A quiet wind drifted over the blood-soaked plateau, carrying the coppery scent of battle. Mike and Jian Dao stepped forward from the cliff's edge, their dark cloaks billowing behind them as they descended into view. The moment their boots touched the dusty ground, all gazes turned to them hostile, curious, watchful.
From the Mangshi camp, a composed voice called out.
I am Mang Yeshan, leader of the Mangshi family, the man said with a nod, his tone gentle but laced with authority. Now… kindly show yourselves.
Mike leaned closer to Jian Dao, whispering, His voice… Mang Yeshan, huh. Sounds pretty noble. But how did he notice us even with these cloaks on?
Jian Dao frowned. These clothes… they're useless. Should've known. Huo Chuntian gave them, after all.
Mike blinked. Wait, these are Huo Chuntian's?
Exactly, Jian Dao muttered. Now I have no doubt they'd be faulty.
Mike chuckled softly before addressing the chief. Chief Mang, you have sharp eyes. As expected of someone of your rank.
Mang Yeshan studied them both intently. Though calm on the outside, a storm of thoughts brewed behind his eyes. Who are these two? Something doesn't add up...
Please, he said aloud, introduce yourselves properly. And more importantly why are you here, in Mountain Valley?
Jian Dao stepped forward. Ah, yes. A fair question. But first, understand these cloaks hide our faces, not our presence. Mike, he turned, let's use the names we agreed upon.
He cleared his throat and addressed Mang Yeshan formally. I am Jian Yao, and this is my disciple Ma Ling. We are only passing through on our journey to Shi Tan City.
Mang Yeshan raised a brow. Is that so? Then you've strayed quite far from the usual path. Shi Tan lies in the opposite direction. But… no matter. If you're tired, you are welcome to rest with us.
Jian Dao offered a faint, polite smile. We appreciate your hospitality. Truly. But no thank you. We'll continue.
As they turned, a deep voice interrupted them.
I am Zhenlei Rongxian of the Zhenlei family, another chief declared, stepping into view with his storm-like aura rolling behind him. Strangers like you shouldn't walk alone through Mountain Valley. Perhaps you'd be safer with us.
Mike stepped forward, his tone sharper. Thanks for the offer, but we'll pass.
Jian Dao smirked. You're learning well, disciple.
Mike responded with a grin. It's an honor to walk your path, Master.
As they prepared to leave, Mike's flight path brought him close to Mang Yeshan. The chief narrowed his eyes subtly. That boy… there's something hidden in him. A faint, sealed pressure. He's suppressing his true power.
Within the eastern wing of the mountain's heart, past coiled stone corridors and ancient roots pressing through the rock walls, stood a dark, silent chamber lit only by the flicker of cold-blue lanterns.
This was Lingmu Yaohuan's personal room.
Its walls were lined with deep crimson tapestry embroidered in shifting silver thread the symbol of the Lingmu family gleamed faintly in the dim light: a beast, half man, half wolf, screaming into a moonless night. Incense curled through the air like pale smoke on a battlefield it smelled of iron, bitter roots, and something faintly… infernal.
Near the center, a small obsidian table sat between two thick chairs carved from old bones and blackwood. Upon it rested a cup of dark wine, untouched.
The Wolf King stood near the arching window, his fur-lined cloak brushing against the cold stone. His long silver hair hung loose, wild as his breathing. His amber eyes, though dimmed, still burned with the fire of old grudges.
I miss it, he muttered, breaking the silence.
Lingmu Yaohuan leaned in the chair, fingers lightly tapping the edge of the cup. Miss what, old friend?
My land. The Wolf Territory, the Wolf King growled, teeth slightly bared. That forest… those sacred stones. It was mine. My blood marked its earth, my ancestors howled through its caves. And now… scorched. Defiled. All by those humans.
He spat the last word like venom.
Lingmu's eyes flickered with a subtle gleam. Ah yes, your beloved wilderness. It must sting. But loss makes us evolve, doesn't it?His tone was gentle but laced with something darker.
The Wolf King's claws flexed. The boy… that hammer-wielding brat. And that calm old man. They humiliated me. Injured me. Stole from me. When I meet them again… I will crunch them into marrow.
A chuckle escaped Lingmu's lips. Vengeance makes beasts out of us all. Even the ones born as men.
