As Qian Ye ventured deeper, a subtle stirring arose within him, realizing that the werewolves’ ancestral rites did indeed harbor profound mysteries. Yet what held true value was the Primordial Darkness seeping from the damp cavern walls. No wonder the vampire kin had decided upon this location to establish their array of Power Nodes.
Qian Ye lingered not long at that spot, striding further downward through nature’s passageways—a winding descent reaching its climax in the mountains’ very bosom. The werewolves carved five stone chambers to house their ancestors’ resting souls, claiming but a portion of the sprawling network. Further still, the tunnels lay untouched in primal condition.
With every advancing pace, that mysterious sensation burgeoned immensely. Now distinctly aware, Qian Ye sensed the synchronizing resonance between his own Vital Blood Energy and Primordial Force against some unknowable source—confirmation enough there must lie hidden truths beneath these lands.
Facing the elder chieftain, Qian inquired, “Any special produce here I should be mindful of, say rare minerals?”
The tribal elder shook his head. “Nought valuable really. We harvest Moose glandulars within the forests and the Spinefish bones from the adjacent lakes—suitable enough for utilizing Primordial Materials, perhaps the most prized items. Oh, some minor herbal drugs lie upon the nearby hills, not particularly scarce, however.”
“Then tell why the Sharp-Tusk Pack originally claimed this ground?”
A second elder wolf spoke gravely: “None wanted the barren land at first, so given freely it was to the Sharp-Tusk kinfolk. Compared to the tribal groups on the Stuka Count’s Heartlands, ours has been the outsider—and late newcomer likewise.”
Qian silently affirmed, understanding power’s role defining worth—not wrong at all, perhaps, the way resources were apportioned—and thus voiced forth an idea:
“When conditions settle hence, I could relocate the Clan to better territory.”
The elders’ eyes grew alert. “Change location then? Toward where?”
The senior shook his head grimly. “No location might prove much worse anyway.”
Contemplative quiet prevailed, and with the elder conceding his point, the other wolf said no further words.
Convinced of the Azure Mountain’s strangeness, though mining exploration was not Qian Ye’s expertise, nor his desire personally seeking source-origins—so with but a final environmental survey in the region, absorbing the Primordial disturbances’ details, commanded wolves return topside.
“I depart first. Once outer situations calm, I send assistance, transporting you toward better grounds. Until, please, forbid ventures from your clan. Best prevent untimely conflict with mine fighters’ patrols.”
Readily assented, Qian lingered no further. His returning course, swifter by far; though mountain Crodiles remained entrenched without spreading outward just yet—Qian, intimately familiar in terrain, expertly bypassed choke points swiftly returning to Eclipse Blaze Post.
No sooner returned did the sentries report—without camp perimeter there stood a lone lady claiming direct emissary rights, speaking from within the Sublime Viscount’s court.
“Woman?” The young Nightsworn harbored little surprise that Brutho already committed decision-bound before timeframe elapsed. That this conservative-wolf sent female envoy though—an unforeseen intrigue entirely.
Arriving at接待帐内, seated upright, this emissary placed herself properly; slender spine erect, palms loosely clasped knees, quiet patience personified—no conventional beauty—but refined features painted paleness veiling latent fragility in her pallid form.
Footsteps heralded his appearance to prompt immediate rising as she respectfully delivered the Imperial salutation.
“Lord Qian Ye, honored servant—this messenger, of your emissary’s word—I arrive on Baron Brutho’s behalf seeking negotiation over alliance.”
Qian seated himself leisurely in main post—bade her sit, before scrutinizing her—closely studying—her very presence revealing multitudes.
Under his Revealing Eyes she stood exposed—authentically enough human, not even the slimmest hint hidden in her essence. However—a wholly dark Primordial current coursed her flesh with none of the Dawnside to be found!
Such contradiction itself stirred his contemplations—shattering known truths governing Light and Eternal Dark’s elemental allegiances! Human birthright aligned towards the Light; though known for eclectic spiritual compatibility even among kindred. A minority awaken with shadow-traits via arcane evolution, or else seeking stronger powers deliberately training in black-touched energies.
Still uncommon. And even they ultimately succumbed, mutated physically inevitably by corrupt dark. Yet upon this woman, wholly darkness coursed within flesh unchanged outward—preserving complete appearance of Humanity. Not even Revealing Eyes detected abnormal shift!
“Baron’s decision sending forth a human emissary—I did find this somewhat…curious.”
Smiling thinly with faint challenge in voice—the envoy countered thusly: “Unusual, yes yet—no other form could so seamlessly pass undeterring all your outer lines, correct? Those border barricades are quite daunting.”
“In Baron Brutho traditional werewolf hierarchy, still you gain his deep-trusting mission?”
A brief hesitation. “That I request—permission withholding explanation for now.”
Shake of the head from Nightsworn. “Refusing clarification—no assurance left upon whether trustworthiness remains. Therefore, if silence you must choose—he must visit himself with explanations given directly, nothing less.”
Crimson flusterness stained cheeks: she stiffened—responded coolly: “Lord Qian—you dare so boldly declare war—consider one-thousand valiants await our command!”
