Chapter 368
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Chapter 368
Faced with the Crones crushing Aura of berserk hatred and savage fury, Du Min Gyus defences crumbled apart without a hint of resistance. Hammering home before he even registered her screams, her Demonic Aura rendered him unable to breathe much less keep himself afloat, and he plummeted from the skies like a bird struck in mid-flight. Crashing to his knees, his bones cracked and organs shifted from the impact, but he barely noticed the pain as horror surged through every fibre of his being, overwhelming even the terror inspired by the Defiled Ancestral Beast. He could not go back to being a cripple, not when hed been so close to reclaiming all hed lost after so many years of hardship and suffering. Better to die here and now as a warrior, and it was this thought which allowed him to throw off the shackles of fear and regain his senses as his Aura rose to fend hers off.
All in all, it was a delay measured in fractions of a second, but this infinitesimal setback cost him dearly as Du Min Gyu missed out on the Heaven Sent opportunity to kill a defenceless Defiled Ancestral Beast.
Coming to her feet, the Crone croaked, That. Hurt. Those two simple words cost her more effort than shed spent all battle, which proved Joranis mysterious Runic Device more powerful than the combined attacks of two Peak Experts. Another pleasant surprise from the self-professed street rat from Sanshu, but Min Gyu had no time to speculate where hed stolen such a Device from or if he had more hidden in his sleeves. Even if he did, Jorani clearly lacked the Chi to use another, his Core drained dry just to power the first, and with his broken legs and shattered hips, Min Gyu was in no shape to head over and take one from him.
Thankfully, immobility was but a minor hindrance to the Sanguine Tempest.
The Crone barely finished speaking when his first Wind Blade smashed into her neck, aiming to take her head during a moment of distraction. Lurching aside at the impact, the Crones defences kept her skin intact, her body encased in a layer of hardened Earth-Chi as she staggered away. A shame, but a Wind Chakram required precious seconds to form and time was what he lacked the most of, for he had to act quickly to support his ally, already in position behind the Crone and ready to attack. The Crones Aura had stopped Min Gyu for all of a heartbeat, but the southerner moved so quickly, it seemed like he hadnt been affected at all.
Small wonder he recovered from having his Spiritual Weapon destroyed, Broken Blade Pichai was a man possessed of unwavering courage and indefatigable tenacity.
Feet planted and weapon ready, the southerner swung his gargantuan scimitar and caught the Crone mid-stride. Visually, it looked no different from his other strikes, a fundamental horizontal slash derived from Tiger Form Swiping the Rushes. Derived might even be too strong a word, for the attack was identical to the Movement in every way, but Min Gyu had never seen it executed with such flawless control and precision. The attack started at Broken Blade Pichais toes which gripped the ground and started a chain of reactions flowing up his body. His heels lifted, ankles turned, calves flexed, and knees bent, a series of small, almost imperceptible motions which seamlessly merged like drops of water inside a surging river as he eked out every scrap of power his body could provide and directed it into his attack. The raging torrent grew as it travelled up his spine, through his shoulders and out his arms, gaining strength from thousands of sources which resulted in an attack Min Gyu could only describe as the pinnacle of Martial Mastery.
One Slash to Reap the World. One Slash to Rout the Heavens.
Blood spurted as the scimitar bit deep into the Crones upraised forearm, the first wound shed taken throughout their entire exchange. Embedded in muscle and bone, the Crone screeched in agony as she ripped the weapon from the southerners grasp and shoved him away with an open palm, his shimmering, multicoloured breastplate crumpling like paper beneath the blow.
