《Primal Beast》 Prologue: Thousand Eyed Crow Ancient lore depicted the thousand-eyed crow as large jet bird; able to eradicate towns and continents with a swipe of his claws. He snorted at this assumption, yes he could level towns but would he do it, no. Perched on a nearby ancient tree the thousand-eyed crow lingered. This forest was his home, no his prison, he gazed upon the forest below him with his numerous eyes. His heart clenched and he was filled with melancholy at the thought of being unable to leave this forest. He snapped out of his daze at the sound of a yell.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡¸Somebody! Anybody help!¡¹ An adolescent obsidian wolf carried in his maw a wounded hare. He seemed to ignore his own injuries as he desperately limped forward. The thousand-eyed crow opened his beak and spoke,¡¸Young one, come here.¡¹ Chapter 1: Wolf and Hare The whole forest thronged with feral noise, the rustle of the trees, the exotic clamor of wild beasts, and small beasts which flee at the snap of a twig. It was full of endless possibilities. He concluded this at once, the stream was perfect for fishery and the trees were excellent for sheltering his pelt from the harsh spills of sunlight. A lone juvenile boar could be seen, trotting along intermittently it would pause and with a grunt, it would press its snout into the ground. As the boar receded into the trees he began to track it by smell. Its scent blended with innumerable others he lost it amongst the tang of pine needles or was it the piquancy of oak. No, he undeniably lost the trail surrounded by the potent putrefaction of mushrooms. He wrinkled his muzzle slightly repulsed by the unpleasant odor. ¡¸ There it is! ¡¹ He muttered to himself stalking his prey. He charged the boar, alarmed the boar dashed backward. It disappeared into the shrubbery. ¡¸ Almost had it... ¡¹ As he was lost in his dissolute reflection the boar returned. His heart slightly accelerated in thrill. ¡¸ Ready for round two? ¡¹ But, contrary to his expectation a second boar emerged. The larger one grunted and dug it hoof into the ground. It charged towards him. As he retreated he pleaded with his attacker. ¡¸ S-Stop...I-I¡¯m sorry! ¡¹ The boar stopped and defended the smaller boar before replying. ¡¸ Get lost before I change my mind, pup. ¡¹ ¡¸ R-Right away, sir! ¡¹ He launched himself forward with his hind paws withdrawing as fast as he could. As soon as he was far away from the enraged boar his mood turned sour. But that emotion soon left him as he found an outlet for his indignation. A white hare sat silently chewing as his paw hit the ground the hare froze other than the twitching of its nose.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Its feathered ears were green and turquoise on the tips, this particular breed of rabbit was known as Luln. They were exalted as the protectors of this forest, Yol Forest. It was said that those who harmed or killed Luln were met with unfortunate tragedy. Thus, his race the elemental wolves and many others avoided them, apart from himself. ¡¸ An Ling! It¡¯s me. ¡¹ ¡¸ Go away, you brutish wolf. ¡¹ This disdainful tone was a part of their regular conversation. He hardly blamed the hare for every time they met he would harass and bully her. His mother''s warning repeated in his ear. ¡¸ Leave that poor Luln alone!¡¹ He displayed his teeth trying to intimidate the leveret hare. ¡¸ Leave me be or...or else.¡¹ ¡¸ Or else what? ¡¹ The hare shrunk backward bumping into a trio of hedge foxes. The black foxes grew greenery on their backs and had tails that resembled the wooden branches of a tree. ¡¸ Look it''s a puny Luln.¡¹ ¡¸Let¡¯s eat it. ¡¹ They teased the silent hare. What they said were mere bickering as they wouldn¡¯t kill the hare. He couldn¡¯t stand the fox''s crude harassment. No one but himself was allowed to bully An Ling. It wasn¡¯t anything like familiarly that was causing him to protect the hare, he thought of her as a mere toy. ¡¸ Only I can bully An Ling.¡¹ He puffed out his fore chest as if proud of his cruel deeds. ¡¸ What are you going to do about it? ¡¹ The smallest hedge fox taunted. ¡¸ T-This!?!¡¹ He lurched forward striking at the foxes with his forepaw. Yet, he missed slamming his head against the trunk of a tree. He shook his head trying to reorient himself. The ground shook and vines breached the soil, they wrapped around him restraining him. ¡¶ Magic!?! ¡· There was nothing he could do against the oppressive spell. He took a beating from each fox. ¡¸ Haha...What a wimp. ¡¹ Surrounding the foxes was a blue hue. The foxes were right, against them he was powerless. They were cultivators albeit beginners at the early-stage of the spirit initiate realm while he, he was just in the mortal realm. The fox¡¯s left laughing amongst themselves. ¡¸ You...You stupid wolf! Why would you protect me, Ah Zhong? ¡¹ An Ling looked at him with watery eyes. He gave her a grin at her question he himself didn¡¯t have a clue. Maybe...Just maybe he thought of her as a friend. No that''s not right he did think of her as a friend. ¡¸W-We¡¯re friends... from now on I¡¯ll protect you. ¡¹ ¡¸ Don¡¯t bother! You bore. ¡¹ She stalked off irked. He felt conflicted as he watched her retreating figure. Today he made a friend. ¡¸ Ah Zhong, where are you? ¡¹ His ears twitched at the mellow sound of his mother''s voice. ¡¸ Coming! ¡¹ He yelled dragging his battered body toward her voice. Chapter 2: Onyx Egg (Su Bai''s POV)
She let her muzzle fall back and gazed into the infinite blue sky. She let her thoughts surge looking at the magnificent nature before her, how she wish she were like the earth, fostering multiple colorful flowers and witnessing the beauty of birth and death. The tremendous redwood trees stood so innumerable, soaring above they locked the sky out with their thickly entwined branches. Molden golden light gushed from the gap in the trees slightly blinded she squinted her eyes. She had a goal coming here today, above her nestled in the trees was the nest of a certain bird. There were many legends surrounding the phoenix, immortality, or granting one wish to those who caught it. Yet, she knew the rumors were false the phoenix was just a beast like any other, it could be killed. She came here to receive an egg if she did maybe just maybe she''d be able to give her child a better life. ¡¸I cannot fail!?!?¡¹ She assured herself, for many days she had been lying in wait. It wasn''t as simple as confronting the phoenix, no she''d be shred apart for just daring a thing. The phoenix was a third stage, spirit emergent cultivator of the red level. She''d be dispatched with one sweep of its talons, she''d have to be cautious. It spread its blazing crimsons wings and took flight, perfect it was time for its hunt she''d strike now. She embedded her claws into the trunk of the tree and hauled her body upwards. When she reached the nest her face lit up in delight, success. In the nest laid a lone egg, black in color. ¡¸Strange, it shouldn¡¯t be this color!?! She shook her head and gently grasped the egg in her maw. She had gotten what she came for, now she''d make her retreat. ? She inspected her young-year-old pup. He was covered in cuts and his fur was matted with blood. He had come running at her call arriving from deep within the forest. Her mouth curled down in a frown, couldn''t this boy of hers behave for one day? She wanted to protect the young pup however she didn''t want to coddle him. ¡¸Explain.¡¹ ¡¸I-I fought w-with the hedge fox trio..¡¹ ¡¸And why was that?¡¹ she questions her voice laced with her displeasure. The young black pup''s ears flattened and his body seemed to cower.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡¸I-I was protecting the Luln¡¹ She sighed. There was nothing she could do about this little rascal in a way it reminded her of her mate when he was young. ¡¸Run along and fetch me some wood.¡¹ ¡¸Yes, mother!¡¹ For dinner, she''d cook the underdeveloped bird for her child. She¡¯d start a flame with her element, fire. Elemental wolves pelts would mimic the owner''s element. Her pelt was a ruby red with streaks of white running through it, her elements were both fire and ice. She was a rare dual elemental wolf that would only appear every few centuries. ? She glared at the elder white wolf before her, behind him were three other wolves. They had arrived shortly at their humble cave after dinner was over. These four wolves were from her old pack, Nightstar Valley Pack. She felt her insides twist in rage, the elder white wolf that stood before her was her father. Gu Zhan was the proud alpha of the pack. She had scorned him, he had banned her and her mate to the furthest recess of Yol Forest. She fell in love with her mate, Zi Zhong when she hadmet him one fateful day. He was an outsider a lone wolf without a pack, yet that wasn''t what had made her father detest him. He was born without an element, his pelt a soft gray. As the alpha¡¯s daughter and rare duel element wolf her father had been against them being mates. Zi Zhong came through the door with a frown on his face. ¡¸What are you doing here?¡¹ He growled out coming to stand next to me. He was a very protective mate and was irritated with the intrusion. ¡¸Shut it, outsider!¡¹ One wolf with a green pelt had growled back. ¡¸Your boy is to attend the elemental affinity test next week.