around earlier, Brother Blue Thread and I focused on rogue cultivators who had gone missing. We hadn’t considered asking about the locals.”

Cultivator Albin grimaced.

“Yes.” He said. “If we hadn’t questioned the Five Wandering Swords, we might not have caught on until much later.” He glanced at Willow and I. “It’s a good thing that Brother Flamewind and Sister Black Staff found them. You two truly are future pillars of our sect.”

Cultivator Albin’s praise pleased me, and also filled me with embarrassment. Willow felt no such compunction. She wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me into a side embrace. Given the size difference between us, her body seemed to envelop mine. She felt warm.

“What can I say?” she said in a boastful tone. “Brother Flamewind and I make a good couple.”

I sighed.

“Please refrain from saying things like that, Sister Black Saber.” I said. “Otherwise, people might misinterpret your words.”

Willow chuckled.

“Oh, no.” She said. “There is no misinterpreting my words. I meant what I said.”

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Elliot’s left eye twitch. Uh oh.

“Let us save that discussion for later.” I said.

I reached up to remove Willow's arm, but she tightened her grip on me.

“Is my body so repulsive that you can’t wait to get away from me, Brother Flamewind?” Willow asked, sounding hurt.

She gave me a pitiful look. I stared at her, stunned.

“What?” I exclaimed. “No!”

Willow’s pitiful look disappeared and she grinned at me.

“Then there’s no problem if we stay like this, is there?”

I gave her a look of disbelief. I can’t believe she did that. More importantly, I can’t believe I fell for it. Cultivator Rexanne and Cultivator Albin looked at us in amusement, while Cultivator Isabel rolled her eyes. Elliot pursed his lips in displeasure.

“Let us return to the topic at hand.” He said. “While the information we received from the Five Wandering Swords is a good start, we should do some more digging. To that end, we’ll spend the next few days here in Clear Basin City and find out all we can about the smaller sects and clans here in the Sacred Ironwood province. In particular, we’ll focus on those located in the northern half of the province.”

“Given what we’ve found out so far,” I said, “It appears as if the cause of the disappearances is a cultivator or a group of cultivators rather than a spirit beast or a demon beast. They’re deliberately targeting people that few would miss, such as rogue cultivators or small clans, while avoiding the ire of the more powerful sects and clans in the area.”

“It could be an intelligent spirit beast or demon beast.” Cultivator Isabel pointed out. “Maybe even a group of them.”

I nodded in acquiescence.

“True.” I said. “Regardless, they’re picking off the weak and the vulnerable.” I paused in thought. “Perhaps we should also ask if there have been any disappearances among the mortals. They may have been targeted too.”

Everyone’s expressions grew dark at that. As an unspoken rule, cultivators left mortals alone. There were many moral and practical reasons for that. Most cultivators wanted nothing to do with mortals, so this wasn’t often a problem. However, there were always exceptions, such as demonic cultivators using mortals as human sacrifices.

“That is a good idea.” Elliot said. “We don’t know why people are disappearing.” He grimaced. “However, there is something more nefarious going on. Whatever the case, we should keep our eyes and ears open for any potential leads.”

Everyone nodded at that.

“Now then,” Elliot continued, “Return to your rooms and get some rest. The next few days will be busy ones for us.”

At that, everyone left the room, except for Elliot and I. Before she left, Willow nuzzled my hair. Elliot’s left eye twitched when he saw this.

“Brother Flamewind,” he said when we were alone, “It appears that you and Sister Black Staff have gotten quite close with one another. Just remember not to cross any lines. While I am your servant, I am also my sister’s brother.”

I sighed, feeling like a younger brother that had been caught doing something naughty by his older brother.

“Yes, Brother Sand Fang.”