Unsure if his ally still drew breath, Min Gyu thanked him for the precious few heartbeats his efforts had bought them, for the Sanguine Tempest had not sat idle while admiring the Broken Blades strength. Holding his battle fan with one hand, Min Gyu steadied himself with the other, raising his upper body with sheer bull-headed obstinance and little else. Flowing from his core and into his spinning fan, his Chi coursed out into the world and resisted the compulsion to return to the Heavens in order to do his bidding. Rotating air grew into a Howling Gale as the world bent to his iron will, forming no mere disc of cutting wind but an entire twisting tornado centred about his fan. With a wave of his arm and a monumental effort of will, Min Gyu directed his attack at the Defiled Ancestral Beast. The sharpened point drove home and struck her from the side, slamming her into the ground with a spray of blood. The cacophony of whipping wind drowned out her screams and a cloud of dust obscured his vision, leaving everyone in suspense as to the ultimate fate of their fearsome foe.
Collapsing to the cobblestones, Min Gyu pressed his cheek to the cold floor and prayed their efforts would bear fruit. After their last strikes, he had nothing left to give, barely able to cut the flow of blood to his lower half and keep himself from bleeding out, while Broken Blade Pichai had yet to stir after taking a blow to the chest. Head light and vision fading, he forced his eyes open and focused on the spot where hed seen the Crone fall, watching for signs of life or movement from within the settling cloud. His blood pounded in his temples as he watched and waited, counting the heartbeats to calm his nerves and keep himself awake.
One. His breath caught in his throat at a glimpse of movement, but it was merely the fluttering of a stray piece of cloth.
...
Two. Still no movement to be seen and his eyelids grew heavy, the darkness threatening to close in around him.
...
Three. The stillness between each beat felt like an eternity, but the heady rush told him there was still life in him yet. Most of his lower body would have to be regrown, but he was no stranger to the process, and this time he was mere hours away from the greatest gathering of Martial Experts the Empire had ever seen.
...
Four. Surely there would be plenty of competent Healers there, enough to pick from so he wouldnt have to go begging Medical Saint Taduk for yet another favour. Though the Bekhai had yet to call in his chit, Min Gyu was not a man accustomed to being indebted to others. Taking on a second debt without settling the first would be too shameful to bear, for he would be so deeply in their pockets he might as well call himself a Bekhai lackey.
...
I disagree. Leaning on a staff for support, an ancient, matronly woman strode out from the crowd of silent Death Corps soldiers. Though she seemed frail and wore her robes in haphazard disarray, Min Gyu was still awestruck by her stately beauty, her exquisite features refined by the touch of time, rather than diminished by it. With a strong jawline and chiselled features, she lacked the soft curves of a traditional beauty, but was no less attractive for the loss, possessing flowing, silken locks of dazzling white hair which hung freely down her back, and flawless jade skin which shone in the starlight. Who she was or why she was here, Min Gyu couldnt say, or at least, not until she walked by and he saw the white-furred tail dangling beneath the hem of her robes. A half-fox companion perhaps, here to lend aid to their cause. Heaven knows Gam knew enough of them, currently teaching the fifth of his lazily named half-fox disciples.
Wait... Was there a Gam One or did the Eccentric consider himself the first and name his Disciples starting with Gam Two?
The blood loss was making him daft. Min Gyu had to warn the beauty to flee, but the words froze in his throat once he saw Gams expression. Despite staying strong through the Crones beating and torture, Gam now looked like he was on the verge of crying, his lips quivering and eyes brimming with tears. Mama, he said, slumping down in relief. You came to save me.
... Mama?
It couldnt be...
Frowning as she glanced over her sons injuries, Gams mother replied, A coincidence perhaps, or a twist of fate. Little Fives contest brought us nearby when I noticed all the commotion and ran ahead for a peek. A good thing too, you got yourself into a real mess now, didnt you? Look at your face, so mangled and ugly. You really so eager to die? Behaving like a chastised child, Gam opened his mouth to refute, but his mother would have none of it. Hush now, Mama has business to attend to. Studying the Crone as one would study a filthy beggar in ones path, she wrinkled her nose and shook her head. There are many limitations to half-beast progeny, but we can debate the benefits and drawbacks at some other time. First Id like to ask you one thing. Straightening up, she slammed her staff against the ground and a ripple of dirt carried Gam away to safety behind her. Who the fuck do you think you are, bullying my boy like this?
