He had used Qi disciplines in front of his companions. For all that things had been desperate, he knew that at least Hao Chan had seen him full on, even if everyone else was lost in the moment. And that massive spirit beast corpse had disappeared inside his ring out of the blue, less than an hour later. And for all that Hao Zei had been furious, Alex had delighted in knowing at least a few members of his party were alive as he did in pulling one over on Hao Zei.
The conniving merchant had basically poached Alex’s earlier kills after Alex had saved the man’s life the first time, and Alex already knew that there was no way his ring would accept anything larger than what he could physically lift or carry at one time, the Claimance of Strength, unless he had another right to his claim.
Fortunately, he did.
Hunter’s Claimance, a divine law Alex intuitively sensed. The greater spirit bull had died by his hand, so its essence was his to claim. Its body and beast core as well, but as these were physical objects in the mortal realm, force, treachery, or betrayal could force him to forgo his claim.
Fortunately, his ring wasn’t worried about the latter.
But if that conniving merchant, who Alex would never be stupid enough to let his guard down around, understood what Alex had done, understood the prize he must have on hand… Alex shivered at the thought of that man’s beady black eyes staring intently at him for the remainder of this trip.
And his slave collar. The others had made absolutely no mention of it, and between scarf, armor, and Silver Fox’s gifted attire, which seemed to effortlessly accommodate his increased musculature, not to mention had a collar that Alex could seal with a tiny bone clasp, Alex had held onto the faint hope that they hadn’t noticed.
But one thing Alex was sure of was that no one in this steadily-shrinking caravan was stupid.
The foolish and foolhardy were already dead.
Only the clever, cautious, and conniving remained.
And Alex wasn’t sure what that made him.
Alex sighed and got to work dressing his kill as Liu Jian had taught him what felt like a lifetime ago, made magnitudes easier with how well he could manipulate the tiny world within the ring, the massive stores of water, his ability to freeze or heat with a thought. To say nothing of the spirit beast hide treating supplies he had on hand, including wax, special liniments, and lacquer, which were all in plentiful supply thanks to what he had pilfered from not one but two supply-filled wagons in the last several weeks. And the final ingredients he needed were plentiful in his garden, already filled with both medicinal and cooking herbs, and a handful of precious cultivation herbs.
Crafting check made. You have successfully preserved Spirit Beast Meat for indefinite duration. Meat will keep in any area you designate ‘deep freeze’ regardless of skill check. You have proven yourself to be a skilled Novice of Food Preparation.
Moderate difficulty Armor Crafting check made. +10 to skill check with environment manipulation abilities of divine artifact. You have successfully treated your first Spirit Beast Hide. Wax and liniment preparation means your hide will be well suited for armor forging. Note: your hide will be poorly suited for clothing. All suppleness lost. You may consider yourself a Novice Leatherworker.
Alex smiled, both pleased and surprised to get game-like notifications regarding any skills not directly related to Biochemical Mastery, which tied so well to medicine and Alchemy, though he noted the lack of any specific skill levels, and they still weren’t a part of his character sheet. But that was fine.
His interface was best suited to aiding his Cultivation and Alchemical paths of growth, and he liked the thought of keeping his sheet free of the clutter of a million mundane skills. And the thought of gamifying the social interactions that made people, well, thinking, free-willed people, was a chilling one to him. His Charismatic perk, which he just thought of as looking nice with unusually clear skin or his unusual blue eyes, was already more than he wanted his interface keeping tabs on.
One thing he couldn’t deny treating with all the enthusiasm of a game was harvesting. Liu Li and Liu Jian’s lessons, Qi-infused plants now glowing within his sight, thanks to Qi Perception, and foraging became as simple as touching a plant or drawing a circle around a cluster of plants and willing it all into his magical ring. Thus, harvesting was just as easy and fun as when he would adventure within Skydragon, his favorite game of all time, where he had been something of a gathering and crafting fiend, truth be told.