¡¹ Gu Zhan said with an authoritative tone. Her stomach sunk, she knew her son was a elementless wolf just as his father was. At birth the pups pelt would shine for moment displaying their element, his pelt did not. Attending the test would just shame and embarrass him. Only when awakening would a wolf''s true element show. After awakening, one would be an early stage, spirit initiate of the blue layer. She and her mate were only late fourth stage spirit initiate. Every layer had certain levels and thresholds, the first four layers were comprised of nine levels. They couldn''t hold a candle to eighth stage peak blue layer that Gu Zhan had cultivated. ¡¸If he does not arrive on time I will personally come to fetch him.¡¹ His voice was threatening as he turned and left with the three other wolves. ¡¸Zi Zhong, what are we to do?¡¹ Zi Zhong frowned he himself was clueless. As the provider of his family her couldn''t waste his time looking for a solution. ¡¸I don''t know...¡¹ She suddenly had a thought but wouldn''t share it with her mate if he knew he''d stop her. She''d take the egg of a phoenix, she knew where that particular bird roosted. With the egg of the phoenix, her child held a slim chance to gain the element of fire. She had begun her hunt. Chapter 3: Dishonor and Pride Ah Zhong brought his muzzle to the ground inhaling, the faint fruity scent brought him back to his den. After dinner to his amusement, An Ling had proposed to play various games around the forest. He was following her scent in order to find her hiding spot when he was abruptly knocked to the ground by an adult earth elemental wolf. ¡¸Move it!¡¹ The wolf gave a brief glare in his direction and swiftly followed after the two other wolves. Ah Zhong was slightly jarred by their collision. ¡¸Ouch...¡¹ He grumbled and stood, as he lifted his head he was met with his mother''s enraged face. He tucked his tail between his legs and flattened his ears. With her face as it was, he assumed that he was in trouble. When someone earned his mother¡¯s ire she was as intimidating as a dragon. ¡¸Ah Zhong, my little one.¡¹ He flinched at her soft tone lowing his head. ¡¸Y-Yes!?¡¹ ¡¸In a few days time, you will travel to nightstar valley and participate in the affinity test.¡¹ She paused and licked the unruly fur on top of his head, she had actually used this opportunity to fuss at him. He was confused with the somber look in her eyes. She gave him no words of encouragement had she not any expectations of him? ? The moon was up, painting the world silver, an imperceptible concentration of moonlight overhead fell, then dispersed. A delicate tide seemed to lap against the intersecting branches and drop to the grassy earth. These leaks of light only served to intensify his obscured surroundings, with his expressive imagination the wilderness roused with extrinsic shapes, looming, eerie, and uniquely distorted. The wind rushed through his pelt, his body trembled from its rawness. He curled his body inward to conserve heat only letting his muzzle remain distended. His ears twitched at every sound alert as the forest grew silent his eyes fluttered and he fell into a deep sleep. When he woke his stomach was grumbling, the last days he had gathered berries and nuts that he came upon, it was barely enough to suffice. ¡¸Hungry...Got to keep moving.¡¹ He stretched his sluggish body from the ground. From the west, a faint smell of blood entered his nose. Ah Zhong was immature he was only thinking of his stomach at the moment he followed the scent he didn¡¯t think the danger would follow him. ¡¸There!¡¹ He spotted the corpse of a white deer, the body was slightly ripe two or three days dead at most. This species of deer was called a Vlek is known for their thick timber antlers. However, this particular Vlek was missing one of its antlers. ¡¶ How powerful! ¡· He was in awe at how powerful this creature''s jaw had to be in order to be able to tear the antler from the Vlek¡¯s head. His stomach growled again, he bites into the meat of its leg pulling the body with him. Like that he took his leave, what he didn¡¯t know was he nearly lost his life. As he left a robust orange beast with black stripes and horns protruding from it¡¯s back emerged. This beast was called a Ryr and even this adolescent could take down an opponent that was twice its size. Ah Zhong had been lucky, had this Ryr been fully grown it might not have let him leave with his life. In the eyes of the Ryr emotion swirled it was amused at the smaller black wolf that had stolen its meal. It turned on its paws and left maybe if it was fated they¡¯d meet again.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ? After five days of grueling travel, he had finally arrived at Nightstar Valley. The clearing was brimming with elemental wolves from young to old. Multiple wolves had the same color pelt ranging from red, blue, yellow and the rare orange or dark green. The elements were comprised of the five main elements, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Following these were the rare elements such as ice, wind, electricity, space, time, magma, gravity, light and darkness. As he wandered the valley he felt plenty of eyes on him he felt his pride swell as these eyes held shock and awe. They were all gazing at his jet black fur thinking the same thing, did this young wolf pup have a rare element? The only wolf in the pack that held a rare element was the alpha excluding his daughter who was exiled. Yet, they didn¡¯t recognize this young pup was he the son of a returning wandering wolf? They looked to the alpha who was resting on a rock with his Luna. ¡¸Listen up! All year old pups are to assemble for the affinity and talent test. ¡¹ A red fire elemental wolf standing next to the alpha Gu Zhan shouted he was the known beta of the pack. From the large pack, ten to twelve youth¡¯s and himself gathered under the rock. ¡¸Welcome young wolves today we will be testing both your talent and affinity. Good luck to you all¡¹ Gu Zhan stood up briefly to talk to them before whispering in the red wolves ear. The red wolf glared at the young pups before speaking again. ¡¸This orb will tell us your result. Just place your muzzle against it like so.¡¹ The red wolf placed the tip of his nose against the large orb that stood next to the alpha¡¯s rock. A strange humming noise came from the rock displaying the beta¡¯s results. Superior medium grade qi talent, element fire. The younger wolves looked up with awe in the gathering of hundreds of wolves medium talent was the highest talent within the pack. Qi was the key to cultivation without it, you could not cultivate. The higher talent you had the more qi you could gather. The first pup looked at the orb with anticipation before placing his nose against it. Once more the orb hummed and displayed the result, High minor grade qi talent, element fire. The young pup with a cocky smirk looked down on the other wolf cubs. This particular wolf pup was the beta¡¯s son, Yu Zhan. The beta was smiling as he nudged his son. ¡¸Well done!¡¹ Gu Zhan also had a happy expression after all the pup was his other grandson and the beta was his son how could he not be proud. ¡¸Wen Zhan, with your son¡¯s talent he could surpass me and become the next alpha.¡¹ ¡¸Thank you father.¡¹ Although his son¡¯s talent surpassed his own he wasn¡¯t bitter, if he could become the next alpha he¡¯d be delighted. With the young cub¡¯s talent it had become a barrier that others couldn¡¯t follow, the mood of the other youth wolves shrank. Several tests followed yet none could measure up to Yu Zhan. ¡¸Next.¡¹ Ah Zhong turn was next he stepped up to the orb. He touched his nose to the orb yet the orb only made a short hum before stopping. Low minor qi grade talent, element none. It was deathly silent no wolf made a sound this had only happened once before at the testing of the alpha¡¯s daughter¡¯s mate. With low minor grade talent one could only hope to become a cultivator and by the time they did they¡¯d be an elder. Even the pack only expected those who had a talent for low superior grade talent anything lower could only hope to wish to become a cultivator. Most of the wolves that lived in the valley were blue to red level spirit cultivators. Even Yu Zhan was a second stage spirit initiate cultivator. ¡¸ A trash¡¯s son can only be trash. ¡¹ Zu Zhan snickered and stood haughtily in front of Ah Zhong. He held his head down burning with shame. ¡¸ You thought you were something special with that rare pelt color, think again!¡¹ Bright flames flickered on Zu Zhan¡¯s red pelt, they were powerful and hot. ¡¸You don¡¯t deserve to wear it.¡¹ When the black cub had shown up Zu Zhan had seen how he was proudly displaying his pelt as if he had mastered the element it corresponded to darkness. At that time Zu Zhan had been seething in jealousy. The flame¡¯s flicked then gathered charging the young black cub. As the flame¡¯s toughed his pelt he caught fire. All Ah Zhong felt was heat and pain as it razed his whole body. He yelped and rolled on the ground in an attempt to douse the flame. ¡¸Now leave, outsider!