Chapter 2

The man with the butcher's knife eyes widened as sweat dripped from his brow. “Rillian Adore as in the Merciless Golden Blade, Rillian Adore!?”

With his breath nearly caught in his throat, unable to say more words, his mouth started to feel dry. If this was truly Rillian Adore, forget their plan to find a better place to live, his brother and him might not even make it out alive.

Rillian Adore was known to be cruel and ruthless. It was such that none dared to cross his path for fear of sustaining great injuries or losing their lives.

The man at first thought that the man in front of him might have been an impersonator, due to them popping up around the Empire a while ago. But then he remembered the story behind them. One day, Rillian Adore left his clan and came back a month later.

Before he left, news of Rillian Adore impersonators was common to hear, but when he came back, it was like those impersonators never existed. No one dared to say anything about them again.

It was said that Rillian Adore left at that time to swiftly take care of the impersonators himself, so only those who were crazy or stupid would think to use his name after. So, if someone claimed to be him, whether it was true or not, it was better not to take any chances.

The smaller man walked up to Rillian Adore, cupping his hands. “Sword Master Rillian Adore, look, we put him down. See?”

He gestured to Drakkel who was now standing in front of the larger man.

Drakkel wanted to take the opportunity to run, but if Rillian Adore had not confirmed the situation yet, Drakkel would definitely be caught while trying to escape, so he decided to stand still instead, patiently waiting for a chance to leave.

The smaller man continued, “It was a misunderstanding, it was all a misunderstanding! We weren’t doing anything bad, yet this man came and bothered us! We were just defending ourselves! Now that you’re here, you can determine the truth of the matter!”

Rillian Adore’s eyes darted to Drakkel’s figure and then to the figures of the other two. They were all indeed covered in wounds.

But, he already knew who was the victim and who were the perpetrators because a girl from earlier had told him all about it.

“I’ll bring you all in for questioning then,” he answered.

The man with the butcher’s knife was worried. If he was brought in, wouldn’t they find out what actually happened?

So, rubbing his hands together, he added, “Sword Master Rillian Adore, why waste your time taking us in when you can determine it for yourself.”

He suddenly took on an indignant expression as he said, "Truth be told, that man,” he gestured to Drakkel, “Provoked us first while we were taking a break from our work at the butcher's and we were just defending ourselves. Surely someone like you who is strong and magnanimous shouldn’t have any trouble seeing the truth! After all, you’re the one who defeated the Sword’s Wind and unraveled the secret behind him!

The man’s words seemed to have an effect on Rillian Adore. With his muscles now appearing a bit tense yet his voice even, he asked, “What secret?”

The smaller man didn’t understand his response but still carried on. “You know it! Drakkel Fin used demonic magic to gain his reputation! If you hadn’t defeated him, we wouldn’t…”

Suddenly the man felt a chill go down his spine. He hadn’t been looking into Rillian Adore’s eyes out of respect before, but now he dared to look up and what he saw made him feel as if his soul was about to leave his body.

He laughed, “Actually, it was a joke, I didn’t mean…”

His gaze drifted all the way down as he attempted to avoid Rillian Adore’s angry glare. And it was then that he noticed that the man in front of him did not carry the pass that the Golden Blade was known to carry around as an identifier.

The man’s friendly expression fell. He had doubted it before, but now he was certain. This man has been acting strangely since he arrived, wantonly throwing the Golden Peak Swords Clan’s name around. Besides that, Rillian Adore had beaten Drakkel Fin and went into seclusion afterwards. They weren’t known to be close, so why would he defend him? He even remembered that Sword Fighters didn't often travel to the outer towns. If they did, it would usually be those from a clan that was located closer to the area.

Names could be faked, but not martial ability!

A wide smile spread upon his face as he pointed to Rillian Adore. “Wait! You must be an impersonator! Everyone knows that the real Rillian Adore always carries his clan pass! But you don't have one! What makes you think you can pretend to be someone you're not?”

