"You lost her? What do you mean!?" A youth in his twenties erupted in anger as he got up from his throne and glared his subordinate.
"Forgive me young master Ken. I was watching over her from the shadows properly, before the Empyrean soldiers caught her and started bullying her. I was just about to barge in to beat those men when a strange clown-like boy appeared and saved her. But then he disappeared taking Miss Huian along. I tried to chase them but lost their tracks." The masked subordinate spoke. He was wearing ordinary black colored clothes and even had a bandana around his head which was wrapped around his face as well.
"Humph! Deploy all spies and find her!" Ken shouted. "She's my…my special guest. Her safety is a must!"
"Yes young master." The masked subordinate spoke, knowing well why Ken was throwing a tantrum. He had romantic dibs on this refugee girl named Huian. "Sigh. If only Minister Long was here, he could control this brat." This masked man thought and shook his head.
"Young Master Ken!" Suddenly a familiar voice resounded and everyone was taken aback. From a secret pathway, Huian emerged, followed by a handsome boy and a pretty black girl.
"Huian!" Ken exclaimed in surprised as he rushed towards Huian.
"Young master Ken…!" Huian too rushed towards him.
"Huian!"
"Young master Ken!"
Everyone else was left speechless as the two youth ran towards one another like in a soap opera scene, before stopping a few steps away from one another.
"Y…young master Ken." Huian blushed slightly without knowing the reason.
"Huian…" Ken uttered blushing as well as he palpitated and fidgeted, suddenly lost for words.
There was an awkward moment of silence in the hall. Wind chuckled silently looking these two innocent lovers who apparently couldn't confess their feelings to one another.
"I'm glad you are back and are alright." Ken finally said. "I was worried about you."
"Y…yes young master; thank you." Huian replied, returning to her senses. "Mr. Wind saved me." She said turning back a bit to introduce Wind.
"Greetings, Mr. Ken Long." Wind cupped his hands respectfully.
"Hello." Ken cupped his hands too with a slight smile as he scrutinized Wind.
"Level 5 Advanced realm cultivation at the age of 16-17. His talent is not bad." Ken thought. If only he could see Wind's real cultivation level…
"Level 4 Master realm." Wind thought as he too scrutinized Ken in turn. "At the age of 23-25. That's fairly good talent."
"Thank you for helping Miss Huian." Ken Long said. "We'll gladly reward you bountifully for this."
Wind felt like slapping Ken's teeth out. Reward? Was he some commoner who would want riches for his contribution to some noble? Wind felt insulted but he didn't show it. Instead he smiled calmly.
"Thank you for the magnanimous offer." Wind said in response. "But a man's riches can be his enemy too. Especially in Ji Empire, where all non-empyrean cultivators are doubted upon by the Emperor."
"…" Ken was rather taken aback as he sensed that Wind was not an ordinary person. Just now he had said deep things. He expressly told his negative thoughts about the emperor and also declined Ken's reward. Both things were different. A person's riches could indeed bring them trouble if they were not strong enough to protect their assets but this had nothing to do with Emperor's tight control over non-empyrean cultivators. Ken couldn't figure out everything with just this much so he decided to continue the conversation and get to know Wind better.
"Young master Ken." Suddenly Huian spoke out. "We were chased by the soldiers and I'm afraid Mr. Wind and Miss Lan will be implicated for having defended me. But this castle is safe and secure…"
"I see." Ken quickly said. "Then, Mr. Wind, please be our esteemed guest for the time being until it is safe for you to step out into the city; we'll be glad to have you among us."
"Then, we'll be troubling you." Wind said smilingly.
"Oh, it's no trouble." Ken said. "Stewards, guide our esteemed guests to guest rooms." He ordered. "Mr. Wind let's talk at the supper and get to know each other better."
"Surely, Mr. Ken. It's our honor." Wind said cupping his hands.
All in all, things worked out. Now Wind had managed to enter the Long family and could sleuth about the rebels. It was possible that Minister Long himself had been planning a rebellion of his own. As such, it was necessary for Wind to quickly make allegiance with them.
-----------------
Meanwhile in Raya city Xiao reached the famous Bounty Hunters Guild. Qiang was closely walking beside her. His dark green eyes were curiously exploring the surroundings. He was only recently born and even though Xiao taught him almost everything; experiencing things was an entirely different matter.
