Chapter 18 Nose

The two women embarked on their journey aboard the expansive flying boat, their eyes set on the horizon where a small village awaited their arrival. 

As they closed in on their destination, a sense of anticipation mingled with the thrill of exploration filled their hearts. 

Yet, just as they were about to reach the village, an unforeseen and irresistible spiritual force descended upon them, halting their progress. Confusion and alarm flickered across their faces. 

"What's happening...?" one of them began, her voice trailing off into a gasp. Suddenly, an unearthly pressure wrapped itself around their beings, gripping them with an intensity that defied comprehension.

"AHHHHHHHHH!" In an instant, both women found themselves ensnared in a vice of torment, unable to articulate anything beyond a chorus of agonized screams. 

It was as though their very essence was being rent asunder, a sensation so excruciating and alien that it surpassed any previous experience in their lives.

Time seemed to distort, stretching the unbearable torment into what felt like an eternity. 

Their suffering persisted for only a minute, yet within that span, every passing second felt like an unending abyss of relentless agony. 

The pain etched itself into their memories, leaving an indelible mark on their consciousness. 

Eventually, the oppressive force dissipated as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving the two women gasping for breath, their bodies trembling with the aftermath of the harrowing ordeal. 

They exchanged bewildered glances, grappling to comprehend the inexplicable torment they had just endured in that fleeting but eternal moment.

Kiara's voice quivered as she took deep long breaths, fear casting shadows across her once serene visage. 

The haunting terror etched upon her face urged her to distance herself from this place with haste, to escape the looming unknown.

The old woman's countenance mirrored her disciple's fear, yet amidst her expression of dread, a peculiar glimmer shimmered in her eyes. 

Kiara sensed a conflicting emotion—almost an undertone of excitement—beneath the surface of her master's gaze, a paradox given their dire circumstances.

"A strong powerhouse has already claimed this territory as theirs," the old lady proclaimed, her tone resolute and knowing. 

Despite the punishing spiritual force that had assailed them moments before, she recognized an opportunity amidst the peril. 

The fact that their lives had been spared hinted at potential, a chance she, seasoned by wisdom and experience, couldn't allow to slip away. 

She hadn't weathered the years to succumb to cowardice; rather, each passing year had fortified her resolve to seize upon fortuitous encounters.

With a stern determination, she continued, "This is a chance for either fortune or death, Kiara. You can take the Cloudskipper to go back to the sect and report what we found here."

Kiara glanced at her mentor, a mix of apprehension and curiosity dancing in her eyes. The old woman's firm resolve stirred something within her, a spark of admiration for the unwavering determination that had defined her master's character.

"No. I will come with you, master. If there is death in that place, I won't let you face it alone." Kiara replied. Her master was the one who taught her everything. She would be selfish to run now in the face of obvious danger. Nevertheless, she summoned a magical paper from her storage ring and quickly wrote a few secret phrases in the object. 

"DING!" The paper burned into ashes which would immediately inform the sect of their circumstances. The old woman approved of her disciple's character. She smiled briefly. They then disembarked from their flying boat named Cloudskipper and took a few tentative steps on these claimed lands. 

In the face of the enigmatic Senior veiled in secrecy, the old female cultivator felt a profound inclination toward utmost respect and deference.

"Senior, I implore your understanding for any inadvertent disrespect," The old woman began, her tone measured and respectful. 

"I am Evelyn Dawn, an elder of the Mystic Lotus Sect, and at my side is Kiara Silverleaf, my devoted disciple. If it be within your grace, we earnestly wish for an opportunity to extend our sincerest regards in person."

The silence that ensued, though palpable, failed to dampen Evelyn's resolve. Instead, she met it with an unwavering smile, a silent indication to Kiara to join her as they embarked on a deliberate journey. 

With measured steps, they traversed the landscape, their destination firmly fixed—a return to the village they had earlier set their sights upon.

As they walked, a sense of determination intermingled with an air of anticipation. 

The village, their intended destination, beckoned with an allure that hinted at answers to the inexplicable ordeal they had undergone.

After thirty minutes of steady strides, Evelyn and Kiara found themselves at the weathered wooden gates of Misty Terrace Village. 

Engaging with the guards stationed there, they exchanged pleasantries before proceeding to converse with the village chief.

The scene was reminiscent of the arrival of our op main character and Lucas Frost. 

The discussion flowed effortlessly, swiftly revealing to Evelyn and Kiara the presence of enigmatic rogue cultivators within the village. 

Rumors swirled around, centering on the tale of one of these strong men claiming the life of a revered Crimsonwing Kirin as their prized conquest.

"Chief Thaddeus, your hospitality is deeply appreciated. The Mystic Lotus Sect will forever hold this kindness in high esteem," Evelyn expressed her gratitude, her gesture of respect causing a faint blush to color the village chief's cheeks. 

Who was this powerful woman, and who was he in comparison? 

The chasm between their presence and stature seemed vast, yet this formidable powerhouse treated him with a deference that bordered on equality.

"The honor is truly mine, Senior," Chief Thaddeus replied, his laughter tinged with a hint of awkwardness as he grappled with the unexpected display of respect from someone of such evident prowess and wisdom. 

The contrast between their personas was stark, but Evelyn's regard for him bridged the gap, bestowing upon him a sense of equality in that moment.

* * *

"Master, are we going to seek an audience with Senior Nero and Senior Lucas?" Kiara's voice trembled with a mixture of excitement and reverence. 

The tales she had heard painted these unfathomable figures as paragons of virtue and strength. Meeting them in person seemed an opportunity filled with anticipation.

"Yes, indeed. Additionally, it appears our investigation into the city's tragic events reaches its culmination here," Evelyn responded with a heavy-hearted sigh. 

The realization weighed on her; if these revered figures were indeed linked to the grim incidents, their ability to intervene might be limited. 

The memory of her helplessness under that oppressive spiritual pressure still lingered, an experience that rendered her feeling powerless and inconsequential.

As they treaded toward the rendezvous, Evelyn's mind buzzed with questions that swirled like tempestuous winds. 

'Are their abilities on par with that of our sect master?' she contemplated, grappling with a mix of fascination and trepidation. 

The mere notion of these individuals possessing strength comparable to their sect's highest authority sent ripples of both intrigue and fear through her thoughts. 

Still, she would soon find out the veracity of her guesses. Evelyn just hoped that they won't die because of curiosity.