Chapter 51
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Chapter 51
This contest is total bullshit. A couple ugly rings and some jars of foul medicine. That's what I risked my life for? Fucking hell. I made more profit scamming the injured, even if Alsantset took it all away from me. I made more killing that fucking snake and picking herbs! What a bunch of bullshit. Rising Dragon Elixir, I read what's in that trash and there's no way I'm drinking that. It's just disgusting, and from what I've read, there isn't even any documented proof that it works, just hearsay. Some guy drank it, became a peerless warrior, then spent his life extolling the virtues of his elixir. Who knows if it even works? How many others have drank it over the years and remained mediocre?
The rings are alright, but nothing amazing. They help you draw in more Heavenly Energy, but you run the risk of taking in too much, which can cause massive blow-back damage, injuring your internal organs or cooking your brain. No thank you, I don't pay enough attention when I'm cultivating, I use that time for self introspection and image training. Or honing my imagination. Life is difficult without pornography.
I just wasted half a day, standing around while some old man praised and equivocated over all the prizes, telling ridiculous stories about how the contest had progressed. I didn't realize we beat up so many clans and sects. Baiji and White Lotus Sect, Lin clan and of course, the Situ Clan. I guess they were all after the bounty.
I wonder how the MC knows what happened, anyways? I guess they had watchers or something, little ninja spies. Everyone else got awesome prizes, like fancy clothes, armor, and villas. We totally got shafted with the shit prizes, just like I thought would happen. The MC didn't even mention our names, just called us 'nameless youngsters from the People tribe'. Get it right, MC, you're terrible. Worst of all, when we finally got on stage, Alsantset and the others were already gone, and I had no one to wave to. Even Huushal's parents were missing, raising concerned glances from him. I missed lunch for this bullshit, and I don't even get to see the twins smiling at me, or Alsantset and Charok all proud. Fucking hell.
Walking off the stage with our 'prizes' in hand, Fung hurries over, carrying his new multi-jeweled crown, which looks expensive as hell. I bet he could trade it for a watch. The lucky bastard is wearing a rakish bandanna, having almost gotten scalped during the contest. It took a chunk of his hair, which can't be healed back, leaving him quarter-bald, hence the need for the bandanna. It was good for a couple laughs. He walks beside us, speaking without looking at us, ignoring my wave. Rain, you and your people need to leave now. Return to your quarters, I saw your families leave immediately after the prizes were announced. I'm sorry I can't help you, but if you make it to Shen Huo, Father will see you safely home. Go in safety.
Before I have a chance to ask what's going on, Mei Lin grabs my arm and rushes me away. I look at Fung quizzically, but he just looks grim and shakes his head ever so slightly. Running alongside the rest of my team, I ask, So.... What's going on here?
We're leaving the city, idiot. Sumila, curt as always.
Not that I really mind but uh... what about the rest of the tournament? The Hearts are the final prize, or something. I didn't see any handed out earlier. They're pretty much 100% of why I'm here. And because it's impossible to say no to Alsantset. Or Akanai.
We need to leave the city before someone murders us in our sleep for our prizes. It was some dog-shit luck winning them both." Sumila speaks quietly, whispering for only me to hear. "This is the Society's territory, and they protect their own. They'll cover up our murders from outside investigations, make everything look like an accident, or bandits, or something. No one will speak ill of them without proof. Everyone else seems to have figured it out on their own, scanning the guards and surrounding people, alert and wary of anyone coming close. No one approaches us, probably afraid to get caught in the crossfire. That makes me appreciate Fung's warning a bit more, as well as making me feel stupid for waving at him. There won't even be anyone who looks too closely at our deaths, since we have nobody of importance with us. Mama and Papa and Taduk all left already. It will be months before they even learn of our deaths, and by then, all they can do is avenge us.
This contest really is the fucking worst. We're being targeted for murder, for these shitty prizes? What the fuck?! Go after the guys that got the pretty clothes, or the vases or something, those are valuable. I can't have any fun without the threat of death and violence. Can't we just sell the prizes? Coin can be spent, and publicly at that.
My question earns me a look of scorn from almost everyone. Mei Lin smiles at me. Silly Rainy, why would they buy from us when they could just easily take it from our corpses? Besides, the prizes give them a legitimate reason for killing us, which they probably all wanted to do anyways. We humiliated so many of their youngsters in the forest. She skips along as we move, like we're just strolling through the city. It'd be endearing if I wasn't so nervous. You have a bad temper sometimes, Rainy, and so does Mi-Mi. Don't worry too much about it though, we're in public, and there are too many visitors here. The Society won't be able to act freely until we leave.