¡¹ As he saw Zu Zhan preparing another flame he was scared witless if he stuck him again he could possibly die. He turned and ran leaving the valley. He¡¯d vowed to get revenge on Zu Zhan one day otherwise his pride would never recover. Chapter 4: Awakening In the darkened dawn sky above him, a continual roll of lighting burned and flashed, illuminating the smoky clouds. He laid with his head rested on his paws observing the sky with disordered sentiments, he felt as if the storm reflected the turmoil in his heart. A lucent claw of lightning streak down the length of the sky. The shrubbery and distant trees seemed to bound forward in the intense burst of light. Thereafter came the thunder: a roaring, tearing noise as if something was being torn into pieces the sky above. As the thunder lingered rain began to fall moistening the forest floor. He settled in the hollow of an aged tree shielded from the heavy rain. ¡¸ Ah Zhong, where are you? ¡¹ He huddled further into the tree slightly aggravating his healing wounds. Ever since he returned home hadn¡¯t let his parents know of his arrival, only An Ling knew. ¡¸ Go away! ¡¹ ¡¸ You big dummy! I just wanted to see you. ¡¹ She shouted out in a desperate voice. She had known of his return due to his scent, a stale scent of blood mingled with his scent concerning her. He didn¡¯t want her to see him like this, defeated and disgraced, he yelled back at her in grief. ¡¸ Leave!! ¡¹ From the hollow, he saw a brief flash of hurt on her face. ¡¸ Fine!! ¡¹ She turned and left. ? The rain had settled after a few hours. His wounds were finally closing after the lengthy three-day journey back. The sun appeared from behind the clouds gradually drying the moisture from the soil. His ears picked out a muffled rattling noise that came from the east. Swiftly his mind sorted through various noises trying to match it to its source yet he came up blank. ¡¶ What is it? ¡· While he was pondering this a thundering howl interrupted his thoughts. An unknown scent burned his nose, there was something foul about it. It was an unfamiliar scent which had made his curiosity stir. His tail swayed and his tongue lolled over his teeth. ¡¶ Just one peek! ¡· He declared to himself starting forward. Despite his intense curiosity, a deep fear lingered in his stomach. When he found the origin of the noise the fear in his stomach sunk deeper and his heart raced in horror. What stood in front of him was a one of his kind if it could even be called that. No, IT¡­.does not have a mind of its own, that he knew from the glazed over expression on its face. It looked at him pulling its muzzle back in a snarl.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡¸ You smell heavenly... ¡¹ It said in a bestial tone stalking towards him. The chains hanging from its neck,clanking deafeningly against the bulky metal collar. Suddenly it froze and muttered to itself. ¡¸Yes, yes I won¡¯t harm...much.¡¹ Ah Zhong cowered shrinking backward. He yelled to the wolf trying to deter it. ¡¸ L-Leave me alone! ¡¹ Its muzzle turned upwards in an ecstatic toothy grin. ¡¸ A leg for me...and a new slave for the master. ¡¹ It began drooling at the thought its stomach grumbling. It quickly darts forward its paw colliding with Ah Zhong¡¯s muzzle, opening a gash above his nose. His muzzle throbbed in pain the sharp stringing made his eyes water. The blood that ran down his muzzle was indiscernible from his dark fur. ¡¸ I-It hurts...please stop... ¡¹ He begged,lowering his head to the older wolf, he knew he was not his match. ¡¸ Hahaha!! a weak bitch just like your mother. ¡¹ It spat out vehemently. Its body shook with laughter and it eyed him with pleasure. ¡¶ Mother!?! ¡· ¡¸ What did you do with mother? ¡¹ Anger burned within him yet at the same time his legs shook with fright. He picked up his head and glared at the wolf. The wolf just looked back and laughed heartily. ¡¸ What did I do? Just a little education. ¡¹ He paused and threw him a suggestive look. Ah Zhong immediately deciphered his meaning. ¡¶ This bastard!?! He was playing with his mother''s life like it was a toy! ¡· ¡¸ I-I¡¯ll kill you!!!! ¡¹ He snarled, his vision flickered he was seeing red. Scorching, bright heat filled him like some frenetic poison spreading through his body. Everything around him spoke, the whisperings were the voice of his own awakening. He felt power flood his whole body, a fierce howl burst from his throat. He manipulated the qi before him it vibrated drawing in and forming black strands that hung overhead. Using this power was a natural extension of his being, it was as effortless as moving his limbs. He slung it forward like a whip as it stuck the wolf it was sent flying backward slamming into a tree with a sickening crunch. ¡¸ Where is she? ¡¹ He stressed every syllable. The black strands behaved like snakes curling over his legs and coiling in the air. The wolf attempted to stand but was unable to, it slumped to the ground. It bared its teeth at him they glistened with blood even its muzzle was blotched with the dark red substance. ¡¸ You¡¯re ..too late, her... life already...belongs to the master... ¡¹ The wolf choked out. Its leg was twisted and mangled and a long wound ran through its stomach. A rib bone jutted from its chest flesh still clinging to it. ¡¶ What did he mean by that? Was his mother... dead? ¡· He watched as the wolf throat gave one last gurgle as it suffocated to death on its own blood. He hadn¡¯t known how to feel about the killing he was only left with numbness. He had no time to lose. He rushed forward ignoring the corpse. ¡¶ Please! Mother, Father stay alive!¡· He let a grieved howl erupt his throat as he ran. And run he did¡­. Chapter 5: Slaver His mind was in disorder, it was alive with many thoughts jumbled and infested. He ran his legs capable of propelling him forward in great bounds. The forest passed him in a blur as his focus was withdrawn elsewhere. ¡¸ Please be safe! ¡¹ He repeated this thought over and over in his head, unable to bury his unease. ? As he arrived he almost couldn''t comprehend what scene his eyes had laid upon. He took heavy uneven breaths trying to control his hysteria. No, what he had witnessed was almost too gruesome, the forest floor was laden with dark red blood leaking from the corpse of his father. His father''s corpse was riddled with injuries and his head was torn from his body, the head laid at his paws the eyes dull and lifeless. ¡¸ No...This is a nightmare. ¡¹ He assured himself. It could only be a nightmare before he had left everything was as should be and now his father corpse decorated the ground. As he was filled with grief his eyes turned to a strange sound coming from inside his home. He could tell from the pleading that it was his mother''s voice. He looked away from his father with heartache and guilt, guilt for being unable to save him. ¡¶ Hold on mom! ¡· He declared to himself before rushing into the cave. Once again he was meet with shock his mother was pinned to the ground by a larger blue wolf. He blinked trying to rid himself of the sight of him having his way with her. He stood blankly his legs and his whole body frozen. The wolf stopped and turned his head to him, its eyes had the same disposition as the elder wolf he had killed before. Yet, this wolf radiated a red hue it was a cultivator of the spirit emergent realm. However, its red hue was murky its level was just consolidated meaning it had only recently broken, though. If he caught the wolf unawares he might be able to save his mother. ¡¸ L-Let her go! ¡¹ He teeth chattered, he was afraid yet he knew he had to face the wolf head on. He tried to build his courage by soothing his fear. The wolf gazed at him at ease he stepped forward and as he did the chains on his neck rattled. Ah Zhong now knew his brave front was a joke with just this wolf¡¯s aura alone he could feel his body sink in pressure.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡¸ That¡¯s enough number one. Let me have a look at it first. ¡¹ From the shadows a bulky man appeared on his face he had a scar that ran from his temple to the edge of his chin, he couldn¡¯t tell if it continued because the man grew an unruly beard. He wore an aged leather tunic and matching leather pants and boots. This was the first time Ah Zhong had seen a creature like this, however, he knew the rumors he thought of them as stories to scare new pups. But he was wrong this human was the very creature that all these stories were centered around. As the man grew closer he, however, sought to step away. ¡¸ Tsk, just a mortal wolf I got my hopes up for nothin''. Not even a female. ¡¹ The human stood by the wolf and gave it a quick glance. ¡¸ Number one you know what to do. ¡¹ The wolf began creeping towards him. Ah Zhong was shaking he couldn''t even lash out with his powers. Every time he gathered the qi towards him it dispelled. The man crouched and patted his mother¡¯s fur she couldn''t move she could only let out a soft whimper. The man took out of his pocket a small metal ring he bites his finger and place it on the metal then threw the ring towards his mother. The metal warped and wound around his mother''s neck growing until it was the same size as the wolf in front of him. ¡¸ Number one finish it we''re leaving. ¡¹ ¡¸ As you wish, master. ¡¹ The wolf gathered its essence to its paw before swiping at him. Ah Zhong flinched and closed his eyes after a few seconds when the pain didn¡¯t follow he opened them. An Ling was barely standing on her paws in front of him she had blocked the wolf''s attack and now had an ugly gash on her abdomen. ¡¸ An Ling!! ¡¹ He called out to the hare. ¡¸S-Stupid¡­..wolf...¡¹ She said weakly before collapsing. He glanced towards his mother and the wolf before him. He had a choice look for help for An Ling or give his and her life away in an attempt to save his mother. He was a coward not and idiot he took the hare gently into his maw and ran. ¡¸ Number one forget it! we got what we came for. ¡¹ The wolf was going to follow but halted at its master''s orders. ? He charged through the forest look for any inhabitants there was no a sound and all he could hear was his own breathing. It was dark as night had beginning to settle. He could see no stars he felt as if the world were as high and depthless as the night sky and deeper than he could know. He understood, that he was small just like an ant and the world around him was filled with the powerful. If he wanted to protect anyone he had to become powerful he vowed he would. No longer would he cower even if he could not resist he wouldn''t go down without a fight. This was his martial way. He shoved those thoughts away as he began looking anew. ¡¸Somebody! Anybody help!