Dunce silently exited the tent, inhaling deeply the crisp night air, yet unable to untangle the chaotic thoughts in his mind. Mystic Mystic Moon remained an enigma, her hot-and-cold demeanor baffling him completely. One moment she was the spoiled noble heiress snapping at him, the next she seemed genuinely concerned. He could no longer grasp what kind of person she truly was.
"Dunce, get some rest. We hit the road again at dawn," came Moon Scar's voice. The mercenary captain sat cross-legged inside the cramped tent, a tight squeeze for men of their build.
"Seventeen," Dunce replied, pushing back his hood. "You, Moon Scar?"
"Nineteen. My sister's eighteen. Youth is on our side." Moon Scar paused, his expression thoughtful. "What do you really think about this journey to the Death Mountains?"
Dunce blinked, surprised. "I just… want to get a magic crystal for my master."
"And Mystic Mystic Moon?" Moon Scar pressed gently. "The dynamics between you two are… intriguing. How did you meet?"
Dunce sighed heavily. "Moon Scar… please, don't ask. It's… complicated. Let's meditate." He closed his eyes, effectively ending the conversation. Moon Scar shook his head ruefully and focused on his own cultivation techniques.
After some time spent in conventional meditation (a ruse to hide his true abilities from the others at Mystic Mystic Moon's request), Dunce sensed Moon Scar was deep into his practice. He shifted focus, silently channeling the Vitalis Flow internal energy, honing the martial strength Mystic Mystic Moon insisted remain hidden.
Morning came. The party trekked westward through the arid plains of the Hong Ju territories. By noon, they reached a larger outpost, bustling predominantly with Hong Ju natives. Mystic Mystic Moon, after relentless demands that strained Moon Scar's patience (and wallet), finally secured a sturdy covered wagon and two powerful draft horses. True to form, she grudgingly contributed only fifty gold pieces – half the asking price for the wagon alone. Moon Scar, apparently well-funded, covered the rest without argument. Dunce fared the worst; Mystic Mystic Moon confiscated his entire meager savings, declaring them "useless" in his hands, swelling her own considerably lighter purse.
After a midday meal, Miles took the reins, and the wagon rattled onto the dusty trail.
The wagon provided welcome relief from walking, though its jolting motion made focused cultivation impossible for Moon Scar's party. Idle hours fostered conversation. After days together, familiarity had grown. Dunce and Mystic Mystic Moon learned Moon Scar and Moon Princess Petal were runaway scions of a Hong Ju noble house, escaping stifling family rules. With three years of mercenary experience under their belts, they had recently founded the Moon Scar Mercenaries. Their parents, seeing their success and the prevalence of mercenaries in their culture, had relaxed their grip. Moon Scar's elegant, deceptive Sword-Scape style was a family legacy, while Moon Princess Petal had inherited her mother's deadly archery skills. Both were formidable in their own right.
Interestingly, Mystic Mystic Moon hadn't boasted of her illustrious background. She merely claimed a few years of Light Magic tutelage under an "unknown" master. Her demeanor had been surprisingly low-key, mostly pestering Moon Scar about exciting tales from the wider continent.
The wagon swayed heavily. "Comfy, aren't we?" Moon Princess Petal drawled sarcastically, breaking the silence. Her dynamic with Mystic Mystic Moon remained unchanged: constant friction, a simmering animosity neither bothered to explain. "At least *this* time your whim wasn't entirely useless."
Mystic Mystic Moon sniffed haughtily. "Finally noticed? Dunce! What are you doing all the way over there? I'm tired. Lend me your shoulder."
Dunce flinched, edging away. "Miss… proximity… it's inappropriate…"
Miao leered from his corner. "Tandor't want her? My shoulder's available, Mystic Mystic Moon~"
Mystic Mystic Moon shot him a glare of pure ice. "Skeletons don't make good pillows. Dunce! Over here!" She scooted closer. Trapped in the confined space, Dunce had no choice. He stiffened as she nestled against his surprisingly solid shoulder. Her eyelids fluttered shut almost immediately. Dunce braced himself, enduring Moon Princess Petal's smoldering disapproval and fighting the wagon's jolts to remain upright. As Mystic Mystic Moon's breathing deepened, her arms unconsciously wrapping around his bicep, a peculiar warmth spread through him. An unfamiliar pang of protectiveness flickered in his eyes as he looked at her peaceful face.
The afternoon sun baked the land. Heat and rhythmic rumbling induced collective drowsiness.
