XiXi nervously sits with her arms resting on her knees as her father continues with the absurd story.
"Last week a strange man came to me using the code words from the elders so I accepted the assignment."
He wrings his hands in frustration. "I was to create a transporting spell which would allow me to go to this place to retrieve the Beast Core from an ancient Mythical Beast."
Zhang Yu twists the robe in his hands, "He warned me not to ask questions, once the Core was placed in a special bag I was to hand it over to this mysterious man's subordinate."
He was surprised the elders had referred this man to him because trafficking in Mythical Beast Cores was outlawed by the Sorcerer Society a hundred years ago. Several instances of men using them to gain political power or wealth had disrupted the balance of the modern mortal world.
"This man must be holding something over on the elders to gain their help, or the elders were greedy for the profit to be gained. Most likely the second reason, since the change in leadership they are obsessed with the power money can buy. The new leadership has turned a blind eye to Beast Core trafficking apparently."
The mission didn't seem that complicated until he researched the Dragon in his father's ancient book of Mythical Beasts. Apparently, this particular beast, The Zehran Water Dragon, has lived for a thousand years undisturbed under a waterfall because of its ferocious nature.
The Dragon's massive silver body can become fluid as water yet still breathe fire when disturbed. Its beast core is located in the middle of a hexagon between the formidable beast's red eyes according to a diagram in the book. The head is covered in scales that are virtually impenetrable unless you use a sword made of ancient backbones of Silver Snakes forged together.
There is only one such sword in existence and the rumor in the Sorcerer community says that this sword belongs to an arrogant Immortal. So most likely gaining that sword is out of the question. Zhang Yu was disheartened by this information but to ensure his family's survival he had no choice but to proceed.
He then attempted to create a similar armament using modern titanium which he placed in his Dimensional Space.
The only time this Mythological Beast is at all vulnerable according to the book is when mating. The Dragon was believed to be the only one of its kind until a female was discovered in another realm.
The strange bony man who had come with the job spent a great deal of money to have this female Dragon transported to this magical island. The mating season will begin in one month, so Zhang Yu expected to have more time to prepare.
The bottom line was Zhang Yu due to his family's circumstances could only do as they asked. At the time he was summoned, he wondered why the elders would have a third grade Sorcerer undertake the procuring of such a high level Beast Core. The reality, he could only assume is he was an expendable chess piece if he failed.
This information was all recounted to XiXi in hopes she would understand the dire situation they were in on the Island, therefore not do anything rash.She can be very hot headed and act impulsively.
Why did she get transported along with me? ..This is bad...very bad.
Now, not only did he need to venture into this dangerous situation unprepared but with his precious daughter at his side.
XiXi is not a person who can typically contain her emotions, but she respects her dad and grandfather so she tries to come to grips with the situation. Suppressing her anger makes her face turn cherry red and her eyes flash with indignation as she grabs Zhang Yu's long sleeve, "Dad, how are we going to get home?"
Seeing the distressed look in his daughter's eyes, he regrets not being forthcoming about their family's ancestry"Honey, I.."
Suddenly, Zhang Yu and XiXi hear a branch break nearby and they both instinctively turn towards the sound. A tall handsome man emerges from behind the rocks and saunters towards them, his long legs lazily stepping over some scattered debris.
He is wearing plain black robes and his long ink black hair is pulled up and tied up high on his head with a jade hairpin. An intricately carved silver mask covers half his face, which at the moment reflects the midday sun giving him an otherworldly look.
XiXi gazes at his appearance and gasps, she has only seen men like this in the ancient dramas she and her friends like to watch. He seems to have an aura surrounding him that you can't ignore.
Zhang Yu regains his composure first, looking at this man's attire, apparently we have crossed both time and space.This must be the magical Island where the Spirit Beasts live.
He tosses XiXi his cloak and tells her to put it on, men in these times he knows aren't ready for her short plaid skirt. She quickly covers herself then fumbles with the buttons, shyly looking up with a hint of blush on her cheeks.
XiXi rolls up the sleeves on the oversized cloak as she mutters under her breath. "So ugly!" A handsome man is in front of me who looks like a male god and am a mess! Really a bad day all around! Well, at least maybe he can be of some help.
