Vera, Chang-yu, Chun, and Sword Dog walked through the crowded city streets. Vera held Chun over his shoulders. Chun's heavy, bloated stomach pressed against Vera's head.
Chun groaned as he rubbed his belly. "When will we get home?"
Vera looked up at Chun and laughed.
"I told you that fifth bowl wasn't a good idea," Vera said.
Chun tugged at Vera's head with a pout. "Shut up and take me home!"
Chang-yu chimed in from Vera's left. Her arm interlocked with Vera's, she pulled ahead. "Stop laughing and let's run home now. Chun looks like he is about to puke… All over your head."
Vera whistled, calling for Sword Dog's attention. "Do you want to fly, buddy?"
Sword Dog let out a barrage of barks; his tail wagged uncontrollably. Chang-yu stared at the two of them with confusion. Just then Vera's arm tightened around her.
"Hold tight."
Both Chun and Chang-yu yelped as they hurtled through the air. They levitated half a li over the city streets.
Chun gripped onto Vera's hair tightly as though it were a horse's reins. Chang-yu wrapped her arms around Vera's torso. "Why did you take off so suddenly?!"
But her question was only met with a laugh. "Because I didn't want puke on my hair."
Sword Dog pranced around in the air, waiting for Vera to start moving as well. He bit onto the edge of Vera's robe, pulling him towards the house.
Vera glanced at the frightened Chun and Chang-yu. A devious smirk emerged on his face.
"Buddy, race?"
The wagging of Sword Dog's tail caused the air to roar. His paws dug into the sky, coiling up for a swift dash.
Panicked yelps permeated the air as Vera and Sword Dog shot through the atmosphere. A thick barrier of qi coated Chang-yu and Chun, protecting them from the crushing pressure.
Their eyes shut, the two of them screamed as they clawed at Vera's skin.
To their surprise, the raging winds had already ceased. Chang-yu's eyelids opened slightly as she looked out.
Her arms stopped flailing at Vera.
"How did we reach it already?"
Another gust of wind blew from behind. Sword Dog rushed to Vera's side with a defeated expression on his face.
Vera leaned over and ruffled his fur, his brows furrowed.
"You've got a lot faster. At this rate, most One Law warriors won't be your opponent."
The two of them descended to the Second Home Inn's entrance. Vera put Chun back onto the ground and let go of Chang-yu.
"Chang-yu, can you take care of Chun for a bit? I have some business to attend to." He fished through his robe and pulled out the keys to his house, handing it over to Chang-yu.
From the corner of his sight, two men walked over.
Vera turned to face them and bowed his head.
"Branch master Aspartese and vice-master Tong Xuan, I hope you are doing well."
Aspartese and Tong Xuan nodded, accepting his greetings. Aspartese stepped forward and ruffled both Sword Dog and Chun's heads, his eyes not leaving Vera.
"I'm sorry about this sudden intrusion, but we need you to come with us."
Chang-yu and Vera knew better than to question the summons, especially in the presence of the vice-master.
Despite Tong Xuan's friendly nature, his presence at the moment was cold and restrained. Chang-yu gathered Chun and Sword Dog; after offering the vice-master her greetings, she retreated to Vera's house.
Tong Xuan turned away. His tone was curt and his words were short.
"Follow me."
As he flickered away into the sky, not even a speck of dust shifted. Without any questions, Vera, along with Aspartese, followed.
The three burst through the air, flying towards the Mian Mountain Range; Chang-yu, Sword Dog, and Chun watched as they flew away, only hoping for good things.
Within merely four heartbeats the three of them stood at the peak of the tallest mountain in the range.
Cold air whistled as it brushed against the mountains' jagged walls. The steep edges of the mountains were lined with trees that climbed upward at an awkward angle.
Tong Xuan, who reached the peak before the other two, picked at a small pouch. Aspartese and Vera stood in silence, waiting for Tong Xuan to speak first.
After a few seconds, Tong Xuan extended his arm outward with a token.
"Though unceremonious; in the place of the sect master, I appoint you as the third heir to the Blade Master sect."
Vera's gaze widened as he stared blankly. Tong Xuan stuffed the token into Vera's robe.
"If you have any questions, send them to me via a letter or Aspartese. You have all the rights of any other heir, but for now, do not reveal this to anyone."
Without offering any further explanation, Tong Xuan placed the pouch in his robe and turned to leave.
However, just as Tong Xuan was about to depart, Aspartese reached out to him, holding him back by his shoulder.
"Vice master, I understand the matter is still under wraps, but as someone who is going to be thrown into the very centre of it all… I think it would be best if you inform Vera."
Tong Xuan's gaze sharpened, but as the breath passed, he let out a tired sigh.
"Very well."
He cleared the pebbles of a nearby boulder and took a seat. His hands waved as he gestured for the two of them to take a seat.
Vera, still taken aback by Tong Xuan's sudden declaration, was forcibly seated by Aspartese.
"Vera, just listen for now. I'll give you the details when we get back to the branch."
