Chapter 488

Chapter 488

As a young man, Du Min Gyu had not been considered a peerless talent or prominent genius. In fact, his name didnt become known among the populace until well into middle-age, for he spent the prime years of his youth as a solitary wanderer, moving from one city to the next ostensibly in search of fame and fortune, but really just being a puffed-up little shit. Even now, his cheeks burned with shame when he thought about how he ran away from home because his father refused to let him marry his childhood sweetheart. Worse, when he asked her to leave with him, she revealed her true colours and laughed in his face, because it was young master Du she wanted to marry, not some silly romantic of a vagabond.

Heartbroken and too embarrassed to return home, Min Gyu left Yantai to broaden his horizons, but in truth, he merely wandered about without aim or purpose. Five years later, he incidentally saved the life of a travelling young noble and took grave injury in the process, an event which earned him the gratitude of the boys family. Though his skills were lacking, they sponsored Min Gyu to become a Third-Grade Warrant Officer as a reward, only to use their influence a few months later to send him away to war. It turned out that his benefactors didnt like how well hed been getting along with their daughter, because in their eyes, Vagabond Du was good enough to befriend, but not good enough to marry into their family.

A laughable stance for a third-rate merchant family whose net worth was ten times less than what Min Gyu left behind.

Considering he had no deep affection for their daughter and found her infatuation bothersome, Min Gyu had been understandably resentful over being strong-armed into war. Though he enjoyed playing with weapons and the occasional spar, warfare and bloodshed was a foreign concept to a merchants son, and seeing how he was already twenty-five years old and lacking both Aura and Natal Palace, he counted himself as no great talent. His knees shook and chest grew tight in the hours leading up to his first battle, and though it only lasted a mere twenty-eight minutes, he came out a changed man. In the following days, he fought, he killed, and he survived to the wars end, playing an insignificant role in putting down an insignificant uprising, but when all was said and done, the fire in his chest had been ignited and his broken heart mended once more.

For he had a new love now, and her name was War.

From there, he travelled across the Empire and took part in every conflict, rebellion, and outbreak he could find, slowly but surely gathering valuable experience, valiant comrades, and loyal subordinates, but limited fame. Over the next five years, he Condensed his Aura during the Battle of Five Pagodas, Formed his Natal Palace after the Black Scarf Rebellion, and Awakened to the Blessing of Wind while standing on the summit of Wutai Mountain. Even then, he still couldnt be considered an outstanding talent, but then eight years later during the Defiled uprising of Shilin, he uncovered twelve Concealed Wraiths in camp to save the Commanders life and went on to slay three Demons in battle. Due to his exemplary performance, Du Min Gyu finally rose to the heights hed long dreamt of, promoted from Third-Grade to First-Grade Warrant Officer and given the title of Sanguine Tempest, for wherever he passed, the winds blew red with the blood of his enemies.

His journey had been a tumultuous one, a foolish, love-sick silk-pants who left home, only to single-handedly slaughter a hundred turncoat Experts and turn defeat into victory at the Hoplesh Rebellion more than thirty years later. For this, he was promoted yet again and became a rare Exarch of the Empire, a Peak Expert whose name was spoken across the Empire. Only then did he reconnect with his family, and for a time, life was good.

Then he fought the Butcher of KunLun and plummeted from lofty heights, a crippled warrior whose only value was his uncanny talent to take mediocre Martial Warriors and turn them into passable Elites. Almost fifty years later, Du Min Gyu was hale and healthy as ever and looking forward to the next chapter in his saga, but none could deny he had weathered harsh winds and heavy rains to make it to a hundred and ten years of age. Despite all these trials and tribulations however, nothing he experienced in his first century of life prepared him for celebrating the new year with his granddaughter and god-daughter.

Though physically fit as a man half his age, he ran himself ragged during the first five days of the new year, with not a moment to spare as Yan and Dain dragged him from one event to the next. An intimate breakfast with Marshal Yo, followed by Shuai Jiaos hosted luncheon, topped off with a private dinner at the Ryo family household, and all this on the day before new years. Min Gyus schedule only grew more hectic from there, but hed never been one for social events, so the visits, banquets, and gatherings took a heavy toll on his mental stamina. He wouldve much preferred to curl up at home and read a book, or go over the Forms with Yan and Dain, but alas, his aged star was once again on the rise and his presence in high demand. Dains events required he be on his best behaviour, for they included hypocrites and sycophants from the highest echelons of nobility which made them mentally taxing affairs, but Yans affairs were emotionally taxing as she used her recent celebrity in an unconventional manner, to bring attention to the wounded, crippled, or fallen soldiers who otherwise went ignored.

