Rearing Demons
Chapter 106: Finding Jin

Chapter 106: Finding Jin

Within the cave, Celis opened his eyes and looked around. It was dark yet dry. Seems like I fell asleep. Turning his head, he saw that the two women were still asleep. Outside, he noticed the rain had stopped.

Must have stopped a while ago, he thought, reflecting on everything he had gone through recently, both physically and mentally. Although cultivators required less rest than mortals, rest was still important.

Should I leave now or wait for them? He wondered if he could help them further. Although they didn’t speak much, Celis could sense desperation and fear from them, especially Rose. She carried deep sadness, something that resonated with him.

As he was lost in thought, he saw Rose stir in her sleep, stretching her arms slightly from beneath the thick covers he’d provided.

"Hi," Celis said softly.

"You’re still here?" Rose asked cautiously. Her guard around Celis had slightly eased since he had genuinely done nothing threatening. Despite having every opportunity and the strength to harm them, he hadn’t made any suspicious moves or asked uncomfortable questions.

"I’ll be leaving soon," he replied, unoffended. "But I was thinking: why don’t you both come with me?"

"Come with you?" Rose asked doubtfully. "Why would we do that?"

"Well, staying in this cave won’t benefit either of you. The city is nearby—I could help you get settled," Celis offered with a gentle smile.

Rose paused. Jin hasn’t come back yet. If he hasn’t returned, something might have happened.

"There’s no pressure," Celis added, sensing her hesitation. "It’s just a suggestion."

"Actually, could we go with you?" Rose knew Celis was a cultivator, likely a strong one. Even if she wasn’t sure exactly how powerful he was, he could still definitely help them.

"Of course," Celis nodded, rising from the rock. He pulled out some additional clothes from his spatial ring and handed them over. "Since it just rained, it might be chilly outside. Use these to stay warm."

Catching the thick clothing, Rose nodded gratefully. "Thank you," she said softly. "I’m sorry for being so cautious."

"Don’t apologize. There are many dangerous people in this world," Celis sighed gently. "Sometimes, the ones you trust most hurt you the worst."

Rose heard the bitterness in his tone but didn’t pry. It was clearly his private pain, and she respected that boundary.

"I’ll step out for a moment. When you two are ready, we can go," Celis said before exiting the cave.

After he left, Rose turned to Luna, gently shaking her awake. "Luna, wake up now."

"Huh?" Luna rubbed her eyes sleepily. "We have to work already?"

Hearing this, Rose sighed inwardly. She gently kissed her daughter’s forehead. "No, no work. We’re going to find Dad."

"Dad?" Luna asked groggily. "He’s not back yet?"

"Not yet."

"Let’s sleep more. He’ll come soon, right?" Luna, still half-asleep, wanted to continue resting, but Rose shook her head firmly.

"Luna, get up now," Rose said, pulling away the thick blanket.

"Ah!" Luna yelped lightly. "It’s cold!"

"Yes, so quickly put these clothes on," Rose urged, handing Luna the thick clothing provided by Celis.

"Fine," Luna grumbled, her body trembling slightly from the cold. She quickly dressed in the warmer clothing.

Standing up, Luna followed her mother toward the cave’s exit. "You know, I wouldn’t mind living here forever," Luna remarked casually. "It’s comfortable, safe, and we don’t have to work."

"That does sound nice," Rose agreed softly. "But in the city, there’s plenty of food, warm beds, and safety."

Though Rose reassured Luna, inwardly she worried deeply about Jin’s absence.

"What’s the point of all that if we still have to work?" Luna complained.

"You won’t have to," Rose assured firmly. "Things will be better there."

"Are you sure?" Luna asked with concern. "I don’t want to work again."

"Yes, I promise," Rose replied gently.

As they finally stepped outside, sunlight hit their faces, forcing them to shield their eyes from the brightness.

"We finally meet, officially, that is." A calm voice sounded beside them.

Turning, Rose saw Celis leaning casually against the cave wall. He was tall, handsome, and carried a relaxed expression, though she noticed hidden pain in his eyes. It was familiar; she had seen similar pain in her own reflection.

"Celis, right?" Rose asked cautiously.

"Yes, and you’re Rose, just like my fellow sect disciple," Celis said with a warm smile, then turned to Luna. "And you?"

"Luna," she answered quietly.

"Nice to meet you," Celis nodded politely, stepping forward to lead the way. "The walk will take about an hour. Will you both be alright?"

"Yes, that’s fine," Rose answered. An hour’s walk was nothing compared to what they’d endured before.

