v6c59: Short but Sweet Reunion

After learning of the battle, and of the great victory the Shrouded Mountain Sect had won, Shen Yu allowed Bi De and his companions to increase their pace. The information they gathered from the mortals had been judged sufficient to justify it.

 

It did not take long for them to reach the mountain after that, arriving in late afternoon. Bi De thought the mountain still looked rather strange without its covering of mist, like something important was missing from it.

 

Bi De had expected for Shen Yu to just fly forward and land upon the mountain, but instead he set them down a ways outside the city around the foot of the mountain and then advanced, not bothering to hide his Qi.

 

Several scouts spied them… and their eyes widened as they once more beheld the man who had so thoroughly suppressed their Patriarch. Yet, credit to their bravery, they still watched instead of fleeing.

 

Shen Yu, with Bi De and the rest in tow, marched directly up to a section of the mountain sealed by a gate. The guards froze—and Bi De recognised them. They had been part of Shenhe’s original assault force. While their bodies looked mostly fine now, their Qi was still unstable from their tribulations. They were clearly on light duty to recover, this close to their home.

 

“Hail, Disciples of the Shrouded Mountain Sect,” Shen Yu announced, his presence unrestrained, yet not oppressive. A sword that was sheathed, rather than bared. “I would request an audience with your Sect Master.”

 

Some of the tension faded at Shen Yu’s downright polite words. One of the guards immediately entered the sect, while the other paused.

 

“It shall take a moment, Lord Shen Yu. Um… shall you be waiting? Or…” the other guard began, before trailing off, unsure if they would just be coming in anyway.

 

“I am content to wait, Disciple of the Shrouded Mountain Sect,” Shen Yu replied, and the guard’s relief that they weren’t here to cause trouble was palpable. “How are your injuries? I see the wounds of the flesh have healed, but your spirit still wavers.”

 

The man paused. “The demonic Qi burrowed itself deep, Lord Shen Yu. Trauma to the meridians. Elder Lishu says it shall be a year or two yet to fully repair the damage to my cultivation.”

 

Shen Yu nodded. “Heed his advice well. I would additionally advise meditating outside under the sun, and in places with warming Qi. Lightning cleanses, but it is sharp and violent. A more gentle touch will speed your recovery.”

 

The man’s eyes widened, and he clasped his hands together in the sign of respect.

 

“This one thanks the Master of Cultivation for his guidance,” the man said.

 

Shen Yu nodded absently.

 

It didn’t take long for Shenhe to arrive, the woman landing gracefully before them… along with the other Elders of the Shrouded Mountain Sect. Bi De recognised Chongyun, Lishu, and Hanbin, Han’s grandfather.

 

“Lord Shen Yu,” they intoned, bowing.

 

“Nephew! Bi De! Ri Zu! And young Spooks, too!” Nezan cheered from her shoulder.

 

“You look well, Zang Shenhe; and fresh off of a well-earned victory,” Shen Yu declared. “Truthfully, I was expecting you to take more time before resuming your patrols; yet even while pressured by your foes, your Outriders still did their duty. You do His Imperial Majesty’s will, and you have my praise for the swift ordering of your house.”

 

Shenhe’s head dipped lower, and the guards swelled with pride. The tension in the Elders’ shoulders faded as well. “Thank you, Lord Shen Yu,” she said earnestly.

 

The rest of the Elders straightened up, looking pleased.

 

The old man waved her away. “I speak only the truth,” he said, before looking at Master Lishu. “So, you ended up staying.”

 

“Yes, Lord Shen Yu. I decided that my talents had a worthy cause here,” Master Lishu replied.

 

“Very well! A man must be where he chooses to be. My grandson and my granddaughter were very grateful for your instruction of little Ri Zu.” Shen Yu nodded, and Bi De stepped forward with Ri Zu.

 

“Master Lishu,” they both intoned, bowing. “Our Master wishes to convey his gratitude.”

 

Ri Zu smiled and pulled out a large satchel of fine leather, stamped with the symbol of Fa Ram, and handed it over to the surprised-looking physician.

 

“A selection of Spiritual Herbs from his garden,” she said, and Lishu’s eyes widened. “We’ll have to have tea, Master Lishu.”

 

“I am honoured to receive this,” Lishu replied, looking in wonder at the gift.

 

“Now, we’re here for a social call. May we enter your mountain?” Shen Yu asked.

 

Again, that Shen Yu was actually asking to be let in was a large statement of respect. The old monster that had trampled all over the Shrouded Mountain Sect’s Patriarch held the rest of the mountain no ill will.

 

“Please be welcome, Lord Shen Yu,” Shenhe replied, straightening up. She had a smile on her face. “Though, three of your number did not technically need to ask. I do not believe we ever got around to removing them from the rolls of our disciples.”

 

Bi De, Yun Ren, and Ri Zu all stared blankly at that piece of information, while Shen Yu found it very amusing.

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They were guided up the mountain, towards where Bi De remembered the Core Disciples resided. The rest of the Elders dispersed, going about their business.

 

“Please, rest after your journey. I’ll call my disciple to tend to you,” Shenhe said, bringing them toward the mansion.

 

A mansion which had a familiar form sweeping the front courtyard. Bi De smiled, feeling one of his worries ease. Shenhe stopped at the entrance, and stepped just so she couldn’t be seen from the courtyard, or more specifically, so she could not be seen by the man currently sweeping it.

 

“Old Ling!” Bi De called out. The old man perked up and his eyes brightened.

 

“Young Master!” he exclaimed, the old man’s face turning into a bright smile. “And your friends, and… Shen, you old goat! How are the brothels treating you?”

 

Shen Yu grinned. “I’m doing well, my friend.”

 

“Here to win back that pendant you lost to me?” Ling asked with good nature, pulling out a simple, but well-made necklace that had a small bit of crystal on the end.

 

“Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine. You keep that,” Shen Yu waved him away. “And remember to break it if you’re ever in danger. I hear it can summon a powerful spirit to aid you!”

 

Bi De suddenly realised why Shen Yu had never looked worried that Old Ling was alive. The old man had given him something. Bi De hadn’t even been aware they had met!

 

Old Ling rolled his eyes. “Of course it can. Now come in, come in, the Young Mistress is out…” Ling began, trying to get them into the house.

 

Bi De turned curious eyes on Shen Yu.

 

“It contains one of my cuts. A rather discerning one; should he have been attacked, he would merely have to break the talisman and all that are his enemies would find themselves severed by it. A fine reward for taking such loyal care of my disciple, and being a fine drinking buddy,” Shen Yu whispered to him before begging off and going with Shenhe, while Nezan hopped from her shoulder onto Yun Ren’s, nuzzling him affectionately.

 

The rest of them entered the mansion… and it wasn’t long before they saw her again.

 

Yushang’s warm brown eyes widened, when she burst through the doors, tears forming in their edges.

 

It was quite nice to embrace her again.

 

And not long after Yushang returned, Han and Shao Heng arrived as well.

 

“Yes, my health is progressing well, Ri Zu,” Shao Heng said with an indulgent smile while Ri Zu fussed over him.

 

“Yes, yes! See, Ri Zu said so! It’s not yet been a year and you’re doing so well!” she cheered.

 

“Oh, thank the Heavens! I had nearly run out!” Han exclaimed, embracing Yun Ren and Spooks, the jar of maple syrup beside him.

 

“We made it ourselves, just for you,” Yun Ren replied, clapping him on the shoulder.