Jensen and Albert were now with the Chosen to make their way to the Temple of Darkness. Journeying through the streets on foot instead of flying because Fracture cannot move through the skies due to the heavy interference and perception blocking mana generated by the temple at such a distance.

"We'll be headed to the Eastern human civilizations. It's known for their martial arts prowess." Otsoko said, leading them through the path. Seeing people wearing a mix of clothing, from traditional jinbeis, kimonos, cheongsam, zhongsan suits and hanbok. They were curious to the sight of the travelers from elsewhere. Reaching a town that could be called a city but it lacked the extravagances a city is known for. Lacking the large pillars and the jade plate.

Jensen noticed a familiar face, Ye Qiu who was wearing a zhongsan suit with a spear on his back.

"Ye Qiu?"

"Hey brother." Ye Qiu greeted back, walking over to shake Jensen's hand and looking over at Albert.

"Lord of Thorns. It's an honour to meet you."

"The honour is mine, Avatar of War." Albert bowed where Ye Qiu chuckled as he people were curious to stare at them.

"I'll introduce you to some good food. Come on." Ye Qiu said, leading them to an inn where he made the orders. Rice was laid out before them by the table, with a variety of meats and vegetarian dishes placed.

"What's this... Jiggly thing?" Thessalia asked as she kept poking at the tofu with the black sauce in the bowl.

"It's tofu. It's a plant dish. I wanted to make sure you had something too. Enjoy yourself." Ye Qiu said whereby they notice people being respectful to Ye Qiu.

"Wanderer my ass. You're the son of a noble aren't you?" Ye Qiu whistled away, ignoring Jensen who was right on the mark.

"I'm the son of a Martial Arts Elder. At least this realm's martial arts are quite well versed but I was born a cripple. They kicked me out since I was useless. Story goes that I've been living in the wilderness of highly powerful monsters that I kept beating over and over again."

"Seems like every where you go, it's always like that. So you wanna join us and undo some damage?" Ye Qiu smiled.

"Sure. Locals treat me well here because of the fact that when the martial artists ran away, I stayed to fight. The Thousand Deity Slayer is back in my hands."

"How powerful is he?" Tukkorli asked Albert as he took a mouthful of rice and the spiced beef.

"Avatar of Wars are known for their power. Power in its rawest form. They dominate battlefields with just their killing intent. Their bloodlust incites fear and their kills are enough to shake even the most veteran armies. What I did to the Jade Principality pales to what he can do."

"Then he's truly powerful?!" Vogril wanted confirmation.

"He could do a number on Kaglar and the Seraphs. He's an Avatar of War not just in name but also by power."

"Hey, stop it. You're going to make me blush." Ye Qiu joked as they see him stop a knife with his left hand. Looking at the assassin who was surprised.

"If you want to kill me. Do it later. I'm with friends and I don't want to sour the mood. Killing after eating isn't always a good workout." Ye Qiu spoke as a grin creeped onto his face. The assassin's hands were shaking, the blade was gone from the knife. Seeing Ye Qiu eat the shattered pieces of the blade.

"Poison doesn't work. Hmm.. That was quite nice. Was it the 7th ranked Blood Scorpion poison. If you want to try and kill me. Try and use something with a lot more potency. Did you not hear how I slaughtered every blood scorpion den in one night?" The assassin ran away while Ye Qiu pouted.

"I was hoping for an interesting fight." Ye Qiu said as the others finished their meals.

"That was pleasant. I normally think human food is greasy." Thessalia remarked, while Tukkorli enjoyed the rice wine that was given.

"Aye, this wine is smooth. It's very gentle. My elders would love this for what you elves call tea time."

"Excuse me... Avatar of War?" Otsoko asked.

"Please call me Ye Qiu."

"May I spar with you tomorrow?"

"Of course. The inn's here got nice beds. So sleep well." The others went up stairs as Ye Qiu paid for them.

True enough to his word, the next day came and they watched Otsoko face Ye Qiu who was fighting with his bare hands. Normally facing a werewolf in close quarters combat is suicide but it was the opposite for this one. Ye Qiu was countering Otsoko's swipes with his own swipes.