“Whether you believe me or not doesn’t affect the fact that you’ll be brought in.” Rillian Adore answered.

“Brought in?” He laughed. “An impersonator may be able to copy looks, but not sword skills! Where will you be bringing us, Hmmm? Your bluffing trick didn’t work. In fact, I take back what I said! Drakkel Fin isn’t just a demonic energy user! If I want to, I’ll even say that Drakkel Fin, for all his skill was only a beautiful face and nothing more! When one only trains in seduction and dabbles in demonic arts, is it surprising that they would lose to someone of a lower lev…!”

“Shut up…” Rillian Adore growled.

With a movement so quick that one could barely see it, the wrapping from the item on his back came loose and he pulled his great sword, Sun-Tinged Rays which had a golden hilt and a glimmering meteoric iron blade out from its sheath and swung it. Out of the blade, shot a wave of sword energy with its blue glare rushing like a gale of wind.

The man tried to dodge it, but the speed was too fast. It struck one of his legs, severing it from the knee down.

One moment, the man was standing upright and the next he was laying on the floor with a puddle of his own blood pooling around him.

When he realized what was going on, he speedily hit his acupoints to stop the bleeding. But his face had already grown pale. And it wasn’t because of losing blood but because of facing the reality of what had just happened.

From the energy he felt, the man in front of him was indeed a Sword Master. His identity now was undeniable. He coughed and blood spurted from his mouth.

The bigger man, seeing this, quickly ran towards him.

“Brother!” He screamed.

He checked over the smaller man's wounds and hurriedly said, “We have to go, brother!”

The one with the chopped off leg nodded, his jaw tightly clenched.

The bigger man picked him up and attempted to dash straight past Rillian Adore, but Rillian Adore stuck a leg out and the larger man tripped.

With an angry tone, he stated, “You’re not going anywhere! Butcher Jin Linel and assistant Locin Lu, you two are suspects in the cases of missing persons in this area. I’ll be taking you in for investigation!”

The wrapping that bound the sword before which was hanging from the tip of the hilt glowed and floated off. It increased to several times its original size and wrapped around the two men.

Rillian Adore then knocked them out by hitting their acupoints.

Afterwards, he turned to Drakkel who was already quietly making his way to the exit.

“You there! Stop!”

Drakkel froze in place.

“I’ll need to bring you in as well.”

Drakkel slowly turned around. He could handle many things, but facing this man was simply not one of them.

He wanted to leave, but feared that running away would only make him look guilty. So, he opted to stay.

In order to not be recognized, he lowered his head further and walked back.

Changing up his voice, he answered, “No thank you. I… get nervous around authority.”

Rillian Adore’s demeanor slightly softened. “Don't worry. I’m a part of a reputable swords clan. Under my watch, no one would dare to abuse you.”

Drakkel shook his head. Although the men deserved it, this man had just cut off someone's leg without a second thought. Even if he said these words, what normal person would go with him after seeing that?

Besides that, he had his own reasons for avoiding him. But Rillian Adore wouldn't let it go. He continued to push, taking a step closer. “Your testimony would really help us out.”

“You found me here even though it's such a secluded place. Did that woman I help call for you? Why don't you request her assistance instead?” Drakkel noted.

“She’s long gone now, while you’re still here. Even if I look now, it would be difficult to find her.” Rillian Adore shot back.

“So you would bring me in against my will instead? Is that how you righteous Swords Clans work?” Drakkel asked.

Rillian Adore's expression didn't change much, but his voice did soften a bit. “We only want to help. But fine. If you don’t want to come with me, then answer me this: the woman said you saved her. How? Butcher Jin is a Sword Outcast. If he was serious, you shouldn’t have held him back for so long.”

Beads of sweat began to gather at Drakkel’s temples as he looked for an answer.

This man really didn’t want to let him go.

