Chapter 16: Chapter – 16 - To Go Back Home Or Not?
The sepia toned image was slightly distorted, the faces slightly blurred. She was standing in a large room...maybe a hall....and every visual playing was through her own eyes. A man was seated on a heavy chair at one end of the room. He didn't move a finger, yet endless oppression churned out in waves, trying to pressure her into subjugation.
She couldn't even look up properly, sweating heavily just by standing before him. A deep sense of frustration, panic, fear and anxiety mixed in with the anger and helplessness she felt, as she peeked at the other man standing near the high chair. Even his face was blurred, but a faint feeling of familiarity and hatred coursed through her mind.
'Grandfather.....why?'
What was this? Was this second man her grandfather? Were these the remnant emotions of this body's previous owner? Rihanna felt like she was drowning in these sudden memories, a restlessness churning through her heart, making her anxious and stressed. Why did she feel hatred for her grandfather? Who was this man? Even through the memories of the previous owner, she could sense that this man was dangerous.
Rihanna had suddenly blanked out, stopping in the middle of her steps. As the memory played out before her eyes, her body was outwardly sweating, sending the group of 'Uncles' into panic.
"Su Matsao!"
'Su Matsao.'
This name created vibrations inside her heart, making her happy and depressed at the same time. Then....this must have been the previous owner's name...
But why was she having a sudden revelation now? Was the previous owner's soul still within this body, being subdued by her own soul? What was she seeking? Was she supposed to take revenge for Su Matsao?! But she really was not a 'revenge taking' kind of girl! She herself was extremely laid back to the point of being lazy, and also not the kind to intervene in other's messes. People may call her a coward, but if the scene looked tough, then she definitely avoided it!
"Su Matsao!"
Rihanna blinked at the loud shout reverberating in her ears, unconsciously releasing the deep breath she had been holding back. Her mind felt dizzy and over-worked. The image was gone and she had not gained much information, but she knew there was definitely a big story behind the death of the previous owner. And surely not a happy one.
"Su Matsao....are you okay? You seem to be unwell. Maybe you should return back with me. Your grandfather and cousins have been searching for you for so long. You disappeared so suddenly without informing anyone. Everyone is worried! We should head back to your home – they'll be so happy to know that you are safe."
Rihanna glanced at the brawny man, then looked down, hiding the glint of fear and suspicion in her eyes.
Happy? Had been looking for her? Why did she not feel any happiness after discovering this body's identity? In contrast, this body was seemingly wanting to reject all connections to these people from her life's past. She had previously wanted to visit Moon-Grave City to have a better understanding of this body's situation.....but now she was not so sure. That man.....how was she connected to him?.....And why was she so scared of him? Would she be able to leave once she returned back to her 'Home'?
'What is this stupid girl thinking about? She is already blessed that despite being a lowly commoner, Sect Leader desires her body, and yet she is playing hard-to-get! Once she returns back, Clan Head Su will have to imprison her till she is safely sent over to the Sect Leader. Wanting to run? Huh!'
Anger flashed through Rihanna's half-lidded eyes. Ever since she started accumulating energy in the underground place, her senses had enhanced themselves. And she could also read internal thoughts and emotions of low level cultivators, especially when their emotions were too strong. At first she had felt that this was a nuisance, as she could not really control what to hear, when to hear, who to hear. But this time she was grateful for this passive power.
The 'Uncles' were still there, listening to their conversation, unsure of whether to intervene.
Rihanna blinked away her anger and suspicion, and smiled brightly at the man.
"Ah....is Grandfather looking for me? I fell off a cliff, and then got stranded in the forest, and somehow lost most of my memories! That's why I couldn't go back, because I didn't know the way. If you had not called my name, I wouldn't even have recognized you! Do you really know me so well? But how come I don't remember you? And.....I was in that scary forest for so many days...why did Grandfather not send anyone to search for me?....I was so scared!"
The thin first uncle frowned, her words prompting his suspicions instantly. The other uncles too became alert. They were lone cultivators, who roamed around the different countries, and had seen all kinds of people. How could a young boy like this boy scam their eyes? To the eyes of these four 'Uncles', this boy did not seem very trustworthy.
