You haven't. Right now the other disciples are preparing to go night-hunting tonight, but no one ever lets me in their group, so I'm not able to go... out...
[ He suddenly realizes what he just said and gets flustered, quickly sitting down next to Shen Qingqiu again and keeping his gaze on his own boots. ]
I mean, um, it's not as bad as that makes it sound. Please forget I said that.
[Ah, his heart could go out to him. This was clearly a case of bullying, right? Though, if he was having some issues struggling, maybe it was better not to go anywhere yet.
A-accompanied me? Do you mean, ah, on a... night hunt...?
[ His tone of voice is tentatively hopeful. Surely he misinterpreted, but, if he were to get a chance to night hunt with a strong and skillful cultivator...
Ah, but he can just imagine the sorts of rumors that would circulate from that. Even if their guest would never hear anything in order to protect the Jin Sect's shameful secrets, Mo Xuanyu is certain that he wouldn't hear the end of it once the man leaves. Perhaps it really isn't a good idea after all. ]
Yes. Since I am unfamiliar with this area it would be a good chance to learn of the surroundings as well.
[And see what kinds of monsters were here! Though, this seemed less about interesting and creative battle creatures and more horror... but, well, he could roll with that!]
Ah. If this is for tonight, I should go quickly. I'd still need to prepare...
[ He stands up and turns to leave, then glances back at Shen Qingqiu. He isn't sure whether to ask him to come along while he finds one of his teachers, but in the end decides it's best not to trouble him too much more. ]
Please wait here. I'll be right back and let you know what they say.
[And, still had nothing better to do. So yes, go ask, go prepare. He'll just be idle, people watching, it really wasn't as bad as some people feel it is.]
[ It takes a while longer before Mo Xuanyu suddenly runs back up to Shen Qingqiu, out of breath, the biggest smile the man's probably ever seen him make on his face. ]
They said yes! [ He has to take a few more deep breaths before he can say the rest. ] We're gathering at the west exit gate right before sundown. It's, ah... [ He trails off, then points in a direction. (It's west.) ] It's that way. I'll come back here first and find you if you want. I need to keep getting ready, but-- [ Mo Xuanyu turns on his heels and runs off again, calling over his shoulder. ] --thank you! Thank you so much, Master Shen!
[He was glad to have lifted his mood so much. But then, very little could help ones mood when they are neglected. Had he not already learned that? He still didn't really know why. He didn't do much, and wasnt going out of his way. He never considered that maybe he was simply a nice person in nature.]
I can meet you at the west exit. I would not want to eat into your prep time.
[ Sundown is not too long after that, and Mo Xuanyu hasn't been keeping his things in order for night hunts. After all, he only rarely got to go out on them nowadays, so he usually used the time either for solitary cultivation or, if he was extremely lucky, spending time with Jin Guangyao. But Jin Guangyao was going to be out for another four days, so he hadn't even had that to possibly look forward to tonight.
When he shows up at the west exit gate, despite keeping to the outside of the group, he's soon noticed and fixed with several not-so-subtle sideways looks of contempt. He knows they're wondering what he's doing there, carrying a sword and several assorted pouches on his belt, with a standard set of vambraces on his arms, as if he expects to see combat. Mo Xuanyu does his best to ignore their stares and instead looks around for Shen Qingqiu. ]
[Shen Qingqiu was just the right amount of not quite late but not early enough to be awkward. His sword hung at his side and his fan was elegantly sitting in his hand. Though he didn't look like he had any other supplies with him, he had made sure to take a few things with him and placed them in his sleeve. He wasn't so much a fool that he wouldn't make sure to have medicine and other items that could be useful. Though, he doubted much would be needed. He had no intention of going after anything properly dangerous. Though he would have to take some extra precaution, doing things at night sounded exactly how you star yourself in a horror movie and die!]
Young Xuanyu, there you are.
[He spoke elegantly, but with a hint of coolness as was befitting his image.]
[ At the words, an awkward hush settles over the other disciples, and Mo Xuanyu does his best not to look at them as he shuffle-walks his way over to Shen Qingqiu. He stops in front of him, standing unnaturally straight, then salutes and gives a deep bow. ]
Master Shen, you do me much honor by agreeing to accompany me tonight. You have my most sincere thanks.
