As the golden rays of light recede, a feeling of calm falls over me. Looking down at the large Golden Book in my hands, the Golden Page is now missing. Unsure of what increasing my 'soul depth' actually changed, I release the Golden Book. As the book returns to the apex of the Library of Heaven's Path, I return to reality.
Taking in my surroundings, I notice a sharpness to everything I see. With the slightest attempt, I can tell the apes seem to be closer to my hiding place. I can only assume, the apes heard me cursing.
Determining that I'm in no immediate threat, I turn my attention to my soul realm. The swirling energy, the abstruse gemstone, and the Shadow Devil are still present. Focusing on my demon spirit, I seem to be able to create a link to the Shadow Devil. I don't know the full ramifications of this new event, but it seems the speed and amount of energy I send to the Shadow Devil has increased. As if the connection we have was strengthened.
Peering at the swirling ball of Kong Ming's intent, I can tell that the speed it was merging at has definitely slowed. Like it is no longer able to easily merge with me. I will have to do more research on this. Run some theories through the Library of Heaven's Path, until I have a better grasp on things.
Taking a moment, I am much calmer. As if I know the appropriate way forward will be difficult but manageable.
Returning my conscience to my body, I survey the room a second time. Confirming my eyesight has improved, I focus on the noise outside. Judging by the activity from the apes, I think they will be entering the building soon.
The pressure of having to make a decision, before I'm pulled into battle or fleeing, doesn't seem to cause me as much stress as it did earlier. Analyzing the situation a second time, I could use Void-Form to flee the ruins, or I can take this opportunity to empower Solarion. I gain nothing from avoiding the apes, but I stand to gain a fair bit of power for Solarion by slaying the demon beasts.
With a nod of acceptance, I begin to meditate to speed my soul force recovery. It would be smart to be at maximum strength before I launch my wanton killing spree.
As I meditate, my soul force is rising much faster than it should. Even with the abstruse gemstone, it shouldn't be this fast. To test this new discovery, I begin to cultivate. It's not easy to accurately credit how much the gemstone is helping, and how much my new soul depth is contributing. I wouldn't be surprised if my soul realm changed from Green to Cyan or even Azure.
Too bad I don't know of a way to verify this. I'm much too strong for a primary soul crystal, and I've never even heard of a stronger version in canon. Regardless, it is unimportant at the moment.
Once a decent amount of my soul force was restored, I went to survey the apes outside. I'm dumbfounded. There has to be close to two hundred Giant Blue Armed Apes surrounding the building.
Taking Solarion in both my hands, I resolve myself to slaying the demon beasts outside. I notice a large, dark-haired ape making it's way closer to the window. With a slight smirk pulling at my lips, I can't help but say, "For the greater good, hairy."
With a quick thrust of Solarion into the sternum of the brave ape, I commence the slaughter for power.
*************************
As the sun sets, many of the remaining demon beasts seem to be retreating farther from the battle site. After several hours of hunting and battling, there are blood and body parts scattered everywhere.
Once the demon beasts finally realized they stood no chance, they tried to flee. The past hour has turned into a giant game of hunting and tracking. I decided to call off the hunt. It's taking longer and longer to track down demon beasts.
I move into the shadows of a building and merge with the Shadow Devil. In Void-Form, I easily make my way through the streets until I find a sturdy-looking building near the city's perimeter wall. I'll rest for the night here, and make my way home in the morning.
I spend an hour setting up defensive arrays. I don't want to be caught off guard, even by weak demon beasts.
Despite the safety precautions I took, it's still not a very restful night's sleep. Giving up on sleep, I make a small meal from dried rations and juice. I don't want to take the chance of drawing in demon beasts with the smells of a cooking fire.
After my small meal, I secure all my items and merge with the Shadow Devil. Entering Void-Form, I make my way to the perimeter wall of Ancient Orchid City Ruins. I take one last look at the ruins, before putting the city behind me.
An hour outside of the ruins, I'm struck with a moral dilemma. I stumbled upon Chen Linjian's group as they were breaking camp. Spying on the group of teenagers wasn't very reassuring. There were only seventeen in the group, with their strength ranging from 1-Star Bronze to 2-Star Silver.