Growling in a beast-like manner, the Crone scrambled away from Gams mother and stood ready to defend herself. He killed my children, she hissed, her voice nearly a plaintive whine. He deserves death a thousand times over.
These things? The earth rumbled and spit out five Demon corpses, each one a mole-like abomination. He was right to kill them, ugly, disgusting creatures whose corpses taint the earth. If you dont want to end up dead like them, then fuck off before I shove this staff up your ass and fly your corpse like a banner."
It was easy to see where Gam learned his manners from. A shame such a lovely beauty was ruined by her crass demeanour, but if Yan were here, shed likely be beside herself with laughter.
Unmoved, the Crone bared her teeth. You think I fear a dying old woman? Perhaps Ill cripple you and feast on your corpse while your boy watches. A fitting punishment for his crimes.
Snorting in disbelief, Gams mother shook her head. My boy and his cronies must have knocked something loose in your head if you think youre my match. Smiling radiantly, Gams mother crooked her finger and added, But please, make a move. My boy tells me you havent broken the Treaty, so I cant kill you yet, not with so many witnesses around.
I wont tell. A deep, baritone voice echoed out from outside of Min Gyus vision, and he was unable to muster the strength to look around. Im bored of looking after brats all day and its been ages since I seen a good fight.
You woke me for this? A second voice spoke up, irritable and cranky. Kill the hag and be done with it. Im going back to sleep.
I suggest we take her alive, came a third voice, and this one sounded familiar, but Min Gyu couldnt place it. A simple enough task with so many of us here. Im curious what her goals are and a few days under my knife might loosen her tongue.
We cannot. From the lyrical lilt of his accent, Min Gyu identified the fourth speaker as a Southerner, though he still couldnt see anyone. The Treaty must be upheld lest chaos and destruction ensue.
Enough yammering. Gams mother put an end to the debate. Shes already gone. Any of you want to chase her thats your business, but me, Ive got a boy to tend to.
Thank the Heavens. Though unsure why so many Ancestral Beasts were present, this was a matter to puzzle out later. The danger was finally over and Min Gyu allowed himself to relax. Right before he closed his eyes, he caught a glimpse of Gams mother, or rather, her shapely posterior as she squatted down to treat her boy. Struggling to remain conscious for a few moments longer, he burned the sight into memory before peaceful oblivion came to claim him.
How disgraceful, the Sanguine Tempest Du Min Gyu behaving like a lusty teenaged boy.
But such a lovely posterior, how could anyone resist?
Chapter Meme
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Chapter 368
Faced with the Crones crushing Aura of berserk hatred and savage fury, Du Min Gyus defences crumbled apart without a hint of resistance. Hammering home before he even registered her screams, her Demonic Aura rendered him unable to breathe much less keep himself afloat, and he plummeted from the skies like a bird struck in mid-flight. Crashing to his knees, his bones cracked and organs shifted from the impact, but he barely noticed the pain as horror surged through every fibre of his being, overwhelming even the terror inspired by the Defiled Ancestral Beast. He could not go back to being a cripple, not when hed been so close to reclaiming all hed lost after so many years of hardship and suffering. Better to die here and now as a warrior, and it was this thought which allowed him to throw off the shackles of fear and regain his senses as his Aura rose to fend hers off.
All in all, it was a delay measured in fractions of a second, but this infinitesimal setback cost him dearly as Du Min Gyu missed out on the Heaven Sent opportunity to kill a defenceless Defiled Ancestral Beast.
Coming to her feet, the Crone croaked, That. Hurt. Those two simple words cost her more effort than shed spent all battle, which proved Joranis mysterious Runic Device more powerful than the combined attacks of two Peak Experts. Another pleasant surprise from the self-professed street rat from Sanshu, but Min Gyu had no time to speculate where hed stolen such a Device from or if he had more hidden in his sleeves. Even if he did, Jorani clearly lacked the Chi to use another, his Core drained dry just to power the first, and with his broken legs and shattered hips, Min Gyu was in no shape to head over and take one from him.