"That's the Fanged Blood Technique. It essentially turns a person's fingernails into blades. Works with gloves and shoes." They watched how Otsoko's claws were being countered, Ye Qiu was mirroring Otsoko's movements.

"Why is he moving like a werewolf?" Omael was curious, tiling his head to the side while his wings were carefully folded.

"True Mirror. It's a technique that Ye Qiu developed himself. It's useful to train teammates on their movements. The flaws in their footwork, showing them how they lose strength in their blows." Jensen commented as they watched how Ye Qiu lightly tapped the joints.

"Hey Otsoko! Keep up with the attacks! Ye Qiu is fixing your postures during each movement!" Jensen gave Otsoko the clarity to continue on. A multitude of strikes that Otsoko was unleashing. Fast attacks with power behind it. Ye Qiu stopped Otsoko at the final movement.

"My joints... Feel lighter.."

"Your mana was blocked in certain parts of your veins. Mana blockage leads that to you. True mirror lets you see me as yourself instead of another human. Jensen, Albert. You both have blocked mana veins too." Ye Qiu said where Jensen shook his head.

"Oh please. No, you might hurt me. A lot."

"You might be able to cast magic better than before. Faster and stronger veins means your body can fight better... So what's the worry?"

"Ye Qiu. You broke every bone in my body after you were done with that. And I am not a big fan of experiencing that again." Jensen said as he stretched his limbs. Shuddering at the thought of Ye Qiu doing that to his body. It would hurt, a lot.

"Back then your body was unsuited for mana. It won't hurt. I promise." Ye Qiu said as he tapped Jensen's limbs, where Jensen flinched for a moment.

"You are already fixed."Jensen stretched his arm, feeling a lot of the tenseness of his muscles melting away as he began to flex it. Cracking his fingers as he felt mana settle into his body with ease. A refreshing air had returned to Jensen as he leaped up into the air, beginning to float with ease.

"Now that's convenient." Jensen said as he landed on his feet, smiling at the others whereby they heard the alarms go off.

"That's the monster alarm. It means a horde's on its way." Ye Qiu said as he pointed over to an ocean of glaring beast eyes across the horizon. Wyverns, serpents, magical wolves, griffins, treants, hydras and a large four legged creature that had the body of a deer, but its head? It's head had 8 skulls that had tentacles oozing out from it. It towered the town's walls.

"Why don't you guys let the two of us handle this? We could use the workout." Jensen said as he patted Ye Qiu's shoulders who grinned to his brother in arms. Albert Sylvanus and the Chosen went into the town's walls to see the soldiers preparing for the upcoming attack. The warriors of many sects came to look at the situation.

"This is impossible."

"The large one.. That's a Hellraiser!"

"Who is that standing there?! It's Ye Qiu?!"

"The trash? Has he lost his mind?" Otsoko wanted to react to that remark but was stopped by Albert.

"Humans are no different. They only respect power. This will be a good time to observe the power of the Avatar of War." They see Ye Qiu hold a helmet by his side. A sleek black helmet with gold trimmings, a red plume which length that was equal to the upper half of his body. Ye Qiu put it on as the face plate formed itself. A skeletal like appearance with pronounced canines like a beast. His body formed the pauldrons that were shaped like tiger skulls. The gauntlets had sharpened fangs of a tiger, and Ye Qiu pulled out a dagger axe. Shouldering it while Jensen put on a pair of circular glasses, drawing out a twin blade. Where Ye Qiu threw another helmet at Jensen's direction.

"Bellwitch fixed it up for ya." Jensen put on the helmet where it covered his entire head. The back had a blue plume sticking out at the back, the eyes began to glow white, leaving white streaks in the movement.

"Lead us, my brother." The ground began to rumble bit by bit, Ye Qiu roared into the direction of the stampede of monsters that fell to their knees for a moment. Even the Hellraiser had to kneel before Ye Qiu, where Ye Qiu and Jensen vanished. The Chosen and Albert could only see scarlet spewing up into the air.

"I can't keep up with their movements. How fast are they!?"

