204 My Daoist Companion

After weeks of the Gatekeeper's absence, I had begun to suspect that he was waiting for a better opportunity to strike again, and I had prepared myself to confront him at the worst time. Yet I still hadn't expected the reason that led him here to be … the activity in our bedroom … and I suppose I should only be thankful that our visitors didn't turn up earlier in the morning.

I stepped up, readying my arguments. But Bai Ye stretched out an arm to stop me. "I see that you haven't gotten a chance to think this through." His gaze didn't leave the Gatekeeper. "If anyone was using the demonic sword, there would have been traces of its power left lingering in this area. Do you sense any of it right now where you stand?"

The Gatekeeper huffed. "That would only be the case if you used a standard technique. You always have more than a few tricks up your sleeves, Bai Ye. Not knowing what you have planned with those swords, I can't take any risks."