For some reason, every one of them seems to be suffering from minor injuries. If the demon beasts in Ancient Orchid City Ruins are still in a volatile mood, this group doesn't stand a chance of surviving.
After careful consideration, I make my way back to the ruins. As the situation is now, Chen Linjian's group would take several deaths at the hands of the demon beasts, and Glory City is going to need all the help it can get. I can also run interference on the Dark Guild if I spot them.
Once I enter the ruins again, I'm even more confident I made the right choice. The Giant Blue Armed Apes seem to be moving in groups as if they're patrolling the ruins.
Watching the apes move in semi-competent formations, I regret not trying out any area-of-effect techniques. Creating a wide arsenal of battle techniques just became a priority when I return to Glory City.
Playing to my strengths, I begin to lay a trail of offensive arrays leading away from the center of ruins. This should draw most of the apes away from the area Chen Linjian's group is most likely to travel.
Once completed, I remove Solarion from my soul realm. Already I can feel her power has increased from the battles the day before. Today will increase her power a bit more.
Triggering a Flame Explosion Array near a passing patrol of apes, I bring Solarion to bear into the backs of the distracted apes. The battle was bloody and quick. I can already hear the calls of more apes moving towards my position. I have less than an hour before Chen Linjian's group arrives. More than enough time to cause some chaos.
*****POV CHANGE*****
Hen Chu was filled with regrets at the moment. He should have never joined up with the Divine Family's Young Master. This entire expedition has been cursed.
Starting the first day we left Glory City, we've been getting attacked by demon beasts. Fox-Bears and Snow Serpents seemed to be the main aggressors, attacking both day and night. Not once since departing Glory City has anyone gotten a full night's sleep. It was as if that strange fire threw them into a rage.
Luckily, no lives have been lost, but nearly all are carrying injuries of some kind. Even that little snob from the Sacred Family has his arm in a sling.
We knew something was amiss when we arrived at the Ancient Orchid City Ruins this morning. The roars of Giant Blue Armed Apes and the sounds of battle were echoing off the buildings. We should have backed away and established a defensive position at the very least, but the Young Master thought otherwise. He said we would be able to enter the ruins unnoticed with so much going on.
He was wrong.
I'm not sure exactly where the group was heading, but we barely lasted an hour before being attacked by a group of Giant Blue Armed Apes. Many Bronze and Silver ranked demon beasts have died to our formation, but things didn't go so smoothly this time. Four of those damned apes dropped directly in the center of our formation as another four attacked our flank.
Like an idiot, I fled from the sudden appearance of a demon beast to my back. Before I could rejoin the safety of the group, I was being singled out and attacked. These clever beasts were constantly blocking my path, forcing me to move farther and farther away from the group.
Exhausted and bruised from numerous fights, I can't help but think of how tired of this I am. This was supposed to be a trip to find lost treasure. Treasure I could use to forge a better life for myself and family. Now, this has turned out to be my end.
Cornered and facing three dark-haired giant apes, I'm determined to make these bastards join me in death. As the three demon beasts charge forward, I ready myself to strike the first one to get within range. They never do.
With a resounding crash, the closest ape is suddenly flattened against the ground. A shining metallic hilt is protruding from the center of the ape's back. The other two giant apes come to a halt and turn to their downed companion. Only for each to be lightly struck in the chest by a golden armored man appearing out of thin air. Despite the apparent light attack, both giant apes collapse to their knees, a look of agony twisting their faces.
The golden armored man grasps the metallic hilt, still held up by the corpse of the downed ape. With an elegant spin, he frees the weapon and beheads both kneeling apes in a single fluid motion.
I can only stare, dumbstruck, at the powerful figure walking away. Like smoke on a breeze, he seems to disappear before my eyes. Suddenly a callous voice fills the area, "Your friends are five streets over. To the west. Hurry and rejoin them while the way is open."
Seizing this unbelievable miracle, I thank the gods and sprint towards the west. A hallucination or divine intervention. I don't know and don't care.