Unflinch, a simple statement: “I routed even Counts. Subtleties in dialogue and honest dealings attract respect; but deception wastes time.”
Cold voice rippled across both their figures then; as his quiet tenor bore through like steel’s ring. “If thus your intent merely seeks bargaining on trivialities…this audience shall hence cease now.”
Flicker of tension, yielding to softened tones laced with feigned reproachment: “Alas—sire remains immune still to flattered feminine charm.”
“You are not even that breathtaking.”
Stunned silence, then slight bitterness colored her smile. “Oh, indeed, direct without mercy…how rare a trait…”
“Tactfulness—when liberally poured into external affairs—necessarily lessens what we reserve individually. All sincerity…kept solely for kin.”
Voice dipped further frost-like: “Precious time squandered needlessly. I adjourn now.” Rising from seat.
With an exhausted exhale—final attempt:
“Well, his final offer remains unchanged—seeking equal standing and dominion to that once held under the late Count’s realm. Without concessions meeting that boundary—blood will dye fields.”
Cold indifference: “Perfect—a very proposal already granted at initial contact. However…kindly clarify one small item in return—to Brutho: if testing me via ultimatum, let it sink: I consider his pack loss insignificant within tolerable cost boundaries. He and ALL his kinfolk perish. Therefore…NEVER…threaten using WAR again.”
A natural reaction shivered through messenger’s body—tangible was the chill in killer-intent pouring off of Qian Ye—enough for prickling goose flesh upon her arms!
Smiling wanly: “Seems…terms reached. A slight final request, if acceptable…he seeks outward semblance of sovereign autonomy—that his folk may rally under his banner unquestioned domestically.”
A curt nod came forth with calm acceptance: “Acceptable, yet—he shall resettle elsewhere in total.”
This declaration surprised her! Fixate wary gaze.
“He stands dangerously too near the current boundaries—we establish relocation deeper within. I’ll assign him new territory near Countdom centerland. Know ye—Eastern sectors formally fall to human dominance. With your people openly dwelling—they shall be cause for internal difficulties within my Empire.”
Reflecting on the implication, she answered thoughtfully: “I do see the reasoning. With careful persuasion by me—should the substitute region be no crueler than what is abandoned…compliance remains plausible indeed.” And here—wry smile crept through—a trace of irony lingered, as though she remarked self-admonishment: “Still, in these lands…one would struggle locating even worse regions across entire domains of the Baroncy.”
A faint frown formed between his brows as a new contemplation entered.
“Strange indeed…Brudo, having challenged Baron, though losing the match—he could at least have fought for better terrain. Indeed—he far outmatches either remaining two.”
She sighed faintly with ironic intonation again.
“All still stemming from the old traditions among wolves. Our people mostly hold to beliefs that true inner might lies solely within one’s unassisted physiology. All devices—armaments or even Primordial arrays themselves are for the cowardly weak. Naturally, these people have little sense regarding what is needed or what lacks. Given sufficient forests for medicinal herbs/hunting, or a river of fish for variation, and they deem themselves abundantly satisfied.”
Qian listened in revelation—then felt something indefinable arise within his heart again.
The emissary rose from her chair: “With your highness having issued no orders needing action—I take leave, reporting immediately the outcome so Brutho arranges affairs preparing relocation plans efficiently.”
As she walked outward, Qian’s voice froze her in the doorway.
The envoy glanced about, catching twin glimmerings of pistol muzzles trained at her chest—she gasped inwardly before regaining calm.
“But Lord…there was really no meaning need point guns toward…If desires you have, kindly voice your requests—I will obey whatever remains possible within limits…”
Her facial gesture softened subtly—eyes now danced a subtle charm…
“No need for submission,” Qian Ye replied flatly, uninterested.
“My intent merely lies curiosity upon your origins—if you truly value life and freedom—you ought disclose more about yourself.” Here, voice dropped, darkly amused: “Otherwise—if it proves your intrinsic value higher than that pale imitation of nobility—the idea abandoning alliance with these wolves altogether might find…alternative applications…perhaps instead delivering yourself for interrogation deep among empire laboratories. Many such learned ones excel…convincing people…voluble honesty in pain and light.”
Silenced flickered past emerald pupils momentarily as she stared upon twin blossoms gradually kindling eerie glow above twin guns aimed steadily upon chest—a brief flare of tension, dissipating with reluctant relaxing in her shoulders.
Hands splayed outward in non-threatening display:
“Perhaps I underestimated…my ability surviving such closeness without proper warrior preparation. Thus defeated—I yield…to better judgment.” And she reintroduced herself gently:
“I am known as Ruo Yu, emissary hailing from the Hollow Wing Continent’s ‘Children of the Shadowed Creepy.’ A name vast…perhaps more than your current estimation might fathom…And truly, one ordinary among a multitude—an undistinct particle lost among dust of history.”
“Crawlers in Shadows. Interesting indeed.”
Qian face revealed minimal reaction outwardly—a storm, hidden however under still water surface surged within.
Never once heard tell of this Order—but the Hollowed wing lay in Middle-Tier Lands! All territory entrenched ever Dark Domain borders. Seldom did any human reach so far deep unscathed.
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