Beware Of Chicken v7c37: Spirits of Earth and Water

Shenguashi, the essence born from Master Xiaoshi, basked in total fulfillment for the very first time. Victory was achieved! The Emperor had been located! A successor to Master Xiaoshi’s vision, guardian of Lady Tianlan!

He possessed every required quality. His sharp mind, unyielding resolve, balanced restraint—he was powerful too! Almost as formidable as Shen Yu, the one who had rejected Shenguashi! An ideal candidate for Emperor!

…naturally, he already ruled as Emperor over the vast remainder of this enormous continent. The mighty Phoenix that Bi De had revealed to him. Yet that changed nothing!

This development might prove even superior! Shenguashi now had the chance to persuade the Emperor to deploy his entire Empire in defense of the Azure Hills! Such delight! Such wonder!

“Hmm. These recollections prove fascinating. I understand their significance, though not their immediacy,” the Emperor remarked, stroking his chin. “Evidently, the scholars erred; the Qi Wastes aren’t innate features of our world, particularly if this reflects the former state of the Azure Mountains.”

The two most potent cultivators who had delved into Shenguashi’s crystal shared the same preoccupation; both had voiced astonishment that the Demons’ harm to Lady Tianlan wasn’t a natural occurrence—seemingly, other regions existed where Earth Spirits had been wholly devoured.

His instructions compelled him to counsel the Emperor—yet they clashed abruptly with a conflicting command.

Obey Lady Tianlan.

Lady Tianlan, who preferred anonymity from the broader world, feared she and fellow Earth Spirits might face peril from the very inhabitants of this realm. Given the atrocities Lord Xiaoshi had observed, where mortals tore into Lady Tianlan’s bones to sip her marrow… such concern was valid.

Champion the new Emperor. Shield Tianlan.

“The theory suggests Demons locate a vital node in the Dragon Veins, then exploit it to sap the whole province,” Shenguashi explained. A splendid response! Both mandates satisfied! “Furthermore, Shen Yu and Xiao Ge speculated that these worldly rifts gradually deplete the Qi within it.”

The Emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully. “That makes sense.” He pondered briefly before addressing Shenguashi again. “Your creator was a intriguing figure; Xiaoshi of the Azure Mountains. Evidently, that province holds deeper secrets than anticipated. This Shen Yu, Rou Jin… I must monitor them more closely.” Shenguashi’s expression lit up at the words. “So, safeguarding the Azure Hills ranks among your directives?”

“Indeed, Emperor—yet with those who discovered me and your vigilance, it stands securely guarded!” Shenguashi replied.

The man laughed softly. “Shen Yu certainly serves as a strong shield against any threats to those Hills. Alright. Your other command was to aid me, correct? Let’s examine what your creator viewed as aid.”

The Emperor’s eyes intensified. Shenguashi almost swelled with pride under the scrutiny. He wouldn’t disappoint his maker! He would serve as a counselor!

“To begin, a legal dispute; one individual charges another with mismanaging his territories…”

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The Emperor of the Crimson Phoenix Empire emerged from the crystal after a while, a faint smile gracing his lips.

The crystal’s spirit proved entertaining; intensely keen to assist, and its counsel wasn’t poor. It favored righteousness, yet above all, the Spirit yearned to serve.

Practical rather than overly idealistic, and attuned to complex matters; it offered opposing views, but more notably, insights from a figure named “Kongming” on prior rulings—the judicial head under Ancestor Xiaoshi.

The man’s citations were articulate, straightforward, and concise. A valuable ally to possess.

Fengyan eyed the crystal a bit longer. He decided to keep it nearby. It could prove useful in the future.

He returned to his couch and settled in, withdrawing a sheet of paper to sketch initial thoughts. Scholars must be dispatched to the Wastes; experts in Dragon Veins, Spiritual Doctors… scholars overall. Protection was essential—bandits infested the Wastes, and the terrain remained hazardous. The Cloudy Sword Sect expressed interest in greater involvement, so they might suit.

