Chapter 818

Name:Savage Divinity Author:
Chapter 818

Time and tide wait for no man, but I could really use a few minutes to get my shit together.

Or years really. Decades, if were being honest, because the logical, scientific part of my brain is having a real conniption about how none of this makes sense. Currently, I am running away from Zhen Shi but Im not just Cloud-Stepping away, Im also being carried along by the currents of my Natal Sea. This body of water was once a fixture in my Natal Palace which disappeared along with everything in else inside it after I short of Shattered the Void, but somehow, Ive Materialized them both into reality by way of my Domain. Not my entire Natal Palace, nor even most of my Natal Sea, and its not even really here, if were going by the classic definition. Theres no cool water to soak in or flowing currents swirling around me, because even though Ive Manifested my Natal Sea, that is not the same thing as creating a bunch of water. That being said, I can feel my Natal Sea all the same as the currents push me along and send me flying faster than Ive ever Cloud-Stepped before.

So Im not swimming through my Natal Sea in reality, Im Cloud-Stepping across the Western Province, keeping low and close to the ground because its safer than taking to the skies where I have less control. The scorching sun sears my skin from on high as the sand gives way beneath my boots, with more carried upon the sweltering wind to make its way into every crack and crevice of my body. I can taste the coarse granules in my too-dry mouth, which sits open as I heave and pant for precious breath, but I dare not stop to rest.

Because my foe draws ever closer behind me, and if captured, Im certain he will never allow me another chance for escape.

I can hear him on my heels, but more than that, I can sense him there as well, seeing without seeing, feeling without feeling, all thanks to information provided to me by my Spiritual Senses which are all too new and unfamiliar. Unlike the five senses I was born with, its taking some time to familiarize and parse through these newfangled impressions, time and focus I cannot spare as I struggle to stay ahead of my pursuer with dog in arm, rabbit in tow, and turtle riding shotgun atop my head. My Manifested Natal Sea is here around me, but Ive no idea how to utilize it, save to go with the ebb and flow of invisible tides which feel as real as the sand getting everywhere in my everything.

I hate the sand. If only my Natal Sea could do something about it.

And just like that, a wave crashes into me and washes all the sand away, yet my skin and clothes remain as dry as ever, save for the errant patches of blood and sweat staining all the expected places. Water, yet not water, Chi, yet not Chi, both more and less at the same time. My brain is overheating just trying to logic it out while drawing blanks on any actual explanation, but the Warrior in me is all like, Nice, and doesnt care about the how. No longer do I need to worry about getting rubbed raw by sand in all the wrong places, and now I can focus on the second most pressing matter, keeping my head and hide intact and escaping from Zhen Shis clutches.

Okay, so my priorities are a little out of wack, but if Im gonna die, Id like to die comfortably.

Gotta say, Zhen Shi moves pretty fast for a guy with only one foot, and I wish I could see him hopping along behind me, but I dare not slow down long enough to turn my head and look, so I must make do with the picture painted in my mind by my Spiritual Senses. Its difficult to process just how Im using them, because even though the information appears in my head that Zhen Shis hand is mere millimetres away from grabbing me by the hair, Im unable to establish exactly how I know this without delving deeper into my Spiritual Senses. The answer is obvious enough once I put my mind to it and trace the impressions in reverse, which tells me that Im picking up the disturbance his physical presence is causing to the swirling currents of my metaphysical Natal Sea, which again is here, yet not here at the same time. I dont suppose Zhen Shi can feel those currents parting around his arm, but only because I have yet to Will it so, and even as the thought occurs to me, his grasping hand is swept away as my Natal Sea exerts itself upon reality and lets the current drag him away.

Or in other terms, I utilize Deflection in combination with a myriad of other compound forces which I have no name for in order to turn aside Zhen Shis attack. Why cant I just Deflect him normally though? I could, but it wouldnt be as effective. This sort of Deflection is more forceful. Heavier, I suppose, or denser. I dunno. What Im trying to get at is I can apply more force with this Water-based Deflection than I can with just basic Deflection alone. How is it different? Difficult to say. Its all Chi, but Water Chi can do things that regular Chi cant. No, thats not right. Its more like Water Chi does certain things better, but other things worse. No, thats not entirely right either. Water Chi is different. Its Chi, but not Chi, water, but not water, which means it adheres to a different set of rules from both Chi and Water. I dont understand it, but it just makes sense, which is becoming something of a common theme that I both love and hate.