[ He doesn't want anyone to see him not acting proper enough, when he's being accompanied by an honorable guest of the sect.
No sooner does he straighten up than one of the other disciples whispers, just loud enough for him to hear,
"Hey, wonder if he's gonna try to do that with--"
before getting elbowed by the one he's whispering to. Mo Xuanyu immediately goes stiff, his expression freezing in a look of fear, and he quickly turns his gaze to look at his boots instead of Shen Qingqiu.
Thankfully even though Shen Qingqiu heard their muttering, how could he not with his immortal hearing, he didn't piece together what their intent was. It would never occur to him in a million years they could mean something of that sort.]
There is no need for thanks. This master is more than glad to see the sights and monsters of this area and enjoy a bit of adventure while here.
[ At the reply, Mo Xuanyu feels himself breathing a sigh of relief, though he still can't quite meet Shen Qingqiu's gaze again. ]
I am still grateful for your generosity. I hope it will live up to your expectations.
[ "I hope I won't fail your expectations," more like, but he doesn't say that. ]
Then, once the teachers show up, we'll head out...
[ He glances around a little, and seeing that the others are still giving him sideways glares, he shivers and takes half a step closer to Shen Qingqiu, as if hoping he can protect him. Mo Xuanyu can already tell that this will just make the others dislike him all the more after this... ]
[Even if he wasn't that interested in trapesing around in the dark, there was a bit of excitement to it. Things like this were fun every so often.]
Hopefully it won't be too long.
[He opened his fan and fanned himself lightly, blowing his hair ever so slightly in the generated wind. He glanced around at the other kids, they all seemed a little unpleasant. It really was a case of bullying, wasn't it?]
[ He trails off as two older cultivators in Jin Sect robes approach the group and call out, and Mo Xuanyu leads Shen Qingqiu over so they're closer to them. The two teachers bow to Shen Qingqiu, but then largely ignore him as they address the younger disciples.
From the description of the situation, it seems like a large village was partially buried in a landslide, with a large number of people perishing. Ever since, there has been trouble in the surrounding woodlands, and few people are willing to venture in or out of the village, causing trouble for the remaining residents. It's a fairly simple task: settle the spirits of the dead, or failing that, extinguish them.
When they call for everyone to prepare to move out, Mo Xuanyu gives a nervous glance towards Shen Qingqiu, but pulls out and mounts his sword with the other disciples. ]
[He returns a proper and respectful greeting, after all, he was a guest and didn't have the clout of being a Peak Lord as an excuse to be minimum. He wasn't surprised if he was more or less ignored, after all, he was a complete unknown. This however made part of him want to show off the moment he could.
What do you know! Behold the amazing and awe-inspiring power of Shen Qingqiu! A Peak Lord is so much more than whatever you are!
But, in reality he knew he shouldn't and would keep his feelings to himself. He could still play around though and show them he's not to scoff at though.
When it was time to take out their swords he pretty much missed the nervousness of Mo Xuanyu, he was too excited to actually fly. This! This was how you did it! No carriages, no horses! This is how you get from place to place as a cultivator! Yes! Let him fly!
And, without really thinking about it he called out Xiu Ya making the sword seal, it flew out elegantly and glowed faintly, any cultivator worth their weight in salt would be able to tell his status just by the quality of his sword glare.]
[ It is immediately obvious how good Shen Qingqiu's cultivation is, and Mo Xuanyu isn't the only one distracted enough to nearly fall off his sword.
(And, thank goodness, he's not the one disciple who actually does.)
Even the teachers are distracted for a moment, but one of them quickly clears his throat to try to regain everyone's attention. Soon the group is setting out across Lanling, keeping close to each other.
They land on the edge of the village, near the edge of the landslide, just as the last night of the sun is fading from the sky. The teachers have one last round of everyone checking that they're carrying flares, and then it's up to each group to do what they will from there.
Mo Xuanyu looks around nervously, then turns to Shen Qingqiu. ]
Master Shen, um... this way.
[ And he picks a random direction into the woods and starts heading that way. ]
[Perhaps he should have tried to hold back more than he had.
Oh well. Can't make him stop! There's no system here. Ha!
He lands gracefully and has Xiu Ya Sword sheath itself.]
Do we know anything about what the spirits may need or want?
