Chapter 17

". . ."

The high sunlit clouds drifted across a clear blue sky, as the sun shone brilliantly above and the water in pond glittered invitingly, a calm spot around a beautiful green land atop a slightly curved ground underneath a tall saturated tree with thick leaves that danced along the swirling wind rhyming with each other and rustling whenever the wind blew through them.

A young boy who wore noble clothes of a guard with long dark hair and a handsome facial appearance, relaxed under the warm shadow of the tree with his eyes closed calmly while resting his elbow on the hilt of his short sort which was protected in its sheath.

"Guang?"

A young beautiful voice of a young healthy girl called out from behind the tree.

The boy quickly stood up, looking around, searching out for the source of this voice, until a young beautiful girl who wore well-tattered clothes with luminous red straps around her dress and carvings like gold, her white skin that was slightly pink reflected her beauty at a young age,
She moved behind the boy as she poked his back, as he quickly reacted by turning around quickly facing the young beauty.

"Your Highness!"

The boy panicked as he saw the girl's face yet he had a puzzled look on his face.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

The boy asked while bowing, keeping his parlance on one knee touching the surface.

"Pffft... Silly I told you to stop acting like a formal rock Guang, also father is not around so just call me Yue."

Said Yue in a silky feminine voice before laughing afterward.

"I'm afraid I cannot, even if I wanted to. You still didn't tell the reason for your pleasant visit"

Guang rose his head slightly above to be able to take a closer look at Yue while she continued laughing softly.

"That's really none of your business"

Yue slowly laid back, attempting to sit on the waving grass underneath the tree nearby the young boy, he quickly noticed her movement and once again reacting quickly by spreading his pale yellow scarf underneath her, as she sat on it quickly noticing what he did later.

"Quite the gentleman, aren't you...?"

She looked at him in amazement, yet surprised.

"You needn't worry, please don't stay outside for too long. . . his Majesty may be worried about you."

Said Guang, returning back to his relaxation position and closing his eyes again, softly feeling the soft wind touch his face again.

Yue laid her back against the tree while gazing above at the clear blue sky, listening to the moving sounds, of the hummingbirds, and the rustling of the leaves slowly.

A moment of tranquility and peace passed in silence.

"I used to think that the world is just so small, simple, tiny... to live in a huge palace, to be provided with many things. That's why I envy you... Guang"

Yue rolled her head to the side, as she began to stare at Guang, her eyes gleamed with tears, as she continued letting the words out of her mouth, with a disturbed voice.

"Guang I just wish I could live like a normal girl... I don't want this power! I don't want any of this"

Guang noticed the drastic change, on the Yue's expressions and emotions. Hesitantly he moved his hand towards her cheek until she grabbed his hand gently placing it on her crimson, smooth cheek. With her petite hand, she began to rub his palm against her cheek. "Yue..." Guang spoke in a low tone, his feelings collided, unable to express his own emotions, to leave him speechless. Guang began to wipe Yue's tears away until he remembered something.

"I promise you that I'll never leave your side. We shall travel together throughout the world.... Yue"

*BONG!*

"THOUSAND WOLF FANGS OF MADNESS!!"

"Upper rank, Sky den.... TRANSCENDENTAL LION FIST!!!"

A huge misunderstanding, which lead to great misfortune. The atrocious event is drawing nearer, as the two warriors were approaching one another each second, with such fearsome techniques, no one would have imagined such a dangerous outcome. Until suddenly...
"Reverse. . .!"

Suddenly, loud bell ringing echoed throughout the entire atmosphere.
"Good grief. . .younglings nowadays are surely troublesome."
"Y. .You are?!" Guang panicked, to find out that; both of his technique and Zuojia's were completely nulled. Elder monk, Yong Zhi stood between Zuojia and Guang, surrounded by such radiant golden aura, while meticulously holding the tip of Guang's blade and Zuojia's clenched fist, effortlessly.
"It's Been a while hasn't it. . .? Yāo Liang."
The elder monk took off his bamboo hat, as he looked directly at Zuojia.
The other monks bowed quickly when they saw That their elder has arrived.
Yet Zuojia gazed at him in amazement.

"Old man. . .?!"

"Mighty Lord, Yong Zhi!" Said Garu, while bowing his head and gazing downwards, respecting his elder's presence. "Hahaha... Did he just say- Elder Yong Zhi?!" Kaijin seemed surprised, he didn't expect to find the Elder on such an awkward occasion, especially after the long search.

"Little Liang... what brought you her at such unfavorable ambient?" Elder Yong Zhi had gazed deeply into Zuojia's eyes, so many secrets are yet to be revealed. "That's-?!' Guang angrily, rather confused, however, Zuojia's voice had interfered, unexpectedly replying to the elder's question. "What a meaningless question! I came here looking for you and what I got was a bunch of odd looking squirrels attacking me, for absolutely no damn reason... including this maniac!" Zuojia rose his index, pointing at Guang angrily, while his expressions indicated his exhaustion towards all the troubles, but somehow it sounded like a funny story to elder Yong Zhi.

