Immortal Paladin

069 New Party Member?

Hei Mao hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward and wrapping his small arms around his family.

It was warm.

Warmer than he remembered.

The light surrounding them grew brighter and brighter until it consumed everything. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Hei Mao felt whole.

But then—his arms met empty air.

The warmth faded.

And when the light receded, his family was gone.

Hei Mao blinked. He stared at the now-empty space where they had been, then looked down at his own hands. He was still here. He had not moved on with them.

Confused, he turned to Da Wei, the strange man who had helped him. “Why…?”

Da Wei studied him for a moment before shrugging. “Guess you still have unfinished business.”

Hei Mao lowered his gaze.

Unfinished business.

Right.

The people in black masks were still out there.

Hei Mao clenched his fists.

He had spent so long clinging to the past, afraid to let go, afraid to be alone. But his family had moved on. And now… maybe it was time he did too.

He turned back to Da Wei.

“Thank you,” Hei Mao said.

Da Wei grinned. “No problem. So, where are you going to go now?”

Hei Mao paused, then met Da Wei’s gaze with newfound resolve.

“I’m going to find the people who killed my family.”

Da Wei tilted his head. “I don’t know about revenge, but do you want to come with me?”

Hei Mao’s lips parted slightly in surprise. “I… I can’t…” His voice trembled. He lowered his gaze. “I’m a dirty ghost…”

Da Wei groaned dramatically and ran a hand through his hair. “How do I put this… Uuuh…” He snapped his fingers. “I think there could be another reason you weren’t able to move on.”

Hei Mao frowned. “What do you mean?”

Da Wei nodded to himself, then pointed at Hei Mao. “I think it’s because of your cultivation.”

“…What?”

“Well,” Da Wei started, rubbing his chin. “Ghosts sometimes, after death, have so much resentment or spiritual power that they kind of cultivate? Yeah, that’s about it. Looking at you right now, I’d say you’re about at the Spirit Mystery Realm.”

Hei Mao stared blankly.

Da Wei continued, completely unfazed by Hei Mao’s silence. “Which is the Fourth Realm, by the way. A pretty decent level, honestly. I don’t know how long you’ve been haunting this place, but it could’ve been years. Hundreds? Maybe thousands?” He shrugged. “Who knows if you’d even recognize the people responsible for this tragedy?”

Hei Mao stiffened, staring at his hands. They were no longer ghostly and translucent but solid—almost real. He flexed his fingers, feeling a strange warmth coursing through them, a sensation he hadn’t felt in…

How long had it been?

His breath hitched—no, he wasn’t even breathing. He didn’t need to. He was still a ghost. And yet…

“What… What did you do to me?” Hei Mao whispered.

Da Wei rubbed the back of his head, looking a little sheepish. “Ah, yeah… So, you kind of transformed into a Holy Spirit… because of my skill.” He gestured vaguely at Hei Mao as if that explained everything.

Hei Mao’s gaze snapped up to him. “Holy Spirit?”

Da Wei shrugged. “Don’t ask me. Divine Possession and Turn Undead interacted in some way, and boom—you got an upgrade. Congratulations.”

Hei Mao clenched his fists. He didn’t feel much different. But the oppressive miasma that had surrounded him before was gone. His mind was clearer. “So… what now? What do I do now?”

Da Wei continued, his tone shifting to something softer. “I don’t mean to impose, but you’re kind of asking the wrong person here.” He met Hei Mao’s gaze. “What do you want to do?”

Hei Mao hesitated. “…I said I wanted to find the people who killed my family.”

Da Wei nodded. “Alright. And what are you going to do once you find them?”

Silence.

Hei Mao hadn’t thought that far ahead.

Da Wei tapped his chin. “And what are you going to do in between?”

Hei Mao frowned.

Da Wei smirked. “Let’s say finding the people who killed your family is your long-term goal. What’s your short-term goal?”

Hei Mao had no answer.

Da Wei knelt before the remains of Hei Mao’s family, his expression uncharacteristically serious. He placed a hand over the charred bones and offered a quiet prayer—

Hei Mao flinched as Da Wei killed them.

No—he purified them. The faint traces of lingering yin energy in the bones dissipated. There was a sense of finality now.

Da Wei turned back to Hei Mao. “I believe if you come with me, I can help you with your short-term goals.” He grinned. “Do you want to cultivate? Learn a few techniques? I mean, I’d love to have a Holy Ghost in my party, but it’s not like I’m forcing you.”

Hei Mao stared at him.

Da Wei stretched his arms. “And in effect, I can also help you with your long-term goals. So…” He crossed his arms and gave Hei Mao a lopsided smile. “Think about it.”

Hei Mao stared at the strange man before him and shook his head. “You are a weird guy.”

Da Wei scoffed. “Hey, that’s no way to treat your benefactor.” He dusted his hands off, finishing up the grave marker he had placed over the remains of Hei Mao’s family. “You know what? Maybe I can help you move on. Where are your bones? Where did you die?”