*****ZHU DI POV*****
Chen Linjian's group arrived faster than I anticipated. I was forced to watch over the teenagers as the apes began targeting their group. I used more soul force maintaining my soul formed crowned helm than I did in battle. Thou the cost was high, I can't risk any of them identifying me.
I don't try to pave the way for them, just eliminate the likelihood one of them would die to a large assault. I can't and won't try to guarantee the entire group's safety. They have proven that they are perfectly able to adapt and learn. Their efficiency has improved greatly since the first attack. Chen Linjian's ability to lead and inspire shows the amount of work and training that he's had.
It is unlikely I would be able to earn a Golden Page from him, but he still has other uses.
By the time the group reaches the City Lords Mansion, I am feeling confident they would be fine without me.
That's when I spotted the Dark Guild. It appears they're scouting out the area as other Dark Guild members are setting up a campsite nearby.
I trail their scouts as they search the ruins. A few thrown rocks and other distractions keep them from finding Chen Linjian's group. As the sun sets, the scouts seem to be giving up for the night.
I keep a bit of distance from their campsite, not wanting to risk Deacon Yun Hua sensing something off. Observing their campsite for a time, I'm confident there are only eight Dark Guild members present. The weakest one being a 2-Star Silver ranked Fighter, and by this point.
Still not comfortable with the thought of taking another human life, that's surprisingly not my main concern. I know they're evil dicks seeking the destruction of half a million people for some asshole's twisted sense of justice. But I'm not sure killing them off right now is a good idea. Deacon Yun Hua is a douche bag, but he's the highest-ranking Dark Guild member in Glory City outside of the Sacred Family.
The Dark Guild would replace him, but I don't have any idea who it would be. The Dark Guild uses Gold and Silver rank spies because there is a huge drop in numbers from Gold rank to Black-Gold rank in Glory City. A Black-Gold ranked Dark Guild member wouldn't last more than a couple weeks before the City Lord's Mansion discovered them, but a Gold-rank can hide as long as they wish.
I debate with myself deep into the night. Finally deciding to play it safe, I cautiously enter their campsite in Void-Form, and I lay a weak explosion array near their fire-pit. To prevent them from interfering with Chen Linjian's group, wounding several Dark Guild members would benefit me the most.
Having wounded members would force others to take care of them, and force them to abandon their kidnapping plans. It should also prevent the Dark Guild members from devoting a large number of resources on seeking revenge once they return to Glory City. They won't be able to associate me with this sneak attack, but they may pin any deaths on the teenagers.
When morning finally comes, I wait impatiently until four of Dark Guild members gather near the fire-pit. I watch with cool indifference as I set off the array. I overestimated the durability of Silver ranked Fighters as three of the four members immediately go down, screaming of broken legs.
The campsite goes into high alert, with members rushing to search for any traces of the attacker and others taking defensive positions. Once they realize they aren't under attack, they regroup and start arguing amongst themselves. From where I'm hiding, I can't clearly make out what they are saying, but it seems 'killing' is one of the topics. Not sure if they were arguing over killing Chen Linjian's group, or killing their wounded. I didn't think they would be that ruthless to their own members.
Having enough of the arguing, Deacon Yun Hua finally makes the decision to treat their wounded and leave the Ancient Orchid City Ruins. Judging by the looks on their faces, several members fully support that plan. I don't blame them. Who wants to risk walking into an area where deadly traps can be hidden anywhere.
I shadowed them until the made it clear of the ruins.
And now I find myself sitting down for the first time after three exhausting days. Regardless of how stupid I was, I've still gained quite a bit from this. Real combat experience, a Golden Page, my need for more techniques, and learned my limits to name a few. Another key point to be happy about is the power Solarion gained.
With the number of demon beasts slain on her blade, I would estimate Solarion to be at the peak of Black-Gold rank. Some times using her was more troublesome than if I used Bone Sickles or the Gentle Fist, but she needs more power if I am to have any use for her in the future.
The fact that I've given Solarion a gender just shows I'm partial to her. I need to sleep. I'm getting delirious.
Moving over to a building mostly intact, I begin setting up defensive arrays. After the building has been properly secured, I lay down for some much-needed sleep. Tomorrow, I'll head back to Glory City. I have a lot to do.