He outlined his strategy for a few more moments, then his thoughts drifted. If the Qi Wastes stemmed from unnatural causes, perhaps restoration was possible. If he managed that… if success came

The Emperor exhaled slowly.

Better to temper expectations.

His break had ended for the day, so Fengyan stood again. He relayed instructions to assemble scholars for Wastes investigation to his assistant, then reviewed alerts. Most were minor, fortunately, but one fell under “persons of interest.”

He took the document. As if summoned, it originated from the Azure Hills.

“‘In organizing the Pale Moon Lake City Archive per orders, new entries arrived; the names align with those of interest, matching the describer who submitted them. Texts duplicated. Awaiting instructions on forwarding or retention.’”

Fengyan scanned the three titles.

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“The Art of Beekeeping by Rou Jin, Hong Meiling, and Hong Xian. The Fundamentals of Sterilization by Rou Jin, Hong Meiling, Yao Che, and Liu Bowu. The Joys of Fishing by Rou Jin, Hong Meiling, and Hong Xian.”

Fengyan arched a brow. Shen Yu’s followers penned these and filed them in the Archives? They derived their Anti-Demonic formation from his construct’s chambers, but… novels?

Fengyan grew eager to peruse the writings. They seemed unremarkable, particularly to typical cultivators, but beeswax held vital uses—and sterilizing medical instruments? Intriguing.

He summoned a messenger. The figure materialized from the shadows, as usual.

“Your Majesty,” he declared, bowing low before his lord.

“A urgent task for you. Fetch and deliver. To this site,” Fengyan directed. Mission accepted, the messenger vanished in a blur of speed.

At least a day would pass before return; their cultivation granted exceptional velocity.

And hopefully, engaging material to review.

Fengyan gazed at his Empire’s map, focusing on the northwestern edge.

The Azure Hills. Who could foresee their rising importance?

Would surprises continue?

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Her eyelids parted gradually.

The burden of ancient murmurs and the void’s summons sought to seal them; yet she resisted.

Slumber had claimed her far too long.

Her eyes opened fully, revealing… dimness. Illumination here scarcely surpassed closed lids. Still, faint light revealed a barren lakebed stretching ahead, then plunging into abyss.

A endless chasm. Wide-mouthed. Beckoning. Awaiting her approach, urging her onward to… tumble.

Tumble into renewed sleep. Tumble into timelessness.

Its alluring call might have swayed her more without the adjacent land’s glow illuminating the scene. It shone muted gold, invading the shadows.

Such defiance weakened the temptation.

“Not today!” she bellowed, leaping from her seat. “Ohohohohohoho! You believed you could outwit me?! Think again! Idiot! Moron! Audacious! You dare?! I’ll thrash your rear ten thousandfold for this insolence!”

Her proclamation echoed through the depths, intensifying the golden radiance. She fanned vigorously at the loathed presence, sending massive surges to batter the dark, and brandished her fishing spear overhead—it felt instinctive.

Regrettably, breath failed her swiftly, leaving her gasping on the lakebed.

“And... take… that… as a warning… to you!” she gasped, scowling at the gloom. She snorted and swept stray locks aside. Hair like moonlit pallor, curls drifting like mist or wave froth. Fortunately, her ponytail restrained most.

She smoothed her gown, ensuring propriety; the azure and emerald hues charmed elegantly. A stunning garment. From its hem emerged her tail—a fish’s, scales gleaming like soft moonlight.

Memories surfaced of manifesting to anglers amid tempests, tail flicking to direct them—wait, no, that never happened. Just… tales anglers shared. Folklore.

Yet they believed it true. That was her, right? Pale Moon Lake?

Reflection halted at applause.

“Splendid performance! I figured you’d require guidance, but you’ve grasped it,” a playful voice announced.

Huibai Yue spun, warmth flooding her face. She fixed a stern gaze on the intruder, set to unleash rebuke—until recognizing the mocker.

A woman. More a girl, truly. Petite and fragile, form fractured yet bound by golden luminescence. Accompanied by an entertained man and a woman with starry marks across her nose, suppressing a grin behind her palms.

Huibai Yue recognized her immediately.

