Rumors That Taunt Mortals

“Shixiong! Keep your pace we were getting closer.” Yu Xuan was gripping Jia’s forearm as tight as he could. How can a poor old man keep his line with this energetic youth? He keeps on tumbling along their way and his breath was beating out of his lungs. It was painful to keep up with Yu Xuan.

They stop right in front of the many isolated cottages. Both of them were gasping for air, sucking it in and out through their mouth. Jia reminds himself to take extra care since he was a servant here in Yang’s manor, but the thought flew away right when this disciple takes him to where they were now. “Is it wrong to just run around here? I don’t have much knowledge when it comes to cultivation and stuff? I am not familiar with the rules here but perhaps running or fooling around was not the best choice of action either? Am I right? He blurted out helpless from the old folk’s facade. Although he was panting, the wariness never leaves him. Had he already witnessed how powerful and respected this clan was? From the looks of it, the rules that succumb to this immensely intimidating bloodline must be a thick solid rock like piling up reaching heaven’s gate.

“Yeah, you’re dead right there Shixiong.” Yu Xuan just laughs; his hands on his hips freely as if the punk had no problem in his life. Even if they were caught that way wouldn’t be it so unfair that only Jia will get into trouble since Yu Xuan came from a prominent sect too?

“I am known here to be a stubborn follower who almost had the bucket list of punishment tailing me. I always get away with it anyway.” He shrugged both of his shoulders like a proud man winking at Jia whose soul lost all the words because of whatsoever confidence the disciple had.

“Tsk, shut your luck, even if you came from golden fabric, being a disciple here must be fair with everyone else. Instead of slacking and fooling around why don’t you try something that benefits you and earns you goodwill in later life. You’re young, you must use it as an act of courage to chase what you love the most.” Jia seems to be good at lightly, just lightly scolding someone, especially an arrogant brat who knew nothing but brag and mess around.

“Pffttt… Pwhahhah Shixiong? You were just a low born but you’ve got balls in scolding someone whom the world considers prosperous and lucky?” Yu Xuan laughs at his heart content that tears were visible from both of the youth’s attractive hooded eyes. “I have never been scolded like this. I was a pampered child and the youngest of all the disciples here! They even treat me like a damsel sometimes, but Shizun wasn’t happy about that you know. He’s a monster when we got to encounter him. He can fight thousand with just a broken sword.” Yu Xuan’s eyes glistened while he talks about Zihan. While Jia was petrified by whatever he heard and trying not to react to the most unbelievable situation.

“Fight using a broken sword huh? I can even smack that brute without him complaining? Should I thank him for not breaking my bones then?” Jia thought, he didn’t even know that Zihan would be this powerful and respected even though the young master acted like a childish coddle worm.

“Well, since we’re here and other disciples like to meet you. We must hurry!” Yu Xuan again grabbed his forearm and dragged the poor man into the isolated chamber and spotted a spare room that was perfectly clean and tidy. Yu Xuan slid open the door and there they were two other disciples sitting across each other, feasting like they own the place. The tables were long, narrow, but glassy in style. On top of that, the design had a picturesque painting of a wisteria tree that was similar to what Jia had seen before. It was surely expensive and eccentric. No wonder wealthy people were never hesitant in spending money on their own.

Eyes were finally looking at the two silhouettes, Yu Xuan was the one to greet them first and then followed by Jia. They also sit across from each other. Jia painstakingly endures his discomfort. He was nothing but a servant and nothing to offer anything good.

“This is one of Shizun’s servants I call him Shixiong since Shizun called him Gege earlier. You too must call him Shixiong. He was older than us.” Yu Xuan introduces the slightly nervous gentleman; the disciple swiftly glances at Jia with their eyes widen in either shock or disbelief.

“What Shizun called him Gege? Is that so? I never thought Shizun would call someone like that. Our master was picky and aloof even his older brother can’t compare...” One of them had aroused speculation that made Jia flustered in shame.

