Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Tong Da Hai was pleased. The Herald was even stronger than he remembered. Man Giao was one of the fiercest of the competitors, and she was able to defeat him with a single thrust. How fortunate for him that she had agreed to aid him. The asking had been on a whim, the clear memory a battle forgotten by the Empire, fought in his youth, at a small backwoods fortress, guarding a pass through the mountains. The garrison had been struck by Wraiths in the early morning, officers targeted for assassination, an army of the Enemy appearing soon after. He had just been a youth then, a lieutenant, barely avoiding his death through pure dumb luck, some sour wine churning his bowels. Disorganized and demoralized, a fortress that should have been impregnable, was barely managing to hold out for a single week, 10 long harrowing days.

She had appeared through the morning fog, her tribesmen behind her, a fierce cry emanating from their throats. Riding those ferocious mounts of theirs, circling the enemy, arrows filling the sky, her weapon taking heads as easily as killing chickens. The sight of her filled the soldiers with courage, who fought with renewed strength to hold the walls. Through four hours of battle, the Enemy charged her again and again, and each time she threw them back with pure martial strength, eight Demons falling before her in single combat, tainting the ground where they died, hundreds of Defiled ground beneath her mount. The tides turned and the Enemy was overrun, a battle near defeat turned to complete victory by a group of barbarians. 3,000 charging into 50,000, and the Enemy broke.

He had knelt before her in gratitude, as had every soldier still alive. When she removed her helmet, he had thought her the Mother incarnate, given form to destroy their foes. Every soldier under his command had received a promotion of two ranks on their return, heroes in the eyes of the people. Ten-thousand soldiers, turning back five times their number at the gates, with only two thousand survivors. It would have been a month before a reactionary force could have been assembled to turn back the incursion, and longer for them to chase down the Enemy. Only those present knew just how incredible those tribesmen had been.

Her accomplishments following the battle reached his ears as time passed. She chased down every single group of Defiled that managed to slip past the defenses, eliminating them all. Under her direction, her surviving warriors hunted down over 20,000 Defiled soldiers in the coming weeks, an incredible feat of planning, tracking, and sheer willpower. Their efforts kept the Enemy from razing the surrounding farmlands and villages, saving the surrounding cities from starving through the winter. From a Major in the Defense Forces, she was promoted to Major General, jumping four full ranks, and bestowed with riches and accolades. Her title rang throughout the empire. The Herald of the Storms, for when she appeared, arrows would rain down upon her enemies. After that brief moment of fame, however, she had returned to her home, disregarding fame and fortune, living a simple life, close to his home city.

He had thought himself forgotten by her, until the return of his missive. The Herald of the Mother, to stand as his champion. The Medical Saint Taduk to heal his defenders. Truly, the Mother looked favorably upon him. He owed so much to The Herald. Not only his life, but for everything that came after. His promotion had catapulted him ahead of his brothers and sisters, his father choosing his most heroic son to succeed him. His sweetheart's family, who sneered at a third-born son, were rushing to have them married quickly, after his succession was announced. And now, she championed his cause, her title alone causing more than 20 noble houses to forfeit their bid to the position. Eight measly challenges, easily won.

He watched the challenges proceed, delighted at the results, The Herald dominating her every match, winning in the same manner as the first, with a single thrust. The under 100 bracket was won, hard-fought by his seven subordinates, immaculate warriors each. While not as domineering as the Major general, they each won their hard fought matches, their injuries healed by Medical Saint Taduk. Seven challenges won, without a third match in any of the challenges. Even should one go so far, the Herald had all but guaranteed victory for him in the under 25 bracket, assuring him she had brought a supreme warrior of young age.

The eighth challenge was proving to be a bit of a puzzle though. Ong Ruo Mei, that viper. Her champion lost the first match against the Herald, but how that viper had managed to convince DuGu Tian Yi to champion her was a mystery to him. Luckily DuGu Ang had been killed, or else he worried even the Herald's chosen would have not be able to compete against that young terror, another thing to thank the Major General for. The killing had been legitimate, witnessed by citizens and guards alike, and how she had managed to arrange for that, Tong Da Hai was in awe of her skills and manipulations.

But who to send against DuGu Tian Yi? His subordinates would not take kindly to being sent to their defeat. A warrior can be killed, but not humiliated, and he required their services, for years yet. One or two might have been able to win, were they in their best condition, but now, even his best would be fodder before their opponent, tired and spent. He hesitated, unsure of whom to call.

Is there a matter, Hai? The Herald spoke to him, noticing his dilemma. He quickly explained to her, and she shrugged. I am wholly confident in winning the under 25 bracket. If you are willing to lose this match, then allow me to make a suggestion on your choice.

Of course, of course! Who shall I call to fight this match, Major General? He followed her pointing finger, to Taduk's student. But... the boy is under 25. Do you mean for me to call him in the next match? It would be spitting in the face of DuGu Tian Yi, a reputable warrior. Even if Tong Da Hai were to hold the position of Magistrate, angering a man such as Tian Yi was not wise. His future was limitless, with his current talent, perhaps even rising to the rank of Exarch if given another 20 years.