.

Her sovereign. Witness to her foolish thrashing and void-rants.

Huibai Yue cleared her throat. “Ah, My Lady, you see… I merely…” she stammered.

“Delighted to witness your vitality,” Lady Tianlan’s tone was soft, yet her message pierced Huibai Yue’s essence. Warmth emanated from her ruler; relief and happiness at her presence. “I’m pleased; the seeds our kin sowed… they flourished magnificently.”

Huibai Yue blushed. “Of course, My Lady! Your Pale Moon Lake embodies beauty, elegance, and flawlessness in every aspect!”

Her declaration stirred the waters.

“She’s got quite the voice,” her Liege’s ally observed, evidently entertained.

Huibai Yue puffed at the bold remark… but found no ire toward him. Sufficient respect laced the jest to overlook it.

“And your hair —it’s so lovely!” the starry woman exclaimed, eyes sparkling. “Such curls!”

“Later,” Lady Tianlan chided before Huibai Yue could agree. “Duties first. Pale Moon Lake. Approach me.”

The surrounding waters shifted. Huibai Yue obeyed, drawing near and kneeling before her diminutive lord. “Yes, My Liege?”

“This realm lies fractured. The world teeters on change. You sense it, don’t you?” Tianlan stated directly. The void lingered behind Huibai Yue, quiet yet insistent. “Huibai Yue Hu. My Pale Moon Lake. Cherished offspring, born from disaster’s wake; refuge and haven for human and creature, rescuer of countless souls. I arrive, my Lake Lady, to request your aid.”

Huibai Yue lifted her gaze to her mistress, puzzled. Naturally, she’d fulfill any Tianlan’s wish. It defined her being. Her role. Millennia of subdued pleas, impressions undiminished by oblivion, summoned her. The earth required her service.

Yet… her sovereign sought permission regardless.

“A grueling, unrewarded burden—it means battling the void ceaselessly, confronting it daily. To steady the Dragon Veins and halt their frenzy. That becomes your duty—and I regret imposing it so soon after your stirring.”

Huibai Yue grinned at the sentiment. “No apologies needed, My Lady. Your Pale Moon Lake shall triumph in this endeavor flawlessly!”

Her liege met Huibai’s eyes and offered a sorrowful smile. “Don’t rush into such arduous roles so eagerly,” she reproved mildly. She sighed, drawing Huibai Yue into an embrace. “Should you require aid. Should you need anything. Even a brief respite for days. Please, summon me. Though you might endure solo… you needn’t.

The declaration rippled through the waters. Huibai Yue shut her eyes as a golden bond of faith kindled within her. Full comprehension eluded her…. But its weight felt profound.

“Yes, My Lady,” Huibai Yue murmured.

Tianlan withdrew and nodded firmly. “Excellent! I’ll butt heads if you neglect it! Now… picnic time! Mr. Battery! Share some premium treats with her!”

Lady Tianlan’s ally rolled his eyes. He extended his palm.

“From us… and from all who struggled to deliver this,” the man stated.

The Qi enveloped her.

And awareness bloomed. Affection for the sweeping shoreline. Reverence for raging gales. Delight in watery frolics. Contentment of anglers with fresh hauls and seals romping through aquatic flora. The bold pride of a Pale Moon Eagle soaring over domain.

Myriad feelings. Myriad delayed gratitudes, finally reaching one worthy to cherish them.

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The lake transformed, according to fishermen. It felt… alive, though explanations escaped them.

Not the chill. Not the swells. Not the span shore to shore. Fish behaviors remained unchanged, or at least unobserved.

Still, the anglers affirmed. She had altered. More vibrant.

Yet words failed to capture it.

The Lady continued her roars and bellows. Tempests assailed homes and vessels, rains poured as through ages past.

Perhaps… a few more anglers began claiming that, in fiercest gales, as they beseeched the Lady to quell her fury… a tailfin of sheer moonlight appeared, steering them to safety.

And amid those tempests, as surges pounded and winds wailed, they heard a lady yelling, swearing, berating an unseen adversary, all while chuckling.