The lad keeps fidgeting his already moist thumbs in the folded veil of his robes. In the back of his mind, he keeps cursing and internally screaming as to why these things can be taken as serious bewilderment? Like seriously? They keep giving him the looked as if he seduces Zihan or that he did something to the young master that made the most respected man submit to a low born like him.

“Pardon this disciple for our late acknowledgment Shixiong, we receive the news delayed; perhaps because we were in the neighboring village and never been informed that Shizun will be coming today with you. The disciples’ name was Liu Qianfan, from Liu’s lineage. Hoping Shixiong to ignore the incompetence made” Liu Qianfan seems determined saying those things; the standing of the boy wasn’t a joke either. Although he was one of Zihan’s disciples, his overall appearance emits some energy full of passion and boldness.

“I too Shixiong, I am Hu Chaoxiang from Hu Lineage.” Jia can’t help but pulled up a stiff smile. This can’t be the scenario he was about to witness right? Why are these ignorant disciples giving him special treatment when he was nothing of a sort? A man with no value and power. Does having Zihan call him Gege or sitting beside the young master had something to do with this now?

“I am nothing but a servant but the three of you were treating me like I had a title? Stop calling me Shixiong and call me Jia instead.” Jia glances at those youngster’s eyes with such tenderness. He can’t help but soften a little bit since it was a warm welcome.

“Shixiong was best suitable for you; we cannot disrespect Shizun’s special figure. We never heard him call someone Gege before, not even the closest senior he knew.” Yu Xuan added taking another sip on his cup.

“What the hell with the special figure? “Jia’s face becomes distorted again. He never wanted to be that brute’s special whatsoever. If everyone else considered it as their winning luck, it wasn’t for him.

He takes a good look at the delicacies and desserts placed before his hungry stature. He proceeded to take a bite of tangyuan that was seducing the man’s appetite. Heavens! this is a mood changer for him. It was long before he gets to taste these mouth-watering desserts. Its flavor was playing inside the lad’s mouth, slicking with his saliva devouring it whole with no waste nor crumbs left.

The four of them were enjoying their time, just eating and laughing to their heart’s content. Jia’s spirit was placed in a very serene mood at the moment. It was the first time he let go of all of his worries and tried to seek what he enjoys. Is this what Chen Xu and A’yang wanted. His visit here was a great step for him to become better and he never had any regrets for now.

He was freely taking in what was in his presence right now when suddenly Yu Xuan asked his friend which made Jia deadly curious. His nonchalant bearings came to an abrupt halt as he attentively listens to whatever the three were pointing at.

“Do you find something in the village you visit earlier?” Yu Xuan said, taking a bite of the dumplings. He looked seriously at the two, waiting and eager to answer his question.

“Yeah, but it was too much for us to stay any longer it was gore, the village chief was crying over his dead son’s body and it wasn’t just a particular corpse. His son was beheaded and his body was seen to have a mark on his left hand.” Liu Qianfan replied.

“What? A beheaded body? What mark? Did you see it?” Yu Xuan exclaimed.

“Hey, don’t you think they will return?” Hu Chaoxiang whispered; you can feel his slightly tense voice seemingly unnerved.

“Impossible! They were long dead. Their spirits were trapped in the forbidden cavern. No one dared lay a foot on that place.” Liu Qianfan spat on the question and confidently replied based on his intuition.

Jia’s itching curiosity got ahead of him that he let himself sink into their discussions and unconsciously said “What is the forbidden cavern? Who’s dead? Can you enlighten this ignorant man?” the disciples turn to look at Jia not knowing whether the man was playing sarcasm on them?

“Shixiong didn’t know about it?” Hu Chaoxiang said.

“It never reaches into my understanding,” Jia replied.

“Well, even if Shixiong was telling the truth, what we’re talking about was a serious matter. It happened a long time ago but the rumors refuse to die; it was the talk of the town every waking day. Rumors were mysterious and insanely brutal.” Yu Xuan continued.

“What about the rumors?” Jia asked spontaneously his eyebrows arched a little trying to connect himself a bit more.