Rihanna noticed their subtle gestures and felt her confidence growing. silently taking a deep breath, she focused on the boy before her, trying to put up the 'most-innocent-and-pitiful-face' she could muster.
"What are you talking about? Of course you know me....we have known each other since childhood! In fact, we are considered to be childhood sweethearts. My name is Wen Haoli....and you have always called me as Brother Haoli. You liked me a lot since we were kids, and I said that I would wait for you to grow up before I approach your grandfather for your hand in marriage. I am so happy to know you are safe and well, imagine how happy your grandfather will be? Let's not waste any more time and head back directly."
Rihanna almost rolled her eyes at him.
'Yo boy.....you are too young to be even thinking about marriage!! And I am 27...got it! Might not look like it, since I am currently stuck in this freakishly small body....but my soul is way older than yours! And what are you talking about marriage?.....Even in this short time, I, an outsider to your world, have already figured out the differences between cultivators and commoners. Are trying to buy my love and affection for you with a virtual candy! Hmph! I wish I was strong.....I so want to stomp on your face and crush it to the ground!!'
Rihanna really felt like behaving like one of those grand dowagers in a Chinese historical drama – picking up an antique jade tea-cup and throwing it at this fellow's head! But she forcefully swallowed down her temper, her tiny face furrowing into a deep and desperate frown, as confusion and anxiety poured into her large eyes.
"But I don't even remember your name! I am so sorry.....it must hurt you so much that I can't remember you. But I remember now that I fell off a cliff, and the cliff itself was very near our house - a little further from the back-wall of our main house. But I can't remember how I fell down that cliff....or what I was doing there! I couldn't remember anything when I woke up, and waited below the cliff for over a month.....but why did no one come to search for me? Even when I came to the city, I did not see any search posters on the city board near the gates! Did Grandpa really think that I was already dead? I was alone and scared, but no one seems to have really missed me!"
Wen Haoli gritted his teeth, anger sparkling in his eyes. Even though he tried his best to hide his growing irritation, how could the Uncles miss the sharp viciousness flickering under that sickeningly sweet smile. Moreover his cute acting was really not cutting the mark!
Wen Haoli tried to change his tactic, immediately pulling on an apologetic expression.
"I feel like such a horrible person. When my fiancé needed me the most, I failed to protect her! I have let you down. You can punish me as you please, you can make me run errands for you.....but don't take it out on your grandfather. He has really been missing you. You know how old he is now. And ever since he heard of you going missing, he fell ill and hasn't been doing well. Please come back with me to see him once."
Rihanna wanted to spit all over his face - 'FIANCE'?! When in the world did a cultivator get engaged to a commoner? Did he really think everyone around was an idiot? Oh, wait...was this the famous Face-Slapping trope? Ugh....she really didn't want to Face-slap...she was more tempted to picking him up and slamming his body on the rocks below the cliff!! Did he really think he could bind her down with some filial piety nonsense?.....Well, sorry....but she wasn't even connected to them! Deep breath...deep breath.....!
"Wen Hao....I mean Brother...Haoli.....my mind is very confused. It was so scary being stuck under that cliff! There were so many dangerous demonic beasts, and I almost died a few times.....it was so scary! There was no one i could talk to.....no one to save me when I was being chased by that vicious snake....even the fruits and vegetables were all poisonous or inedible!...It was really too scary!"
The more she resisted or spoke of her experience, the more Wen Haoli felt irked. He was barely able to control his annoyance, and his irritation started escaping through his words and eyes.
"Yes, yes.....I understand all. i said that it was a mistake on our part. why are you still holding on to it? and even if you are angry, this is not the place for it. As i have already said, just follow me back to your home, and everything will be okay. Or are you even doubting the love and affection of your family now? Even if you do not believe in me, you should at least consider your old Grandfather."
Rihanna looked down, almost fuming through her ears. she had never ever had to face such situations in her life before. especially where she was so weak before someone trying to forcefully make her decisions for her. she bit her lips, trying to control her rising temper.
Thinking for a bit, she started whimpering, pinching her thighs under the long sleeves, to gather some tears as an extra-dramatic effect.