Soon the glaze over Vera's eyes cleared; now that his senses had returned, he listened intently.
Tong Xuan pressed at his temples, massaging the fatigue away.
"The sect master planned to appoint you in person; however, an unforeseen event has taken place."
He pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pouch and handed it to Vera.
The paper rustled as Vera unfolded it. He scanned through its contents promptly. With no change in expression, he murmured under his breath.
"With the events discussed in the conference in consideration, the federation of great sects calls for a rapid bolstering of forces."
The paper had signatures of multiple unfamiliar names and an overly formal diction; this alone signalled the level of authority behind the decision.
Tong Xuan retrieved the sheet of paper from Vera. His restrained expression turned grim as time passed.
"An Immortal of the Yaoguai race took action within the Blade Master domain. Although it was only an isolated incident, the implication of an Immortal willing to take action in a human domain is grave."
He closed his eyes while he folded the paper back, sharpening each crease till it was a perfect square.
"The federation of sects investigated the matter to find that it wasn't a one-off aggression. The group involved with the beggar sect's recent aggressions has been very active across the lands. We believe, at this time, the Immortal's interference might be a sign that they are preparing for war."
Just then a dull buzzing sounded from Tong Xuan's robes. He reached into his robe and pulled out a jade tablet.
"I'm sorry, Aspartese. You will have to explain the rest to him. I'm being called back to the main branch."
A sharp snap followed, and wind trailed in Tong Xuan's path. The only proof he had been there was the vortex of bright blue air rushing towards the First Sector.
The sheer force of the movement shattered the boulder they sat on. Vera, now firmly planted on the ground, regained his blank stare. The near vacuum state of the air turned his breaths to gasps.
Aspartese also, seated on the ground, waited patiently for the atmosphere to equalise.
A few moments passed; the loud booming of the air receded back to its whistling.
He pulled out a flask of Baijiu from his rucksack, handing a cup to Vera. The wine frothed as Aspartese filled Vera's cup.
"Take a few sips and calm down."
Following Aspartese's suggestion, and going beyond, Vera took a deep swig, draining his cup in one go.
He extended his cup out to Aspartese.
"Another one please."
Aspartese gripped the neck of his flask, unwilling to part with his precious wine. But, considering the situation, he gave in.
Swig after swig and pour after pour, Vera finally regained his bearings. Aspartese, filled with sorrow, buried his empty flask.
Vera turned to face Aspartese. His hands tapped against his cheeks as he slapped himself into consciousness.
"Spare me the details for now. What do we need to do?"
Aspartese stood up and dusted his hands. Now that he had sent his wine to the afterlife, he was ready to explain.
"As you saw in the document, we are tasked with bolstering our forces. However, my background is a bit different, causing vice-master Tong Xuan to approach me personally."
He walked over to Vera and held his hand out, picking him up off the muddy ground.
"I come from a tribe far south west. Though we don't have many high-ranking cultivators, our ability to fight far outranks that of most classically trained martial artists."
The two walked over to the mountain's ledge. The air was tinged in the scent of copper that came from Tong Xuan's trail.
"My task is simple. I must head back to the descendants of the Oxus and bring back warriors. As for you…"
Vera noticed the change in Aspartese's expression. His gaze dropped to the floor, and his teeth were gritted. It was the same expression Aspartese had when he sent Vera out to vanquish the coalition camp.
"Old man, stop worrying and tell me. If war is to come, then your hesitance won't mean anything."
Although Vera's words were curt, they soothed Aspartese. His gritted teeth loosened as he looked at the silhouette of the Sixth Sector.
"I believe throwing you into war will only worsen your impulses. For that reason I want you to come with me. Though my people are simple by means, I believe that they can help you with controlling your impulses. And if they deem you worthy, you could obtain the Law of the Oxus people."
Vera laughed as he patted Aspartese's back. "Why were you hesitating to tell me this? When do we leave?"
Aspartese scratched his head, still unwilling to look at Vera.
"That's the thing. Even if we leave now, the trip will take at least a year."
Hearing this, Vera's laughter came to a sudden halt.
"One year…?"
"At least." Aspartese's grainy voice picked at Vera's ears.
One year…
One year away from Chun. One year away from Chang-yu.
His fists clenched at the hem of his robes. But…
If war is to come, that one year could be forever.
In all the lands security only came with strength. Having faced the cruelty of the Rakshasas firsthand, he knew.
To protect the year I've spent here, I must…
The wind's cold embrace caressed Vera's skin. He turned to face Aspartese with eyes filled with resolve.
"How long till we leave?"
***
A vast wall of trees a gentle flow on both sides. The Amu Darya river, which stretched into the horizon, reflected campfire lights.
Lands that were filled with the chirps of birds that the common man had never seen. Within a thatched hut, an elder sat with his eyes closed. His ears perked, listening for the birdsong that once graced the night.
But…
"The tune is chaotic."
The man's stomach caved into his ribs; his flesh lacked even the thinnest layer of fat. An appearance indistinguishable from that of a beggar's.