God fucking dammit. I thought this place was safer, but it turns out, it's just corrupt! At least in Shen Huo, someone has to actually break the law before being killed. It was a CONTEST! Why participate if you can't stand losing? Where's the fucking sportsmanship? Picking up my pace, I run full speed towards our quarters, parting through the crowd of onlookers, who hope to watch our grisly deaths. We're slowed down considerably at each of the bridge checkpoints, the message already being spread about us as the guards delay for no apparent reason. Well, no good reason, since I see them eyeing our shitty rings and shitty jars, buying time for their respective groups, probably to ambush us outside the city. What a bunch of assholes.
Spread out this time, charge on my command, then we stay and end it this time. Eight left, simple enough. Simple my ass, we took them by surprise, but they should be ready now, right?
Splitting from the group, I bring Zabu around, positioning myself at what should be their path of retreat. My hands sweat as I grip peace, listening to them talking among themselves in the dense forest, arguing about their next move, as Zabu quietly makes his way closer towards them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zhong Lang sat nervously on his horse as his fellow disciples shouted at one another, unable to decide on their course of action. All the senior disciples were dead, either shot by that bitch of a woman, or impaled by the lightning fast-charges of those furred beasts ridden by those barbarians. He was just a normal disciple, only 25 years old. His wife was at home, their daughter just born. Why had he volunteered for this mission? It was supposed to be an easy task according to his uncle, hunt down some bumpkins who didn't know their place. How had this happened? These fucking barbarians were too savage, too strong.
Jun was urgently shouting, We need to run before they return! Lang agreed with him, but he would never voice it aloud, the man was a disgrace and a coward. His mouth dry, eyes frantically looking around him, trying to spot from where the barbarians would come from. Jun's nerve finally broke, turning his horse to return the way they had come, dashing off into the forest. Almost as soon as he was out of sight, his scream was heard, cut short in an instant. The enemy was upon them, charging out of the trees once more, a young man, his sword dripping with blood, yellow eyes glowing in the forest gloom, his blade piercing into another disciple with yet another impossible lunge of his beast.
His saber in hand, Lang slashed at his opponent, glancing off the barbarians armor. It shone like black obsidian, and he barely left a mark upon it, his panic causing him to fail at grasping Balance. The beast tore into his horse which reared in panic, throwing him from his seat, his weapon lost in his tumbling. Scrambling on the ground he flailed frantically, trying to find his saber amidst the dirt and plants.
The sounds of fighting ended around him, the dying gurgles of his brothers filling his ears. Looking around, he saw five barbarians, covered in the blood of his brothers, staring at him, cold eyes without mercy. His body shook as he sat on the floor, weaponless and afraid, tears streaming from his eyes. The yellow eyed youngster dismounted, grabbing something from the ground before tossing it to Lang. His saber. Stand up, state your name, and fight. Taking a stance, he waited for Lang.
The feel of the cold steel of his weapon calmed him enough to stand, his body still shivering uncontrollably. A proper duel, a fitting death. Something to be thankful for. I am Zhong Lang. A name was a small enough courtesy.
The young man spoke quietly, I am Rain, Khishig of the Bekai, Disciple of Baatar. Whenever you are ready.
Lang widened his eyes at the name, often spoken and lauded these past days, a new rising dragon, a true hero of the Empire. No wonder these children were so fierce, to be connected to one such as Baatar. The Sect had chosen poor enemies. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself, remembering his training. They were still children, the eldest among them only slightly older than himself. Even if he died here, he could not shame the Sect or his child. He would kill this savage child in single combat, because if he did not, it would be akin to returning a tiger cub to the mountains, to grow older and stronger, perhaps even strong enough to threaten all the people that he loved.
The boy would charge judging by his stance, a thrust. Foolish and inexperienced, despite what talent he may have. Lang took his stance, raising his sword in two hands, readying himself to trade his life for the life of this child, to cut the boy down even as he died. It was all he could do. I am prepared.
The boys sword pierced his throat a mere second after he uttered the words, his arms still held above him. His strength faded, his sword dropping from his grasp as he joined his brother disciples, to meet the warm embrace of the Mother.
