- Sacred Empire military camp -
Tian Lao smirked as he read the updated version of the Sacred Empire's Black List, his attention completely focused on a particular entry.
A maniacal laugh escaped his lips, surprising his subordinates nearby. Most of them knew their leader always read the black list in religious silence like a hunter choosing which prey to pursue.
One of them bowed towards Tian Lao.
"Sir?" his eyes were fixated on the ground "May I know why you are laughing?"
Tian Lao briefly glared at him before moving his attention back towards the list. The man who had just spoken was a new member of his hunting team, his origin too low to get him a leading position yet strong enough to join a renowned hunting team like his.
He decided to let his first offense slide. He threw at him the list, greed clearly burning in his gaze.
"Read the third entry" as he spoke he gazed at the full moon above, his mind filled with anticipation for tonight's hunt.
In a few hours they would start their hunt, their target wasn't as important as the one he had just read about but it didn't matter. They could slowly move towards his position in the coming days.
"The entry below Tanarest Voss?"
When the name Tanarest Voss was spoken silence enveloped Tian Lao's team. The more senior members exchanged uneasy glances while the others attention focused on their captain.
Tian Lao's smile froze. he responded, his tone intensifying as he spoke like a volcano ready to erupt.
"Yes." his shaking hand started to slowly snake its way towards his sword guard "read it to the group"
The newbie started reading, his voice wavering as he noticed his companions reactions.
Tian Lao didn't listen. He had already read the entry and his mind was occupied by far more sinister thoughts. His hand curled around the sword guard while a cruel smile bloomed across his face. He paused briefly, caressing the cold metal of the guard, relishing in the bloodshed that he was about to cause.
He unsheathed a few centimeters of the blade, the steel reflecting the light of the moon while the subordinates near him gulped. They knew what was about to happen.
He stopped, his smile instantly fading as he remembered his brother's orders.
No I can't kill him, brother won't give me other subordinates if I continue slaughtering them.
He grunted, slowly moving his gaze towards the sky. The moon that had filled him with anticipation a few seconds before now seemed to mock him, reminding him of the only prey that got away. He tightened his grip around the sword, his expression constantly switching between anger and frustration.
Luckily he was giving his back to his team, or everyone would think him mad, begging him to calm down or daring to resist his attacks. He remembered very well the scuffle that followed his last attempt at killing an unruly subordinate.
In the end he managed to suppress his anger and turned around. Instead of directly killing him he decided he would order the others to teach him a lesson. Doing things this way meant having to pay a fine for "Abuse of power" and "Disorderly conduct" but he was used to it.
The soon-to-be-beat-up soldier had almost finished and was now reading the description of their future prey.
"The target has a ninth-level spiritual root, making it a priority for elimination. Its current rank is Qi gathering fourth stage. Even if the target's cultivation speed is slow due to an old injury it's considered a temporary state of weakness. The reward is the following: 50k contribution points for elimination within the first month of the year, 40k points for subsequent elimination."
The newbie closed the list while looking at his captain in fear.
There was a brief moment of silence, shock enveloped every cultivator in the surroundings. All of them seemed to forget about the newbie's infraction and started to excitedly talk to each other. Even the cultivators that weren't part of Tian Lao's team that were quietly eavesdropping couldn't help but gasp or comment on the target.
"What?"
"50k points? With that amount of money I could buy my way to Golden Core...."
"Golden Core? I could even buy a noble title and a spot as an official with that amount of contribution!"
"Yeah, land with nobiliary title is 30k right? Who's the idiot that put this kind of bounty on a Qi gathering newbie"
"Idiot he has a ninth-level spiritual root, the Sacred Empire definitely wants to prevent another Golden Generation situation"
"The Golden Generation had more than a ninth-level root, they all had special talent and bodies"
As the cultivators spoke of the Golden Generation they couldn't help but glance at Tian Lao. Even if he was only a Foundation level cultivator his older brother Tian Jian was one of the most famous members of the renowned generation.
Tian Lao waited for the chaos to die down before he finally spoke. It was time to punish the newbie for his disrespect.
"Tao, Zun" His voice was cold and filled with malicious intent "Teac—"
He suddenly turned around, and unsheathed his sword. Immediately a dagger collided with it. His feet directly sank in the ground as the unseen attack pushed him towards an isolated part of the camp, further away from any possible helpers.
