killer (m.jq x reader) || HIATUS

『01: new start』

"Please give this to him in the palace. Tell him to return after this month's message."

"(Y/N), can you come with me for a walk in the garden?"

(Y/N) turned her head. The messenger took that as their cue to leave.

"Yaxuan?"

Standing there, was none other than the sect leader Song Yaxuan himself. His health definitely was better than the time (Y/N) last saw him. Other than being still a bit pale-faced, at least he was able to get back on his feet no problem now.

"Who was that?" Yaxuan asked, the soft look in his eyes vanishing, and being replaced by a cautious gaze.

(Y/N) stared at him. "Just an unimportant checkers piece."

Yaxuan narrowed his eyes.

"Have you developed something new?" he asked.

(Y/N) shook her head no.

"Fine, then. Let us go to the garden. I have something important to inform you about."

——————

So they walked into the gardens. The gardeners stopped their work to greet their leader, showing respect.

Finally, they reached the edge of the garden, where a flowery path would lead them to the opening of a cave. Inside the cave is a secret passage that lead to the opening.

As for what the opening would lead to, one must think of a specific location. When the image is fully shown in their minds, they are to punch a specific part of the cave walls. Then, they will be teleported to the place they wish to go to. Of course, it would only work for the ones who have powerful inner energy. Otherwise, they would die from heart and organ collapse.

Only the people inside the sect would know this information. It was a good way to kill betrayers or enemies even if they found out about this.

What they don't know is that there is a hidden array inside the cave. It would be able to detect whether or not the energy inside of the person was the same pace as the members of the sect. If the energy pace did not match those of people of the sect, the person would also die.

Now, (Y/N) stopped in front of the cave. She eyed its dusty floors and turned back to Yaxuan, who stifled a laugh.

"It really is getting full of dust without caretakers around isn't it?" asked Yaxuan.

(Y/N) did not know if he was making a joke or not. If he was, it wasn't funny to her.

"Who is in charge of cleaning? They need to be taught a lesson."

"Not to worry," Yaxuan quickly answered. "I don't mind if this place isn't as tidy."

(Y/N) set her disapproving glance at the boy in front of her.

"Yaxuan, you are our sect leader now. You need to keep everything in order. Every fighter in the sect will look up to you. Your guidance is required for them to succeed the goals you will put down for them. This is not one of the games you would play as a child when your brother was still alive. As a sect leader, you must be more responsible."

At the mention of his late brother, Yaxuan's cheerful face fell. He had tried so hard to keep the thoughts of Wenjia's death out of his mind, and just to think that his brother was only leaving them temperately for a mission. As he pretended he never knew of the fact, he slowly turned back into his positive energetic self.

Now that (Y/N) had brought those thoughts back, Yaxuan understood. He was being depended on now. He no longer had a shield to hide himself behind. He needed to step up and take the responsibility.

He needed a new start.

"I mean, that the cave doesn't have to be so tidy," he said to (Y/N), in a more confident voice. "It would look more realistic if we leave it to look like just another hole in some rocks, so outsiders will not suspect there is something special about it."

(Y/N) nodded. "Good thinking."

"Also, I have something to inform you."

"Continue."

He leant forwards and whispered something in (Y/N)'s ear.

The corners of her mouth lifted up at the sound of it.

"Is it true? He will be stopping by?"

"Yes, Sixu had told me in advance. If you want to see him, (Y/N), you can go outside tonight. I will not stop you."

"Thank you, Yaxuan."