Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]

Chapter 13 : Self-restraint

Yichen arrived at a deserted house, its crumbling facade a portrait of neglect. An abandoned well leaned precariously, vines snaking up its sides, while rogue plants and scattered debris claimed the yard. The air was damp and heavy, and the faint glow of the azure crystal on his sword hilt was the only light cutting through the gloom.

Pushing the creaking door open, Yichen stepped inside. The space smelled of decay and dust, and shadows danced across the walls. He moved cautiously. He already knew what to expect.

A sharp wind broke past his ear as a needle flew toward his face. Ducking quickly, he dodged it with precision. Without hesitation, he drew the Cloud Light Sword, its light blue aura flaring to life as he pointed it at the figure before him.

A woman in tattered blue clothes stood across the room, her expression innocent, as if she hadn't just attempted to kill him.

"Surrender" Yichen commanded, his voice steady "I'll spare you."

The woman tilted her head, amusement flickering in her dark eyes.

This demon was infamous for stealing jewelry, a crime Yichen had initially overlooked at Wen Xiao's suggestion. But the thefts escalated—from wealthy officials to the impoverished, taking the last treasures of families who had little to begin with.

"Mr. Zhuo Yichen, Leader of the Demon Hunting Bureau" the demon spoke, her voice laced with curiosity. "Do you even know what kind of demon I am?"

"A magpie demon" Yichen replied coldly, his sword unwavering.

The demon grinned. "Impressive. The rumors are true—you're the famous demon hunter with unparalleled knowledge of our kind. And the only one who grants demons mercy by exiling them to the Wilderness."

"Mercy isn't what I'd call it" Yichen said tersely. "Surrender now. I'll let you live."

The magpie demon raised her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Wouldn't it be easier if I offered my hands to be bound, like this?" she asked, her voice turning flirtatious as she extended her wrists.

Yichen frowned, giving her a baffled look. "Why would I want to bind you?" He turned and strode out of the house, shaking his head at her antics.

But as he stepped outside, he was greeted by a group of armed soldiers. Their leader, Zhen Mei, sat confidently on horseback, a cruel smirk on his face.

Yichen sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Mr.Zhen Mei" he addressed the man. "The Demon Hunting Bureau has been officially reinstated as of today by the Emperor's decree. This is my case."

Zhen Mei scoffed. "I haven't received any such information, Mr.Zhuo. Leave the demon to the ChongWu Camp."

Behind Yichen, the magpie demon cowered. "Mr. Zhuo, you can't let them take me!" she whispered urgently. "I've only stolen jewelry—fine, a lot of jewelry—but I've never killed anyone. They'll execute me!"

Yichen's jaw tightened at her trembling voice. Her fear was palpable, and though she was a thief, she had harmed no one.

Zhen Mei leaned forward in his saddle, his smile sharp. "Back down, Mr. Zhuo. Refuse and I'll take it as you siding with demons."

The accusation hung in the air, heavy and threatening.

Yichen glanced at the soldiers, then at the demon behind him. His grip on the Cloud Light Sword tightened as its aura flared brighter.

"Kill the demon and the traitor!" Zhen Mei bellowed, signaling his men to attack.

Yichen moved with calculated precision, deflecting their strikes with the grace of a master swordsman. The blue glow of his sword cut through the rain-soaked air as he fought. His strikes were swift and decisive, each movement measured to incapacitate without killing.