Chapter 84: Elder Brother? Eh! Not You!

Chapter 84: Elder Brother? Eh! Not You!

A hand closed around his shoulder seconds later. Elder brother!

Hui turned, brows already furrowed. Who would call me elder brother?

A cute girl with wavy short hair stared back at him, big doe-like eyes wide. Though she was almost his age, she stared up at him from almost a foot shorter, tiny and dainty in all proportions. She wore short robes that expanded at the knee, accentuating her cute charm points and slender, though short, legs. Eh? You arent elder brother!

My apologies. Please, allow this small cultivator to act as your guide. Where is your elder brother? Though he couldnt see through her cultivation, he felt no pressure from her, either, not even the cold-but-welcoming aura Bai Xue gave off. Shes probably a third stage cultivator, like me.

She blinked. Arent you an Azure Fang cultivator?

Not at all. This small cultivator belongs to Starbound Sect, Hui said, cupping his hands.

Ah! But youre wearing blue. Starbound Sect cultivators are only allowed to wear white, she said.

This small cultivator is an inheriting disciple. I can wear whatever I please, Hui asserted.

An inheriting disciple? A-ah! Su Caiyi apologizes for wasting seniors time! She hurriedly cupped her hands and backed away, only to stumble into a cultivator behind her. He turned and scowled, and Su Caiyi trembled.

No, no, this small cultivator is no one amazing. My name is Hui hesitated. If I tell her my daoist name, shell probably run off. they call me Xiao Hui.

Xiao Hui Ive never heard of you, Su Caiyi said hesitantly.

See? Im no one famous. Allow this small cultivator to assist you. What does your elder brother look like?

Su Caiyi blinked and wiped her face, pretending not to dry her eyes. Hes tall, like you, and his hair She gestured at Huis ponytail. But less handsome. Ah, some people call him fierce. We joined the sect at the same time, and I get nervous when hes not around.

Ah, I understand, Hui said, understanding nothing. Nervous when someones not around? How odd. Then, should I stand in for your elder brother until we find him?

A second later, he kicked himself. She looks small and vulnerable, but shes a third stage cultivator! She could easily be several times your age, and likely strong enough to thrash you in a fight! Stop underestimating cultivators, Hui!

To his surprise, however, Su Caiyi blinked up at him and offered him a small hand. Please?

Hui took it gracefully and led her through the crowd. As he walked, he searched for another ponytailed boy like him, about his height, but fierce. Plenty of Azure Fang disciples fit the description, but Su Caiyi shook her head at all of them. Not him, not him.

Elder sister, are you sure your brother came with you to the tournament? Hui asked, exhausted.

She nodded. Im sure, Im sure! Ah, Su Caiyi is fine.

Hui nodded. He craned his neck again, searching the crowd once more. Then, maybe we should get a bite to eat while we wait for him to

Take your filthy paws off my Su Caiyi!

Something powerful barreled into Huis waist, and he went flying, Su Caiyis hand yanked from his. He landed and rolled to a halt in the square. All eyes turned to him.

Xiao Hui! Hes badly injured, brother, look, you snarled and he died again! We need to take him to the healers for immediate medical attention!

Not so. I can smell him. Hes fine, the wolf grumbled, but even it looked a bit confused.

Hui sat up abruptly and stared at his hands. Flesh. Bone. He flexed them, then drew on his qi. There, as always. And death qi, as well. All as it should be.

What was that? he muttered aloud.

Turn back! Turn back, before you scare him to death again, Su Caiyi demanded.

Fine, fine, the wolf grumbled. It shook its head, its fur shivered, and a fierce-looking man about Huis age in blue robes, hair pulled back into a wild mane of a ponytail, climbed to his feet beside them. But he shouldnt enter the tournament, if hes really that fragile!

Xiao Hui, many apologies from myself and my brother, Su Yan, Su Caiyi declared, climbing to her feet so she could bow to him.

No need, no need. This small cultivator came out of it fine, Hui assured her, jumping upright himself. Still, a needle of doubt wormed its way through his heart. What was that? Something happened to me, and I couldnt control it. It felt almost like playing dead, but

Here, please, take these pills. Theyre effective on wounds up to the fifth stage, Su Caiyi said, passing a bottle to him. Please take one, before you collapse again.

Ah? This small cultivator thanks you for the gift, Hui replied, taking the bottle. Rather than take one, he tucked them into his robes. Better to use them later, when I actually have an injury.

Su Yan scowled. He wasnt injured. He didnt take a pill, even.

Su Caiyi smacked her brother on the arm. The blow couldnt have hurt, but he winced anyways. Hes probably too shy to take one in front of you, with you judging him all the time! Apologize to Xiao Hui already!

Su Yan lowered his head half an inch. Sorry, he muttered.

My apologies as well, elder brother. I should have made it more clear that I was no threat to your sister. How? Hui mocked internally. This disciple cant apologize to make up for your siscon habits, elder brother!

Though is elder brother a cultivator who can become a wolf, or a wolf who can become a cultivator? Is fourth stage the barrier spirit beasts must step over to take on a human form in this world? If so Hui pet Zhubis head gently, thoughtful. Hmm I wouldnt mind having someone to talk to. Though I prefer Zhubi as he is. Hes much easier to travel with like this.

Zhubi slithered around his neck happily.

He seems better now, but I did want to get him checked on, and I still do. When I have a moment, Ill take him to Xixing, Hui decided promptly.

I hope this doesnt sour your feelings toward us, Su Caiyi said, drawing his attention back to the scene before him.

No, no, Hui assured her, smiling. He reached out toward her head, then stopped himself. Dangerous! Hanging around Bai Xue has rubbed off on me! I cant go around petting the heads of wild cultivators, Ill get my hand bitten off!

Over Su Caiyis head, Su Yan narrowed his eyes at Hui.

Hui laughed and ducked, tucking a lost strand of hair behind Su Caiyis ear instead. Then, please enjoy the tournament.

Su Caiyi blinked at him, then nodded. Yes!

Su Yan lifted a lip in disgust and harrumphed, turning away.