“It was about... the powerful sorcerer who berate the cultivation world. Uggh it sucks calling for their names. I might get cursed if I do it.” Liu Qianfan cowers trying to hide his worries over his body.

“Sorcerers? There’s something like that?” Jia again asked them.

“Shixiong, what kind of mortal are you? Where did you come from?” Yu Xuan violently scratches the back of his head looking at Jia with eyes full of questions.

“Were you Shizun’s attendant? How come you don’t know anything about what’s happening lately. Shizun chooses only those people who have a piece of higher knowledge in cultivation and prowess but—why did he choose you? Do you have something in you that captures Shizun’s eyes? Perhaps you’ve got any background about witches if not?” Hu Chaoxiang exclaimed while pointing his cup to Jia prettily confused as Yu Xuan.

Jia didn’t know what to usually expressed in the provocation that they were throwing at him. Sure, Zihan didn’t even teach him anything about cultivation. The brat just keeps on messing with him all the time, taking him to wherever the young master’s heart desire and even in that brothel. But when Hu Chaoxiang mentioned witches; Jia’s build-up questions suddenly crumbled down.

“Witches? I think I heard about it somewhere.” Jia said in the back of his mind. He wasn’t sure about the gossip but he certainly heard that familiar word. Jia’s body suddenly stiffen like a log, he remembers now what may be the possible worries he was trying to crack on his mind. The moment he recalled everything there was only one person who came into the picture. It was Jing Jing the woman she saves in the city.

The memories played like a scenario in his head. It was precise and clear. He remembered Jing Jing was accused of being a witch and that explained why the guy who violently beat her up was so mad he can kill her with one whip.

Not just that, the argument between Chen Xu and Jia slowly emerges and plunges to the very deep of his now conscious mind. His heart was starting to thump in an unusual beating, as he tried his best to organize his puzzled thoughts.

“You are not a remnant of Wu.” those exact words were piercing through Jia’s old memoir. Is that why his Shixiong was teed off about what he had confessed? Did he lure himself into a bait? So, that nightmare he had encountered? Does it have something to do with him? Do all those things mean anything? The man nervously laughs, he tried to sway the possibility that his hunch wasn’t right and that it was just too odd to be a perfect coincidence.

The sweat on his temples trickled down to the lining of his jawline, this was never a good premonition, isn’t it? The chaotic scenario in his head was making it hard to think straight at any moment. Wu remnants? Witches? Jing Jing, and the horrifying incident in his hideout? What more dangerous things coming for him?

His eyes suddenly feel burning, head like it was going to burst at any time; the increasing stress makes him unconsciously blurt out “Do you have any knowledge about the Wu remnant?” it wasn’t particular, he just wants to make sure that’s all.

There was a long silence before Liu Qianfan hesitantly replied “Shixiong, don’t just say it casually. The clan we were pointing at was the one you mentioned. Yes, they were the Wu Clan. They were really popular in the realms for both mortals and those who cultivate immortality. It was forbidden to talk about them especially here but if you were too curious about it... I… we can answer them for you. just please do not disclose it to someone else”

With a gravelly voice, Jia replied “Pardon for being inconsiderate. So, can you tell me what happened?” he stubbornly repeats the exact worries he had.

“Well, the rumors go on something like this. Come here closer.” Liu Qianfan waves his hand to the three to move them closer as he would whisper the rumors set before their ears.

“It was their leader Chao Guo who completely change the history of cultivation. They said he was a domineering follower who was never satisfied with just being a martial god and having spiritual power alone. He had a very close friend that was named Qi Xieye. They both were the disciples of the Black Dragon Clan. Like our Shizun, Chao Guo was gifted with god-like martial art skills and able to obtain spiritual power in his youth. Qi Xieye was the exact opposite of Chao Guo. He was never interested in combats instead he was a master planner and tactician in war. He was also a healer. They both equate the same energy that even the elders can be seen shivering close to the pair. However, it was told that Chao Guo and Qi Xieye were secret lovers which explained why the trust they build up was tough as an ox and mountain built-in iron steel. But, ever since Chao Guo’s increasing greed for power and dominance was inevitable, he told Qi Xieye to come with him and separate themselves from the clan to form a strong army of people and ruled the entire city. Qi Xieye was never happy about it and they got into a big argument. The elders knew about Chao Guo’s plan and immediately they take all his powers and stripped his title. He was also tortured in many brutal ways since that man’s willpower was stronger tenfold than an immortal master.” Liu Qianfan suddenly stopped to drink a cup of tea and hurriedly continue his story once he wipes his mouth with the handkerchief.