¡¹ As these words left his muzzle this time he was greeted with a return. From a tree above him stood a three-legged crow it glanced down at his with its multiple eyes before opening its beak to call out. ¡¸Young one, come here.¡¹ Chapter 6: Fated Meeting All was relieved when he saw the crow, in the dull consistency of his heartbeats he hears the swell of hope. It was weak and meager yet still present within his chest. He watched with bated anticipation at the tree above, the crow calmly peered at him with its slitted golden eyes. Then suddenly its frame warped gyrating inward, as the force halted a human shape appeared. Ah Zhong flinched as dread inadvertently seeped into his chest. ¡¶ Had he escaped one human monster into the clutches of another? No, he hadn''t... ¡· He shook his head. This being in front of him still emits the qi of a primeval cultivator the difference between human and primeval cultivators was the way the qi behaved, in them, it would vibrate and be absorbed gradually and in humans, it would be sucked in like a vortex leaving behind impurities. This is why primeval cultivators would gather qi at a slower rate and why they were stronger at the same rank as a human cultivator, their foundation was superior. The solid tree made no movement as the man sat and hung his feet over the branch. The man rested his back leisurely against the truck of the tree. He wore a complex black robe embellished in red silk, his hair a darker black pulled tightly behind his head with a red ribbon leaving his bangs to hang at each side of his forward. His prominent sharp eyebrows curved towards his eyes and as he reached into his robe they lowered and pushed together with frustration. As he freed a metal pipe from the robes material his eyebrows relaxed. From his finger an obsidian flame ignited, he placed his finger on the opening lighting it. He then placed the other side in his mouth and inhaled not moment passed before he removed it from his mouth and blew smoke from his lips. ¡¸ Please! Will you help me? ¡¹ ¡¸ Why would I help you? ¡¹ The man asked in an indifferent tone holding the pipe between his fingers. By curling his fingers around it the man brought attention to its striking gold designs. The man was right Ah Zhong and him were strangers, why would he go out of his way to help him? He quashed his sentence in his mouth as this thought arose in his head. ¡¸ As an elder aren''t you responsible for aiding your junior?¡¹ Ah Zhong argued banking on this universal law. ¡¸ Oh, so you intrude into my territory and have the audacity to lecture me. I could kill you, no. ¡¹ The man''s gaze flicked to An Ling before he resumed speaking. ¡¸However, with the state you two are in I could just wait until you fall over dead.¡¹ The man wasn¡¯t grandiloquent with his words, they held a certain unpleasantry and were concise. Ah Zhong felt rage rising within him however he didn¡¯t lash out he instead dug his claws into the dirt, the released when the anger left him. He thought to try a new approach.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡¸ Esteemed elder, could you find it from the kindness of your heart to help us little ones? ¡¹ The man shook his head and let out a heavy sigh. ¡¸Enough with the formality, it grows old. Call me by my name, Zeng Ru.¡¹ Zeng Ru stood with ease placed the pipe in his robe and then abruptly jumped from the branch. Yet contrary to his expectation Zeng Ru did not plummet but instead gently glided to the ground. ¡¸ We¡¯ll continue this talk inside my house. ¡¹ ¡¸ What house? ¡¹ He was confused all that was around him were trees. Zeng Ru lifted his eyebrows as if saying, ¡¾ Are you blind? ¡¿He began looking around uncontrollably in every direction. The faintness of smile formed on Zeng Ru¡¯s face as he held his fist to his lip allowing a laugh to leave his mouth. ¡¸ Over here. ¡¹ Zeng Ru pointed place he looked three times. The tree¡¯s seemed to disappear and a small hut appeared in their place. It was a small wooden hut with a chimney. They walked a short while to reach the door. Zeng Ru opened the door and motioned for him to go inside. Inside was even smaller in size than the outside. the room consisted of a bed, a round table, two chairs and a fireplace. ¡¸ Lay your friend on the bed. ¡¹ Ah Zhong did as he was told and then followed Zeng Ru to the table. ¡¸If I am to help you and your friend I have a few conditions.¡¹ ¡¸ Anything. ¡¹ Zeng Ru sat in the chair near him before folding his hand below his chin. his golden eyes locked into Ah Zhong''s holding his gaze. ¡¸ I can easily help you and your friend to recover. But is that all you wish for? Do you not seek power? ¡¹ Ah Zhong went pale and his back straightened. Was he that transparent? ¡¸Relax, I haven¡¯t read your thoughts¡­.Everyone yearns for power.¡¹ ¡¸ Power...Can you really grant me it? ¡¹ Zeng Ru paused for a moment before answering. ¡¸ Boy, I can¡¯t grant you anything. I¡¯m not a demonic beast. I can, however, guarantee you and your friends full recovery and transfer you some of my powers. ¡¹ Ah Zhong took a sharp breath. Power, that is what he yearned for most in this world. He childish thoughts run rampant imagining himself as a commander of a grand army stepping on every enemy that crossed his path. ¡¸ Don¡¯t get to ahead of yourself. First you must listen to my three conditions. ¡¹ He flinched again. ¡¶ How does he do that? ¡· ¡¸ Ok... ¡¹ ¡¸ First you must find my daughter and pass her this medallion. ¡¹ Zeng Ru placed on the table round silver medallion that was hung on a loop of string. In the middle of the medallion was a round jade crystal encircled by a red trimming. ¡¸ Secondly I want guide my daughter back to our village. And thirdly you must bury me. ¡¹ ¡¸Bury!?! But you are not dead.¡¹ He eyes widened in surprise. Ah Zhong inspected him for any grievous wound but found nothing. Zend Ru expression flashed with a brief hint of pain. ¡¸It is not external. I am dying from a curse. That is also the reason I cannot save my kin, this forest that I cannot leave will be my final resting place.¡¹ Zeng Ru sighed. ¡¸ How? ¡¹ ¡¸ Do not vex your mind over this. My enemy¡¯s are large in number and you are far too weak. ¡¹ His expression fell and his lips turns downwards. The pity he felt for this newly meet stranger weighed heavily on his chest. ¡¸ How will I find your daughter? ¡¹ ¡¸ All will be revealed soon. For now let us leave my home. When I transfer you my powers I do not want to destroy my house by mistake. ¡¹ Zeng Ru seeing his confused expression laughed mirthfully. ¡¸ Whats left of my belonging are in a chest bellow this bed. It would be hard to collect them if the house is destroyed, correct? ¡¹ ¡¸ You''re giving them to me? ¡¹ ¡¸ What use would worldly possessions be to me after im dead? ¡¹ Zeng Ru stood up and walked to the door. ¡¸ Shall we? ¡¹ Chapter 7: Spiritual Rift Zeng Ru¡¯s POV
Tree¡¯s who live in tribes, in forests in groves and even those who stand alone. He revered them, they who are not like hermits who stole away out of weakness, but like great solitary men braving adversity headlong. When a tree is cut down it reveals its whole history, inscribed in the disk of its trunk: in the rings of its years, its scars, all the struggles, sufferings, all its sickness, happiness, prosperity, its narrow years, its luxurious years, the attacks it has withstood, and the storms endured. He and the tree shared many similarities. He released the breath he was holding refocusing. ¡¸Shall we?¡¹ He repeated as he held the door open for the young wolf. Yet, the wolves gaze was captured by the small lone body that laid on the mattress. Ah Zhong let his gaze linger before looking back to him his eyes filled with determination. He clenched his teeth grinding them slightly letting out an even heavier exhalation than before. ¡¶ Smelly brat! Does he think I¡¯m his servant? ¡· Ah Zhong¡¯s gaze once more wandered to the hare. He cleared his throat gaining Ah Zhong''s attention. He lightly caressed the silver ring on his finger, this was an interspatial ring capable of storing multiple items. From the pocket dimension, he withdrew a purple pill the size of a fingernail. Zeng Ru took the pill and forced open the hare¡¯s mouth to feed her the pill. ¡¶ What a waste¡­ ¡· He shook his head eating his loss after all, what worth did it have after he left this earthly plane? ¡¸ This qi replenishing pill will nourish her body up to a week. ¡¹The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Ah Zhong¡¯s worried expression seemed to fade as he saw how effective the pill was. ¡¸ Are you now ready? ¡¹ ¡¸I am.