Thankfully, immobility was but a minor hindrance to the Sanguine Tempest.
The Crone barely finished speaking when his first Wind Blade smashed into her neck, aiming to take her head during a moment of distraction. Lurching aside at the impact, the Crones defences kept her skin intact, her body encased in a layer of hardened Earth-Chi as she staggered away. A shame, but a Wind Chakram required precious seconds to form and time was what he lacked the most of, for he had to act quickly to support his ally, already in position behind the Crone and ready to attack. The Crones Aura had stopped Min Gyu for all of a heartbeat, but the southerner moved so quickly, it seemed like he hadnt been affected at all.
Small wonder he recovered from having his Spiritual Weapon destroyed, Broken Blade Pichai was a man possessed of unwavering courage and indefatigable tenacity.
Feet planted and weapon ready, the southerner swung his gargantuan scimitar and caught the Crone mid-stride. Visually, it looked no different from his other strikes, a fundamental horizontal slash derived from Tiger Form Swiping the Rushes. Derived might even be too strong a word, for the attack was identical to the Movement in every way, but Min Gyu had never seen it executed with such flawless control and precision. The attack started at Broken Blade Pichais toes which gripped the ground and started a chain of reactions flowing up his body. His heels lifted, ankles turned, calves flexed, and knees bent, a series of small, almost imperceptible motions which seamlessly merged like drops of water inside a surging river as he eked out every scrap of power his body could provide and directed it into his attack. The raging torrent grew as it travelled up his spine, through his shoulders and out his arms, gaining strength from thousands of sources which resulted in an attack Min Gyu could only describe as the pinnacle of Martial Mastery.
One Slash to Reap the World. One Slash to Rout the Heavens.
Blood spurted as the scimitar bit deep into the Crones upraised forearm, the first wound shed taken throughout their entire exchange. Embedded in muscle and bone, the Crone screeched in agony as she ripped the weapon from the southerners grasp and shoved him away with an open palm, his shimmering, multicoloured breastplate crumpling like paper beneath the blow.
Unsure if his ally still drew breath, Min Gyu thanked him for the precious few heartbeats his efforts had bought them, for the Sanguine Tempest had not sat idle while admiring the Broken Blades strength. Holding his battle fan with one hand, Min Gyu steadied himself with the other, raising his upper body with sheer bull-headed obstinance and little else. Flowing from his core and into his spinning fan, his Chi coursed out into the world and resisted the compulsion to return to the Heavens in order to do his bidding. Rotating air grew into a Howling Gale as the world bent to his iron will, forming no mere disc of cutting wind but an entire twisting tornado centred about his fan. With a wave of his arm and a monumental effort of will, Min Gyu directed his attack at the Defiled Ancestral Beast. The sharpened point drove home and struck her from the side, slamming her into the ground with a spray of blood. The cacophony of whipping wind drowned out her screams and a cloud of dust obscured his vision, leaving everyone in suspense as to the ultimate fate of their fearsome foe.
Collapsing to the cobblestones, Min Gyu pressed his cheek to the cold floor and prayed their efforts would bear fruit. After their last strikes, he had nothing left to give, barely able to cut the flow of blood to his lower half and keep himself from bleeding out, while Broken Blade Pichai had yet to stir after taking a blow to the chest. Head light and vision fading, he forced his eyes open and focused on the spot where hed seen the Crone fall, watching for signs of life or movement from within the settling cloud. His blood pounded in his temples as he watched and waited, counting the heartbeats to calm his nerves and keep himself awake.
One. His breath caught in his throat at a glimpse of movement, but it was merely the fluttering of a stray piece of cloth.
...