Though initially averse to the idea of listening to sad tales and comforting forlorn soldiers, all it took was one visit to remind him that these men and women were still soldiers in spirit. Their genuine delight and gratitude over a few simple words from the great Du Min Gyu was a touching and humbling experience, for it reminded him how dark his days had been when he sat in their place, a plight which lasted for long decades after his run in with the Butcher of KunLun. Itd been so disheartening when his close friends and allies stopped visiting, perhaps deeming him no longer worthy of friendship or because they couldnt stand to see him fallen so low. Regardless of their reasons, those dark times were when he needed their support the most, and while he eventually emerged from his trials and tribulations unscathed, not everyone could be so lucky.

So what if it broke his heart to see so many former soldiers in distress? His discomfort meant nothing compared to what they themselves were currently going through, so if a kind word and firm handshake could raise their spirits, then by the Mother, he would visit the hospices every day and use whatever means necessary to see that these heroic young men and women got the treatment they deserved.

Despite his newfound empathy, Min Gyu didnt know how long he could keep this up, because he knew all too well how easily one could fall from grace, not to mention the sleepless nights spent agonizing over what to do about the wounded soldiers. Luckily, his ties to the Ryo family and all it entailed meant he had plenty of leeway when it came to his irritable demeanour, while the only person of note Yan insisted he meet with was Eccentric Gam, and he treated the peculiar half-fox the same way he treated the crippled, only Gams deficiency was mental rather than physical. A shame Wu Gam was so attached to his rude and contentious Mentor, because the young man was a seed worth nurturing, not to mention a more palatable connection to the lovely Mother Gam.

Even with all his connections, Min Gyu had yet to open a dialogue with the lovely and powerful Divinity, or even uncover her true name, but considering the curious nature of Ancestral Beasts, it was possible she didnt have one because she felt names unnecessary. Not a far stretch seeing how she labelled her children by number, but truly a shame, for it implied Mother Gam was an Ancestral Beast who had yet to wholly overcome her primal heritage and adapt to newer circumstances. Considering Eccentric Gam was over four-hundred years old, this meant she was either slow to learn or simply refused to, and Min Gyu guessed it was the latter. Talent and bloodline alone could not account for her ability to raise her children into powerful warriors, which suggested Mother Gams rejection of social constraints was intentional, rather than instinctive.

How unfortunate, but fitting in a way, for a wild meadow was beautiful because of its untamed and uncultivated nature, an alluring garden left free to grow unchecked and untainted by human tampering...

At any rate, Min Gyu was too old to be mooning over a woman like a love-struck boy, so if it were up to him, he wouldve sent the Gams a small gift and a personal letter as befitting their superficial relationship, but after months spent fighting side by side on the front lines, Yan treated Wu Gam as a comrade in arms, though the young half-fox was still smitten with her. Thankfully, there was no risk of becoming in-laws with the insufferable Eccentric, for Yan treated Wu Gam like a little brother to safeguard, and he behaved as such despite being the older of the two, a naive, straightforward man who knew little of the world at large and understood even less. Yet another reason Min Gyu itched to steal the boy away from his outlandish Mentor, but despite his subtle and not-so-subtle overtures, neither Mentor nor Disciple cared to entertain the idea.

He even swallowed his pride and offered to co-Mentor the boy, if only to teach him table manners and civility, but even this was met with derision. Hmph, Eccentric Gam had replied, his lip curled in an aggravating sneer. Whats he gonna learn from you? How to curtsy and suck cock? Maybe you could teach him to bat his eyes, flutter his ears, and strike a cutesy little pose too, so his human masters find him all the prettier.

Luckily, Yans uncontrolled laughter defused the situation else things could have turned ugly, but between her indecent suggestions regarding Wu Gams clothes and posture, not to mention the young half-foxs red-faced embarrassment, they were soon all laughing together again. That was the last time Min Gyu offered to Mentor Wu Gam, though he found that the young man was amenable to his teachings, if only to get in Yans good graces, so he took full advantage of the poor boys infatuation to keep him from becoming a second (or fifth) Eccentric Gam. He even went as far as inviting young Gam along with them on their trip to the Northern Citadel, though regrettably, the thick-skinned older Gam took this to mean the invitation extended to him too. To make matters worse, Dain and Yan learned of this beforehand and arranged a carriage for themselves along with Seoyoon and Tong Da Fung, leaving Min Gyu to suffer the Eccentrics grating attitude, slovenly habits, and off-putting odour for five, long, torturous days.

Had he known this beforehand, he wouldve thrown young Gam out the door the first time Yan brought him home for a meal.

