The Dawn of the New World

It was obvious he was not going to move unless his demands were met, and his blade might even turn towards her if she did not respond on time.

But Baba Jezda didn't have to think about it for too long since they shared some similar goals. And no matter what he said, Hao Xuan had no choice but to follow her now. It was far too late in the game to change anything.

"As you wish," she cracked a smile prompting him to get out of her way.

And she whispered while passing by, "Be gentle with this one, I just got him," which garnered no particular response from him.

She walked into the hut and the door closed behind her, leaving Hao Xuan and Yami staring at each other in awkward silence.

He cleared his throat before sheathing the blade and walking towards him. Hao Xuan tried his best not to take a step back when he stopped just a foot away from him, staring at him up and down.

"Hmm, much different from what I remember," he muttered to himself.

"Sorry?" Hao Xuan craned his neck back, "We met just an hour or two ago I think."

"Do you think so?"

"....yes?"

"Then it must be so."

"...."

Yami could not look away. He was mesmerized as if looking at a painting or a piece of art.

Hao Xuan finally stepped back after feeling a little self-conscious.

"Why did Lord Yami come here in person? Was there something you needed to ask of me?"

"Hmm? Just Yami is fine, it feels strange being called 'Lord' by you."

"Okay...Mister Yami, same question."

"Oh, my apologies. Was I staring? That was very rude of me, was it not? Hahaha," he let out a light chuckle and relaxed his posture.

With his semi-religious attire, Lord Yami gave off quite a virtuous aura that made it difficult for anyone to refuse his offers. He looked trustworthy and honest, someone you could count on even in the most difficult of times.

He pointed towards a small patch of cleared land to the left that was unaffected by the battle.

"Would you mind taking a walk? Just around the property, we shan't go too far."

'??'

"Okay, I guess."

Hao Xuan was obviously suspicious of this man no matter how nice and cordial he may appear. But the other two elders were close by so there was no need to be overly concerned, especially since he was the representative for one of the Nine.

As they distanced themselves from the hut Lord Yami lightly twirled his forefinger to activate an invisible barrier around them that cut off all the sounds.

Meanwhile Hao Xuan's thoughts were focused on other things.

'Maybe this is one of them trying to reach out to me to create a better relationship. Wonder what he will offer...'

The sides of Lord Yami's lips rose, "Information. Some tips and insight about what you will be facing and what you should expect by the end. That's what I have to give."

"?!?"

"Haha, you don't have to be surprised. It was quite obvious what you were thinking so I didn't have to read your mind...not that I could with the Nine sheltering your soul as they are."

'Not sure I believe that but-'

"Alright, if you so."

"You sound doubtful."

"Only in the sense that the information you have to offer will be of any value to me. I already spoke to Lord Jyothi and he informed me of a great many things."

Lord Yami nodded, "Yes, he is a good man. My mentor was quite fond of him as well."

"Your mentor?"

"Yes, he was the one who found me and brought me to the Sanctum. He saw the potential in me and realized what I would be most suited for...I think. The memories are still a little unclear."

Hao Xuan couldn't help but scoff at the very idea, "He must not have been a very good man if he thought joining this band of lunatics and monsters was the right choice."

Lord Yami burst out laughing, "Buhahahahaha!"

Hao Xuan's brow furrowed as Lord Yami's image of a calm and collected man melted away in an instant in his eyes.

"I'm- I'm terribly sorry, it's just that- You have no idea how amusing this is from my perspective, hahaha..."

"If you say so."

It took Lord Yami a few seconds to regain his composure but he was a lot more relaxed now.

"Phew! It has been centuries since I laughed so much, thank you, Lord Jin. It is still Jin, right? The memories are hazy..."

'Jin? Oh right, my alias.'

"Glad to be of service."

Hao Xuan glanced at the hut but the door was still closed so he had no choice but to humor him.

Lord Yami noticed his lack of interest and decided to get back on track.

"Lord Jin, are you aware of what my master is? The 'King in Yellow' as others call him."