Yet the thought that the home he knew and loved was a thousand years gone, and the world he had once known had probably been reduced to rubble, or was so futuristic that 21st century architecture would look like a medieval village in comparison, brought a melancholy sigh to his lips.
He turned away from his now-perfectly prepared and stored spirit beast meat, treated hide, and near indestructible bones, knowing that he had delayed long enough. The imagined internal watch that had turned into a water clock made it clear that night had already fallen, and if he were to pop out, no one would see.
The risk that he might suddenly castle through a companion was one excuse he had used to justify delaying his departure, but he knew it was just that - an excuse. No one was going to set up camp or walk around in the dark beside a massive gory kill site, and just in case that merchant was crazy enough to, Alex had waited until well after nightfall, when the entire caravan should be asleep.
Girding himself for whatever the outer world held, he fell out of his ring once more.
19
The coppery smell of dried spirit beast blood and the sound of birds and a thousand crickets greeted him when he opened his eyes to the world, catching sight of a startled trio of giant wolves sniffing the dried blood.
Adderstrike! Adderstrike! Adderstrike!
Bullrush!
Alex didn’t think, just roared into action, taking no chances, having tasted death’s agony already that day, his instantly-summoned spear blasting through the first wolf’s throat before the remaining pair could do more than blink, Alex already yanking it free and plunging his weapon straight through the ribcage of the second, completely running it through, then dropping it and running right into the third massive spirit beast that must have weighed a good three hundred pounds, large as many hunting cats, before Alex’s Qi-enhanced fist smashed into the leaping wolf’s snout, shattering a good number of its teeth but certainly not killing it.
Alex immediately blinked for a nearby tree to get his bearings in case he was about to be ambushed by demon wolves, running for an endless moment through the air that seemed to stretch for a single eyeblink in time before landing effortlessly on a single leaf that somehow held him. Only after a careful scan made it clear that there were no others laying in wait did Alex gently dive off the leaf, gazing down at the third wolf snapping and howling just below him, linking his favorite series of attacks together once more. His powerful kick snapped the wolf’s neck when Alex flashed through the air, crashing into his opponent from above.
And as quick as thought, spears, spirit beasts, and their cores were absent from the once-more empty clearing, Alex armed with his fangtian ji once more, it having ported back with him when he had ported in the massive greater spirit bull.
Alex took a deep breath, actively using his Qi Perception as he meditated, regaining his spent Qi at the rate of one point per two minutes.
The forest was utterly still after witnessing that explosive burst of violence.
No cricket rustled its legs against carapace, no bird trilled to its neighbors.
All of them recognized the predator in their midst.
Alex flashed a single smile, as if daring any other wolves to come out of hiding, but there was no trace of wolf, or any other living soul.
Only the mangled remains of a mostly-devoured Li.
A part of Alex was furious that no one had thought or even cared to bury him.
But he already knew how self-serving Hao Zei was, how he had left so many others to rot after they died d
efending him. It just affected Alex more now because he knew both the merchant and the guard far better than he had a week ago.
And Alex’s wrath was quickly muted when he noted what else they had left behind.
Their final wagon and almost all of their supplies.
Alex blinked, realizing that the panicked survivors had packed themselves into the reinforced wagon after linking all the horses together and racing for the city for all their lives were worth. Of course, they’d have to rest every night for the sake of their mounts, but at least they’d make much better time now, cutting their risks of dying before getting there to just a fraction of what it would be, slowed to a snail’s pace with the strongest horses plodding that overstuffed wagon along.
Alex flashed a feral grin.
He could only imagine how deeply it had pained that penurious merchant to surrender so much of his property to the wild woodlands.
