The group of Forty plus people, rushing through the dense forest for sometime almost all of them having a serious face in this group aside from the few of the leading ones, they instead of had thoughtful look as they leading the group through the woods. They would often look at the nearby person subtly as they have been secretly having conversations.
As they speed pass few kilometers in handful of minutes they didn't look tired or travel weary but they seem moving at their own pace instead. They were all humans tribes experts as a peak Qi realm expert can easily cross this Forrest in a less than whole day if they moved at their full speed but instead this group has abnormaly traveled this forest in almost two days.
Vilan was also qi realm expert he was currently at the peak of middle stage, he was considered a genius similar to the level of this top experts, as he broke into Mystic Qi realm with in hundred years, his age was just in his early nineties, he had confidence he could broke into middle stage in Few years at most but due to the inexplicable miracle couple of days ago he was fortunate enough to break through even reach peak of the middle stage even his cultivation stabilized much better than he expected.
Now he could broke into late stage in less than decade he was confident of it. If he managed that feat he, can pridefully brag to his friends about his talent was comparable to the two monsters without looking like a shameless brag.
He cast a glance at the two 'Monsters' in the front row they could be said from same generation they are only in their eighties but they become peak Qi realm experts, this wasn't something other peak experts could have achieved it; they both broke through into Qi realm In their fifties 'May be only old demon could mentioned in same sentence with them when anyone talk about their talents' he thought to himself.
As he subconsciously glanced at the frowning Old Man at the forefront and shivered little 'He is bigger Monster than them' Vilan thought to himself it said the old man reached peak Qi Realm into his late seventies which was simply monstrous.
This was no joke, reaching peak Qi realm at seventies was that even possible? due to world restrictions every life forms restricted to certain level the higher the cultivation level it was harder to break through to the next realm nah! it's hard to reach low level mystic gate cultivator reach middle level, it Is very hard in the later stage it, take some time according to their talent level.
But reaching that level which is peak level of the world was a huge achievement on its own, so he knew how hard it was to one reach this level, they could be considered powerhouses of their own not only your people but enemies have to vary of them to certain degree.
Vilan couldn't understand what was going on, for the last few days to be honest but his intuition told him something weird was going on it's all started from the day he set a foot on the plain of despair. this was not his first time coming here he has visited and paid his respect to the ancestors grave more than dozen times.
There wasn't a much of a restriction to begin with whoever in their Second stage of body tempering or a strong male or female in their late teens are allowed to but if they aren't able to cultivate then they were warned before hand.
Whenever he visited there, he could be always little apprehensive even in his current level but, this time was different though; it wasn't that only he felt like this due to high infestation and concentration of lethal energy a mortal would feel apprehensive and unwelcome if not downright uncomfortablness in their spirit.
Vilan didn't feel anything like that this time around, he didn't notice this change quickly as well unlike selective few people with heightened perception but he was heard about the changes from his friends and they even talked about it and assume what caused it,they gossiped about it even claiming perhaps the curse was weakening.
It was from that day things started to change in peculiar and unpredictable way, first the strange trance like state happened to everyone in qi realm, then the eleven peak experts disappeard into somewhere for some time this caused huge commotion among the experts of their level and some small tribes leaders who, wanted to visit the peak experts.
When the peak experts return from wherever they got disappearing into, did something very unpredictable again they hurriedly gathered up almost four million people to sudden whimsical Journey towards the borders of the plains this was never happened before. Then they witnessed the Spectacular Miracle, when he was still trying to stabilizing his sudden increase in cultivation another unexpected event happened.
Thirty two peoples including himself urgently summoned to the leaders side to take on task of safely bring back rest of their people in their respective settlements to their glorious ancestral lands, after their explanation they understand why it have to be rushed and achieved quietly but what he wasn't understand here was 'Why are you all coming back for this with us' he frowned they didn't understand.
Of Course some people indeed asked their doubts they were told it's because they received a crucial information about something big they have to do this to not suffer hevey casualties on their side. Of course they could not be satisfied with any vague answers their further prying meet with severe glare and warnings, meeting up with the glare of the ten people, they had no choice but quieted down.