"Faster than me." Albert said as they kept seeing fountains of scarlet spewing up into the air. Body parts being grinded up by the attacks of the pair, it was like they were meeting their fates by a grinder that was going to turn everything else into nothing but meat. Meat was everywhere, blood spewing into the air. The screams of the beasts were of fear, the Hellraiser that was using its tentacles to strike at Jensen and Ye Qiu, but could barely reach them. Its tentacles chopped off, then a strike to the legs where they watch it tumble. The shattered bones splintered at a high speed, piercing the skins of the other monsters in the horde.

Jensen swung the twin blades around to cleave a path, then swapping to a lance and shield. Bulldozing through dozens of beasts, decorating his blood with bones, fur and blood. Swapping to his two scythes, where Jensen dashed at high speed. Vanishing from the senses completely, his scythe claimed the bounties of the beasts. Taking dozens by the second, Jensen's speed was faster than Silas with his equipment. This must be how Jensen had fought in the past as the Legendary Keeper.

High speed with high slash strikes, the glow of the blades leave a glimmer of it to be seen repeatedly. A lovely shine that became the last thing the creatures would be able to see. Even if he had been covered in blood, Albert could see Thessalia seemingly show a slight blush to the sight. Was it admiration for Jensen's powers or was it respect for Jensen's ability?

Otsoko's tail was wagging, perhaps enjoying the sight of Ye Qiu's power. The epitome of power that was the Avatar of War, watching him swing the dagger axe that shattered bones and cut through the creatures with clean slashes. A strike of a palm,where a creature was completely vaporized. The griffins flew into the air to avoid their reach, where Jensen ran to Ye Qiu. Ye Qiu braced himself as Jensen jumped to his staff. Seeing Ye Qiu recoil back a step, then pushing back to launch Jensen into the air. Clipping the wings of the many griffins for Ye Qiu to claim them on their behalf. Heads were rolling all over, these creatures did not feel fear as they began to fight in desperation to survive.

The attacks despite growing in its fierceness was not going to stop the pair. Ye Qiu took the blows while Jensen would skitter along the battlefield. The perfect vanguard and the hidden blade. An interesting pair as Albert could not help but admire their teamwork. Jensen and Ye Qiu's teamwork had Albert wondering if he and Fitz could work well together like this? The way the pair fought had given Albert food for thought. Newer combat strategies, newer roles in combat. Seeing Jensen handle most of the killing blows while all attention was focused on Ye Qiu, it made Albert understand the need for a straight on combatant but also facing them all at once was not a bad idea. Albert's fighting style focused on being the heavy on assault while Fitz was more of an elemental user. Keeping his distance as he kept on casting his ice.

Ye Qiu, the Avatar of War who had the element of lightning. Casually unleashing bolts of lightning to smite his enemies and charging his dagger axe with it. Increasing his powers? Albert paid close attention to how Ye Qiu used the lightning to strengthen his attacks and increase his speed. Dealing a heavier blow, sending the beasts flying up into the air where Jensen would take the chance to bounce off the beats. The scythe took the heads, while Jensen would kick the bodies down. The bodies that rained down below had brought an omen, exploding. Unveiling black chains that pulled the monsters together together. Giving Ye Qiu an opportunity to cleave them down with his mighty swings. Unleashing waves from the swings of his blade. Cutting the stampede of monsters down as if they were nothing to his eyes.

By the end of it all? Ye Qiu and Jensen were now staring at each other. The people who watched on were relieved but then the two of them charged at each other in a head on strike. Jensen did not have the strength to match Ye Qiu, but he would use his scythe to guide the dagger axe aside while using the other one to strike. Ye Qiu crushed the glowing blade, kicking Jensen back.

Jensen was sent flying as he flipped in the air. Swapping out the scythes for a willow leaf saber. Ye Qiu pulled out a dao and they both went at it with mere swords. Not using magic, just pure swordsmanship. Jensen's high speed swings and never ending attacks against Ye Qiu's precise blows with heavy force. Jensen's swordsmanship was like water, formless and always recovering for a number of attacks. Just from the way Jensen would recover from a missed swing, using the sheathe to divert Ye Qiu's dao aside.