She and her father both look directly at the man who stands silently watching them with an amused expression.
"Can you help us get our bearings? I am Zhang Yu and this is my daughter Zhang XiXi".
They both take a deep bow and look sincerely at Feng Tian. He stifles a laugh at the beautiful girl's petite body drowning in the cloak. I do miss the sight of the girl's long slender legs and her unusual revealing little outfit.
I must ask what foreign Kingdom they are from, the girl seems at ease wearing less clothes than the women in a brothel.
He snaps out of his trance then nonchalantly responds, "I also came into some misfortune and landed here. Maybe we can figure out the situation together."
XiXi rubs her forehead, well he is beyond handsome but what good does that do in this situation?.
If Feng Tian could read her thoughts he would spit up blood.
She glances over at her father and Feng Tian who are sizing each other up and wants to cry, two useless men and a quest that sounds terrifying.
Puffing out her cheeks, she rolls her eyes,"Sorry to interrupt the staring contest between you two but I think we should first find something to eat." XiXi winks at her Dad... "Zhang what do you have in that Dimensional Bag of yours?" Any snacks, a leg of lamb?
"I have some dried fruit and meat but maybe we can find some wild vegetables or animals while it is still light out."
XiXi looks over at the tall man in the silver mask and recovering her sense of humor teases, "Handsome, aren't you going jump in and say you will hunt something?"
When he doesn't immediately respond, XiXi rubs her small hands together. I'm a capable woman I will go and see what I can find. I was fairly good at Horticulture. She chuckles, not great like those women I read about who transmigrate and know every herb in the forest, but I'm adequate. I never picked anything poisonous on the field trip.
Ignoring Feng Tian, she shouts as she heads into the forest, "Zhang Yu, see if you can find some firewood" Someone needs to take charge and Dad looks he is still in shock. He seems to have his feet planted in concrete.
XiXi walks into the forest filled with confidence that she can find something edible. The trees don't appear to have any fruit but there are some vines with berries that look intriguing. XiXi smirks, I will give them to the stranger first, he looks like a good test subject.
Feng Tian languidly reclines on a branch watching her various expressions as she picks the berries.
This girl really is an open book all her emotions are clearly written on her face.I would bet all my peach blossom wine the little beauty will offer the berries to me first. I look forward to seeing what she does next..
He is enjoying watching XiXi's every move.Oh, she sees some mushrooms. He watches her bend over and pull them out after carefully examing them. Hmmm...surprising... for a delicate girl she doesn't mind getting her hands dirty.
Feng Tian Is about to jump down and startle her for fun when he sees a poisonous black and green spotted snake slithering through the underbrush. The snake hisses as it moves towards XiXi's bent over body.
He notices she is humming a strange tune and is unaware of the approaching danger.
Feng Tian grabs XiXi around her thin waist and spins her just as the snake bares its razor sharp fangs to strike. Using the internal energy gathered in his palm, he twists his hand towards the venomous creature, sending an invisible blade into the snake's throat severing its head.
Not realizing the dangerous situation of a moment ago, XiXi slaps his face and wiggles out of his arms. Her cheeks are crimson red as she sputters,"You..you lazy rogue! Stop messing around and help me find some food."
Feng Tian rubs his cheek and has a faint smile, I can't underestimate this girl she isn't swayed by my good looks at all. Or appreciative I saved her life...The venom of the Seven Layer Hru Snake paralyzes the limbs then stops the heart within minutes. Not giving its prey the ability to react.
He casually walks over and grabs the six foot long beast of a snake and says "Here's dinner" with a laugh. XiXi looks at the headless green and black snake and the hair stands up on her neck.
Feeling nauseous at the sight, XiXi waves her slender hand, "Just toss it away. I don't know how to cook snake. I will keep looking for some edibles here"
"That's fine, I will cook it for you, this type of snake makes delicious soup and I see you have some mushrooms and wild onions there"
"No, I wouldn't want to trouble you" Pfft!You aren't using my precious mushrooms in some nasty disgusting soup "It would be asking too much of a stranger to cook for us. I don't even know your name"
"..." I told you when we first met.
"Feng Tian"
She teases, "I'm sorry I couldn't hear you over the cicadas."
???? "FENG TIAN!"