Chapter 68

A horizontal slash sent wolf fur and bone flying. Felix spun to bisect another wolf as he backpedaled over furry corpses. A shriek filled the air as a Ragnarök strike came down to shatter the wolf’s jaws aimed at his tendons.

God will these damn things give us a break?!

As if in answer, two more lunged his way. He killed one and dodged around the other. The wolf landed at his previous location, and he brought his foot down on its tail. His foot continued into the stone below, crushing the tail into the ground. The wolf turned with gnashing jaws but was met with a sword slash. Its jaws glowed green and halted the sword with its teeth. Instead, the force sent the wolf flying and was delayed only a moment before its tail tore.

Why is that Beast Lord letting us slaughter his kin? Where is the tempering in this? It isn’t even a fight with the weaker ones.

His hand shot out and grasped the throat of a runt sized wolf that had leapt from the branches above. Its body gave barely any resistance as he closed his hands with [crushing fruit] and he frowned at the warmth of gore that covered him.

I’d feel bad if these idiot beasts showed some sign of self-preservation. That runt was barely equivalent to an essence gathering two. Well, essence saturation two since body cultivation is a more analogous comparison, though not perfect… Either way this is ridiculous!

Five more wolves rushed toward him and he sighed as he brought his blade up once more. Then Edward appeared in front of them and dispatched them in seconds

Well, at least his superior cultivation is showing its use. Perhaps all the strong ones are down fighting the imperial army. Serves them right, preaching about how our deaths were for the Law. Self-righteous pricks.

With one more slash, they were suddenly alone again. Felix took deep breaths as he tried to replenish even a bit of his Qi. He glanced over to see Edward frowning down at one of the smaller wolf corpses.

“Don’t overthink it, Edward. We don’t have time for that.” Said Felix. He twisted his back until it gave a crack. “Ahh, damn, does that feel good. I’m serious though. We can talk to someone when we survive this.”

“It’s really not a game…”

“What?” said Felix. “You don’t seriously think this is still a game.”

“No,” said Edward, taking a shuddering breath. “No, I don’t.”

The ground shivered slightly before a boom reached their ears.

“Fuck! I thought we had gotten far enough away from the fight,” said Edward. Another boom shook the ground.

“Apparently not.” Said Felix, already running away from the sounds.

Edward caught up to him a few seconds later as they continued up the slightly sloping ground.

“So do we just keep heading away,” said Edward. “I mean, we don’t have a clear goal. We had to keep changing directions to escape the wolves but that is not a long term plan. Based on the sun I would guess we are heading north? Definitely uphill, which has luckily meant less shrubbery. Damn wolves can’t sneak up on us as easily. One of those little monsters nearly got me in the crotch when it hid in a pile of leaves.”

“I was there, man, and your guess on where we are heading is better than mine. The map didn’t have elevation levels but we are probably a good distance above sea level. Assuming that has the same implications in this world that could explain the thinning vegetation. At least the ambient spiritual energy is increasing, else I don’t think I would have been able to keep going for days like this.”

“Wait, why is it increasing? How can you even tell?” said Edward.

“Because Mountains?” said Felix with a shrug. “I mean, we are in a mountain range and spirit energy being higher on mountains seems to be a thing. Not sure what or if there's a connection but it was also like this on Thousand Season Sect’s Mountain. Maybe spiritual energy comes from space? As for how I can tell, you develop a sense of these things as you cultivate. You would probably be able to as well if you didn’t just have your techniques and cultivation handed to you.”

“Hey! I had to kill to gain those levels. In fact, I’ve even gained from killing those wolves. You are looking at an essence condensing seven.”

“Yeah, and it’s bullshit,” said Felix. “I’m huffing and puffing here, and you're barely winded. Totally not fair.”

A chorus of howls sounded behind them. Felix looked back down to see a large pack of wolves moving through the sparse trees far below.

“Damnit, won’t they just quit!” said Edward.

I cannot keep going like this, even Edward will be taken down much less me. His so-called ‘level ups’ as he insists on calling them don’t refill his qi, more's the pity.