Hei Mao blinked. “Huh?”

Da Wei grinned. “I mean, we can consecrate the whole area if you want. Give you a proper sendoff. Or—” his smile turned almost mischievous—“I can just exorcise you where you stand.”

Hei Mao’s eyes widened. “I don’t want to be exorcised just yet!”

Da Wei chuckled. “Relax, I’m just messing with you.”

Hei Mao exhaled—well, at least mimicked the action. He wasn’t sure if ghosts actually breathed. “I want to find them. The black-masked people. I want to ask them why they did that to my family.” His voice was firm, his fists clenched. “If you can help me with that, then I’m willing to go with you.”

Da Wei gave him a considering look. “Alright. That’s fair.”

Hei Mao nodded, then hesitated. “…For my bones…” He suddenly felt nervous.

Da Wei tilted his head. “Yeah?”

Hei Mao swallowed. “Uuuh… I think I lost them?”

Silence.

Da Wei just stared at him.

Hei Mao shifted uncomfortably. “I mean… It’s been a long time! I don’t exactly remember where they are.”

Da Wei still stared.

Hei Mao felt even more nervous. “I am only human too, you know? Even if I’m all wispy and stuff!”

Da Wei snorted. “Hey, I’m not judging.”

Hei Mao stood beside Da Wei in silence, the two of them looking at the makeshift grave marker. What was once a charred ruin of a house had become a resting place—a final farewell.

Da Wei exhaled and clasped his hands together. “May destiny take you to the cycle of reincarnation, may the roads before you be kind, and may you find each other once more in a better life.”

Hei Mao squinted at him. “That was a weird prayer.”

Da Wei glanced at him, then suddenly reached out and ruffled his hair.

Hei Mao flinched back. “Hey! What the—?! How did you—?!” He swatted Da Wei’s hand away, staring at him in shock. Ghosts weren’t supposed to be touched!

Da Wei smirked. “Holy Spirit, remember? You’re solid enough now. Maybe? I don't really know...”

Hei Mao scowled and fixed his hair. “That doesn’t mean you can just—ugh, whatever.”

Da Wei chuckled. “I made up that prayer on the fly, but it was sincere.” He nodded toward the grave. “You should say one too.”

Hei Mao hesitated. He had never been good at prayers. What was there to even say? But under Da Wei’s expectant gaze, he sighed and lowered his head.

“…Mom. Dad. Sis.” His voice wavered slightly. “I hope… wherever you are, you’re happy. I’m sorry I couldn’t go with you. But I’ll be okay. I promise.”

The wind stirred gently, and for a brief moment, Hei Mao thought he felt something warm brush against his cheek. Something soft wrapped around his neck. He flinched, his hands immediately going up to his throat.

A long red scarf—warm, thick, and embroidered with the image of a black cat—draped over his shoulders, covering the wound on his neck. His fingers brushed over the fabric, tracing the delicate stitches.

He turned to Da Wei, who stood there with his usual nonchalant expression. “What—what is this?” Hei Mao asked with a slight panic in his voice.

“A gift,” Da Wei said simply.

Hei Mao’s grip tightened on the scarf. “…Why?”

Da Wei shrugged. “Because I felt like it.” He tilted his head. “Do you like it?”

Hei Mao opened his mouth, then closed it. He looked down at the scarf again, the red fabric stark against his ghostly pale skin. Slowly, hesitantly, he nodded. “…Yeah. I do.”

Eight hours later...

Hei Mao sat on a rock, staring at the morning sun, still feeling somewhat flustered. The red scarf around his neck was an unfamiliar weight, both physically and emotionally. He tugged at it absentmindedly.

Surrounding him were three unfamiliar figures, each exuding a distinct presence.

The first was a woman in black, with red snakes stitched along her robes. She carried herself with an edge—sharp eyes, careful movements, and the air of someone who didn’t trust easily. She introduced herself curtly: “Gu Jie.”

The second was a man with long, messy hair. He wore a gray robe that gave him a somewhat disheveled but carefree look. Unlike Gu Jie, he seemed a little too comfortable, sizing Hei Mao up with open curiosity. “Lu Gao,” he said with an aloof expression. "That's my name, Senior. Nice to meet you."

The last was a refined young man in dark, fitted robes. His posture was straight and composed. His gaze was keen, and he studied Hei Mao as if trying to unravel a puzzle. “Ren Xun,” he said smoothly, giving a slight nod.  "So do you still shit?"

Hei Mao stiffened as all three stared at him with some kind of expectation. There was a strange atmosphere around them, a sense of… reverence?

Then, Lu Gao clapped his hands together, grinning. “We’re honored to meet a powerful elder like yourself.”

Powerful what? Hei Mao blinked.

Ren Xun looked intrigued. “To think Master Da Wei had such a formidable subordinate hidden away…”

Subordinate? Hei Mao’s eye twitched.