The gust of cool winds, the beauty of the flora, the rustling sounds of the trees, the warm sunlight, the chirrup of birds, the bustling of the city roads…it was all a new experience for Qiang. He happily looked at everything, smiling with wonder.
They soon entered the guild base. There was only one old but muscular guard at the entrance who had thick moustache and a twin-horned helmet on his head. He had a big belly and his cheeks were so puffy that they made his eyes look like slits. He was known as the Blind-Bum who only sat at the gate all day year-long barely looking at anyone.
But today his slit-like eyes opened wide and he got up his chair staring hard at Xiao who had just walked in. Xiao was wearing fully black tight leather clothing. It had leather armor-like blouse on the top but revealed her deep cleavage as Xiao had kept the collar laces loose. Her seductive navel was visible along with her slender waist. Her leather skirt was sticking tightly to her body, revealing the shape of her sexy hips as she cat-walked inside. The skirt reached down to her knees and had a slit on the left thigh, reaching up to the band of the skirt which was barely half an inch long. Xiao's milky white juicy thigh was visible to everyone as she took bold steps forward. The skirt slit made it clear that she wasn't wearing any panties inside! Her leather shoes however reached only up to her ankles and had no heels on them. Xiao was a warrior. Long heels would only get in the way of her movements. A long sword was tied on her back vertically, reaching down to half her hips. Her long black hairs were tied with a single band at the top of her head. The rest of them were dangling down and swaying around her back as she walked.
Qiang on the other hand was wearing comfortably baggy white clothes with neat embroidery patterns on the chest area. He wore cloth shoes and had a childish air about him. His messy green hair looked attractive and his dark green eyes were full of vigor and curiosity. His skin was pinkish white and soft.
The two of them entered the base and discovered a wide hall full of numerous wooden tables and chairs. Lots of bounty hunters were in there. All of them were men. Some were muscular, some were lean. Some looked thuggish and imposing while some looked sneaky and wise. They all had different-different weapons on them. There was a big board on a wall where about 20 hunters were looking at the bounty posters. Thick yang musk was lingering in the air.
Soon, they all discovered Xiao and one by one heads turned towards her as she walked up to the only counter where sat a clerk who was obviously also a cultivator.
"My name is Xiao. I've come to register myself in your guild." Xiao said. "May I look at the terms and conditions plus rule book of the guild?" She asked the clerk.
The clerk adjusted his thin framed round glasses and revealed an ugly smile. He was thin and his long face was full of freckles. He checked out Xiao from head to waist and licked his lips.
"This is Bounty Hunters Guild." The clerk said. "Not brothel guild. You're in the wrong place my dear."
Swoosh! Xiao rotated her energy through her meridians, revealing her Advanced realm cultivation. She was more than eligible to join the ranks of men. Some men whistled at this and were constantly checking her out.
"Well, if you flash your breasts I might give you the documents you want." The clerk said. His lust was obvious. He was apparently teasing Xiao. He revealed his level 9 Advanced realm cultivation too. He was fairly powerful to be proud enough to pick on others despite his weak appearance.
Xiao simply smiled at this and a swing of her hand, she pulled out the lace that was keep her leather blouse tied from the front.
Boing! Two big dense breasts bounced out in open in front of the astonished clerk. His jaw dropped open and his eyes shot wide open.
Whistles and cheers echoed in the hall as the hunters noticed this bold move of sultry Xiao. Many of them began walking towards her. They were apparently stronger than her and thought could wash their hands in this yin river that had flowed into their guild in the form of a heavenly beautiful milf.
Xiao then grabbed the astonished clerk's head and stuffed it between her breasts.
Clerk's glasses cracked and rich yin aroma assaulted his senses as he felt the softness of Xiao's skin and the bountiful density of her breasts.
"I believe you can give me the documents now?" Xiao said pulling the clerk's head away from her breasts and pushed him towards the back of his chair.
Sttak!!! A loud sound echoed as a bounty hunter slapped Xiao's hips gripping them afterwards.
"Well hello miss. Come to join us? Why don't we get acquainted in the visitors' room?" This hunter said.
Ignoring him, Xiao tapped the desk & stared at the stumped clerk. "I'll let you handle the registration process while I wait in the visitors' room."
"Wohaa!!"
"She's not shy at all."
"Let's try our luck too." The bounty hunters all discussed heatedly.
"Qiang, stay here and collect the documents." Xiao said smilingly to Qiang who nodded in turn. "If Mr. Clerk doesn't do his job… make him regret it."
