In the Shadowy dark forest, slow wind breezed past the trees, the dark forest filled with murmurs, innumerable footsteps echoed through out this part of the forest as if there was some huge army of few Million strong was Marched through the forest, imagination aside if that was the case then it could be the most unusual army this world has seen in last thousands of years.
A large amount of people could be seen walking through the forest in the orderly manner forming a huge oval shape formation with their things and cattle. They are very neatly organized and directed towards a certain direction in a quick steps the group was protected by hundreds of strong youths on the everyside, also healthy non cultivators and cripled cultivators cover the outer layer of the group; the inner layer filled with young and old people and pregnant women, women with new born in their hands.
Leaving a considerable gap behind the people in this formation, a group wooden carts were, dragged by sturdy looking Oxes, at the end of the group very large patch cattles of odd looking sheeps and cows along with some other animals herded by few dozen strong cultivators in the horses.
The group has been following the eleven leaders of the human tribes who, called decision makers of humanity by the general people. They were like cattle herded towards the plain of despair from their respective settlements. They were not given any sort of explanation but urged to collect their most necessary things they should carry and leave everything unnecessary or recycling things here, if they want it they can leave their spiritual marks mortals should mark them with their blood, they can have it when, once they reach the ancestral lands.
This people doesn't understand what caused this top experts act this hurriedly for, but they didn't dare to question their decision nor did did they doubted why they have to abandon their home and go to the plain of despair even if they were aware of the fact they can do nothing about it unless they are stronger. Besides this people indeed has lots of trust on this top experts, respect them more sincerely following their orders to the extent of not raising their doubts.
But unlike the general masses the warriors left to protect them have been quite confused by the attitude of their leaders: If its not for the secret communication gesture and the fact they were leaded towards their ancestral land they would have tried their best to resist such an order, confirm things throughly were they really their leaders or they resolutely attacked them without concerning about their own lives.
On such complicated situation the eleven leaders separated and protected all the side of the formation with their assigned partners at the back of the large group whom herding the cattle, A Short Man has been riding amongst them, all around the warriors would threw a look at him discreetly now and then as if they were so afraid to approach him.
Besides the Short Man, with intimidating presence four intimidating warriors riding in their horse as well from the calm manner they could talk to him and more casual behavior one could assume unlike the others the four seem to personally know this short Man for some time or they might at least his acquaintance. Even though they didn't show much of their emotions in their but they also seems little reserved around this short Man, they would often say something to the short man, in respectfully he also talk to them in amiable tone in response.
A man with a one ear discreetly nudged his friend to gain his attention who, was also close to this important looking person. The bulky man in the right side of him take a look at his comrades helplessly before turn his face towards the Short Man and hesitantly asked to him in a polite manner.
"Elder Aadhi, we brothers have been wondering this for a long time, may I presumptuously ask what caused all of this and why we had to act in such a rush? Is there a " at the end of the sentence even if he managed to maintain his expression in his face but his voice failed him as it was cracked in the middle of his question he, tighten the grip on his bridle.
Aadhi looked at the person with a sidelong glance on his face and had an imperceptible smile as he sized up the four beside him with calm and expressionless look, that saying 'What do you think' then he put on a warm smile on his face and continued to looked at the four people with an almost expectant look.
The four of them flinched seeing the warm smile and calm face, the one Who Spoke started to perspiring great deal, he hurriedly said in trembling voice, his whole expression changed in that brief time, it was worse than crying.
This made one wonder If Aadhi didn't forgive him this bulky and mighty looking cultivator would breakdown to crying and begging "Elder I'm aware of my wrongdoing please don't punish us, it's very wrong of us to ask about this matter to you" the other three hurriedly nodded their head as if they afraid something dangerous happened to them and their expression was not without a reason.
Aadhi let out a chuckle, as he gestured for them to calm down "Hahaha, don't worry I'm not going to punish you guys for that, this time, after all everyone would be curious and apprehensive about something so sudden like this" he reached out stroked the horse ears as he looked at the front in thoughtful manner.