"Little Liang...? Brother Zuojia?!" Wan Gao couldn't help it but raise his head up, after hearing what elder Yong Zhi say, echoing through his ears.

"You dare to play the victim after what you have done?! You won't get away with this!" Guang's tone rose drastically, his blood raced to his head, closing his left palm into a clenched fist, dedicated to hit Zuojia's face mercilessly. However, Zuojia was unwary of Guang's sudden movement, in addition to his deeply injured arm. "...?!"

Suddenly, an unexpected guest interferes, cancelling Guang's flashy attack. "Enough with the crap..." Zongse said, with a sour expression and a deep low voice, seemed grabbing his wrist firmly.

"Zongse?!" Guang had taken a step back as he saw Zongse before his eyes, who appeared before him within a blink of an eye. Guang's confusion seemed to increase by the second, so many questions drifting into his mind, unable to comprehend left him speechless.

Zuojia let out a sigh of relief, taking a look back at Kaijin, who was trying to protect the princess and keep her away from Guang's wide ranged attacks.

"Young trader Zongse, another interesting guest

"It's been a while, Master Yong Zhi..." Zongse let bowed towards Elder Yong Zhi political, letting go of the repulsive expression that he wore on his face, before making eye contact with the elder.

"Zongse of the east..?!" Garu's eyes widened so suddenly as if he had seen something extraordinary ere his own eyes.

"Zongse...and brother Zuojia, what on earth is going on?!" Wan Gao exclaimed in amazement, to notice that Zongse managed to flee from their Grasp within the blink of an eye.

"Oh no! Dear Yue!"

Said Elder Yong Zhi, a deep furrow appeared on his forehead with both of his eyebrows curved downwards as if he wasn't pleased by the great misunderstanding that had happened, he seemed angry, to have overlooked the princess's condition, while dealing with such selfish conflict. He hurried to the fallen princess who was carefully held by Kaijin, the boy seemed a bit terrified of the quick changes in the events. He crouched down towards princess Yue Xing, Placing his wrinkled palm on the left side of her neck. A few moments passing in silence as everyone waited for elder Young Zhi to confession. "Sighhh.... Good grief Dear Yue, you had my heart stopped for a moment, don't fret young Guang, she has lost consciousness, gladly she isn't harmed" Said elder Yong Zhi, letting a sigh of relief while closing his eyes and curving his lips downwards, before gazing at Kaijin, who was sitting beside the princess. "...."

He turned his head towards Garu who had hurried to the Elder, wearing a worrisome expression.

"Garu, take the princess to the Developed Medical chamber, put her down and let her rest, activate the protection barrier and let no one else other than me or Young Guang enter the chamber"

Said Elder Yong Zhi, while his eyes remained stationary in one posting, gazing deeply into Garu's eyes.

"Hold it right there! Where are you taking the princess-" Before Guang got to finish his sentence, The elder spoke, while placing his staff before Guang's chest, preventing him from walking any further.

"Wan Gao, go back to your duties and ensure everyone's safety, help the medical monks to treat the injured, Disperse all of you...!"

Each and every single monk including Wan Gao and Garu had quickly begun to move, as they lined up in such a well-organized system, to obey their Elder's orders. As Garu carried the princess carefully while being helped by medical monks on his way.

A minute later, everyone else has dispersed, leaving Elder Yong Zhi, Guang, Zongse and Kaijin on top of the roof. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of the gusting wind, swirling front the west like a desperate messenger. "Young Guang, I'm afraid that you have misjudged... to render such a verdict, based on what my eyes have witnessed t. This young man here saved princess Yue Xing, yet you were blinded by your anger" Said Elder Yong Zhi, wearing the same stationary serious expression on his face, while pointing at Zuojia with his cracky cylindrical staff "He who stands above all the Twelve Masters of superiority... The Eternal Xia ji. Zuojia, the successor of the sky seal!"

"Huh..? Come again?" Kaijin spoke in in confusion when he had no idea of what such words meant. However, the opposite can be said about Zongse, who wore a shock on his face, with a pair of wide open eyes, after overhearing the Elders words, which surely held such deep meaning. "The Sky Master...!"

The elder's words stroke Guang like a rushing spear with immense force, spikes of fear ran down his spine, as he took a few steps to the back, hesitating as he spoke in a scattered tone "W...What? How could this ever be true?! The Sky Seal Master has died years ago. He is the only Master out of the Twelve Masters with no successors! Such irrelevance cannot be true-"

Elder Yong Zhi Had Interrupted Guang's speech, as he would narrow his eyes, for such wrinkled old face to give a fearsome expression like that, silenced Guang completely. "My Bones may be older than the sharpness of your sword yong Guang, that doesn't mean you can speak in such manner towards your Elder and belittle his words. Be wary of your behavior...!"

"Sheesh... some ego you've got, old ma- Ack!"

