D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

“The silent killing of Master Shoa…” whispered Jian in horror.

“Yes,” hissed Meng, her tongue snaking out, with an illusion wrapped around it to look even more like a snake. She was after all, willing to have illusions placed on herself. Perhaps it would spook them a bit too, if they noticed. “I’ve forgotten more about exotic poisons then you’ve ever learnt Jian. You were always so… lazy when it came to anything that wasn’t cultivation.

“Even your little baby hobby about poisons… it’s sad honestly, that you thought babies first Rank 4 mixture would be enough to off me. It’s actually a little insulting,” Meng let out a long sigh, like she was disappointed in a naughty child.

“Impossible! I made it so that poison has no antidote! It doesn’t matter that you know what it is, you shouldn’t be able to escape from death!” yelled Jian.

Meng nodded and explained, “Sure, you’re right there’s no antidote… but it’s super easy to build up a resistance to this stuff. I think I only needed ten batches? Then again, even the first time I suffered through it, I barely needed to use my poison purging techniques. It’s a strong poison sure, but it takes forever to activate. You need to get someone while they’re asleep otherwise it doesn’t work properly. Honestly, it uses Alraune extract. What were you expecting?”

Jian just grit his teeth and didn’t say anything so Meng turned to face Shun. “Anything you want to add elder Shun? I’m a little surprised you were a mole, I didn’t take you for the type…”

Shun just shrugged, “Eh, I cut a deal with the organisation. It’s nothing personal against you, and I don’t even mind the sect… but I’m old Meng. I’ve been stuck at Rank 4 for over a thousand years. I’ve been lucky and found quite a few precious treasures to extend my life, and I can stick around at least another 500 years… but I’ll never make it to Rank 5. So… when they made the offer to help my kids get there… I took the chance,”

Meng scoffed, “The organisation hasn’t had anyone at Rank 5 for centuries, I doubt they can help you with it,”

Once again Shun just shrugged, “Eh, if they can help that’s great, if they can’t I’ll just live with the disappointment. I was the only elder that worked out you’d replaced the original… and I had a good guess as to who was pulling the strings. So I jumped onto their ship. I don’t care much for the sect, it was likely going to die this generation anyway. Too much mismanagement from the grandparents you know? Better to leave with my wealth and a few bonuses. I’m sure you can understand,”

“I’m sure you realise I can’t just let you go Shun?” said Meng.

Shun shrugged, “Are you sure about that? I already said, nothing personal. If you break my legs and steal my storage ring, I won’t be able to chase after you for some time.”

“Why are you giving her ideas!” hissed Jian.

“Because unlike you Jian, I’m not getting emotional over one deserter. This is purely a business transaction on my part, and clearly your poison wasn’t up to scratch. If she gets away, sure maybe I’ll get punished but I’m an old man, and I’m used to it. If your lot tries to go after my kids? I’ll just make a few more and try to deal with you guys a few hundred years later,” said Shun with a careless shrug.

“How can you not care?” asked Meng. “Why would you want them to reach Rank 5… if you don’t care?”

Shun smiled, “Ah but I do care, somewhat. You see, to be a cultivator is to walk the fine line between respecting, and attacking the heavens. I love my children, but if they should be slaughter as punishment for my actions, then that too must be the will of the heavens. If they defy that fate, their cultivation will be strengthened, and my love for them will grow. I want them to have chances Meng, not a free ride,”

Meng growled, “I can see why you’re buddies with my old organisation now,”