The White Koi Handkerchief

The Longride Sect is the largest immortal sect on the Ten Wilds Continent.

Its sect master, Harvey Yule, is a demigod.

He also serves as the leader of the twelve Heaven-Bestowed Demon Slayers.

Leading the group of disciples was Harvey Yule’s first disciple: Shawn Vaughn.

He’s a Heaven-Bestowed Demon Slayer too.

Lily Bai had worked with him in the past, teaming up for Demon Slayer Alliance missions.

In recent years, they’d often met at Demon Slayer gatherings as well.

Lily’s mind started racing.

This Shawn Vaughn owned a top-grade celestial relic called the Swiftstride Shuttle.

It could travel a thousand miles in an instant.

If he helped her, maybe she could escape.

She glanced at Damian again and quietly fished something out of her storage pouch.

Her Heaven-Bestowed Sigil Token.

Every Heaven-Bestowed Demon Slayer has one.

It’s a symbol of their identity.

With it, they can travel freely across countries and sects without restriction.

And if they need help, showing the token means immortal sects, noble houses, and royal families all have to cooperate—no excuses.

Within a hundred miles, it also works as a communicator for voice and text.

This feature makes it easier for Demon Slayers to work together.

Of course, why it only works within a hundred miles—and not anywhere like a real communicator—Lily had no clue.

Back then, she’d once muttered about it in front of her master. He’d just smiled and said, 'It doesn’t allow instant communication because, well, they don’t want Heaven-Bestowed Demon Slayers chatting whenever they feel like it.'

Lily had asked, 'Why not? Why can’t we talk whenever we want?'

There are twelve Demon Slayers—wouldn’t it be great to swap tips and info all the time?

Her master just stayed quiet.

...

Anyway, running into Shawn Vaughn—who just so happens to have a top-grade escape artifact—feels like the universe is finally throwing her a bone.

Lily lays down and pretends to be asleep.

Then, with her back to Damian, she hides the Heaven-Bestowed Sigil Token under the blanket and activates it with a drop of her blood.

She writes on the glowing token: 'I’m Lily Bai, captured by the Demon Emperor and Azure Flame. I’m on the second floor. Rescue me when we leave tomorrow.'

It doesn’t take long for Shawn to reply: 'You serious?'

Lily: 'Yeah. Damian sealed my looks and voice, so you won’t recognize me. When I leave the inn tomorrow, I’ll be holding a white handkerchief with a red koi embroidered on it.'

Shawn: 'Got it.'

Lily finally lets out a breath she’s been holding.

...

Damian casts a spell over all three of them.

To everyone else, their faces look totally average.

And if anyone tries to remember what they look like, it’s just a blur—nothing comes to mind at all.

The next morning, when the three head downstairs to pay, the innkeeper gives them a confused look. 'Which room were you staying in?'

'Room Tian No. 5,' Azure Flame answers.

'Oh! Please wait, we’ll check the room and settle your bill,' the innkeeper says.

It’s just standard procedure for inns to check the bedding, cups, and all that for damage before guests leave.

Azure Flame nods and waits off to the side.

Lily pretends she’s getting impatient and casually strolls toward the door.

The moment she steps outside, she spots Shawn Vaughn and his group.

Looks like they’re about to leave too, just waiting for their people to gather.

Lily pushes down her nerves, pulls out the handkerchief, and pretends to wipe her mouth.

White handkerchief, red koi.

She sneaks a glance at Shawn, her face perfectly calm.

Shawn starts walking over.

Lily matches his pace, acting like it’s all no big deal.