[Hopefully they didn't want something stupid. Though, if it can be as easy as simply laughing at his shame... well, he could live with that he supposed.]
[ Mo Xuanyu hesitates for a moment, but quickly follows behind Shen Qingqiu.
The two of them soon approach what looks like a clearing in the trees. Once they get close enough, it's easy to tell that the earth has all been recently disturbed, and any trees that used to be around are all knocked over. It's the edge of the landslide, and Mo Xuanyu hesitantly starts to step out onto it. ]
I can't even see how far it goes. This really did a lot of damage, huh...?
[ He's not three steps in before his footing slips beneath him, and he goes down to one knee with a surprised yelp. ]
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[ Since he's already standing, it would be a good time for him to walk off, if Shen Qingqiu has other things he wants to spend his time on... ]
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[And nothing he particularly wanted to do.]
So, you are keeping me from nothing important. I hope I haven't kept you too long and away from any duties you might have.
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[ He suddenly realizes what he just said and gets flustered, quickly sitting down next to Shen Qingqiu again and keeping his gaze on his own boots. ]
I mean, um, it's not as bad as that makes it sound. Please forget I said that.
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Still....]
Perhaps it would be alright if I accompanied you?
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[ His tone of voice is tentatively hopeful. Surely he misinterpreted, but, if he were to get a chance to night hunt with a strong and skillful cultivator...
Ah, but he can just imagine the sorts of rumors that would circulate from that. Even if their guest would never hear anything in order to protect the Jin Sect's shameful secrets, Mo Xuanyu is certain that he wouldn't hear the end of it once the man leaves. Perhaps it really isn't a good idea after all. ]
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[And see what kinds of monsters were here! Though, this seemed less about interesting and creative battle creatures and more horror... but, well, he could roll with that!]
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Ah. If this is for tonight, I should go quickly. I'd still need to prepare...
[ He stands up and turns to leave, then glances back at Shen Qingqiu. He isn't sure whether to ask him to come along while he finds one of his teachers, but in the end decides it's best not to trouble him too much more. ]
Please wait here. I'll be right back and let you know what they say.
[ Then he starts actually leaving. ]
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[And, still had nothing better to do. So yes, go ask, go prepare. He'll just be idle, people watching, it really wasn't as bad as some people feel it is.]
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They said yes! [ He has to take a few more deep breaths before he can say the rest. ] We're gathering at the west exit gate right before sundown. It's, ah... [ He trails off, then points in a direction. (It's west.) ] It's that way. I'll come back here first and find you if you want. I need to keep getting ready, but-- [ Mo Xuanyu turns on his heels and runs off again, calling over his shoulder. ] --thank you! Thank you so much, Master Shen!
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[He was glad to have lifted his mood so much. But then, very little could help ones mood when they are neglected. Had he not already learned that? He still didn't really know why. He didn't do much, and wasnt going out of his way. He never considered that maybe he was simply a nice person in nature.]
I can meet you at the west exit. I would not want to eat into your prep time.
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When he shows up at the west exit gate, despite keeping to the outside of the group, he's soon noticed and fixed with several not-so-subtle sideways looks of contempt. He knows they're wondering what he's doing there, carrying a sword and several assorted pouches on his belt, with a standard set of vambraces on his arms, as if he expects to see combat. Mo Xuanyu does his best to ignore their stares and instead looks around for Shen Qingqiu. ]
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Young Xuanyu, there you are.
[He spoke elegantly, but with a hint of coolness as was befitting his image.]
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Master Shen, you do me much honor by agreeing to accompany me tonight. You have my most sincere thanks.
[ He doesn't want anyone to see him not acting proper enough, when he's being accompanied by an honorable guest of the sect.
No sooner does he straighten up than one of the other disciples whispers, just loud enough for him to hear,
"Hey, wonder if he's gonna try to do that with--"
before getting elbowed by the one he's whispering to. Mo Xuanyu immediately goes stiff, his expression freezing in a look of fear, and he quickly turns his gaze to look at his boots instead of Shen Qingqiu.
Maybe... Maybe Shen Qingqiu didn't hear it. ]
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Thankfully even though Shen Qingqiu heard their muttering, how could he not with his immortal hearing, he didn't piece together what their intent was. It would never occur to him in a million years they could mean something of that sort.]