When he finally stopped he was 10 meters (32 feet) away from where he stood before.There he waited for a follow-up strike, his heavy breathing the only sound in the once lively camp.
However the silence didn't last long and by the time the dagger hit the ground chaos had already enveloped his immediate surroundings. Screams of alarm followed by the sound of people putting on armor and calling for help started filling the night.
Tian Lao fell to his knees, his trembling hands still holding his sword while his eyes were fixated east where the assault had originated. His mind filled with fear and panic as he awaited a second strike. He had used all of his Qi to block the attack, making him defenseless. In that moment he was extremely vulnerable; even a casual knife throw would kill him on the spot.
His senses became extremely alert as he spotted a figure running towards him, panic briefly crossed his eyes before he recognized the silhouette of his brother's most trusted servant. The servant's face was filled with fear and panic as he was constantly calling out for him. He wasn't the attacker.
"Young Master!" he called out to him "Young Master, your brother is under attack by an assassin! We have to get away!"
"An assassin? What level?"
The servant reached him, heavily breathing.
"I don't know but he can keep up with Elder Jian"
Elder Jian was how Tian's family servants called his brother Tian Jian.
"The attack from before? Was from —"
The servant interrupted him, something that would get him killed or heavily beaten before but now the situation was urgent, nobody would punish him.
"That was an attack that Elder Jian partially blocked, the assassin is using your blood relations to distract Elder Jian from the fight!" the servant was sweating profusely as his eyes darted from Tian Lao towards the other side of the camp.
"Another attack can come this way! we have to get away!"
The servant tried to help him up but Tian Lao stopped him. His hands were still trembling and his heart hadn't calmed down yet. He looked at the surrounding cultivator, they were clearly listening to theri conversation; a prideful smile bloomed on Tian Lao's face.
Even if his brother had partially blocked the assassin's attack he had managed to react and completely stop the hit. He slowly got up, straightening his back, his posture becoming more and more prideful. Tonight he had done something few cultivators could do. Survive a Soul Wandering cultivator attack. Even if his brother had absorbed most of the attack. He was sure people would start talking about his amazing feat in the coming days, bolstering his fame and spreading his name throughout the military.
"Young master be careful, there could be -"
He silenced the servant with the wave of his hand.
"There is no need. I'm stronger than that" he looked at the surroundings. Hearing about the attack, most cultivators had stopped what they were doing and instead focused their attention on them. If Tian Lao wanted them to spread tales of his strength he couldn't afford to look weak.
He put on his strongest air then looked at his brother's servant in the eye.
"You can go I have no need for you" his voice sounded cold. As a proud cultivator he couldn't accept the help of a mortal servant even if it was his brother's favorite.
However when these words left his lips his sword completely shattered and a sudden wave of pain forced him back to his knees. The servant panicked. Tian Lao spat a mouthful of blood, the attack had left some internal injuries. His vision darkened while his face twisted in a mix between pain, rage and frustration.
He stared at the various onlookers. The pride and awe that were there just a few seconds ago had completely disappeared, now replaced with confused glances and mocking smiles. He had made a fool out of himself.
His face grew red with shame, increasingly feeling the urge to scream and attack someone. However when he opened his mouth only small whispers came out. He tried to get up.
I can still salvage this. I only have to stand up and look strong.
Yes if I can get up people will see that I resisted. They will see me as a survivor not a victim!
He could still save face.
However just as he was about to fully stand up he slipped, falling face-first on the ground.
There would be no hunt tonight. He lost consciousness.
On the other side of the camp Silas smiled as he watched the aftermath of his attack. He looked Tian Jian in the eyes, his voice filled with mockery and contempt.
"I expected more from someone of your family" an ironic smile appeared on his face.
"With hunters like that the Sacred Empire is destined to lose the war"
Each word was like a dagger thrown at Tian Jian, trying to hurt his pride, trying to enrage him, testing his patience. However Tian Jian didn't fall for his provocation, his expression was rigid and indifferent like a statue. He spoke.
"Mocking me won't work. Assassin." Tian Jian's voice was calm yet sharp, like a sheathed sword ready to strike at any moment.
