Master, This Poor Disciple Died Again Today

Chapter 486: It's Been Too Long

Gui Delun scowled at Fen Long. And who are you meant to be?

Is it so long that youve forgotten your Patriarch? Fen Long asked. He spoke in an even tone, but his voice carried throughout the entire sect.

From her peak, Zhang Minyan shot up, flying to Fen Longs side. Patriarch! Weve waited for you.

Whispers shot through Gui Deluns army, the disciples glancing at Fen Long. Healer frowned, somewhat taken aback by this response. Shouldnt they be prostrating at their Patriarchs feet?

But then its been so long. How many of them were alive the last time Fen Long emerged? Even Gui Delun doubtless hes seen the Patriarch, but it would have been hundreds of years ago. Putting aside the Peak Lords he just recruited, theres certainly been Peak Lords whove cultivated at this sect for a long, long time who have never seen Fen Long.

Gui Delun laughed aloud. Enough of this farce. Zhang Minyan, I thought you were brighter than this. To take the side of these insurgents and this obvious fake, how disingenuous.

At that, the disciples standing behind Gui Delun stopped whispering. A few laughed amongst themselves, while others remained skeptical, but didnt move from Gui Deluns side. One or two ignored the conversation altogether, bored by the concept of it.

Healer pressed his lips together, frustrated. In the end, its Gui Deluns word against ours that Fen Long is the Patriarch. Those who believe him, who have never seen the Patriarch how many of them are likely to take Fen Longs side over Gui Deluns? It would be like if Chen Wuya showed up and claimed to be Starbound Sects Patriarch. How many people would choose him over Sectmaster Lan, the Sectmaster they know and trust?

Even if Zhang Minyan vouches for Fen Long well, everyone knows shes Gui Deluns main opposition. I was able to learn that as an Outer Peak Lord here for barely a year! Shed do anything to smear mud on Gui Deluns name, so if she takes Fen Longs side what does that mean? Nothing!

Oh well. From the start, I knew this would be a battle! Healer clenched his fists. He nodded at Rogue, who nodded back. Both faced down the opposing army, ready to fight.

Abruptly, a strange force pulled at them. Healer staggered, and Rogue rolled backward in the air.

Here we go! Sectgoer called.

Sectgoer, whats happening? Rogue asked.

Now? Healer shouted, frustrated.

What? Didnt we want to combine together? Sectgoer asked.

We did, but

Come. We must return, First said gently.

Healer charged at Gui Delun. You wont get away with this

The world darkened before Healer and Rogues eyes. The two of them dropped out of the sky, suddenly limp and lifeless.

Gui Delun waved his hand, sending the bodies flying backward with a burst of air. A second later, he frowned and looked at his hand. Did I even strike them? That was almost too easy. This Weiheng Hui is known for playing dead, but to collapse out of the sky without the attack hitting him has his timing deteriorated?

Song Wei darted forward. He caught Healer, then flew over and grabbed Rogue as well. Looking from one body to the next, he stared, desperation in his eyes. Master? Master! What happened?

Li Xiang flew to his side. She frowned slightly, and her grip on her sword tightened. Her eyes darted to Gui Delun. Without another word, she burst toward him.

Hey, you, swordgirl ah, who cares? All this talking was getting boring! Chen Wuya raced after Li Xiang, a vicious grin on his face. He half turned, gesturing at the army. Charge!

Fen Long shook his head once, disappointed. So it is by force that I must prove myself. Very well. Gui Delun prepare yourself!

With a ragged roar, the army flew forth. Gui Deluns army gave up a cheer as well, and raced at Huis army. Sword lights flashed. Enormous constructs of light and magic flew at one another, clashing in midair. A thousand techniques burst out, were countered, counter-counterattacked, and struck home.

Far, far away, back in Starbound Sect, the crystal heart resonated with the rest of Huis crystalized body. Scintillating light danced around his body. All the crystals melted together, running into a muddy puddle, everything all mixed together. A strong aura of life qi burst out from the puddle, and it trembled, swirling around and around. At the same time, a thick aura of death exuded from the depths of the puddle, threatening to overwhelm the life. The two fought back and forth. One moment, the puddle would glow with gold energy, so vivacious it seemed on the verge of jumping up; the next, black death qi would hang heavy over it, dragging it down to earth.

