v5c2: The Strongest Technique

Bi De kept his story simple, short, and to the point. His Great Master had once said a man should be able to explain an important issue in twenty words or less.

They were chasing demons, the demons had collapsed their underground tunnels, and thus they had tracked them overland this way.

One might say telling a random Spirit Beast about their quest was foolish; it could have been in league with the demons after all. However, Bi De doubted that, and they were effectively attempting to bring an army through Master Forest Sweeper’s home. It would have been terribly impolite not to speak to him.

Being honest was the only correct choice.

“And it is for this reason we have come to ask permission to venture through your forest, Master Forest Sweeper. It is the fastest way,” Bi De finished. His voice was slightly strained as the massive Spirit Beast’s intent pressed down on them all. Not directed at them, merely a reaction to the news that he was receiving. That alone made it barely tolerable, especially as the intent made Master Forest Sweeper transition from the Earth Realm to Sky, and easily match the might of the Patriarch of the Shrouded Mountain Sect… and then start to surpass it.

Yushang, Han, and Fengxian were shaking slightly; Yun Ren’s eyes were open all the way as he took deep, calming breaths, his arm around Shao Hen’s bicep as the man’s knees wobbled and his sweat froze on his face. Ri Zu’s shadow was writhing like a living thing, and Yingwen was standing perfectly still though his eyes were slightly glassy.

Nezan seemed only mildly concerned, while Shen Yu looked the same as always.

Master Forest Sweeper let loose a blast of arctic air from his nostrils. His mantle, the great storm he bore on his back, boiled with barely suppressed fury.

‘Underground? Under My forest?’ Master Forest Sweeper ground out, his voice rumbling like an oncoming storm.

“Yes, Master Forest Sweeper. And after seeing your might, this Bi De postulates that they intended to use you as a shield, should any try and track them down above ground,’ Bi De said. He swallowed again, keeping his voice as even as he could.

Bi De understood that most groups of cultivators would not have hesitated to march into the forest before him—and judging by the Spirit Beast’s strength, the demon’s plan would have succeeded with the death of all but a rare few who stepped within the Spirit Beast’s realm.

Lightning flashed as a peal of thunder broke the air and Master Forest Sweeper grew bigger, his body becoming one with his mantle as clouds gathered above the forest. Half their party fell to their knees, and Bi De staggered as the air froze in his lungs. Nezan stepped forwards, to place himself in front of them… when the Thunderhoof seemed to struggle with himself for a moment. He snapped back into his natural form and his intent retreated.

Bi De could suddenly breathe again.

“Quite rude of you, to frighten the children like that,” Shen Yu spoke for the first time, his voice mild, but his eyes were sharp and dangerous.

Master Forest Sweeper sucked in a breath before the moose turned back to Bi De and the rest of his companions, who were still picking themselves up and recovering from the effects of the mighty Spirits Beast’s fit of pique.

‘I would ask my guests’ forgiveness for that unsightly display,’ the titanic moose requested, and the lordly Spirit Beast lowered his head slightly. ‘Twas unbecoming.’ Bi De could only nod, but his ears caught the word that he had been looking for. They had been called guests. That was a good sign. ‘Your words have wisdom, little moonbeam. The Iceheart Forest is not a place one invades without consequence—not even a sword that walks, like the man beside you, would have an easy time of it,’ Master Forest Sweeper continued, his eyes turning to Shen Yu again.

The old man cocked his head to the side, considering the Spirit Beast. “Not while protecting these whippersnappers, no—especially when this construct isn’t your real body, you overgrown tricky goat. I’d have your horns eventually… But it would be a detour we cannot afford.”

Bi De blinked at the term ‘construct’ but remained silent. A construct this powerful… did that mean the true form of Master Forest Sweeper was even stronger?

Still, both Shen Yu and the Spirit Beast nodded at each other, as they acknowledged each other’s strength.

‘You have done this one a favour, by bringing this information to this one’s attention. It is in one’s nature to return all kindness a hundredfold. Be welcome in my home, little friends—for we have much to discuss.Your words have caused a great many things to suddenly make sense. For that, we are grateful.’

Bi De let out a breath.

“We thank you for your hospitality, Master Forest Sweeper,” he said, bowing.

The Spirit Beast nodded, and another arctic blast issued from his nose as he exhaled slowly.

This time, however, instead of a blast of wind the snow outside the forest shuddered. And then it rose as chunks of snow and ice formed themselves into the shape of smaller Thunderhooves.

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The constructs bowed and lowered their shoulders, their intent clear.

‘Welcome to the Iceheart Forest, Honoured Guests,’ Master Forest Sweeper declared.

Soon, they were all astride steeds of ice and snow, marching into the luminescent trees.

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One would expect that once out of the wind and under the boughs of the trees it would be warmer.

It was not. It was colder. Much colder.

The forest was a fountain of freezing Qi—and yet despite that, or perhaps because of it, there was an abundance of life.

The forest floor was completely clear of snow, which exposed pale blue grass that was vibrant and alive. Unlike the outside world of perpetual darkness, the forest was lit up bright as day, glowing with the cold light produced by mushrooms and lichens growing on the trees.

Birds formed of crystal flitted through the air, snowy white deer with antlers of ice bolted at their approach, and monkeys that looked like Huo Ten, completely white in color, stared down at them from the trunks of the trees.

They moved quite swiftly through the forest, their mounts galloping silently beside the massive form of their Master.

“Is the lack of snow why you are named Forest Sweeper?” Yushang asked, curiosity overriding the obvious fear she felt for the Spirit Beast.

The Spirit Beast looked down at her and seemed slightly amused by her question.