NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38: An Extraordinary Night
Following the little girl's lead, we descended towering stone steps, traversing through a labyrinth of streets and varying terrain. We passed cemeteries built into the mountainside and stone bridges spanning rivers until a grand, ornately decorated estate appeared before us.
Unlike the brick-walled, tiled-roof houses of the area, this building's interior was crafted entirely from wood, its construction far sturdier. At the gate stood two silk flags emblazoned with a Taiji Eight Trigrams symbol, specifically the Yang trigram. The exterior walls were built from stone bricks coated in white paint, with phoenix decorations embedded at intervals along the surface.
"I've brought the guest!"
"Come in..."
"Alright!"
An elder's voice echoed from within. I stepped across the threshold, following the little girl. The compound's layout was intricate, with each courtyard and structure unique in design, enough to dazzle the eye.
We stopped in front of the most imposing white building. The little girl hurried ahead, sliding open a paper-paneled door.
"We're here! Please, come inside!"
I surveyed the room's interior. Three rows of long benches lined the walls. In the front-left corner stood a wooden platform furnished with instruments for music, chess, and painting. Beside it was a dressing table, its surface and cabinets cluttered with a variety of grooming tools. Most striking was a silver-framed mirror, its surface so clear it seemed capable of reflecting one's soul. Its frame exuded a distinct magical aura.
Hanging from each wall were green scrolls. Sunlight filtered through traditional windows, casting a serene ambiance that aligned with my expectations of a noble estate.
"Are you looking at that mirror, big brother? It's said to reflect a person's inner self. Any wicked soul or malicious spirit will reveal their true form within it. It was crafted a thousand years ago by a master artisan!"
I glanced at the mirror, seeing only my usual reflection.
"Looks like you're a good and honest person, big brother!"
No, it's simply that the mirror's effect doesn't work on me, leaving my appearance unchanged.
All in all, while the room wasn't particularly spacious, its furnishings were luxurious, well beyond the reach of ordinary folk.
The voice from earlier originated from a man seated on a small stool in a corner.
The spot was inconspicuous; I hadn't noticed him at first.
"Welcome... honored guest."
"Why is he sitting there?" I quietly asked the girl beside me.
Before she could respond, the elder spoke.
"Don't mind it. It's just my peculiar habit—I prefer to stay in discreet, humble spots."
The little girl nodded in agreement.
"I see. My apologies."
"No need. Please, have a seat. There's a matter I wish to discuss with you."
The girl dragged over a wooden chair for me and bounded off, leaving us alone.
Though this setup was unusual, the chair was comfortable, and I found the overall arrangement agreeable.
"You're not from this world, are you? Your presence tells me as much."
"That's correct."
A keen observer.
"I'll be brief. I am the village elder and have watched over this place for more than sixty years. Today, I wish to request your aid. Could you help us eliminate a monster that has plagued this village for years?"
"Oh? What kind of monster? And how many?"
"There's only one. According to witnesses, it's a mantis-like beast, three meters in length, wreathed in scorching flames. It can summon lightning and storms to attack. We've attempted to defeat it many times but failed. You are our last hope. Do you require assistance?"
"No need. I can handle it alone."
"Ah, that's a relief. You'll be compensated for your efforts. Would you prefer to rest for the night? The creature isn't active at this hour."
"No, I'm pressed for time. I'll leave immediately."
"Very well. Sifan! Lead our guest!"
"Yes!"
At the elder's call, the girl reappeared with her characteristic exuberance.
"Please follow me!"
Just a child leading the way? Is that safe?
Well... with me here, it should be fine.
I stepped outside, where the golden hues of twilight painted the scene.
The girl—Sifan, as she was called—pointed toward a distant plateau.
"See that plateau over there? The monster is hiding there."
Following her direction, I saw a gently sloping plateau surrounded by steep edges. Jagged spikes jutted irregularly from its surface, and a faint crimson miasma wafted into the air, exuding a menace rivaling the undead lord I had once faced.
Under the resplendent starlit sky, that place stood out as disturbingly out of place.
"Big brother, you said you're in a hurry. How much time do you have left?"
I calculated quickly.
"About 24 minutes."
"Got it! Let's move quickly!"
---
Shortly after the guest's departure, the elder rose from his stool and approached the dressing table.
Looking into the mirror, he reflected on the recent encounter, regretting that he had forgotten to ask the young man's name.
If only he were forty years younger, he could have dealt with the monster himself. Now, all his hope lay with the boy.
Should the boy succeed, the elder intended to reward him not only with the agreed compensation but with something else.
His trembling hands opened the topmost cabinet drawer, pulling out a photograph. It depicted a man in his prime clad in a red cape and heavy armor, his hands resting on the shoulders of two younger individuals. They exuded cheerfulness and camaraderie.
"Those two rascals... If they hadn't vanished suddenly, leaving no trace to this day, things wouldn't have come to this."
The elder set the photograph down and gazed at his reflection.
But his quiet moment was interrupted by an unexpected visitor.
"So, you've found someone to help, haven't you, village elder?"
The elder turned toward the doorway, where a man in an ornate robe entered.
"Oh... Lord Jianyan. I didn't expect you to visit in person."
The man's attire was elaborate, with a high crown atop his head and an ornamental iron cane in hand. Despite his somewhat plump frame, his movements were poised and graceful. His voice was soft and refined, exuding an air of femininity.
"How have you been? Is your position as village elder treating you well?"
"Good! Very good! Haha... My career has been smooth thanks to your grace. To have served as a general in my youth and now as a village elder in retirement—it's more than I could ask for."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"May I ask what brings you here, my lord?"
Still perplexed, the elder resumed organizing the items on his table.
"Don't you understand yet?"
The elder caught something in the corner of his eye and instinctively looked up, staring into the silver mirror before him.
Terror gripped him. The reflection of Jianyan in the mirror had rolled-back eyes, a purple complexion, blood dripping from his mouth, and tattered robes. His entire body bore scars and stitched wounds, far removed from the pristine figure standing before him.
The elder spun around, only to be greeted by a flash of silver light.
Blood splattered.
Silence fell once more.