Beware Of Chicken Chapter Volume 3 46.2: Marching to the Hills p2

Shen Yu watched the great flying ship depart from the Cloudy Sword Sect. Rising gracefully into the sky, the Soaring Heavens Isle Disciples who could fly ascended alongside as an escort.

Minyan, standing on the top of the mast, looked down and met his eyes. They offered each other a single nod before averting their eyes.

They would see each other again. Soon, hopefully. He idly wondered what would have been if his joke about sending Rou to the all female sect hadn’t been a joke. Perhaps this mess would have been avoided entirely?

It was an idle thought, and one he shook off quickly.

“Are you prepared?” He asked, turning to his new traveling companion.

Shen Yu examined the man once more. He was, at first glance, a walking stereotype. Smooth, refined features. A dispassionate gaze. The poise and posture of a cultivator oozed from his very pores. When one thought of a cultivator from story and rumour, Lu Ri would appear fully formed.

Shen Yu had known many, men like Lu Ri. Utterly unremarkable and doomed to mediocrity. Few who were so inflexible grew beyond the fetters that bound them.

This Lu Ri was fascinating in his seeming mediocrity, for that was merely the surface of a deeper pond. There was something about him, besides his luck. He was certain that Lu Ri had abbreviated and downplayed some of his own contributions. “And then This Lu Ri created an information network, for the other one was inefficient.” was not a sentence one heard… ever.

Shen Yu would take this man’s measure, and truly see his worth.

“Yes, Honoured Master. All is ready. We may leave at your leisure.” Lu Ri stated, bowing his head deferentially. Lu Ri’s had changed his robes. They were devoid of the markings of the Cloudy Sword Sect, clean but plain and travel worn. Paired to his robes was a well worn hat—one that had been patched time and time again. He was the picture of a well to do traveling scholar.

Shen Yu nodded with approval at his change in appearance. Being pristine was all well and good, to show your mastery; but in this vast world, it also showed that one had never been truly challenged. All those soft-looking Young Masters and Mistresses—Shen Yu rated most below a scarred and beaten bastard with fury in his eyes.

Only in the final days before ascension should one shed all that was worldly of them.

“Then we shall depart.” Shen Yu commanded. He turned, from the wide open dock at the edge of the mountain, before heading back through the sect, and towards the official entrance.

It had been centuries since he exited the sect this way— and he was feeling nostalgic.

Brother Ge and Brother Ran were waiting for him at the Grand Gate, carved with the likeness of heroes and martyrs. Both saluted him, their fists clasped, as he approached and placed one hand upon the doors, and pushed.

The massive gates, fifteen stories high that had never been breached, not by Hellforged Demon Claw nor by anything rival sects could throw at it slid open like they were made of air.

“Farewell, brothers.” He said, turning, and returning his friends’ salutes.

“Farewell, Brother.” both men said quietly.

Nothing more needed to be said; Shen Yu would be victorious, in finding his grandson. There was no doubt in any of their minds. They had said what they needed to last night.

And then, Shen Yu was marching down the mountain, Lu Ri in his wake. They kept a steady pace, albeit one that was slow for cultivators. From the freezing cold steps, they ventured, to where the mist and the trees began, far below the sect. Shen Yu had always loved the forest; there was something mystical about it, shrouded as it was in mist. He recalled he had spent many an hour sitting on the rocks and meditating, imagining that he was part of the spirit world in this fey place.

However all too soon they were entering Crimson Crucible City. Instinctively, as they grew close to the city, Shen Yu pulled in his Qi. Getting bothered by people looking for his power was always annoying; so it was best to simply blend in. As his Qi drew inward his beard became bushy, and his wrinkles seemed to multiply, as to most, he became just an old man.

It was a skill the foolish deemed useless, and those who were wise mastered. He had learned how to hide his presence in order to steal the Frost Chalice peaches from under the nose of a Guardian Spirit Beast—and then realised that it was an easy way to avoid being bothered by any looking for a fight.

