Chapter 40: Triumphant and Death

Chapter 40: Triumphant and Death

Xue released him. He plopped to his hands and knees, only just catching himself before he hit the ground. She looked around, surveying the forest around them.

Climbing to his feet, Hui copied her, equally lost. Forest spread in all directions. Trees rose high around them, canopies reaching to the heavens. Dim twilight light softened the day to near night. Thick undergrowth, tangled with briars and thorns, hinted at a lack of human activity.

Xue huffed. Dammit. It looks like we were spat out in random directions. I wanted to teach those assholes a lesson.

Probably best we were, Hui replied, adjusting his robes. Spare a thought for this poor second-stage cultivator, okay? Theyd murder me!

The world spun around him, and he staggered and barely caught himself. Hui propped a hand against his forehead, staving off the pain that stabbed into his temples. Ah, shit. The aftereffects of using that talisman formula its not a spell meant for the second stage.

Hui? Xue asked, tipping her head.

He waved her off. Shaking his head, he straightened. Im fine, Im fine.

Xue patted herself down, then lifted a small white jade ornament dangling from a red thread. Carved in the shape of a qillin, it rotated slowly, then pointed to the left.

She retracted the ornament and tucked it into her robes. Lets part ways here.

So soon? Hui asked. Elder sister, please dont leave this small cultivator alone.

Xue nodded. My clan is nearby. You know the way back to your sect?

Hui froze. Er Would you believe me if I said no?

She sighed and walked over to him. Starbound Sect, right? Here

Crack.

Simultaneously, they froze. Before either could react, pressure weighed down on both of them. Huis knees buckled, and he staggered into Xues arms. She barely held him, her own shoulders bowed with the weight of the pressure.

The scent of blood and something rotten filled the air. A horrible sensation tugged at Huis mind, threatening to undo it. Heavy footfalls sounded, slowly growing closer.

Run. Flee! Hui shouted at himself. His legs trembled. His feet twitched, pinned to the ground. His whole body shook against his will.

Bad. This is bad. Im going to die.

Oh? Whats this? Two little mice? a high-pitched voice asked. Though it sounded distant, Hui could hear every word with pointed clarity.

Dedemonic cultivators! Xue hissed, her own hands balling into fists in Huis robes. Tense, her voice pulled taut, a thread ready to snap. I cant see through their cultivation.

If she cant see through it, theyre at least fourth stage. Probably more like fifth or sixth stage. Hui bit his lip, then made up his mind. His lips moved, forming words.

Xue, do you trust me?

Xue blinked. She inclined her head an inch.

If I cant have you, no one can! Hui shouted suddenly. Drawing his new sword, the one hed found in the realm, he stabbed Xue in the chest.

Her eyes went wide. Betrayal played over her face. Clasping a hand to her chest, she stumbled away from him, then fell backward, unable to resist the pressure any longer.

Im in a good mood, Erlan. Lets not change that, Yunxu replied lightly. He leaped and vanished into the sky, little more than a black bolt.

Ahas Your Eminence wishes! Erlan cast one last glance at the two of them, scribbled desperately, and leaped after Yunxu.

For another few seconds, Hui held still. Only once he was sure the cultivators were long gone did he release his hold on Xue and himself.

Pfwah! Oh, that feels awful, Xue muttered, stretching. As she stretched, the white in her robes turned black, her hair darkening as well.

Eh? Hui asked, almost forgetting to meditate. His qi lurched, reminding him, and he quickly assumed the lotus pose and circulated his qi. Qi rushed into him as wildly as ever, though out here in the forest, less of it rushed to him than on his masters peak.

I suppose its not like everywhere has as much qi as masters peak, Hui reasoned.

The qi raged through his veins, pouring into him. Gathering it up, Hui punched it at his next meridian, the way hed grown accustomed to doing. Pressure resisted him, more than usual with less qi to attack the meridian. He focused, pushing harder, slamming it all at once into the center of the meridian. His meridian burst open, and the qi quieted.

Letting out a breath of impurities, Hui opened his eyes. Thats five now. Three more to go.

What an interesting cultivation method, Xue commented, his voice much deeper now.

Hui looked at him. You you dont get a rush of qi afterwards?

Xue frowned at him. Why would I? Killing your qi is the opposite of good cultivation. If I did what you did, Id pass out, with no benefits. I might even end up with a qi deviation. Is it something about your technique? Or maybe an inborn trait?

A jolt ran through Huis gut. He scowled. I do have a special constitution, I knew it! Dammit. Who gave me a constitution that can only cultivate after I nearly die?

World? Is this your idea of a unique cheat? You can have it back! This disciple wants to live a long life, okay?

Anyways, whyd you swap? Hui asked, changing the topic rather than admit his suspicions.

Xue crossed his arms, tipping his head. Hmm I guess there was some yang qi in what you sent into me. Its nice to be yang-form again, anyways. He patted his chest, still wet with blood, then popped a pill. You really startled me there. I thought youd stabbed me for real, for a second.

I aimed for a non-lethal blow. Sorry, there wasnt any more time to warn you, Hui replied, tossing back a pill of his own.

Xue waved his hand. I understand. Still I wonder who those two were.

Bigshot demonic cultivators? Someone we should stay far away from, Hui replied.

Xue snorted. I understood that much without your help. He stretched, then patted Hui on the back. Shall I walk this little you home?

Theres no need, this little cultivator isnt worthy, Hui replied, bowing.

Its too late to be formal with me, isnt it? Let this Great Bai Xue take you home. After that, I dont feel comfortable abandoning you any longer.

As if you were able to stand against them! Hui replied.

Xue laughed. Ah, but if I go with you, your master might show up if youre in mortal danger.

Ohwhos walking who home, now? Hui asked, narrowing his eyes.

Xue ruffled Huis hair with a smile. Lets not worry about that, and follow me, hmm?