Chapter 41: Making Trouble At Home

Chapter 41: Making Trouble At Home

A river rushed through the forest, a hundred meters wide. White water rushed past jagged rocks. Mist sprayed into the air, forming rainbows low above the river.

For a dozen meters until the river, the forest gave way to a meadow. On the far side, an identical gap stretched before the forest continued. Up ahead, a bridge arced over the river. Red-lacquered wood pushed high above the water. A pair of cultivators stood to either side of the bridge, dressed in familiar white robes.

Peeking out from the forest, Hui glanced at the cultivators again, then turned to Xue. He bowed. This small cultivator offers thanks for walking me home.

Xue smiled at him. She reached out for his hair.

Without rising from his bow, he backed nimbly out of her reach.

She pouted, then shook her head. Then, this is where we part.

Will you be safe on your way back? Hui asked, concerned.

Oh? Are you worried for me? she asked, fluttering her eyelashes.

Hui met her eyes earnestly. The triplets are still out there somewhere. If they catch you in a yin-prison, and Im not there

She held out her hand. If youre so worried, then flip me!

Immediately, Hui took her hand and passed a handful of qi to her.

Her robes ruffled, fading black. Her hair shifted, bleeding dark from the roots. Xue blinked. Huh.

What? Hui asked, releasing his hand.

I dont know. I didnt think youd actually do it, Xue said, scratching his head.

Why not? Hui asked, tipping his head.

Xue smiled mysteriously. See you later. Try not to run into any demonic cultivators?

I hope not, Hui muttered, eyeing his sect. If I run into demonic cultivators inside the sect, were all doomed.

Bai Xue vanished, bounding away into the forest as fast as the rope around his ankles would allow. Hui watched him go, then drew the ghoul skin from around his body. He folded it up so only the dirty robes faced out, then tucked the square into his robes. Best if no one sees that. Its fine if the Mysterious Heavenly Forest Sect thinks Im a demonic cultivator, but Id rather not start any rumors in my own sect.

Adjusting his robes once more, he took a deep breath, hung his head, pulled his ponytail a little askew, then stumbled out into the expanse between the forest and the bridge. He made sure to turn the ripped, bloody mark on his robes toward the disciples as he approached. Hhelp

One of the cultivators rushed to his side. Clutching his sword, he peered into the forest. What happened? Were you attacked?

Thank you for your concern, but dont let me trouble you any further. He bowed to the disciple, then stumbled off into the forest.

The disciple hesitated another few moments. He watched until Hui vanished, and only then took to the skies.

The second he vanished, Hui straightened and stretched. Ah, that really took too long. I didnt expect him to be so clingy!

He glanced left and right, then sprinted up his masters peak. In short order, he changed his robes and stepped back out of the hut. He hopped up and stood on the roof of his hut, gazing into the distance, and put his arms behind his back. The wind caught his ponytail, sun glinting off the blue hues in the black.

I inherited a relic from a secret realm, saved a beautiful woman, and returned home triumphant in much less time than anyone expected me to. Ive truly become a cultivator! This is living the life!

He sighed out, overcome by his own majesty. After a moment, he glanced down at Starbound Peak. Elder Sister Meis usual cooking is fantastic, but after all that, I need to celebrate. I wonder if I could ask her to

Overhead, loud quacking broke Huis train of thought. He squinted upward. A small flock of ducks flew by, wings glistening in rainbow hues, bellies plump. They flapped heavily, barely able to keep their rotund bodies aflight.

Drool trickled down the corner of Huis mouth. He wiped it away hurriedly. His eyes tracked the ducks as they passed. Crispy red skin succulent flesh salty-sweet, fatty, perfect, delicious duck! Now thats a meal worth celebrating over!

Drawing his sword, he chased after the flock. Operating the Pond-Reflecting-Moon Waltz at top speed, he danced through the forest. His footwork flowed over undergrowth and around trees. Watching the birds, he dodged trees on reflex, flinching away the second before he impacted their trunks.

The birds flew on, unaware of their earthbound stalker. They circled overhead, then descended toward a lake at the back of the mountains. Idyllic, still water rippled at their landing. At the edge of the lake, lotuses gently bobbed on its surface.

Hui paused. I dont remember seeing a lake before. I dont think Ive ever been in this part of the sect before.

He shrugged to himself. Its not on anyones peak, and the ducks flew in willingly. That means theyre fair game!

The ducks settled on the water, quacking quietly to each other. Hui crept up to the edge of the lake. He crouched low, circling around to approach it from the lotuses. The ducks cast a glance at him as he approached, then ignored him.

Lurking below the lotus blossoms, he eyed the ducks. I could try to swim out there, I guess but the ducks will fly away. I need to lure them in, somehow.

His eyes lit up. Right! Time to visit Sis Mei!

--

In the depths of Starbound Sect, Weiheng Wu twitched. His eyes opened slowly and turned toward his peak.

A sigh escaped his lips.

He shut his eyes again and returned to meditating.

--

Hui ran a hand over the back of his neck and looked around. Eh? Did something happen?