Old Demon was even more straight forward he directly warned if they insisted on hearing about this secret they have to liberated from their current life, hearing old demon's calm and jovial tone they trembled in fear and didn't dare to ask anything more; the old man smile more terrifying effect on them then ten death glares combined.
He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt the others stop "What is it?" he asked the person near him.
The person had cautious look on his face, then he turned to looked at Vilan with confused look then he nodded his head in the direction of forest in front of them, there is nothing for anyone to see the forest was calm eeriely calm to be clear.
Vilan took one look, then his face also changed little serious but just like the person near him after the brief moment it turned to back to normal, there was a subtle rustling sound cloud be heard from the forest as if something dangerous was hiding in the forest.
Balli, who was stood near the old man looked down at his feet and kicked a football size hard stone into the forest in lazy manner the stone flied like arrow into the forest; there was a sudden whimper in the woods everyone turn to look at the drunken looking old man speechlessly.
There was slapping sound "Ouch" Balli jumped in alarm, he turned to glare at the annoyed looking woman, "Master this route we taked belong to the 'Devil scaled felines' pack since we are all gathered together I didn't mention it" Vandhi inform to the old man after seeing the later's intrigued expression.
"Oh! Were they troubling your tribe settlements " the old man asked in intrigued tone, he knows it was very close to Vandi's tribe.
There was silence but everyone acted as they didn't see his awkward face, having no choice he, explained this matter to his master "Of course not, my tribe and M-mara's tribe come to an agreement made appropriate precautions we, both went to challenge the pack leader One on One... it wouldn't attack our tribe for some time I guess"
"Did you manage to beat it what's the result, it's also seems very powerful" the Old Man pressed for more answers seems very curious about the results.
"Well, We are evenly matched I had no chance but back off from unnecessarily continuous the fight.... and Mara could not beat it either" he seemed enunciate this point with some sort comfort.
Mara turned to glare at the Vandhi with pissed look and voiced out "Elder, since he dragged me into this I could only say what happened: it's indeed correct I also couldn't beat it but I'm much better off than him sorry excuse of expert " there was glee in his voice as he saw the flustered face of his rival in front of everyone.
Vandhi, turned at him glaringly "What nonsense, I can beat it quite easily don't dragg my reputation to mud because of your jealousy" he turned to his master and bowed "Master, I can beat it easily I have just lacked some fighting experience that's all please allow me? " he pretended to not notice selective few who looked at him with disdainful look.
"Brat, now you dare to even fool me, its alright I can tell with one look it was very powerful even me at your age could barely beat it " he smiled as he stroked his white beard his eyes never left the forest as if he could see in the dark woods.
Vandhi instantly felt deflated hearing such a words most, he can easily beat it at that age then how strong was he now? this was something he didn't want to find an answer.
Vilan could not help but internally curse that drunkard, the Devil scaled felines weren't type to kill and eat humans, they aren't aggressive if they aren't provoked in the first place. Since they entered their territory then they would of course show up but after gauging the intruders strength they most probably would have choose to not trouble them 'Was he five years old or something why should he provoke something if he could avoid by staying still'
This gave Vilan a huge headache, of course they could easily kill this pack if four no! three peak experts of juala's level step in. But he doubt they would do that, so it would be on their heads since they said The leader was powerful maybe someone from this two monster duo take care of it Vilan started deduce a suitable battle plan.
But the troubling thing was the rest of the pack wasn't simple as well all of them are in Qi realm maybe couple of younglings at Mystic Gate but that doesn't matter he was sure they wouldn't participate in this.
He counted they were out numbered his side by six felines to spare, he was really wanted to cry, despite standing there sizing them up he could see their muscles coiled in tension as if they about to attack 'Why can't I relax in travel in our own region'
Juala said "Elder, let that drunkard deal with them he was always like this, bring us trouble from where ever he could " The Old Man look at Juala then at startled Balli, he said to his student "Let Elder Balli deal with his mess, you can battle if he lost okay? "
"Old demon what is the meaning of this, I was kind enough to warn everyone of the hidden danger. Is this how you deal with your benefactor " He was spoke in so much grievance and wronged tone even Vilan was also wavered from his irritation.
