The bandits had been watching the battle from the start. Even they were stunned at the result. One of their three leaders was dead. Killed by a kid not even twelve years old. A level of panic had begun to circulate amongst their ranks after all one of their strongest fighters had been killed.
The bandit's Boss was also growing wary. He had not been averse to this possibility. Sickle was a loose cannon at best—one who enjoyed killing as a pastime. A number of their own had been his victims after all. This seemed like a good time to get rid of him. If he didn't die then he would be content with the kill.
Now things had gone the way he wanted. Yet not how he expected them to. He expected one of the other two to intervene. While they were saving the kid or killing Sickle. He could have joined the fight and injured them in their distraction. Yet now that the plan had come to naught.
Tang Yuan had beaten Sickle all by himself. Certainly, he was rather injured and exhausted. But it looks like he still has some fight in him. Meaning they lost one and only exhausted one of theirs. Not as if he had any intention of playing fair in this fight.
The boss had subtly been getting the men ready. When the time came they would unleash a full attack. It might very well be their only chance. Especially based on how strong the kid was. The other two are likely Soul Sects, and the oldest might be a Soul Sect. So they will throw everything at them at once and crush them.
Tang Yuan sighed as he breathed heavily. That fight had been tense and mentally exhausting. Yet he had won his first real battle, at least against another Soul Master. He moved over to the brothers slowly. When he was behind Tang Xiao he collapsed to the ground sitting down.
A hand hit his back fairly hard. Then a voice spoke out to him. "Good job little uncle. That was fairly good especially for your first battle." Tang Hao says to him as he pats Tang Yuan again.
Tang Xiao pats Tang Yuan's shoulder as well. "You did well in that fight. Though don't let it go too far to your head. Keep trying to grow stronger and improve. Now take the chance to rest we will handle things from here." Tang Xiao's strong voice resonates. His face showed a look of pride at his uncle's victory. Then it shifts back to seriousness.
The bandit's boss speaks out "So shall we continue a one-on-one match? Another of you against monkey here?" he tells them with a serious look on his face. His face did not show even a small sign of his evil intentions. Fully intending to take the first chance to commence an all-out attack.
Tang Xiao does not answer the words of the bandit. This served as a good opportunity to give his uncle experience. Yet the same could not be said for him and his brother. They would gain little from a battle with them. It would even be a waste of their time. Not that this bandit has any intention of playing fair in the first place.
Tang Xiao steps forward to take action. Seeing that Tang Hao moves forward. "Big Brother let me handle these miscreants. You don't need to do anything," he says wanting to crush them himself. It would also be a good chance to show off to the two. All while he could slaughter these bastards.
Tang Hao materialized his martial soul ready for battle. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, and Black five rings signifying him as a Soul King. He steps forward ready to act on his murderous desire.
The bandits all had a terrifying reaction to that fact. The guy was only in at most his twenties based on looks. The Boss of the bandits had a cold sweet on him. He had severely underestimated these guys. The kid being past level twenty was one thing. Now theirs a Soul King here who listens to another guy.
Tang Xiao placed an arm in front of Tang Hao stepping forward himself. "I shall handle this you stay here." his words brokered no argument. Tang Hao sighed, but acquiesced. Than Tang Xiao summoned his own martial soul. The Clear Sky Hammer appearing in his hand was practically identical to the one in his brother's. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, and Black six spirit rings appear around him.
"Sou…Soul Em…So-ul Empe…Soul Emperor!" came from the bandit boss's mouth as he saw the rings. This was even worse than he had thought a few moments ago. Fighting was pretty much impossible, and even surviving might be the same. "Everyone attack now. Use everything it's are only chance of living."
The Boss activates his martial soul as three rings White, Yellow, and Yellow appear. An invisible silhouette appears behind him. That of an ox strong and hardy. It fades as it seems to flow into the man's body. His body bulks up as his muscles bulge a great deal. He increased in height by nearly a foot of height.
Monkey heads his boss's will his own martial soul appearing. The ghostly form of a monkey is behind him. As it is absorbed into his body he changes. His body seems to hunch even further seeming to become smaller. His body becomes slightly hairier as well. White, Yellow rings appear around his body.