He scanned the horizon, just seeing more mountains and hills in every direction. A few mountains were even big enough that their peaks were snow-tipped.

Yeah, we need to find a more defensible position. Those wolves aren’t on us yet… Holy shit a few of those look huge. Maybe some of the stronger wolves are finally coming.

“Edward, we need to change tack. Let’s make for the upper reaches of the mountain. I think the high ground will only help us. Who knows, maybe they will give up once it’s not worth following anymore.”

“If you think it will work, sure,” said Edward.

They changed direction and began to head toward the nearest truly snowcapped mountain. The ground turned jagged and a few spots were so steep that they had to jump them. After hopping several times in a row, Edward let out a laugh.

“This is ridiculous. We're like frogs,” said Edward.

“Just, focus,” said Felix.

“On what? The rocks, and what are you worried about? Wolves aren’t made to climb, we’ll be fine,” said Edward. He looked back down the mountain. “Forget I said that.”

“Sure,” said Felix. He looked back and gritted his teeth. “But only if we live through this.”

The wolves were ascending nearly as well as they were. Only a few slipped on the increasingly icy rock. One grey wolf wasn’t able to catch itself and its howls of terror sounded out until they ended with a ‘whoomph’ far below.

Huh, icy conditions really are my friend… I wish Xue was here. Could just mooch off her backside and all these wolfy problems would go away.

Finally, they crested a cliff near the mountain top to reveal a snow covered plateau. A sea of wolves was waiting for them. They were all dead.

In the middle was the large boy who had been with Justiciar Zactus. He sat on one of the corpses, staring with rapt interest at a partially dissected corpse before him.

Okay, terrifying… I haven’t dissected anything in this world. I almost would want to join him if he wasn’t so creepy. People don’t smear blood all over their chin as they rub it in thought and not have something profoundly wrong with them.

“I admit that I find dealing with these beasts most perplexing,” said the boy, getting to his feet. He seemed to finally notice the blood on his hands and began wiping it off on a nearby corpse's fur. “Sentient beings are to be handled according to the law regardless of race but how am I to treat these low spirit beasts? Maybe I just haven’t reached that section of the Law in my reading? There are just too many stipulations with this being non-empire territory! I must implore Master Zactus to explain it again.”

“What is with this guy? Talking to yourself is not a good sign,” said Edward. “Felix, let’s just circle around him.”

“That might be for the best,” said Felix. He paused as Grunk reached forward and tore open the skull of a wolf, looking curiously inside. “Friend? We have no quarrel with you. As fellow humans, surely, we must see that there is a bigger enemy here. Let us not squabble and focus on what is important.”

“Squabble?” whispered Edward. “Who says stuff like that?”

“I do,” whispered back Felix. “Now shut up.”

The large boy finally looked at them. He started rubbing his bloody chin again.

“Oh, I apologize for ignoring you. Master Zactus said that a justiciar must make himself known and felt. I am Grunk and the disciple of High Imperial Justiciar Zactus.”

The large boy rose to attention and performed a strange salute-like greeting. He held still and waited for them to respond. They just stared back until the sounds of claws scrabbling on stone came from below.

“Felix… we need to hurry,” said Edward.

“Yes.” Said Felix. “Friend, I am Felix, and this is Edward from the Thousand season Sect. Whatever our previous quarrels, there are currently wolves chasing us as we speak.”

“Perhaps what you say has merit. You certainly speak with a clarity of words that suggests a man worth listening to. Not like those uncouth slobs in the city.” said Grunk. Edward rolled his eyes. “Sometimes one must deal with the long-term problem first, at least that is what Master Zactus told me.”

“Bloody perfect.” Said Edward, once more walking while giving Grunk a wide berth. “Then we will just be on our way. No need to mind us.”

“On the other hand…” said Grunk. “You, child, your realm is two small realms higher than what it was. From the stability of your power, it doesn’t appear to be just some trump card either. Most curious. That contradicts the little I have learned.”