“Unfortunately, Chao Guo escaped and no news was heard about him ever since. Qi Xieye rose into power and become an immortal god and he was also the commander and became known as the god who heals the deepest wounds later on. Qi Xieye never had descendants because he was never interested in women and children. The rumors also said that Qi Xieye was still madly in love with Chao Guo even though he was the one who told the elders about his lover’s plan.” Jia hearing this shockingly asked Liu Qianfan.

“What? So, he was the one who told the elders about it? No wonder the elders reacted immediately. If some amateur just told about Chao Guo’s plan, surely, they wouldn’t even listen and try to just budge it eventually forgotten. But it was that guy. It was as if---.” Jia wasn’t done talking when Yu Xuan interrupted him.

“As if he had been betrayed right?” the youth put both of his hands at the back of his head, trying to lean his back on the wall.

Jia just nodded in agreement, Liu Qianfan coughed lightly and tap his right hand to get their attention. “Back to the story, anyways, Chao Guo returned here but the guy completely changes. He had no swords or anything that can defend himself. The Black Dragon made him a laughing stock when he came straight into the city to declare war. Some lowly ranking disciples mock him and wanted him dead they challenge him into a fight. Little did know, Chao Guo did gain his power into supremacy. He revealed his true form. The mark on the right side of his face was spreading out an intricate pattern down to his neck. Some even witness him cutting his hair using a knife, barely leaning unto his shoulder. My forefather told me that the Chao Guo massacred the clan and he also committed arson in a different village. They even witness him using.” Liu Qianfan abruptly stop, looking at the surrounding just to make sure that only four of them were there. He had been examining if someone might be eavesdropping at the moment. When he confirmed that only four of them were in the spare room he proceeded, he leans over, his right hand on the side of his mouth whispering “They witness that Chao Guo was using the demon core. No one in realms has an idea about it. The killings were sickeningly merciless. All officials of the clan and some organizations working in the prominent sect and royal palace were told to experience his brutal attacks. The city folks down were unharmed, especially those poor and ordinary people” Liu Qianfan’s tone was low but wary.

“Wait only officials and organizations?” Jia furrowed his brows, hands propped on his chin. He was calm but suspicions fixed on his face.

“I do not have further knowledge as to why Cha Guo only killed those officials but Qi Xieye also didn’t turn his back on him. The two fought, and Qi Xieye sustained deep wounds not from the sword but Chao Guo’s evil tricks. He even learned how to manipulate the demonic practices and used them as his potential power. He was a great sorcerer that possesses control even in the underworld. He was known to be the God of Death and people started him calling Wu Siwang.” Liu Qianfan tensed and became enraged with thrilled and excitement.

“Do you know how he died?” the side of his mouth slowly lifted a smirk as he holds glanced at those who listens to him.

“How did he die?” Jia replied.

“He was sold out by his companion. He was devastated and wanted to avenge his ill-fated circumstances but the demon core was stolen from him and God master Yang Zhang Yong, Shizun’s father beheaded him.” Liu Qianfan shifted his position and leaned resting his back on the wall.

“Who stole the core? I felt it was like Chao Guo... I mean Wu Siwang was dominant no one can even come close to him?” Jia enunciated his tone was full of questions and arising confusion was building up in his head.

“His first love.” Liu Qianfan instantly replied.

“So, it was Qi Xieye?” Jia reciprocated.