A clearer understanding to the swordsmanship that Jensen had possessed, truly it was like water. When it gets countered, another attack will follow its path. If that attack is stopped, the other will recover in time for another attack. Ye Qiu's counters with the dao was mainly to whittle Jensen's attacks away by shaking Jensen's body from the intensity of blows. Ye Qiu would swing the sword with one hand, occasionally using the left hand to support the blade when taking multiple blows from Jensen. It was simple movements, merely positioning the broad side of the sword to take the heavy strikes.

To the untrained eye, it would seem like Ye Qiu's movements were simple. To Albert who had seen the many things this world had to offer? He was seeing the one known as the War God in his best. This wasn't a war but a duel.The gentle movements by Ye Qiu's hands, parrying the attacks with minimal effort. Not to conserve energy but to prepare for the Jensen's swordsmanship.

This battle? It seemed like a mountain against a river trying to break through its defenses. Jensen was a river that was not going to stop while Ye Qiu was a mountain that refused to back down no matter what was being thrown at him. Jensen and Ye Qiu vanished from sight once more, the mere sparks of their blades clashing. The streaks of white and gold were blending in together as traces of their fast movements.

The bodies of the ground was adding to the atmosphere, as the mere clashes had resulted in shockwaves that sent some of the cadavers flying elsewhere. Ye Qiu went for a piercing attack, then using the sheathe to counter Jensen. Jensen went closer to lock their arms together. Albert could hear the growls, two tigers that were trying to establish their domination over one another.

They began to roar at one another as they head butted each other. Their blades flew out of their hands. Now going into a brawl, a slugfest of fists. Jensen fast strikes hit Ye Qiu's chest while Ye Qiu got a good jab to Jensen's face. Skidding back a few steps as Jensen's face plate opened up, allowing him to spit out a chipped tooth. Wiping the mucus and blood off his nose. Looking at his bruised fingers.

Ye Qiu and Jensen threw their helmets aside, continuing their slug fest. they matched high kicks as they were going at each other. Ye Qiu's strength recoiled through Jensen's body but Jensen's speedy attacks and fast recovery that struck Ye Qiu's joint had slowed him down bit by bit. Who would fall first? A mountain or the river that is being calmed?

Jensen was fighting carefully, narrowly avoiding Ye Qiu's fists and diverting them elsewhere as he locked Ye Qiu's arm. Twisting it, only for Ye Qiu to punch Jensen's face to push him back. Ye Qiu popped his shoulder back in, then charging at Jensen with a jab to the chest. Though Jensen got a few on Ye Qiu's face. They both were breathing heavily, but the sight of their fight that had reached the setting sun was a beautiful sight.

"Seems as if you have a crush on him, Thessalia."

"What?! No! How could I ever like a human!"

"Your face is as red as a tomato." Tukkorli teased as the others laughed, watching how Jensen and Ye Qiu stopped the fight when the sun had set, making their way back to the town. Greeted as heroes while the other martial artists knelt before Ye Qiu.

"We pay respects to the Young Master of the Qin Family." Ye Qiu arrived to see Albert holding a pair of roses for them. They both took it as the roses explode, healing their wounds and cleansing their bodies off the blood on their clothes.

"Was that a draw?" Jensen asked, as he was blowing his bloodied snot out in a towel that was offered by Thessalia.

"Thanks, Otsoko." Otsoko had given Ye Qiu a bottle of water, where Ye Qiu and Jensen turned to Albert.

"So what do you think?"

"I think both of you are evenly matched. It's like watching a mountain go against a rampaging flood. It's just... Mesmerizing. I was tempted to join you two." Ye Qiu laughed.

"Why not? The more the merrier! Fighting you would be a fun experience, considering of how unorthodox your fighting style is. You did master the Edge of The World by the Wandering Ronin right?" Albert nodded where Ye Qiu grinned.

"Then you're more than enough for a match for two of us. Now that was fun, but this stampede? It's caused by the Temple of Darkenss. Hell Raisers don't pop out unless there's someone sacrificing humans in there. The temple of darkness is located to a known bandit fortress, it may be used as a means to gain more power.' Ye Qiu remarked as he turned to the martial artists.

"Young master?"

"The bandits of the Lang River. Did they have red eyes? Like completely red?"