The Younger Generation rarely cared for such peace and quiet, but to his surprise, Lu Ri copied him. The young man pulled his Qi into himself—to the point where Shen Yu had to turn and look directly at him to realise he had any power at all. His gait gave him away, as did the miniscule whisps of Qi that escaped him, but it took effort to sense his presence.

“Where did you learn that?” Shen Yu asked mildly.

“One must keep their Qi under strict control in the Azure Hills, lest it run away from them. Honoured Master..”

It was impressive to see such a young Cultivator master and appreciate anonymity.

Lu Ri was now…. Shen Yu studied the young man as they walked through the city. He moved sedately, and without drawing attention to himself, but Shen Yu could tell he was mildly confused about their purpose here.

He was too reserved to ask, however, especially with Brother Ge likely commanding him to obey Shen Yu without question.

“You may ask what is on your mind.” Shen Yu informed the Cloudy Sword Sect Disciple.

“This Lu Ri merely wishes to know how the Honoured Master wishes to proceed. After The Honoured Master completes his business in the city, are we to depart upon a Flying Sword, or some manner of grand formation?”

Shen Yu snorted at the overly formal tone. With those of dubious allegiance, he would remain inscrutable. But Lu Ri was chosen of Brother Ge… and Shen Yu wanted to see how he would react.

“Firstly, we shall be getting some booze. Sholai makes my favourite piss water.” Shen Yu informed the other cultivator with a wide smile. Lu Ri blinked, but otherwise remained composed. “Then we start walking. I want you to take me along the route Rou used.”

“....We are not to make haste?”

Shen Yu shrugged.

“Well, it has been some time since I have traveled in this direction, and I have never set foot within the Azure Hills. I thought I would take in the view… and you said that he seemed like he would not be going anywhere. I have been gone a year; a week or two will not change things.”

Lu Ri considered the statement, his mask never breaking.

“As you say, Honoured Master.”

Shen Yu looked at him with amusement.

“So. How did my grandson find his way to the of all places?”

It was still utterly astounding to know that his grandson had chosen that barren land to live upon. Shen Yu had never truly been there. He had approached, tasted the Qi starved air, and then immediately turned right back, dismissing the place.

What could have possessed the boy to head to the ass end of nowhere?

“Firstly, he went through the west gate, instead of the north gate; there was a landslide that day…” Lu Ri began.

“” Shuchang regaled his two newest customers while showing off the item in question hanging on the wall, some kinda traveling scholar and an old man. He had the hunch, the feeling that the scholar was a cultivator, but it wasn’t as strong as the feelings he usually got. The pair were having some of his house noodles, the old guy already done and listening intently to the story. “Saved me son’s life!”

“Oh? And did he take the fight to those bastards after?” The old man asked, his eyes burning.

Shuchang paused in his retelling, suddenly a bit uncomfortable. Then he shook his head. “Those two were supposed ta be in the Profound Realm, yanno? Poor lad looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks. He wuz in no shape ta fight. But he did what he could, yeah?”

The older man’s fiery eyes cleared and he looked disappointed, Shuchang frowned at the old turd. It was less satisfying that the bastards didn’t get any comeuppance but the freckly boy was still a good kid!

He turned the other patron, the scholar, who looked a bit famili—

“Wait, weren’t you the one searchin’ for him?” he asked, pointing to the composed-looking man. “Didja find him?”

The scholar nodded. “Indeed. Rest assured, he is in good health. I am escorting his grandfather to see him.”

“Yer his grandpappy? Well, why didn’t ya say so?! Son! Bring out the good booze!” Shucheng demanded. “Let’s drink to your grandson’s health! Foods’ on the house!”

That caught the older man’s attention, and a smile broke through his bushy beard.

Shucheng kept pouring the booze and toasting to the freckly boy and his grandfather. Man could the old guy could hold his drink! They just kept pouring a few more rounds, before Mr.Scholar stopped Shuchang, the room was swimming pleasantly.

But eventually, the strangers had to leave.