The Herald smiled, a rare and lovely sight. No, call the boy for this fight. Tian Yi is motivated to fight him, and my former pupil's disciple requires a baptism in blood thirst. It is something lacking in the spars he has had so far. It will be a good opportunity for him, and there is no threat to his life here. She smirked. Besides, for Tian Yi to defeat him quickly is no easy task.

Such a terrible look to fight with. Always smiling. The Herald was commenting, quietly, to her husband. Ghoulish is what it is. Especially since he gets hurt so often.

Her husband laughed, a manly, heroic sound. Seeing it again... Ah! the difference is truly too great. That polite little brat looks like a damn fiend. Another laugh. He didn't fight this well against the bandits!

He fears death too much. It cuts his strength to a tenth of what it should be. He knows killing is prohibited here, so he has no fear. The Herald chuckled. I sparred with the boy for five days, and regardless of the injury, he would stand again, scowling. When the fight began again, he would be smiling once more. The boy is an interesting puzzle. Too little chi to be of much practical use, but exquisite Insights and instincts. I have great hopes for his growth.

Engrossed by their conversation, Tong Da Hai was unable to blink, for fear of missing a single moment. Why did the boy have so little chi? The fight continued, the boy hopping about, almost awkwardly, yet still avoiding Tian Yi's strikes, waiting for him to tire. Still too much wasted movement, with room for improvement. Sidestepping a vicious kick from Tian Yi, the boy retaliated with a slash across the calf before retreating to a safe distance, watching intently with teeth bared in a grin.

Frustration and anger was clouding Tian Yi's judgment, each wound adding to it, as if being spit at. He needed to calmly approach the fight, use his advantage of Chi, corner the boy and the fight would end, but instead he was wildly swinging away, with no thought, unable to find Balance. Even then, a single strike would end the fight, the difference in physique evident. Boy and man breathed heavily, both taxed physically and mentally in this match. An erroneously timed charge from Tian Yi left a gash in his shoulder as the boy circled away.

Enough! Bellowing in rage, Tian Yi twirled his saber about his body. Oriole Form, Raising the Winds. His blade lashing about him, he threw a barrage of fatal attacks aimed at the boy, who desperately weaved and blocked. For several seconds he resisted, before finally succumbing to the onslaught of strikes, a bloody furrow left from shoulder to hip as he staggered to the ground, falling to one knee. Tian Yi tiredly raised his sword a final time for a fatal blow.

Stop! Xue Chang commanded, and the city guard rushed forward to block the fatal strike with their weapons. A resounding clang reverberated through the room, their weapons bent under the force of the strike, a roar and a wave of the sword sending them tumbling back. Tian Yi raised his saber once more.

And stood there. The boys sword stuck out of his chest. It had perforated his armor and punctured a lung. Deer Form, Pierce the Horizon. Beautifully performed. His sword falling from his fingers, clanging to the floor, Tian Yi fell to his knees, blood dribbling from his mouth, eyes wide in disbelief. The boy stood, panting, as he tore the weapon out of his opponent, spraying his face and clothes red with blood.

Take him to the healers, then throw him in the dungeon, where he is to await a Justicar. Xue Chang ordered. Combatant DuGu Tian Yi is disqualified for attempting to kill a fallen opponent, and placed under arrest for assaulting the City Watch. I declare the match winner to be Rain. This challenge is won in favor of Tong Da Hai. While technically the boy lost, with the decision an extremely loose interpretation of the rules, it helps to have befriended the referee. The Magistrate smiled, hearing no objections forthcoming. They were all still too shocked by the events of the match. No wonder the Herald was so confident.

The boy walked out of the square slowly, a garish grinning specter. Settling down in front of Medical Saint Taduk, who immediately began treating him. The boy's eyes closed in meditation, his face relaxing, once again seeming timid and gentle. Such focus and skill, to be so calm after battle, an incredible young man, Tong Da Hai knew that the story of this match would be told over and over again in the coming weeks, exaggerated in each retelling. He grinned inwardly, delighted in the outcome. While Tian Yi could not be executed, he would likely lose his status as Warrant Officer, greatly reducing his influence and authority within the city. The DuGu Family was dealt an almost irreparable blow. The boy would have to be rewarded well, kept close, and The Herald even more so. He chuckled inwardly, while remaining dignified and solemn on the outside. His son had a keen eye for friends.

Xue Chang turned to kneel before the Magistrate, the city guards kneeling with him, token presented in both hands. As there are no more challengers, by the authority given to me by The Divine Emperor, I appoint Tong Da Hai to the position of Imperial Magistrate of Shen Huo city, the position to be held by him and his family for the next 100 years.

There was a cacophony of applause, from those who supported him, and those defeated as well. All were eager to have the challenge forgotten, their attempts to overthrow him forgiven. We will not hold it against them, The Magistrate decided. It is only natural for them to covet our position. He smiled and waved at the nobles and guards of his city. A weight had been lifted from his shoulders. His future, and his children's futures had been secured. All thanks to the Herald.