Cause and Effect . . .
"Neigh..." All of a sudden, tens of thousands of horses elevated their forepaws and released resounding, reverent cries towards the heavens. They exhibited their unwavering respect and submission to their sovereign.
The simultaneous outpouring of equine voices was a seismic shock to those present in the valley, causing many to recoil from the unexpected auditory onslaught. Dust and fallen leaves were whisked into the air by the cacophonous equine salute.
Even before the collective neighing had subsided, a diminutive dark horse with four strikingly white hooves darted ahead of its companions, charging into the valley.
As the newcomer entered, a profound silence instantly descended upon the valley. Horses that had recently been jubilant and clamorous ceased their vociferations and now resembled slumbering infants, their demeanor as sweet and endearing as could be.
Within the valley, it was only Darky that continued to move with unwavering grace, appearing almost like a sinuous dragon traversing its fiefdom.
Riding atop Darky was Cha Eun Xiao, his visage exuding a striking countenance, his hair billowing in the breeze. The combined spectacle of man and horse illuminated the valley in a dazzling display.
The onlookers were left in stunned silence, at a loss for what to do next.
[What is unfolding here?]
[What manner of phenomenon is this?]
[We heard the distinct vocalizations of our comrades. They should have successfully completed their mission. But... where are they now? And how has it come to pass that a stranger astride his steed can swagger in like this?]
[Only Captain Mu and his troop were out on the mission. It was their task to apprehend Guan Lingxiao.]
[Who, then, is this young man?]
As Captain Mu made his entrance, he seemed to have inadvertently relegated himself to the role of a background character in this unfolding drama. Upon arriving in the valley, he could not escape the prevailing hostile gazes that converged upon him from all directions.
This was evidently an unfortunate day for both Captain Mu and his horse, as they found themselves met with disfavor from both other equestrians and pedestrians alike. Truly a lamentable twist of fate!
A brawny figure, towering like a steel tower, obstructed his path and thundered, "Mu Zichong! What is the meaning of this? What have you done? What was your mission? What is this commotion? Explain yourself!"
Mu Zichong dismounted hastily and approached the formidable figure, imploring, "Prime Captain, please... this wasn't my doing... You see... that young man is a skilled dan-maker..."
"A dan-maker? So what? Since when has it become permissible for a dan-maker to swagger through our territory like a monarch..." The formidable figure bristled with annoyance. "Don't you suppose that perhaps you've exhibited an undue level of respect?"
Mu Zichong was profoundly disheartened. "I had no way of foreseeing that events would unfold in this manner... His horse... it is the king of horses... I am inclined to believe that we are fortunate that our horses haven't defected..."
"So, you allowed this individual to enter, and now you claim to know nothing about it. You must be... Wait! King of horses?" The formidable figure fixed Mu Zichong with widened eyes, his voice faltering. "What did you say? The... the king of horses?"
"That's it! The king of horses! Even more formidable than any legend we've heard!"
"Good heavens!" The formidable figure was riveted by Darky, his eyes blazing with an unquenchable fervor. His gaze was riveted to the steed, and he could scarcely tear his eyes away. The longer he beheld Darky, the more incandescent his gaze became. He stroked his jaw with both hands, murmuring, "It hasn't reached maturity yet, perhaps only a year old, and yet it surpasses expectations in size... Observe its hooves... how splendidly it moves... Ah... What a magnificent creature!"
"May I inquire as to the name of this king of horses?" The formidable figure continued his fervent observation of Darky.
Mu Zichong, caught in an uncomfortable position, finally responded, "Its name is... Dar... Darky..."
"Darky..." The large man was taken aback, then swiftly transformed his surprise into indignation. "Mu Zichong! How dare you call me by my nickname! How audacious!"
Mu Zichong, struck dumb by this unexpected revelation, could only respond with silence.
[What? Your nickname is Darky? I had no inkling of it. I meant no offense. I was merely relaying the name of the horse. I genuinely had no knowledge of this! I can't fathom that the mighty king of horses bears such an inelegant moniker, and that it serves as your nickname... What a squandered opportunity!]
Another robust man intervened to defuse the situation. "What are you two squabbling about? Where is Guan Lingxiao?"
Another individual emerged from the east. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? Mind your manners!"
Yet another approached from the west. "Silence! Are you inciting rebellion?"
After a series of thunderous reprimands, tranquility was restored.
Mu Zichong respectfully bowed to the leaders and provided a full account of the recent events.
Upon learning that Guan Lingxiao had been brought back, the men bristled with anger and desired nothing more than to administer a beating to him.
Upon learning of the presence of a dan-maker accompanying Guan Lingxiao, a glimmer of hope surfaced that their lord might be healed.
When they were informed that the dan-maker's horse was the king of horses, their astonishment knew no bounds.
Finally, upon discovering that the king of horses bore the name Darky, they erupted in laughter—this happened to be the Prime Captain's nickname.
It was an astonishing coincidence.
For the first time in over two years, the valley was filled with delighted laughter.
As Cha Eun Xiao proceeded to the main encampment of the Black Cavalry Alliance, nestled within the mountain, he was struck by a complex set of emotions.
Aware that the Black Cavalry Alliance was a vast and influential organization, this marked his first genuine encounter with the entity, which had left him deeply impressed. The disciplined team of Mu Zichong had been impressive, but this deeper glimpse into the heart of the organization left him utterly astounded and awed.
It was evident that only a truly formidable entity could have cleared the interior of such a massive mountain to create the main encampment.
This was no ordinary sect.
Yet it wasn't the only revelation that left Cha Eun Xiao astonished. It was the name of the organization itself that held a profound shock for him.
The Black Cavalry Alliance.
Although he had never been directly involved with this organization, he had heard much about it.
Fierce Blade, Li Wuliang, had regaled him with numerous tales of the Black Ride Alliance. As he gazed upon the main camp, it stirred memories of his closest friend.
Li Wuliang had only one sworn friend and one sworn brother.
The sworn brother was Xiao Monarch, Cha Eun Xiao, while the sworn friend was the leader of the Black Cavalry Alliance, Shangguan Zhuifeng.