296: Find Out for Yourself

Find Out for Yourself

Having dealt with yazis more frequently than I liked to in our past trips, I had learned from experience everything about their habits and weaknesses. I slashed as fast as I could without giving their bulky bodies a chance to gain the purchase they need, aiming straight for where the protection of their skin was the thinnest—the back of their neck and throat. With Wen Shiyin's help, it wasn't hard at all to corner the first yazi that was already injured, and I stabbed through its neck with ease. Then the second, then the third. Within minutes, the last of the four beasts in front of us fell to the ground.0

Wen Shiyin stared at me with wide eyes when everything quieted down around us. "Since when did your skills improve so drastically?" she asked.

I let out a somewhat sheepish chuckle. "Practice makes perfect?" I offered. "A lot has happened since we left Mount Hua … When Senior Xie comes out of his retreat, I should really catch up with you all and share the full story."

That was a conversation for another day though. After making sure no more yazis were lurking in the shadows, we picked our way past the dead beasts and came to the corner where Lin Zhe was resting. Bai Ye had already treated the wounds, and I gave him a questioning look, hoping that we had arrived in time to stop the venom from causing any serious damage.

"He'll need some time to recuperate." Bai Ye nodded at the half-conscious disciple next to him. "It'll take a little while before he can move again, but he'll be fine."

Both Wen Shiyin and I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you for coming to our rescue," Wen Shiyin said with a small bow. Then she looked back at me. "You seem to be quite familiar with this place … Do you know where we are? How can we get out of here?"

"We are at the Misty Mountains in the south," I explained. "Bai Ye and I have been here a couple of times in the past few months. We used to know a way out … but that entrance to the cave collapsed last time we were here. Finding a new entrance will take some time."

Wen Shiyin's brow knitted in thought. "This cave seems massive. Trying to find our bearings without any guidance won't be easy." Her eyes landed back on Lin Zhe. "Would he recover fast enough to be able to keep up? Or should we split up and try to figure out where we are while he rests?"

I shook my head. "If we split up, we won't be able to trace our way back here even if we do end up finding the directions. This place is full of those space portals, and you'll never know where your next step might land. Besides—" I darted a look toward the dead bodies of yazis, "—these beasts move in large groups. I've seen almost a dozen of them attacking at once. It's much safer for us to stay together whenever we can."

Wen Shiyin hesitated. "But—"

The shing of a sword unsheathing cut off her words. "Qing-er." Bai Ye rose from his perch with Lightbringer drawn. "Behind you."

I realized belatedly that I had let my guard down too much while we talked. Swirling on my heels, I turned, and I found myself staring into a pair of eyes that couldn't look more familiar. A beautiful face … wearing a devilish smile.

She followed us here fast. Well, at least I could take it as a sign that things didn't go well for her at East Village, which was a big relief.

"Why the rush to leave?" The sword spirit cocked her head, her smile widening. "I enjoy guests, and I was honored to come back and find so many more of you crowding the room. Please, do stay a little longer."

She raised her hand. Wen Shiyin and I unsheathed our swords, getting ready for her move. But instead of drawing her sword or summoning a spell, she simply snapped her fingers. It took only a moment for a chorus of growls to rise from the darkness behind her, echoing all over the cave. The sound of claws scratching over the cave floor came in every direction, along with the glow of golden eyes in the shadows.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Wen Shiyin's face ashen. "She's summoning the beasts?" she gasped. "Just how many more are there?"

"Enough to keep all of you entertained for a while." The sword spirit chuckled. "Consider it a warm welcome from your host. I can't simply accept a gift and not return the favor, can I? After such a generous surprise you prepared for me at that village?"

She was referring to the spell, I thought. At least that was enough to confirm her ritual over East Village had failed, which gave me the last peace of mind I needed. Now, it was time to stop playing word games with her and get to our real business. I darted a look back at Bai Ye, gripping my swords tight.

"Leave the beasts to me." He knew what was on my mind without a word. "Don't worry about anything else, Qing-er. Focus on what you came here for."

A calming warmth suffused me. I nodded, giving him a smile that told him everything I wanted to say before turning back to the sword spirit.

"I'm glad you enjoyed the gift," I said, raising Twin Stars. "That was only the beginning. You want these swords, don't you? Why not come get them?"

Her eyes narrowed. She watched me, and I saw realization start to settle in her. "How were you able to change my spell without me noticing?" she muttered. "And how did you get your hands on my swords in the first place? Who are you?"

"I suggest that you find out for yourself," I answered. Summoning my spiritual power, I leaped forward.

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