"Good," Celis nodded, then paused thoughtfully. "Before we head out, why don’t we eat something?"

"No need," Rose said quickly. "The sooner we leave, the easier it’ll be for you as well."

"It’s fine; I’m not in a hurry," Celis shrugged. "Besides, I don’t remember either of you eating since yesterday." He retrieved several dishes of meat from his spatial ring, placing them carefully on the ground. "It’s nothing special, but it’ll fill you up."

Seeing the food, Rose hesitated but ultimately nodded. Even if she didn’t need it herself, Luna desperately needed nourishment. Her daughter was nearly skin and bones; a decent meal would help greatly.

"Eat slowly," Rose gently instructed Luna, giving her small portions. Neither of their bodies could handle large amounts of food at once.

The three quietly ate together, not speaking much.

"Want to see something cool?" Celis suddenly smiled at Luna.

Because of her thin figure, despite her beauty, Luna appeared childlike to Celis. He raised his hand, and a bright blue flame emerged from his palm.

"Wow," Luna exclaimed, eyes widening in awe.

Seeing her excitement, Celis smiled warmly. "How old are you?"

"Seventeen," Luna replied casually.

"Huh?" Celis looked startled. She looks thirteen at most!

Rose noticed his surprise and inwardly sighed. Trying to ease the awkwardness, she asked, "How old are you?"

"Twenty-six," Celis replied.

"You’re very young," Rose commented softly.

Celis laughed lightly, scratching his head. "Well, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s your plan in the city?"

"We plan on meeting my husband there," Rose answered briefly.

"Husband?" Celis looked confused. "I don’t mean to pry, but why are you here while your husband is in the city?"

Rose hesitated again. Should I tell him? She finally shook her head, replying simply, "It’s complicated."

"I understand," Celis said gently, sensing her discomfort. He knew Rose was cautious of him. After all, finding two women trembling, barely clothed in a cave clearly indicated they had suffered greatly.

"I’ll be staying in the city for a week or two. If there’s anything else you need, please let me know," Celis politely offered.

"Thank you," Rose smiled faintly, appreciating his kindness. Even though Celis seemed genuine, her past experiences had made her cautious around any man.

Once Luna and Rose finished eating, Celis quickly cleared up and stood. "Alright, let’s head to the city."

They nodded, following Celis as he guided them through the forest.

————————————————————————

After roughly an hour, Celis and the two women reached the city gates. With Celis leading the way, both Rose and Luna felt more secure.

"Identity?" The guards demanded.

Celis calmly revealed his disciple badge.

"F-Fiend Devouring Sect?" The guards stared at Celis in shock.

"Not enough?" Celis asked lightly, familiar with their reactions whenever he traveled.

"No, enough!" The guards immediately shook their heads nervously, afraid to question further. Whether the badge was genuine or not was beyond their authority.

Celis nodded and entered smoothly.

"Identity?" The guards turned their attention to Rose and Luna.

"They’re with me," Celis turned around, speaking firmly.

"But..." The guards exchanged uneasy glances. They were unsure about allowing these women to pass.

Celis sighed softly, releasing a small fraction of his aura. The pressure forced the guards to their knees instantly.

"Is this enough?" Celis asked casually.

"Enough!" The guards gasped, barely able to speak.

"Good," Celis said calmly, signaling Rose and Luna to follow.

They nodded and hurried inside.

After the trio left, the two guards stood, groaning in pain and irritation. "What the hell?" one guard complained, annoyed at being humiliated.

"You’re the idiot who questioned him!" snapped the other.

"You did too!"

"Yeah, but you started it!"

"Fuck you!"

They continued arguing bitterly, secretly relieved Celis was gone.

Inside the city, Celis turned to Rose, "Do you know where your husband is?"

Rose paused thoughtfully, then shook her head slowly.

Celis frowned slightly. "Did you have a plan for meeting him?"

Understanding she needed to share more details, Rose explained quietly, "He was supposed to meet us at the cave this morning but didn’t arrive."

"Odd," Celis murmured, thinking. "Maybe he’s running late?"

"No," Rose replied firmly. "We agreed that if he didn’t arrive, Luna and I would head toward the city. He would’ve waited at the entrance."

Celis rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Then let’s ask around. Do you have a description of him?"

"He wore tattered clothing, had many injuries, black hair, tall, thin..." Rose described Jin carefully, omitting only the injury to his crotch to spare his dignity.

"Alright," Celis nodded decisively. "Let’s start asking around."

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