Chapter 155: Leaping Cricket, Hidden Dragon

Cultivated using the Wolf Step, gathering mana and turning it into ki. He was moved to his father’s workshop. His father would spend days on end, turning the metal that the miners excavated and transported into weapons. So Zen had nothing better to do but cultivate and train with Shibi. When they rested, they camped outside the shop.

One early morning, Zen woke up to Wang Ton. In his hands he had two identical single edged blades that he weaved through the air as he went through a fighting sequence. Zen began to wonder if this was his father’s way cultivating, if he maybe used both a mechanical and meditative cultivation technique like he did.

He got up, leaving a peacefully sleeping Shibi’s side and walked closer to his father to get a better look. When Ton was done wth his sequence he looked at Zen, having failed to notice that he was awake until now.

“You have mastery over a lot of weapons.” Zen said.

“I should,” he said. “After I make the weapons I use them, test out their balance and mechanics to see if I’ve built them right. Hard to do that if you don’t know the proper way to use a weapon.” He smiled at him. “I’ve heard you’ve become good at the short sword.”

“I could get better.”

“We all could get better but we should not deny ourselves our victories.” He said. “You’ve done well in your studies, Wang Zen.”

“Thank you.” Zen said.

Ton pulled the swords into a yellow storage stone.

“I don’t understand why you are here though.” Zen said. “How does making weapons help us get revenge for Wang Hun? How does it help us destroy the Red Dragon Sect?”

“The Red Dragon Sect is too powerful. We don’t stand a chance against them.” Ton said. “But we may get our opportunity soon. A storm is coming, one that will engulf this whole nation and all its people. I’m hoping after the storm, the Red Dragon Sect will be weak enough for even us to destroy.”

“But why won’t you let me help?”

“I don’t know if I am on the right side.” He said. “If the storm passes and I’m not leftstanding, I want to know that my family is. So keep your head down and when the storm passes and I’m still standing, I will pull you into everything I do.”

Shan household was bursting with activity. Mistress Shan rushed out to the living room where two individuals, dressed the distinctive garb of the Red Dragon Sect waited with the Lady of the house.

“My husband will be here shortly.” Lady Shan said.

Lei Min nodded.

Shan walked in a few minutes later. “Greetings. My apaologies for keeping you waiting.”

“Please be at ease, Master Shan” Min said.

“What do I owe this visit from Red Dragon Sect representatives?” Shan said.

“We are looking for a particular man that you have done business with recently.” Min said. “Wang Ton.”

“Wang Ton. Yes, I know him.” He said. “I sold him a mining property. I can give you a map showing you thelocation.”

“That would be helpful, yes.” she said.

A map was brought to them by a servant and the two Red Dragon representatives thanked Shan before leaving.

“What could they possibly want with Wang Ton?” Shan’s wife said.

“I don’t know.” Shan walked to a desk and laid out a piece of paper where he began writing a note. “But t could not hurt to warn Wang Ton. Summon a servant to deliver this note to him.”

“Yes husband.” She said before leaving.

The servant rushed across town, the letter clutched in his hands. A figure leapt from a roof and landed before him, making him slide to a stop.

“Hey buddy, get out of my way I have important… business.” The servant stepped back when he sensed the power level of the man before him dressed in all black with his face hidden.

“What did Shan send you to do?” the masked man said. “And answer truthfully, or you will suffer.” The man opened his palm and a plume of fire burst to life.

The servant gulped and raised the note. “I’m to deliver this note to Wang T…”

The note caught fire and the servant dropped it as it burned to ash.

“Well,” the masked figure said as the flames from his palm grew stronger. “This is quite unfortunate for you.”

There was a flash of red, a scream and a steady burning fire.