The various bandits tense up as well. They are completely afraid well aware that many of them are going to die. Yet if they surrender they will die anyway. Better to gamble on the small chance they have. Then run away when possible goes through many of their minds.
Tang Xiao hefts his hammer as his fifth ring lights up. Tang Yuan can't help but be surprised. Using the fifth ring right from the start. "Fifth Spirit Ability: Thunder Blast," he says as he strikes mid-air with his hammer. The hit cascades out from the strike in a visible manner. A sound like small thunder rings out. Then a blast moves outwards from the hammer a shockwave.
The bandits see his actions, but few are actually able to do anything. The two spirit masters manage to dive out of the way. Yet the shockwave arrives quickly and powerfully. Moving through the gathered bandits like an unstoppable force.
Several are hit by the attack directly. Those are pulverized directly by the force and are as good as dead. If they didn't die on impact. Others take major hits large portions of their bodies destroyed. Even those on the outer edge have body parts shattered by the glancing force. It was a devastating starting blow.
Honestly, as Tang Yuan looks at the bandits. They had started with about thirty normal warriors. Yet that single spirit ring skill had cut the number in half. Several had been killed outright, and the rest had been made powerless. Once more the after effects had severely disorganised the remaining ones. Those numbers were honestly their greatest advantage, and had already been hit.
Than Tang Xiao was suddenly on the move. He appeared next to the bandit's boss incredibly fast. His first spurt ring lit up "First Ability: Smash." he swung the hammer down to crush the man.
The bandit boss showed a shocked expression. His third spirit ring lit up. "Third Ability: Oxen Might" he says in desperation. His body bulks up even further than before. His muscles twitched and bulged in might. As if he had taken a steroid or something.
The hammer clashes with a fist bulging with muscle. A first spurt skill versus a third ring skill. The two clash for dominance against one another. Yet the hammer comes out on top with no question. As it does the fist is forced away violently. The hand of the bandit's boss comes to rest limply at his side. Broken by the clash of forces.
Tang Xiao roughly kicks the man away as he flies back. "Stay there why don't you. I will have questions for you when I'm done," he says his face a stern mask of ice. His tone brokering no further resistance. Then he turns his attention to the remaining bandits.
What happens next can only be described as a one-sided slaughter. He uses his hammer to crush each of the lesser bandits. Moving steadily towards the third spirit master. Each bandit is helpless before his hammer. Most fall dead with a single strike. Their remaining numbers are quickly whittled down.
Finally, he stands before the third spirit master. The bandits had been whittled down to fewer than five. Those had surrendered, and been spared the hammer. The monkey soul master is quivering in absolute terror. He has no hope of resisting. So he collapses to his knees bowing to show his surrender.
"Please honored one have mercy on me. I beg you don't kill me." The man's face is contorted from fear. He tries to make himself as small as physically possible. Completely and utterly frozen in terror.
Seeing that the rest of the bandits all follow his lead. The bandit's boss lifts his head from where he had been thrown. He had been watching the entire thing. Most of his men were dead, and the rest surrendered. Yet what could be done in response? His arm was broken, and even with it he could not win.
The Boss could only curse his own weakness. He remembered that guy and wondered where he was when needed. Not that he would make much of a difference in this fight. Wait if he told them about that guy, and his friends? Yes maybe they would let him live it was his only chance. "You bastards listen up," he shouts at them.
Hearing his words the three of them turn to look at him wondering what this is about. Seeing that the three of them had turned their attention to him. "I have information you guys might need. At least if you want to save that precious village." the boss said arrogantly sure that he had them now. He might actually walk away alive.
Tang Xiao hearing his words is drawn to the meaning. Was there some other danger to the village? Could he take the risk that the man was lying? "If your information is of enough value. Perhaps you will experience a stay of death. Instead merely life-long imprisonment."
Tang Hao spoke up "Why don't we just beat the information out of him? I'm sure he would give it to us with little hassle." his face was contorted with menace towards the man. His voice showed the threat of his words.