“Hey, old man. If you can… I know it's not much at all, but can you give this to him? It's our secret house diandianmen sauce! And tell him… tell him thank you. I’d kowtow for him a hundred times if I could!” Shucheng asked.

The old man smirked.

“His name is Jin Rou! Remember it!” the old man declared.

Shucheng smiled, finally having a name to go with a gaunt and tired face of his memories.

He hoped the freckly kid—no, Jin Rou, was doing well!

Two swords struck against one another in a dizzying dance under a moonlight sky. The moon was full, shining down from the heavens, illuminating the two combatants. They moved with utter grace and sublime speed, faster than any mortal eye could hope to track. The force of the swings would have cleaved through steel as if it was but air.

One, however, was completely and utterly superior to the other. That much was certain. The lesser blade could only touch the sword of the superior because he allowed it. It was a domineering tyrant, utterly supreme, and with one last twist it battered aside the lesser combatant’s guard and sent him to his knees.

Lu Ri stared down Shen Yu’s sword, and yielded immediately. Opposite him, Shen Yu nodded his head, his eyes appraising.

“Hmm. Not bad.” Shen Yu declared, removing his sword from Lu Ri’s neck.“Your technique is well founded, and your control is leagues above most I see at your level. I shall commend it.”

“This Lu Ri thanks the Master for his praise.” Lu Ri said, saluting his superior as he rose to his feet. He barely managed to keep his voice even and level. Even in the state of exhaustion he was in, it was unacceptable to show such a weakness. “This Lu Ri sees now the deficiencies in his defence, and he will work to rectify them.”

Shen Yu seemed amused at his response and sheathed his sword. “You are diligent, but currently lack passion, and thus your soul is shrouded from your blade, instead of wielded in harmony. Against one of your level, it would likely be enough to carry the day; but against any stronger foes… your preoccupation with another matter is clear.”

Lu Ri bowed his head again, chastised. “The Honoured Master is correct; This Lu Ri will meditate deeply upon his words.”

Shen Yu sighed and shook his head. “Do not take it too harshly. I too have had my soul waver when worldly matters have occupied my interest. Straying slightly is not a sin, as long as such things are corrected. Now! That is enough for tonight. We shall continue this when we have rested on the morrow.”

“Thank you, Honoured Master.” Lu Ri replied, and the old monster nodded as they started back towards the place where they had set up camp for the night, Lu Ri wincing and circulating his Qi to get rid of the worst of the damage.

He felt like when he first became a cultivator again. When he had been run into the ground day after day, instead of being completely inexhaustible. When Shen Yu had said he would give him a reward he expected perhaps a sword form, or some manner of cultivation resource.

Instead he was to be given pointers. He had The Unconquered Blade’s andattention.

Lu Ri knew that there were many who would kill for the opportunity to have a Master of Shen Yu’s caliber actually instruct them.

A single bout had already revealed and rectified deficiencies in Lu Ri’s form.

Their camp was a small thing, on the edge of one of Raging Waterfall Gorge’s many cliff-faces. When he had finished making preparations to set out to the Azure Hills, Lu Ri imagined that they would somehow speed to the destination. That the Old Monster would summon flying swords and they would be there within a day.

Instead, they had proceeded on foot.

Far faster than any mortal could hope to manage… but compared to how fast Lu Ri normally moved, it was positively . They hadn’t even gotten very far, barely outside Crimson Crucible City.

They lapsed into silence once they had finished their meal and rested by the burning fire. Lu Ri thought on the enigma that was Shen Yu. He certainly wasn’t what he had been expecting… On one hand, he was everything the Cloudy Sword Sect seemed to preach against. A lecherous drunk of an old man, a vagabond, and a drain upon society. And yet, he was Shen Yu, The Unconquered Blade, the hero about which a thousand tales were told.

A paradox, but he supposed a man who defied the heavens as Shen Yu did would similarly defy all expectations.

Shen Yu’s voice interrupted Lu Ri’s thoughts.

“How proficient are you in the use of the Raging Cloudy Sword Formation?”

“I cannot yet manifest it swiftly enough to use it without preparation,” he replied.

