Beware Of Chicken v7c62: Once More, we Sally Forth

An enveloping silence followed Paobu's narration. All the formidable Spirit Beasts, the powerful humans, and most notably, Blaze Douser, had remained utterly still, absorbing his account. No laughter erupted, no taunts were hurled, and no trace of amusement surfaced regarding the Blaze Bears' defeat.

Paobu braced himself for the inevitable jokes. Such was the custom when dealing with the vanquished—the way Reaper Wolves treated their slain, how Wreckerballs dealt with the crushed, and the method by which Blaze Bears handled their burning prey. Even humans partook, proudly displaying pelts of foes they had overcome.

He was a Blaze Bear, and they were not. This established a clear opposition, a fundamental reality of their world.

Yet, no scorn or mockery came. The woman beside him kept her hand gently on his flank, the applied herbs and their soft, verdant luminescence mending the last vestiges of his physical discomfort.

"Just one hardship after another, isn't it?" the human, whose appearance and scent reminded Paobu of a fox, finally inquired, leaning back with a sigh of irritation.

Sympathetic murmurs rippled through the group. The owl-like human next to the fox-like individual rubbed his own arm.

"Indeed, it appears there is scarcely a moment for respite," Blaze Douser agreed. "Yours is a somber account, Paobu, and my condolences are with you. In a sense, it is fortunate that many of your kin departed the Ash Forest; it means they still draw breath."

Paobu's eyes widened at these words and the genuine compassion they held. The others in the group offered nods of agreement. Even the collective hum of the bees seemed to express assent.

Paobu stared, uncomprehending. "... Does that make us food?" he stammered, bewildered. Yet, a distinct pulse beat within his chest, accompanied by a feeling of warmth emanating from their pronouncements. "... That is what the others say. Other beings are merely sustenance. Paobu has harbored personal doubts, certainly, but the mightiest, strongest, as well as the oldest and wisest, were so assured in their conviction."

Blaze Douser met Paobu's gaze directly. All the others turned their attention to him, and within their eyes, Paobu perceived... what?

"No. You are not. You possess thought. You experience emotion. You know both joy and regret. These qualities define you as a person," Blaze Douser stated, his voice carrying a calmness as unwavering as the pronouncements of the ancient ones. "A person with whom we can engage in dialogue, and with whom common ground might be found. This does not guarantee harmony, however. We may harbor irreconcilable differences, and conflict might still arise. But it signifies that we must make the effort to converse."

His words, though soft, reverberated in Paobu's mind like the thunderous roars of the most powerful alphas. It was a peculiar philosophy, something that simply... existed.

And yet, it was happening. They had offered him refuge. They had healed his wounds. It was evident they harbored no intention of harming him, and most significantly, they were engaging in discourse with him. Conversing with him and acknowledging his personhood, precisely as Blaze Douser had advocated.

"So... we are equals?" he inquired, his voice barely a whisper, as everyone surrounding him offered affirming nods.

"Yes. Precisely as we are communicating now. You are not merely a Blaze Bear. You are Paobu. A valiant protector of your home, one who relishes honey—a cherished son of the Forest Empress."

After all that had transpired. After believing his end was nigh, following the terrifying encounter with the demon bees...

Paobu felt tears welling in his eyes.

And still... Blaze Douser had not concluded.

"Rest now, Paobu. Recover your strength. And rest assured, we will unravel this mystery. You shall see the Ash Forest again—and no hornets shall dare to trouble you there, for as long as you live."

His declaration was akin to a solemn oath. Paobu barely grasped the magnitude of the rooster's promise.

The tears that had been gathering finally spilled over.

The small human's fingers gently scratched behind his ears. The boar nudged his side with unmistakable tenderness.

It was so... unexpected. This was not how the world operated. Nothing was meant to unfold this way—and yet... why did it feel so profoundly correct?

========================

Bi De closed his eyes, turning away as the Blaze Bear quietly sobbed. It was a mixture of sheer exhaustion, profound relief, and sheer disbelief that any being outside his own kin would offer aid. Paobu, utterly depleted by his harrowing account and his injuries, succumbed to sleep shortly thereafter...