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Chapter 51
This contest is total bullshit. A couple ugly rings and some jars of foul medicine. That's what I risked my life for? Fucking hell. I made more profit scamming the injured, even if Alsantset took it all away from me. I made more killing that fucking snake and picking herbs! What a bunch of bullshit. Rising Dragon Elixir, I read what's in that trash and there's no way I'm drinking that. It's just disgusting, and from what I've read, there isn't even any documented proof that it works, just hearsay. Some guy drank it, became a peerless warrior, then spent his life extolling the virtues of his elixir. Who knows if it even works? How many others have drank it over the years and remained mediocre?
The rings are alright, but nothing amazing. They help you draw in more Heavenly Energy, but you run the risk of taking in too much, which can cause massive blow-back damage, injuring your internal organs or cooking your brain. No thank you, I don't pay enough attention when I'm cultivating, I use that time for self introspection and image training. Or honing my imagination. Life is difficult without pornography.
I just wasted half a day, standing around while some old man praised and equivocated over all the prizes, telling ridiculous stories about how the contest had progressed. I didn't realize we beat up so many clans and sects. Baiji and White Lotus Sect, Lin clan and of course, the Situ Clan. I guess they were all after the bounty.
I wonder how the MC knows what happened, anyways? I guess they had watchers or something, little ninja spies. Everyone else got awesome prizes, like fancy clothes, armor, and villas. We totally got shafted with the shit prizes, just like I thought would happen. The MC didn't even mention our names, just called us 'nameless youngsters from the People tribe'. Get it right, MC, you're terrible. Worst of all, when we finally got on stage, Alsantset and the others were already gone, and I had no one to wave to. Even Huushal's parents were missing, raising concerned glances from him. I missed lunch for this bullshit, and I don't even get to see the twins smiling at me, or Alsantset and Charok all proud. Fucking hell.
Walking off the stage with our 'prizes' in hand, Fung hurries over, carrying his new multi-jeweled crown, which looks expensive as hell. I bet he could trade it for a watch. The lucky bastard is wearing a rakish bandanna, having almost gotten scalped during the contest. It took a chunk of his hair, which can't be healed back, leaving him quarter-bald, hence the need for the bandanna. It was good for a couple laughs. He walks beside us, speaking without looking at us, ignoring my wave. Rain, you and your people need to leave now. Return to your quarters, I saw your families leave immediately after the prizes were announced. I'm sorry I can't help you, but if you make it to Shen Huo, Father will see you safely home. Go in safety.
Before I have a chance to ask what's going on, Mei Lin grabs my arm and rushes me away. I look at Fung quizzically, but he just looks grim and shakes his head ever so slightly. Running alongside the rest of my team, I ask, So.... What's going on here?
We're leaving the city, idiot. Sumila, curt as always.
Not that I really mind but uh... what about the rest of the tournament? The Hearts are the final prize, or something. I didn't see any handed out earlier. They're pretty much 100% of why I'm here. And because it's impossible to say no to Alsantset. Or Akanai.
We need to leave the city before someone murders us in our sleep for our prizes. It was some dog-shit luck winning them both." Sumila speaks quietly, whispering for only me to hear. "This is the Society's territory, and they protect their own. They'll cover up our murders from outside investigations, make everything look like an accident, or bandits, or something. No one will speak ill of them without proof. Everyone else seems to have figured it out on their own, scanning the guards and surrounding people, alert and wary of anyone coming close. No one approaches us, probably afraid to get caught in the crossfire. That makes me appreciate Fung's warning a bit more, as well as making me feel stupid for waving at him. There won't even be anyone who looks too closely at our deaths, since we have nobody of importance with us. Mama and Papa and Taduk all left already. It will be months before they even learn of our deaths, and by then, all they can do is avenge us.
This contest really is the fucking worst. We're being targeted for murder, for these shitty prizes? What the fuck?! Go after the guys that got the pretty clothes, or the vases or something, those are valuable. I can't have any fun without the threat of death and violence. Can't we just sell the prizes? Coin can be spent, and publicly at that.
My question earns me a look of scorn from almost everyone. Mei Lin smiles at me. Silly Rainy, why would they buy from us when they could just easily take it from our corpses? Besides, the prizes give them a legitimate reason for killing us, which they probably all wanted to do anyways. We humiliated so many of their youngsters in the forest. She skips along as we move, like we're just strolling through the city. It'd be endearing if I wasn't so nervous. You have a bad temper sometimes, Rainy, and so does Mi-Mi. Don't worry too much about it though, we're in public, and there are too many visitors here. The Society won't be able to act freely until we leave.
