Page 61 of The Wind Dancer
“What was his real name?” I didn’t know why, but it was important to me. He would always be my mentor and adoptive father, but I had to know.
“Lun Yu, one of the Lost Dragon Children.” There was a strange mocking tone in her voice.
“The lost dragon children?”
“So, he decided to keep that a secret as well... Dragon blood can awaken in anyone, and if it does, that person is called the lost dragon child. It’s a more ancient and traditional name for the dragonblood without a prior lineage. When a lost dragon child appears, they have a very high chance of stepping onto the path of Ascension. They are also given a new name and assigned a surname associated with the dragon. Every province has its own surname for each dragon.”
“So, he was one of those?”
“Yes.”
“But how could a commoner without the support of a House gain the favor of the Empress Dowager?”
“The dragonblood are the elite of our Empire, Feng Lao. But they aren’t equal amongst themselves. People like me are dragonblood by lineage. We have a higher chance of stepping onto the path of Ascension, but sometimes even that isn’t enough. I’m a dud.” There was incredible resentment in her voice as she said that, but she composed herself and continued. “I failed to get on the path of Ascension. All I can do is sharpen my sword skills and serve the Empire at my current level. I could pass on the blood to my children, praying to Heaven to be kind to them. Your mentor didn’t just step onto the path of Ascension. He rushed along it, and he remained faithful to his family name.”
“He allowed himself more than he should’ve, and they didn’t let him get away with it?”
“Exactly, but he was too talented. His talent was discovered early, and they began teaching him. The Empire values talent.” Mei Lin said, then continued, changing the topic.
“You’ve learned more about your mentor, and I’ve fulfilled my promise. You’ve received your reward for helping with Fu Shang. I need you to tell me, what are you hiding from me?”
“What are you talking about?” I tried to look innocent, but there wasn’t even a hint of a smile on her lips.
“Feng Lao, I like you. You’re exactly my type, you take initiative, you can hold your own in a fight, and you’re great in bed. But there is a but. I’m the Claw Lord of the Secret Chancellery, and you know why I’m here. Your mentor is dead, and you have the key to his legacy. Lian Rui and his people are important, but I have priorities, and the highest among them is that legacy. Either we work openly, or your corpse will be at the bottom of the harbor. And I really wouldn’t like that.”
Demons! Just a bit more and I’d fall in love with her. But right now, the most important thing was that I was alive. And I preferred things to stay that way.
“What about Fu Shang? I gave him to you.”
“You did that to cover your ass and get revenge. The more I thought about it, the more I realized you know a lot more than what you’ve told me. I need information, Feng Lao.”
I looked at this stunning woman and realized that she had completely changed my world. I fervently believed in the freedom of the Jianghu world, the world of shadows and free people. But everything had changed. I knew what true hate was. The kind I felt toward those ready to betray humanity.
Fu Shang was dead, but he was just one of the cult’s hierarchs in the city. He didn’t know the names of those who ranked higher than him. Just that they were noble. The plagueof the cult had to be purged with fire, and the only person who could do it was currently sitting naked in front of me.
This was a turning point. I could try and continue flaunting my status as a master Shadow, but after what I had learned yesterday, it was worthless to me. The guild knew about Fu Shang and his vile habits, and no one did a thing.
“I’ll tell you what I know. But I have a condition.” The answer was a charming smile.
“You’re such a delight, Shadow. You’re one wrong word away from death, fully aware of what I’m capable of, and yet you’re still haggling. What if I say no to your condition?” She tilted her head slightly to one side, and her gorgeous hair slid down her shoulder and cascaded over her bare breasts.
“Then I’ll leave, and you won’t stop me. I’ve seen you fight, and I’m sure I can win.”
“And you’d be caught by my people. I gave the order not to let you out of here yesterday.” Heavens, her smile was divine.
“I’m willing to take that risk.” Our gazes locked like blades.
“Tell me the condition.” She gave me the chance to take a step back with dignity, and I was grateful for it.
“The cult must be destroyed, and I can’t do it alone.”
“Interesting.” Her gaze turned as cold as ice. I had noticed this before; it seems like that meant she was going into some trance-like state, which allowed her to exponentially speed up her thought flow. “Why?”
“Because that’s what I want.” I blurted out before I could think, and a playful stream of air swirled around me, tossing herhair. What was going on? But before I could say anything else, she started laughing.
“We have a deal, Feng Lao. Now, tell me.”
“That might be difficult... I can give you the information in a different way. I need paper and ink.”
