Heart of the White-haired Demon

Weeks had passed, and Lian's anticipation for his master's return grew with each passing day. Ling Xiao had promised to return within three weeks, and the deadline was fast approaching.

To distract himself from the anxiety, Lian decided to focus on his training.

He headed to the courtyard, his eyes scanning the familiar space. This time, he was determined to take his practice seriously. No more slacking off or getting distracted by his surroundings.

Lian began by assuming the starting position of the "Wind Dance" technique, a movement his master had taught him months ago. He focused on his breathing, feeling the energy flow through his body.

As he moved through the intricate steps, Lian's movements became more fluid, his feet barely touching the ground. He visualized the wind flowing around him, guiding his movements.

Next, Lian transitioned into the "Shadow Shift" technique, a movement that required precision and control. He concentrated on his center of gravity, shifting his weight seamlessly from one foot to the other.

Sweat dripped down Lian's face as he continued to practice, his movements becoming more rapid and complex. He incorporated the "Moonlight Step" into his routine, his feet gliding across the courtyard as if he were floating.

Hours passed, and Lian's practice session became more intense. He was in the zone, his body moving on autopilot as he executed the techniques with precision and control.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the courtyard, Lian finally came to a stop. He stood panting, his chest heaving with exhaustion, but a sense of accomplishment washed over him.

For the first time, Lian felt like he was truly mastering the techniques his master had taught him.

He realized that with dedication and hard work, he could surpass his own limitations.

With a newfound sense of confidence Lian continued his training to see how far he could push himself.

Little did he know, his master's return was imminent, and Lian's training was about to be put to the test in ways he never imagined.

His meditation was shattered by the sound of his master's robust footsteps. Lian opened his eyes to see Ling Xiao standing before him, a wide smile spreading across his face.

Lian's eyes lit up, and he sprang to his feet, rushing to his master. "Master! I've missed you! It's been so long!"

Ling Xiao's smile faltered, replaced by a mock glare. "Did you feed my beloved chickens?" he asked, his voice stern.

Lian's face scrunched up in confusion. "Master, I'm the one you should be worried about, not those chickens!"

Ling Xiao chuckled, pushing Lian aside as he made his way to the chicken coop. Lian watched, still a bit miffed, as his master fawned over the chickens, laughing and chatting with them as if they were old friends.

Ling Xiao sat down, cradling a chicken in his arms, and began to coo at it. Lian's jealousy simmered, and he crossed his arms, pouting. "Master, you care more about those chickens than you do about me."

Ling Xiao looked up, a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, but Lian, my boy, these chickens are much more obedient than you are."

Lian's face fell, and he looked away, trying to hide his smile.

Just then, Ling Xiao asked, "Lian, pour me a jug of the my Dream Daze liquor."

But Lian, still feeling a bit sulky, pretended not to hear, instead choosing to sulk in silence.

Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "Lian, did you hear me?"

But Lian just continued to pout, his arms crossed, and his face scrunched up in a scowl.

Ling Xiao chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, I see. Well, I suppose I'll just have to get it myself."

And with that, Ling Xiao set the chicken down, and stood up, his movements fluid and effortless. Lian watched, still pouting, as his master walked away, whistling a jaunty tune.

After retrieving the liquor, Ling Xiao walked back to Lian, a hint of a smile still playing on his lips. "Lian, I need you to run an errand for me," he said, his voice warm and gentle.

Lian looked up, his eyes still slightly sulky, but he nodded nonetheless. "What do you need me to do, Master?"

"I need you to go to the market and pick up some ingredients for dinner," Ling Xiao replied, handing Lian a small pouch containing some silver coins. "Get some vegetables, meat, and whatever else you think we'll need."

Lian took the pouch and nodded, committing the instructions to memory. As he turned to leave, Ling Xiao called out to him.

"Remember, Lian, come back quickly. Don't stay out at dusk. The market isn't far, it's just an incense stick away."

Lian's heart skipped a beat as he recalled the stranger's warning in the forest. He nodded hastily, feeling a shiver run down his spine. "Yes, Master. I'll be back soon."

With that, Lian hurried out the door, the evening sun casting long shadows behind him. He quickened his pace, his senses on high alert as he navigated the familiar streets of the village.

As he walked, Lian couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Still, the sensation lingered, making him quicken his pace even further.

Finally, he arrived at the market, the smell of fresh produce and roasting meats enveloping him in a warm, comforting aroma. Lian took a deep breath, pushing aside his unease as he set about gathering the ingredients for dinner.

As Lian finished his shopping, the aroma of fine liquor wafted from a nearby restaurant, enticing him to enter. The sign above the door read "Heavenly Bliss," and the atmosphere inside was cozy and inviting.

Lian approached the counter, where a friendly waiter greeted him. "Welcome, young master! What can I get for you?"

Lian's eyes scanned the shelves, where various jars of liquor were displayed. "I'll have a jar of the liquor I smelled outside," he said, his curiosity piqued.

The waiter nodded and retrieved a beautiful ceramic jar adorned with intricate designs. "This is one of our finest liquors, young master. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

Lian smiled, taking the jar from the waiter. "I'm sure I will. But tell me, what is it called?"

The waiter's expression turned serious. "It's called Sweet Death."

Lian's eyebrows rose, intrigued by the unique name. "Sweet Death? Why is it called that?"

The waiter chuckled, a deep, rich sound. "Let me tell you a secret about our liquor, young master."

Lian's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Tell me."

The waiter leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Our liquor has been tasted by many kings, even the gods of the Heavenly Realm. And they all say one thing after they drink it."

Lian's expression turned questioning. "What do they say?"

The waiter's grin grew wider. "They all say they can die freely, even though they're immortals and can't die. Our liquor is so good that if you die the next second, it won't be a problem."

Lian laughed at the explanation, nodding his head in appreciation. "I see. Well, in that case, I'll take a drink and feel like a god."

The waiter chuckled, accepting the silver bars Lian offered as payment. "Enjoy your Sweet Death, young master."

Lian took a sip of the liquor, feeling its smooth, rich flavor dance on his tongue. He closed his eyes, savoring the taste, and nodded to himself. Indeed, this liquor was fit for the gods.

As he left the restaurant, Lian felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He looked forward to sharing his experience with his master, Ling Xiao. Little did he know, their evening was about to take an unexpected turn.

As Lian walked back home, the Sweet Death liquor seemed to beckon him, its enticing aroma and flavor making him drink more with each passing step.

He had always been a heavy drinker, often sneaking sips from his master's stash, but this was different. The Sweet Death seemed to have a hold on him, and he couldn't resist its pull.

At first, Lian felt a sense of euphoria wash over him, as if the liquor was lifting his spirits and clearing his mind. But as the minutes ticked by, he began to feel a creeping sense of dizziness, his vision blurring and his steps faltering.

Lian's instincts screamed at him to stop drinking, but his body seemed to have a mind of its own. He stumbled and staggered, the jar still clutched in his hand, until finally, he collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood.

The vegetables and meat he had bought at the market lay scattered around him, and Lian's breathing grew heavy and labored. Panic set in as he realized he might have been poisoned. Who could have done this? Did he have an enemy?

As Lian's vision began to fade, he saw a figure standing over him, its features indistinct. He tried to speak, but his voice was barely a whisper.

The figure leaned in closer, its face still shrouded in shadows. Lian's heart racing, he wondered if this was the end. And then, everything went black.