Liu Qianfan just nodded and he went silent for a while and began talking again. “They thought, Wu Siwang was death and victory was there’s. They were wrong, after the bloody battle between Wu Siwang and Black Dragon; many villagers were hysterically panicking about the increasing number of decapitated heads. It wasn’t just happening in one city. Some of the neighboring villages and towns were also affected. They thought it was Wu Siwang’s vengeful phantom. But it turns out to be his beloved remnants. They soon were found out and fatal punishment was waiting for them. Others were sold into the brothel and children who possess Wu Siwang’s prowess were thrown into the pit of the lions. Others were lured into the lair of the vulture and were left there and became the bird’s food. Well, for some rumors it was never forgotten and deliberately taunted mortal realms and even cultivators up until now.” Liu Qianfan breathed a sigh of relief it was also the indication of him finishing the story.

“Why would they do that to the children? They were defenseless?” Jia burrowed his eyebrows. Never in his life that someone might get killed for the sin of one man. “They shouldn’t burden the mistake their master had made and still wasn’t clear enough why Wu Siwang chose not to harm the locals and instead turned his wrath on the higher and respected personalities.” Jia dozed off his mind elsewhere but he can’t help but blurted what he feels and he added saying it soft and almost as if he was the only one that can hear it “Something is missing.”

Hu Chaoxiang seems to notice that the man was struggling that he even tugged Jia’s outer garments and throw him a question. “What do you want to know further, Shixiong?” Jia turned his glance at the man and shake his head a little bit.

“Nothing of a sort.” He smiled and poured himself a glass of tea then suddenly he purred a question to the disciple “by any means, does the Wu remnants wear some kind of cloak on them? Perhaps, a dark cloak or much more a black robe?” he then gazes at the three who had no idea what he was talking about. Liu Qianfan confirmed it by shaking his head.

“We don’t have any expertise about that Shixiong. It was bygone and their souls were trapped long ago. No one knew about what they wear or who they are. The only concern was Wu Siwang himself.” Yu Xuan clasps his hands together, fidgeting his thumbs while he holds his gaze to the man.

“I see,” Jia replied.

“The only deal was the decapitated head in Dahu village. It feels like they were repeating what happen before. I was also told by the elder during classes that the Wu remnants will come back and hunt the realms again. If this could be the sign, Wu Siwang will rise from the abyss and commit the curse of Abaddon. It was a bad omen for cultivators and mortals. If he was still progressing the vessel to the demon core and steal it once again. He might rule the three realms someday and nobody, not even our Shizun win.” Hu Chaoxiang’s eyebrows pulled up together, creating tiny lines of wrinkles in between his brows.

Jia was also worried about it, maybe he was wrong about that mysterious old man. maybe someone was just fooling around that time and tried to scare him. But for Jing Jing, he doesn’t want to think the worse things for now. In the end, much worries about the situation might get him nowhere and so he never let such emotions burden the disciples. He simply put a mask of a pathetic smile on his face and chuckled “Young master, as you said had the same energy as Wu Siwang definitely, he will win. Goodness will always win, it will always prevail.” He tried to pat the three of them and swayed anything that might cause them wary.

“Yeah, Shizun work the hardest when he was young even now. All eyes were looking at him, it must be hard sometimes that he had never gotten to enjoy his life as a follower before.” When Jia heard about it, a sense of guilt punches his heart. Is that why Zihan was acting all idiot because that’s the only time he had to enjoy his life.

“Shixiong, we were grateful that Shizun’s behavior changes when he was with you. Like we said before, he never let anyone get into his carriage or call them Gege. It was all new for us.” Yu Xuan darts a smile on Jia; his eyes gleam like a star shining at the very eyes of the man.

Although, unease Jia just smile back and slightly coughed. Actually, he wanted to vomit a bloody bucket. If they only knew what he had gone through in the hands of that monster.

“Shixiong, where do you want to go? Perhaps you want to stroll around?” Hu Chaoxiang enunciated.