Two. Still no movement to be seen and his eyelids grew heavy, the darkness threatening to close in around him.
...
Three. The stillness between each beat felt like an eternity, but the heady rush told him there was still life in him yet. Most of his lower body would have to be regrown, but he was no stranger to the process, and this time he was mere hours away from the greatest gathering of Martial Experts the Empire had ever seen.
...
Four. Surely there would be plenty of competent Healers there, enough to pick from so he wouldnt have to go begging Medical Saint Taduk for yet another favour. Though the Bekhai had yet to call in his chit, Min Gyu was not a man accustomed to being indebted to others. Taking on a second debt without settling the first would be too shameful to bear, for he would be so deeply in their pockets he might as well call himself a Bekhai lackey.
...
I disagree. Leaning on a staff for support, an ancient, matronly woman strode out from the crowd of silent Death Corps soldiers. Though she seemed frail and wore her robes in haphazard disarray, Min Gyu was still awestruck by her stately beauty, her exquisite features refined by the touch of time, rather than diminished by it. With a strong jawline and chiselled features, she lacked the soft curves of a traditional beauty, but was no less attractive for the loss, possessing flowing, silken locks of dazzling white hair which hung freely down her back, and flawless jade skin which shone in the starlight. Who she was or why she was here, Min Gyu couldnt say, or at least, not until she walked by and he saw the white-furred tail dangling beneath the hem of her robes. A half-fox companion perhaps, here to lend aid to their cause. Heaven knows Gam knew enough of them, currently teaching the fifth of his lazily named half-fox disciples.
Wait... Was there a Gam One or did the Eccentric consider himself the first and name his Disciples starting with Gam Two?
The blood loss was making him daft. Min Gyu had to warn the beauty to flee, but the words froze in his throat once he saw Gams expression. Despite staying strong through the Crones beating and torture, Gam now looked like he was on the verge of crying, his lips quivering and eyes brimming with tears. Mama, he said, slumping down in relief. You came to save me.
... Mama?
It couldnt be...
Frowning as she glanced over her sons injuries, Gams mother replied, A coincidence perhaps, or a twist of fate. Little Fives contest brought us nearby when I noticed all the commotion and ran ahead for a peek. A good thing too, you got yourself into a real mess now, didnt you? Look at your face, so mangled and ugly. You really so eager to die? Behaving like a chastised child, Gam opened his mouth to refute, but his mother would have none of it. Hush now, Mama has business to attend to. Studying the Crone as one would study a filthy beggar in ones path, she wrinkled her nose and shook her head. There are many limitations to half-beast progeny, but we can debate the benefits and drawbacks at some other time. First Id like to ask you one thing. Straightening up, she slammed her staff against the ground and a ripple of dirt carried Gam away to safety behind her. Who the fuck do you think you are, bullying my boy like this?
Growling in a beast-like manner, the Crone scrambled away from Gams mother and stood ready to defend herself. He killed my children, she hissed, her voice nearly a plaintive whine. He deserves death a thousand times over.
These things? The earth rumbled and spit out five Demon corpses, each one a mole-like abomination. He was right to kill them, ugly, disgusting creatures whose corpses taint the earth. If you dont want to end up dead like them, then fuck off before I shove this staff up your ass and fly your corpse like a banner."
It was easy to see where Gam learned his manners from. A shame such a lovely beauty was ruined by her crass demeanour, but if Yan were here, shed likely be beside herself with laughter.
Unmoved, the Crone bared her teeth. You think I fear a dying old woman? Perhaps Ill cripple you and feast on your corpse while your boy watches. A fitting punishment for his crimes.
Snorting in disbelief, Gams mother shook her head. My boy and his cronies must have knocked something loose in your head if you think youre my match. Smiling radiantly, Gams mother crooked her finger and added, But please, make a move. My boy tells me you havent broken the Treaty, so I cant kill you yet, not with so many witnesses around.