The Pack Leader Seemed lost it's patient it charged at Balli in amazing speed, balli easily dodged it's claw swipe but instead of attacking he, hurriedly hide behind old man without any shame "Old Fellow, help me! help me it's going to eat me"
This time even the feline showed a comical dumbfounded look at his opponent behavior, it put down it's raised claw, then it straighten up before let out a low growl at the Old Man and Balli before taking a step forward.
The Old Man gestured for it with his hand "Stop! " the feline paused before bared it's teeth in threatening manner. In a swift motion the old man brandished his claw the feline flew back rolled in to the ground.
The feline get up without any wounds on it body but it's attitude was extremely cautious, it turned it's head towards back at the trees intently soon enough the first tree fell down broken in unusual shape but the tree behind also damaged by sharp looking claw marks.
Now the beast turned back to look at Old Man in complete seriousness it let out a low growl the beasts who were standing ready to attack started to re-enter the woods in cautious manner. The Pack leader also started back out showing they didn't want to fight anymore.
The Old Man called out as he watched the pack leader didn't intented to attack them anymore "Hey! where are you going? should not you give me an explanation why did you decide to attacked me?"
The beast when was it's about to turn away froze before let out snarling sound at the old man, "Hehehe, don't worry we mean no harm, it was us who trespass your territory. I have an very beneficial Offer for you, are you willing to listening it? you just have to think it through I will give you some time to decide it how about it"
The beasts are coldly looked at the Old Man in silence, so was everyone the other ten experts have a clear curiosity evident in their faces. No one seems to think the beast couldn't understand what they were showing.
It was at the Peak of the Question realm, like the crystal snake Vaanavan saw the other day it also grow intelligent, the ferocious beasts who break through to the Mystic Gate realm they started to develop intelligence as for a qi realm spirit beasts they are comparable to humans in many ways despite their beastial nature there are many cautious beasts like this who, tend to avoid trouble but fight to death if provoked.
In this side of the forest, This pack was one of few strong forces they have innate skill of shadow manipulation to certain extent, they are troublesome opponents one should find at this level.
The beastd behind the leaders back looked at one another in intelligent manner the Old Man continued "Seeing, you never attacked our settlements around your territory I was giving you this opportunity. I welcome you to share our plain with you and your pack on the condition that you and your descendants have to take a role as the guardian of our land, what do you think? "
There was a utter silence in the forest everyone looked at the Old Man with various reaction some peak experts eyes gleamed as if they understand something but no one interrupt their talk.
All the beast including their leader bristled hearing something like that, let out intimidating growl as if they were going to attack any moment.
He continued to say his peice, " It was just an offer I allow you to near take my ancestral land for took a clear look then decide this matter for yourself, we are in the midst of some important work if you agree you, can come back with us when we pass by or wait near other end of the forest" he turned to look at the other ten secretly signaling something.
"By the way, we are resting for an hour here" he casually informing them to get out of his sight. The few stronger one besides leaders menacingly snarled as they walked forward hearing the old man but once again the leader order them to back off as it walked in to forest it's eyes narrowed at the claw marks on the trees.
"Is that necessary old demon, what if lord got angry at you inviting them to our ancestral land" a slender middle-aged man with scar on his face spoke up.
He casually glanced at him with a smile and asked "I heard from master every human at least desired to have battle beast companions at one point in their life I'm sure lord would be interested in them and praise my efforts " he had a sly expression on his face.
"I don't know you were this talented in kissing up" Balli interjected with stunned expression "Could you teach me this as well"
"Do you want to die, old bas**** I should have throw you to their open maws and lethal claws" The Old Man face seems coloured little he gritted his teeth "I'll make sure next time, even if they wanted to agree to that deal I would demand them to beat you up first"
Balli was looking little panicky as he started to beg"Old fellow how cruel what did I do .... Old fellow, you can't do that to me we, are friends are not we?"he started to follow him in a slow jogg continue to pestering him further.