"But...but...I have just come to this city.....and I can't remember ever having seen such a large city before.....and it so beautiful too. And look.....there seems to be some Grand Championship going on in this city...I really wanted to see it. Can't I stay on for just a few days more? I promise I will be very obedient. Will Grandfather really be so angry if I stay here for a few days? If he knows how scared I have been, I am sure he will take pity and find ways to make me happy again? Surely he'll allow me to stay here and enjoy myself so I can forget that scary forest?...."
Wen Haoli furrowed his brows. A large group of people had slowly gathered around them. Now that the dispute between the two carriages had already dispersed, the drama-hungry spectators had set their eagle eyes on the next interesting target, and hence they had already been surrounded by the gossip-craving audience. No matter what, he couldn't refute her, nor force her to comply before so many eyes. This girl....was she really clueless...or was she trying to play him?!
On the other hand, Rihanna was really taking a risk, trying to appeal to the emotions of the people slowly surrounding them. She had no clues what kind of family values and personal integrity ruled in these lands. But observing the expressions of the 'Uncles', she had realized, no matter which world, children always made an impression on adults. Moreover she seemed to have a really likeable countenance. She truly needed to use it to the best of its advantage to gain favors.....at least till she was strong enough to stand up against such tormentors!
"But....how can I let you go alone.....even if I go with you, the events will be very crowded, and I might not be able to keep you safe. I don't think it is a good idea. You have still not recovered, and we don't have any other people with us - it is best if we return home for now. Don't be depressed....once we return, I will take you out to see the market there."
Wen Haoli gave one of his most gentle and coaxing smile, making all feel he was trying to coax a small, stubborn child. But Rihanna was not about to be led by the nose.....you want to show I am stubborn....then let me show you what stubborn really is!
"Oh....but I have already promised these Uncles that I will accompany them to the event. They are the ones who saved me from the forest, and have taken good care of me all along the way and brought me here. They call me their niece, and have promised to take me back home after the championship is over. They have done me such a great favor - how can I repay them by going back on my words! Grandfather always said - if one does you a favor, then you must repay it back a hundred times. Brother Haoli, I think you should also stay and accompany us so we can represent my family and show them our gratitude. Brother Haoli, don't you also think so?"
The thin man frowned slightly. This girl had rapidly changed her script, but somehow he couldn't sense any malicious intent behind her acting. On the other hand, the brawny youth gave off a very sinister feel. He glanced at his companions. Generally lone cultivators like themselves never wanted to be involved with clan affairs. But.....Moon-Grave city was a very small city, and they were strong enough to evade it's attacks. Moreover there was only around a week left for the event to reach the finale. They were simply accompanying her for that duration. What happened after that....well, that would be in the girls hand.
Rihanna was looking at him with anxiety and anticipation. She bit her lower lip, her large eyes opening wider with an inner desperation which couldn't be hidden from the Uncle's eyes. She had single-handedly kicked the ball into their court. All she could hope for now was that they wouldn't drop it. Seeing their subtle interaction she heaved a sigh of relief. It seems she had bought herself some time – time needed to decide her next steps.
"Hmmm.....we have indeed agreed to accompany her. She has gone through so much at such a young age – you shouldn't force her right now. Let her enjoy herself for a while, and then she will be refreshed and ready to return back. You can accompany us too."
Wen Haoli was extremely displeased, but he hid his irritation behind a gentle smile.
"Indeed, how unseemly of me. Here I am saying that we are childhood sweethearts, and yet am unable to see your pain. You said you fell of the cliff – it is already a miracle that you survived. Being in the forest without any cultivation must have been an added torture. Fine, I will accompany you for the championship. But you have to promise to accompany me on my return trip, okay?"
Rihanna felt like rolling her eyes again. Pleeease! Can your acting be any worse. I can literally see the seething anger rolling below your frozen and uncomfortable looking smile! And your eyes look anything but warm! Or happy! Moreover, you must be a moron if you believe the surrounding people believe in even the sound of those sickening words coming out of your mouth!!
But she smiled back brilliantly, nodded her head, then skipped towards the group of 'Uncles'. Staying in Green-Stone City – check. Now they needed to find a place to stay.
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