Chapter 136: Imprisoned.

Chapter 136: Imprisoned.It was the most torturous month Lee had ever experienced.

On the way back to the Nethermoon sect, he barely slept and kept jolting at every other shadow of the tree that suddenly moved in the wind. The paranoia was tiring, but he couldn’t do anything about it – the moment he realized something was wrong with the mission, there was no finding peace.

If this was his first life, he probably would’ve started to take medicine against anxiety disorder, but in this world, filled with superhumans, or rather – cultivators, it was impossible to tell whether he was actually played.

But it surely felt that way. The alarms in his head kept constantly going off, making him crazy.

Xiao Lian noticed Lee’s strange behavior right away. The boy was confused, but since Lee wasn’t lashing out on him and continued to train, decided that Lee was probably homesick. After all, no matter how mature Lee usually was, he was few years younger and basically still a kid.

***

The sect hadn’t changed and the two arrived to the Mission Hall to deliver the package. After Lee checked it a month ago, he kind of fixed it and now it looked almost as good as new, and fortunately no one raised any questions.

The moment they stepped out of the Mission Hall a melodious voice stopped them, "Thank you for your help! You two did great!"

Due to his paranoia, Lee was terrified out of his mind hearing it, and seeing its owner didn’t make him feel better. It was the same red-robed girl who sent them on their first mission, widely smiling again. As expected, Xiao Lian’s face was in the same color as her robe, and the boy did his best to formulate thanks to the compliment.

"I have another urgent task, though!" She said, "Would you be interested in helping me out? It’s nothing too difficult ..."

Xiao Lian was already nodding, but Lee pulled him away, promising to think about her proposal. They would come back the next day and then decide.



The girl gladly agreed, but this time Lee noticed the cold gleam in her eyes, and knew for sure something was off. In any normal situation he would’ve ran, and stayed hidden until the coast was clear or sought a protection from some influential acquaintances.

Unfortunately, this time he had nowhere to go and no one to turn to either.

"What’s wrong, Brother Lee? Why couldn’t we ..." Xiao Lian was confused, but Lee didn’t let him finish.

He asked, "Tell me honestly – did she had anything to do with our mission?"

"Yes, she suggested it ..." Xiao Lian said, trying to hide his eyes like a kid who stole candy, "But it was registered and all, so I thought ..."

"It’s fine!" Lee said, "Let’s go home, I have to think!"

They parted, but Lee didn’t get inside his room, though. The moment he opened the door, his vision turned dark.

***

Even before Lee opened his eyes, he knew where he was. He didn’t need to see to know the meaning of the cold stone floor, and the tiny barred window was only a confirmation. The sun had set and only few stars could be seen through it, and Lee began to wonder what the law actually in this world was.

Of course, he didn’t have a clue what he had done wrong, but since he was still alive, surely there will be people willing to explain it to him. The question was – will the explanation end in something like a public execution, a prison sentence or slaving his life away in mines.

Neither was great, but if had a choice, he would probably pick the former. He had the cultivation technique and considered himself to be set for the next life. The childhood period was expected to be annoying, as always, but as soon as he ignited the spark, things would be fine.



With this thought Lee inwardly smiled, and sat up to meditate. He had time to spare and this was the best way to pass it.

It was strange how his mind instantly calmed down. Apparently the not knowing was the most stressful part. Not that he knew much more now.

Of course, it was clear that someone had set him up for something, but at least now Lee clearly knew his options. What improved his mood was the fact that in this world people weren’t burned to death. He was already tired of agony from swallowing the two sparks and didn’t want to experience a torturous death.

The problem was that the current vacation slowly began to turn into such.

Spending the night in deep meditation and playing with the elemental particles in his abdomen was fine. It was also bearable to continue doing it the following day.

But when on the second morning Lee hadn’t had a drop of water do drink, he began to reconsider his situation. Suicidal thoughts were never the funnest ones, but philosophical, like for example – is it better to get burned alive or die from thirst, were straight out depressing.

"Why do I need to come? Can’t you deal with it yourself?" An annoyed, but familiar voice woke Lee up on the third morning.

"You brought him here, he’s your responsibility!" A man answered, but to Lee it felt like his voice was colder than the stone floor he was sitting on.

"I did not! Your people did!" The woman argued.

"Shen Rouya! You know I’m talking about Ashland!" The man said, and Lee heard few strange clicking sounds to his right, as if latches or bolts were being slid open. As expected, the door opened, and Lee sensed both people come in.

He continued to sit and observed their silhouettes. There was no need for pleasantries, because another smile or polite I’m sorry would not get him out of here.

"Before you start spouting nonsense, you should know that we already have all the information we need." The man said, "We’re not clear on few details, but it will be better for you if you tell us the truth. Trust me, you don’t want to do this the hard way."



Lee barely managed to hold back a burst of loud laughter. His throat was dry and he probably would’ve hurt himself, but it was hilarious how this guy tried to play the cop with him. But, truth to be said, Lee knew it was the correct approach in the current situation.

Nevertheless, he said, "Can I get a glass of water?"

He already knew it will be a lengthy discussion and this was the only time he had some kind of leverage. The other party didn’t know whether he was about to cooperate or not, thus the best thing for them was to grant his wish.

"No!" Contrary to Lee’s expectations, the man immediately refused.

"Goodbye!" Lee replied with a smile a heartbeat later.

He wasn’t trying to be antagonistic – he really wanted to drink. And if these people were about to torture him, it didn’t matter what he said – they would do it anyway.

During the past days, Lee had enough time to think and managed to draw the picture of the situation in his mind. Ninety five percent of it was still white paper, but if a punk like him was even remotely necessary, it meant these people didn’t have much.

That didn’t mean they were stupid. In fact, Lee liked both the sect and the junior elders he had met so far. And if the rumors were true, and the elemental lords lived for several millennia – these guys were super smart! With experience like that it was simply impossible to not be.

Lee couldn’t hear the two people breathe. In fact, if he didn’t see their silhouettes in front of the tiny window, he would think that earlier he was hearing things.

Lee wasn’t certain if he was testing their patience or they were trying to think of the best way to deal with him. Fortunately, the heavy gourd that fell on his lap answered the question.

It hurt when an object, containing three gallons of water, unexpectedly dropped right on his thing. But Lee was not going to complain. Ignoring the tears that involuntarily appeared in his eyes because of the sudden pain, he greedily drank until he was full, and then, a little more.

Then he passed the gourd back, and said, "You lied!"