God fucking dammit. I thought this place was safer, but it turns out, it's just corrupt! At least in Shen Huo, someone has to actually break the law before being killed. It was a CONTEST! Why participate if you can't stand losing? Where's the fucking sportsmanship? Picking up my pace, I run full speed towards our quarters, parting through the crowd of onlookers, who hope to watch our grisly deaths. We're slowed down considerably at each of the bridge checkpoints, the message already being spread about us as the guards delay for no apparent reason. Well, no good reason, since I see them eyeing our shitty rings and shitty jars, buying time for their respective groups, probably to ambush us outside the city. What a bunch of assholes.
Spread out this time, charge on my command, then we stay and end it this time. Eight left, simple enough. Simple my ass, we took them by surprise, but they should be ready now, right?
Splitting from the group, I bring Zabu around, positioning myself at what should be their path of retreat. My hands sweat as I grip peace, listening to them talking among themselves in the dense forest, arguing about their next move, as Zabu quietly makes his way closer towards them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zhong Lang sat nervously on his horse as his fellow disciples shouted at one another, unable to decide on their course of action. All the senior disciples were dead, either shot by that bitch of a woman, or impaled by the lightning fast-charges of those furred beasts ridden by those barbarians. He was just a normal disciple, only 25 years old. His wife was at home, their daughter just born. Why had he volunteered for this mission? It was supposed to be an easy task according to his uncle, hunt down some bumpkins who didn't know their place. How had this happened? These fucking barbarians were too savage, too strong.
Jun was urgently shouting, We need to run before they return! Lang agreed with him, but he would never voice it aloud, the man was a disgrace and a coward. His mouth dry, eyes frantically looking around him, trying to spot from where the barbarians would come from. Jun's nerve finally broke, turning his horse to return the way they had come, dashing off into the forest. Almost as soon as he was out of sight, his scream was heard, cut short in an instant. The enemy was upon them, charging out of the trees once more, a young man, his sword dripping with blood, yellow eyes glowing in the forest gloom, his blade piercing into another disciple with yet another impossible lunge of his beast.
His saber in hand, Lang slashed at his opponent, glancing off the barbarians armor. It shone like black obsidian, and he barely left a mark upon it, his panic causing him to fail at grasping Balance. The beast tore into his horse which reared in panic, throwing him from his seat, his weapon lost in his tumbling. Scrambling on the ground he flailed frantically, trying to find his saber amidst the dirt and plants.
The sounds of fighting ended around him, the dying gurgles of his brothers filling his ears. Looking around, he saw five barbarians, covered in the blood of his brothers, staring at him, cold eyes without mercy. His body shook as he sat on the floor, weaponless and afraid, tears streaming from his eyes. The yellow eyed youngster dismounted, grabbing something from the ground before tossing it to Lang. His saber. Stand up, state your name, and fight. Taking a stance, he waited for Lang.
The feel of the cold steel of his weapon calmed him enough to stand, his body still shivering uncontrollably. A proper duel, a fitting death. Something to be thankful for. I am Zhong Lang. A name was a small enough courtesy.
The young man spoke quietly, I am Rain, Khishig of the Bekai, Disciple of Baatar. Whenever you are ready.
Lang widened his eyes at the name, often spoken and lauded these past days, a new rising dragon, a true hero of the Empire. No wonder these children were so fierce, to be connected to one such as Baatar. The Sect had chosen poor enemies. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself, remembering his training. They were still children, the eldest among them only slightly older than himself. Even if he died here, he could not shame the Sect or his child. He would kill this savage child in single combat, because if he did not, it would be akin to returning a tiger cub to the mountains, to grow older and stronger, perhaps even strong enough to threaten all the people that he loved.
The boy would charge judging by his stance, a thrust. Foolish and inexperienced, despite what talent he may have. Lang took his stance, raising his sword in two hands, readying himself to trade his life for the life of this child, to cut the boy down even as he died. It was all he could do. I am prepared.
The boys sword pierced his throat a mere second after he uttered the words, his arms still held above him. His strength faded, his sword dropping from his grasp as he joined his brother disciples, to meet the warm embrace of the Mother.