Putting yet another of Eccentric Gams long rants out of mind, Min Gyu studied the quiet, straightforward Wu Gam in secret. Given Rains damaged condition, hed be lying if he said he hadnt considered trying to pair the half-fox with Yan over the past four months, but he knew his granddaughter was steadfast in her love of the fallen young hero. Such were the ways of young love, and who knew if she would come to regret this in ten or twenty years, but he could only let Yan make this mistake and be there to support her through the difficult times. Love was strange and unfathomable, but she was strong with many centuries of life yet, so he hoped for the best and made no effort to break off her engagement, no matter how many prospective offers crossed his desk.

Hmph. Even crippled, Rain was still better than most of these dregs seeking to fish in troubled waters, worthless toads hoping to taste swans flesh...

Ah. So thats what happened to Gams one through four. Or two through four, Min Gyu wasnt quite sure if the Eccentric counted as the first, but this wasnt the time to broach the subject. Though burning with questions, he held his tongue and simply patted Gam on the arm before leaving him alone with his thoughts, while Min Gyu ruminated on his own. Contrary to what it might sound like, Peak Expert was not the end of the Martial Path, but merely a new beginning. From there, one needed to step off the Peak and soar into the Heavens, or plummet down to their doom below, which was all Min Gyu knew of it. Hed always believed this was merely a flowery metaphor, but considering Gam had lost his siblings and Disciples to the mysterious next step, perhaps it was time Min Gyu rethought his stance. Not that it mattered, the Path to Divinity was a carefully guarded Imperial secret, and while others before might have stumbled across the answer on their own, he had no such delusions of grandeur for himself. Hed long since come to terms with the limits of his talents, and while he couldnt deny he coveted their secrets, the Imperial Clan never saw fit to offer him terms of service.

Not that he blamed them. Until recently, hed been little more than a drug-addled has been of undeserving renown. No matter. Ten years. Mother in Heaven willing, he had a decade to raise Yan to the Peak so she could stand on her own, but even if he failed, at least he could die knowing the Bekhai looked after their own.

It was near dusk when they finally passed through the gates of the Northern Citadel, where he found a delegation of Bekhai waiting to receive him, though not the small, intimate group hed hoped for. Rain was there, looking much healthier than the rumours painted him, though still sickly and weak. Standing with help from a four-legged cane, a device which couldve saved Min Gyu much pain in previous decades, Rain wore a bright smile which turned into a pained wince as Yan ran into his arms. A good sign, all things considering. If the boy could still feel pain, it meant he wasnt overly reliant on sedatives or tranquilizers to get him through the day. A good start, but seeing the rest of the boys wives there soured Min Gyus mood. Mei Lin, Sumila, Li Song, and Zheng Luo, Yan greeted her future sister-wives in this specific order, which was different from the order they stood in. Marital friction cropping up before the marriage ceremony was never a good sign, but what else could one expect from a man with five wives, and three of them talented Martial Warriors, no less?

Disgruntled though he might be, Min Gyu swallowed his grievances to greet the boy cordially, and even took the time to say hello to the boys coterie of pets. The wildcats and bears were too skittish to approach, and the Guardian Turtle paid him no mind, but little quin Kishi ran up squeaking up a storm, eager to play and cuddle with her old friend. Yan warned him against naming the quins before they were fully grown, but he couldnt help himself with this particular darling. Kishi was the smallest and gentlest of Zabu and Shanas brood who often came crying to him for more food, so hed spent many a long night worrying shed be rejected by her parents or go to sleep hungry, but from the looks of things, the little pup was growing up well and as cheerful as ever, her tail lashing from side to side as she ran circles around Min Gyus legs and tried to snatch his cane away to play.

A good thing he didnt need it to stand anymore, but he still kept it in hand out of habit.

As for the rest of the delegation, one could tell from a glance they werent here to welcome Min Gyu and Yan, but to ensure Rains safety. It seemed ridiculous to bring not only a full detachment of Death Corps, including at least one Peak Expert judging by the strength of his Domain probing Min Gyu and Gam for threat, but also a cadre of hidden Bekhai guardians lurking in the shadows, whom he found using the same trick hed used to uncover the Wraiths in Shilin. Although Concealment kept Warriors out of sight, he sent a light breeze of Wind Chi through the surroundings and tracked its movements around hidden obstructions, and in doing so discovered no less than twenty hidden defenders stationed in tight formation around the area.

A bit overboard considering the Northern Citadel was essentially in Bekhai hands, but from what he knew of her, Akanai was not someone who acted without reason. If she believed Rain needed this much protection, then the situation must be more dire than Min Gyu imagined.

Since Akanai had not deigned to receive him and he wasnt overly familiar with anyone else from the Bekhai, he kept quiet and followed the boy back to their accommodations. Min Gyu and Yan were given spare rooms in the Medical Saints villa, though regrettably, the Saint himself wasnt present as he was off doing personal research. Since their arrival was unexpected, the Gams were offered private rooms in a nearby barracks, a princely offer considering the cramped conditions in the Citadel which the Eccentric gracefully accepted, or at least with what passed for grace when dealing with him. In light of their long travels, Rain arranged for a casual, private dinner instead of making a big fuss and spectacle of it all, which was very much to Min Gyus liking. Though still not entirely sure Yan should go through with the marriage, he looked forward to meeting the parents who raised a child like Falling Rain, if only out of morbid curiosity.