“Meditate upon the upper left quadrant of the formation, and dissect it thoroughly.” Shen Yu stated. “That is where understanding and speed comes from.”

“Yes, Honoured Master.”

Lu Ri didn’t mind how long it took to find Jin Rou; Shen Yu could wander as he pleased if it brought him such wisdom.

“But first… Tell me more about the Spirit Beasts he had with him, was it truly a chicken?.”

“‘Twas a tame rooster, in the Profound Realm; it was more powerful than the few cultivators I encountered there, and it referred to Jin Rou as Master…”

“Oh, honored customer, welcome back to my shop! Those men have not been back since you set them packing, no sir!” The tea shop owner wrung his hands together, as he sighted Lu Ri. His face lit up in recognition of the man who had saved his shop from thugs.

The man was swift to bring out tea and more delectable pastries. Shen Yu had said to travel along the route Rou had taken, and so Lu Ri used that excuse to stop here.

“These aren’t bad.” Shen Yu declared as he took a bite of a pastry the owner had selected.

Lu Ri nodded. “His tea has improved as well. The water isn’t too hot anymore.”

“Good tea is hard to come by for us, and good tea made by mortals, even rarer. Why, I remember one time, when we journeyed for three months, just to collect the first of each Six Elements Jade Grade Tea leaves from the top of each plant, after it was touched by the morning dew. That was some excellent tea.”

Lu Ri perked up, wondering what the delicious tea tasted like. It certainly sounded appetizing!

“Of course, the last of the batch was ruined by the Third Lady of Soaring Heaven’s Isle. she thought she would do us a favour but burned the last half of it—” the man suddenly paused, and looked at Lu Ri. “Of course, do not repeat any of this if you wish to keep your head. Song is still touchy about that incident.”

Lu Ri paused before his next sip and took a deep breath.

The Jade Eagle of the South was the most temperamental of the Ladies of the Soaring Heaven’s Isle Sect.

Lu Ri once more found himself in front of a fire as Shen Yu finished trading pointers with him. His eyes were locked onto the scroll he had crafted. The distribution network of mail was reaching a truly feasible stage, he had found, and the first implementations of it in Crimson Crucible City had been instrumental in exposing the deficiencies.

“Tell me, Lu Ri. What consumes you so? It is not a demon of the heart; it is a project that I see. I confess myself curious.”

It was considered rude to question what another cultivator was working on. Lu Ri paused and looked up at the man. He mulled over the question. Shen Yu would likely not find it very interesting, but perhaps the Master had some insight?

“Well, it begins with the delivery of mail…”

Shen Yu stared at him at first with complete impassivity… and then increasing interest as Lu Ri spoke on the method he had devised for cultivating information speed.

“And what if I told you that I doubt your methods and conclusions?” Shen Yu asked after he was done. “What use is increasing the speed of mortal mail?”

“As the Founders said: An idea that cannot stand to be challenged is worthless. Like a cultivator, our words too must stand the test of fire and hold firm against the most determined opposition. Only thus forged may it be put into practise.” Lu Ri returned.

The Unconquered Blade smiled. “Indeed. It would be most useful for the Army., they have their messangers, but some things always get lost. You really are an interesting Junior.” Shen Yu waved his hand. “You may drop some of the excessive formality. You did my grandson a kindness, and I will remember that, Senior Disciple Lu Ri.”

“Will Master Shen be more appropriate?”

“I will allow it, Lu Ri. And I give you leave to ask whatever questions you may have for the duration of our travels together.”

Lu Ri’s eyes widened. He truly was blessed.

“Thank you, Master Shen.”

The caravaneers gaped stupidly at the head of the Earth-Crushing Devil Serpent, removed from its body and dripping blood.

“Was this the one?” The old man asked calmly. “Was this the beast that dared chase my grandson?”

Xing, their leader, swallowed thickly as he stared at what remained of the great beast.

“Ahh… Yes? The shape of the horns and the patterning looks about right.” He confirmed.

“I see. Then fear this worthless worm no longer.”