Days passed and in the blink of an eye, three weeks passed. I still haven't seen any sign of Tulip. I guess she was enjoying her time with her friends, just as my clone was with mine.
My mistake that I told Pangu that he can talk. I should have never said that, because he simply didn't stop talking. Thankfully, he stayed silent in most nights, most.
In these days, I have gained many new insights, and have reached the early third stage of divinity in the laws of wind and mid third stage of divinity in the laws of water!
The training sessions with Fárbuati were doubled. I almost had no time to go to the library. I tried to use the techniques that I have learned in battle. Surely, they have improved greatly my fighting skills. Although Fárbuati could still see through my illusions, it to would take a moment or two for him to notice. Nevertheless, in no time after I had created it, he would destroy it.
Also, I had grasped the first level of heartforce. Through excessive and tough training in archery, the force became more powerful.
On this day, Tulip finally came. I hadn't realized how much I have missed her in the past two weeks. We hugged, and I wouldn't let go. Finally, I released her. We talked and trained for the rest of the day. We exchanged stories, she explained to me what she have done with her family, and I recounted my near death experience. I also told her about the clone and the Heartforce, but of course, not of the book.
On the next morning, we bid Richard and our fellow brothers and sisters farewell, and appirated to China, Gansu. In these weeks, I have learned how to appirate without any problem, only one time, when I found that I am missing a leg.
We arrived outside the Immortal Sun sect. We passed between hundreds of welcoming and sneering. I didn't talk, but I sent a mental message - simple but effective technique - to Tulip and said, "Don't trust anyone, not even the emperor. Let's just get the map and get out of here. Try not to show any shocked expression and act normal."
She blinked in response, which I understood to be an affirmation. Once we reached the greatly crowded hall, we saw the emperor standing on his feet while there is a bright smile on his face.
"My dear brother and dear sister. I am sorry that I had to let you wait for so long. But please, here is your map", he handed me the map while Tulip said, "Thank you, senior brother. We won't forget this favor."
"I say the same words for you, brother. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to get on our way," I smiled at him while bowing my head slightly, though my smile looked forced. I never managed to hide my emotions.
"As much as it pains me to set you on your way, I wish you good luck in your journey," he nodded his head and spread his hands. We walked outside the sect, though I noticed Tai Yang, who was trying hard not to reveal the blood-thirsty expression on his face. My doubts of this man were becoming more and more sure.
We mounted our horses and galloped on full speed away from the palace. Once we were far enough, Tulip asked me, "Why don't you trust senior brother Sun?"
"Richard and I suspect that he works for the Red Lotus," I answered calmly.
"On what evidence?"
"We only suspect it because of his strange behavior, also there is his direct disciple Tai Yang. You may not have noticed, but he hides a ferocious self. Hadn't Richard told you about all of this?"
"Nah. I only saw him the day we had returned from China and today. I mostly spent my time with my friends and two visits to Hogwarts. Anyway, what do Richard want us to do?"
"Focus on acquiring the remaining seven pieces of the blade. Once we do so, we will have to endure the talk of Pangu."
"Hey!" protested Pangu, "If you haven't noticed, I didn't open my mouth ever since we left Richy's house!"
"Do you have a mouth?"
"It's a metaphor, dummy."
"Whatever. How much to reach our destination?"
"Not much. Some miles at most." As if to prove his saying, a mountain covered with green ancient forest appeared in front of us.
Tulip looked at the map and said, "Here we are, Mount Evergreen."