"Leave it to me mama." Qiang replied honestly and stared at the clerk harmlessly.
Turning around, Xiao checked out this muscular man in front of her. She barely reached up to his hairy chest. Running her fingers on this man's chest she smiled looking up. "Now, where is this visitors' room?" She asked.
"Hahaha!" The large man cackled, grabbing Xiao by the wrist. "Let me take you there." He said pulling her up on his shoulder and taking large strides towards the visitors' room.
"Hey-hey. We're here too." Another bounty hunter spoke.
"We're coming, hold on."
One by one the bounty hunters followed after Xiao.
Bam! She was tossed on a table. Xiao leaned backwards on her elbows and propped up her large bare breasts. "Mmm… so wild!" She said seductively.
"Heheh! This is just the beginning." The hunter smirked and grabbed Xiao's leather top, yanking it off her entirely and tossed it away. Suddenly two more hands landed on Xiao's body from the sides, groping her dense breasts.
"Don't hog her up all by yourself!"
"We're here too hehe!" Two bounty hunters said.
"Please take care of me." Xiao said cutely. "We'll be comrades from now on after all."
"Of course, Xiao."
"Hey Xiao I'm coming too."
"Get away from her you bastards. I got dibs on her."
The men shouted and crowded inside the visitors' room. There were even more outside. A wild gang-bang began as numerous erect penises got down to exploring Xiao's thirsty vagina. Her screams and moans got buried in the groans and yellings of men.
---------
In Kenco city, the day had gotten extremely tense! Empyrean army had laid siege on the Long family castle.
"Come out Ken Long! We know you have sheltered rebels! The ones we were chasing yesterday, their trails ended exactly where your anti-scout strategy zone begins." A warrior called out. His voice was loud enough to be audible to everyone inside the castle. This warrior was the commander of this Empyrean battalion stationed in the Kenco city. His name was Hakon.
Meanwhile a few people were looking at this siege from inside the castle.
"Our apologies, young master Ken." Wind said. "This is our fault that the Empyrean army found an excuse to attack you. We have implicated you."
"No. It's alright." Ken said while staring out from a window at Commander Hakon. "You're Miss Huian's benefactor and our guest. I am fine with clashing weapons with these Empyrean dogs for my allies."
Wind nodded. By now he had a good understanding of Ken's nature. They had a clear conversation during the supper last night where Wind revealed his real origin and the tale of Carny state. He also made up a story which glorified Emperor Mizu as benefactor of Deodomas (Wind's father). Although they didn't talk about rebellion but Ken already considered Wind his ally. Wind's noble status answered his previous doubt about when Wind had rejected his reward offer. Ken was rather rough around the edges and had an impulsive nature but he was faithful to his friends and hostile to his enemies. Such a simple minded person was easy to manipulate. Wind easily got on his good side.
But the current situation wasn't something Wind had anticipated to occur so quickly. The empyrean soldiers obviously labeled Wind as a rebel since he had attacked them and run away with a suspicious Long family's guest. This got them a half-baked excuse to point fingers and attack Long castle. Their backer was the emperor himself! With the sage realm Minister Kai Long out of the state, it was easy to overwhelm his personal guards which numbered 200. There were 500 Empyrean soldiers against them with a Sage realm commander in the lead. The battle would end swiftly!
"Humph! My father remained passive for too long!" Ken growled. "He prepared all these 200 strong men but didn't make a move against the emperor. But I'm not like him. I will kill this commander and destroy his battalion!"
"I have full faith in your power young master Ken." Wind said. "You're stronger than people at your level and you are a young prodigy. However, the opponent is a bit troublesome…"
"Do not worry." Ken said confidently. "My technique is a mystic category technique, while Commander Hakon cultivates a brute force technique. The difference in the quality of the two is immense! Even with his higher cultivation base, he will not be able to defeat me."
"Then our victory is certain?" Wind asked. "Even if we lose half our guards or even more, we'll be able to defeat Commander Hakon. Then later when Emperor sends more battalions here…" Wind's voice purposely trailed off. "…Well there's no reason to worry. You have a mystic category technique up your sleeve after all." Wind was all smiles.
Ken felt like he had just eaten sludge. His face and gaze froze for a few moments before he gritted his teeth. Wind's taunts worked like a charm!
