The Dawn of the New World Chapter 1454

"Take you as a hostage?" he couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth, "Do...you think I need a hostage? I came here only to talk but your master not only attacked me but also my friend. Do you think that is acceptable?"

Staring into her eyes from across the room he could see that she was much different from the pompous innkeeper. Not only did she not harm him earlier but she also held back afterward, even if it was for her master's sake.

She showed restraint, something that he valued greatly at this moment.

"No, it is not acceptable," Rukia agreed with him wholeheartedly, "She is young and sometimes lets her emotions control her, I apologize on her behalf," and got down on one knee, "If you let her go I swear it, we will not escalate this issue further."

This would be an acceptable outcome under normal circumstances but-

'I might have to stay here for a few months or even a year. Making enemies with one of the most well-connected residents is not a good first move. Then..."

Hao Xuan placed Bertah back on the ground and loosened his grip around her neck. But before she or Rukia could let out a breath of relief his hand struck out seven times, hitting different spots across her abdomen and head.

It wasn't forceful- in fact- she would not even have felt anything if she wasn't paying attention but the result was obvious.

Bertha was frozen in place.

Rukia's brow shot up in anger, "What have you done!?!"

"I just locked her muscles and joints for a few minutes so she doesn't do anything stupid," Hao Xuan casually responded, "It will wear off by itself, you have nothing to worry about."

He kicked the shortsword back in Rukia's direction.

"What is this? I don't und-" She was confused at first but understood when he clarified his intentions.

"Yes you do," Hao Xuan stretched his arms and legs, "One exchange. No cultivation, only combat technique. Lethal or non-lethal I will leave that up to you."

Rukia fell silent. After a brief moment of contemplation, she picked up her blade and took position.

She accepted his challenge as a fellow warrior, she had to. There was some bad blood between them and this was the only way to get rid of it and start anew.

This was Hao Xuan's way of extending an olive branch and she could not say no. Earlier she had sworn on her warrior spirit which told him everything he needed to know about her.

She was probably the closest to a righteous warrior that anyone could come across in a place such as this. She valued it enough to use it as a token of negotiation so of course she would not allow any humiliation to stain her character.

"One exchange?" she confirmed.

Hao Xuan gave a nod and the atmosphere became heavy in an instant. He extended a hand forward, the open palm facing Rukia's direction.

Concerned that things might have gone too far Luz spoke up.

"S-Stop it this instant, there is no need to get-"

But he didn't even have the chance to finish the sentence before it was all over. Shadows flashed in front of the eyes of the two onlookers before Rukia and Hao Xuan exchanged places.

They were standing with their backs turned against each other.

Rukia swung the sword forcefully to wipe the blood away before sheathing it in silence.

"Your terms?" she inquired.

A small cut appeared on the right of Hao Xuan's neck on which he had to place a hand to stop the bleeding.

"A place to stay, and an introduction to the blacksmith when the time is right. In exchange, I will do whatever work is required of me as long as it doesn't cross the line," he replied cooly.

"Done."

"You don't need to confirm from your mistress?" he glanced at Bertha's struggling silhouette.

It was obvious she was trying to say something against his proposal but her body was not under her control just yet.

"I can speak for her, you...have my word. Go out and take two lefts, the first door on the right will be your room."

"Thank you," and with that Hao Xuan walked out.

Luz glanced left and right before quickly following after him, "W-Wait friend Jin! Luz will go with you!" he yelled.

A few seconds later Bertha regained control of her body and stumbled over to Rukia.

"Why did you do that?! You know the kind of person Luz is and that guy- Why would we want to work with someone that doesn't even have any cultivation?! He is just a weak-"

Rukia suddenly threw up a mouthful of blood and slumped over on the spot.

"RUKIA!"

"I-I'm okay, just need a moment to- Argh! Get the blood flowing right-" She ripped open her shirt to reveal a handprint in the middle of her chest.

It was black and blue but didn't seem too bad otherwise.

"What happened?! Did he do this??" Bertha was flabbergasted.

Rukia was her oldest guard so she knew very well how talented she was.

After taking a few deep breaths the swelling subsided to a great degree, at which point she looked into Bertha's eyes.

"I struck with the intention to take off his head and only managed to leave a skin-deep cut behind. He- He retaliated by breaking past my defenses to strike at my core while defending. If he so wished he could have crippled me with ease but chose not, he was still holding back..."

"How is that possible?! He doesn't even have any spiritual energy. Are you sure you did not underestimate him? It could happen to the best of-" Bertha simply could not believe that Rukia could be overwhelmed to this point.

In her eyes Hao Xuan was just a vagabond, a ruffian with a little bit of power.

"Spiritual energy does not equate to combat skill!" Rukia explained through gritted teeth, "I could overpower him with spiritual energy alone but that does not mean he is any less skillful, in fact, it would be quite the opposite if this exchange was anything to go by. He has a level of control over his physique that I have never seen before. I can only imagine how deadly of a warrior he was in his prime."

She held Bertha's hand, "We can use him. He needs our help so we can ask him to solve our problem when the time is right, and then get rid of him if need be."