...he had endured a great deal.

Paobu's tragic narrative struck a deep chord within Bi De. It bore an unsettling resemblance to the assault on Fa Ram—but instead of a triumphant defense, the Ash Forest had fallen, its inhabitants either slain or scattered. If the hornets had inflicted such devastation upon the Blaze Bears, what precisely were they perpetrating against all other life in the region?

Vajra had depicted them as voracious, implacable entities, perpetually insatiable. Paobu's testimony corroborated this, describing how they preyed upon and consumed any creature venturing too close to their domain, evidenced by the disappearances of numerous Blaze Bears. While it was possible these events followed attempts by the bears to raid their hives, the most alarming detail was the mention of the golden pool.

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Tianlan's blood. The Blaze Bears had kept it preserved… and the colossal, mutated hornet was drawn to it.

That, Paobu realized with dawning horror, could not possibly portend anything good.

Furthermore, the initial attack was on Fa Ram. Someone had already extinguished one of Vajra’s scouts, and if the sequence of events was correct, their entire empire commenced their movement southward around that time.

“So, what is our course of action?” Ri Zu posed the question to Bi De, seeking his direction. Indeed, all eyes were on him. A looming threat had appeared, and they awaited his decision. His Master was absent in the south. Shen Yu remained somewhere beyond their reach.

The responsibility now rested squarely on his shoulders. As the protector of Fa Ram, he could not falter.

“We shall meet them directly,” he decreed. “We will not permit this horde to advance north and lay siege to our home. No. We will advance towards them,” Bi De declared, his resolve firm and his voice unwavering. To retreat was a coward’s path. As Shen Yu had imparted, the most effective approach against a potential adversary was to launch a proactive strike and seize control of the situation.

For a brief moment, he anticipated a debate, akin to their usual discussions during the disciple conclaves. He expected someone to highlight a detail he might have overlooked.

However, every head in the assembly nodded in agreement.

“Ri Zu and Yun Ren—with your mastery of poison and lightning, we stand the best chance against such swarms,” Bi De stated, turning to his companions who had fought alongside him during the assault on the northern stronghold. His trusted friends were more than capable of handling this crucial task. Poison and lightning served as potent equalizers against large groups.

“Ri Zu shall commence preparations immediately,” Ri Zu responded, always prepared to stand with him.

Yun Ren let out a deep sigh but nodded. “My lightning strikes are not yet on par with those of the Shrouded Mountain Sect,” he cautioned. “But I will exert my utmost effort.”

“Vajra, you will accompany us, naturally,” he addressed the agitated swarm, which promptly subsided.

“Sister Pi Pa, Brother Chun Ke, Miantiao—I entrust Fa Ram to your care during our absence. We shall not be gone for an extended period.”

“I will prepare the travel provisions,” Pi Pa affirmed, her voice steady. Brother Chun Ke simply gave an oink. He offered Bi De a nod, a faint smile gracing his features.

Miantiao concurred, showing no hint of disappointment with his assigned duty.

“Biyu… I request that you remain here as well. Similar to Bowu, your place is not on the front lines unless circumstances absolutely demand it.”

“I understand,” she replied, while Bowu merely nodded.

“We shall continue with our usual activities,” Bowu stated.

Spooks inquired when Bi De had not yet addressed him.

“I would not presume to dictate the actions of Master Forest Sweeper’s apprentice; therefore, I shall merely ask, what are your intentions?”

Spooks considered the proposition… then cast a glance towards the Blaze Bear.

“We shall endeavor to negotiate with them. We will extend the respect due to Spirit Beasts. However, should they refuse dialogue and insist on conflict… we shall provide it,” Bi De concluded, his decision final.

“I shall have the supplies ready by day’s end. When do you plan to depart, Master?” Pi Pa asked.

“Once Paobu has recuperated sufficiently for travel. It would be counterproductive to simply charge in alone. I intend to confer with the surviving Blaze Bears… and we require the one who secured our alliance to accompany us, do we not? Brave Paobu, who confronted their foe and found allies to aid him,” Bi De explained. “And… we have others to notify as well.”

“Oh?” Pi Pa inquired.