Tang Xiao spoke out "We could, but he might not tell us everything. Besides Tang Yuan is here as well." The last part was said with reproach. Tang Xiao returned his attention to the bandit's boss. "Now tell me what you know. Before I change my mind, or my brother grows impatient." his voice was warning and stern. His face did not show how far exactly he would go.
The Boss wanted to sigh in relief that he actually had a chance. "We were recruited by some guys to help them. Our group had already been here for several weeks. Then they appeared here at random. They…hack." he began to speak rapidly desperate to get it out. Then nearing the end he began to cough.
The man tried to continue speaking when he regained his breath. Yet "They, they…" every time he tried to continue he would start coughing. It was an obvious problem that he had. The man began to hold his throat in pain. He begins to hack as if he is going to throw up. His eyes begin to move frantically, as his body starts to twitch.
Tang Xiao watches the man wary of approaching him. Unsure of what was happening to him. It didn't seem to be a method of self-destruction. Rare as that would be for a lower-level soul master. Still, this was not normal.
The boss continued to spasm and thrash like he was suffering an attack. He continues to cough and cough. Then from his eyes and nose blood begins to seep out. Looking as if he is just getting worse and worse. He manages to get out two words "dam evil soul masters." then his body falls still.
He was dead there was little need to get close to confirm that. Though how he died was still in question. A question that they had no idea how to answer. Tang Xiao slowly approaches the dead man. He begins to examine him closely trying to discover the cause.
"Be careful big brother. We don't know what killed him" Tang Hao cautions his elder brother. Also caught off guard by their enemy's sudden death.
Tang Xiao finds that the man's external body is fine. At least minus the broken arm. So the cause was definitely internal, but he already guessed that. The best example he could find was poison or sickness perhaps. Yet for that to just suddenly happen.
Perhaps his final words had something to do with his death. It was a long shot though with no true physical evidence. Yet he had no frame of reference for an evil soul master. What made them evil soul masters in the first place? Are they self-styled villains or something? "Do either of you have any idea what he meant by evil soul masters?"
The question had been mainly directed towards Tang Yuan who was more studious. "I think so evil soul masters are those with martial souls geared towards an evil aspect. Such as those who cultivate or can cultivate with cruel methods. Including devouring others, manipulating the dead, or just slaughtering living beings." Tang Yuan informs Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao hearing that grew much more concerned. "I see that's not good. In fact that sounds similar to the Fallen ones." Tang Xiao's face was tight with concern. The Fallen were not people to be joked about.
Tang Hao spoke up now "No true Fallen has been noticed for centuries. At least not without Martial Soul Hall making a move. Either the prospective ones are killed outright, or taken into custody. It's been that way since the time of the Angel God." His voice is slightly unbelieving at the possibility.
Tang Xiao hums that in response. Though he does not say anything else in response. After all, there was no telling the current state of these Evil Soul Masters. Nor exactly how close they were to the fallen ones of the past. Little concrete knowledge was known about the fallen themselves. Also because of Spirit Hall, eliminating knowledge of them.
The three of them had left the cave behind on the way back to the village. Leaving the bodies behind them for now. Several prisoners were with them once again including Monkey. They had still not gotten His actual name.
They had also rummaged through the bandits' base. They had found quite a lot of wine that's for sure. As well as a fair amount of gold. Finally a few cultivation resources in the boss's room. Though not really of high quality or quantity. They had what they could carry back to the village.
They had also found in a separate section a large number of women. Most of whom came from the village. Each one had seen better days. The three of them kept a distance from them. Considering what they had likely been through it was better that way. They had left them in the cave for now as not all of them could move.
All in all their work had been done Tang Yuan thought. The bandits were all but annihilated already. Those who remained had been taken, prisoner. They had recovered much of what was taken from the village. Especially the safety of the woman taken from the village.
Tang Yuan now that the fighting had ended had been reflecting on his battle. He had done rather well. His enemy had more combat experience than him. Yet likely about the same combat experience as himself against fellow soul masters. Perhaps he had other experiences, but not many.
Their physical abilities were around the same. Though Tang Yuan felt that his natural abilities were higher. Then his spirit rings were simply better. He was also more willing to use alternative weapons. Plus a difference in martial soul quality. That allowed him to come out on top of the fight.