Zuojia muttered in a low tone. To be interrupted by a hit on his head, by the Elder's staff. "How did you hear that?!"
Zuojia exclaimed in pain sarcastically.

"I'm not deaf either..."

"Excuse me... Elder Yong Zhi? What is this 'Sky Seal Master' and The Twelve Superiority Masters thing? What does it have to do with Zuojia?"

Kaijin walked hesitantly towards Elder Yong Zhi, with a questionable expression and a mind busy with questions, all around this single topic.

Elder Yong Zhi Gazed deeply into Kaijin's frame, before nodding his head slowly, his eyes continued examining Kaijin for a few seconds until he decided to speak. While Zuojia took a few steps towards the edge of the tower. Admiring the beautiful view of the town below, while placing his palm on his wound, to prevent any blood from escaping out of it.

"The strongest martial arts to have ever existed, inherited by only Twelve individuals known as The Twelve masters of superiority. Such unique abilities and techniques, are impossible to be attained, only those whom are chosen to inherit the flame of victory could experience the taste of the highest peak. These arts differ, from one another. Immense power Beyond the reach of normal individuals" Elder Yong Zhi paused, while turning his head to look at Guang directly, who was lost in thoughts. However, Zongse listened carefully. As for Kaijin, deep inside, excitement seemed to grow as he continued to listen the Elder's words.

"Zuojia is the successor of the the most unique art among the twelve others, The Sky Seal. He might have not awaken his full potentially unlike his Master, Liang Toru. The strongest man to walk on the surface of this earth...!" Elder Yong Zhi's tone rose a tiny bit, before they had directed their sights on Zuojia.

Elder Yong Zhi Looked back at Kaijin as he started to examine him carefully once again. "Little Liang, who might this child be? Could it be that you kidnapped him away from his parents..?"

"He is my disciple"

Said Zuojia, with his eyebrows curved at a certain intersection, as his lips flattened, neither curved nor shaped. His eyes made a contact with the elder's eyes, they seemed stationary yet challenging. "...?!" The elder's stable expression has completely changed, eyes gleamed open, with a toothless smile carved on his lips.

"How intriguing, Little Liang! But what about you Zongse of the east? The boy might have an excuse to follow his master, what is yours?" Elder Yong Zhi's eyebrows rose, accompanied by a cordial smile as if he expected another interesting answer leaked from Zongse.

"My excuse won't be Mazier.. Great Elder" Zongse paused, while pointing at Zuojia, using his thumb, before resuming with his speech "He had defeated me on fair grounds, you can say I just decided to accompany him on his journey to the end, that's something to look forward to at least"

Guang reacted so quickly, his dumbfounded expression was quickly replaced by sarcastic laughters "Ahahahah! Such madness could not be believed, Zongse you are equally on the same rank and level!"

"I'm sorry my friend, but I'm afraid that this is not the falsehood, you would have ended up like me if it wasn't for Great Elder's interference. However, we will never be on the same level" Zongse spoke with great amount of confidence and composure, his words knocked Guang down, leaving him with a staggered face.
"How could this possibly be... Such person really exists?!" Said Guang, as he seemed stunned by such news.

"His pride hurts now Zongse" Kaijin whispered to Zongse, while he thought that his whispers were unnoticeable and obscure. "You think so?" Zongse replied back in a low tone, placing his palm before his moving lips which had Been carved into a sneaky smile.

"I HEARD THAT!" Guang shouted in an angry tone, which made both Kaijin and Zongse faze with a shock. "Yieks!"
That made Elder Yong Zhi chuckle helplessly "Great Youth"

"Pardon my rudeness Great Elder, but what did those attackers need from Princess Yue Xing? Your knowledge would ease Guang's confusion a little" Said Zongse, while looking at Elder Yong Zhi with a wondrous face. This made Guang tweak up his stance, since it was of his concern to know, more than anyone else. Elder Yong Zhi remained silent for a few seconds. Sunset.. As the yellow ball of fire changed to hues of orange, and then almost tangerine. It merged with the sky, like juice-mix dissolving in a glass of water.

"We should move inside, it will get darker in no time, let us discuss this in a suitable space. Also so i can treat Little Liang's injury" Elder Yong Zhi noticed Zuojia who was having trying to bandage his arm, with a piece of cloth, however he seemed to have a hard time doing it.

"I can take care of myself!"

"I can see that"

Guang moved his eyes towards the beautiful sunset, while his thoughts drifted towards a certain memory.
"I promise you. . . Yue"

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

Around the capital

A man who wore an dusty-colored cloak stood before the gates of the capital, gazing at something from a far distance, his appearance seemed to attract too much attention along with it. His wavy spiked hair flailed as the wind gusted towards him. A strong yet confident smile carved on his face, cheering after his arrival to the capital. His sharp eyes followed the sunset.

"The time has finally come, Master, I have been waiting for years... it's time to roll!!"

A strong amount of wind gusted before the gate, once the atmosphere had calmed down, the man was gone, as of he had dissolved into the strong wind.

TO BE CONTINUED...