Property a now-pleased Alex was happy to claim for himself. Of course there was no way he could claim the wagon itself, being far too heavy to spiritually claim by right of strength, but he hopped inside after Qi Perception and Artificer spotted absolutely no traps and sent a vast fortune of silk, cloth, spices, soap, silver utensils, papyrus, scholarly tomes, clothing, many other various and sundry sacks, crates, and rolls into his ring with the slightest flick of his fingers. That he all too happily did, making sure not to leave a single thing on the wagon, not even the tarp.
And part of him wanted to just leave it at that. To pick a direction and go wherever his feet would take him. Utterly free of obligations, treacherous serpents, and a desperate quest that promised utter folly at every turn. And really, did he have to endure any of that?
The answer was simple.
No, he did not. All of his obligations were self-imposed.
He had the right to choose, as he always did.
He had done nothing wrong. He had saved their lives twice over.
It was perfectly okay for him to walk his own path and live for himself, from this moment onward.
He thought the last with a relieved smile even as his walk became a jog along the road.
It was comforting to know that no one and nothing compelled him, that he was well and truly free to do what he wished.
Even though he knew he’d push onward.
He’d run all night if he had to.
Because without him, both children and the young woman who captivated him with her brilliant amber gaze would be dead.
He knew that as surely as he knew his master’s cocksure grin, echoing in his mind that he needed to get a move on, that there really wasn’t that much time.
20
“Alex! You’re alive!”
Alex couldn’t help smiling at the animated features of Hao Yin when she spun around, wearing a silken bonnet in addition to her cheongsam that couldn't completely hide the twitch when she turned his way, the beautiful young woman flashing him a relieved smile, sensing him long before anyone else.
Alex smiled and waved, careful not to startle Sun Sun or anyone else, surprised when a sobbing Hao Chan immediately dropped the firewood she had been gathering and dashed into his arms, squeezing him as tightly as his fresh suit of previously ring-stored armor would allow.
“Alex, thank the heavens, we thought you were dead!” she said before her eyes opened wide and she suddenly stepped back, cheeks blazing as if suddenly embarrassed by her display of affection. Awkward as she now felt, she couldn’t help flashing a relieved grin that mirrored those of her cousins. “It’s so good to see you alive, Alex.”
Her head tilted with sudden concern, fingertips softly brushing his cheek, underneath his helm. “Alex, are you alright? When we saw you getting tossed by that nightmare of a spirit beast… we had feared the worst!” She shuddered in memory. “Poor Li. What happened to him was so awful, and when that monster looked our way, the mad intelligence in its eyes… That was no dumb animal! It’s like it hated us just for living, and wanted to kill us all on sight!”
Grateful amber eyes caught Alex’s own. He gasped despite himself, getting a good look at her for the first time since her breakthrough.
She had been beautiful before.
Now? She looked absolutely stunning.
Part of that was the vibrant energy of anyone at the peak of health, her physical frame having blossomed from her advancement, just as his had.
But he noted that she had blossomed differently. She didn’t seem more muscular, extraordinarily powerful as her shapely legs already were. That would have earned her any number of compliments in a bolder era, for all that Alex knew it wasn’t lush padding so much as a dancer’s diligently trained, explosively powerful physique, catching sight of her flexing muscles underneath the high-hemmed dress she wore.
But more than the shapely, powerful dancer’s body she had always had, he sensed her increased vitality, the effortless way she flowed and moved. Her exquisite features were beyond striking, with hair so glossy it glowed, and jewel-like amber eyes that seemed to peer into his very soul.
His heart skipped a beat. If his friend’s essence could be condensed to a character sheet, he would say she had blossomed in terms of Vitality, Finesse, and Charisma, without a doubt.
Which made him frown for just a beat. With their emphasis on survival and overcoming all challenges, why was her cultivation path embracing strengths that seemed geared more toward captivation than physical dominance? He shook his head. What he didn’t know about the cultivator’s path could fill endless libraries, and no doubt already had, many times over.
