They humped and pumped, huffed and puffed, and whipped the stallion to urge them to go faster than their fastest speed. It's like they have diarrhea and they are urging to get home and take comfort.
Well, it could be said to be running away from death, that causes them to be too chicken to even face it. It's not that they are coward, but in their home, they were the only warriors who have hopes of being cultivators. Thus, they cannot die. The trio carried on horseback riding until the horses bathed in liters of sweat. The horses eagerly neighed when they reached home.
Neigh!!
Jiang Chuan and Liu Wushi got down, carrying the passed Rou Lang on their back. The village people met them, all are asking how is her condition and why the loud roar just now. They simply responsed they'll explain later. The first and foremost goal is to save the young lady. They brough her in the chief' house, as the wife is a medical practitioner.
She checked her pulse and vital signs which all seems to be normal. She just had panic-attack and her blood pressure rose a bit.
"That's good to hear."
"Jiang Chuan, Liu Wushi, what really happened? Is it true that they are planning to do something bad to Rou Lang?"
"That, I'm not sure. When we get there, they are holding a feast. I'm quite certain that most of them are ordinary humans. But the abbot, the elders, and other monks have long turned to Undead. I don't know what kind of magia they used to change their appearance. As for the other events, little bro Liu Wushi will explain."
Liu Wushi spoke next. "I have infiltrated their secret hive after two weeks of spying. I found out that some men in completely dark robes are doing some sort of ritual around a huge array. They are chanting some necromancy spells. I also found out that they are planning to raise the Witch of Greed, Echidna. And for that, they'll need the body of young woman who cultivates pure energy -Rou Lang."
"Poor her. If you hadn't come in time, she must be already dead, or perhaps possessed by the evil witch. But how about the monster lord? Have they successfully summoned it?"
"Yes. But not fully. The Titan emerged from under the grave, through the summoning array. But before they could fully free it, Liu Wushi stole the key artifact which is Ancestor Qian's black blade. This disrupted the array but only temporarily. When the time comes, those 'Shadows' will find a way to unleash their Titan lord. Uncle, we need to evacuate immediately. It isn't safe here. Furthermore, those Shadows might come and steal Rou Lang again."
The chief of the village sighed. "All right. We will evacuate immediately. We must move out, in case an army of Undead come attacks."
"Right away. I will call the villagers."
"Wait, Jiang Chuan."
"Yes, uncle."
"You must go on first to the capital as fast as you can. I will give you a letter to send to General Fung. He will take you to the Emperor and do everything to convince him about this incoming calamity. If we may not survive, at least you will live to continue the legacy of our village. Jiang Chuan, are you up to the task?"
Jiang Chuan was silent. He can definitely do it. As he was determined to save his village, he must do everything whatever it takes to get some help. For now, he do not want to be discouraged by any negative thoughts. If he must perish, he was willing to perish with his home. But he was given a mission, and it's a mission he must accept.
"Yes, uncle." He clasped his fist in salute.
"Good!"
With the full ready Jiang Chuan bidding his relatives goodbye, he set off with the fastest horse in town. The fate of their village entirely depended on him. Meanwhile, the chief called for an emergency meeting. All people obliged to come and listen as it involves the safety of their home.
"Everyone, come gather. I must announce something important! First of all, I want everybody to calm down and do not panic. We can solve the problem if we are calm and clear minded. The Legend of the Titans are real. It was also confirmed that the tomb of a Titan is just below the Shaolin Monastery. And that they are in the process of summoning the monster lord. As the summoning process is temporarily disrupted, we must take the chance to escape as quick as possible. Now gear up yourselves with any weapons you can hold, some food and water in a bag and we'll all meet up back here."
The crowd began to chatter. This news is indeed alarming. Such a catastrophe is something they cannot survive. Many of them disagrees, reigning their pathetic delusions that the heavens will send someone to protect them soon. But all of them desires to live, and for that they must first survive. Thus, they have no choice but to obey the orders of their leader. This was for their greater good. If they adults are not that optimistic, they must still continue to live for their children. But another alarming news broke out.
"Chief! Chief! We got a problem! The dogs! The packs. They attack!"
This caused another stir. The crowd suddenly grew pale in fear. Their knees trembled and their teeth began to clatter.
The village chief' face distorted in a violet shape of eggplant. Why is it now?
● ○ ●
Rou Lang was not asleep. She was only listening to the pathetic cries of her Master.
"This is bad. I haven't expect it to be so soon! Not good! Disciple, you must work hard and get stronger as fast as possible. The fate of your whole world depends on you!"
"Huh? What? Master, I really don't understand you! What do you mean by that?"
"Get a grip. This will be a long explanation. There was a prophecy proclaimed by the heavens about a calamity that will befall on the mortal world. This calamity is more than just a pandemic effect; but may cause an apocalypse! Though I can't tell the exact nature of this calamity. I can only say this will be the result of a deadly virus that is created by an evil immortal cultivator. If this virus spreads, the whole humanity is in peril! Rou Lang, the whole calamity was brought by seven huge incidents on different parts of the world. And I'm very sure that the incident a while ago is just the start! With this, it marks the the beggining of the Rapture, the End of Days, and the coming of the Beast!! Rou Lang, the process will be so fast than anyone can imagine. It's just like the carbonaro effect. Or the chaining effect. In a few years, the seven great incidents will be done and then the... sigh..."
"The...?"
"Armageddon."
"??"
"Disciple, the time is short. Too short. We have very little time to practice. Thus you must cultivate quick and practice all forbidden arts I will feed you. Only then can you have the chance of overwhelming the evil forces of the Beast."
"..."
"For now, wake up. I think your villagers are in danger. I sniff something bitchy."
Gasp!
Rou Lang did not bother to check her condition and directly jumped out of the bed. She opened the window and breathed in hard. It was true. Some dogs and bitches are coming in from the forest. They are not that far, as their howls and barks are clearly heard.
Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark!
Whishhhh...
Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark!
"Master! What to do?!"
"Why ask me? You're the hero. Of course go and save the people. Beat up the badasses and stand up with your chin up!"
"You made it sound as if it was so easy."
The villagers were all nervous. All men grabbed anything sharp and they could use as a weapon -shovels, hoes, rakes, crowbars, hammers, machetes, and javelins. The supply of sword is very limited and only didtributed to the best martial artists. By now, they could all hear the devious cry of dogs coming from everywhere around. They are being surrounded but through the shades of the forest, they could not see anything. Elders began praying while trying hard to calm down the little ones who are more sensitive to the hair-rising creatures: the Hesperocyon pack. Designed with long legs to enable a faster sprint. With their long snout amplifies their sense of smell, and large eyes to see through the lack of light during the dark. The most frightening thing about them is their very rabid nature, they will bite everything moving with their canines which can tear anything to pieces, and flatter teeth for grinding. Furthermore, each and every one of them are contagiously infected with deadly rabies virus. The effects of the rabies on humans is... unstable, more than just quick death.
Through the sparse light of fire lamps, their faces are illuminated as they steps forward. They barked simultaneously while showing their white sharp teeth dripping with saliva.
The villagers were more than ready to go and defend themselves.
"Here we go."