Bi De lowered his gaze to the ground. “We are without transmission stones, but we possess a far more dependable means of communication. We shall inform our friends of the recent events and address the matter.”

The remaining companions exchanged smiles… particularly Chun Ke.

Thus, the strategy was finalized. Swift and decisive action would be paramount, and they would extinguish this emerging threat in its infancy.

=================ឭ==========

Tianlan departed from the Dueling Peaks, journeying with her companions Jin and Meiling as they resumed their travels.

The experience had been, in a sense, cathartic. Witnessing her people collaborate once more, rather than engaging in mutual destruction over diminishing resources. Observing them construct anew, instead of demolishing.

Instead of dismantling their world.

If only Xiaoshi could have witnessed this renewed unity, especially after all that had transpired….

She mused that he would have offered a smile. They had enabled their people to recognize each other’s abilities and to appreciate the diverse talents within Tianlan.

Xiulan was truly upholding her promise. She was genuinely striving her best, alongside everyone who had pledged their oath to her with hearts full of unwavering resolve.

It had been a welcome respite to simply observe. The Peaks were already interconnected with her, a state established since Jin’s initial visit. Tigu, Xiulan, Yin, and the others all contributed to her, and their sincere devotion fostered a stability within the Dueling Peaks far beyond what would normally be expected.

Stable… and poised for continued restoration.

The Dueling Peaks once held a Spirit, spirit that shattered. Hazy recollections, like wisps of smoke slipping through fingers, were all she retained. It had been rapidly ascending in her favor, gaining prominence as more and more individuals recognized the mountain's significance.

Then, she fractured, and with that, the Spirit perished.

Yet, similar to Pale Moon Lake, echoes persisted. Unlike Pale Moon Lake, where she needed to meticulously construct the Spirit from her own power, here, the Spirit was already in its nascent stages of growth. The Dueling Peaks had suffered less damage than Pale Moon Lake; consequently, the echoes, the thoughts, and the beliefs were more potent. Rather than dissipating immediately, the Dueling Peaks contained a coalescing egg. Now, with her own resurgence, she was spared the need to expend further power. This time, she could simply wait, and the egg would mature into the new Spirit of the Dueling Peaks.

Or rather, .

She could sense them. Two entities embodying a singular essence. Yin and Yang. Triumph and Failure. The boisterous echoes reached her, accompanied by the sounds of deep draughts from wine cups. They were already engaged in disputes, placing wagers on the victors and vanquished. Their cheers of encouragement, and their heckling, were equally fervent.

Festivities, grand displays, combat, harmony, equilibrium.

They would thrive, developing organically and correctly, until they could assume their rightful positions.

This filled her with a sense of warmth and optimism.

The pain was subsiding. With each fracture mended by her Connected Ones, she felt increasingly . It felt akin to memories from long ago.

Her contractors were truly unparalleled.

Presently, Jin and Meiling were traveling with great speed. They had separated and were journeying towards the northwest, to the location where Yin had discovered those mutated creatures. There, they would repair those breaches before resuming their exploration, observing the changes and actively reshaping the world themselves.

A broad smile graced her features.

Her smile faltered as she detected a subtle, metaphysical tremor upon her consciousness.

Although her consciousness was centered with Jin and Meiling, she remained the Azure Hills. The connected fragments of her being were also extensions of herself.

And there, at an immense distance, faint yet discernible, was a tapping sensation. Was it… was it at home?

Her brow furrowed. Subtle tendrils of Qi persistently nudged her dragon veins. She recognized them. Bi De? Ri Zu? The others at the farm? A sense of concern emanated from them—

She shifted her awareness towards them, forcing away the sudden surge of panic and wrath. Were they facing peril, what was transpiring—?

She drew a breath, suppressed the burgeoning panic and fury, and processed the message being conveyed.

Danger. Facing it. Southwest…?

Her eyes narrowed as she perceived the gravity of the situation and their intended course of action. She sensed the unfolding events… and then, she nodded. They would be quite in proximity if they maintained their current heading…

And Bi De was unaware of their closeness. A subtle, amused smile played on her lips.

“Jin, Mei, change of plans….” Tianlan announced to her Connected Ones.