¡¹ He replied his gaze mirroring his excitement. ¡¸ Very well then, follow me. ¡¹ They hadn¡¯t walked very far before Zeng Ru¡¯s feet stopped. His hand rested on a broad oak tree he vibrated the qi in the air to reveal a small portal. Ah Zhong looked at him with confusion. The thought¡¯s in the wolves mind were almost palpable on his face as if saying, ¡¾ How? ¡¿ ¡¸ I cannot use my qi here. If I do my body will break down due to the poison in my body we must move to an area with richer qi. ¡¹ Zeng Ru stepped through the portal his mind and body were squeezed violently as space shifted. Shortly after he arrived so did Ah Zhong. ¡¸ This is a spiritual rift I found by chance. The qi here is twice as rich then where we were. ¡¹ ¡¸ Couldn¡¯t you just stay here until you found a cure for your curse? ¡¹ His lips turned downward in displeasure the question was filled with nativity. How was this wolf to live in such a harsh world with such sentiments? He shook his head and replied. ¡¸ Even if I did my body would still break down just at a slower rate. Even then spiritual rifts each have restrictions this particular rift opens and closes every week. If we do not leave within a week our bodies would be crushed. ¡¹ Ah Zhong winced as the word crushed left his lips. ¡¸Now then. Do not wander off if you find yourself in trouble even I couldn¡¯t help you then.¡¹ Ah Zhong''s expression was once more questioning his tail swaying side to side. ¡¸Spiritual rifts belong to the spiritual realm. Even though there are treasures there is also great dangers. Many stronger cultivators like to travel rifts. Many are even stronger than myself. ¡¹ Ah Zhong shook his head in acknowledgment. ¡¸Come and sit here. This process will take us the full week. If we rush¡­.well. ¡¹ Zeng Ru placed his hand on a nearby tree pushing his qi through it. The tree vibrated then shook intensely before it ruptured sending wood flying. He gave Ah Zhong a toothy grin flashing his sharp teeth. He watched as the young wolves gaze wavered before letting out a hearty chuckle. ¡¸ Let¡¯s begin. ¡¹ ¡¸ En! ¡¹ Ah Zhong eyes almost seemed as if they were sparkling. Zeng Ru knew that this young wolf what taking his first steps on his long journey of cultivating and maybe one day he¡¯d even surpass himself, only time would tell. Chapter 8: Core Formation Buried within, there is something eminently known and ingrained. A reticent truth, that is not a fabrication but of original knowledge. This absolute truth that guides us along the path of greater becoming; a true awareness. An awareness that he gained only after he underwent the sheer unbridled power that was driven into his body. As it surged he felt his chest burn with heat and his body spasmed with each wave. He gritted his teeth as the violent qi remodeled and expanded his feeble meridians, as it progressed. The distress his chest was in was almost enough to drive him to madness, yet as time advanced it grew even more severe. He felt something growing in him exhausting the qi in the air as if it were a needy infant. Then all went placid and the pain diminished. ¡¸ Do not move! ¡¹ Zeng Ru warned with a stern expression. He repositioned his hands and feed more qi through him, it rushed inward but seemed to slam against some invisible barrier. Zeng Ru¡¯s expression warped painfully as he spat up blood which leaked from the corner of his mouth. ¡¸ Quickly, prepare yourself ¡¹ Zeng Ru said his chest heaving laboriously, he planted his bottom to the ground and wiped the blood with his sleeve. Sweat streamed down his face moistening his collar. ¡¶ Prepare for what? ¡· As the thought crossed his mind the thing in his chest pulsated with excitement discharging a film of black sludge over his fur. His ears rang, his body grew weak and as he no longer could stand, a roar ripped throughout his body. Then all went quiet once more. Ah Zhong felt power course through every inch of him. Zeng Ru stood and spoke,¡¸ Congratulations. ¡¹ When Ah Zhong revolved his qi he began to emit a faint blue hue, this was an indication that he had formed a core and became a spirit initiate cultivator. If he had not controlled himself he would have jumped in glee and tackled Zeng Ru. ¡¸ That¡¯s all for now. If you are to wander make sure not to stray too far. ¡¹ Zeng Ru dusted his underside clearing away dirt that was attached to his clothing. His arm rested on his stomach, his gait poor as he stumbled forward. It was apparent that Zeng Ru was spent from exerting himself so.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Ah Zhong stretched his aching limbs that throbbed with every movement. He could feel the qi that fluctuates around freely dance around him each particle radiating a dim light. They reminded him of a firefly as they chaotically drifted around and as he circled his core they seemed to be attracted to him. An unrestrained smile spread across his face his pointed teeth protruding out from his maw. He looked to the distance, pressed his back paws to the ground and bounded forward. ¡¸ Wow! ¡¹ He exclaimed as the scenery passed by in a blur yet he could still make out where he was going. He cared not for the boundary that Zeng Ru had enforced he only cared for the exhilarating feeling that filled him. Everything seemed sharper and sounds were more defined, the landscape moved at a snail¡¯s pace as he ran. He let his head fall back releasing a rambunctious howl only to stop as he met with a mountain that obstructed his path. His eyes flared with expectancy. ¡¸ I''ll make it to the top! ¡¹ He pledged to himself as he began to climb the rocky terrain. As he grew closer to the summit a particular scent tickled his nose, a fruity sweet smell. He felt his insides twist and his instinct kick in the aroma called to him. His pace quickened, his heart beating violently with impatience. Ah Zhong reached a ledge that held a single tree adorned with velvet red fruits. They were shaped like a flower and at the base, its peel split open in bloom. ¡¶ I must have it! ¡· He did not know what made him hunger for the fruit only that he had a primal need. He leaned his front paws against the tree in an attempted to reach the fruit. Yet what he did not expect was the tree to shift and uproot from its spot. He and the tree tumbled into a gap in the mountain. His claws extended into the bark of the tree as they both fell. As he dropped he noticed that what he thought was a mountain was actually a deep cave. He closed his eye shut tight the air lashing at his fur. When the tree hit the bottom the trunk slip into fragments sending him into the air. He crashed against the cave wall his leg cracking against the pressure. Pain flared causing his eyes to water. Zeng Ru had warned him to not stray far, yet not only did he go far he also fell and broke his leg. He circulated his qi into his leg trying to speed up the healing process. As his attention wandered he was startled back into alertness when a bubble popped in his face. ¡¸ What the¡­ ¡¹ More rose into the air from a particular spot in the cave. He observed quietly as the bubbles permeated the air discontinuously. ¡¸ How amusing. One thousand years nothing has surprised me. Yet you, ayoung wolf just fell from the sky. ¡¹ Ah Zhong flinched as a mellow voice met his ears. His eyes strained to search for the source of the voice however they found nothing. ¡¸ Do tell me, how is it you fell from the sky when you have no wings? ¡¹ Chapter 9: Four Heavenly Beasts In the dark, all the familiar sounds of the upper ground were absent: the wind, the rustle of branches or leaves, the chirping of birds, and the disorderlystir of beasts in their routine activities. There was nothing but the subtle tinkle of droplets of water, each drop like a distant melodious chime, and each one accompanied by minute echoes. Then, after such a tone had sounded there would be a lengthy empty silence in which one could hear his or her own breathing and constant heartbeats. He strained his eyes trying to peer into the advanced darkness yet the lack of light denied him. Suddenly his thoughts revolved back to the item that landed him in this cavern. ¡¸ Ah! My fruit! ¡¹ The words slipped from his mouth. ¡¸ You mean this little thing? ¡¹ His body turn towards the voice that in his haste he had forgotten had accompanied him in this despondent place. A petite frame materialized from the shadows. From what limited light that filled that cavern he could ascertain that that frame was a humanoid female. However, as she grew closer he felt the qi that vibrated around her. She like him was a primeval cultivator as to what race he himself was clueless. When he saw her face he let out his breath he had been holding, her skin was a milky white and her luscious lips were parted slightly stained cherry red from the fruit. Her sharp eyes which focus on him where a rich shade of emerald, her eyebrows were shaped into a deceptively flawless arch that trailed the slight curve of her eyes. The strands of her jet hair danced on the poor draft of air that occurred in the cave, the bangs of her hair held in place on the top of her head. She wore a luxurious silk robe adorned with lively print. She raised the fruit in her hand and took another bite licking her lips thereafter, her brows lowered in displeasure. ¡¸ Its taste leaves much to be desired. ¡¹ Her voice was a smooth velvet that left him dazed, his expression was as dumb as a wooden chicken. Noticing his expression she raised her sleeved wrist to her mouth and soft laughter left her mouth. ¡¸ Fufufu, I knew you were entertaining. ¡¹ Her eyes sparkled in amusement as if she were a child who found a new toy. She strode forward slowly her gait like a graceful panther. Ah Zhong inched backward with her advance, he knew not what her motive was. ¡¸ Now then, shall I heal that little wound in payment for the pleasure you¡¯ve brought me. ¡¹ He shook his head and retreated further backward, he did not trust her or that dissecting gaze that she gave him. ¡¸ Come now, I don¡¯t bite. ¡¹ He mouth curved and she flashed him her white teeth. Ah Zhong jumped as her hands fell upon his shoulders, he found himself unable to escape from her clutches. As she moved her hands in a back and forth movement on his fur, he tried to shrink backward. ¡¸ What a shy one. ¡¹ She mused as she feeds her qi throughout his body. He felt no pain only a gentle warm feeling that left his throbbing leg numb and himself lost within the pleasance. Her eyes widened as she continued to move her qi. ¡¸ You keep surprising me. To think you little wolf have the blood of the primeval! ¡¹ ¡¸ Primeval? ¡¹ She had a look that had not denied her emotions it was like she was struck dumb and then it melted into an expression of anger. ¡¸ What are your elders teaching you young ones today! ¡¹ She shook her head, sighed, and sat down on a nearby rock. She patted the rock next to her gesturing for him to sit. ¡¸ This world that we live in, Avorath was created by the twin yin and yang dragons. The first dragon pure a the snow was a female called Tamara, the dragon goddess of life. The second dark as the midnight sky was called, Chronepsis the dragon god of death. Tamara created life and formed lands while Chronepsis destroyed her lands and killed her creations, leaving these two siblings in constant argument.