"Yes, Young master." That proved Ye Qiu's theory then.

"Great. I guess we got more things to undo, damn what a chore." Jensen grumbled as he grabbed a gold apple from his storage.

"It's one thing at a time brother. We should rest for the night, and head out tomorrow." Albert's suggestion was met by nods from the Chosen, while Ye Qiu turned to the martial artists who nodded. Leading them to a highly renowned inn that would allow them to rest. For dinner, they were treated by a beautiful dance by the courtesans. Ye Qiu seemed to be bored out of his mind but Jensen was the first to ask.

"What's up?"

"I think one of my disciples is here. You know how I traveled in worlds and created disciples that changed the world right?"

"So who is it?"

"Jing Woo, the Heavenly Blood Demon. I know he's here"

"I heard a bit about him. A master with his fists. It is said that his fists could cut through orichalcum. When the Jade Principality invaded the Syriacus Empire. It was the first time the Demonic practitioners had stepped out into the light. They were able to repel an army of thousands and he saved the Syriacus Emperor. Brought information that had proved the ones who tried to conspire against the Emperor, and had them beheaded. Swearing a devotion to the Emperor and that the demonic cults will aide in protection. They say that despite his age, he's still known for his prowess. The Jade Principality calls him the Human Apocalypse. For with his hands would be able to annihilate an army without a trace." Otsoko explained where Ye Qiu smiled like a proud old man.

"Yep. That should be him. I met him when he was a child of the demonic sect. A slave but I trained him in martial arts and developed the Fanged Blood technique. He perfected it to his own martial arts. The Demon Fangs. If he's here, Otsoko. You would do well to learn from him." Ye Qiu said.

"Yes, Avatar. I was... Hoping if you would accept me as a disciple as well?" Where Ye Qiu shook his head.

"Have another 500 bouts with your father, the Elder of the wolf tribe. You need the experience, it will be more suitable than my training. By the time of the 500 bouts, you will see that you won against your elder once, but try to win 500 times and see the differences. I expect roughly a few thousand matches. He still has more fangs to show but he can't use them often due to their intense nature."

"I understand, thank you." Otsoko said as he lowered his head to show respect to Ye Qiu.

"You will do well, Otsoko. Strength is one thing but you lack experience to make it true. Now, let's go rest. Tomorrow we'll head to the temple. I'm going to go find Jing Woo. Ask him if he knows anyone in the demonic cult trying to cause hell again." Ye Qiu said as he left first while the others went over to sleep.

Jensen and Albert were outside, sharing cigars as they looked out to the moonlight.

"Thanks for coming here, Lord of Thorns. Though you may not be my brother."

"Originally, I was supposed to possess your body but I realized that I'd rather have a brother to protect. Guess I was wrong, now that everything's slowly making sense."

"Well I hope you enjoy having us Glenns as your family."

"You all taught me what family is, but at the same time. You've taught me how fragile family can be. I'm here to acquire Divine Beasts for Bigby and Summon Spirits for Alex, so that when the time comes. They'll help them and when that happens. The two of them will remember everything. Sorry, Jensen."

"Nah, it ain't your fault. Just glad you shoved a wrench up to the gears of that other Lord of Thorns. That asshole."

"Me too. Originally I wanted my name to be Sylvanus but the Lord of Thorns. The 13th named Joshua. Decided that Silas would be better, now I am starting to think it's not a coincidence."

"We've met Gods. I don't think coincidences are in the cards, and besides. It's not like they can tell us everything or even be clear about it. They're always so damn cryptic." Jensen joked as Albert chuckled.

"We've got a lot of time before those Garden assholes can do anything to us. Might be a good time to power ourselves up properly in case of anything."

"I'm not worried. I got a Legendary Keeper, Cold Cage and the War God. I doubt the Lord of Thorns can do much."

"True, you are an Avatar. You can flick him to death but the demigods are the annoying ones." Jensen said as he tapped the cigar, letting the ash be swept away by the wind. The two of them enjoyed their moment of silence, smoking cigars till dawn. Perhaps lamenting to the many things they have been through or was it to pray for the ones they knew who had passed on? Who knows, but only the pair would remember it.