All the same, as much as Alex appreciated the ease of movement her snug outfit allowed, part of him wished she’d just change into the collared jacket and pants they had adopted as their kung fu uniforms. Or armor. Armor would be even better. Spirit beasts could be lurking even now, though a quick surge of his Qi Perception made it clear nothing was lying in wait nearby. He just wished she was wearing something that wasn’t quite so distracting as the perfectly innocent yet far too revealing cheongsam she wore.
Her concern grew as Alex realized he was just staring at her like a dazed fish. He gave an embarrassed shake of his head.
“Alex, how badly did that monster hurt you?” Her eyes widened as she gazed at armor free of all damage or wear. “But I thought… my gods, when that creature caught my gaze it was as if the fires of doom were going to claim me. I felt as frightened as a rabbit. I couldn’t even move! And then you sprang out of nowhere...” She gazed at him for endless moments, eyes searching his as if for the answer to an unspoken question. “Striking him dead on. And then he threw you,” she whispered, a furtive glance making it clear they still had that moment of privacy, Hao Yin gazing at him, her bonnet all but quivering, a surprisingly strong hand holding her brother back, leading him back to the horses. And Alex could make out Hao Zei cursing Sun Sun for his weaknesses, an edge of panic to his bellicose voice.
He blinked, absently noting how tightly Hao Chan was holding his hand as she led him a few feet away, though well within sight of the wagon. He couldn’t help feeling how much stronger her grip already was, thanks to their mornings and evenings training together, and no doubt her breakthrough as well.
“Alex?”
“Yes, Hao Chan?”
“Thank you.”
He blinked. “For what?”
She gave him an arch look. He flushed, looking away. “How did you manage to do that?”
“Do what?”
She sighed, peering intently into his eyes. “Leap upon that beast like a bird of prey. I saw the spirit beast gore you so hard you spun into the trees.” She gazed, almost with wonder, at his torso. “I thought for sure that we had lost you. And then, miracle of miracles, it was you streaking through the air like a mighty eagle, diving in for the kill. And that beast, with hide so thick none of our guards could pierce its armor? Your fangtian ji went right through, sticking out of its back.”
She swallowed. “And then it threw you off again. I thought
for sure you were done for then.” Entrancing eyes gazed questioningly into his own. “But then you weren’t. Even as poor Li and Sun Sun fought for their lives and I thought we were all as good as dead when that beast sent Li flying so high he soared above the tree tops… that was the moment you struck. Running that damned monster right through the neck, and how I trembled, seeing the hate-filled intelligence in its eyes.”
Alex shivered at those words, remembering those final awful moments all too well.
“And then it deliberately smashed you to the ground with those hellish monstrous horns, before collapsing atop you.” She swallowed, her gaze haunted. “It knew it was doomed and it hated you so much it was determined to take you along with it.”
Alex sighed, squeezing her hand, looking up toward the star-filled night sky, desperate to escape those entrancing amber eyes filled with so many questions.
“Alex?”
“Yes?”
“How are you even alive?”
Alex forced himself to chuckle ruefully. “I’m afraid it won’t sound as glorious or heroic as you’re painting me to be. Would you believe I managed to flee away from you guys just in the nick of time? So when that nightmare crashed to the ground, I had already rolled into nearby shelter and, well, collapsed?”
He forced a smile towards her furrowed gaze. “I know. Not nearly so glorious to find my supposed heroism was just a mad fight for survival, and instead of immediately getting up and checking on everyone else once the terror had passed, I fainted, only to come to hours later, finding that the injury I had so feared was little more than bruised ribs already mending, the armor not even broken, and it had been fear and exhaustion, not injury, that had me collapsing in the undergrowth.”
He traded his embarrassed smile and the tiny tinge of guilt he felt with his story with a look of utter sincerity, gently squeezing her hand, gaze intently locked with her own. “And for abandoning you for even a single day, I pray you will forgive me. I’ll do everything I can to see you safely in Yidushi, no matter how many weeks it takes us.”
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior Reforged: A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel - Book 2 Page 25