Still, he needed to continue improving his combat experience. That was still a major weakness of his. Another thing was to improve the use of his martial soul. Especially using the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer in combat. Using it was difficult in combat even at the best of times.
Tang Yuan cut off his thoughts as they entered the village. Walking along they find their way back to the village head house. Elder Li was standing outside the house. Sitting on the steps his eyes immediately lock onto them as they approach. He stands up from the steps with effort leaning on his cane.
"You have returned. Seeing you present along with your prisoners. Must mean you have succeeded in dealing with the bandits." Elder Li speaks with great joy in his voice. His face broke into a happy smile. Tears of joy were slowly running down his face.
Elder Li lost himself in the joyful thoughts. Then he brought himself to the present situation. Looking at his saviors he spoke "Please come inside." he began to walk to the door. He opens the door of his home to them.
The three of them accept his hospitality. They find a number of seats inside the home. Each one takes their own choice of seat. They left most of the prisoners outside. Except for the one called Monkey whom they keep close. As the only spirit master of the bandits left he was dangerous. He was tied up completely and also gagged.
"Greetings elder. It is as you say we were successful in our endeavor. The bandits will trouble you no more." Tang Xiao tells the elder with an assuring tone. Then he continues to speak "We also located the woman taken from the village. We left them back at the cave. After what they had been through I felt it best not to appear too much."
The elder sighs softly at the thought. "Yes, that may have been for the best. I can only imagine what they may have faced." his voice is filled with a deep sadness at the possibilities. Yet he does not allow himself to dwell on them. "Perhaps we could send their family to bring them back," he says though not at anyone, but himself.
Tang Yuan speaks up here. "It might be best to have a woman if possible help them. Having them be around men might cause them anxiety," he says to the elder informatively.
Elder Li hears his words with a keen ear. While the advice might be from a child it had sense to it. There was a lot of sense to it in fact. Though he felt that their family would still be the best choice. Not only for them, but their family as well.
The Elder sends one of the people nearby to give those orders to the villagers. Best to begin helping them as quickly as possible. The woman had suffered long enough under the bandits. The time had come to bring them hope.
Elder Li turns to the three Soul Masters before him. He could not be rude to their savior. "We lack much to give you. The bandits have taken quite a bit of what we did have." Left unsaid was the certainty of their taking from the bandits all they had. It would certainly not be right or smart to ask about it.
Perhaps sensing the hesitation of the man. Tang Xiao chose that time to address the matter of payment. Rather the division of spoils. "We have no true need for the food and wine. Rather there was quite a large amount of it. So we simply brought it back here. You can take all of it back." he tells the elder his face neutral.
The elder is shocked by Tang Xiaos' words. The village had been suffering since having to give away the food. The bandits just demanded so much food from them. Having to provide for 40 extra people was no joke. Especially when those people wasted a lot of food, or constantly feasted.
No one in the village was really starving. Yet things had been tight for a while. Especially with the need to sell excess crops for coin. Then give that coin to the bandits. Even still many of their people had been bullied into submission. Making it much harder for people to work the fields.
One of the villagers walks into the room. He set three cups for each of them. Filling them with wine from a pot. He does the same for the village elder. Tang Yuan drinks a bit of the wine. It was pretty good, but it was also rather strong stuff. A type of fruit and herb wine if he's not mistaken.
It was a nice drink in this atmosphere of the area. The room they were in was a nice small place. It felt lived in a homely way that brought comfort. The room was lit with an array of candles. They filled the room with a relaxing comfortable scent. Pairing nicely with the taste and fragrance of the wine.
While Tang Yuan had been entranced with enjoying the atmosphere of the room. The discussion had continued apace. The Elder was looking at Tang Xiao with gratitude and reverence. No doubt about them returning a lot of what the bandits had taken.
Tang Yuan's eyes caught the man who had poured the wine. He was a relatively young man, late teens. In terms of appearance, he was fairly average. Brown hair, and eyes with an average face. The type of guy you might not look at a second time in a crowd. Tang Yuan found himself curious about him for some reason.
That was when food was brought into the room. Fresh bread, grilled fish, and rice were brought out to eat. The smells of the delicious food hit his nose. Tang Yuan could not help it as his stomach growled. He was certainly looking forward to filling his stomach.