Ken was overly confident in his skill. Along with his hot-bloodedness, he became short sighted. Defeating Hakon was already difficult; but even if they did win, it wouldn't be without heavy losses, while Emperor Jiao had no shortage of soldiers. He'd simply deploy another battalion and there's no way Long family would be able to survive that with half their forces. Not to mention, minister Kai was still in the palace; technically at the Emperor's mercy. He'd be killed for sure once the word reaches the capital that Long family's young master took weapons against the Empyrean army and harmed a commander.
Ken massaged his temples frowning deeply. He never liked over-thinking but ever since his father was forced to visit the Emperor and Ken had to take the helm of the family, over-thinking was what he did all the time; & needless to say, his straight forward nature didn't agree to all the passive decisions that were expected of him. Thankfully there was Huian to lighten his tension.
"Young master, I'll fight to death by your side." Huian said passionately.
"Huian…" Ken looked over at the pretty Huian and his heart melted. He sighed.
Wind snickered internally. Even though Huian was simply trying to be supportive, her words had actually awoken Ken's intelligence. He realized that there was still Huian, being targeted by the Empyrean army and her fate is dependent on his decision regarding the current predicament.
"Mister Wind, what do you suggest we should do?" Ken finally asked for Wind's opinion, sensing that Wind was wiser than him.
"Hmmm…I have a plan. It's a win-loss thingy but we are out of options anyway." Wind said.
"I'm all ears." Ken said keeping his eyes locked on Hakon who was patiently waiting on Ken's decision.
Hakon was a seasoned warrior. He knew well that Ken was merely a green horn. He'd need time to contemplate. Whether he came out and handed over the rebels, or invited the Empyrean army inside to investigate for themselves or just fought them head on, either way, the outcome would be- Long family's annihilation. Hakon was thus quite relaxed and amusing himself with the flow of the situation, wondering which of the three choices will young master Ken will take.
Boom! A loud voice echoed and a man flew towards Hakon like a cannon ball. This man was Ken!
"So, you've decided to go down with a bang." Hakon snickered. "Good. You didn't disappoint me, son of Kai. Come! Give me your best shot!" Hakon shouted and pulled out a big double-headed metal axe and swung towards Ken who had just reached the attack range.
Boom!!! A metallic booming sound echoed as Ken was tossed sideways with double the speed with which he had charge towards Hakon. Ken regained his balance midair and landed on his feet agilely. Quickly the Empyrean soldiers moved towards him.
"Don't touch him!" Hakon roared. "He's my prey! Raid the castle instead!"
"Charge!!"
"Defend the castle!"
"To arms!!"
Many battle cries echoed as Empyrean army and Long family troops collided. Techniques were used, weapons were hurled, explosions and screams filled everyone's ears.
"Hakon!!" Ken charged towards Hakon like a flying steed, pointing a saber towards him.
"Long brat!" Hakon sneered waving his big axe as if it were light as a feather.
Boom! Their weapons collided with a bang and shockwaves pulsated out before Ken was hurled away again.
"Humph! Brute force won't bring you victory." Ken said as he leapt at Hakon again.
"Humph! Says the kid whose technique was seemingly created to take a beating." Hakon jeered.
Ken was in attacking range but this time he swiftly changed direction & ran around Hakon in circles, jumping in for a quick attack. But Hakon pushed him away. Ken followed the same strategy again and again. Ken's technique was 'Knight Steed'. It was a defense+movement technique only, despite its uniqueness. It made one's body tough like steel but also made them rapid like a horse on full gallop. For attack, Ken had another weapon based technique of Empyrean level- 'Knight Saber'. With these two, Ken was a powerful warrior.
But, brute force techniques always stood above weapon-based techniques and Knight Steed could only ensure Ken's survival at best. It couldn't get him victory.
Ken was already using his full power while Hakon was yet to break a sweat. This was due to the difference in their cultivation levels. A sage realm cultivator will naturally be superior to those of lower realms.
Clang! Clang! Saber struck the axe, Hakon parried for a while before pushing Ken away once again.
"Haha! Is that all you've got boy?" Hakon chuckled. "Don't bore me. Give me your best shot."
"Humph! You asked for it!" Ken scowled as he channeled his energy into the saber until its blade turned red hot. Hot air currents could be seen wafting off of it.
"Five Point Destruction!" Ken shouted jabbing his saber in air towards Hakon five times so quickly that his saber looked only like a blur.
Five hot streams of pure energy leapt at Hakon, targeting his vital organs.
