As time passed under the gradually fading night and first streaks of dawn spilled across the horizon, the silent Demon Beasts Mountain Range was revived; a cacophony of giant birds shrieked in unison across the vast forest, filling the air with their echoes long after their calls ceased. Atop the steep cliff faces, a huge rock dislodged, plummeting to the ground in thundering booms that startled nearby birds into hasty flight with flapped wings. After the dust cleared, revealed beneath this rocky fall was a jet-black hollow, and slowly from its depths emerged a shadow clad in dark robes; narrowing his long eyes, he gazed upon the mist-covered dawnlight and murmured, “Master, any sign of Yun Rensheng disciple?”
“There is,” a quick response resonated inside. “Beyond the valley opposite, several hundred meters distant, many traces of fluctuating strength stir. Your uncle left lingering marks of power within you, despite these being well subdued by me, they might faintly still grasp remnants of its presence and thus gain a vague sense of your direction. However, due to limited range, they will still require a more diligent search to locate you accurately; otherwise, your hiding spot last night wouldn’t be so peaceful.”
“Tch, unceasing pursuit indeed. Seems the Yun Rensong truly aims at sealing my fate!” Xiao Yan sneered.
“At the moment, do not afford them any opportunity to tie you down here. Should elders of Yun Rensong arrive, you’d find difficulty ahead swiftly escalating. My spirit reserves demand at least a fortnight to rejuvenate; during which interval, breaking out from this encirclement relies solely on yourself,” a grave caution from the Medicine Sage resounded in his heart.
Hearing solemn advice, Xiao Yan silently nodded. His prior experience of being left completely on his own due to Medicine Master’s former deep rest taught him the value of self-reliance, even while the old master couldn’t intervene physically anymore now. Yet those treasures borne through countless ages’ wisdom and tactical insights remained crucial; thus, despite grave dangers ahead, panic didn’t take hold nor did hesitation arise in Xiao’s heart.
“Seeing our surrounding sides blocked off, advancing further into the Demonic Beast Cliffs followed by circling around covertly seems the only feasible escape path. Once I lose these persistent hounds on tail here, slipping unnoticed across Gammar Imperium shouldn’t prove too onerous,” he softly concluded the strategy within his mind.
“Agreed, I will maintain alert over those closing forces while entrust execution wholly to you,” echoed Phamacist Elder’s voice receding steadily until all fell silent.
Silently nod once again, and shrugging his shoulders released the vast Purple Cloud Wings, beating hard; launching himself forward through wind, swiftly gaining altitude like a great roc. As his flight approached the height of the cliff line, Xiao Yan sharply banked sideways, swiftly alighted atop the opposing cliff, folding wings as eyes cast one last glare back towards the woods behind, a low laugh bubbling forth. His figure then shot like ink-black lightning piercing deeply amidst thick woods, disappearing quickly in the shifting shadows behind leafy canopies and twisting undergrowth.
Scarcely had his shadow faded in distance before across the abyss, the brush quivered with rustling limbs and leaves. Suddenly from its depths, a score plus cloaked figures swept through, swords drawn glitter sharply where the sunlight touched their edges. “Unoccupied land. Yet only moments earlier, our elder’s aura detected disturbances in the air. Perhaps a roaming Demon Beasts created the tremors,” speculated one figure.
“The cliffs here are too broad for normal crossings. I suppose we’ll dispatch our wind affinity adept disciples ahead first.”
“Hmm…”
“Recall clearly instructions from High Ones; upon spotting Xiao Yan’s figure—don’t attempt full combat immediately, focus merely upon containment and delaying tactics till reinforcements arrive!”
“Yes!” A unified echo surged through gathered warriors. Then like swift shadows, several darted forward utilizing a slight gust blowing through the chasm, carrying their forms into floating jumps midair. As lightly drifting plumose flotes, they softly alit on the cliffside of destination; sharing but an exchanged glance with knowing glances of agreement, the warriors disappeared swiftly as one unit beyond the cliff-edge into deep woods.
Within the thick foliage’s emerald heart, silhouettened in speed between trunks was a solitary dash; every light flick upon bark sent him flying vast spans with enhanced rebound momentum. Though amidst his path occasionally rose hulking Demon Beasts baring murder in glaring reds eyes, none made move hostile or to resist passage, only grovelling in trembling stillness, shrouded breaths held as though encountering something fearful.
“The chasers behind grow fainter—Seems sensing your breakneck pace has stirred alarm bells; already they call numerous Yun Clan brothers toward converging positions rapidly. Fortunately, the Demon Beasts impede them enough to grant possible daylight escape before evening sets,” once again resonated Medicine Saint’s reassuring report in fast-fleeting mind.
At that encouraging update, Xiao Yan softly let out held breath; slightly nodding with resolve renewed forward toward distant brightness ahead he leapt again, propelled like a snapped bowstring’s bolt. As Xiao Yan approached the source of light filtering through branches, narrowing lines across his brow betrayed growing unease; an intangible yet insistent instinct screamed of concealed danger lying beyond threshold where shadow and light clashed—but neither could pinpoint reason behind these dark thoughts, plus his mentor didn’t add commentary now. Thus forcing himself to subdue internal doubts, locked in unwavering focus upon glowing forest edge ahead, muscles rippling with determination as a final dash accelerated his escape beyond the foliage.