“You just sensed it wrong back at the cliff face. A lot was going on back there after all,” said Felix, forcing a smile on his face. “Now friend, I really don’t think we have time to be wasting here.”

“No, I do not make such mistakes,” said Grunk. “Your friend has somehow increased his cultivation…”

Felix opened his mouth but then the first snarling wolf crested the cliff. Cursing, he spun to face it as a horde followed after.

God damn fanged lemmings! Have some self-preservation.

The wolves were soon swarming all three of them. Felix saw Grunk stride toward Edward until a horde of wolves blocked him from view.

Well, at least he’s distracted for the moment.

Many wolves fell before them but then larger and more powerful wolves started coming over the cliff. Felix wove in between two such wolves, dispatching them both in seconds. Then he brought his blade up to meet a third but was sent flying back, great chunks of earth stuck to his feet. He ended [Roots of the Earth] and rolled to a standing position. A wolf with silver streaked fur stared back at him.

Ahhh and here are the essence condensing wolves. Looks like they finally decided to end us.

The other wolves backed off and created a small circle around the pair. Felix tensed as the wolf’s hackles raised. Then they both charged but Felix changed direction at the last second. He moved around and past the wolf, fleeing with all his might. The wolf spun after him, batting aside a Ragnarök strike with a glowing claw.

Like hell, I’m going to face you in a fair fight.

Felix dodged between the smaller wolves and used their bodies as shields. The large silver-streaked wolf pursued but whenever it was upon him, he would put another wolf between them. Finally, it let out a snarl and its meter-long claws went through one of the wolf shields. Felix only had time to raise his sword before he was sent flying for the second time.

God damnit, this bastard is persistent.

Grunk and Edward were also under assault, each facing multiple wolves even stronger than Felix’s foe. The silver-streaked wolf paid them no mind, however, not even giving Felix a chance to breathe. It was almost upon him when he grabbed a wolf by the scruff and flung it bodily at the silver-streaked wolf’s face. It battered the unfortunate creature aside to find Felix hidden behind it, his sword already mid-swing. The wolf twisted its head and metal met teeth. An almighty screech rang out and Felix looked at his now broken sword.

I should have bought a better sword.

The wolf spat out shards of metal before its jaws went for his throat. Felix dodged the first bite but it didn’t stop. He didn’t even have the time to respond as the margins for error got smaller and smaller. Then a bloody and battered Edward appeared on the wolf’s left, his fist pulverizing the beast’s eye.

It shuddered as momentum carried it for a moment and halted at Felix’s feet. It twitched once and then was still.

Wow… he just saved me.

“How was that mate?” said Edward, giving the nearby wolves a glare. “Oh damn, and I gained a level. Am I a badass or what? Oh sorry, cultivation realm.”

There aren’t many left, we can make it.

Then Grunk appeared just like Edward had, the larger boys glowing right hand coming smashing down on Edward from above. Edward tried to respond but in moments he was smashed into the ground. Grunk stared down at the collapsed child in interest.

“What the fuck is wrong with you,” said Felix. “There are still wolves all around us.”

The surrounding wolves had backed away with fearful whines as the last of the silver-streaked wolves fell. The fear turned to snarls as six more silver-streaked wolves crested the rise. Yet they hadn’t attacked yet, letting their numbers swell. Grunk spared them a glance before shaking his head.

“True, and I would have but then this boy just revealed he can increase his cultivation through killing. The law states that criminal priority is elevated when the guilty display extreme levels of potential. Such individuals can even be a larger danger than those who are stronger than them. Master Zactus made this clear. Now the criminal status might be in question since this isn’t the empire but in wartime conditions the logic still functions. So, I acted.”

“But- but, we are surrounded by god damn wolves man! Are you insane!?”

A few more silver-streaked wolves mounted the crest and then an even larger wolf followed right after. This one was pitch black and smoke was wafting from its mouth, nose, and ass. The other wolves respectfully parted as the black wolf padded over.

“See!” said Felix.

