Chapter 179: Back to the Sanctuary

Wang Zen remained kneeling over Hue Yi’s body. The distant wails and cries in the distant could be heard mingling with his quiet sobs as the fighting in the city intensified.

Shibi climbed to his shoulder to also look down at the body of Hue Yi.

“Shibi, this is not what I wanted.” He cried. “I wanted to stop him from hurting my friends but I didn’t want him to die!”

His tears dropped to Hue Yi’s body, mingling with the blood seeping from the wound at his chest.

“I don’t know what to do.”

“Protect others.” Shibi said. “Others is still alive.”

“You… You’re right.” Zen rose to his feet. “My friends are still alive and I need to help Shifu.”

Zen wiped the tears from his eyes andtured to leave. He took one last look at Hue Yi’sbody before leaving. He could not help but feel like he was betraying Hue Yi, leaving his body all alone in the ruined downtown square.

He made sure to avoid the scattered battles. Arriving at the sanctuary, he was distraught to see the place empty, with signs of battle all over. He entered the damaged building, his breath echoing in the quiet.

“Hello?” Zen said, summoning his sword, Zen Blade in case he had to fight. “Anyone here?”

He walked further in.

“Shibi, scout the area out.”

Shibi nodded before he jumped off Zen’s shoulder.

After walking in deeper, he heard a breathy voice. He followed it to a gilr on the floor, wearing white.

“Xue Shaonu!” he said rushing over to her. He crouched down and saw her hair, shorter than Xue Shaonu’s shoulder length hair. It was not her but he did recognise the girl. She was in their year, Class B.

The girl’s breathing was laboured, her eyes slowly drooped to a close until they shut, her breaths followed soon, going silent.

Shibi came.

“Shibi?” Zen said. “Find anything?”

“No.” Shibi walked around the body and clibed to Zen’s shoulder.

“Let’s get out of here.” Zen said. “We won’t find anything, so we’ll head of shifu and hope everyone else is okay.”

Zen exited the city. The sky was painted in red as the sun began to rise. All shops were still closed. Outside the city he climbed up a woody hill.

“Where are we going?” Shibi said.

“They’ve taken Shifu,” Zen said. “They have a half a day lead, we’ll need a friend to help.”

“Friend?”

“Technically, Shifu’s friend but hopefully ours too.”

They got to the top of the hill. There was no one there.

A beast landed in front of them It was Lu Daomeng;s steed, the one that helped him and the commoners kids escape the academy.

Zen was spooked nd bared his fangs at the beast that roared at him.

“Easy. Easy.” Zen cooed to both beasts. “Its okay Shibi, this was the friend I was talking about. I’ll handle this.” He placed Zen on the ground and approached the beast.

The beast roared as Zen carefully walked closer.

“Hey. Remember me?” He said as he raised his hand. “I’m Shifu Lu Daomeng’s friend.”

The beast flapped its red leathery wings, sending dust into the air while grunting.

“I-I need your help.”Zen never stopped, continuing to close the gap between him and the winged beast.

It shook its head and roared again as Zen got closer. Its breathing was still short but it stopped moing its head as Zen’s hand came closer to its face. Zen placed his hand on the snout of the beast’s ember skin. Zen could see his own reflection in its big silver eyes.

“Help me,” he said. “Help me save Lu Daomeng.”