¡¹ Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. She paused catching her breath but before she could continue Ah Zhong spoke. ¡¸ Elder, If they were siblings why did they fight? ¡¹ Her lips formed a deeper frown than earlier. ¡¸Please do not call me elder. You can call me sister.¡¹ ¡¸En! Sister.¡¹ He bowed his head in affirmance. ¡¸ To answer you question. Chronepsis did not like that he took life, he was jealous of his sister''s powers to grant life. This accelerated into a grand fight that leads to what you know of this lands features now. They made peace by granting their blood to two followers each, known now as the four heavenly primeval beasts. They left Avaroth governance to these four followers so that they would never again destroy the land. To this day the twin dragons exist in harmony. ¡¹ Ah Zhong''s mouth fell open, how was it that he had never learned of this story before and how was it that he had blood from one of these four beasts? He was left in confusion. ¡¸ I wonder which of the four beasts blood dwells in you? ¡¹ ¡¸Sister, do you not know? ¡¹ Her eyebrow twitched at his remark. It wasn¡¯t that she couldn''t find out it''s just that his blood was thin and faint, yet to be awakened. This little one doubted her superiority and knowledge. ¡¸ Fret not, once your blood awakens you will know. ¡¹ She shook her head even she was curious and hated leaving him with a cryptic answer, she feared that she had lost face. From where she sat her body instinctively knew that the sun was now setting. ¡¸ Sister, I should head back now ¡¹ Even the young wolf knew of the time. ¡¸ But, we¡¯ve just met. You have to leave so soon? ¡¹ ¡¸ En! I have someone waiting for me. ¡¹ She frowned with a sad expression and then replied. ¡¸ Very well. Take this as a parting gift.¡¹ She tied a yellow stone with a strange symbol around his neck. It carried a strange power that almost seemed to zap him. ¡¸I¡¯ve been carrying this lighting stone around with me to aid in my cultivation of lighting and thunder. However I no longer need it, I shall gift it to you, younger brother.¡¹ He was surprised she could carry such a thing around with not a change of expression, he winced slightly as it shocked his skin. She placed her hand against it and the power within seemed to halt. ¡¸I¡¯ve sealed it for now. I warn you to wait until you¡¯ve reached the peak of spirit emergent realm to seek enlightenment otherwise you meridians would fry and even risk your core, shattering! ¡¹ He shuttered at the thought. If one''s core shattered you could be met with death or even worse lose all your cultivation and become a cripple. ¡¸ I hope we meet again. ¡¹ After she finished speaking she simply lifted her hand to the Ah Zhong and teleported him from inside the cave to out. ? ¡¸ Now that my amusement left I''ll have to find another toy to play around with. ¡¹ She really did hope she¡¯d meet the wolf again, she really had taken quite a liking to him. ¡¸ Fufufu, I wonder what expression that grumpy old tiger would make if I go and bother him. ¡¹ Her smile grew larger as she thought of the perfect target. Her frame warped and in her place stood a lean scaled beast, she had no wings to speak of but clawed feet and spiked scales on her back and adorning the crown of her head. She was of the proud naga race and one of the four heavenly primeval beasts, who could utilize all elements. ¡¸ Be ready, I Su Xiu will come knocking on your door soon! ¡¹ If she knew that grumpy tiger was right now banging his head on a table from her last antics she would have laughed with delight. Chapter 10: Present Zeng Ru''s POV
The redness had drained from the day and night was arranging itself around him. Cooling things down, branding and dyeing the evening purple and blue-black. The pale stars were falling into their places. Faint whisperings of the leaves kissed his ears. All about him it was still and hazy. He gazed from the cliff¡¯s peak to the forest floor, sitting with his legs crossed under him. His eyebrows drew together in appreciation as time advanced and he saw no return of his new companion. His disgruntled expression replaced his usual tranquil features. ¡¸ Naughty brat...I told him not to wander far...¡¹ He clenched his jaw and fists in anger, his eyebrows pushed together and folded the skin on his nose. He had been waiting months in faith and when the wolf pup had arrived his prayers were answered. Something instinctual told him that Ah Zhong would be able to grant his desires, even if he couldn¡¯t he was his last hope. Zeng Ru stood, his figure began to deform then transform into a black crow. His perspective shifted as he now had more than two eyes to see with. He spread his wings and took to the sky in search of Ah Zhong. In a matter of minutes, he had found the wolf. Ah Zhong seemed to be staring blankly into the distance muttering to himself. ¡¶ Is he injured? ¡· He questioned to himself before descending into the forest, shifting his body back into its human form as he reached the ground. He hurried to the wolf¡¯s side placing his hands on his back, however, nothing in his body seemed to be disturbed. ¡¸ Are you alright? ¡¹ Ah Zhong twisted his head to meet his eyes yet he was unable to answer, he emptied the contents on his stomach onto the elegant silk clothes of Zeng Ru. His lips pressed tightly together as he scrutinized his robe. This particular robe was his favorite gifted to him by his beloved wife. He sighed as there was now nothing he could do to salvage the cloth that was now decorated additionally with stomach fluid. ¡¸ I-I¡¯m fine. ¡¹Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Ah Zhong replied before dry heaving. Zeng Ru took a step back he did not desire to be vomited on again. Ah Zhong¡¯s body swayed, his legs buckled, and he collapsed to the floor. ¡¸ Just great! ¡¹ He would have flown into a rage if he had not reminded himself of his priorities. He hoisted the unconscious wolf from the floor walking back to their campsite. He had set up blankets and gathered wood earlier when Ah Zhong was out roaming. Zeng Ru has only allowed such behavior to sate the wolf¡¯s curiosity after all he¡¯d be safe so long as he heeded his warnings. Seeing Ah Zhong¡¯s state now he doubted he had listened to him. He placed Ah Zhong onto a blanket before removing the robe. A myriad of scars overlaid his chest and well build body, the most distinctive were the deep seeded gashes running along his back. It pained him to torch the fine material, he, however, was disgusted at the thought of cleaning the gunk off. From his hand a black flame formed incinerating the cloth he then lit the wood beside him. He removed another robe from his spatial ring redressing himself. ¡¸ Better! ¡¹ He exclaimed to himself. Zeng Ru then took a stick a began to play with the fire as he waited for the wolf to awaken from his slumber. Bored he yawned and unknowingly drifted to sleep himself. ? He dreamed that he was with his family once more. He chased after his daughter who at the time was only tottering, he caught her and tickled her stomach eliciting joyful laughter from her. ¡¼ Daddy! Daddy stop! ¡½ She shrieked and laughed at the same time. Zeng Ru smiled then began to chase his fleeing daughter again. ¡¼ I¡¯m going to get you! ¡½ Before he could continue a voice broke through the laughter. ¡¼ Alright you two, bedtime. ¡½ They both moaned together. ¡¼ Mommy, I don¡¯t want to go to bed. ¡½ Zeng Ru pulled his daughter into his arms and spoke imitating her. ¡¼ Yeah mommy, we don¡¯t want to go to bed. ¡½ Her lips turned into a smile as she watched the two. She folded her arms across her chest feigning anger. ¡¼ Right now, mister! ¡½ Zeng Ru laughed and took his daughter into his hands walking to his wife, he pulled her into a kiss. ¡¼Yes dear. ¡½ She rested her hand on her swollen stomach, touched Zeng Ru bent and kiss her hand. The dream grew fuzzy and faded into another, his wife''s hands outstretched fighting two men who restrained her. ¡¼ Ru¡¯er, Ru¡¯er! Let me go! I need to help him.. ¡½ ? He woke to a wet feeling on his cheeks, tears fell from his eyes. He rubbed them clearing the tears. The sun that was firmly settled in the sky made his squint his eyes. He glanced to the blankets and saw Ah Zhong shifting in his sleep, he stood up and walked over to him. ¡¸ Wake up! ¡¹ He growled nudging the wolf with his foot. ¡¸ I¡¯m up¡­ ¡¹ He groaned sitting up. His fur was sticking up in various places. Zeng Ru frowned now that Ah Zhong had formed his core when he underwent power transfer he¡¯d view most of his memories. He tried to detach himself as that was the past and now it was the present, but it was fruitless. ¡¸ Let begin. ¡¹