I wont tell. A deep, baritone voice echoed out from outside of Min Gyus vision, and he was unable to muster the strength to look around. Im bored of looking after brats all day and its been ages since I seen a good fight.
You woke me for this? A second voice spoke up, irritable and cranky. Kill the hag and be done with it. Im going back to sleep.
I suggest we take her alive, came a third voice, and this one sounded familiar, but Min Gyu couldnt place it. A simple enough task with so many of us here. Im curious what her goals are and a few days under my knife might loosen her tongue.
We cannot. From the lyrical lilt of his accent, Min Gyu identified the fourth speaker as a Southerner, though he still couldnt see anyone. The Treaty must be upheld lest chaos and destruction ensue.
Enough yammering. Gams mother put an end to the debate. Shes already gone. Any of you want to chase her thats your business, but me, Ive got a boy to tend to.
Thank the Heavens. Though unsure why so many Ancestral Beasts were present, this was a matter to puzzle out later. The danger was finally over and Min Gyu allowed himself to relax. Right before he closed his eyes, he caught a glimpse of Gams mother, or rather, her shapely posterior as she squatted down to treat her boy. Struggling to remain conscious for a few moments longer, he burned the sight into memory before peaceful oblivion came to claim him.
How disgraceful, the Sanguine Tempest Du Min Gyu behaving like a lusty teenaged boy.
But such a lovely posterior, how could anyone resist?
Chapter Meme
Chapter 368Faced with the Crones crushing Aura of berserk hatred and savage fury, Du Min Gyus defences crumbled apart without a hint of resistance. Hammering home before he even registered her screams, her Demonic Aura rendered him unable to breathe much less keep himself afloat, and he plummeted from the skies like a bird struck in mid-flight. Crashing to his knees, his bones cracked and organs shifted from the impact, but he barely noticed the pain as horror surged through every fibre of his being, overwhelming even the terror inspired by the Defiled Ancestral Beast. He could not go back to being a cripple, not when hed been so close to reclaiming all hed lost after so many years of hardship and suffering. Better to die here and now as a warrior, and it was this thought which allowed him to throw off the shackles of fear and regain his senses as his Aura rose to fend hers off.All in all, it was a delay measured in fractions of a second, but this infinitesimal setback cost him dearly as Du Min Gyu missed out on the Heaven Sent opportunity to kill a defenceless Defiled Ancestral Beast.Coming to her feet, the Crone croaked, That. Hurt. Those two simple words cost her more effort than shed spent all battle, which proved Joranis mysterious Runic Device more powerful than the combined attacks of two Peak Experts. Another pleasant surprise from the self-professed street rat from Sanshu, but Min Gyu had no time to speculate where hed stolen such a Device from or if he had more hidden in his sleeves. Even if he did, Jorani clearly lacked the Chi to use another, his Core drained dry just to power the first, and with his broken legs and shattered hips, Min Gyu was in no shape to head over and take one from him.Thankfully, immobility was but a minor hindrance to the Sanguine Tempest.The Crone barely finished speaking when his first Wind Blade smashed into her neck, aiming to take her head during a moment of distraction. Lurching aside at the impact, the Crones defences kept her skin intact, her body encased in a layer of hardened Earth-Chi as she staggered away. A shame, but a Wind Chakram required precious seconds to form and time was what he lacked the most of, for he had to act quickly to support his ally, already in position behind the Crone and ready to attack. The Crones Aura had stopped Min Gyu for all of a heartbeat, but the southerner moved so quickly, it seemed like he hadnt been affected at all.Small wonder he recovered from having his Spiritual Weapon destroyed, Broken Blade Pichai was a man possessed of unwavering courage and indefatigable tenacity.Feet planted and weapon ready, the southerner swung his gargantuan scimitar and caught the Crone mid-stride. Visually, it looked no different from his other strikes, a fundamental horizontal slash derived from Tiger Form Swiping the Rushes. Derived might even be too strong a word, for the attack was identical to the Movement in every way, but Min Gyu had