“SIDE!” An abrupt, urgent mental roar burst within moments when he passed the final border out of forest.
Sudden piercing rays of sunlight forced instinct blinking as vision adapted to open skies—but instinct had already primed defenses. For in near the very same heartbeat came the whistle shrieking straight for him!
Almost involuntarily responding with acrobatic evasion, Xiao Yan’s form wrenched sideways midflight. With rapid roll upon landing upon green grasses softened somewhat his sudden halt; yet still he dashed instinctively forward rolling over, like a spiked porcupine somersaulting down mountain slope only halting as sheltering low brush welcomed him into cover—peering backward with wide eyes upward, immediately the pupils shrink.
Circling far up above the sky now were five aerial beasts shaped akin to monstrous eagles—each carrying upon their formidable backs not but solitary riders clad in unmistakable uniforms belonging to only one faction on lands. “…Craaap…” He let slip through clenched teeth—swearing with genuine surprise.
The earlier ambush nearly had taken him, were it not for newfound physical prowess stemming of rising internal potency; had reflexes been even slightly duller, a wound had been unavoidable fact.
“I…my apologies—this turns unexpectedly,” his teacher lamented through mental link.
“I figured these guys were only equipped up to certain aerial elite masters, so let guard somewhat loose above—but clearly underestimated. These riders, judging by their qi, don’t exceed level two greater master ranks…their feeble aura combined high-altitude concealment…alas. Oversight on my part.”
“It’s nothing you should beat yourself over—troubles anticipated beforehand. However,” a chilling curve crept upon youth’s lips looking skybound figures overhead. “Expecting capturing me will take a bit more then these puny foes, I wager.”
“Just watch carefully. Better not delay; if reinforcements arrive, escape may turn more complicated.” Medicine Sage urged caution once before, his mental voice laced with subtle edge at feeling undercurrents within Xiao’s tone.
“Aye.” With a small nod reaffirming agreement, Xiao began gently stroking arms enveloping sleeve while expression bore a grin sharper than blades.
Lo!
Above in wide expanse now loomed circling beasts patrolled above this forest clearing surrounded densely by towering timber, on each of their great wings’ backs stood paired figures. Right below their gaze crouched Xiao Yan’s small hiding bush.
“This shall be him, Master Molei! What orders?” one rider questioned respectfully from atop beast behind middle-aged armored man clad heavy cloak signified senior command.
“Deploy signal flares—before elders arrive; intercept him at all cost! Senior Renn stated Xiao was gravely wounded—whatever escape strength he holds would’ve been diminished drastically after; holding till arrival of seniors seals fategri.”
“The elder also proclaims promise—capture Xiao Yan living or not, guaranteed promotion as executive and a selection between any xuan-tier superior technique, even advanced battle form.”
At mention of promised bounty, remaining men’s gazes grew feverish, expressions transforming sinister with greed-laced glacial stares fixed toward brush below.
“Paang!”
In response, one nimble subordinate wasted not a moment: drawing instantly signal tube from pouch, yanking ignition cord; instantly a clear piercing sound heralded emergence of vivid pattern: above skies a huge decorative mist-shifting into sword form unfurled itself—
As this signal dispersed skyward radiantly across all nearby watchers above dense treetops, their gazes continued unmoved, swords flashing ominously at edge as subtle aura wavered at each edge in preparation… But as echoes of bursting flare slowly dissipated into vast morning quiet once more, eerie muteness returned; no movement in the foliage beneath…
Their commander’s narrowed eyes fixated without a flicker. After a lengthening pause, a faint sheen of anxious perspiration glistening at temples revealed his rising tension. Naturally Xiao should understand—time was undoubtable ally in escape; so why did silence endure thus—
But even mid-consideration a thunderous burst burst from within bush as torrent storm of leaves erupted skyward; amidst this veil leapt Xiao’s dark form.
“RUN?!”
Perceive the motion—Middle-aged male erupted into immediate counteraction as his sight pierced distraction—sword danced with extreme quicksilver speed that for briefest of moments cast illusionary shadows in the air…then with synchronized efficiency unleashed a rain of razor-thin sword qi from gleaming blade—hurried downward in unerringly calculated vector trajectories aimed for blocking Xiao’s trajectory completely, attempting to force injury upon those too-daring dash forwards!
Xiao’s cloaked form clearly hesitated facing potential impalement: with desperate push he planted foot into earth and used spring recoil launching himself skyward and backwards. Spinning with airborne tumble, Xiao barely dove back into thorny refuge amidst the undergrowth.
“Heh, the target is truly hurt!” The captain chuckled gleefully at seeing his prey so cornered; that grin, however, barely had time to reach full bloom before a sudden gush of multicolored light flickering within peripheral field froze all further facial expressions on his countenance.