"Don't do this again or I might have no choice but punish you. You all heard what the Old Demon said didn't you? Everyone will naturally learn of this matter when we reach our ancestral land " he glanced at the anxious expression of four and continued to saying "There is no reason for you guys having this sort of frightened expression on your face, I'm not going to tell on you and... " he smiled at them "Nothing bad happened to our tribe, In fact it was a good news it's just that.... didn't I told you once you reach you guys will certainly understand"
The four awkwardly smiled at him hearing this, they are people once personally trained by Aadhi in their youth, they are from his tribe. He acknowledged them because of their strength they, were not afraid of him this was a instinctive fear towards someone else ; they were afraid of the Old Demon means of punishment. They were so curious about the strange and cautious behavior of the experts, they tried to get some news from their tribe leader despite hearing Old demon's order.
They dare to give it a try because Aadhi was easy person to approach and talk to, out of all eleven experts. He has a down to earth personality Aadhi was even forbid them to call him leader or someother title but just go with a elder title; so when they noticed he didn't intend to tell them, they panicked and thought go too far with their courage, get severely punished for their disobedience so they, begged for his forgiveness, they were more afraid this would somehow attract Old Demon attention.
On the other hand Aadhi, fell into silence as he turned his attention back to the front, his mind was still playing over few memories especially the incidents that happened in the plain. It was nothing but unbelievable events played out in front of them and it's all in three days 'I Even doubted that lord the other day sigh! I hope lord doesn't held it against me, an ignorant fellow' he lamented 'Even that drunkard is more perceptive than me, that day I guess it's probably a test of some sorts in the end I'm still ignorant'
Aadhi was one of the three older generation peak realm experts, The same generation as Balli and old demon but in his old days he didn't expect to do an error in important moment like this, it have to be said they were all riped into such a old age and ready to die but now with the Lord message they know they have the chance of breakthrough and live longer.
With the Lord help it would not be a problem to achieve that, but Aadhi felt lord might be little dissatisfied with him even if he was willing to help them breakthrough he was too ashamed to accept that. 'I Have to prove myself to the Lord ' he determined of this. Aadhi's emotions were very complicated at this point of time he couldn't help but turned to look at his two old friends who, happens to traveling with each other one had a sly look and crafty smile and other had an annoyed expression.
His lips curled up into smirk as he watched the scene he could already imagine what might have happened, or going to happen in few minutes, he could only wonder in his heart how is that blabber mouth managed to get into Old Demon skin without getting beaten up in the end, Aadhi wasn't only one wondering that it is still mystery to everyone present he comforted himself 'Well it's better him than me, If it was me I would have sued his mouth shut'
His eyes roamed around the formation briefly paused at the other ten experts, some were assigned as three, he briefly wondered what was old demon thinking, 'I hope they didn't start fight' he shifted his eyes away from them and landed on certain individual. Like him there was one, other person was left to guard other side of the rear end; he casually took a look at this person before shook his head to himself. 'Perhaps lord was little hard on him, he wasn't a bad person but little cowardly I hope this kid get past this'
He turned his attention on the forest depth looking for any kind of threats even there are qi realm experts in the back with him he still wouldn't feel at peace if he couldn't confirm there is no danger to his people with his own eyes and means.
The other side of the rear was guarded by this gloomy and depressed Man with a scar on his face. he was also riding on the horse back like other ten he was like Aadhi, assigned a single guarding post. Which he was very appreciative of, anyway he, wasn't in the mood for Chitchat.
Those who around him gave him wide breath as they understand he was in a very bad mood they choose to stay as far as they could, there is no need to get this person bad side they thought to themselves, they are from his tribe they know him better he, liked to stay under the radar, didn't like to get into conflict but to say he wasn't passive person either, In fact he was petty and grudgeful person who, like to take revenge on little grievance.
His gloomy face was in deep thought he, didn't bother to keep an watch on the surrounding activities or any danger might come from the forest, but that doesn't mean he was a careless person or simple minded brute. He was kept in alert and arranged his men in mini formation around him despite being careless on the outside he was careful on the inside. Though he seems little distracted and in deep thought with something his expression or lack of one made sure no one knows what he was thinking.