“I will be able to escape if I really need to,” said Grunk. “Master Zactus gave me a protective talisman to save my life just in case. Not that I need it to deal with these creatures. So, killing this boy is more important than fighting these pathetic beasts. I was expecting more but they truly aren’t worth much. They are just like the village elders dog. Stupid and weak.”

The black wolf let out a howl of rage and all the wolves charged.

“Oh… we have an intelligent one,” said Grunk.

Edward sprung from the ground, his fist indenting Grunk’s stomach. The large boy tried to retaliate but two grey wolves lunged at his back, distracting him.

“I’ll help,” said Felix.

“Go now you idiot!” said Edward.

Edward fought Grunk for a second but lost control of the fight in seconds. Then the black wolf howled again, and the rest of the pack joined the fray. Felix cursed and spun to face the coming horde. They parted around him like water and instead only had eyes for Grunk.

Screw fleeing, we can kill him together!

He turned back to see Grunk’s beheading Edward with a glowing hand, unleashing a fountain of blood. Felix stared unmoving for seconds as more wolves streamed around him, joining the onslaught against Grunk. The large boy seemed to almost be able to predict where the wolves would be as his fingertips left golden trails through the air.

The one sided slaughter slowed as the black wolf joined and sent out waves of corrosive smoke. Grunk’s movements turned awkward as he dodged elemental attacks and claws. Yet he seemed to be winning with wolves falling dead in his wake. Then he began to advance on the black wolf despite the endless attacks.

Felix turned and ran.

Felix continued to flee along the mountain ridge that connected one mountain to the next. Eventually, he stumbled upon another pack of wolves. They didn’t show the restraint the early pack had. So, he found himself running till he escaped from them as well.

I’m going to kill Grunk. I will cut his fucking head off.

With little choice, he headed toward the snow reaches of his current mountain. A strange outcropping of black pillars stood out in the falling snow and he headed to them. As he neared, a single wolf jumped out from behind a rock and a Ragnarök strike took it in the back of the head.

And that’s the last bit of qi I can waste. I’ve lost them so many times, I doubt I can do it again. Just let me sleep.

He tried to move his feet faster, a limp interfering with his movement technique. Haltingly shifting from sudden to slow acceleration, he stumbled forward as fast as he could.

Why are their noses so good? I would’ve thought jumping from the waterfall a few hours ago would have washed the scent away. Didn’t that work in movies?

Felix stumbled toward an outcropping of black stone pillars that almost appeared man-made. He shuffled amongst them and heard the familiar howl of wolves outside. Then it changed to yipping before it became whines.

Not falling for that, not falling. Just keep moving. Get revenge. Save yourself.

The pillars loomed large around him, and he weaved between them as fast as his qi starved body could go. Their rough edges worn by wind and rain. After a few minutes, he walked into a clearing surrounded by black pillars. He froze and stared at the scene before him.

Not a single bit of snow could be seen and the air was warm. Instead, the ground was covered in flowers, and he could feel the tranquility in the air. At the back of the clearing rose a black obelisk far larger than the surrounding pillars. It was cut and polished to a mirror-like sheen. In the center of the clearing was a shrine with a golden statue on its top.

…Why is there a Pekingese dog statue up here… I hate this world.

Stumbling closer he inspected the statue, its detail exquisite. It stood on all fours yet seemed to be growling at the sky above, its fur puffed up in rage.

I can feel a pressure from it that reminds me of the elders… but stronger. Is this why those wolves stopped following me? Is it that they can’t or won’t?

Felix walked slowly around the tiny shrine and studied it.

It looks so fluffy…

He reached out a hand to touch the top of its head but paused.

Better not tempt fate on a whim.

Turning, he shuffled past it to the black obelisk at the back. Its entire surface was covered in very tiny letters.

This… this is a manual. Secret shrine at the top of a mountain? Weird atmosphere. This must be special, maybe this is some supreme technique from a higher plane! I am going to destroy you imperial boy!

