Chapter 39

  The road to Earthly Mountain was completely empty with not a person in sight. This was unsurprising though, as the Mountain was said to be perilous. There was nothing to be seen for a common person and only danger and inconvenience to be found for a Sword Fighter.

  It might have proven a good place to cultivate, but its distance from many of the Sword Clans was too great.

  The Swords Clans were involved in common matters and were cultivating just fine without inhabiting a dangerous area, so unless someone wished to leave behind their worldly affairs and focus on cultivation only, the destination wasn’t ideal for most.

  Drakkel guessed that this was most likely why Taliyah Raven had retreated to the place.

  After a day of travel, Rillian Adore and Drakkel found another pavilion to settle down in. Drakkel noticed that Rillian Adore was oddly quiet during their travels. As they sat under the shaded cover of the pavilion, he asked, “Does something bother you, Rillian? Is it about what happened with Firo Fieren?”

  Rillian Adore nodded. “It’s odd. Why would the demons kidnap a disciple of SwordSmith Villa? Especially the second son of the Clan Leader.”

  Drakkel thought for a moment. “The demons’ actions have always been rash and unpredictable. Besides knowing that they consume meteoric stones for power and have no qualms with hurting people, what more can we say about them? All we know is that we had a war with them long ago and we fought until their numbers severely dwindled and they went into hiding. Any attempts to find out their hiding spot have been fruitless.”

  Rillian Adore placed a hand on his chin. “But, don’t you think that their actions have been more organized lately? While the war was being fought, some would be organized and some would fight randomly. But it's as if now… they all fight with a purpose. Like…”

  Drakkel finished for him. “Like someone is controlling them from the dark?”

  Rillian Adore nodded. It wasn’t as if Drakkel hadn’t thought of this, he just had more pressing matters to attend to.

  Even if he knew, there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

  He still held the list which connected the illegal meteoric stone mine and the demons within them to three Swords Clans.

  Once he gained back his original power, he would naturally investigate it.

  “It's odd,” Drakkel answered. “But as it stands, there’s nothing I can do about it. That’s why I'm going to Earthly Mountain.”

  Rillian Adore nodded.

  Drakkel was surprised that he didn't ask for more information on what exactly he was doing in Earthly Mountain, but he was also grateful. As things stood, he couldn't currently explain.

  After resting for the night, they made their way to Earthly Mountain. As they got closer, they quickened their steps with the sword step technique and arrived a few hours before they were originally slated to.

  Earthly Mountain definitely deserved the moniker “Perilous.” It was as described. Surrounded by thick forestry which somehow managed to be both vibrant and ominous. the Mountain ascended so high that the peak could not be seen from the ground, being covered by an ever-present dense veil of clouds

  Drakkel and Rillian Adore utilized their sword step to hop through the trees of the forest, skillfully avoiding the many dangerous beasts that laid in wait below.

  Once they arrived at the mountain itself, they circled around it first.

  Since they were unable to locate any signs of human life, they found a walking path and followed it up the mountain.

  The walking path was clear at some points and uneven at others. Rillian Adore and Drakkel often had to switch from normal walking to using their sword step while trekking it.

  After nearly three hours, they finally found a small temple-like structure seated upon a flatter area of the mountain. It was shaded by a singular large tree that grew near its crevices.

  The place was well-hidden. If one were to desire to locate it, they would first need to know of its existence. It was perfect to live in if one wished to be unbothered by others.

  Rillian Adore and Drakkel approached the small building made mainly of wood and stone and knocked on the door. There was no answer at first, so Drakkel knocked again.

  He was getting a strong sense of deja-vu from the whole interaction.

  After a third knock, a soft voice as smooth as silk and as sweet as honey answered, “Coming!”

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  The door soon opened to reveal a beauty beyond words. Her glistening golden brown skin complimented her long black hair which rolled over her curvy and voluptuous figure. She was dressed conservatively and in plain white and red clothes, yet this didn’t hide the appeal that leaked off her body.

  However, unlike the ladies that hung around the brothels, her beauty seemed dignified and untouchable. Her face was like that of an immortal’s, without sign of imperfections.

  For her age, she seemed to be in her lower or mid 30’s. Even though Drakkel was not attracted to her, he still had to battle the urge not to stare for too long.

  Even the normally insouciant and aloof Rillian Adore seemed a little captivated by her presence.

  The woman stole a glance at Drakkel, then smiled at them. Her hand stretched out so quickly that neither of them could make a move.

