The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 617: Yan Liang

“I don’t.” Vermilion Bird glanced at the rearview mirror with a smile. “It’s just regretful that we have become enemies with our friend, and one who has saved us before.”

Bemused, Qilin turned to look out of the window. “I wouldn’t be taking this step if he hadn’t touched my bottom line.”

Vermilion Bird didn’t respond.

Qilin continued in an even tone, “I don’t need loyal subordinates, but comrades with the same goal, Vermillion Bird. You and Azure Dragon chose to follow me because you believed I was walking on the right path for humanity. If you no longer believe that, you’re welcome to leave. I won’t blame you, and I won’t hurt you.”

“Ha, you think I’m afraid of dying?” Vermilion Bird said openly. “I trust you, or I wouldn’t have followed you for so many years.”

Qilin said with determination, “I’m opening the Gates. Even if I’m left on my own, I will do it. No one will stop me.”

Vermilion Bird nodded and lifted her eyes slightly. “We’re here.”

“Okay.” Qilin put his glasses back on, opening the door to get out of the car. “Don’t wait for me. I’ll go back on my own.”

Vermilion Bird drove away. Holding his cane, Qilin looked up at the building before him. On the large blue signboard, the words “Anliang Bulk Market” were written in large fonts.

It was the largest wholesale market in Li City, where a great variety of everyday products could be found. Whatever one needed, one would find it in the market.

Qilin slowly walked through the front door. Ahead of him was a wide path. On both sides were storefronts selling similar products. Every eight storefronts made a unit, and each unit was separated by a path. The layout was neat, and the walkways numerous and well-planned. The edge of the market seemed beyond his sight, and the rows upon rows of storefronts seemed like the endless reflections of two mirrors facing each other. Walking inside, it was easy to get lost without looking at the number plaques and the direction signs.

Qilin walked three hundred meters ahead and took a left turn to an area selling small toys. There were almost no individual customers here, only those looking to buy products in large batches. Thus, the area saw few visitors.

Soon, Qilin found his way to a small storefront. The wooden shelves outside were hung with all sorts of painted masks of human faces. At first glance, the masks became a colorful blur, but upon closer inspection, one would realize that the designs, expressions, and facial features of the masks all differed, each having its individuality.

The interior of the store was covered in masks, too.

A thin old man sat on a short bamboo stool, dressed in black cotton pants and black cotton shoes, his back bent. Holding a mask in one hand and a fine writing brush in the other hand, he was coloring a mask.

His hands were bony and thin, the veins almost popping out of the skin. However, his hands remained strong and steady. When he outlined the mask, his strokes were precise like those put down by machines.

He was wearing a mask himself, the main colors being red and blue. While the colors gave off a righteous impression, the facial features on the mask were everything but.

The face was covered in scars, and the eyes and nose were lopsided, the mouth wide and aggressive. The mask seemed vicious and insidious. Looking at it for longer, though, it became a little amusing like the viciousness was but a front.

“Uncle Yan.” Qilin called out from the door in a friendly tone.

Uncle Yan didn’t look up from his work, still focusing on coloring the mask. Carelessly, he said in his old voice, “Here you are. Make yourself at home.”

Qilin looked around. The small space was crammed with masks and all sorts of stuff, leaving no room for him to sit down. He smiled wryly and said, “I don’t see a second chair.”

“Then stand.” Uncle Yan didn’t even pretend to feel bad about it.

Unfazed, Qilin stood at the door, waiting patiently. Ten minutes later, Uncle Yan finished painting the mask in his hand. He put away the brush and slowly stood up, stretching his limbs. Then he walked up to the door and looked up at Qilin. “You’re here for something?”

“Yes,” Qilin said. “I need your help.”

Uncle Yan was quiet for a few seconds. No one knew what his expression was under the mask.

He sighed. “Even Guildmaster Qilin needs help. It seems things are serious now.”

“Seven Shadow defected and took many members of the Guild with him. He insisted on not letting me open the Gates. The Guard Rune Circuit is in his hand.” Qilin summarized the situation.

“If I remember right, the boy has only awakened for half a year. What can he possibly do?”

“He’s the Divine Scion,” said Qilin. “The child of an awakener and a life monster.”

Uncle Yan stayed silent for longer this time. Then he slowly turned around and grabbed the iron hook by the door. “I’ll close down shop first.”

After that, Uncle Yan and Qilin walked toward the exit of the Anliang Bulk Market. Uncle Yan still had his mask on, and he clasped his hands behind his slightly hunched back.

He walked slowly, but Qilin’s pace was far from brisk with his cane, too, and the men walked at a similar pace like they were strolling in a park.

“What can I do for you?” Uncle Yan asked.

“This battle is going to last.” Qilin looked ahead. “I’ll make you an Elder and assign you the necessary manpower. I’d like to ask you to go after Seven Shadow for me.”

“Sure.” Uncle Yan didn’t even hesitate. “But don’t expect too much from me. I’m ancient.”

“You’ll need a name as an Elder.”

“Let me think.” Uncle Yan took a few steps before speaking up. “Haha, let’s go with Yan Liang.”

“Yan Liang as in the hot and cold attitudes of people[1]?”

“No.” The older man shook his head with a smile. “At my age, I can become a cold corpse at any time. I have to remind myself as well as you that time’s ticking quickly.”

Qilin huffed out a laugh. “Alright, as long as you’re happy.”

He took out a smartphone and handed it to Yan Liang. “Do you know how to use it?”

“Who are you looking down at, you brat?” Yan Liang took the phone and turned it on.

Qilin took out his too to send a list to Yan Liang. “These are the dossiers on those who will become your subordinates, Elder Yan Liang. Please have a look.”

Yan Liang quickly browsed through the dossiers as he slowly walked, and he sighed while shaking his head. “The young ones are getting softer year by year.”

After a moment, Yang Liang asked, “I don’t remember the Protector named Zero Hatred. Is he new?”

“Yes, he’s just comprehended Elemental and got recruited by the Guild. He’s a strange one, though, and Azure Dragon is still feeling him out.”

“Desperate time calls for desperate measures. Since there’s a lack of manpower, I’ll take charge of the newbie.”

“Okay,” Qilin said. “I’ll entrust him to you.”

As they conversed, they made it out of the market, and Qilin raised a hand to hail a car by the road.

Yan Liang thought of something. “Ah, we have to make an official statement about Seven Shadow and the other traitors. We will claim the moral high ground.”

Qilin nodded. “Your plan is?”

“Take the initiative to smear him.”

Qilin didn’t immediately respond.

Yan Liang scoffed under the mask. “What you’re doing will determine the fate of all humans. This is a war between species, boy, not a friendly football match. There’s no place for morals and ethics in this.”

Qilin’s eyes turned cold. “I understand.”

Yan Liang nodded slightly. “Hesitation is a sign of weakness. I hope this is the last time you show your weak side.”

“It will be.” Qilin nodded, getting a car. “Let’s get in.”

1. Yan means fire/hot, and liang means cool/cold. The expression yan-liang is used to refer to the differing attitudes of people in the world. ☜