Gu Jie, though more reserved, still studied him with wary interest. “I hadn’t heard of you before. But considering our Master’s eccentricities, I suppose that isn’t surprising.”

Hei Mao turned his head sharply, eyes locking onto Da Wei.

Da Wei, standing off to the side, met his gaze with a completely unrepentant grin. Slowly, as if adding insult to injury, he raised a thumbs-up in a sneaky manner.

Hei Mao’s mouth fell open slightly.

What was this nonsense?!

Hei Mao thought about it… and then decided to ride the wave, straightening his back and lifting his chin ever so slightly. If they wanted to believe he was some mysterious, powerful figure, then who was he to deny them?

“I am Hei Mao,” he said in what he hoped was a regal tone. “An… er… friend of Da Wei.”

For a brief moment, he felt pleased with himself. Yes, that sounded good. 

Then, immediately, he regretted it.

Lu Gao’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Senior Hei Mao, what was your relationship to the Holy Spirit Dai Fu?”

“The… what?” Hei Mao asked, blinking.

Ren Xun stepped in smoothly, his tone full of admiration. “The Holy Spirit Dai Fu, of course. Master Da Wei must have mentioned him to you. A being of great spiritual power and wisdom. Surely, as a fellow spirit of high cultivation, you must have known him.”

Hei Mao had never heard that name before in his existence. He carefully nodded, pretending to be deep in thought. “Ah, yes… Dai Fu…”

“Then, is it true?” Gu Jie asked, narrowing her eyes. “That the Holy Spirit Dai Fu once faced the Demon Seal Sect’s elder in single combat and won?”

“Uhh… sure?” Hei Mao replied hesitantly.

Before he could even process that conversation, Lu Gao leaned in with another question. “What about your relationship with the Black Clan?”

“The what?” Hei Mao asked, feeling lost again.

“The Black Clan,” Ren Xun repeated. “The cultivators who protect the Empire! They lurk in the shadows and hunt in the shadows. They were believed to have vanished centuries ago. Your aura… it feels reminiscent of their teachings.”

Hei Mao was starting to sweat—if ghosts could even do that. “Oh, uh… well, you see… the Black Clan and I…” What was he even saying?

Gu Jie’s eyes sharpened. “So the rumors are true?”

“Y-yeah?” Hei Mao offered weakly.

His own words were digging him deeper and deeper, and there was no escape.

“And your cultivation?” Ren Xun asked, changing the topic. “At your level, surely you have reached the Sixth Realm?”

Hei Mao almost choked. “The… Fourth Realm,” he blurted out. At least, that’s what Da Wei had told him earlier.

The trio exchanged glances, nodding in approval as if that explained everything. “The Fourth Realm and already this powerful… as expected.”

Hei Mao forced a smile, feeling exhausted just from this conversation. Why were these guys so aggressive? They asked their questions like they were trying to interrogate him for top-secret information.

For a moment, Hei Mao imagined if he actually had the power they assumed he did. He would have struck them where they stood… or maybe… uuh… lightly flicked them? Yeah, that. That sounded better.

Hei Mao had enough.

“No!” he snapped, throwing his hands in the air. “I am the new guy, okay?! Please don’t call me senior! My name is Hei Mao! And no, I don’t know any techniques! I also don’t have any powerful backing! I’m just a stray ghost that the weird guy picked up!”

Silence.

Gu Jie covered her mouth, shoulders shaking as she suppressed a chuckle. Lu Gao looked serious, but a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Ren Xun chuckled a bit too obviously before retreating into the tent.

Da Wei, on the other hand, didn’t hold back at all. “Ha ha ha ha~! You should have seen your face!”

Hei Mao pouted. “You are so mean.”

Ren Xun returned from the tent, holding a small bracelet. He sighed and handed it over. “I don’t know what’s really happening, but orders are orders. Please don’t hold it against me, Mr. Hei. Master Da Wei told us to do it.”

Hei Mao blinked, taking the bracelet. A jade magatama hung from it, polished and cool to the touch.

“Gifts from us,” Gu Jie clarified. “I’ve received so much from Master, so this is a small thing.” She hesitated before handing over a scroll. “Sorry, this is the best I can do, and it’s a bit improper. I don’t think Master would mind, so here it is… This is a Scroll of Invisibility. Something Master gave me before.”

Lu Gao pulled something from his robes and handed over a ring. “This is my old storage ring. There’s nothing in it, but the ring itself should be useful to you. I can just buy a new one if I… ever regain my cultivation.”

Ren Xun snorted. “That’s some tough flexing.”

Hei Mao stared at the gifts in his hands. “It’s… too much.”

Da Wei nodded sagely. “Yeah, it’s too much.”

Hei Mao snapped his head up. “W-what?”

Da Wei grinned. “Just to clarify, I told them to prank you a bit, but the gifting part? That was wholly their idea. Why did they do it? I dunno…”

Gu Jie coughed awkwardly. “We were carried away, Master… that’s all.”