  Her slender fingers lightly brushed Drakkel’s arm before he shifted it away.

  Unfazed, she said, “Why don’t you two come in?”

  Drakkel was wary. He could only manage a nod as the woman stepped aside to let him and Rillian Adore through.

  She led them to a singular table in the middle of the main room of the building and sat them down.

  “How about some tea?” She asked.

  Drakkel bowed his head slightly, “We would appreciate it.”

  The woman nodded and quickly left the room.

  As Rillian Adore and Drakkel were still in the middle of surveying their surroundings, the woman returned with a teapot and three tea cups laid on a tray. She set the tray down and poured them each a cup of tea before pouring her own.

  After taking a sip, Drakkel said, “We’ve come because…” The woman shook her head. “No need to continue any further my grand disciple. I know not only who you are but why you’ve come. It's about the poison of the Night Raising Flower isn’t it?”

  Drakkel looked the woman up and down. To ascertain so much in just a few minutes, she must have been skilled. It truly was fitting for his Master's Master.

  The woman smiled. “I’m sure by now, you’ve already realized who I am. Since you’ve come here, your master must have told you about my medicinal prowess. There are few poisons in this world that I am not well acquainted with. I used my sword energy to sense your own. It could only be suppressed by a few things, considering your constitution.”

  Drakkel raised an eyebrow. “Constitution? Could you elaborate?”

  Taliyah Raven smiled. “First, let’s clear the air. The man next to you is Rillian Adore, correct?”

  Rillian Adore nodded, seeming confused by the whole conversation.

  “How much would you like him to know?” She asked.

  Drakkel looked at Rillian Adore, who eyed him back curiously. Considering all that had happened thus far, how much could he really trust him? After all, he hadn’t been completely honest throughout their journey.

  He thought this, but he couldn’t bring himself to cast him out because not only had he saved him many times, but he hadn’t been completely honest either.

  Besides, the matter was only about the poison. In fact, he might stand to benefit if Rillian Adore heard of it for if he brought it out now, he could determine if Rillian Adore was knowingly involved or not.

  Drakkel finally answered, “It’s fine if he knows.”

  Taliyah Raven’s eyes widened. “Are you two that close?”

  Like Rillian Adore, Drakkel was starting to get confused too.

  Taliyah Raven looked between the two of them and seemed to finally figure out the cause of their confusion.

  She shook her head. “I suppose you’re not yet aware… I’m afraid there are some things that even he shouldn’t know.”

  “What do you mean?” Drakkel asked.

  Taliyah Raven sighed. “Let’s handle the matter about the poison first. I’ll send him out and see if you would still like him to hear after I tell you about something else.”

  Drakkel nodded.

  Taliyah stated, “During your battle with Rillian Adore, you were poisoned by the Night Raising Flower.”

  Rillian Adore’s eyebrows shot up as he gazed at Drakkel in shock. But what came out wasn’t a question about Drakkel’s identity or origins as Drakkel had expected, but a question of concern. “You were poisoned?”

  Drakkel was surprised. So he knew his identity already?

  At this point, he could only nod in Rillian Adore’s direction.

  Rillian Adore seemed utterly surprised. Not even a trace of doubt showed on his face. This assured Drakkel that he was truly not involved,

  Taliyah Raven continued. “I can cure this poison, but there’s another matter that I need to inform you about.”

  She looked at Rillian Adore. “Rillian Adore, could you step out for a moment? I need to speak with my grand disciple alone.”

  Rillian Adore nodded. After exchanging a look with Drakkel, he left.

  Taliyah Raven’s eyebrows furrowed. “He shouldn’t be able to hear us from the distance he has traveled, but just in case, I’ll use my sword energy to channel my voice to you.”

  Drakkel nodded. He immediately felt a foreign energy surrounding his earways.

  Taliyah continued, “As you know, the Night Raising Flower is poisonous. It’s also fatal, killing anyone who comes in contact with it within a week. I’m sure you’re wondering why after seven years you’re still alive.”

  Drakkel nodded. “My disciple, Soft hearted as he is, likely couldn’t bear to tell you this. So he left it up to me. It’s your decision whether you believe me or not, but know that on this matter, I would never lie to you.”

  Drakkel nodded again.

  Taliyah Raven closed her eyes and sighed.

  When she opened them, her expression grew serious.

  Taking a deep breath, her eyes locked with Drakkel’s, “You, my grand disciple, are half demon.”