He laughed. “A sword outcast? I don’t know what that is. I was just running an errand and I heard some noise come from here. I went to check it out and I saw these two,” He gestured to the tied up unconscious figures, “harassing the woman. I may be useless, but even I have a conscience. I distracted them so the woman was able to make her escape. But these two were angry. After they lost her, they targeted me. In fact, If it weren't for you, I would have ended up a victim too!”

Rillian Adore nodded, but he didn’t look convinced. “So that’s how it was? But, you see? You spent more time with these two than that woman. Of course your testimony would hold more weight.”

Drakkel frowned. He expected to be let go, but the more he talked, the harder it was to leave. It was like trying to walk out of quicksand.

This man was too good at talking in circles.

“Look, I've told you all that I know and I’m not willing to give a testimony. You said I could leave after I answer your question. Isn’t it against the rules of a Swords Clan to force an innocent back without consent?”

One of Rillian Adore’s eyebrows shot up and Drakkel realized his mistake. But now he saw a chance. Rillian Adore, who was confident and stern a moment ago now seemed slightly confused. His eyebrows drew close together and he went silent for a moment.

Seeing his state, before he could get another word out, Drakkel quickly said, “I need to go.”

He attempted to walk away, but found that someone grabbed his wrist before he could exit.

“What you just said is not something any ordinary person knows.” Rillian Adore said. “You’ve been keeping your head lowered for so long. Are you hiding something?”

Drakkel shook his head.

“Then, let me see your face,” Rillian Adore continued.

Drakkel tried to break out of his grasp, but his hold tightened just a bit.

“Why should I listen to your words?” Drakkel asked. “Will you force me to stay after promising I could go?”

Rillian Adore shook his head. “You can go. But raise your head first. I feel like we may know each other and I just want to confirm.”

After wriggling around for a few moments, Drakkel knew he wouldn't get out. In the end, he could only face the person he had been avoiding.

Sighing, he turned his head to meet Rillian Adore's gaze. The moment their eyes met, Rillian Adore's widened in response.

Feeling that something was wrong, Drakkel’s heart began to pound in his chest. He quickly said, “How could a humble beggar like me know one as esteemed as yourself?”

Rillian Adore shook his head, a stunned expression on his face.

With his eyes wide and breath nearly caught, he whispered so quietly that it could barely be heard, “Drakkel…?”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

At that moment, Drakkel didn't deny it. He was shocked that after all these years, someone actually recognized him. With that, a flash of doubt flitted upon Rillian Adore’s face and his grip loosened ever so slightly. It wasn't a lot, but it was just enough for Drakkel to jerk out of his grip and make his escape.

An ordinary person would have been worried about Rillian Adore giving chase, but Drakkel knew that he was bound by duty. He had to take care of those criminals first. That was why he felt safe slowing his pace a bit to catch his breath as he made his way to the spot where he left the donkey

However, upon reaching the place, he realized that it hadn't stayed as he had commanded. Normally he would be worried, having to think about how to pay for the thing he lost, but now he really didn't have the time to care. After all, Rillian Adore had now found him here so he couldn't afford to stay.

As he departed from the vicinity, he spotted a group of Golden Peak swords clan disciples briskly walking towards the alleyway. He could tell from the quickness with which their golden robes flowed through the wind and by how tightly they gripped the handles of their swords that they were in a hurry.

Drakkel figured it would only be a matter of time before Rillian Adore caught him if he chose to stick around for even another minute.

He headed straight for Reila's place to gather his items.

Upon reaching the front of the small, slightly run-down inn, he knocked on the door. There was no answer at first, which was customary. But he didn't have patience for it today. He knocked harder the second time and Reila swung the door open.

With her eyes maddened with rage, she yelled, “Are you trying to break down my door or someth…?!”

She stopped what she was saying when she saw that the one knocking was Drakkel.

“Drake!” She said. “You don't look so good. What happened to you?”