Suddenly – *CLUNK! THUD!* – the wagon lurched violently to a halt. Miles's sharp cry to the horses pierced the haze. Mystic Mystic Moon slid from Dunce's shoulder onto his lap, jolted awake. "Wha—? What was that?"
Blushing furiously, Dunce helped her upright. "Not sure. The wagon stopped hard." He moved to investigate.
Miao was already out. Moon Scar and Moon Princess Petal followed in swift succession. Only Dunce and Mystic Mystic Moon remained inside. Xuan yawned, grabbing his arm. "Let *them* handle it. I'm still sleepy…" Before he could protest, she'd claimed his arm as her pillow again.
Frustrated but resigned, Dunce concentrated his senses outward.
"Identify yourselves!" a rough voice commanded from outside. "State your business in Pu Girln lands!"
Moon Scar's polite reply followed. "Greetings. The Moon Scar Mercenaries, bound for Tianan Yuan territories. We seek passage through your lands only."
The cold retort came swiftly. "Mercenary or not, doesn't matter. Turn back. Take the long way 'round. No outsiders cross Pu Girln soil!"
Moon Scar persisted, voice still calm. "Please, Sergeant? Detouring adds ten days, easy. We're all citizens of the Federation. Just let us pass swiftly, no stopping. What harm?"
"Spare me the 'brother' talk! You think I haven't seen your kind before?" the voice sneered. "Leave now, or we'll *make* you!"
Moon Princess Petal's furious voice erupted. "You arrogant bastards! Who gave you the right? We're crossing!"
The harsh rasp of twenty blades being drawn echoed through the woods.
"Miss, they're about to fight!" Dunce warned, gently shaking Mystic Mystic Moon awake. She grumbled but sat up as he moved to join the others outside.
He stepped down onto a wide trail shaded by ancient, towering trees. Sunlight dappled through the dense canopy. Moon Scar and his three mercenaries stood facing a mounted patrol of about twenty Pu Girln warriors. Their leader, a mountain of a man already dismounted, held a heavy cavalry saber with practiced ease. The air crackled with hostility.
Moon Scar stood firm, his voice hardening. "Sergeant, we are legitimate mercenaries! Would the Pu Girln deny their own mercenaries passage? To treat travelers like enemies… We of the Red Storm are not to be bullied!"
The dismounted warrior snorted. "Hong Ju? Your kind boast mercenaries? Show me one capable fighter among you! Beat my blade, and you pass." He rested the massive saber on his shoulder. "Name's Girln Shi. Prepare!" Pure, earth-brown aura flared around him as he exploded forward in a brutal overhead chop, mirroring Dunce's own most familiar attack – a Power Strike amplified to shattering force.
Moon Scar, shaken by the sheer pressure, met the charge not with brute force, but finesse. His silver blade danced, seeking weaknesses, deflecting the heavy blows with agile skill. But each time their blades met, Moon Scar staggered, driven back. The Pu Girln's raw power and relentless aggression were overwhelming. Moon Scar's elegant Mystic Moon Reflection Sword Art barely kept him alive. *CRACK!* Moon Scar staggered back three paces; a chunk of silver pauldron clattered to the ground from Girln Shi's near-miss. Defeat was obvious.
Girln Shi lowered his blade tip, breathing heavily, contempt lacing his voice. "I told you. Useless. Last chance. Get out."
Miao and Miles stepped forward protectively, blades out. Moon Princess Petal's silver arrow was nocked, drawn taut. Behind Girln Shi, the Pu Girln warriors dismounted as one fluid unit, drawing their own sabers. The Moon Scar Mercenaries were hopelessly outnumbered and outmatched. Defeat loomed.
"Soooooo annoying!" Mystic Mystic Moon's voice rang out, sharp with irritation. She stepped down from the wagon, rubbing her eyes dramatically. "Can't get a wink of peace. Dunce? Just standing there? Deal with these noisy pests."
She pointed imperiously at Girln Shi. "You! Big and loud! Your challenge stands, right? Beat you, we pass? Fine. Dunce! Show this rock-brain some manners."
Dunce blinked. "Me?" The power Girln Shi exuded was intimidating. He had no guarantee of victory.
"Yes, *you*!" Mystic Mystic Moon snapped. "Unless you expect me to do it? Hurry up! I want to take a nap!"
Swallowing hard, Dunce stepped forward, facing Girln Shi. Girln Shi's eyes narrowed – *Mage?* He tightened his grip on his saber.
