Chapter 5: Lady Ming - Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

Chapter 5: Lady Ming "Meow—!" The cat spirit seemed to be searching for something, its eerie eyes scanning the surroundings as it leapt gracefully through the air, stirring up a chilling gust. Its trajectory aimed unmistakably toward the inner courtyard of the Ming residence. Naturally, Chu Liang couldn't allow such a malevolent presence, steeped in resentment, to remain in the mortal realm and cause harm. "Sword Art! Release!" He pointed skyward, and a flying sword transformed into a streak of light, darting forth. "Aoow—!" The moment the sword light was unleashed, the cat demon shrieked, its strange eyes glancing toward Chu Liang. With a sudden leap, it turned into a shadowy blur that avoided the flying sword before spinning around to launch a fierce counterattack at him! This strike, in retaliation to Chu Liang's attack, came swiftly and aggressively, brimming with an overwhelming aura of blood, ferocious and sharp! Chu Liang managed to evade the pounce just in time, but even so, his clothes bore a new tear. Hiss— The cat spirit landed, and two bloodied trails marked its path. Yet, a streak of sword light was in relentless pursuit—the flying sword of Chu Liang! Whoosh— The sword light sliced through the air as the cat spirit twisted its body into an unnatural arc, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow, "Mrow—" Though it evaded the strike, it wasn't entirely unscathed. The sword light had carved a deep wound into the cat spirit. Instantly, black blood surged from the wound, causing the surrounding blood waves to swell even more furiously! This was troubling. Chu Liang furrowed his brow. This cat spirit, imbued with special properties, exhibited traits of infant spirits. That is, any damage it suffered would convert into newfound power—the greater the injury, the stronger its capabilities! If the sword didn't kill it outright, he had to prepare to face an even stronger adversary! The cat spirit's speed transformed, becoming even faster! Zoom— Practically an imperceptible blur, streaking like a bolt of lightning, it was upon Chu Liang in the blink of an eye. Chu Liang responded immediately, recalling his flying sword to his grasp, yet there was nothing he could do to defend his back! Sensing the danger, though silent and unseen, he knew the cat spirit's claws were about to strike! At the critical moment, Chu Liang's right hand relaxed, he shouted, "Seize!" A red light shot from his sleeve like a spirited snake, instantly binding the cat spirit that had just reached behind him, securing it tightly. Tortoise Binding! Demon-Binding Rope! "Meeow—" The cat spirit let out a wretched cry, its body unavoidably falling to the ground. What works best against exceedingly agile foes? Control! And Chu Liang had just acquired a Demon-Binding Rope a few days prior. Even with a magical artifact, success wasn't guaranteed. It was precisely to deploy the rope at close range that he took the risky gamble to let the cat spirit approach. If the rope release had been delayed by a fraction, the outcome could well have been reversed. Had he not remained calm and chosen the right moment, the artifact might have been dodged by the cat spirit. Regardless, victory was his. Rolling to his feet, with a casual flick of his hand, the sword rose and fell. Slice. One strike to vanquish the demon. An incorporeal spirit, once slain, left nothing behind but a golden silhouette, which softly drifted toward Chu Liang. The dust settled. A brief yet perilous encounter, evidently more formidable than the spider demon of yesterdays past, this cat spirit with unique reinforcements posed a greater challenge. He exhaled a long breath. Before he could inform anyone, he heard the hurried footsteps of the Ming household servants led by Mr. Ming, all rushing out. "Oh my, Young Master Chu is indeed formidable!" "I told you, Young Master Chu would succeed." "Young Master Chu is so impressive, vanquishing the evil in just a few moves!" "..." Voices of flattery rose from all around. Chu Liang, observing this celebratory entourage, marveled at their adeptness in vanishing and reappearing with such precision. ... The next morning. Having rested through the night, Chu Liang awoke rejuvenated. After finishing his morning routine, a maid arrived to call on him, informing that Mr. Ming had prepared a feast to celebrate his triumph. "I'll be there shortly," Chu Liang replied warmly. He took a stroll through the back courtyard, navigating the corridors until he found himself before an ornate chamber door. This was the bedroom of Mr. and Mrs. Ming. Knock, knock, knock, he tapped gently on the door. "Who is it?" a soft female voice called from within. "It is I, Chu Liang. I heard the lady is unwell and wish to visit," he replied. A pause of silence came from inside before she responded, "Ah, Young Master Chu of the Shushan Sect. I am not currently in a state to receive guests, but appreciate the gesture. Please, do return." Unlike the enthusiastic Mr. Ming, Mrs. Ming's voice possessed a distant coolness. "I have certain Shushan sect secrets that might aid in remedying your condition. I can wait for a more convenient time to see the lady." After a pause, he heard footsteps, followed by the soft creak of the door opening. Lady Ming appeared, looking weary, without makeup, dressed in a simple velvet robe. Yet her complexion remained fair, her features exquisite. Truly, she was a beauty. She led Chu Liang inside, to a seat before a screen, where the lighting was dim. She lit a red candle and poured two cups of tea before speaking, "I was merely startled. Since Young Master Chu has rid us of the creature last night, I shall recover soon enough, without needing more concern." "It is good to hear," Chu Liang nodded, adding, "but regarding last night's cat spirit...I have some matters to discuss with you." "Oh?" Lady Ming raised an eyebrow, "What does Young Master Chu wish to say?" "Only some speculations," Chu Liang started slowly. "Because the cat spirit was quite unusual last night—not only was it a spirit of resentment, but also a demonic and infant spirit—it piqued my curiosity. It made me wonder, why did it come to your residence..." "Evil creatures cause harm, do they need a reason?" Lady Ming remarked. "There is reason, if it's a spirit of resentment, it would first seek the one who wronged it... If it's an infant spirit, it would first look for its mother..." Chu Liang continued, "Yet this cat spirit, in your residence for three days, advancing gradually, harmed no one, as if searching for something..." "Searching for what?" Lady Ming's gaze hardened slightly. "I'm pondering, for Mr. Ming mentioned your household is one of virtue, not harming animals. Then... is it searching for its mother? But it's a demon spirit, could its mother be one too?" "And since that cat spirit appeared, the person reluctant to show themselves in the household, Madam Ming... seems to be only you." Chu Liang's gaze was gentle, meeting Lady Ming's eyes. Lady Ming chuckled, "Young Master Chu isn't suggesting that I am the demon, is he?" "Whether true or not, can be determined," Chu Liang replied. "You possess a demon-revealing mirror?" Lady Ming arched a brow, seemingly skeptical. To make demons appear, they either have to willingly reveal themselves, leaking demonic aura, or require special divine powers, which Chu Liang had yet to master. Alternately, there are dedicated implements, the most famous being the demon-revealing mirror. Yet such mirrors are exceedingly rare—legend holds one resides in the imperial palace, another at Yun Que Temple, while the Shushan sect indeed possesses one. But the notion of entrusting it to a mere disciple is highly dubious. "No," Chu Liang shook his head, "but something akin to it."