Drakkel just noticed the exhaustion that threatened to overtake his body. He slid past Reila and walked into her inn.

As small a town as Waterfall’s End was, only two customers sat at the first floor where food was served. They stopped to stare at him for a moment, then continued what they were doing as if he wasn't there.

Drakkel spoke to Reila quietly, “Reila, can we speak somewhere more private?”

Reila skeptically raised an eyebrow, but after a moment of deliberation, she slowly nodded. She gestured to a door behind the lobby desk and he followed her there.

Once they were inside the small room, Reila asked, “What happened to you? And where's my donkey meat?”

“I’m sorry, but your donkey ran away,” Drakkel answered.

“What did you do?” Reila questioned.

“No time to explain.” Drakkel said, glancing around. “I need to go. Could I have my things?”

Reila looked like she wanted to press him more, but seeing how serious he was acting, it seemed like she had already decided to drop the issue.

She walked over to the desk in the corner and opened it. “Of course. They’re always where I’ve left them.”

She took out a small sack made of a coarse brown rag and handed it to him. Drakkel opened the bag, fished out a handful of copper coins and handed them to her.

“I know it's not a lot. But it should at least cover half the cost of the donkey.”

Reila counted the money, then nodded. “It will have to do.”

She looked up at him, “Where are you going?”

Drakkel didn’t want to reveal much. “I can't tell you, but I don't think I'll see you for a while.”

Reila’s next expression surprised Drakkel. Her eyes gazed at him with concern as the corners of her lips turned down.

“You really have to go, huh? After two years, this is it…”

She counted the copper coins again and gave him a few back.

“The donkey was free anyway. You can keep some of this.”

Drakkel bowed his head. “Thanks, Reila.”

Reila nodded.

“Be careful out there,” She said, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Drakkel nodded.

He attached his sack to his belt and left the room, heading towards the door.

However, before he was able to exit, Reila yelled, “Wait!”

She ran to the kitchen and came back with something wrapped in paper.

“I want to thank you for your help over the past couple of years. Although you weren't the best worker, at least you were honest and consistent. When you made mistakes, you would even do the work for free…”

She handed him the paper wrapping, “Here's one last helping of leftovers.”

Drakkel smiled.

He gratefully took the paper from her and left the Inn, making his way towards the side entrance of Waterfall's End.

He had a feeling that if he went to the main entrance, someone would be waiting for him.

When Drakkel took the uneven main road, passing through the makeshift stalls and nearly broken down buildings that lined its corners, he made a detour through one of the lesser roads to get to the side entrance.

Waterfall’'s End was small, not inhabited by too many people and not having too much space. The town was surrounded by a barrier made of tall logs held together by twine and sharpened at the tips. There were only two ways to leave and enter and that was through the main gate and through the side gate. The main gate could be accessed by taking the main road. One would eventually reach it if they followed it because the town was formed in a circular fashion with the main road winding around and breaking off into the main entrance, several alleyways and several side roads.

Drakkel had to travel through the main road to reach the side road that would get him outside the town. The side entrance was small and difficult to notice, so those who hadn't lived in the town for long wouldn't know of it.

However, upon reaching that very place, one who shouldn't have known about it was actually waiting there. In front of the entrance stood a man with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail, golden robes and a muscular figure who bore a greatsword on his back and with him were two other golden-robed figures who carried similar weapons. Standing near them were the two people that Drakkel had fought before.

After waiting for a moment and realizing they weren't leaving, he could only breath a heavy sigh and sneak past them, making his way to the main entrance.

But of course that area wasn't free either. Around five other golden-robed individuals waited patiently at the gate. Their countenances were vigilant as their eyes darted around.

Considering these factors, he thought for a moment on whether he should take the chance to leave through the front gate or through the side gate or even try to use his sword step skill to jump the barrier.

When the thought of leaving through the side gate flashed through his mind, he could only shake his head. If Rillian Adore recognized him before with his appearance different and after not seeing him for 7 years, couldn't he recognize him again?