Girln Shi frowned as Dunce unsheathed the heavy, imposing blade – the Celial Steel Sword. Recognition flickered in Girln Shi's eyes, replaced by grim determination. "Have at you!"
As Girln Shi launched his devastating Power Strike, a warm wave enveloped Dunce. His limbs hummed with unnatural vitality; a faint, pure white glow pulsed around him. He recognized the surge – *Mystic Mystic Moon's enhancing magic! Courage Aura? Rockforce Blessing? Didn't matter now.*
Instinct took over. Dunce planted his feet and swung his colossal sword upwards in a perfectly timed counter-strike. *BOOOOM!* White aura clashed violently with Girln Shi's earth-brown energy in a thunderous explosion. Dust clouds mushroomed. Girln Shi stumbled back – utterly stunned. No one had ever out-muscled him. Least of all a *mage*. Rage replaced shock. He launched a furious barrage of Power Strikes, each one heavier than the last.
Dunce met each blow head-on. The Blessing bolstered him, and the ancient Celial Steel sword resonated with his own Vitalis Flow energy, its immense weight and durability a perfect counter to Girln Shi's raw power. Each world-shattering clash echoed through the forest like a war drum. Dunce chips flew from the packed earth under their feet. Fifteen… sixteen… seventeen blows exchanged. Dunce's relentless, reinforced strength finally told. Girln Shi's saber couldn't withstand the punishment. *CRACK!* The heavy blade shattered near the hilt!
Momentum carried the Celial Steel sword, gleaming with white energy, straight for Girln Shi's skull. *Mercy!* The thought screamed through Dunce's mind. He wrenched his entire body sideways, twisting his wrist with agonizing force. The colossal blade missed Girln Shi by inches, burying itself deep into the hard earth with a ground-shaking *THUD!* The recoil slammed into Dunce's chest like a battering ram. He gasped, tasting copper as blood sprayed from his lips.
Girln Shi stood frozen, staring wide-eyed at the hilt-deep sword beside him. Death had breathed down his neck. He hadn't truly believed it possible before this moment. His broken weapon fell from numb fingers.
Mystic Mystic Moon rushed to Dunce's side. "Idiot! Are you okay?" she demanded, her voice tight with concern beneath the anger.
Dunce braced himself on the sword, wheezing. "Fine… winded…"
Mystic Mystic Moon shoved him aside, pointing her ornate staff. Golden-etched symbols flared as she chanted, her voice resonating with divine power. "O Radiant Pope Mystic! Lend Thy mercy to mend the wounded! Divine Mend!" A burst of pure, white-gold light shot from her staff, enveloping Dunce.
Warmth flooded his meridians, accelerating the natural healing properties of his Vitalis Flow. The agony in his chest receded, replaced by soothing energy. He took a deeper breath. "Thanks… Miss."
Behind Girln Shi, the Pu Girln warriors surged forward, sabers raised, eyes burning with fury. Girln Shi remained motionless, staring at the embedded sword, then at his hands, disbelief etched on his face.
Dunce stepped forward, wiping blood from his mouth, the Divine Mend's energy still tingling beneath his skin. He offered a hesitant, genuine smile. "Well… Girln Shi? Your terms? We pass?"
Girln Shi jolted from his stupor. Embarrassment warred with grudging respect. He dismissed his men with a sharp gesture and approached. Miles moved to intercept, but Dunce raised a calming hand.
Girln Shi stopped, palms open. "No tricks. I'm Girln Shi… Brother Dunce." His tone shifted dramatically, the arrogance gone. "You saved my life back there. Gratitude… and acknowledgment. Girln Shi admits defeat." He paused, scrutinizing the massive blade. "That sword… is it the Celial Steel?"
Dunce nodded, wincing as he pulled the sword free. "Yes."
Girln Shi's eyes lit up with sudden, fierce recognition. "*Celial Steel!* I knew it! You… you're of the Celial Steel Sect?!" He gestured to his men, who visibly relaxed. "When I was young… Swordmaster Xiwen, disciple of the Saint himself… he passed through our lands. Taught me foundational principles for a season!" He beamed. "We are practically brothers under the banner! A warrior of the Path… you are no enemy. Passage… consider it granted!"
"You? Brother?" Mystic Mystic Moon's skeptical voice cut in. She strode forward. "Fine. Brother or not, are we moving? Time's wasting!" She glared at Moon Scar. "Get this rolling!"
