Chapter 0 - prelude (1)
Note: this chapter offers little to the overall story, and only serves to expand upon the origin of the demonic sword. Additionally, if you are sensitive to a main character abusing their power and position, or committing undiluted acts of evil, this chapter may not be for you.
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Li Shen was feeling ecstatic about his project, which he'd first thought of almost thirty years ago, though had anyone known his thoughts currently he'd probably be executed... No, more likely he'd get a slap on the wrist in private, but anyone accusing him of what he was planning-even if it was true-would probably be executed in his stead.
Li Shen didn't feel any shame in using his position as the young master of the Li family to get away with blatant criminal behavior. After all, considering the resources his father had invested in him, wasn't he being an unfilial son if he didn't use every opportunity to become stronger? His father would definitely agree with him, though perhaps even he wouldn't approve of his current plans.
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"This is him, warden sir, his cultivation is sealed, but keep in mind that immortal cultivators are crafty." Li Shen had one of the old warden's people escort him to personally meet with the alchemist he would need for his plans. "Thanks for the heads up, you can go on your break early." The other man thanked him and left, likely already experienced with this kind of thing working for the last warden.
He didn't choose this guard to escort him for his experience however, instead, it was precisely because he was loyal to the old warden that he would dispose of him once his project was finished, along with every other person he would get involved other than his personal bodyguard.
"Good afternoon alchemist Wen, you seem rather comfortable." The alchemist in question looked as though he'd been left in a hole somewhere for the last few years, which Shen supposed he had. "Your concern humbles me, Sir Warden Superintendent Li Shen. Admittedly the furnishing leaves something to be desired." He spoke as though he didn't care in the least that he was speaking to a man who could easily reach through the bars and rip off his head, though the smirk on his face couldn't hide the worry behind his eyes.
The last warden hadn't paid him any mind, simply lending out his use to a noble here and there without much care for him, to Alchemist Wen the attention of the new warden meant his future would soon change, for better or worse only time would tell.
"Well, I suppose I could help you lithen the place up a bit, though I was more thinking of a change of locale." Alchemist Wen's face froze at his words, and internally Li Shen was grinning, feeling confident he'd picked the right bait to capture Alchemist Wen's heart and soothe any suspicion. "By a change of locale, you mean?" Alchemist Wen was naturally cautious, he was just about the worst demonic cultivator in the entire country, but just because he had little value or talent by the standards of cultivators didn't mean he could afford to be stupid in the ways of the world.
"Indentured servitude." He stated it plainly, though before he'd even begun elaborating, he saw hope glimmering in the eyes of the alchemist-How hilarious, he actually believed he would have a chance to regain his freedom, at this point, Alchemist Wen had allowed himself to hope, it would prove a fatal mistake Li Shen thought-and began to explain his terms.