Knowing without knowing, understanding without comprehending, similar to how Roc just knows how to come in for the perfect landing or Aurie tilts his head at the optimal angle to achieve the perfect cute-derp ratio. It just works. Until it doesnt, as my inner memester is all too quick to remind me, but the humourous take on inevitable total system failure really helps minimize the panic and apprehension. Its still there, but in the background, like a, haha, hope nothing goes wrong right now because then Im totally gonna die, sort of way.

So going with the flow, I cede control over to my instincts while my logical mind plots out a course to victory, which is easily accomplished with help from a Natal Soul. Tapping into my lizard brain, my Natal Soul takes over the defenses while leaving my Prime self to control my movements, because Cloud-Stepping is easy as turning a hand now. Taking a moment to acknowledge the obvious wisdom of moving Mama Bun in front of me, I smile as Buddy greets her with a sniffing and gets a good tongue-grooming in return. More interesting is the fact that Mama Buns speed is relative to my own, rather than the speed of the world passing us by. Even though shes floating upon a raft made of Domain in a Natal Sea comprised of the same, her relative speed is almost completely stationary, as opposed to moving at the same speed as the raft. The raft is a vehicle in every sense of the word, even though it doesnt really exist in reality, so to her, she only feels the movement when we accelerate or decelerate. This is significant because it tells me that my Domain is not exerting force upon Mama Bun to accelerate her until she matches my speed, but rather an actual physical entity which she can interact with and is carrying her along. I suppose Ive known all along, but never really clicked in my mind, or rather I never really thought to consider the implication.

The Warrior in me doesnt care, because the end result is all that matters, but the scientist is rather intrigued. Though it seems like a minor and insignificant detail, but its the difference between sitting in a boat going 100 km/p/h and getting launched from a cannon at the same speed. So far, every time I try to use Water Chi or Domain, Ive tried to do the latter, exert a force upon another object, but if I can make a boat for Mama Bun to sit on, why cant I make other objects for people to interact with too?

My lizard brain picks up on all this immediately puts it to good use, creating a frictionless layer of Domain laid out overtop the sands which Zhen Shi promptly slips on. Though back on his feet in the blink of an eye to take up the pursuit again, this single blunder has bought me enough breathing room to prepare for his next move. The next time he tries to set foot in the sands, he encounters yet another puddle of frictionless Domain, but hes learned his lesson and merely skates across it before Cloud-Stepping once again when he reaches the puddles edge. When he lands again, another frictionless puddle awaits him and he tries to skate over it a second time, but the puddle turns into a whirlpool that carries him around and away, stretching out under his foot to keep him caught even longer. A net-gain measured in mere milliseconds before he recovers once more, but significant enough for me to plan two moves in advance and set up a contingency plan in case things dont pan out as expected.

It might not seem like much, but its a significant load off my back, because no longer am I struggling just to stay alive and can now consider how to strike back. No matter how fast or often I Cloud-Step, Zhen Shi is never far behind, meaning he knows something about Cloud-Stepping that I dont and is able to move faster than I can. Keeping him on his toes wont work for long, as Ive already figured out how to counter my own shenanigans, and Zhen Shi isnt far behind as he simply avoids the sands and Cloud-Steps before making contact with the ground. Expecting as much, my lizard brain is ready and waiting with a dense wall of Water Chi, one which Zhen Shi crashes headlong into. If hed dove in head or feet first, he wouldve plunged through without too much resistance, but the impact snaps like a landwhale doing a bellyflop and disperses most of the momentum hed built up, buying a whole second of reprieve as I slip ever further from his grasp.

