Book 5: Chapter 2: The Strongest Technique

Book 5: Chapter 2: The Strongest Technique

Bi De kept his story simple, short, and to the point. His Great Master had once said a man should be able to explain an important issue in twenty words or less.

They were chasing demons, the demons had collapsed their underground tunnels, and thus they had tracked them overland this way.

One might say telling a random Spirit Beast about their quest was foolish; it could have been in league with the demons after all. However, Bi De doubted that, and they were effectively attempting to bring an army through Master Forest Sweepers home. It would have been terribly impolite not to speak to him.

Being honest was the only correct choice.

And it is for this reason we have come to ask permission to venture through your forest, Master Forest Sweeper. It is the fastest way, Bi De finished. His voice was slightly strained as the massive Spirit Beasts intent pressed down on them all. Not directed at them, merely a reaction to the news that he was receiving. That alone made it barely tolerable, especially as the intent made Master Forest Sweeper transition from the Earth Realm to Sky, and easily match the might of the Patriarch of the Shrouded Mountain Sect and then start to surpass it.

Yushang, Han, and Fengxian were shaking slightly; Yun Rens eyes were open all the way as he took deep, calming breaths, his arm around Shao Hens bicep as the mans knees wobbled and his sweat froze on his face. Ri Zus shadow was writhing like a living thing, and Yingwen was standing perfectly still though his eyes were slightly glassy.

Nezan seemed only mildly concerned, while Shen Yu looked the same as always.

Master Forest Sweeper let loose a blast of arctic air from his nostrils. His mantle, the great storm he bore on his back, boiled with barely suppressed fury.

Underground? Under My forest? Master Forest Sweeper ground out, his voice rumbling like an oncoming storm.

Yes, Master Forest Sweeper. And after seeing your might, this Bi De postulates that they intended to use you as a shield, should any try and track them down above ground, Bi De said. He swallowed again, keeping his voice as even as he could.

Bi De understood that most groups of cultivators would not have hesitated to march into the forest before himand judging by the Spirit Beasts strength, the demon's plan would have succeeded with the death of all but a rare few who stepped within the Spirit Beasts realm.

Lightning flashed as a peal of thunder broke the air and Master Forest Sweeper grew bigger, his body becoming one with his mantle as clouds gathered above the forest. Half their party fell to their knees, and Bi De staggered as the air froze in his lungs. Nezan stepped forwards, to place himself in front of them when the Thunderhoof seemed to struggle with himself for a moment. He snapped back into his natural form and his intent retreated.

Bi De could suddenly breathe again.

Quite rude of you, to frighten the children like that, Shen Yu spoke for the first time, his voice mild, but his eyes were sharp and dangerous.

Master Forest Sweeper sucked in a breath before the moose turned back to Bi De and the rest of his companions, who were still picking themselves up and recovering from the effects of the mighty Spirits Beast's fit of pique.

I would ask my guests forgiveness for that unsightly display, the titanic moose requested, and the lordly Spirit Beast lowered his head slightly. Twas unbecoming. Bi De could only nod, but his ears caught the word that he had been looking for. They had been called guests. That was a good sign. Your words have wisdom, little moonbeam. The Iceheart Forest is not a place one invades without consequencenot even a sword that walks, like the man beside you, would have an easy time of it, Master Forest Sweeper continued, his eyes turning to Shen Yu again.

The old man cocked his head to the side, considering the Spirit Beast. Not while protecting these whippersnappers, noespecially when this construct isnt your real body, you overgrown tricky goat. Id have your horns eventually But it would be a detour we cannot afford.

Bi De blinked at the term construct but remained silent. A construct this powerful did that mean the true form of Master Forest Sweeper was even stronger?

Still, both Shen Yu and the Spirit Beast nodded at each other, as they acknowledged each other's strength.

You have done this one a favour, by bringing this information to this ones attention. It is in ones nature to return all kindness a hundredfold. Be welcome in my home, little friendsfor we have much to discuss.Your words have caused a great many things to suddenly make sense. For that, we are grateful.

Bi De let out a breath.

We thank you for your hospitality, Master Forest Sweeper, he said, bowing.

The Spirit Beast nodded, and another arctic blast issued from his nose as he exhaled slowly.

This time, however, instead of a blast of wind the snow outside the forest shuddered. And then it rose as chunks of snow and ice formed themselves into the shape of smaller Thunderhooves.

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They were in a clearingbut instead of the blue grass the forest floor had the more typical green. There was a small house here, sized for humans, and a much, much larger stone structure. It almost looked squat, save for the fact that it dwarfed the palace in Verdant Hill.

Still, it was good to be warm again. They got off their mounts as they crumbled into snowflakes, and Bi De snorted at Yushangs gasped Prancer, no!

They found a firepit nearby, and a log to sit upon, as Ri Zu comforted a sulking Yushang. Master Forest Sweeper shrunk slightly as he became a more manageable size. He seemed to find Yushangs reaction most amusing.

He sighed as he settled into the clearing, and once more addressed them.

My apprentice will arrive soon with a meal. For now, we shall speak, for your words have triggered an understanding in me of the strange happenings that mine kin have begun reporting from outside my forest, Master Forest Sweeper began. They say the auroras have disappeared in some sections of the north; others speak of odd smells drifting on the breeze. Still others have reported tracks of something strange; not any Spirit Beast common to the north; just last week, one of my kin spoke of something they had never seen before. It looked like a normal bird Save for the fact that it had been impaled by an icicle as big as it was and was still flying. Yet to his senses it had no Qi at all. It was just a normal bird a normal bird whose blood looked oddly dark.

Infiltrators, Shen Yu said with a sigh. Theyve gotten a lot better at hiding, the worms.

Indeed, Master Forest Sweeper declared. I would offer you my aid in disposing of these demons; though I cannot leave my forest, this one can relay to you information and a few of my kin who know the secret paths through the snow.

Bi De felt some relief flowing through his veins at those words. They had been operating off hunches and likely directions for over a week since the last base.

Truly, courtesy was a powerful technique.

Thank you for your care, Master Forest Sweeper, Bi De said, bowing.

The Thunderhoof nodded regally.

We hold no love for demons. Not only do they try to kill us, they draw your kind to themand most are not as polite, Master Forest Sweeper said, before he cocked his head to the side. Now, my apprentice has arrived. We shall eat together, and on the morrow we will speak more on this matter.

He felt some relief from the rest of his companions at that, as another Thunderhoof walked into the clearing. It was obviously young, with small antlers, and he had a large pack on his back.

Master, Im here with the young Thunderhoof began, his voice light and chipper, before he froze. His mouth dropped open. He stared at them all with shock And at one person in particular. Jumpy?!

Yun Ren blinked, Jumpy? Wait. Wait, wait, wait. There aint no way! He said, his mouth opening and his eyes widening. What the hells?! Are you really the same one from Hong Yaowu?!

Bi Des eyes widened. He had seen the Thunderhoof onceas well as heard Yun Rens endless complaining about the beast repeatedly sneaking up on him and scaring him for fun two years ago.

Your face is still as funny as ever, Jumpy! the Thunderhoof chortled.

Im going to be getting you back for that! Yun Ren threatened, jumping to his feet.

Bi De watched the reunion with amusement. As did both Shen Yu and Master Forest Sweeper.

Fate truly does move in mysterious ways, the old Spirit Beast mused.

The mood was quite light as they dined together, the young Thunderhoof regaling them with a story of what happened to him after he left for the north.

It appeared fate truly did have ways of reuniting people sometimes.

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Somewhere else, thousands of Li away, another group was marching towards their own reunion.