Chapter 11: Past He was wrested from his tranquil slumber by the blazing beams of the sun. Ah Zhong turned trying to block the light from reaching his eyes. As he did so the light seemed to all but disappear, hindered by an obstruction. ¡¸ Wake up! ¡¹ The voice was hard and exacting disrupting his dormancy. He turned a deaf ear to the presence curling further into the warm lush blanket. He was promptly jabbed in the side by a foot, he groaned before yelling out, ¡¸ I¡¯m up! ¡¹ He sat upright, his jet fur disarranged and sticking up. He glanced at Zeng Ru¡¯s rigid bearing puzzled by the drastic disparity. Zeng Ru¡¯s arms folded across his chest gripping his upper arms his mouth set in a grim line. ¡¸ Are you ready? ¡¹ At first, Ah Zhong staggered when he stood but gradually regained his stability. Zeng Ru¡¯s face softened noticing his poor condition, he then glanced to the fire which had burned out in the night. Zeng Ru stared at his spatial ring deliberating, before separating a flailing fish. It¡¯s gills fluctuated gasping out, weakening. ¡¸ You should eat. ¡¹ Zeng Ru held the lifeless fish inserting a stick into its mouth and then passed the stick to Ah Zhong. He grasped the stick in his mouth watching the retreating back of Zeng Ru who withdrew into the forest. It was not long before Zeng Ru reappeared with firewood, arranging it and set it aflame. Zeng Ru held his hand palm out reaching out to Ah Zhong. He responded by placing the stick into Zeng Ru¡¯s hand. Zeng Ru took the fish and roasted it over the campfire and when it was prepared offered it back to him. He gnawed with gusto consuming the fish down to the cartilage. ¡¸ Now that you''re finished, let us begin. ¡¹ Ah Zhong brushed his tongue savoring the last residue of the meal. He seated himself near Zeng Ru shutting his eyes to prepare himself. He felt Zeng Ru¡¯s position his hands on his shoulder blades, then came the fiery burning sensation that racked his body. Without warning he was wrenched from his body, he found himself watching from the outside. ¡¶ W-What¡­ ¡· His world was twisting inward pulling him with it. When the spinning ceased he found himself standing in a grand aristocratic estate. A young boy stood erect dressed lavishly in a maroon frog buttoned jacket, embroidered with a miniature crow on the left side and black pants. He bent his head and shouted with a clear voice. ¡¼ Please father! Allow me to attend the trails! ¡½ The gentleman who was an older version of the boy stroked his beard. ¡¼ Ho, why the sudden interest? ¡½ The boy¡¯s face flushed red with the unexpected question, he, however, kept his head bent. ¡¼ To test my strength. ¡½ ¡¼ Very well, I will grant your request. ¡½ The boy gazed at his father with admiration and elation. He straightened his back cupped his hands and bowed once more. ¡¼ Thank you, father. ¡½ Ah Zhong felt his consciousness meld with the boy, discovering that this small boy was Zeng Ru. ? When he reached his room he rested his back against the door and slide down to the floor.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡¼ Yes! ¡½ Zeng Ru daydreamed of the princess bandaging his wounds as she once did before. He had been beaten badly by his cousin during a sparring session and was bleeding from his hand. He had run outside into the winter weather in humiliation, he sat against a broad brick wall. The princess had strode up to him taking hold of his arm, she reached into her robe and pulled out a ribbon tieing it over his gash. ¡¼ There you go! All better. ¡½ She flashed him a dazzling smile before hurrying back to her maid. At the time the princess had been two years younger than him. She was now ten while he was twelve. The trails he sought to join were a competition to find a bodyguard for the princess. ? He was giddy with excitement today he¡¯d take his official post as the princesses bodyguard. It had been four years since the day he decided to follow her, passing the trials with flying colors. Yet, even then there was still training that he had to go though to be able to guard her. Zeng Ru pushed open the door to revealing a teenage girl sitting on a chair by a mirror, her hair being brushed by a maid. As the maid finished she bowed and removed herself from the room. The princess stood with grace turning her body to face him. ¡¼ And you are? ¡½ ¡¼ Zeng Ru, Milady I will be taking over as your bodyguard. ¡½ ¡¼ Very good, follow me. I wish to take a walk. ¡½ Zeng Ru bowed cordially taking his place by her side. As they walked outside the castle they grew to know each other more. The princess had finally told him her name, Song Yi. She was the only living golden crow in their entire race, known for luck and prosperity. As they deviated further from the castle he felt his neck pickle. Something was wrong and he could feel it, he shoved the princess behind him. ¡¼ Come out! ¡½ ¡¼ So, you found me. However, that won''t stop me from taking the princess life! ¡½ The assassin leaped out with his dual blades lashing at them both. Zeng Ru blocked the knives with his body as he did not have his sword, he tussled with the man before removing the blades from his hands. With a swift movement, he lacerated the man''s neck. ¡¼ Princess, you do not need to see this. Let us leave at once. ¡½ He took her by the hand leading her away, the man laid bleeding to death. When they reached the castle Song Yi pulled on his hand to stop. ¡¼ Your are injured. ¡½ She took out a cloth with her name embroidered on it and pressed it to the cut on his cheek. It was at this moment that he knew he¡¯d want to spend the rest of his life with her. ? Ten years had gone by, ten years of arduous work, and wooing of her family before he was able to ask for her hand. They now had a lovely daughter of two years. Everything in his life was finding its place. Yet, it was that night two years after their wedding that distressed him every time he thought about it. Song Yi and he were walking with their daughter in between them her little hands grasping both their hands. ¡¼ Mommy, Daddy, Why do the guards look mad? ¡½ She asked in her soft voice. Zeng Ru looked up to see the guardsmen rushing with their hands on their sabers to where they were walking. ¡¼ What is the matter, men? ¡½ Zeng Ru asked but was left unanswered as two of the men took hold of his arms. ¡¼ Zeng Ru, of the black wing battalion. You¡¯ve been accused of treason against the crown. Come with us ¡½ ¡¼ I¡¯ll walk on my own. ¡½ He yanked his arms from the guards but was met with force. The guard to is left smashed his sabers handle against the back of his head. Zeng Ru was dazed from the sudden impact, he felt the back of his head coming away with blood on his the palm of his hand. Another two guards restrained his wife and daughter. ¡¼ Ru¡¯er, Ru¡¯er! Let me go! I need to help him.. ¡½ ? Zeng Ru pulled his hand away from Ah Zhong¡¯s back pulling him from the memory. He watched as Zeng Ru bent over coughed, profusely spitting up blood. Zeng Ru used his sleeve to clear away the blood. Concerned but unable to help him, Ah Zhong sat helplessly. ¡¸ What happened after? ¡¹ ¡¸After they took me, they tortured me to get my confession. I refused to break. Then they forced this damnable thing on me! ¡¹ Zeng Ru pulled up his collar down to reveal a black band around his neck, then continued to speak. ¡¸ This drained me of my strength even my cultivation. I began to go crazy yet I never confessed to their accusations. They eventually grew tired of torturing me and banished me to this forest. ¡¹ Zeng Ru grew quiet his face solemn as he looked off into the distance. ¡¸I wanted to return...to ask why. But I found I was unable to leave this forest. ¡¹ Zeng Ru hung his head dejected. ¡¸ I¡¯ll get revenge for you! ¡¹ ¡¸Do not do anything until you have the sufficient strength. I have never asked you for any type of revenge, just that you find out if my daughter was in safe hands. ¡¹ ¡¸ En! ¡¹ Zeng Ru stood brushing himself off and turned his way. ¡¸ We¡¯ll continue at sunrise tomorrow. For now, consolidate your power. ¡¹ Zeng Ru walked away his back turned fully away from him. After he left he checked if his strength had grown, he had leaped three levels reaching middle spirit initiate realm. Chapter 12: Trouble In Pardise ¡¸Hah¡­¡¹He released excessive breath that turned to palpable silver vapor in the gelid air. ¡¸Am I running out of time?¡¹ His gaze landed on a mound of mangled ash grey fur that slept motionlessly at the bottom of the hill. His pseudo-disciple, Ah Zhong the only one to be as foolish as to enter in the forbidden forest; or maybe he was just naivete enough to believe in its inhabitants. ¡¶What was he thinking, it had to be the later...¡· Zeng Ru¡¯s lips curled mirthfully as the mound released a noisy snore. His body shook with laughter as he watched the young pup tussle with the long grass in his sleep, his legs twitched then moved as if running. The young one had to be having an intense dream. His back that rested against the coarse tree truck heaved as he began coughing from his laughter. He continued coughing until he spat out a glob of congealed crimson blood. Sadness clouded his features as he swiftly removed the blood from his palm with a handkerchief. A rush of air blew past rustling the leaves overhead, they fluttered and some had fallen upon his hair. The sharp contrast of golden leaves on his inky black hair was striking. Yet, it had made his figure look so very lonesome. ¡¸ I must hurry! ¡¹ ? He was blissful unawares of his surroundings, the snoring bestial Ah Zhong; turned in his sleep. Only to rudely awakened shortly soon after. ¡¸Are you a pig? How long are you going to continue to sleep for?