Boom! The streams struck Hakon, causing a chi blast powerful enough to send visible shockwaves around the vicinity.
Dust flew but Hakon remained unhurt. He stared at Ken.
"There was actually a sixth hidden attack." He uttered. "Not bad, kid. But, my defense isn't weak either."
Saying so he grunted and his muscles swelled up, making him look even more muscular. His armor came loose and fell down in pieces. There was steam blowing off of his body. He let go of his axe which fell down and stabbed into the ground standing upside down straight.
"Knight Jostling!" Ken gave Hakon no more time to complete his move and struck with a straight stab brimming with energy.
Boom! Hakon swung his hand and struck at the incoming saber. The saber got bent before getting flung away! Ken's eyes widened but next moment Hakon caught him by the throat, lifting him up and threw him hard on the ground.
Bam! Boom! Boom! Hakon began kicking and punching Ken who took it well due to his Knight Steed technique. It was a contest of strength and toughness.
Ken managed to stand up and fought bare handed with Hakon. Many warriors watched at this brutish fight.
Boom! Ken was soon flung away by the impact of a kick. His hand-to-hand combat skills were lacking. Hakon seemingly had a technique for it but Ken did not. He was easily overpowered by Hakon.
Hakon leapt several feet high and landed on Ken's back.
Boom! A muffled collision took place. Ken was unhurt but was still pinned down under Hakon's weight and was quickly bullied by tens of punches and kicks.
Swoosh! Clang! Suddenly a blade struck Hakon's back and left not even a scar.
Hakon coldly turned to look back. His gaze met with Wind's. Hakon was still stepping on Ken's back. He looked domineering compared to Wind who was making overly surprised expressions.
"You sure have a beast like skin." Wind said nonchalantly. "Oh well, I don't want to hurt you anyway."
"Is that a joke?" Hakon barked. "Do you want to die so badly that you'd interfere in my duel and then spout nonsense as if you are even capable of hurting me?"
"Oh great Commander Hakon." Wind said with a smile. "Don't take offense. We really have no intention of fighting you. We are merely defending the Long territory. This battle is a misun…"
Bam! Hakon lifted his leg fully up in air and slammed down to strike Wind's collar bone but missed it by an inch, hitting the ground with his heel instead, causing a small crater to form on the ground. Wind had quickly stepped back.
Swoosh! Ken retreated and disappeared in the chaotic battle between the two forces. Hakon had forgotten about him already. He was furiously attacking Wind who was like a slippery fish, managing to evade his attacks by a small margin each time.
Wind's Clown Combat Technique was really helpful. Even with all this power, Hakon couldn't land a single hit!
"Swirling sword!" Wind then suddenly leapt and swirled, striking Hakon's chest with his green jade blade but couldn't slash his tough skin.
"Humph!" Hakon grunted, extending his hand towards Wind to catch him but Wind retreated immediately, using Sword Dance moves. Hakon chased after him with haste too, almost catching him but failing each time as he tried.
"Rrahhh!" Hakon finally had had enough! He revolved his energy rapidly and punched in air towards Wind. A strong energy fist leapt at Wind while he was midair!
Boom! The energy fist struck Ken who had shielded Wind by jumping in the middle. He was pushed several steps back but landed on his feet skidding backwards, stopping right beside Wind the moment Wind landed.
"Took a while finding my father's saber." Ken said with a smile brandishing a silver saber with a blue gem studded hilt.
"Empyrean grade weapon." Wind nodded looking at the saber.
"Let's get this beast and skin him alive!" Ken said resentfully.
"Haha! Right behind you, young master." Wind said chuckling at Ken's hot-bloodedness.
Swoosh! Swoosh! The two of them leapt at Hakon, who in turn, looked for his axe which was stabbed in the ground away from his reach.
"Damned brat. He lured me away from my weapon." Hakon muttered with a frown realizing Wind's little plan. "Well no matter."
He punched in air several times, launching a barrage of energy fists. But both Ken and Wind were agile and fast. They easily dodged them and circled around Hakon, beginning to pincer attack him.
"Knight jostling!"
"Leaping sword!"
Ken and Wind attacked from opposite directions.
"Raging fists!" Hakon extended his muscular arms, intending to meet the incoming stabbing attacks with his bare fists.
Suddenly the ground under Hakon's feet moved and Lan emerged from underneath it, holding a crossbow in her hands.