Silas's smile froze. Then he let out soft laughter while a satisfied smile crossed his face. Too many times his targets had fallen for his provocations, leading them to a quick death and a forgettable fight. The thing that Silas despised the most was forgetting things, he was happy this wouldn't be a forgettable one.
After a few instants his face returned to seriousness, his voice becoming increasingly colder and indifferent.
"Good. Now let's see if you have the strength to back your reputation"
Tian Jian didn't wait for him to finish his speech, directly launching a frontal attack.
In an instant his sword collided with a silvery dagger. Sparks flew as he seized the initiative of the fight. He stepped closer, deflecting the dagger while targeting his opponent's head. He wanted to end this in one strike.
However Silas floated upward, easily dodging the hit, leaving behind only a shadowy figure for Tian Jian to cut down. Silas summoned a second blade, directly throwing it toward his opponent.
Tian Jian glanced backward. This was a coordinated attack. The first dagger had turned around and was reaching for his back, while the second was flying toward him, targeting his chest.
He reacted instantly, charging at Silas. His sword glowed gold as his Qi artificially increased the length and sharpness of the blade.
The duo met midair, their clash distorting the surrounding air as Tian Jian's sword met a third dagger.
Their faces were completely devoid of emotions, as if a single sign of them could betray their next moves.
Silas deflected his opponent's sword, leaving his enemy exposed for an attack. However he didn't attack, but used this opportunity to quickly retreat toward the thick forest that surrounded Tian Jian's military camp. Tonight's objective wasn't killing, only testing.
Tian Jian's face darkened.
Unwilling to end the fight he decided to push the assassin's limits further. In a blink of an eye he changed stance. The tip of his sword pointed directly at the gray-haired target.
He struck.
A wide golden arc started from his position, directly cutting the trees, leaving a deep scar on the ground.
He landed close to the small crater he left, his senses still alert, the dust still settling.
Suddenly he turned around, finding the assassin smiling, pointing at him, surprise briefly passing his face. He reacted.
Silas smiled. Tian Jian's speed and strength had surprised him. Their next fight would surely be a memorable one. His expression became more serious. It was time to test his target's defense.
He elegantly pointed at Tian Jian like a general directing an army. Suddenly three shadows, each holding his daggers, appeared in a triangular formation. With no hesitation they attacked Tian Jian.
For a second he could see surprise pass by Tian Jian. Then he saw it. Determination. His opponent wasn't playing anymore.
In a flash Tian Jian eliminated his shadows and came barreling down toward him. Silas sighed. He could see his opponent was determined to fight seriously; however his time for the day had ended, Tian Jian's reinforcemente were already coming their way.
His only purpose was to test his target's skills. He had no reason to stay and fight seriously when he was already deep into enemy territory. He calmly clapped his hands, channeling his Qi to the array below him. Then he disappeared.
Tian Jian's face darkened when his opponent disappeared before his eyes. The assassin had dodged his attack. Again.
He looked toward the ground where an intricate formation made out of geometric patterns lay before his eyes.
"Teleporting array..." his voice was as low as a whisper, easily covered by the cold wind that was slowly rising.
He studied the formation more carefully. He wasn't an array master; however his family had forced him to study the basics, and he could recognize the most popular arrays used on the continent.
The array before him was a temporary spatial array that was commonly used in the Eastern Coalition to teleport people in case of emergency. He couldn't recognize what kind of blood the assassin had used to draw it, but it was green and could easily blend with the grass, making it extremely difficult to spot if you weren't actively searching for it.
The sound of crunching leaves followed by a familiar voice caught his attention. His Golden Core aide had arrived.
"Vice fort master, is everything ok? Should I send a squad to search for the assassin?"
Tian Jian straightened his back and returned to his indifferent and secure self.
"No, he is at least at the Soul Wandering stage." he pointed at the array "Just send some scouts to search for this kind of array and destroy them. We can't give the enemy easy access to our camp."
The old man bowed.
"Yes sir." He was about to go and give orders when Tian Jian stopped him with a wave of his hand.
"Bring me a healing pill from the treasury. I'm injured."
The man briefly looked at his superior's bleeding shoulder, then bowed again and disappeared. Tian Jian's wound wasn't deep; however it didn't show any sign of healing. The enemy had coated his weapons with poison to slow down healing.