never seen it executed with such flawless control and precision. The attack started at Broken Blade Pichais toes which gripped the ground and started a chain of reactions flowing up his body. His heels lifted, ankles turned, calves flexed, and knees bent, a series of small, almost imperceptible motions which seamlessly merged like drops of water inside a surging river as he eked out every scrap of power his body could provide and directed it into his attack. The raging torrent grew as it travelled up his spine, through his shoulders and out his arms, gaining strength from thousands of sources which resulted in an attack Min Gyu could only describe as the pinnacle of Martial Mastery.One Slash to Reap the World. One Slash to Rout the Heavens.Blood spurted as the scimitar bit deep into the Crones upraised forearm, the first wound shed taken throughout their entire exchange. Embedded in muscle and bone, the Crone screeched in agony as she ripped the weapon from the southerners grasp and shoved him away with an open palm, his shimmering, multicoloured breastplate crumpling like paper beneath the blow.Unsure if his ally still drew breath, Min Gyu thanked him for the precious few heartbeats his efforts had bought them, for the Sanguine Tempest had not sat idle while admiring the Broken Blades strength. Holding his battle fan with one hand, Min Gyu steadied himself with the other, raising his upper body with sheer bull-headed obstinance and little else. Flowing from his core and into his spinning fan, his Chi coursed out into the world and resisted the compulsion to return to the Heavens in order to do his bidding. Rotating air grew into a Howling Gale as the world bent to his iron will, forming no mere disc of cutting wind but an entire twisting tornado centred about his fan. With a wave of his arm and a monumental effort of will, Min Gyu directed his attack at the Defiled Ancestral Beast. The sharpened point drove home and struck her from the side, slamming her into the ground with a spray of blood. The cacophony of whipping wind drowned out her screams and a cloud of dust obscured his vision, leaving everyone in suspense as to the ultimate fate of their fearsome foe.Collapsing to the cobblestones, Min Gyu pressed his cheek to the cold floor and prayed their efforts would bear fruit. After their last strikes, he had nothing left to give, barely able to cut the flow of blood to his lower half and keep himself from bleeding out, while Broken Blade Pichai had yet to stir after taking a blow to the chest. Head light and vision fading, he forced his eyes open and focused on the spot where hed seen the Crone fall, watching for signs of life or movement from within the settling cloud. His blood pounded in his temples as he watched and waited, counting the heartbeats to calm his nerves and keep himself awake.One. His breath caught in his throat at a glimpse of movement, but it was merely the fluttering of a stray piece of cloth....Two. Still no movement to be seen and his eyelids grew heavy, the darkness threatening to close in around him....Three. The stillness between each beat felt like an eternity, but the heady rush told him there was still life in him yet. Most of his lower body would have to be regrown, but he was no stranger to the process, and this time he was mere hours away from the greatest gathering of Martial Experts the Empire had ever seen....Four. Surely there would be plenty of competent Healers there, enough to pick from so he wouldnt have to go begging Medical Saint Taduk for yet another favour. Though the Bekhai had yet to call in his chit, Min Gyu was not a man accustomed to being indebted to others. Taking on a second debt without settling the first would be too shameful to bear, for he would be so deeply in their pockets he might as well call himself a Bekhai lackey....I disagree. Leaning on a staff for support, an ancient, matronly woman strode out from the crowd of silent Death Corps soldiers. Though she seemed frail and wore her robes in haphazard disarray, Min Gyu was still awestruck by her stately beauty, her exquisite features refined by the touch of time, rather than diminished by it. With a strong jawline and chiselled features, she lacked the soft curves of a traditional beauty, but was no less attractive for the loss, possessing flowing, silken locks of dazzling white hair which hung freely down her back, and flawless jade skin which shone in the starlight. Who she was or why she was here, Min Gyu couldnt