Chapter 51This contest is total bullshit. A couple ugly rings and some jars of foul medicine. That's what I risked my life for? Fucking hell. I made more profit scamming the injured, even if Alsantset took it all away from me. I made more killing that fucking snake and picking herbs! What a bunch of bullshit. Rising Dragon Elixir, I read what's in that trash and there's no way I'm drinking that. It's just disgusting, and from what I've read, there isn't even any documented proof that it works, just hearsay. Some guy drank it, became a peerless warrior, then spent his life extolling the virtues of his elixir. Who knows if it even works? How many others have drank it over the years and remained mediocre?The rings are alright, but nothing amazing. They help you draw in more Heavenly Energy, but you run the risk of taking in too much, which can cause massive blow-back damage, injuring your internal organs or cooking your brain. No thank you, I don't pay enough attention when I'm cultivating, I use that time for self introspection and image training. Or honing my imagination. Life is difficult without pornography.I just wasted half a day, standing around while some old man praised and equivocated over all the prizes, telling ridiculous stories about how the contest had progressed. I didn't realize we beat up so many clans and sects. Baiji and White Lotus Sect, Lin clan and of course, the Situ Clan. I guess they were all after the bounty.I wonder how the MC knows what happened, anyways? I guess they had watchers or something, little ninja spies. Everyone else got awesome prizes, like fancy clothes, armor, and villas. We totally got shafted with the shit prizes, just like I thought would happen. The MC didn't even mention our names, just called us 'nameless youngsters from the People tribe'. Get it right, MC, you're terrible. Worst of all, when we finally got on stage, Alsantset and the others were already gone, and I had no one to wave to. Even Huushal's parents were missing, raising concerned glances from him. I missed lunch for this bullshit, and I don't even get to see the twins smiling at me, or Alsantset and Charok all proud. Fucking hell.Walking off the stage with our 'prizes' in hand, Fung hurries over, carrying his new multi-jeweled crown, which looks expensive as hell. I bet he could trade it for a watch. The lucky bastard is wearing a rakish bandanna, having almost gotten scalped during the contest. It took a chunk of his hair, which can't be healed back, leaving him quarter-bald, hence the need for the bandanna. It was good for a couple laughs. He walks beside us, speaking without looking at us, ignoring my wave. Rain, you and your people need to leave now. Return to your quarters, I saw your families leave immediately after the prizes were announced. I'm sorry I can't help you, but if you make it to Shen Huo, Father will see you safely home. Go in safety.Before I have a chance to ask what's going on, Mei Lin grabs my arm and rushes me away. I look at Fung quizzically, but he just looks grim and shakes his head ever so slightly. Running alongside the rest of my team, I ask, So.... What's going on here?We're leaving the city, idiot. Sumila, curt as always.Not that I really mind but uh... what about the rest of the tournament? The Hearts are the final prize, or something. I didn't see any handed out earlier. They're pretty much 100% of why I'm here. And because it's impossible to say no to Alsantset. Or Akanai.We need to leave the city before someone murders us in our sleep for our prizes. It was some dog-shit luck winning them both." Sumila speaks quietly, whispering for only me to hear. "This is the Society's territory, and they protect their own. They'll cover up our murders from outside investigations, make everything look like an accident, or bandits, or something. No one will speak ill of them without proof. Everyone else seems to have figured it out on their own, scanning the guards and surrounding people, alert and wary of anyone coming close. No one approaches us, probably afraid to get caught in the crossfire. That makes me appreciate Fung's warning a bit more, as well as making me feel stupid for waving at him. There won't even be anyone who looks too closely at our deaths, since we have nobody of importance with us. Mama and Papa and Taduk all left already. It will be months before they even learn of our deaths, and by then, all they can do is avenge us.This contest really is the fucking worst. We're being targeted for murder, for these shitty prizes? What the fuck?! Go after the guys that got the pretty clothes, or the vases or something, those are valuable. I can't have any fun without the threat of death and violence. Can't we just sell the prizes? Coin can be spent, and publicly at that.My question earns me a look of scorn from almost everyone. Mei Lin smiles at me. Silly Rainy, why would they buy from us when they could just easily take it from our corpses? Besides, the prizes give them a legitimate reason for killing us, which they probably all wanted to do anyways. We humiliated so many of their youngsters in the forest. She skips along as we move, like we're just strolling through the city. It'd be endearing if I wasn't so nervous. You