For a moment, neither spoke. The wind howled faintly through the high slits in the wall.
Tell me, the Wolf King murmured. When you, when we, shed our last layers… when the demon blood awakened… did you feel it too?
Lingmu turned toward him, slowly. His eyes darkened.
That pulse in the soul? he asked. The moment when the human screams… and the beast within silences it?
The Wolf King nodded once.
Yes, Lingmu said. I remember.
They sat in the weight of that memory of claw and shadow, of silent screams and blood soaked rituals beneath dying moons.
Then a flicker of movement in Lingmu's eyes.
Hmm… he said softly, rising from the chair. Looks like fate has a sense of humor.
The Wolf King stepped away from the window, alert. What is it?
Lingmu closed his eyes and extended his senses. A subtle shift in the spiritual current... a ripple of cloaked power. Not hidden well enough.
They're here, Lingmu whispered.
The Wolf King grinned. His fangs glinted in the lantern light. Them?
Lingmu nodded slowly. Your revenge has arrived on silver wind.
The Wolf King's laughter was low and cruel. Heh… today may just be my lucky day.
He stepped toward the wall. Let's greet them.
And then, like mist in reverse, the two figures vanished into the air gone from the room, but carrying with them a storm that had waited too long to break.
Moments later, having crossed a few distant ridges, they landed on a quiet hill. A gentle stream trickled nearby. Dried leaves rustled beneath their feet, and stars dotted the night sky above like ancient witnesses.
Mike exhaled. Can we rest here, Master?
Yes, Jian Dao nodded. But first, let's start a fire.
They gathered fallen branches and kindled a bonfire. Soft orange light flickered across the rocks as the flames danced, pushing away the cold night.
For a while, they sat in silence.
Then Mike spoke.
That place back there… something about it felt off. The air was thick. And the smell… old, almost rotten.
Jian Dao's gaze darkened. I felt it too. Someone… or something was hiding.
Suddenly, a deep, snarling voice echoed from the cliffs.
You people again.
Mike's head snapped up. The fire cracked louder.
From the shadows, a tall figure stepped out a rugged body cloaked in thick fur, long silver hair flowing behind him, and amber eyes that glowed faintly in the dark.
Mike's brows furrowed. That voice… the Wolf King?
Indeed, it was the same Demi-Human they had once fought in the Wolf Territory, during their hunt for the Thousand-Trunked Soul Hammer. Back then, they'd injured him badly. And now, here he stood his presence heavier than before.
Where is that old bird? Huo Chuntian, wasn't it? the Wolf King asked, scanning the space behind them. Not with you this time?
Before Mike or Jian Dao could speak, another voice cut through the tension.
Let me handle this, old friend.
A new figure emerged from the darkness, walking forward with quiet, dangerous elegance.
His hair was long and black, his eyes pitch-dark with an unnatural glow. His garments were regal, woven with silver threads that shimmered faintly. Despite his human appearance, something feral pulsed beneath his skin.
I am Lingmu Yaohuan, chief of the Lingmu family, he said coldly. I don't know who you really are, but I know this you injured my friend for a hammer that should never have left the mountains.
He raised his voice, eyes narrowing.
You will return the hammer. Apologize. And leave.
The wind fell silent. Even the trees stilled.
Jian Dao smiled faintly, eyes narrowed. So. Explanation, weapon… and apology? You ask a lot for a man who wasn't even there.
Mike snorted. Beasts will always be beasts. Even if they wear human skin, they'll never understand how we think.
Jian Dao gave a rare laugh. Careful. Not all beasts are the same. One day, you may meet one who's truly… human.
Mike's eyes sharpened. That… sounds interesting.
The Wolf King took a step forward, growling. They're mocking us.
Lingmu Yaohuan clenched his fists. They need to learn respect. I'll teach them myself.
Mike rose to his feet slowly, his white cloak fluttering in the wind.
Master, he said, I think it's time to test my new flame and my technique.
Jian Dao gave a soft nod. Go on, then. Just be careful. I won't interfere.
Mike turned to Lingmu Yaohuan, voice steady and bold.
Come, then. Show me what the 'fully human beast' can do.
Lingmu Yaohuan's aura erupted, shaking the ground. He stepped forward, lightning fast.
The clash had begun.