There is no need for thanks. This master is more than glad to see the sights and monsters of this area and enjoy a bit of adventure while here.
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I am still grateful for your generosity. I hope it will live up to your expectations.
[ "I hope I won't fail your expectations," more like, but he doesn't say that. ]
Then, once the teachers show up, we'll head out...
[ He glances around a little, and seeing that the others are still giving him sideways glares, he shivers and takes half a step closer to Shen Qingqiu, as if hoping he can protect him. Mo Xuanyu can already tell that this will just make the others dislike him all the more after this... ]
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[Even if he wasn't that interested in trapesing around in the dark, there was a bit of excitement to it. Things like this were fun every so often.]
Hopefully it won't be too long.
[He opened his fan and fanned himself lightly, blowing his hair ever so slightly in the generated wind. He glanced around at the other kids, they all seemed a little unpleasant. It really was a case of bullying, wasn't it?]
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[ He trails off as two older cultivators in Jin Sect robes approach the group and call out, and Mo Xuanyu leads Shen Qingqiu over so they're closer to them. The two teachers bow to Shen Qingqiu, but then largely ignore him as they address the younger disciples.
From the description of the situation, it seems like a large village was partially buried in a landslide, with a large number of people perishing. Ever since, there has been trouble in the surrounding woodlands, and few people are willing to venture in or out of the village, causing trouble for the remaining residents. It's a fairly simple task: settle the spirits of the dead, or failing that, extinguish them.
When they call for everyone to prepare to move out, Mo Xuanyu gives a nervous glance towards Shen Qingqiu, but pulls out and mounts his sword with the other disciples. ]
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What do you know! Behold the amazing and awe-inspiring power of Shen Qingqiu! A Peak Lord is so much more than whatever you are!
But, in reality he knew he shouldn't and would keep his feelings to himself. He could still play around though and show them he's not to scoff at though.
When it was time to take out their swords he pretty much missed the nervousness of Mo Xuanyu, he was too excited to actually fly. This! This was how you did it! No carriages, no horses! This is how you get from place to place as a cultivator! Yes! Let him fly!
And, without really thinking about it he called out Xiu Ya making the sword seal, it flew out elegantly and glowed faintly, any cultivator worth their weight in salt would be able to tell his status just by the quality of his sword glare.]
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(And, thank goodness, he's not the one disciple who actually does.)
Even the teachers are distracted for a moment, but one of them quickly clears his throat to try to regain everyone's attention. Soon the group is setting out across Lanling, keeping close to each other.
They land on the edge of the village, near the edge of the landslide, just as the last night of the sun is fading from the sky. The teachers have one last round of everyone checking that they're carrying flares, and then it's up to each group to do what they will from there.
Mo Xuanyu looks around nervously, then turns to Shen Qingqiu. ]
Master Shen, um... this way.
[ And he picks a random direction into the woods and starts heading that way. ]
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Oh well. Can't make him stop! There's no system here. Ha!
He lands gracefully and has Xiu Ya Sword sheath itself.]
Do we know anything about what the spirits may need or want?
[Hopefully they didn't want something stupid. Though, if it can be as easy as simply laughing at his shame... well, he could live with that he supposed.]
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Um, no, I don't think so. That's... part of what we need to find out, right?
[ Were they supposed to know already? ]
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[Was the only information they had that there are restless spirits from a slide?]
I assumed that they might say what they wanted or those who lived by might have said something.
[Forgive him, he is not a ghost hunter, he has dealt with one ghost, and well... he was the cause of that ghost so....]
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[ He's just summarizing what the instructor said. ]
Now we have to figure out the rest ourselves, right? Normal people wouldn't be able to tell what spirits want.
[ Isn't that how these things work?? ]
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I see....
[So, in the end, the work was just being fully dumped on them.He started walking in a direction in which he hoped was close to the landslide.]
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The two of them soon approach what looks like a clearing in the trees. Once they get close enough, it's easy to tell that the earth has all been recently disturbed, and any trees that used to be around are all knocked over. It's the edge of the landslide, and Mo Xuanyu hesitantly starts to step out onto it. ]
I can't even see how far it goes. This really did a lot of damage, huh...?
[ He's not three steps in before his footing slips beneath him, and he goes down to one knee with a surprised yelp. ]
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