Illus slowed.
He was nearing the area where the wolf resided and he could sense the mysterious man in the vicinity as well.
Illus stopped and jumped, scaling a tree that was near a cave that the wolf resided. As soon as he reached a suitable branch and sat down to get a better visual (his eyes are open now), he heard a growl.
The Six Eyed Wolf stepped out of the cave that was surrounded by the clearing. Seeing it clearly, colors and all, Illus could tell now more than ever that the wolf was abnormal. With six bloodshot eyes and smoke coming out of it's mouth, the wolf had bulging veins, though most were hidden by the thick grey coat of fur. This was not a normal Six Eyed Wolf. At least, Illus assumed, he hadn't seen one before. They weren't common.
The wolf seemed agitated as he pawed the ground. He didn't seem comfortable with his current condition, as he paced and growled again. The wolf had probably come from a bit further in the Depths, outside of the Heavenly sects jurisdiction, and should not be in the outskirts. Illus didn't know if he could beat the wolf, as he submerged himself in the stealth technique that he was taught by the panthers. He was fairly proficient, but wasn't confident so he kept quiet. Now was the time to observe the man approaching not the beast.
The man was approaching from the right, evident caution in his movements. He didn't seem to notice Illus, who was observing, and kept his eyes focused on the wolf. He was muttering to himself and though a normal man would not be able to hear him, Illus was not normal.
"It's okay... It's okay... this isn't a problem. I just need to take down the wolf and my dream of rising through and exploring the Heavens will not be that far fetched.... I have to believe. Heaven chose me."
Illus didn't really get what he meant by the end part, but he understood the rest. All cultivators had great ambition. Even Illus. It was necessary in order to cultivate. This was the reason that cultivators were so prideful and headstrong in every Heaven. For most, they couldn't afford to be looked down upon. The difference between Illus and other cultivators is their ambition. Women, wealth, fame, power? Illus didn't really care about that. However, he still had ambition. He wouldn't have become a cultivator and instead just killed himself if he didn't.
[A/N: Illus's ambition and backstory will be explained soon]
Regardless, Illus was happy that the boy seemed to be targeting the wolf rather than the perpetrator of the wolf's current condition. If that was the case, he would simply observe and assist if necessary.
*Growl*
Sniffing the ground, the wolf growled yet again, seemingly noticing the man. Seeing this, the man tensed, but did not panic. He seemed to know he lacked stealth. He stood on the edge of the clearing, giving him cover inside the forest should the wolf decide to charge. Strapped to his waist was a sword, which he drew and then took a stance. He clearly came prepared for conflict.
"Wolf, though I know it not be by choice, you are a plight on this world, a result of an experiment by unknown evils. By slaying you I am slowing them down and inaugurating myself into both exploring and defending the Heavens."
The man bowed, acknowledging his opponent. To most people this would be an admirable feat, but to Illus he only had one thought.
'Dumbass.'
The mad wolf seemed to share the same thought. Taking advantage of the evident opening, the wolf dashed forward, utilizing his superior speed to extend his claws towards the man.
"Hup!"
The man, clearly startled, grimaced and attempted to dodge, stepping back and ducking behind a tree. However, as he had to get up from his bow, he was slow to move, receiving a slash across his right forearm as payment.
The man, annoyed and in pain, ran out into the clearing as the wolf turned back. He judged it best to play matador. He was fortunate to still have his arm and to have only been slashed. At least he could still use his arm in battle, however, he was not in as good of a position as he was.
The wolf huffed and stepped out of the forest. Out of it's maw, flames spilled, lighting the ground, which the wolf spread as he circled the clearing, putting the man's back to the cave and cutting off his escape into the trees. This surprised both the man and Illus, as they had both assumed the wolf to be mad. Clearly the wolf still had some intelligence.
"You had enough intelligence to block off my escape, but not enough to honor your opponent. Shameful!"
The man seemed to have forgotten the law of the jungle... and, to be honest, the law of the cultivation world: survive by any means necessary, no matter how "disgraceful."
However, the man, despite his qualms and injury, did not seem too worried. He came knowing his opponent and he infused qi into his sword and retook his stance. This indicated, that unless he was playing qi infused catch with a bear like Illus, that he was a weapon cultivator. This was new information as many cultivators carried a weapon, but relied on their techniques instead. This man was a sword cultivator which meant that he should be applying to the Sword sect not the Heavenly sect, which was an all rounder sect instead that didn't do much with swords. This further cemented the theory that the man was here for the wolf, not the sect.
The man swung his swords, accustoming himself and then glared at the wolf who looked warily at the qi infused sword.
"Come."
The wolf, in response to the provocation, howled, annoying Illus who wanted to keep things quiet, and charged.
Claw and sword clashed. The claws of the wolf collided with the blade as the man evaded the jaws of the wolf that snapped at him. Though afraid, he did not panic and grabbed the paw of the wolf. Twisting he swept his leg to rid the wolf of his balance.
The wolf fell, and though he was quick to get up, the man was quicker. He chopped downward, ridding the wolf of one of his front legs. Once again without balance, the wolf struggled to adjust, an opportunity the man did not let slip by. He slashed the wolf's flank, prompting an anguished cry to pass the wolf's lips.
The man, smiled at his victory, however he that smile soon darkened as various thoughts flashed through his head.
'That wolf was supposed to be 5th level Practitioner, right? But why did it feel much stronger than that. I'm lucky I'm 6th level or I would be in trouble. Does it have something to do with the wolf's abnormal condition?'
The man shook off his thoughts and moved to finish off the wolf. He was a bit tired, however as he kept his eyes focused on the jaws of the wolf he neglected the wolf's hindlegs. Granted, he didn't expect an injured wolf to move as fast as it did, but the claws dug into the man's leg, causing him to cry out and drop to a knee. However, in the process, he swept his sword downward, slashing the neck of the wolf.
"Agh!"
The man grabbed his leg and limped away from the wolf, who was spewing flames and gurgling blood. He was terrified, he never expected to come that close to death. If he hadn't slashed his sword the wolf's maw would have taken him down.
"Phew!"
The man breathed out, but before he could relax, he heard a growl.
"W-what the?!"
The wolf was dragging itself forward, balancing on it's 3 legs. Though it was still missing a leg, both the slash on it's flank and the, supposed to be fatal, wound on it's neck had stopped bleeding. The wolf's veins bulged and it's bloodshot eyes bordered on demonic.
"H-how...?"
The man was horrified. A monster stood before him and he was injured. He did not have time to get ready to counterattack as the wolf prepared to jump at him so instead he prayed.
'Please... I'll do anything... don't let my journey end here. I received an unimaginable opportunity so please... Heaven... choose me. I'll do anything.'
As the man desperately prayed the wolf tensed, about to leap, when a voice resounded causing both to pause.
"Yo."