Again, small gains, but Im learning more and more about my Water Chi with each and every clash. Of course, most of it just makes enough sense for me to accept, as it doesnt surprise me to learn that Water Chi behaves similarly to water, but what Im interested in is not the results themselves, but the mechanisms Water Chi uses to derive them. Water flows, water clings, water soaks, and water slicks, but this is not water Im working with, but Chi behaving like water. So what is it about this Chi in particular that makes it so water-like? Why is it able to divert his attacks away, make him slip on coarse sand, and slow his advance? Water can do all that, but again, this is not water, and the details are astounding to behold. Its all forces, a give and take, an ebb and flow, action and reaction both, but you can say the same about everything in the physical realm. Opposing forces make the world go round, a constant push and pull, contraction and expansion, attraction and repulsion, all of it existing in a perfect yet ever-changing balance of enthalpy and entropy.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Translation? Its not water, but it might as well be water, except better because I can control it.

Not perfectly, as my lizard brain soon discovers when I attempt to drag Zhen Shi down to the sands, an effort he shakes as easily as turning a hand. His own Domain coming into play now, fending off my intrusive attacks, but its not as simple as putting up a barrier and negating all my efforts. As I noted before with Mama Bun, the Domain acts like a real, physical object affixed to the users position, which means even though it is invisible and intangible, it still obeys the laws of physics, for the most part. I cant grab hold of Zhen Shis Domain and use it to pin him in place like I would with an arm or a leg, but I can shunt it aside with my own Domain to allow my Water Chi to affect him. Even though a Domain naturally billows out in all directions, its not so much as a solid sphere of matter as it is a constant projection of force, one which exists in the Void and only selectively makes its presence felt in reality.

The more I use the Water Chi of my Materialized Domain, the more I understand how it should be used, with my methods improving by leaps and bounds within a matter of seconds. Rather than a single foothold for him to slip on, I render the entire area behind me frictionless upon his approach which buys me just enough time to Cloud-Step away while hes still struggling to control his momentum. His next attempt sees him crash into a corridor of Water Chi, one in which he flails and flounders as he pushes forward in search of an exit, only to eventually realize he can just side-step out of it and continue on his merry way. A roar of inhuman rage sounds out from behind me, wavering as it grows ever closer with Zhen Shi in hot pursuit, but his grasping hands are unable to grab hold of my robes for my defensive swirling currents of Water Chi will not allow it. In terms of defensive durability, my efforts pale in comparison to Pong Pongs, because he merely needs to set and forget his Water Domain Deflection which protects him from any and all physical attacks. Me? My defenses are more proactive, predicated on anticipating Zhen Shis actions and dealing with them in the optimum manner, which is a lot of effort if Im being honest. Its the difference between an armoured knight who sits there and takes all the hits and some shirtless sword-master whos just really good at dodging and parrying attacks. While the latter might seem more impressive, everyone and their mother would prefer to be the first guy, because no matter how good you are, youre bound to slip up eventually.

And slip I most certainly do as Zhen Shi kicks the back of my knee, the impact dulled and softened by Pong Pongs Domain Deflection only to explode at the last moment with enough force to snap tendons and shatter bones. The impact sends me tumbling headfirst into the sands with Buddy cradled to my chest, and I have time enough to tuck and roll before coming back to a single foot and wrenching my shoulder free from Zhen Shis steely grasp which has yet to fully close around me. All pure instinct and reaction, courtesy of my Natal Lizard Brains quick thinking and use of Domain Deflection, so really, it couldve gone much worse. Cold sweat drips down my spine as I Cloud-Step away to safety and Zhen Shi lets loose with another scream of frustrated fury, but I can hear the hunger and confidence oozing from of him. Its only a matter of time before he captures me again, because hes adjusting faster than I can progress, doubly so because Im flying by the seat of my pants and have no real idea what Im doing.

Par for the course really, but again, I would like to reiterate that this is totally unfair. Give me another century and I could probably curb-stomp Zhen Shi without blinking, but as things stand now, I am sorely out matched.