As for using his sword step technique to traverse the barrier around the town, it would actually be too risky.

Maybe in the past, he could have hopped the barrier with ease, but in his current state in which he really only practiced cultivation once every three months or so, he could only wait to be caught. Truly after thinking about it carefully, the front gate was his best chance at escape.

After making his decision, Drakkel pondered on whether Rillian Adore had told his people that he was there. However, he noticed that there were no portraits in their hands and that they were carefully observing everyone who passed the gate, as if they weren't exactly sure what they were looking for.

Because of this, he figured that Rillian Adore may not have told them after all.

Then he had a sudden realization.

Rillian Adore had probably not told his fellow disciples about him or there would have been more fanfare. Instead, he likely told them to look out for identifying factors about the person they seek.

For a few moments, he thought about what would constitute an identifying factor. His eyes widened as he remembered the white streak in his hair. It started from the root, running from the top of his head, to the bottom of his back. The rest of his appearance was common, being only a bit worse than everyone else’s in the town. His skin was dirty, yet pale. He wore old clothing that had been mended many times and straw sandals roughly made by his own hands. So, it was indeed likely that they didn't know him well. But, If his suspicions were true, how would he sneak past the disciples?

As he thought about it, an idea struck.

Because Rillian Adore had come to only apprehend a few low level Sword Outcasts, he was likely mostly followed by lower level Golden Peak Swords Clan members who had come out to gain experience. So, he figured that they could be tricked.

He wrapped his long hair into a top bun and found a dirty hat from a nearby trash pile which stunk like dog’s dung mixed with the dirty blood from a butcher.

Along with it, he grabbed some mud from the ground and wiped it on his face. With his new appearance, he made his way to the main gate, his back hunched and sporting a limp.

Once he got there, as expected, he was stopped by one of the disciples.

Naturally, the disciples were weary. A sketchy-looking individual approached them, with an unclean appearance and an odd gait. But they were from the most famous and renowned Swords clan, they still had to show that they had discipline.

The disciple at the front seemed more disciplined than the rest. His robes were straight and two golden passes hung from his belt. One pass was an ordinary gold pass while the other was inlaid with gems.

Thinking about what the man that got apprehended earlier said and the fact that none of the other disciples held extra passes, Drakkel figured that the extra pass belonged to Rillian Adore.

The disciple stepped forward and bravely asked, “Who are you? State your business.”

However, after finishing his sentence, his eyes widened.

Yes, he was more disciplined than the rest, but even he had his limit. It wasn't until a moment after asking, that his eyes widened and nose wrinkle as an unpleasant smell drifted into his nostrils. His hand quickly swung to his nose in disgust as he took one step back.

The other disciples finally seemed to catch a whiff as well as they followed in his stead, making a similar gesture. Many waved their hands in the air as well to try to cast away the nasty scent.

Masking his voice to appear more raspy, Drakkel said, “Good Sir. I’m *cough* very sick. I have a terrible condition, you see. I need to get medicine from a nearby town… *cough* *cough*”

The disciple, now not holding his nose, but appearing to breath through his mouth, looked upon him skeptically as he responded, “We don't plan to stop you for long. Just lift up your hat, so we can see what lies underneath.”

Drakkel held his hat down, “No, please sir! I’m afraid my disease is contagious. Don't you smell what wafts my body? If you touch me, you may catch it."

The man looked at his fellow disciples questioningly. A horrified expression shadowed their faces as they all vigorously nodded their heads. appearing to fear the man that stood before them.

“It's alright,” The disciple replied. “We’re part of a strong Swordsclan. A bit of sickness won’t scare us away.”

He again stepped forward and attempted to reach for Drakkel's hat. Then, Drakkel made a swift movement.

He pretended to stumble a bit and hit an acupoint on his wrist to force himself to cough up blood. The disciple who was going to check him leapt a few feet backwards to avoid getting sprayed.

