Intimidation

Shen Miaoling said without hesitation, "Wherever Master goes, I'll go."

Xu Chunniang considered it briefly. "Then I'll give you three days to prepare. You needn't come over these next few days. In three days, we'll set out."

Three days should be enough for her to settle matters at home.

Shen Miaoling nodded and went home to begin packing her luggage.

The maid who had followed her for many years became anxious when she heard that Shen Miaoling was going on a long journey.

"Miss, your eyes are still inconvenient. If anything should happen while you're away from home, what would you do?"

Shen Miaoling comforted her. "I've learned some skills from Master and can already protect myself. Besides, I won't be traveling alone, so there's no need to worry too much."

Xiyun was still uneasy. "How about I go with you? I could look after you on the road."

Shen Miaoling shook her head, then changed the subject.

"Xiyun, you've been with me for five or six years now, haven't you? You're growing older, and it's time I gave you back your freedom. Tomorrow, I'll return to the Duke's Mansion and retrieve your indenture contract."

Xiyun shook her head, disagreeing.

"The Duke's Mansion has been looking to make trouble for you all along. It was already sheer luck that you drove those people back today. If you deliver yourself to their door, wouldn't that be like a sheep walking into a tiger's jaws?"

Shen Miaoling smiled mysteriously. "Xiyun, look. What is this?"

As she spoke, she channeled spiritual energy and released a Fireball Technique.

Xiyun stared dumbfounded at the fireball that had appeared out of thin air.

"Miss, what sort of trick is this? Where did you learn it?"

Shen Miaoling smiled. "This isn't some trick. It's a genuine spell,