While I am distracted by my musings, Zhen Shi seizes an opportunity to advance and moves into range to attack, leaving me no choice but to unleash the Island Sinking Wave Ive been building up all this time. Infusing the Water Chi with Sword Force is as easy as willing it, but the cost is staggering to behold as I feel the Energy of the Heavens surging through me and taking what it demands in exchange. The torrent of Sword-Force infused Water Chi shoots out on a collision course with Zhen Shi, whose Domain rises up to Deflect it away, but this is not the same wave of force hes experienced before. Rather than be shunted aside, my Water Chi crashes into his Domain whereupon the Sword Force shreds it to pieces without losing a single iota of momentum. Surging ahead to slam home into my unsuspecting foe, his expression goes from fury, to shock, and then horror all in the blink of an eye. The water runs red with blood as the flowing current of Sword Force rips away at his flesh, grinding his left arm and shoulder into a pulp and only stopping there because he was too quick to retreat, but I am not yet done. Still in control of the torrent of Water Chi, I Guide it unerringly towards Zhen Shi as I pursue him across the sands, our roles reversed for the first time since coming face to face in Shi Bei.

And Id be lying if I didnt say it feels fucking great.

Why are you running?! I bellow, cackling inwardly with glee and delight as I watch Zhen Shi duck, dip, dodge and weave to avoid certain death. There is no answer, but I wasnt expecting one, and I use every trick in the book to catch up. Puddles of frictionless Domain Materialize beneath his feet while tendrils of Water Chi wrap around his ankles and waist, but even with multiple Cloud-Steps a second and the powerful currents of my Natal Sea pushing me along from behind, Im unable to bring my swirling torrent of Sword Force and Water Chi to bear. The Energy of the Heavens surge through me as I feed power into the attack, but the expenditure is too much for my strained Spiritual System to bear, the flow too strong and wild to keep this up for any longer. The attack dissipates without warning and I draw back from my foe, who effortlessly sidesteps Peace as it plunges towards him from behind. My trusty sword stops short before me and flips about to threaten Zhen Shi once more, but the once proud Uniter has seen better days.

The mangled flesh and exposed bone of his left shoulder is horrific to behold, his injuries so deep I can see his lungs inflate and deflate as he heaves and pants in place. There is no Healing to be seen save to stem the blood, which combined with his pale flesh and missing foot makes him look like a half-eaten corpse that somehow still draws breath. If looks could kill, Id be dead a thousand times over from his blood-shot eyes, but Zhen Shi can only glare as he struggles to make sense of this reversal of fortunes. His tattered robes hang loosely from his slim, pale frame, no longer mending on their own like before, but whether this has to do with his debilitated body, frazzled mind, or even lack of available Heavenly Energy, I cannot say. Of course, any sign of weakness is a good one, especially since Im not sure if I have another one of those um what should I call it?

Island Sinking Wave of Sword Force is on point, but too many words.

Water Dragons Bite, maybe? Sounds cool, but a little pretentious, and lacking any and all useful information at all.

Oh, I have the perfect name, and a great idea on how to use it.

Showing no weakness in spite of my fatigue, I set the currents to swirling around me in hopes that Zhen Shi can sense it, and from the looks of his alarm, he can. Impressive, I begin, grinning from ear to ear at my own clever ways. I didnt expect you to survive the first Movement of the Water Dragon Form, the Sea Serpents Snap. Gah, I got too hung up on alliteration, which doesnt even translate over to common, so it doesnt sound as cool as it could, but whatever. Still awesome. Somehow, I am both proud and ashamed of myself at the same time, but this is who I am, and I wholeheartedly embrace it as I continue, Im kinda glad to be honest, because now I get to try out the second Movement.

Ha. The look on his face. Such dread, much horror. I love it. Do you see what you get Zhen Shi? Do you see what you get when you mess with the Warrior?!

As expected, my confident declaration sends my opponent spiralling into a panic as he lunges forward to stop me, but I am more than ready for him. Sword Force surges out from Unity as it takes him through the chest, plunging clean through until his ribs ram into the haft. Keeping well out of his reach, I hold him back with all my strength while scouring away at his Domain Plated Defenses with swirling currents of Sword Force. Less powerful ones, but still strong enough to strip flesh from bone, or at least it would be if it could get through his powerful passive defense. Rage and desperation both pour out from Zhen Shis eyes as he stretches his one remaining arm in a desperate bid to grab me, a man at the end of his rope yet still unwilling to give up. Were he not a mass-murderer and torturer both, I could almost respect him for his willpower and determination, because I never wouldve expected any human to escape from under the weight of so many Spectres, much less make it this far with such horrific injuries. This man withstood my weaponized despair and went on to face his own fears, a tribulation from which he emerged unscathed, and for that, he has my admiration.