say, or at least, not until she walked by and he saw the white-furred tail dangling beneath the hem of her robes. A half-fox companion perhaps, here to lend aid to their cause. Heaven knows Gam knew enough of them, currently teaching the fifth of his lazily named half-fox disciples.Wait... Was there a Gam One or did the Eccentric consider himself the first and name his Disciples starting with Gam Two?The blood loss was making him daft. Min Gyu had to warn the beauty to flee, but the words froze in his throat once he saw Gams expression. Despite staying strong through the Crones beating and torture, Gam now looked like he was on the verge of crying, his lips quivering and eyes brimming with tears. Mama, he said, slumping down in relief. You came to save me.... Mama?It couldnt be...Frowning as she glanced over her sons injuries, Gams mother replied, A coincidence perhaps, or a twist of fate. Little Fives contest brought us nearby when I noticed all the commotion and ran ahead for a peek. A good thing too, you got yourself into a real mess now, didnt you? Look at your face, so mangled and ugly. You really so eager to die? Behaving like a chastised child, Gam opened his mouth to refute, but his mother would have none of it. Hush now, Mama has business to attend to. Studying the Crone as one would study a filthy beggar in ones path, she wrinkled her nose and shook her head. There are many limitations to half-beast progeny, but we can debate the benefits and drawbacks at some other time. First Id like to ask you one thing. Straightening up, she slammed her staff against the ground and a ripple of dirt carried Gam away to safety behind her. Who the fuck do you think you are, bullying my boy like this?Growling in a beast-like manner, the Crone scrambled away from Gams mother and stood ready to defend herself. He killed my children, she hissed, her voice nearly a plaintive whine. He deserves death a thousand times over.These things? The earth rumbled and spit out five Demon corpses, each one a mole-like abomination. He was right to kill them, ugly, disgusting creatures whose corpses taint the earth. If you dont want to end up dead like them, then fuck off before I shove this staff up your ass and fly your corpse like a banner." It was easy to see where Gam learned his manners from. A shame such a lovely beauty was ruined by her crass demeanour, but if Yan were here, shed likely be beside herself with laughter.Unmoved, the Crone bared her teeth. You think I fear a dying old woman? Perhaps Ill cripple you and feast on your corpse while your boy watches. A fitting punishment for his crimes.Snorting in disbelief, Gams mother shook her head. My boy and his cronies must have knocked something loose in your head if you think youre my match. Smiling radiantly, Gams mother crooked her finger and added, But please, make a move. My boy tells me you havent broken the Treaty, so I cant kill you yet, not with so many witnesses around.I wont tell. A deep, baritone voice echoed out from outside of Min Gyus vision, and he was unable to muster the strength to look around. Im bored of looking after brats all day and its been ages since I seen a good fight.You woke me for this? A second voice spoke up, irritable and cranky. Kill the hag and be done with it. Im going back to sleep.I suggest we take her alive, came a third voice, and this one sounded familiar, but Min Gyu couldnt place it. A simple enough task with so many of us here. Im curious what her goals are and a few days under my knife might loosen her tongue.We cannot. From the lyrical lilt of his accent, Min Gyu identified the fourth speaker as a Southerner, though he still couldnt see anyone. The Treaty must be upheld lest chaos and destruction ensue.Enough yammering. Gams mother put an end to the debate. Shes already gone. Any of you want to chase her thats your business, but me, Ive got a boy to tend to.Thank the Heavens. Though unsure why so many Ancestral Beasts were present, this was a matter to puzzle out later. The danger was finally over and Min Gyu allowed himself to relax. Right before he closed his eyes, he caught a glimpse of Gams mother, or rather, her shapely posterior as she squatted down to treat her boy. Struggling to remain conscious for a few moments longer, he burned the sight into memory before peaceful oblivion came to claim him.How disgraceful, the Sanguine Tempest Du Min Gyu behaving like a lusty teenaged boy.But such a lovely posterior, how could anyone resist?Chapter Meme
