A New World (4)
The sun had climbed higher in the sky, but Jiu Yin remained mindful of its position. He moved through the small courtyard carrying two wooden buckets of water from the well, his steps steady. The weight felt lighter than it should have for this fourteen-year-old body. The lingering blood essence from the demonic wolf continued to strengthen his frame in small increments. He kept his expression neutral, careful not to move with unnatural speed or strength where others might notice.
Qiu Yu approached him as he set the buckets down near the kitchen entrance. She carried a basket of freshly washed clothes and offered him a small, genuine smile. Her presence was calm and familiar, a steady figure who had served his mother faithfully through difficult years.
“Young Master Yin, you do not need to help with such tasks,” she said softly. “But I am glad to see you looking healthier. The change in you gives this servant hope.”
Jiu Yin regarded her for a moment. Her loyalty was clear and unwavering. In a world ruled by power, such steadfastness was rare. “Thank you, Qiu Yu. Your service to Mother has not gone unnoticed. If there is anything you hear about the upcoming inspection, I would value your thoughts.”
She nodded, lowering her voice slightly. “The stewards from the Lu clan will arrive in three days. The main family is already preparing. Our branch is expected to offer what little we can. Some of the other servants say the main house is growing impatient with branches that contribute nothing.”
Jiu Yin stored the information carefully. Three days. Not much time, but enough for careful preparation. “I understand. Continue to listen if you can. And thank you again.”
Qiu Yu bowed lightly and continued on her way. Jiu Yin watched her go for a moment before returning to the simple chores. The work helped him test the limits of his new body without drawing attention. His muscles responded better than before, yet he still moved like an ordinary youth recovering from illness. It was a delicate balance he intended to maintain.
At midday, the family gathered for a simple lunch. Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a small portion of salted fish. Jiu Ping sat at the head of the low table, serving portions with quiet care. Jiu Lan sat beside Jiu Yin, occasionally glancing at him with bright eyes.
Jiu Ping spoke after a few moments of silence. “The monthly inspection is approaching. The Lu clan stewards will visit the main Yin family compound. Our branch must send a representative and a modest tribute. It has always been this way since your father disappeared.”
Jiu Yin ate slowly, listening. “What exactly do they expect from us, Mother?”
Jiu Ping sighed. “Resources are limited. A small amount of spirit herbs or coins if we can manage it. Mostly they look at the younger generation. Talented juniors bring favor to their families. Without that, we remain on the edge. Not mistreated, but overlooked.”
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Jiu Yin nodded. The boy’s memories filled in the rest. The Lu clan ruled over several vassal families, including the Yin family. Within the Yin family itself, branches competed quietly for resources and attention. His own branch had suffered from his father’s absence and his previous lack of talent. It was a brutal but logical system. Power decided everything.
“I will do what I can,” he said simply. “You do not need to worry about the tribute this time.”
Jiu Ping looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and concern. “Just be careful, Yin’er. We have time yet.”
After lunch, Jiu Yin excused himself and found a more secluded spot behind an old storage shed at the far edge of the compound. The area was shaded by an overgrown tree and rarely visited. He sat cross-legged on the ground, back against the wooden wall, and closed his eyes.
Here, away from watchful eyes, he turned his attention inward. The cool, shadowy energy of his Sanguinari nature stirred. He focused on the remaining blood essence from the demonic wolf. It flowed through his veins like liquid shadow mixed with raw vitality. No dramatic surges of Qi appeared. Instead, a steady strengthening occurred in his muscles and bones. He felt his blood circulate more efficiently, carrying power deeper into his body.
He tested his abilities in small ways. With a thought, his fingernails extended slightly, hardening into sharp points. He retracted them just as quickly. In the deep shade of the shed, his vision shifted. The world grew clearer in the darkness, edges sharp and details vivid. A faint violet tint touched his sight before fading.
It was modest progress, but it felt right. His path was different from the standard cultivation methods of this world. Blood and shadow responded to him naturally. He would need more blood essence soon to truly advance. A short hunt outside the city walls would be necessary before the inspection.
As the afternoon light began to fade, Jiu Lan found him. She carried a small cloth bundle and approached with careful steps.
“Brother,” she said, sitting down beside him. “Qiu Yu wrapped some snacks for you. She worries you are working too hard.”
Jiu Yin accepted the bundle with a small nod. The girl’s concern was genuine and warm. It stirred that inherited protective feeling once more. “Thank you, Lan’er. And thank Qiu Yu. How are you feeling about the inspection?”
Jiu Lan hesitated, twisting the edge of her sleeve. “A little scared. The other cousins always talk about how our branch is weak. But now that you are different, maybe things will get better.”
Jiu Yin placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “Things will improve. I will make sure of it. For now, focus on staying safe and helping Mother. That is enough.”
His sister smiled, some of the worry easing from her face. They sat together in comfortable silence for a while as the sky deepened toward evening.
Later, as night began to fall, Jiu Yin stood at the edge of the family compound. He looked toward the distant city walls and the dark silhouette of the Whispering Woods beyond them. The discomfort from the sun had faded with the daylight, leaving him clearer and more focused.
Three days until the inspection. He would use the time wisely. Tomorrow or the night after, he would slip out for another hunt. More blood essence would allow him to face whatever the Lu clan stewards brought with greater confidence.