Dunce looked at Mystic Mystic Moon, then back at Girln Shi. "My sword comes from my Uncle… of the Path."
Girln Shi laughed, a hearty sound that echoed the clearing's newfound peace. "Dunce! Good!" He slapped Dunce on the back, a blow that nearly staggered the still-recovering youth. "Listen. Foreigners… outsiders… they find Pu Girln lands… unforgiving. Tell no one. It's been years since a true Celial Steel wielder came through. It would be my honor to escort you personally! Safer that way."
Moon Princess Petal bristled. "Honor? Or a trap deeper inside your lands?"
Girln Shi drew himself up, indignation blazing in his eyes. "I swear upon the honor of the Rockforce Tribe Presidenttain's bloodline! I am his son, Girln Shi! My word is stone!"
Silence fell over the Moon Scar Mercenaries. *Son of the Presidenttain?!*
Mystic Mystic Moon yawned exaggeratedly, twirling her staff. "Presidenttain's brat or ditch-digger's brat, makes no difference to *me*. Are we escorting, or camping? Moon Scar! Move!" She turned and stalked back towards the wagon.
"Brother Dunce!" Girln Shi called, grabbing Dunce's shoulder. "Ride with me. Much to discuss!" He gestured for one of his warriors to hand over the reins of a powerful black warhorse to Dunce.
Dunce looked nervously at the tall beast. "Uh… Girln Shi… I've never… ridden."
Girln Shi roared with laughter. "Never?! No matter! Easy!" He vaulted onto his own mount with practiced ease. "Relax! Lean forward slightly… nudge its flanks… yes! Good! Tandor't haul the reins too tight! See? Feels good, eh? Turn? Lean into it, guide gently… Stop? Sit back, pull firmly… Simple!"
Under Girln Shi's patient guidance, Dunce awkwardly got the horse moving alongside the chieftain's son. The Pu Girln patrol fanned out ahead. Miles cracked the reins, and the wagon rolled forward behind them. Inside, silence fell. Miao couldn't contain himself: "Mystic Mystic Moon! Had no clue Dunce was packing *that* kind of heat! Since when?!"
Mystic Mystic Moon scowled, settling onto a cushioned bench. "He isn't 'packing heat,' you idiot. He's just freakishly strong. Now shut up, some of us *need* beauty sleep." She promptly closed her eyes. Moon Scar silenced Moon Princess Petal's next question with a sharp look. Miao slumped back, rebuffed. Only the rhythmic creak of the wagon and the steady beat of hooves filled the space as it followed the Pu Girln escort into the dense, unknown woods.
On horseback, Girln Shi signaled his men to give them space. "Dunce," he began, his voice low and sincere. "Back there… *thanks*. Truly. I owe you my life." He pulled a small, dark, waxy pellet from a pouch. "Take this. Pu Girln healing secret – Dunce-Shatter Remedy. Clears qi blockages, knits bone and sinew fast. My fault you got hurt."
Dunce sniffed the pellet. His herbalist training kicked in. "Stellawort, Flexroot, Skyfall Bloom… Girln Shi, this is potent stuff! Rare ingredients! You're sure?" He recognized the complexity; Master Gorith's lessons were ingrained.
Girln Shi chuckled. "Ha! An herbalist *and* a warrior?! The Path trains multifaceted men! Eat it! That strike you stopped… saved my skull. Least I can do."
Dunce peeled off the wax and swallowed the pellet. Instantly, a potent, warm current surged from his dantian, flooding his meridians. The lingering soreness vanished like morning mist; his Vitalis Flow coiled tighter, energized. He took a deep, clear breath. "Whew! Strong! Thanks. Girln Shi… your strength surpasses mine. The magic gave me an edge, and our first clash drained you." He spoke with blunt honesty.
Girln Shi grinned, clearly pleased by the acknowledgment. "Still! Solid blow! Never met a Path disciple my age with such potential! That final strike… felt the void beside my head!" He sobered quickly, eyes fixed on the Celial Steel sword strapped to Dunce's saddle. "Dunce… your Path Master… Uncle… where is he now? And Swordmaster Xiwen… did he ever speak of the Pu Girln boy? Girln Shi?" His voice held a trace of eager anticipation, the warrior momentarily replaced by the hopeful pupil seeking news of an old mentor.
The journey into Pu Girln territory had begun not with conflict, but an unexpected camaraderie forged in the fire of a merciful strike.