The Old Man ignored this annoying fellow, gestured for other nine to come with him, he ordered the others experts "You guys rest here little bit, we will come back after a quick discussion" everyone nodded their head obediently.
Vilan with a rest of us decided to sit on the fallen tree as he took careful look at the claw marks attentively "Terrifying isn't, I don't think old demon this powerful"
The person beside him was the same one he was talked to their post was defend the rear he was also middle stage qi realm Vilan said "Of course, he didn't have to fight it's also because of him No race nearby dared to pick fight with us"
"Yes I guess, he really did have a ruthless reputation isn't he? " the Man besides him said in impressed tone.
They were both thinking about the same thing about the Old Man's fights they have heard about "I think he can single-handedly dealt with this pack if there was really a fight happened "
"You really think so? I guess he was really powerful as everyone said" the person besides him agreed there was a glowing look in his face as he was day dreaming about something.
Vilan looked the person with a frown he didn't remember seeing someone like him, he took a carefull look at him as he recalled the faces of the qi realm experts, he was sure he didn't rememberd someone like him.
He said to the person in conversational tone "Brother, My name is Vilan from leader Juala tribe it's nice to meet you" he smiled at him as he made a greeting gesture.
The Person seemed flustered little, "Of course I know who you are,in fact our tribes located very close and few years back you came up with another qi realm expert to take care of infernal wrym that tried to take over our blue creek remember?"
Vilan mind churned, indeed they fighted off the other races spies and ferocious beast in their region in weekly manner some time daily basis the word Wrym made him focus on a particular memory, he turned to look at the person with strange look " Are you from the tribe near by blue creek?" but how? isn't that smal tribe guarded by Mystic gate realm fellow.
The person nodded his head smilingly "I'm the leader of the tribe Sudhan, it's nice to meet you " He was little excited "I can't break through to the qi realm for almost dozen years with the help of our ancestors blessings I easily break through to middle stage"
Vilan face paled little there was a tick in his jaw if it's not for the smiling face, he would have punched him right in the face 'This bas**** actually smoothly advanced to middle stage from Peak Mystic Gate in one go ' but what irritates him more was the modesty in his voice 'Is this supposed to be your Modesty, are you for real? but why is your face looks so punchable'
He never felt this despirite in his life he seems little younger than me as well 'Could it be this fellow mocking me?' He thought of many things as he turned his attention back to the Claw Marks.
___ ___ ___
In the Misty Mountain at this time a vary small tribe contaning four thousand people climbing the Mountain while paying respect to ancestors.
in the forefront of the tribe a mysterious figure, mimgled with the tribe no one noticed there was mysterious existence amongst them the figure attentively watched what they were doing and imitating them while discreetly looking at the mountain top from time to time.
The Mysterious person hiding their face and figure in long blanket no one near them seemed to be suspicious of the person, When the person reached the top their gleaming eyes narrowed on the particular cave in the distance.
This person discreetly throwing glances at the cave, When the tribe neared that particular cave the person's eyes widened in shock for a brief second before quickly hiding their expression to the sincerity of the masses.
'There was actually someone alive inside the cave? hmm, A human male weren't they keep saying it was all just graves of their deceased ancestors' the person furrowed their brews when the person get a chance take closer look there was a curiosity in their face.
'Hmm! There is an isolation barrier here actually, this.... could it be the energy purification and absorption process the other day was related to this Man ' the person expression was thoughtful.
Ever Since the mysterious existence come here, the person mind become little restless there was a strong urge to climb the Mountain. This existance was in fact impatiently waiting for the the chance tribe they were in to climb up.
The existence didn't expect to encounter something like this; the mysterious existence observed the person inside for a few long minutes ' Interesting! I can't tell which level this Man was at and this wasn't an aura I remembered from anywhere ' the existence look intently at the person in the cave in hope of finding something.
The existence startled as the person turned look in to their eyes, as if he could also see past the wall and barrier, the existence heart skipped a beat 'Could it be 'Him'? but that's impossible but this person aura was different' the person mind spinning in a fastest speed as they trying to recall something. 'Hmm, Maybe I could come over here some other time' withdraw their gaze away from the cave.