A Waste of Time

Chapter 46: Broken Idol

"Scattered-Woods Village... My Young Master is waiting for my return, and I don't dare keep him waiting." Ru answered while giving the man in white a lazy side-glance before resting his chin on the hilt of his Sword.

"Hmmm..." Protector Jian refused to stop and ignored Ling Sue’s hidden gestures and pleading eyes. "A person of your status humbly calling another 'Young Master'... May I ask the honorable name of your lord? He must be quite renowned in these territories!"

The Swordsman shrugged carelessly. "Sure, why not? My Young Master's name is Daemon, a boy no older than ten. His father, Da Wei or something, died in some silly rebellion a few years back. The boy was called Da Niu but doesn’t plan to keep that name. He’s never left Scattered-Woods Village, lived alone in the woods for over a year. I met him a few days ago and nearly got myself and my little sister killed by him while on a mission to kill a bandit in the area. Now the two of us serve him."

The man in white and the beauty, who had resorted to making tea since she couldn’t stop the conversation, both gaped. "S-servants!"

Ru nodded seriously. "Yes, servants. We joined him as mortals. I’m still loyal after becoming a Fifth-Stage Cultivator. You must be dying to ask why serve a kid like that... keep in mind he’s a mortal with not a strand of Qi in his body." He smiled when they both nodded seriously, then took the tea Ling Sue offered and calmly sipped. "Because that mortal kid crippled the Cultivator who owned the two Protective Spiritual Treasures you just took. That man was an Outer-Disciple of the Ten-Thousand Beast Mountain Sect. My Young Master can’t wait to pick fights with stronger Cultivators and test his strength."

"Fellow Daoist Ru... You must be joking!" Protector Jian wiped sweat from his brow. Only a lunatic would pick a fight with the largest Sect in the region—especially when Scattered-Woods Village was practically at the Sect’s doorstep.

"Doesn’t matter what I say, right?" Ru shrugged again. "Even if you don’t send people to confirm it, news will spread soon enough. Young Master Daemon crippled Qi Ying of the largest Clan in front of the entire village. That idiot even revealed he was an Outer-Disciple while trying to threaten my little ancestor. Now Daemon’s daydreaming about trouble knocking so he can prove his fist is stronger than anyone’s." He sighed. Peace was impossible with Daemon around.

Protector Jian tried to find any hint of lying but failed, frowning deeper. "Fellow Daoist Ru, may I... accompany you to pay respects to Young Master Daemon?"

Ru nearly choked on his tea, glaring at the man. Protector Jian squinted before asking hesitantly, "It’s not the right time?"

The Swordsman shook his head. "It’s not my decision. It’s up to you—and your attitude."

"Meaning?" Protector Jian tilted his head.

"Meaning you can go meet him in Scattered-Woods Village while he’s shopping or trading, visit his campsite in the woods, or run into him 'by chance' in the Myriad-Beast Forest, where he hunts daily. But if you’re not genuine... attempting to manipulate that little ancestor would be your worst mistake." Ru put down the tea cup, stood, and cupped his fist. "I’ve told you all you need to know. Investigate as you wish, but I trust you’re wise enough to decide well. If you want to accompany me, prepare a Gentle-Feather Talisman—I’m using one on my way back."

Protector Jian and Ling Sue exchanged a glance. She nodded twice: "Go! This could tie us to Loose Cultivators—good for business. The really precious goods ship tomorrow to the Main Branch in Crouching-Tiger City anyway."

Gu Zhu returned with a wooden box. Ru checked the contents, nodded, then stowed it in his Space-Pouch, retrieved a Gentle-Feather Talisman, and activated it with a strand of Water Qi.

Protector Jian didn't do the same, following after the Swordsman while flaring his Qi. "I’ll return once I confirm this, Manager Ling."

"Safe travels, Protector Jian." Ling Sue murmured, watching from her office window as the two Cultivators vanished beyond the Town Gate. "Gu Zhu."

"Yes, Manager Ling."

"Keep your ears open for any news from Scattered-Woods Village. Don’t alert others while sniffing around." She crossed her arms, her curves prominent.

"Right away." Gu Zhu quickly excused himself, embarrassed after staring too long earlier.

Daemon slipped deeper into the Myriad-Beast Forest, ignoring long-tusk boars and searching for worthier prey. Eventually, he neared a lake close to the apex predators’ territories. He licked his lips, tasting the excitement, but stayed vigilant. Asura's Buff is just a thought away.

A few minutes later he crouched at the edge of a small waterfall, scanning the foreign territory below. A Moose-like beast drank at the lake’s edge.

Nah... hunted its cousin days ago. Better wait for something else. Damn, I’m hungry!

His stomach twisted with pain, but he remained still. While the Moose drank, something lurked in the shadows, stalking.

Rustle. Growl. Bellow. Splash.

A female Tiger sprang, catching the Moose mid-flinch, jaws clamping its throat as they crashed into the water. She never released her grip, claws locked around her prey, head jerking side to side while the Moose kicked and thrashed.

Seconds stretched, tense and wet. Finally, the Tigress dragged the carcass onto dry land—but sensed movement in the water. Daemon spotted it too: an Anaconda, perfectly camouflaged to the lake’s muddy floor.

So sneaky! Didn’t even notice it. Perfect camouflage.

Growl.

The Tigress tried to drag its kill deeper into the forest but exhaustion slowed her. The Anaconda, thick as a barrel, slithered silently ashore. Its yellow-green eyes locked on its rival, head lifting meters above the ground.

This thing’s at least a hundred kilos heavier... but I doubt it could pin that Tigress if she stays alert.

Howl.

Realizing dragging her meal away was futile, the Tigress planted herself atop the carcass and roared—a warning not to come closer or face her fury.

Daemon rubbed his hands together, grinning wide. Can’t wait to watch this live show.

Here's a link to my discord server if you want to talk - .gg/HwHHR6Hds