Since they are from his tribe, they know more about their leader than anyone, despite being personal subordinates to him for long time they couldn't see past what he showed them. He was the kind of person who will kill you with smiling face, one would not realize even when they about embrace death, when did they have such an enemity with him for this person have ruthless with them.
Three peak experts guarded on each side of the formation forming a tightly knit cover of protection, they either stayed together or strolling the sides for further inspection or observation. One side of the formation was guarded by three weird and unsociable people. Two experts riding near the middle of the formation while one left behind to constant checking ups the two experts face were frosty as they try their best to pretend the other wasn't around. This two were Juala and Kaari, they weren't in speaking terms after the brief fight before they were here because of this arrangement as they couldn't refuse Old Demon's arrangements they could only do as they were told.
The one behind them was a Big bald Man Kada, who was completely oblivious to the tension between the two, come and meet with them time to time commenting about how annoying it was as how they couldn't even meet up with traps or ambush and they didn't even encountered any beasts in the forests.
That was indeed the case, due to large amount of people even beasts living as a pack tend to avoid them. So far they encountered very few beasts and their strength are very low easily dealt with by their clan rookie warriors, Kada didn't see the need to step up more precisely he didn't like fight easy opponents.
"Old Fellow what are you thinking so seriously for this long" Balli asked the Old Man in jovial manner on the other side of the formation, if the first three socially awkward trio then this could be said chaotic trio the few clans warriors near him sweated as they sneaked away from balli, as they witnessed their tribe leader started to messing around, casually provoking a Ruthless existence.
The Old Man ignored his question continue to look forward as he riding his horses without even paying attention to the person near him, but Balli was nothing if not more persistent with his pestering, slowly this pestering started to annoy the Old Man
The Old Man sighed helplessly, "Why can't you keep quiet, stop with this sort of annoying questions will you? does it even matter what I have been thinking" he asked him back.
Balli's confused expression turned into that of understanding, as he mumbled to himself about something before carefully turn to look at Old Man for sometime he then quietly whispered to his friend "You know I have succeed"
"Eh..." The Old Man, face full of question marks as he looked at his friend in inquiring look.
"You forgot!" Balli looked quite appalled at that, "I talked about this with you other day didn't I? "
The Old Man looked embarrassed he, really didn't recall about this matter, he and Balli were quite close their friendship forged through saving each other and guarding their back in dangerous time so they talked about their life goals and yearning So it was little embarrassing for him to not understand what his friends talking about.
Seeing that his friend seems clueless he said while hinted, "I understand your situation, my friend I'm glad there is something, I can help you out with" he whispered something in old man ears.
The Old Man's face paled first then including his ears and neck was turnned red. He was embarrassed and furious as he looked at his friend like he was about to punch him in face.
Balli chuckled lightly as he made a placating gesture Spoke in lighthearted tone "Sorry, I guess you don't seem upset with that matter, my bad, my bad don't be too upset over me I was just teasing you, how could I not know you how extraordinary you were" Balli flattered him with smiling face.
But for some reason this seemed triggered the old man further as he gritted out.
"Now get out of my face before I clawed your head out of your shoulder" he literally growling scaring the few nearby warriors as they continuously backed away more than 500 meters . "Maybe I can swap my post with her, so you could have some serious talk and you would not have time to annoy anyone" the Old Man gestured his hand back at the person behind their back.
Completely disregarding that suggestion Balli suddenly asked "What realm do you think 'that lord' was at, do you have any idea?" Balli's face was serious there was a peculiar speculative gleam in his eyes.
The Old Man also noticed his friend's serious expression he calmed down his agitation, he didn't immediately answered he also had a pondering expression, "Well as I said to the others, very high attainment I guess!" the old man turned to look at his friend with assessing look "What do you think?"
Balli turned his head towards the forest as if he could see through the darkforest and shadows. "I think we are not careful enough " Balli commented offhandedly.
