Tightrope of Choices

Just as he was about to inquire about the souls of William, Henry, and Frederick from the system, he noticed a man flying directly towards him.

The man, soaring through the skies with astonishing speed, approached him with an air of controlled power. As he drew closer, his presence became more discernible.

His face, adorned with a well-groomed salt-and-pepper beard, portrayed the traces of countless battles and years of cultivation.

Deep-set eyes, sharp and piercing, held a glint of profound insight and intelligence, observing the world with a discerning gaze.

Adorned in regal attire, his robes were a harmonious blend of vibrant red and gold, reflecting the prestigious status of his sect.

Intricate patterns of phoenix feathers adorned the fabric, symbolizing the celestial nature of his lineage.

The fabric seemed to flow around him like liquid, accentuating his every movement.

His posture was straight and upright, displaying a lifetime of discipline.

With each movement, the man exuded a palpable aura of spiritual energy, causing the air around him to quiver in reverence.

His presence was like a storm on the horizon, a force to be reckoned with, yet his demeanor remained calm and composed.

As he descended gracefully to the ground, his boots, adorned with intricate phoenix motifs, touched the earth with a gentle grace, leaving an ethereal trace of golden light in their wake.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist," the man began, his voice carrying a slight bow in respect. "I am Leonard from the Phoenix Feather Clan."

He paused for a moment, the weight of his words hanging in the air, before continuing. "Just half an hour ago, we received a distressing message about an accident that occurred in White Lotus City. I rushed here as fast as I could, but..."

Lucifer remained silent, he sought to gather as much information as possible before formulating a response.

Taking note of Lucifer's silence, Leonard continued, "I spoke to the locals in the city, and they provided me with some details about the incident. However, if I may, fellow Daoist, could you enlighten me further on what exactly happened here?"

"I'm Noah," Lucifer replied, his voice carrying a touch of uncertainty. "To be honest, I wasn't actually here when the city wall was breached.... or whatever happened to it, so I can't give you a firsthand account of what exactly happened."

He paused for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he tried to recall the events. "But let me tell you, as I was passing by, I couldn't help but notice the chaos unfolding. It was a terrifying sight—a relentless wave of wolves launching an all-out assault on the city. My instincts kicked in, and I couldn't just stand by. I felt compelled to intervene and offer whatever help I could."

His voice conveyed a mix of sincerity and admiration for the city's resilience in the face of such a daunting threat, as if recounting a harrowing experience that had left a lasting impression.

Hearing Lucifer's words, Leonard offered a grateful nod. "I must express my sincere thanks, fellow Daoist, for your invaluable help in safeguarding the lives of these citizens. As it is our sect's duty to protect this city, we would be honored to provide you with a well-deserved reward. If you ever find yourself near Phoenix Feather City, I implore you to visit our sect, where you can claim your rightful token of appreciation."

Lucifer, taken aback by the offer, began to refuse the reward instinctively.

However, he paused mid-sentence, noticing a flicker of surprise swiftly masked by indifference on Leonard's face.

It was a subtle change, almost imperceptible, but Lucifer's keen perception, may be due to his recent evolution in devil, allowed him to catch it.

Curiosity piqued, he turned around to see Emily peering cautiously from the doorway of her house, her presence seemingly having caused Leonard's momentary reaction.

Lucifer was about to continue, but Leonard spoke up first.

"Is she accompanying you, or is she a citizen of White Lotus City?" Leonard inquired, a gentle smile gracing his face.

Lucifer, although perplexed by such a question, chose to be truthful. "Well, she is a resident of the city, but she is also my accomplice."

Leonard chuckled heartily and proposed, "Hahaha, what say you, fellow Daoist? As your reward, we can take her as an inner court disciple of our prestigious sect."

Confusion swirled within Lucifer as he pondered the sudden change in rewards.

But he also realized the opportunity it presented and the importance of his decision and the impact it could have on Emily's future.

'If Emily were to join a renowned sect like the Phoenix Feather sect, her life would undoubtedly improve,' Lucifer thought to himself. However, he also recognized the need to investigate this sect further before making a hasty choice.

"Fellow Daoist Leonard, I sincerely appreciate your generous offer, but I must regretfully decline. Emily will be traveling with me," Lucifer replied, bowing apologetically.

Leonard's smile remained warm as he responded, "Hahaha, Daoist Noah, it is her fortune that you have chosen to take her under your wing. However, do remember that traversing the world is akin to walking on a tightrope. Danger can strike at any moment, and having another person to protect may burden you further."

Lucifer expressed his gratitude, but firmly asserted, "I thank you, Daoist Leonard, for your concern, but I believe I am capable enough to keep her safe."

Leonard nodded understandingly, his gaze drifting beyond the city walls. "Of course, of course, I never doubted your capability, fellow Daoist. However, it is also essential for a talented individual like her to be nurtured in a proper sect, allowing her to reach her maximum potential."

Lucifer's guard was instantly raised. Until now, he had assumed that Leonard merely intended to reward him by accepting Emily into the sect.

However, Leonard's mention of Emily's talent reminded him of her ability to perceive his ghostly form. While he couldn't ascertain the exact nature of her abilities, he knew that individuals with unique attributes were often sought after by powerful figures, both for good and ill intentions.

"Leonard, there's no need to push this further. I have already made it clear that she will be accompanying me," Lucifer stated firmly.

Leonard's smile remained unwavering. "No need to be angered, fellow Daoist Noah. I merely offered a suggestion that seemed reasonable to me. Please forgive me if I have overstepped my bounds," Leonard replied respectfully.

"But I must emphasize the warning, fellow Daoist. The world outside is fraught with danger, regardless of one's strength," Leonard added with his lingering smile.

Lucifer asked, his brows furrowed, "Are you threatening me?"

Leonard quickly reassured him, "Of course not. I intended only to caution you about the perils that lie ahead."

Lucifer scrutinized Leonard closely for a while.

.

.

.

Before he finally said, "Very well, you may take her into your sect. But be warned, I will regularly visit to check up on her".

"Hahaha! I knew a powerful and discerning individual like you would make the right choice," Leonard said, his smile remaining unchanged.

"I won't take up any more of your time, fellow Daoist. If fate allows, our paths may cross again," Leonard added, swiftly moving towards Emily and exchanging a few words with her before taking her with him.

Lucifer maintained a stoic silence throughout, his eyes locked on Emily, assuring her that everything would be alright.

Emily, a smart and perceptive girl, listened carefully to Leonard's words. She agreed to his proposal, but made a request in return—that Leonard help uncover the truth about her father's disappearance.

Lucifer stood watching as they left the city. He stayed there for a while, clenching his fists tightly and gritting his teeth.

Afterward, he entered Emily's house, sat on the bed, and began to meditate.