“BEWARE! DUCK!”
Commanding himself and fellow men to assume low stance reflexively, the elder roared warning even before mind processed full implication, barely as word left lips… a harrowing howl followed! From close-range beside him, upon a winged mount stood two soldiers: caught amidst radiant colorful liquid burst from shadows below engulfed them—mere second their aura resisted…before the acid melted them down to skeletons submerged into grotesque remains!
Upon witnesses beheld this macabre sight—faces pained, color completely vanished under sheer terror. Instantly all tried guiding flying mounts downward into land retreat!
“Worthless—stay aloft! Xiao Yan hides on ground below!” barked the enraged commander.
“Late…” echoed forth mocking menace rising within grove once again as silhouette of the figure exploded upward—purple wings thrumming furiously, cutting into formation midair, swing arcs swift flashes. Three heavy impacts sounded followed rapid sprays of scarlet, three beast heads detached in spray.
As three mounts fell lifelessly from heavens—across back ridges clung desperately their respective riders screaming in rising panic…as fall accelerated toward earth, winds roaring filled ears louder replacing cries…
Xiao Yan turned his back instantly. At such altitude, with only cultivator skills lesser than peak strength of斗者 rank, no chance remained alive for them…
With remaining sky sentinel identified, Xiao Yan’s face remained cold—without words unfurling dark wings launched sky-ward with unstoppable determination to close distance toward final beast aloft with single target still alive…
“Flee—RETREAT!”
Face deathly drained, barking forth desperate command even as his own mount rose steeply—attempting escape into skies above.
But as they ascended…
“Siiiiiieee—” the multicolored streak appeared out of nowhere—an arrow-like dart of seven-color light shot clean through a younger rider, passing directly past his body, from one elder’s side—piercing directly through to heart of pale-faced rider beside.
Warm blood spilled backward across neck in drenched stream, hot at first before chilling sensation coursed through spine—it was not the temperature of liquid itself—it was chilling remorse, chilling realizations…regrets for ambitious actions pushing into forest after glory…
“Having come here—to remain alive won’t be yours…”
Across虚空before man appeared silhouette descending—emerged from empty space—like divine demon brandishing sword, he landed lightly upon fallen beast’s head and smiled—an innocent gentle curl that froze time itself and twisted face of man standing atop remaining winged creature into stark terror.
“I seek death—yet not by you,” a last-ditch defiance fueled the last elder who let anger fuel courage, chomping teeth together as his grip tightened around his trusty blade.
With guttural roar emitting, enveloped within raging torrents of mana—his body lunged headfirst—rushing towards Xiao in desperate suicide assault.
Meanwhile watching opponent’s charge, Xiao Yan remained calm, lifting heavy blade leisurely into defensive posture with quiet serenity…then leapt forward foot planting upon beast’s skull launching self forward like bullet projectile speeding toward oncoming challenger—the sound of metal colliding, rang crisply through air…twice bodies crossed mid-sky once, twice—and final separation left one party untouched but victoriously gliding downward.
Sword now sheathing soundlessly at his back, he whistled lightly. Seven-color dart flashed from sleeve back into concealment; unfurling majestic wings beating with new vigor, he took off with one glance backward at distant dark dots growing fast overhead before he vanished down below again among forest canopies—disappearing entirely without ever casting final backward glances upon remaining foe frozen mid-air in awkward final stance grasping sword.
Not soon afterward his dark silhouette fully concealed in woods when far-off dark specs grew near and closer…finally emerging as no less thirty plus flying beast flock descending upon battle field carrying heavy winds heralding ominous arrival.
Forefronted by triple elders sporting twin spirit-wings trailing in wake—none others than trio who stood blocking the way during Xiao’s first Yun Rensong encounter—now, demanding loudly with sharp tongues as approached their subordinate still mounted on beast:
“Molei—Where is Xiao Yan? Where the others in formation?” demanded Elder number one.
However…Molei made absolutely no verbal reply.
“Suspicious—something’s definitely not right here.” The elder finally caught notice of Molei’s unnatural stillness; at which moment his shout still echoing into still air:
The body of Molei still mounted above suddenly vibrated, trembled and with sudden almighty detonation scattered itself amidst skyfalling crimson droplets into a scene of horror before horrified crowd below—hundreds’ eyes widening simultaneously in sheer disbelief.
Simultaniously shrieka rose—Molei’s own last flying mount convulsing violently amidst shriek; before a second detonation shook air around, and more gore rapped across earth in second crimson wave.
Distant woods echoed laughter coldly into air before voice faded as quickly amidst shadows: Revenge—it was a final gift to Yun family after endless chains of blood chasing hounds. Vicious pursuit breeds vengeance—fury born amidst cornered fangs and bloodied teeth!
Amongst trees where escape continued, Xiao Yan briefly stilled as he cast glances toward now-distant sky. Laughs fading on thinning lips—leap launched through limbs toward further hiding as shadows swallowed blackness of his form once again!
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