I stood over Senior sister, looking over her body racked with wounds. My hands clenched in shaking fists as rage pooled in my chest.
The Xīngyún disciple came beside me, worriedly explaining, "She arrived a few minutes ago. I was surprised that she was even alive with her injuries. I gave her a high-grade healing pill, but even that was only able to heal a quarter of her wounds."
The more I heard, the more livid I was.
THAT ********************!
(Once again, vulgarity beyond description. Fill in the gaps if you're feeling creative :>)
Suddenly, the door opened, and a woman dressed in light green robes, black hair tied into a bun with a gold hairpin, walked in.
The disciple next to me turned around, hurriedly bowing as he greeted, "This disciple greets Elder Liu!"
Elder Liu nodded, standing by the bedside of Senior sister. She glanced at me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Relax, she won't die," she assured, taking out three golden needles from her sleeve.
I watched as she undid Sister Dōngquè's bandages before piercing her in a few points. Just then, Senior sister's brow furrowed, followed by a pained groan. I reached out my hand, but was stopped by Elder Liu. With her eyes still fixed on her work, she retracted her needles into her sleeve.
She held out a hand to the disciple, "Retrieve the cooling balm and a high grade healing pill."
"Yes Elder," they nodded, before scurrying off.
A while later, the disciple returned with a glass of pills and a small container. They handed them to the Elder before excusing themselves.
Elder Liu opened the container, scooping out a handful of ointment, and rubbed it over Senior sister's wounds. Sister Dōngquè's body flinched for a second, a hiss leaving her as the ointment touched her skin. After the ointment, the Elder redressed her wounds before dropping a healing pill into her mouth.
Elder Liu turned to me, before I could say anything, she explained, "She will wake up soon, tell her to apply this to her injuries. She will recover after three days, until then she is to remain here. I have much to discuss with her after she awakens."
She handed me the container of ointment and with the wave of her sleeve, she exited the infirmary.
I stared at her retreating back before turning to Sister Dōngquè's unconscious body. I placed the ointment on the bedside table and sat next to her. I flinched at the slight pain in my hand, only realizing that my nails had dug through my palm. The cuts were shallow, the tips of my fingers tinged with my blood. I flicked my hand a few times, turning back to Senior sister. The pain wasn't that bad, compared to what Sister Dōngquè must've experienced; it was a minor inconvenience.
I looked over the injuries again, the cuts similar to the ones I sustained while fighting him. But I could tell they were much worse. Gnarled on the surface, but precise and intentional on closer inspection. The ones here more severe than the ones I had sustained.
I clenched my jaw, guilt welling up along with the anger. I shouldn't have run away. If I hadn't, then Senior sister wouldn't be like this. If I had stayed then, maybe I could've helped her. The words she said that night repeated in my mind.
If I hadn't been so weak, I could've killed him, then none of this would have happened. If only...
I heard a groan from Sister Dōngquè, interrupting my thoughts.
"Senior!"
I grabbed her hand, watching as she opened her eyes. She turned her head to me, meeting my gaze. She stared at me, her expression easing into a relaxed smile.
Then her gaze wandered the infirmary, asking, "How long was I unconscious for?"
"I-I'm not sure, but I was told that you arrived a few minutes ago."
Her stare landed on the ceiling, mindlessly nodding along, "I see."
I gripped her hand before asking, "What happened after I escaped?"
She turned to me, her face turning solum as she recounted the incident.
"After you teleported away, I went to cover your retreat. I was careless and ended up like this. I couldn't fully make out his face, but I could tell he was young, maybe only a few years older than you. That demonic cultivator, he was at least mid golden core realm," she paused for a moment, staring dazedly at the ceiling once more.
"I had barely escaped using a teleportation talisman, but for some reason, he didn't pursue me."
My brows knitted together in thought. He didn't chase after her? But why? She was obviously no match for him. He most likely went easy on me during our fight as well. He had every chance to kill us, but he didn't.
When I noticed him wandering in town the other day, I thought he was just a wandering demonic cultivator, since he didn't have anything to imply he was from a sect. But maybe I was mistaken. If he were a wandering cultivator, he would've killed me and Senior sister without a second thought, but he intentionally held back, letting us live. Was he taking orders from someone?
Thousands of questions flooded my head as I mulled over his intentions. What was his goal in all this?
"Junior Àiyù."
I snapped out of my thoughts, turning my attention to Senior sister, "Yes, Sister Dōngquè?"
"We must report to the Sect Leader as quickly as possible. Our encounter with that cultivator was not simple."
"But your wounds!" I protested.
"I know, which is why you will go in my stead," she explained, clambering into a sitting position.
I helped steady her, giving her hand a final squeeze before giving a resolute nod. She smiled, nodding back as she watched me leave.
Once I stepped outside, I breathed a tired sigh. Feeling the tension and frustration from last night returning in waves. That disgusting face flashed in my mind, that mocking grin that bastard gave me. Forget tenfold, I'll make sure you feel the weight of your action a hundred, no, a thousandfold! I'll make you regret that you didn't kill me when you had the chance!
I looked back at the infirmary, my goal clear. Report back to the sect, become strong, and finally return the favor to that scum. I turned back, walking away in heavy strides towards the gate of Xīngyún sect.
I was soon stopped by a disciple stationed at there.
"Fellow Daoist, are you leaving the mountain?"
"Yes, I will leave my Senior in your care."
The disciple nodded, stepping aside to let me pass. I strode down the steps, swiftly going down the mountain. From there, I started my journey to Běifāng province.