“It is my first visit and I don’t want to get in your way but I would appreciate anything in your care,” Jia uttered while maintaining his eye contact letting out shaky laughter.

“Hmm... I knew one place you can enjoy.” Liu Qianfan’s hands are on his hips as he makes a firm precise movement.

“Where to?” Jia replied as he gazes at the long table full of leftover scraps of food. He then points his forefinger at it and enunciated “Should we at least clean these things first before going out?”

The disciples just nodded in agreement and started cleaning up. Even though they came from a prominent sect they humble themselves and instead obey Jia’s command. The four of them finish early and put the pile of trash in the garbage den.

It was mid-afternoon, and the manor was quiet and peaceful. You can’t even see a single soul walking around the main area. It was like an abandoned wall full of wisteria trees that give life to these lonesome chambers. Except for them, who were momentarily enjoying the scenic place.

Yu Xuan’s arms were wrapped around Jia’s shoulder; while Hu Chaoxiang with Liu Qianfan. The disciple was singing and fooling around. Jia was laughing along with them. He feels the heaviness fading away. He also holds Yu Xuan and wraps his arms around the lad’s waist. They were having fun not until someone behind them cough lightly to get their attention. The four turned to look at the man whose expression was sour as vinegar.

“SSHII… SHIZUN” the three went on to panic, on a reflex they bowed down failing to look at the cold glare of their master; while Jia was just there dumbfounded, he was also shocked as to why the young master was already in their presence; they were caught off guard.

“Who said you can bring your lazy ass here and fool around? Don’t you have field practice at this time?” Zihan crossed his arms staring at his student who whimpers like a cold little puppy.

The young master then swiftly glanced at Jia, and the man flinches at his gaze. Jia clasped both his hand and bowed “Young master, this servant was pleased to see you.” he slowly glances at Zihan forcing himself to smile in a way that would relieve Zihan’s anger.

“The three of you, go run for a repeat of 10 lapses and practice your cultivation.” Zihan strode heavily towards Jia, the man gulped hard. Shit this feeling that someone was intimidating him. No good.

“Yes, Shizun.” They repeatedly bowed down at their master and immediately looked at Jia with a sorry feeling and dashed out running like a wild dog.

Jia heavily sighed in his heart. Here goes another torment, he guesses as the young master was approaching him. he made a decision to coax the young master since it was the only choice he got. “Zihan, the young master was hungry, right? Want me to serve you something?” he beams at the Zihan who was currently staring at him.

Zihan stopped in front of him and blurted “Gege, don’t casually do that to my disciple. It was forbidden to hold a man in the waist. They will cut your hand if they caught you.” he whines at Jia throwing tantrum like a child who was wronged by his parents.

“I am ignorant. Pardon this lowly servant fo--.” Zihan touches Jia’s hair and makes a mess of it.

“Hey! Stop!” Jia smacks Zihan’s hand and grumbles at him.

“That was your punishment.” Jia slightly frowns. The young master beams at him and pats his head lightly coaxing him back.

In a spur moment, his heart felt like it skips a beat. He didn’t understand why it suddenly reacted to that perverted face. The thought that Zihan was sweet and acts like a child may be the only reason he can think of. His chest feels tight and his vision gets blurry, it felt like a bomb ready to explode. Yet, something was holding it back. It was such an unfamiliar feeling. An unwanted emotion that bangs his chest without any warning. Maybe he was just tired and the pressure that was piling up broken down into pieces. It was the feeling of being free again and not worrying and holding anything, it always is. He decided to shrug it off.

Zihan notices Jia and pokes his nose. “Ge, I am indeed hungry! Let us go down the mountain and stroll in the city. I also have something to tell you.” Zihan without hesitating locked arms with Jia. As usual, the poor man cannot free himself and just went along with him.

Even when the young master was all again delighted. Jia was distracted and his focus was on what the young master would say. They chatted while walking, still locked arms with each other. Like every innocent damsel who casually plays around.

“Really, I cannot resist him. I concede.” Jia said to himself looking at Zihan with such tenderness.