Whats going on?

Why are westop that!

We need to heal, and this is the technique that works! Trust me.

Theres too much death qi!

Stop with the death qi. Whos even using death qi?

Everyone shut up! Let me

You? Let me

Stop.

All the Huis fell silent.

Its been a long time. Years. We arent who we were. None of us are Hui anymore.

Reluctance. Disapproval.

And we cant be Hui again. Not as we are. Not here, in this world, with so much of us in the underworld.

But

First nodded. But we can be us. Together. As much Hui as we can be.

How?

Its easy, isnt it? Give in. Myself, too we all have to give in. And become something that is none of us, and all of us.

Die, then.

First laughed. Or at least fake death.

Laughter.

Okay.

Just for a little while.

Long enough to see out the battle.

I dont think we have much time left in this world. You all feel it too, right?

That

Elder Sister has been busy, lately.

Ive known for a while. Theres only one way to become Hui again.

Ah, well, its fine. Well figure something out. We always do.

Thats right.

Haa, its true.

Then, whats left to say? Lets go!

Its been too long. Now, lets become one!

Phrasing.

The death qi recoiled. Life qi bounded out, circulating through the liquid crystal. A body formed. Bones hardened. Tendons stretched over the bones, and muscles connected over them. Blood circulated through his body, veins and qi passages twining through his flesh. His skin formed over his muscles, closing it all in.

Hui opened his eyes. For the first time in a long time, he stood up. One being. One Hui. A single body. A single person.

He looked down and clenched his fist, frowning slightly. I

Xiao Hui, my, my!

Hui startled, jumping back and instinctively covering himself. Bai Xue stood over him, arms crossed. She laughed, shaking her head. I wasnt expecting such an eyeful.

Bai Xue! Arent you back in the Bai Clan? Hui asked. He cast around, searching for his robes. The robes his body had worn laid on the ground, dusty and dirty. Yanking them on, Hui frowned at Bai Xue.

Zhubi slithered over. He stretched up toward Hui, hissing quietly. Hui knelt and lifted Zhubi, settling him around his neck as usual.

Its nothing I havent seen before. Mmm, the Bai Clan? I was. But I left Xingxues toy here, so what was I supposed to do?

Stay where its safe, Hui returned.

Bai Xue sighed. You know, just because I had a child doesnt mean Im helpless. Im still a fifth-stage cultivator.

Even so, I cant help but worry if youre in danger, Hui said.

Danger. As if Ive never fought before, Bai Xue said, rolling her eyes. Tsk tsk. Xiao Hui, I didnt take you for the protective sort.

Theres limits to being a coward, you know, Hui told her, shaking his head back. He took a deep breath. But I suppose, if you want to fight

Bai Xue waved her hand. Of course I want to fight. Dont be ridiculous! Am I supposed to be happy about the sect that hates my clan? Theyve been quietly suppressing us for years, you know. Its the same old story everyone has, so I wont waste your time, but its not as if Ive never been affected by All-Heavens Sect.

Thats true, Hui said, nodding slowly. I wasnt thinking about Bai Xue. I was thinking about our child, and her safety, but not about what Bai Xue herself wants.

So lets go. Together. She offered him her hand and a smile, her head tilted at that same playful angle it always had. Mother has Xingxue. Shell keep them safe for a day.

Ah thats true. Bai Xue is still Bai Xue. Even if shes a mother, at the end of the day, shes Hui took her hand. Lets go.

As they flew off, Bai Xue leaned in. Ah, you can fly ahead of me at the end, if you like.

Eh? Why? Hui asked, startled.

Well, you want your own harem, no? That Li Xiang, shell be there, Bai Xue pointed out.

Thats Hui coughed. Li Xiang is too straightforward to mind about something like that.

Are you sure? I wont hold back, then, Bai Xue said, her eyes twinkling with trouble.

Bai Xue Hui said, sighing.

Hmmm, youre so cute when you say my name like that, Bai Xue said. She surged ahead, and Hui was left chasing after her.

Now that Im like this, its only a matter of time. Ill have to leave this all behind.

But it was worth it. All of it. Every moment.

So before I go, lets make sure theres no one to get in the way of my friends and those I love while Im gone!

Leaping ahead himself, Hui caught up to Bai Xue. Together, the two of them flew toward the battle.