The Black Dragon

Chapter 5

HeiLong stood outside the doors of the house as he watched the pair of disciples secure the 'body' on a stretcher. They kept ensuring the spiritual rope was secured properly, a testament to their fear of the situation. 

HeiLong fought the urge to snicker. So, this was the next generation of cultivators? HeiLong thought as he watched one of them trip over his feet and almost cause the stretcher to come crashing down. The master of the house winced as he watched the pair almost drop his cousin. 

"Be more careful," HeiLong scowled, foregoing Wangji's neutral tones, not feeling the need to use them on some idiot disciples. The pair squirmed as they watched their second master roll his eyes and scoff. 

"Don't drop it again, " One of them hissed at the other while they picked up the stretcher, this time with more care and precision. 

HeiLong watched the sky slowly start to darken as the clouds rolled on out of sight, making way for the stars. 

"It's too late to go back to Cloud Recess. There's an inn nearby; go without me. " Heilong said. They fervently nodded, glad to have an excuse to leave this creepy place, even if they had to drag a corpse along with them. 

 He watched the pair quickly scurry out the door, while the master of the house gave a slight sigh, but quickly quelled it as he saw HeiLong's eyes focused on him. 

"His sword. Where is it?" HeiLong tilted his head to the side as he pursed his lips. 

"His...I left it in his room..." He sighed as he realised why HeiLong was asking.

"He'll need it if he ever wakes up, don't you think?" HeiLong sarcastically drawled as he blew an errant strand of hair away from his face.

"Unless you just like to leave it in his room collecting dust."

"...One moment please." The man gave a slight bow, starting to hate this cocky brat of a young master more with each passing second. 

"Here it is." The man stepped forward, revealing a plain Jian sword that glistened subtly in the light. Its sheath, smooth and unadorned, featured a few striking blue stones embedded along its length, adding a touch of sophistication to its otherwise minimalist design. The sword was sleek, its lines flowing seamlessly together, and it resembled the size and presence of Lan Wangji's own weapon.

HeiLong ran a finger along the hilt, before firmly gripping it. 

"Will that be all?" The man asked, his brow twitching slightly with irritation. He tried to mask his impatience, but it was clear he was eager to be rid of this troublesome juvenile who was testing his patience to its limit. 

"That will be all," HeiLong said with a mocking tone, tilting his head slightly to the side as he turned on his heel and strode away, an amused smirk playing on his lips.

"Don't ever come back," The man muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his voice as he watched HeiLong's retreating figure.

"I won't," HeiLong shot back with a hint of sarcasm, his voice dripping with disdain, before taking a few more strides down the hallway. The man let out an infuriated huff and turned, shoulders tense, before disappearing back inside the room, the door closing sharply behind him.

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The moon was a fat indulgent smile as it hung high in the night sky. Frosted leaves made sharp crunching sounds under HeiLong's feet, the odd acorn making a satisfying snap as Heilong traversed the small winding path.