Yet, young men and women knelt in front of him, each bearing the energy of One Law masters and above.
They sat in complete silence as the elder listened to the low hum of the night sky. He pulled his thick braided white hair to the side while listening carefully. Thick patches of mud staunched gashes that lined his eyes and ears.
He raised his fingertips to the wounds on his ears and pressed at them. The patches of mud, concreted by his own blood, seeped into gashes. A thick paste, made of herbs, sealed his wounds in place of the dirt.
"The esoteric energies are agitated."
His voice, closer to a rasp, left the air quivering. Moonlight seeped through gaps in the thatched hut, revealing the grim expressions on the faces of the young men and women. Nonetheless, they stood in silence, unwilling to interrupt the wise man.
The elder's fingers traced his skin, reaching from his ears to his eyes. As the tip of his fingers pressed against the mud patch over his eyes, a dense energy filled the hut. Clouds that covered the sky dispersed.
Breaths that were stifled out of respect were now suffocated under pressure. All those who sat beside the elder knew what it was. Their bodies trembled as the force bathed their flesh. The pure power of Right.
The mud over the elder's eyes crumbled. As his eyelids fluttered open, a gruesome sight came to light.
A deep cut ran through each eyeball, severing the pupils cleanly.
What was supposed to be clear sclera grew into a stale yellow, crumpled at its edges. Dry as a twig in the desert, the elder's eyes opened for the first time in the last three years.
Qi seeped through his meridians, filling his eyes.
Vein by vein, layer by layer, the stale yellow glaze over his eyes returned to a pure white. The horizontal cut at its centre patched itself together. As the split in the eyes closed, pus that had built up over years burnt into ash and was expelled.
The dense veil of Right in the hut retreated to the elder.
Finally, the crushing energy dissipated; the young tribesfolk looked towards the elder. The emotion could only be described as elation.
A warm tingle ran through every joint in their bodies as they looked into the elder's eyes. The image reflected in his eyes was that of the night sky they had observed at birth.
Just then the sky in the elder's eyes shifted wildly. From the reflection of Polaris, Dubhe, and Merak to that of the seven sisters, the Pleiades.
The sight of the seven sisters rotated over the surface of his sclera. The seven sisters didn't rise in the east; rather, they were setting.
After nearly thirty such revolutions, the setting of the Pleiades came to a stop. Soon they began climbing to the horizon, rising from the east as they always did.
While time passed, the elder's expression grew solemn. His emaciated cheeks, which stuck to his bones, crinkled.
"Yaoguai. Why? Why must you push him to move again?"
Soon the starry night sky over his eyes disappeared. He let out a deep sigh and meditated for a few moments.
The creases over his skin smoothed following the passing of time. He opened his eyes and looked at the young men and women who knelt in front of him.
His lips slanted into a smile.
"You've all grown up. Three years can mean a lot to young ones."
The sharpened edge of his nails pressed against his sclera. He hesitated for a moment, taking one final glance at the future of his people.
A deep squelch permeated the room. His nails dug through his eyes, slashing them open. Regardless of the pain, the man's smile didn't dampen. He dipped his finger into a pot of ointment and rubbed it across his eyes.
A layer of mud held his eyelids shut.
Now that the ritual had come to its end, the foremost of the young warriors rose up. His head bowed to the elder, he asked, "Great elder, please impart your learnings to us."
Crackles of a laugh sounded at this question.
"Ardashir, is that you? You looked so different, I couldn't find you when my eyes were open." His calloused hands waved at the young warrior Ardashir, gesturing for him to come forth.
Ardashir walked forth and knelt beside the great elder, with his head bowed.
The elder's calloused palms caressed Ardashir's hair.
You've grown so much. I want to talk to you all, but…
The palpitations in the young man's chest permeated all the way till his skull. The elder let out a low sigh.
"The demons have descended again. Soon, the descendant of Oxyartes, your once dear friend, Aspartese will return. Along with the young ascender, he will lead us to meet the demons in the east."
The cold winds whistled as silence filled the hut. The warriors didn't fear demons; rather…
"After all these years? He will finally return?"
Raucous chatter filled the space. However, this came to a sudden halt. Ardashir extended his arm outward. His oppressive aura pressed on those who spoke out of turn.
The elder's hand slipped from Ardashir's head over to his shoulder.
"No need to be so harsh. This much is to be expected. However, it is best if you all leave now. I must complete the ritual."
Ardashir's eyes quivered. He pressed his head against the great elder's feet.
"I will follow your words then."
He walked over to the rest of the tribesfolk and led them out of the hut. His fingers peeked over the door. He looked at the elder hesitantly, only to be met with a gentle wave and farewell.
A soft thud sounded; the door had shut.
The great elder's fingertips pressed into his eardrums.
"Such a shame. If you had come earlier, I could've seen how you've grown as well, Aspartese."
Dull squelches filled the room. From the bursting of his eardrums to the wet splat of his tongue falling to the ground.
His head turned to the sky as he rubbed mud over his worldly senses.
So dark…