The Old Man turned his head in the forest with furrowed brew, he sighed in annoyance "Don't worry no one would escape, it's already third group" seeing his friend's raised eyebrow he assured "I have confidence in my people none of the three groups would escape our region"
Balli nodded his head hearing this, "I still somewhat expect such a huge commotion would alert somebody. It's completely look like such a miraculous event didn't take a place at all" then his eyes once again went into forest as he disdainfully smiled " I don't understand even after centuries of trying to stamp one simple thing in their skull they still didn't let their guard down, what are they thinking we are going to do"
"Aren't we all get past this, now why are you even trying to understand their thought process. it's simply more like their obsession or something"
"Hehe, I guess they simply think they are doing great meritorious service to our world or their dead ancestors" Balli's face twisted into dark amusement as he chuckled to his explanation.
The Old Man thought and nodded, then he looked at his friend in inquisitive Manner, "By the way, you didn't answer my question" his eyes firmly locked on his face "only we had some understanding of this so it's better if you honest with your assessment"
Balli schooled his expression didn't try to avoid the question like before "Well, to be honest I, also only vaguely able to felt anything about his aura and had little understanding towards his level" he frowned as he thought more about it "I guess he certainly not in the purple road realm.... I guess he was already at the realm patriarch's and that two leaders said to attained"
There was a sudden silence between them, the two of them have to deal with some serious and strong emotions in that sort period of time 'Now that I also have my chance I will definitely reach it' 'Heh! I wonder how Powerful a Person of that realm can be' they thought to themselves about what does that mean.
Their eyes glowed with an emotion they don't feel for sometime the spirit and excitement of surged in their eyes as they looked at each other there was a imperceptible but crazy smile in their face for a brief second.
After calming his mind, the Old Man asked in more calmed voice "Why did you ask me to assign their post like this, they are probably cursing me and some might even started to wonder what was I thinking?" his voice turned more sullen at the end.
He nodded his head towards the other side of the formation, before vented "The three are too much of a trouble to put together, they all have a very short fuse, it would be embarrassing if they started to fighting one thing or other" he sighed "Not to mention our students, who doesn't have little bit of sens-"
"That brat isn't my student, stop saying that. I'm not shameless like you" Balli interjected stubbornly.
"-se that Dheeran kid also childish, he might even fan the flame and did you forget we, must have a eye on 'that' kid didn't I?" his white beard trembled in agitation as he took a deep breath.
Balli looked at him smilingly as he gave 'Is not that obvious' look which, made him even more angry as he glared at the fellow "Do you think I'm afraid of you? I will fight you to death" the Old Man said in assertive tone.
"can you even beat me? first try to beat me then we talk about anything else" Balli said in derisive tone "Now tell me, do you want that item" he asked with raised eyebrows.
There was a flash no one know what was that about sudden flash Naala looked over curiously from back so where the few others only to see an foolishly smiling Balli and annoyed looking Old Man.
___ ___ ___ ___
When the tribe finally reached the plain or where they remembered plain has been, including the eleven the Forty plus people also seems equally dumbfounded.
"This.... where are we again" one confused soul asked.
Old Man: "???"
Dheeran: "???"
Aadhi: "???"
everyone else:"???"
The bulky warrior besides Aadhi spoke "Elder, I understand what you said !?" his words made Aadhi to look at him in sluggish manner.
"What in Netherworld happened here? " he mumbled with dazed look.
Balli and Old Man looked at one another in bewildered look before that turned into sharp gaze they nodded at each other as they narrowed their eyes. Their eyes were widen and had many complicated emotions but they firmly rein their emotions.
Old Man looked at his side, a strong build middle-aged warrior and said in commanding tone "We, don't have to wait anymore. round up their lot and bring me that bunch of nuisances to me; no one should escape here got it" his tone was extremely cold.
"Y-yes Elder "The warrior eyes were wide but he nodded his head hurriedly as he rushed towards a group of horse riding warriors standing nearby.