Felix’s grin spread as he understood the first two lines. It then proceeded to fade as he read further.

None of this makes sense. How am I supposed to use this…? This is for canines! The dog statue should have given it away. I was hoping that it was the previous cultivator's favorite dog or something but it’s probably what left this inheritance. What am I supposed to do with this bullshit! I mean, I don’t think I even have those pathways. And why does the movement technique portion require a tail?

He stared at it for a while before sighing, collapsing on his butt.

Well, at least I can take a break. Maybe those wolves can come in but screw it. I need to recover. I doubt it would stop that Beast Lord since this place is obviously meant for canines. Let's just rest and then keep going.

“Well, isn’t this weird place.” said a voice behind him. “Oh, and hello criminal.”

Felix turned to see Grunk strolling into the valley. The large boy strolled into the clearing and curiously inspected the surroundings.

Oh, come on! All that running and I still didn’t escape.

He forced himself to stand tall and cleared his throat.

“Did you really need to pursue me?” said Felix.

“I need to know how that child did that,” said Grunk.

“… I should have tried and killed you with him.” Said Felix.

“Undoubtedly. Though maybe not. I don’t see how you could have made a difference. I simply outclass you too much.”

“Well… come on then!” Said Felix, drawing his broken sword.

“If you surrender now, I will restrain you and take you into custody. I promise to protect you once you are under my watch. I have some confidence in escaping if we leave before more of the wolves return.”

“Ha, as if I will trust you. You killed Edward!” said Felix.

“The young boy was resisting arrest while also being too big of a threat.” Said Grunk. “His fate was therefore sealed when he showed such a propensity to increase his cultivation. Power provides greater freedom, but it also means the law must be harsher to you.”

“You! It is not a matter of trust. I would rather die than give some arrogant self-righteous monster like you even an iota of the feeling that they are justified! You are just a pathetic monster in the skin of a man. You bastard!”

Grunk stared at him for a second before he closed the distance in moments. A glowing hand extended out. Felix barely moved out of the way with [Shifting Sands], running on the last gasps of his qi.

“I see you are quite adept with your movement technique.” Said Grunk. “Most curious I must say. Perchance your Thousand Season Sect origin has given you access to better manuals? High Justiciar Zactus did mention that stronger sects tend to have better techniques. Then maybe you are strong enough that I can use you to test out a few things. Can you dodge this one?”

Felix tried but was sent rolling backward and could barely struggle to his feet.

“And you are more durable than you should be. A dual cultivator but still a little harder than what you should be. Curiouser and curiouser. Are the training methods of your sect really so superior to the empire? It seems unjust that so few are hoarded that should be available to the many. Maybe I can discuss that with Master?”

“Just shut up and fight. I am too tired to take this shit. Just be a man and end it.” said Felix.

“I fail to see what being a man has to do with our ability to fight and engage in mutually beneficial discourse.”

“Oh and stop trying to sound so intelligent. You are clearly compensating for something,” said Felix, spitting out a mouthful of blood. He rose to his feet once more, his back to the obelisk “Perhaps under all the flowery words you are really just an idiot and all the posturing is a desperate attempt to lie to yourself.”

Grunk froze and then his large features contorted.

“Excuse me then, I forgot that people such as you must indulge in such low-brow insults even till the bitter end. Then allow me.”

Felix’s sword was battered aside and a glowing fist came for his head. The talisman around Felix’s neck that Elder Shen had given him so long ago glowed with a flash of light. A protective film covered Felix. A similar talisman glowed on Grunk’s other arm and nascent soul level power clashed. The two were held in place for a moment as power fought around them before they were both sent flying.

Grunk’s large frame catapulted through the air until he hit the golden pekingese statue. The statue's eyes glowed red and blasted him away into one of the many pillars surrounding the clear. The statue was left unblemished as Grunk lay comatose and bleeding on the floor.

Felix saw the beginning of this as he flew through the air and smiled.

Ha, suck it prick.

Then he hit the obelisk. He sunk through its mirror-like surface and was gone.