v5c26: No Plan Survives First Contact

Fa Bi De took in a deep breath, then released it. His eyes opened. Darkness greeted him. Darkness, and walls of stone. The walls of the little sanctuary they had created in the tunnels outside their enemy’s base, hidden by Nezan’s illusions.

He idly wondered how he kept finding himself underground, because he very much hated being surrounded by stone. First the map that led him to Xiaoshi’s memories, then the Crystal Hill monkeys, and now a secret side passage where they were preparing to face down demonic cultivators.

At least this time, ironic given what this place held, the walls did not feel so oppressive. Perhaps it was the fact that he was stronger now…or perhaps it was because it was so close to the solstice. He could feel the moon’s presence here in this place beneath the earth. It was the most powerful he had ever felt; on the eve of the longest night of the year, in this perpetual darkness, shining down on the cold tundra.

It helped, refreshing and rejuvenating him after the brutal journey through Master Forest Sweeper’s conjured storm. Even with the protections the Thunderhoof had granted them, it had not been pleasant. The terrain had been a nightmare to navigate at the best of times, and it was only due to Shao Heng and Spooks that they got here as quickly as they had. But that arduous journey was only the first half of their task. They had managed to steal into the tunnels surrounding their foe’s base undetected. Now, they needed to actually defeat their foe. They had already found what was going to be their entrance to their enemy’s base: a partially collapsed tunnel Ri Zu had found with her shadowy Qi constructs.

He looked to where Shen Yu and Nezan stood. The old man and fox would be held in reserve to do the heavy fighting—if the opponent who had defeated Zang Shenhe reared his head, he would be crushed by Shen Yu. The rest? That would be up to Bi De and his companions to manage.

The old man nodded to Bi De.

Bi De rose to his feet; he had noticed that his natural appearance…well, it did not inspire as much confidence in his comrades. A human form was easier for them to see as equal. It was likely a natural, instinctive thing, and he wanted them to feel confident until there was need for his full fury.

Bi De turned into the small, cramped tunnel, and looked back towards his companions. Their once wavering Qi had settled. Though some of them were still not one hundred percent… moving now was preferable to waiting and risking being caught before their strike could begin.

Turning to his companions Bi De called them forward. “It’s time,” he stated simply.

Yun Ren, who had been resting his forehead against Summer’s Sky, let out a soft breath. His hands were shaking slightly, but he clenched them into fists. His amber eyes, locked in his perpetual squint, betrayed some of his nervousness. Yet he sheathed his sword and stalked forward, his gait predatory in a manner beyond that of a seasoned hunter. One lip curled, exposing two sharp, carnivorous teeth. Fox ears twitched on the top of his head, and a tail swished from his behind.

Yushang pushed herself off from where she had been leaning against the wall and rolled her shoulders. There was no bright, bubbly smile on her face today; instead her gaze was focused, and her intent so sharp it rivaled Tigu’s.

Han nodded at Bi De’s words. The portly man finished chewing the ration bar he had, his head held high and his eyes burning. “For the Che Clan,” he muttered under his breath. “Heroes. Demon-Slayers. Blade-fodder no longer.”

Shao Heng clapped the younger man on the shoulder as he lined up beside Han. Shao Heng was simply prepared, like the veteran he was; what he lacked in the intensity that Yushang and Han had, he made up for by simply being calm and in control. A rock in a raging river, unbothered by the turbulence around him.

Spooks the Thunderhoof let out a small snort, though he kept his presence suppressed, the young Spirit Beast looked eager to begin.

Fenxian and Yingwen simply settled in, lining up with the others and standing with their hands behind their backs and swords at their hips.

“We thank you again for giving us the chance to assist in rescuing our comrades and Elder Shenhe,” Yingwen said. “Do not hesitate to spend our lives if they will buy us victory.”

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Bi De inclined his head at their resolve.

Finally, Bi De turned to Ri Zu. She opened her eyes and in the shadows surrounding her a swarm woke. A hundred red gleaming eyes opened, shadowy forms began to caper, chittering and squeaking.

All of them were prepared. All of them were focused. The hour was truly upon them. Bi De spoke into the tense silence.

“It is my greatest honour that I shall do battle at your sides,” Bi De said. “To have such stalwart companions for the struggle ahead. I name each and every one of you my brothers and sisters; for what else could you be, when we are about to shed blood together?” He clasped his hands together and bowed. “Now, into the breach, my dear friends. Into the breach we go.”

There was no shout of agreement. There was no raising of voices, even though Bi De knew that most of them wanted to—to shout and let off some of the tension.

Bi De turned and strode forward. His companions followed behind him. It was like going to confront Sun Ken all those years ago, marching with the full might of Fa Ram at his back.

Bi De had been arrogant then; full of himself, and assured of his utter superiority. He had swaggered up, full of insults and commands. He had walked openly, for he thought none could withstand him.

He knew better now.

They moved swiftly and silently, suppressing their Qi. Shadowy rats sprinted beside them, their red eyes gleaming in the darkness. They chittered occasionally to Ri Zu as they scouted ahead.