They flew over the realm. A vast mountain range spread beneath them, populated with thick forest. A large river poured down a sheer cliff from the largest mountain, vanishing into a deep, round hollow cloaked in moss beneath. The wolfs body undulated under Hui. He buried his hands in its soft fur.
Nodding to himself, Hui leaned down to press his face against the fluff. This really is the way to travel. When I get Zhubi back, I should get him to carry around. It wouldnt bother him any. Hes, what, four hundred ters long in his full size? Larger? He wouldnt even feel . Im barely a fly compared to Zhubis true bulk! Ive carried him around for long enough. Its his turn to carry around. Like when a mother carries her child while hes young, and he carries her when shes old.
Never mind that Zhubi is several hundred years older than
Anyways. No matter how sloppy the beast cultivators upheaval is, its still a revolt against Tseng Caihong. It cant hurt to see how well theyre doing. Even if I only use them as a distraction, I can still use them.
Ah, I feel bad saying it, but its true. If I an to take down Eight Tiers Palace, I cant hesitate. The Southern Sect Conference is simply too weak. I cant hesitate to use whatever I can, even if its the beast cultivators, whove done no wrong. Id rather not, but at the end of the day
Hopefully I can happily ally with them, and it doesnt co to that. Ah! And, of course, I still have Xi Sanji. She cracked my head open without hesitation, even after saving my little life. I cant trust soone like that. Shes just as willing to kill anyone who gets in the way of her goal as I am willing to pretend to die for my goal! Even if we end up on the sa side, I shouldnt trust her unless our goals completely align. Dangerous, shes too dangerous! Too hair-trigger with the sword!
Ahead of them, the Tier Master and Lao Hu descended into the heart of the realm. A circle of friendly round tent-like structures awaited them, with fabric walls and bone supports. Children and young beasts spilled out as the beast cultivators descended, calling out to their parents, whether beast or human. Kittens, baby lizards, tiny apes, little birds and small snakes, all of them ca running to greet their parents. Below Hui, a trio of young wolf pups yelped up at the wolf he rode, and the wolf howled back.
Huis heart lted. Sell out these guys? How could I ever do that? Theyre so cute! So many tiny beasts I have to protect them.
Argh, protect the beasts and the Southern Sect Conference? Ive got my work cut out for
They touched down in the center of the tents. Hui and Wen Guo climbed off. The wolf pups ran up to Wen Guo. At the sight of Hui, they hesitated a beat, wary.
Hes nice. Its fine, Wen Guo said, nodding at Hui.
The wolf pups looked at the large wolf, who lowered her head and nudged them forward. They stumbled over their paws, fighting not to be the first pup to Hui.
Hui knelt and held out his hand.
One of the pups lifted its head. He wandered forward, then tentatively sniffed Huis hand. Looking from the hand to Hui, he sniffed again, then lowered his head.
Slowly, Hui ran his hand through the wolf pups fur.
The wolf pup stepped back, looked up at him, then stepped forward and lowered his head again, asking for more pets. Seeing that, the other two rushed forward all at once, this ti tripping over one another in their rush to reach Hui first.
Wen Guo chuckled. Theyre usually afraid of strangers. If they like you, you must be a good person.
Ah, no, no, Hui demurred.
No? Wen Guo tilted his head, frowning.
Nono, I I probably am, er, maybe a good person, I, er, yes, Hui said, nodding. How do I say that without saying Im a bad person, or, on the other hand, sounding like Im bragging? I dont know what to do!
Beside Wen Guo, all the wolf pups tilted their heads, too. Behind them all, the big wolf tilted its head.
Huis lip trembled as he bit back his expression, not sure whether to laugh or cry. Like father, like son? A pet grows like its owner? I shouldnt laugh, but its hilarious. Hilarious, and sweet!
Wen Guo laughed, shaking his head at Hui. He gestured. Co on, lets go see the Tier Master. She probably has sothing to say to you, if she brought you all the way here.
Er, Id certainly hope so. Do you have the habit of bringing stray cultivators ho, and then asking them if they agree with your little rebellion? Hui wondered, shaking his head. A mont later, he looked around him at all the spirit beasts. Oh wait, hold on. Bringing stray things ho is basically these guys job description. It actually it really might be possible.
He looked at his hands. Do I look that much like a stray? Not that I mind. It saved my little life and helped avoid a conflict, after all!
Surrounded by wolf pups, Hui allowed Wen Guo to lead him to the center of the tents. The wolf pups jumped and cavorted around him, overjoyed to have a newcor now that theyd gotten over their fear. Hui smiled despite his concern, while his mind continued to race. But if Tseng Caihongs eyes can pierce through space which Im not sure of, but seems likely, given that it isnt everyones go-to way to deceive her, then this place really is the pill cultivation sects fakeout rebellion, which ans Tseng Caihong should know about it. If she knows about it, why hasnt she crushed it? The beast cultivators dont pose much of a threat to her, true, especially since she has their Sacred Beast, but since when has a cultivator let a threat go just because it doesnt seem like much of a threat to them? Never! Cultivators usually knock over the fire and stamp out every ember of rebellion. And Tseng Caihong didnt strike as the type to stand idly by while her people rebel.
Well, okay. I take that back. She might watch on in amusent as they flailed helplessly, sure. But still. I wonder if theres more to this? Does the beast cultivator sect, perhaps, have sothing on Tseng Caihong that prevents Tseng Caihong from crushing them?
Hmm. Ill have to keep an eye out.
Right this way, Wen Guo said, lifting the flap of the largest tent. With a nod, Hui stepped inside.
And nearly collided with the flank of an enormous tiger.
Instinctively, Hui fell backward and went limp.
The giant tiger stood and wandered over to him. A wet nose twitched, sniffing at his face. The tiger turned away, looking at sothing over its shoulder, then reached out a paw and gently batted Hui into the air.
As he flew, Hui silently lanted. Thats right. Cats like to play with their food! Argh! Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Lao Hu. He is a guest, the Tier Master said quietly but firmly.
The tiger looked at her, then reluctantly backed away, slinking back to the floor. Hui laid there for a mont, then climbed slowly to his feet, his eyes on the tiger the whole ti.
The tiger watched him back, slowly batting its tail against the floor. It twitched its nose, pupils big and round.
Hui shook internally. Senior, please dont pounce! I promise Im not that fun to play with!
The Tier Master sat behind a desk at the far end of the space. She nodded at Hui. Your beast, what happened? Report.
Ah, that is Hui frowned. Is that really what matters to her? What happened to Zhubi?
She looked at him expectantly and rolled her hand in the air, urging him on.
Er I guess it is! She is a beast cultivator, after all. Let start at the beginning
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