Immediately after, Drakkel fell to the floor, holding his chest and pretending to breathe hard.

“Sir…” He labored. “I told you. It’s a deadly disease. I don't want you to catch it.”

One of the disciples whined, “Trin! it’s not worth it! I’m sure this poor sick man isn't the one we're looking for.”

The man referred to as Trin nodded. After all, now that everyone was too scared to approach him, what could he really do? Besides, if the man was telling the truth and he brought him over to his swords clan, causing his sickness to spread, could he deal with the consequences?

“Alright,” he said, waving his hand in a motion for Drakkel to leave, “You can go.”

Drakkel repeatedly bowed as he went, “Thank you. Thank you kind people.”

The disciples cleared plenty of room for him to leave and he walked past them, limping slowly and unhurriedly.

Once he confirmed that he was out of their eyesight, he fixed his stance and hurried away, using his sword step technique to aid his travel.

When he was sure that there was no possibility of anyone following him, he switched to walking to conserve his energy.

He decided to head East as South led to the border and North led to Densai Forest, a dense forest said to be filled with powerful sacred beasts.

His destination was Shadowy Ridges.

As he walked, he soon discovered a calm and clean lake, just off the main path.

His smell was such that every time he breathed, it traveled deep into his nostrils and down his throat making him almost taste the pungent scent.

Even those he came across while walking purposely avoided him once they smelled it.

Getting tired of being accompanied by the nasty odor, he decided to take a short wash. He removed all of his clothes and cleaned them, moving onto his body afterwards.

The lake was at a perfect height. When he stood, half his body from feet to mid abdomen was covered. When he sat, his whole body was covered.

As he washed himself, he suddenly heard some voices speaking in the distance and getting closer.

He looked around and found a large rock jutting out from the water. Then he rushed behind it with his clothes in his hands.

“Did you see it? This isn't called Fairy Lake for no reason! There must be fairies here!”

“Good fellow, I think you should get your eyes checked. No one else is here.”

There was a pause for a minute and then a sigh, “Maybe you're right. That's sad. I heard that if you capture the cloak of a fairy, you can have her as a wife.”

Someone laughed, “As a traveling salesman, I’m surprised you aren't already married.”

“Don't you see that it's because I am one that I'm not already married? Who would tolerate someone that’s never home and only bringing in just enough money to live?”

“Plenty of women I'm sure, you just haven't found the right one.”

There was another pause, “Maybe I should broaden my horizons? The only places I travel to are Lunala Isle, Nevermore, and Shadowy Ridges.”

“...Wait, did you just say Shadowy Ridges? How are you still doing business there?”

“Actually I just started. I’m heading there now for my second trip. Lots of poor folk, but the ones who pay, pay well.”

“If you want to keep your life, you should end your business there now,” The other man said fearfully.

“Why?”

“You haven't heard the stories? The town has been plagued by corruption. The place used to have reasonable laws for those wishing to make a living, but around three years ago, the Town Lord began to make some drastic changes. Among other things, No more outside sales people were permitted and merchants must go through specific channels to sell products there. The channels levy expensive taxes on the merchants and sellers, making it so that doing business there is unprofitable. You might not have noticed, because they haven't caught you yet.

They make rounds every three days to check for authorization papers. You might as well drop it now. I actually only bumped into you on my way to permanently leaving!”

“Thanks for the warning! I'll probably just stick to selling for the other two towns then.”

“You better! Anyway, I need to go now. My daughter and wife are waiting for me!”

“No need to brag!”

Several footsteps then disappeared into the distance.

After a few minutes of silence, Drakkel ventured out from behind the rock.

Seeing that no one was there, he placed his clothes on top of the rock to dry and bathed for a bit longer.

While bathing, he thought about the conversation the two men had. What they said about Shadowy Ridges was concerning. While there, he would have to proceed with caution.