Tian Jian looked at the full moon. After spending the last few years in his house training in a safe environment he was in danger again. He breathed in a mouthful of cold air then smiled. He could feel alive again.
Silas whistled happily as he walked further away from Tian Jian's camp.
"Yes, a memorable fight" he mumbled to himself.
Yes, Tian Jian was a worthy foe. He had to remember this fight, write the details in his diary when he reached his improvised camping site. A sudden desire assaulted him.
No I have to write it now!
He took out a small book and a pen from his space ring and started furiously writing down his fight with Tian Jian. Even if he was walking and blood was slowly seeping from his chest, his calligraphy was precise, almost perfect. Today's fight had caught his attention. He had to remember, he had to write it down.
He began by recording the most important details; Tian Jian's reactions to his provocations, his posture, his timing. But as he wrote his desire only intensified. He added more annotations, details, impressions, emotions, feelings. He wrote everything that he remembered, even the intrusive thoughts that bothered him while he fought.
Even if my house falls apart I have to remember, I have to write it, I won't lose my memories because of that godforsaken curse!
He continued writing for two hours, only stopping when he crossed a small clearing clearly illuminated by the moon. It was beautiful, everything from himself to the surroundings was bathed in silver light. He smiled, opening his arms as if to thank the moon for her pure silver light.
Then he bowed towards the sky and resumed writing. This time he didn't write his thoughts about the fight but only described the beautiful moon that had accompanied him during this memorable night.
Liang Wei played with a cup of wine, occasionally letting some wine slip out just to pull it back in using his Qi. Even if he was playing with it, he would never let the wine stain the precious documents that lay on his desk.
He took a sip, letting the sweet aroma fill his mouth while his body automatically detoxicated, preventing him from getting drunk. Naturally, he could stop this process, but he didn't want to.
For him, drinking wine wasn't about drunkenness. It was all about the taste, the smell, the aroma, the experience. If wine didn't smell or taste good, why drink it? It baffled him that some people drank low-quality wine just to get drunk, ending up stumbling around the roads of the city where they lived. Were their lives that bad? Were they so desperate to lose their self-control?
Were they really willing to lose control of their bodies and minds just for a night of fun and excess?
He smiled. These questions weren't important to him or to his plans, but he let his mind be entertained by them. He had done a good job; his plans were going swimmingly, and the war was proceeding as he expected. Recently his spies had even managed to find some traces of the assassin he had hired to kill Tian Jian. Apparently, he had camped close to the Rainy Fortress before moving deeper into enemy territory.
His hands softly moved the stack of papers that dominated his desk, revealing a quick drawing depicting the path he thought the assassin would take. According to his estimates, Silas would engage with Tian Jian tonight or tomorrow morning when the majority of the soldiers were asleep.
With a wave of his hand he summoned his trusted Go board, where each pawn was meticulously placed, representing either the Rose Kingdom or the Sacred Empire legions.
He started moving them, simulating the changes that the battlefield would go through in the next few months. Each move he made was slow and deliberate, like a painter slowly composing a new masterpiece.
When he arrived at the end of the second month, he stopped. In his delicate hands he held the last red piece on the board.
He smiled, taking another sip of wine.
In two months time all the problematic pieces would be gone, and the second phase of his war plan could finally start. It was almost time to escalate the war.
He gazed upon his Go board; the legion placement was extremely intricate, the line that defined the border between the two nations was already jagged and chaotic during peace times. Now that they were fighting, the chaos had amplified, making it difficult to find the best move.
Liang Wei slowly caressed the side of the board. He wanted to go forward, simulate further in time, predict even more moves, but he restrained himself. He didn't know the future, and the further he simulated, the more likely he was to leave gaps and openings in his strategy. Small mistakes would get bigger, eventually snowballing out of his control.
He sighed, shifting his gaze toward a nearby window; the night was calm and a full moon illuminated the entire mountain where the majority of the Liang family lived. He let out a small murmur.
"Bloodshed is coming."
Even if thousands would die in the next months, Liang Wei felt no remorse. The only regret that lingered in his heart was one caused by the imprecision in his plans. His only regret was being wrong, but it was inevitable; only a man who knew the future couldn't be wrong.