¡¹ Ah Zhong groggily stared at the older male who had his arm crossed, his brows scrunched together in agitation. As Zeng Ru stood still his long onyx hair twisted madly in the breeze, matched with his expression he looked like an evil god come to reap his soul. His tufted ears immediately flatted atop his head as his throat released a mournful whimper. Even with him unskillfully obscured by the thick meadow he couldn''t escape Zeng Ru''s gaze. He yelped as a clawed hand made contact with his scruff lifting him into the air. A sinking feeling of panic swept over him as he flailed his limbs. ¡¸Relax I won''t drop you.¡¹ It was only when he had calmed that he realized the sun had not risen and that it was still night. What had laid before them was a grandiose pond, its surface so translucent you could discern each respective scale off an aquatic beast. Such as the one that swam lithely before him, it coiled its body displaying its bold orange, red and black coloration. He was abruptly brought back to reality when he was dropped on his rear end. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡¸Kid, we''re not here for a picnic.¡¹ Zeng Ru said gruffly. Ah Zhong glared at him with indignation, ¡¸Wu, how could you drop me like that? ¡¹ An arrogant expression was visible on his face as if saying,¡¾Who says I can''t¡¿ This bully! for now he will refer to him as the demon king! He declared to himself with a slight grin on his maw. Yet when he glanced upward at his oppressor he noticed a sharp murderous glint in his slate eyes, a shiver ran up his spin. ¡¸Are you done playing around now?¡¹ His voice which growl out was laced with malice. If looks could kill Ah Zhong knew he''d be dead by now. He squeaked out his reply, ¡¸y-yEs.¡¹ ¡¸In...¡¹ A dazed expression over took his face as he looked to the pond and back to Zeng Ru, ¡¸IN?¡¹ ¡¸You heard me..¡¹ As he contemplated how to accomplish the task he was propelled forward by an unknown force plunging right into the pond. The weight of his body disrupted the surface of the pond diffusing ripples irregularity. Frightened all the nearby aquatic beasts had scattered. Water rushed inside his snout making him gasp out for air as he swam back to the surface of the pond. Anger filled him as he caught the slight curl of a smirk on Zeng Ru''s face, he fought an internal battle with himself but did not shout out in rage. When they had first meet he witnessed first hand the oppressive pressure that his body had oozed, if he so desired killing him would have been as easy as crushing an ant. ¡¶I wouldn''t be able to lift a finger against him... ¡· He truly felt like a frog at the bottom of a well. He wanted to get stronger, no he needed to get stronger to find his mother and to punish the man that had killed his fatherr. The urge grew inside him, no longer would he be the weakling that everyone had looked down upon. Zeng Ru placed one of his hand behind his back and lifted the other to his lips to cough, ¡¸Now then are you ready?¡¹ ¡¸Yes! ¡¹He energetically called back. ? Two days had passed with the two of them repeating the same absurd routine. Zeng Ru would bring him to the pond push him into the water than he himself would begin to mediate. Anger escaped him as he shouted, ¡¸What is the point of this? I don''t feel myself getting any stronger!¡¹ ¡¸If you weren''t so hard-headed you''d have understood by now. Have you tried to simply empty your mind and cultivate.¡¹ He sunk into deep continuation he was so focused on the why that he had forgotten the simplest thing, cultivating. Feeling the rush of qi as it filled his vessel''s he realized that it was two-fold his regular rate. Surprise filled him as he opened his eye to stare at his mentor ¡¸W-Why didn''t you tell me?¡¹ ¡¸I can not guide you forever, there are something you must understand on your own. After all intelligence is also strength. ¡¹Zeng Ru said solemnly. Hearing his words something resonated inside him as the rush of qi sped up he seemed to reach a state of enlightenment. Shortly after he broke through reaching the next stage. The sixth stage of spirit innate or as others called it the late stage. ¡¸Good, it seems my words reached him¡¹ A smile crossed Zeng Ru''s face as he watched his disciple consolidate his realm. However soon after his smile froze and his lips set into a grim line. Under his feet the earth shook and the water violently sloshed around. Behind Ah Zhong the water began to form together towering over him. The fish headed beast who commanded water was known as a lake wraith; and he knew his disciple wouldn''t be its match. He watched as Ah Zhong opened his eyes realizing the situation. ¡¸Do not move!¡¹ He moved with urgency his feet strode over the pond not even sinking a centimeter. How was it that an aquatic beast of this size had eluded his perception.? A feeling of unease seized his chest, his breathing slightly increased by his agitation. Had he grown so weak that a beast this weak could outwit him? He pushed his body forward. Chapter 13: Blue Lagoon What assail his ears was the metallic chirr of teeth vs claws, throwing all his sensory receptors in shambles. Opening his eyes inches away from inscrutable peril had left his pupils dilated in trepidation. A ghastly water beast was on the verge of clamping its hulking jaw on his small frame, the only thing holding it back was the pure black talons of Zeng Ru¡¯s beast form. The water beasts features were an amalgam of a sea turtle and a simple fish, its jaws lined with razor-sharp ivory fangs. The beast released a snort in agitation spewing water. ¡¸Heh...child¡¯s play.¡¹Zeng Ru scoffed as he nimbly deflected the beasts onslaught. As he shoot backwards he grabbed Ah Zhong by the scruff hurling him to the dry land. With the force he was hurled with he resembled a high speed projectile, friction; and gravity worked on his body slowing his momentum. Ah Zhong crashed to the ground rather inelegantly, pain flared as he tumbled forward his limbs sprawled outward. The claws with he desperately embedded in the ground below him were caked with mud as he had tried to slow his body. Gaining his bearing back he watched the violet intense clash of the beasts came to effect the battlefield. Water turbulently splashed in all directions, and even the trees trembled in their might. ¡¸You...why are you?¡¹,Zeng Ru¡¯s sentence was left unfinished as the beast continued assaulting him, Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. He launched another attack, his claws came away with nothing but water. ¡¸Tsk, this is going to be more troublesome than I thought...¡¹Zeng Ru grumbled to himself. He could not fathom how a beast of this caliber had so senselessly lost its rationing. Its frenzied gaze was so sinister like it had been soaked in poison, its scarlet eyes bore into his. A murky miasma shrouded is body forming protection against his deadly claws. He would have been able to formulate a plan if he wasn''t being hounded doggedly unable to extradite himself. He shook his head in dejection,¡¸You''ve forced my hand. ¡¹ With a single thought his body transfigured. What remained behind was the figure of a human with beast like traits, such as his wings and his taloned fingers and toes. Zeng Ru could already feel the burden of this form on his body however, that did not stop his from sending his palm in the water beast direction. The beast let out a miserable roar as it was flung backwards. Yet, it wasn¡¯t long before the beast had recovered. He couldn''t be bothered by its feeble attempt at a struggle. In the center of his palm a coal-black lance was forged, a baleful aura weaved around it. The neutral expression on his face had dissolved, replaced by chilling murder that spread in his eyes,¡¸Let''s end this. ¡¹ As he lifted his palm the armament levitated seamlessly in the air, then with a simple motion he attacked. Yet, before the lance made it far it reversed its trajectory bearing instead towards its own proprietor. Zeng Ru hadn''t the time to prepare before it had embedded itself into his shoulder, ripping the fine fabric that had covered the area. Blood rolled down his shoulder and he clutched at the shaft with his hand. ¡¸Ugh...again.¡¹He cried out in pain. Ever since that dreadful day his powers frequently mutinied against him, as if aiming for his life. He grit his teeth drawing the weapon out of his flesh and splattering blood on various parts of his body. Blood had gushed steadily from his wound and as it reached the end his fingertips, it fell to the pond below. Zeng Ru winced as he willed his powers to perform, and they did; once more guided forward toward the beast. This time the lance made purchase with the water beast, disrupting the miasma and piecing its core. It¡¯s eyes stare at him in regret and aggrievement, unwilling to die just like that. Yet, there was nothing it could do both the beast and its core shattered not a trace left behind. An eruption of energy rocked the earth and sent Zeng Ru backwards. He landed on his feet besides Ah Zhong his toes dug into the ground. ¡¸A-Are you alright? ¡¹Ah Zhong asked his voice shaking faintly. Zeng Ru held his arm staring vacantly into the sky,¡¸En¡­.¡¹ ¡¸However we can¡¯t stay here. Let us leave, I feel something ominous in the wind. ¡¹ Everything was still and that had disturbed him.