He drank another sip of his wine finding it had been filled back up. He wondered when that had happened. Perhaps he had been too distracted by the food. He had not been paying attention to his surroundings. That fact grabbed his attention for just a moment. Then he dismissed it in favor of digging into the food.
Tang Yuan steadily began to consume the food. The fish was very well-cooked and paired well with the rice. The bread was so fresh and well-made. Tang Yuan was really enjoying the food as he did his eyes strayed.
The wine pourer was walking around refilling cups. He was always trying to keep them filled to the brim. As if afraid he would get into trouble if they weren't filled. He was very good at being unobtrusive to the drinkers. He just exuded an aura that made him overlooked.
Tang Yuan was curious about him. So the next time he came around he talked to him. "Hello, what's your name?" The question was asked out of idle curiosity.
The average-looking man for the first time seemed startled. Maybe he did not figure anyone would talk to him. Still, he calmed himself quickly. "Greetings honored Spirit Master my name is Tao. Apologies I must keep working." the man said a bit fast. His face showed a bit of nervousness. Then he walked away with more impatience in his steps.
Tang Hao had eaten quite a lot of the food. He was drinking with gusto as well. More wine was poured for Tang Hao by Tao as needed. Looking into his own cup it was actually getting emptied. The man named Tao has been avoiding him for a while now. He seemed a bit nervous it was strange.
Tang Yuan returned to the food and drink for a time. Finishing the food slowly content to just relax. It was such a nice atmosphere after that tense battle. At least it should have been. Yet there was something a nigiling in the back of his mind. It was like he forgot something, or that something was off.
Then he tries to focus on that fact. Trying to make himself remember what he had forgotten. Perhaps what was off? What was going on? His mind was so hazy. He yawned deeply, was he this tired when they first got here? Maybe it was the wine and food. A full belly could certainly lull one to sleep.
Tang Yuan turned his gaze to Tao once more. His gaze kept moving to him for some reason. Yet he also found it hard to focus on him. He found that his gaze would just move away from him. Why was it so hard to keep his gaze on him? Tang Yuan tried to really think about that.
Tang Yuan found that on top of the haziness of his mind. His mind's haziness made it difficult to focus. The alcohol had gotten to him was his first thought. Yet had he really drunk so much? Enough to put him into this state of being. He didn't think that he had drunk so much.
Tang Yuan struggles to keep his eyes open properly. The exhaustion of the day was quickly catching up to him. As the haze of sleep threatens to consume him. Tang Yuan takes something from his storage belt. Slipping them into his mouth idly. Maybe they would help him with this. They are quickly chewed up and dissolved in his mouth.
Yet even then he finally succumbs to slumber. The pills would take a measure of time to work. Yet they would certainly help with the alcohol, and perhaps poison. If there is indeed poison in his body. Tang Yuan thinks as his mind begins to wander in dreams.
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao take another hour and two hours. Yet they too fall asleep from the food and wine. The village elder had succumbed at the same time as them. Tao breathes a sigh of relief as the four of them fall asleep. "Finally they fell asleep."
Something changes about the man named Tao. Spirit Rings appear around his body, and not in a normal manner. Rather than appearing at his head or feet. The rings just suddenly appear all at once into existence. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, and Black five spirits rings identifying him as a Soul King.
Tao's second and fourth rings were glowing showing their activation. The second ring deactivates just as the spirit rings come into full view. He no longer needs to hide his spirit rings after all. Still keeping his presence less noticeable is smart. "It will make the next steps much easier, and safer."
Tao looks to the three sleeping individuals. The question now is which of the three should he start with. The oldest should know the most, but will also have the best defenses. The youngest should have the weakest. Yet would also know the least. Plus he was the only one to partially see through his fourth ring's ability.
Thinking about that Tao grows more curious. "Yes, this brat could actually resist my Fourth Skill: Perception. Even these two weren't able to do that. How interesting I wonder what's special about this brat." thinking that he stepped forward. His fifth spirit ring began to glow as he did. "Fifth Spirit Skill: Invasion." he holds his fingers at Tang Yuan's head as they glow softly.