Chapter 22: This Young Master Does Not Admire Nature

Chapter 22: This Young Master Does Not Admire Nature

The last time he left the city with Lan Fen they had gone east. This time he and Song Yuelin went north. Clearsprings City was named such for the numerous springs in its territory. It amused Chen Haoran that nobody mentioned that said springs were located in large green mountains that surrounded the city on three sides.

It really is a shame that Ive been spending more time out of the city than I have in it, he said.

Need I remind you that this was your idea Young Master Chen?

I know, thats why its so shameful. He wanted to explore the city as well. Hed have to make some time for it. This place isnt so bad though.

They were deep into the mountains when they discovered a secluded grove. The small pond was fed by a burbling brook that flowed from some unknown source higher up the mountain. Chen Haoran took his shoes off and soaked them in the cool water. This trip was much more pleasant than the last one. They had been unmolested the entire journey, Song Yuelins doing no doubt.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

You still havent told me why were here, Young Master Chen.

Chen Haoran looked over his shoulder. Youre here to earn your keep.

Song Yuelin blinked. My keep?

Chen Haoran smirked. How much do you think those cookies cost? My chef isnt cheap you know, youre going to be looking for treasure to pay for them.

And what will you be doing while I brave the dangers of the wilderness?

Supervising, he said. Chen Haoran leaned back onto the soft grass with a contented sigh. Lan Fen had the right idea.

Song Yuelins shadow ruined his beautiful moment.

Laziness is a terrible habit Young Master Chen, Song Yuelin said seriously. Are you not in a position where every available moment to train is precious?

Chen Haoran clicked his teeth. Song Yuelin wasnt wrong but damn if he didnt want a moment of peace right now. He just wanted to inflict onto others what was done to him, was that too much to ask?

If you dont train then I wont do anything either. Song Yuelin promptly sat down to punctuate his threat.

Chen sighed. Alright, Ill train. You better not slack off either though.

Dont worry Young Master Chen, I have the perfect training in mind! Song Yuelin looked pleased.

Its called evasion training! Chen Haoran shouted into the sky. He raced up the overgrown slopes of the mountain. Ducking branches and jumping only to hear the bear behind him crash through them.

Ah, an excellent idea! Chen Haoran didnt register what was going on until he felt a flare of energy in the distance. Strong enough that he didnt need his sense to be able to feel the qi.

The noise in the forest died suddenly. Even the monster bear stalling in its tracks. Chen Haoran put as much distance between them as he could. He could feel the earth rumbling. The birds were the first to move, rising into the sky in such numbers they blotted out the evening suns waning light. The beasts surged out after them, a single rolling tide of panicked animals. Pigs, wolves, foxes, tigers, and monsters of all shapes and sizes both familiar and not.

Do your best Young Master Chen!

Song Yuelin you crazy fucker!

Chen Haoran ran up the mountain. The monsters ran after Chen Haoran. The day ran into the night. Whenever he thought he had finally escaped, Song Yuelin would flare his qi again and herd the horde in his direction. His breaths came up short and blood ran in rivulets down his exposed torso. His shirt had been torn to shreds under the same devastating claws that finally ripped open his durable skin. He did not know where he was or how far into the mountains he ran. Everything else had faded away save for the way forward and the qi running through his body.

He could see light ahead of him in the tunnel that surrounded his vision. A soft green-blue that beckoned him forward until he finally tripped. His awareness returned. The light he had seen was a glowing pool high in the mountains. It sat at the bottom of a depression in the earth which had caused him to lose his footing. He stared blankly at the water- no, it was qi. It was a pool of Liquid Qi.

The roaring of the monsters snapped him out of his shock. He looked back. He could see the madness in their red eyes. He could not run anymore, but he couldnt fight the monsters either. Song Yuelin hadnt responded at all to his pleading the whole night, but he knew he was watching this. Song Yuelin wouldnt let him die, the issue was when he would decide to step in.

Chen Haoran gritted his teeth and pulled out his sword. He faced the horde. Come on then! he roared. He tried to use the Canyon Carving Sword, but he didnt have the qi. Despite that, he still felt like he held a river in his hands. Chen Haoran roared and raised his sword in defiance.

The night grew black. Liquid Shadow flooded out of the darkness and drowned the horde. The angered roaring of the monsters was consumed and silence was born. Chen Haoran watched the flood and the beasts within it rush down the mountain in an avalanche of shadow and flesh.

Beautiful, isnt it? Song Yuelin was next to him.

Chen Haoran swung his sword in shock. His river turned into familiar watersteel. Song Yuelin casually batted it away with his bare hands; he was looking at the qi pool.

Chen Haorans legs gave out. It was over, he was alive. Too exhausted to be furious at Song Yuelin he tiredly responded. What is this place?

A Mourning Pool, Song Yuelin said. His smile was gone.

Song Yuelin approached the unnaturally still waters of the pool and peered at his reflection. Chen Haoran wondered what he saw in it.

A Liquid Meridian realm has fallen here.