To his disappointment, Baatar and Sarnai were perfectly respectable Martial Warriors, though the steely woman impressed him by setting Eccentric Gam on his best behaviour with little more than a glare. She even somehow had convinced the surly bastard to bathe, groom, and dress nicely, and Min Gyu took great delight making fun of the half-foxs fetching outfit. Akanai was as unpleasant as always and refused to divulge anything about Rains chances for recovery or the need for so much protection, but her husband was a friendly and delightful man to chat with, full of tall tales and amusing anecdotes which were made all the more entertaining when delivered in his charming drawl. What impressed Min Gyu the most was Charoks humble demeanour, a Martial Warrior to match Kyung who happily cooked and served dishes alongside Eun and the servants, an even-tempered young man who raised two darling, goat-horned grandchildren, so precious and well-mannered Min Gyu couldnt help but pinch their cheeks and happily dote on them. By the end of the night, he had his fill of delicious food, quality wine, and agreeable company before swaggering back to his room in a pleasant mood, and only belatedly noticed Yan hadnt returned with him.

Off to canoodle with her beloved he supposed, though she would have to be careful not to break him...

Feeling guilty for making light of Rains condition, he bade Dain and the delightful Mei Lin goodnight while telling himself that the veiled guard standing outside the half-hares door wasnt an insult to his honour. Stepping into his room, he sat down while Kyung ran off to fetch a basin of water and idly considered if he should move here. Though still a citizen of Central, its not like he had much keeping him at the other Citadel, since he had no duties to speak of whatsoever. Once the new year celebrations were over and done with, Yan would head back to the front lines, and even though Dain made an effort to stop by every now and then, most of the time Min Gyu sat around twiddling his thumbs and making excuses not to meet with old friends or admirers.

Youre losing your touch, old friend. Stepping out of the shadows and giving Min Gyu a fright, Jun Bao smirked and took at seat at the tea table. Had I been after your life, then your head wouldve rolled.

Unlikely. A second voice chimed in, one neither men recognized and emanating from within the room. Bolting to his feet, Min Gyu drew his weapon and stood back to back with his old friend, but even his trick with Wind Chi failed to uncover the hidden intruder. The Medical Saints manor is not a barroom hangout. Be quick about your meeting, or take it elsewhere.

Muttering apologies and offering assurances as they saluted empty air, Jun Bao gestured for Min Gyu to follow and they made their way out into the night and onto the rooftop of a nearby warehouse. Still worried about the Medical Saints unseen protector, Jun Bao didnt even bother putting up a sound barrier and Sent, Mother in Heaven, the Bekhai surprise me yet again. The strongest of the Medical Saints guards is off with him, so I thought it a simple matter to sneak past the rest.

Disproportionately pleased even though it had nothing to do with him, Min Gyu held his head up and Sent, Seems like you wouldve been better off pledging yourself to the Bekhai than the Imperial Legate.

Careful there. Eyes hard and tone grim, Jun Baos heated response to the light-hearted joke betrayed his nerves, no doubt still searching for the hidden Bekhai guardian. Thats why Im here in fact, to give you a warning: if you wish to survive the coming weeks, distance yourself from the Bekhai. Theres a manor on the south side of the lake for you and your company. I suggest you move out in the morning.

...Why? Who could threaten the Bekhai here?

You never did have a mind for politics. Biting his lip, Jun Bao shook his head and sighed. I cannot say much, but the Bekhai have angered someone they should have left well alone, and my Patron cannot protect them. He delayed their enemies as best he could to give the Bekhai time to prepare, but regardless of how much strength they gather, I fear their end is nigh. Direct confrontation is a weapon of last resort in the Imperial Clan, and the Bekhai are worse than novices in other areas. Leave in the morning, or seal your fate alongside them. This is all I can do, old friend. Ignoring all of Min Gyus Sendings, Jun Bao stepped off the roof and left him standing in the chill of night with a heavy decision upon his hands. Choose life and watch the Bekhai succumb to their doom, or join them in their inevitable downfall?

Damn it. It wasnt even his decision to make. Yan would never abandon her beloved or her people, and Min Gyu would never abandon her. No matter. His life would end soon regardless of what he did, so giving up ten years to give Yan a whole lifetime was a small price to pay.

For him at least. Should they come with ill-intent, then the Imperial Clan would pay dearly indeed, for standing against them was the Hero of the Hoplesh Rebellion, the Sanguine Tempest Du Min Gyu.

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