have a bad temper sometimes, Rainy, and so does Mi-Mi. Don't worry too much about it though, we're in public, and there are too many visitors here. The Society won't be able to act freely until we leave.God fucking dammit. I thought this place was safer, but it turns out, it's just corrupt! At least in Shen Huo, someone has to actually break the law before being killed. It was a CONTEST! Why participate if you can't stand losing? Where's the fucking sportsmanship? Picking up my pace, I run full speed towards our quarters, parting through the crowd of onlookers, who hope to watch our grisly deaths. We're slowed down considerably at each of the bridge checkpoints, the message already being spread about us as the guards delay for no apparent reason. Well, no good reason, since I see them eyeing our shitty rings and shitty jars, buying time for their respective groups, probably to ambush us outside the city. What a bunch of assholes.Spread out this time, charge on my command, then we stay and end it this time. Eight left, simple enough. Simple my ass, we took them by surprise, but they should be ready now, right?Splitting from the group, I bring Zabu around, positioning myself at what should be their path of retreat. My hands sweat as I grip peace, listening to them talking among themselves in the dense forest, arguing about their next move, as Zabu quietly makes his way closer towards them.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Zhong Lang sat nervously on his horse as his fellow disciples shouted at one another, unable to decide on their course of action. All the senior disciples were dead, either shot by that bitch of a woman, or impaled by the lightning fast-charges of those furred beasts ridden by those barbarians. He was just a normal disciple, only 25 years old. His wife was at home, their daughter just born. Why had he volunteered for this mission? It was supposed to be an easy task according to his uncle, hunt down some bumpkins who didn't know their place. How had this happened? These fucking barbarians were too savage, too strong.Jun was urgently shouting, We need to run before they return! Lang agreed with him, but he would never voice it aloud, the man was a disgrace and a coward. His mouth dry, eyes frantically looking around him, trying to spot from where the barbarians would come from. Jun's nerve finally broke, turning his horse to return the way they had come, dashing off into the forest. Almost as soon as he was out of sight, his scream was heard, cut short in an instant. The enemy was upon them, charging out of the trees once more, a young man, his sword dripping with blood, yellow eyes glowing in the forest gloom, his blade piercing into another disciple with yet another impossible lunge of his beast.His saber in hand, Lang slashed at his opponent, glancing off the barbarians armor. It shone like black obsidian, and he barely left a mark upon it, his panic causing him to fail at grasping Balance. The beast tore into his horse which reared in panic, throwing him from his seat, his weapon lost in his tumbling. Scrambling on the ground he flailed frantically, trying to find his saber amidst the dirt and plants.The sounds of fighting ended around him, the dying gurgles of his brothers filling his ears. Looking around, he saw five barbarians, covered in the blood of his brothers, staring at him, cold eyes without mercy. His body shook as he sat on the floor, weaponless and afraid, tears streaming from his eyes. The yellow eyed youngster dismounted, grabbing something from the ground before tossing it to Lang. His saber. Stand up, state your name, and fight. Taking a stance, he waited for Lang.The feel of the cold steel of his weapon calmed him enough to stand, his body still shivering uncontrollably. A proper duel, a fitting death. Something to be thankful for. I am Zhong Lang. A name was a small enough courtesy.The young man spoke quietly, I am Rain, Khishig of the Bekai, Disciple of Baatar. Whenever you are ready.Lang widened his eyes at the name, often spoken and lauded these past days, a new rising dragon, a true hero of the Empire. No wonder these children were so fierce, to be connected to one such as Baatar. The Sect had chosen poor enemies. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself, remembering his training. They were still children, the eldest among them only slightly older than himself. Even if he died here, he could not shame the Sect or his child. He would kill this savage child in single combat, because if he did not, it would be akin to returning a tiger cub to the mountains, to grow older and stronger, perhaps even strong enough to threaten all the people that he loved.The boy would charge judging by his stance, a thrust. Foolish and inexperienced, despite what talent he may have. Lang took his stance, raising his sword in two hands, readying himself to trade his life for the life of this child, to cut the boy down even as he died. It was all he could do. I am prepared.The boys sword pierced his throat a mere second after he uttered the words, his arms still held above him. His strength faded, his sword dropping from his grasp as he joined his brother disciples, to meet the warm embrace of the Mother.