That wont stop me from killing him though, because this is no man, but a monster in human flesh. A part of me wonders if things mightve turned out different if wed met eight-hundred years earlier. I see much of myself in him, and how I couldve turned out if not for a fortuitous encounter with Blobby, but thankfully, I avoided the worst pitfalls and have come out on top. Go in peace, I declare, taking control of my sword that shares the same name, A better end than you deserve, but one I offer without regret.

The sword plunges down to pierce Zhen Shi clean through the top of the head.

Only to stop in mid-air with a metallic hum as an unfamiliar man in flowing golden robes appears out of nowhere, complete with stupid hair ornament that doubles as a tiny hat. Stay your hand, the stranger declares, his voice booming with authority as he holds my sword in place with two fingers, seemingly immune to the destructive torrent of Sword Force contained within. There is no doubt in his mind that I will obey, no expectation of disobedience at all, which I suppose is due to his sculpted cheeks and chiselled jawline that makes him look like the Mother Herself moulded him with Her own two hands. Unfortunately for him however, I have problems with authority and a tendency to act before I think, so even Im surprised as Tranquility flies out and separates Zhen Shis head from his shoulders in a flash of Sword Force.

The strangers shock is muted and subdued, more surprised at my disobedience than disappointed by Zhen Shis death, and his gaze turns to meet my eyes. It pierces clean through me, looking not at my features, but deep into my heart and soul, and I cannot bring myself to look away. You dare disobey this Sovereign? he asks, lacking the heat and fury that usually makes the statement seem so ridiculous, yet it sounds so appropriate coming from him. Courage, ignorance, or a blend of both? It matters not, for you will reap what you have sown.

Hearing Zhen Shis third-person stylings come out of someone elses mouth is enough to throw me for a loop, and my eyes dart down to study the strangers robes. Theyre also golden, and festooned with so much embroidery its difficult to pinpoint one thing to look at, but the giant character emblazoned in the centre of his chest is certainly eye-catching to behold. , stitched in gold thread as well, but bordered in thick black lines to make it easy to read, and for a moment, my mind blanks. Usually, these sort of robes bear a family or faction name, but this character is one Ive only seen a handful of times before. On the invitation to the First Imperial Grand Conference and on Shen ZhenWus fan are the first places that come to mind, but Ive seen it elsewhere too, just never on anyones robes, clothes, or banners.

Because no one would dare use the character Emperor as their sigil, not unless they were the actual Emperor himself.

Oh cmon, I groan, falling back on my ass in the sand and bringing Buddy and Mama Bun close for a cuddle as his entourage arrives via Cloud-Step to encircle us. Its rude, but who gives a fuck at this point? I already disobeyed a direct order from the Emperor, so its not like he can sentence me to death twice. No harm in getting comfortable and seeing what happens next, because even if Im willing to fight against the Emperor, I am outnumbered and outmatched. There are a few familiar faces in the crowd, such as Shen ZhenWu and his Honoured Uncle, but while Im pretty sure they could both kick my ass, I know the two bald Divinities most certain can. Xing Yong Wei stands just to the Emperors right, closer than anyone else besides the baldie to his left, the Divinity surnamed Liang who was supposed to keep Yang Jixing safe and tried to pin his death on me, alongside the crime of rebellion.

I am tired, spent, and entirely incapable of defeating two more Divinities, much less the formidable Imperial Scions arrayed behind them and the Emperor himself, but with a little luck, maybe they wont try to kill me here while were all alone in the desert. That being said, if push comes to shove, I sure as hell intend to go down swinging, so might as well rest while I can.

Chapter Meme 1

Chapter Meme 2

Chapter Meme 3