Cha Ming awoke from his deep sleep to the sight of Huxian and a small golden sheet of paper. He looked down at his physical body, which was incapacitated and poisoned. He could no longer see the surrounding woods, as the natural laws had descended and surrounded them, isolating their immediate vicinity from their surroundings.
As he looked toward the glowing sheet, he noticed it was written in characters that Cha Ming could see but not read. It seemed to be written in the same language as the characters on the Clear Sky Brush. As he looked at them, a booming voice resounded inside his soul.
“Bagua Huxian has invoked the contract of brotherhood, swearing to always protect you, care for you, and be there when you need him the most. Brothers accompany each other in life and death. While one lives the other cannot truly die; when one dies, the other cannot truly live.
“The terms of the contract are as follows:
Half of each of the participants total lifespan will be shared with the other. This will be effective immediately, and any damages to one party will be divided into two portions, affecting both participants.
Any gains or losses in longevity will be divided equally between participants.
In the event of the death of one of the participants, the other participant will immediately die.
In the event of the dispersion of one participant’s soul, the other participant’s soul will immediately be dispersed.
Mental communication will always be possible, the limit being a distance proportional to the participant’s cultivation level.
a. This is heart communication on a fundamental level, and no lie can be spoken.
b. This ability cannot be prevented by any means, magical or otherwise, unless the means supersede the laws of Heaven and Earth.
All tribulations will be shared equally between participants.
a. In the event of a tribulation, the total tribulation will be multiplied by two and shared equally between participants. The penalty for failure will be jointly divided between both parties.
b. Each participant will be liable for the other’s karma, and vice versa.
c. Both weal and woe will be immediately divided, and in the future, be divided equally upon receipt.
Both merit and sin will be immediately divided, and in the future, be divided equally upon receipt.
Betrayal is unacceptable. Any betrayal of one participant to another will lead to immediate extinguishment of the participant’s soul and immediate cancellation of the contract.
The contract is irreversible, except for termination via Clause 4.
“Do you accept?”
This was all very sudden for Cha Ming. He was just following his moral code and couldn’t abandon Huxian in his moment of plight. Unknowingly, at some point they had formed a deep bond. Could a human truly be brothers with a beast? Could he refuse this gesture? Cha Ming was currently unware of the situation outside. For all he knew, Zhou Xian was about to kill both of them.
“Screw it, we’re probably going to die anyway. Fine, I’ll call you brother. I, Cha Ming, accept you as a brother. I’ll care for you, protect you, and be there when you need it the most. And if we get out of here, I’ll help you fight the heavens every time you get a new tail. If the heavens are jealous of your talent, who needs the heavens?”
As he spoke these words, a thick golden thread of karma immediately formed between the two of them. In addition, a portion of Cha Ming’s true spirit and Huxian’s true spirit separated from their respective spiritual bodies. The true spirit energy seemed to come to life as it formed a few characters. These characters were Cha Ming’s true name and Huxian’s true name.
The characters flew to the golden contract, forming a soul-binding signature. When both signatures appeared on the contract, the contract immediately burst into two motes of golden light that rushed toward both their foreheads. The light sent searing pain through their bodies and through their souls. Where the light touched their foreheads, a golden character appeared, the character meaning “brother.”
As the gray light faded away, they both came back to reality. Cha Ming was still on the ground, but the effect of the poison had lessened greatly. Huxian, however, was now collapsed on the ground next to Cha Ming. He was currently very weak and fighting off the poison, but they looked stable enough to move.
Wasting no time, Elder Bai and Wang Jun snatched the disabled pair and darted off to Green Leaf City.
Cha Ming awoke to soft snoring sounds on his stomach. The crisp morning air, which was blowing through a slightly opened window, was a refreshing contrast to the soft, warm bedsheets he was lying in. His lips were dry, and he was immediately overwhelmed with the desire to drink a whole bucketful of water.
“There now, there’s no rush,” said the soft voice of an elderly man. “You’re allowed to drink a half cup of water, and nothing more!” the voice instructed sternly. Cha Ming slowly opened his eyes, which were terribly dry, and cautiously observed his surroundings. An elderly man with graying hair and gray robes was preparing something in a corner of the room. There were vibrant green bamboos adorning the room, which instantly reassured Cha Ming.
He pushed himself up weakly, only to notice the soft sleeping ball of fur on his stomach, lying there to keep him warm.
Huxian, he thought.
Hearing his name, the baby fox quickly woke up with an expression of pure joy on his face. Brother, you’re up!
That’s right, brother. Huxian and Cha Ming were now life-and-death brothers. He smiled and gently rubbed the top of Huxian’s head. He then noticed that a half cup of water was waiting for him on the bedside table. He quickly finished the cup, which barely wet the dryness in his parched throat.
“You’re thirsty because all of your blood was poisoned, and I had to replace it with new blood. This thirst will pass in a few days. Synthesized blood is not as effective as the real thing.” The gray-robed elder finally walked over from the corner holding a fuming, opaque flask.
“Relax, young Master Wang hired me to treat your wounds. You were dreadfully poisoned by the time they woke me in the middle of the night; if they hadn’t found me within the hour, I’m afraid that it would have been impossible for any other spirit doctor in Green Leaf City to save you.” His voice was laced with a gentle hint of pride. He was no doubt happy whenever he managed to save a poor soul from the brink of death.
“By the way, drink this.”
Cha Ming didn’t have a chance to refuse before a bony hand pushed back his forehead and forced a foul-tasting concoction down his throat.
“Relax, it’s purely herbal.”
Cha Ming relaxed significantly, as he was afraid he had unknowingly been fed snake bile or something equally vile. He wiped a brown residue from his mouth with a grimace.
Despite the horrendous taste, a hint of reddish color appeared on Cha Ming’s gaunt cheeks. His thin frame spread out, and he felt that if he had not fully recovered, he had at least recovered to 95%. The spirit doctor nodded in satisfaction.
“You will feel thirsty for the next few days. You’ve only been in bed for five days, and if you didn’t have such a strong physique, you would have died before making it back to the city. If, by chance, you had managed to come back in time, your recovery would have taken at least three months.
“Your little friend, on the other hand, was almost fully recovered by the time you arrived in the city. He only took one additional day to recover to peak strength. Even among spirit beasts, your contracted beast has the best constitution I’ve ever seen.” With that, he packed up his things, put away his glassware, and walked out of the room.
A few moments later, Cha Ming heard some quick steps walking back toward the door. The spirit doctor poked his head in and said, “Oh, I forgot to mention. I can tell you’re on the verge of a breakthrough. You should suppress it until your thirst fades in a few days. Otherwise, you might be left with residual harm.” He then quickly shut the door and walked off.
Spirit doctors are a wonder
ful occupation! Cha Ming said telepathically. He could tell I was about to break through and saved me from the brink of death by replacing my blood. Of course, I wouldn’t be here without you, Huxian!
He’s wonderful, Huxian replied. He could even tell that I’m an awesome spirit beast! He’s definitely got an eye for talent.
Cha Ming rolled his eyes as he stood up, knocking Huxian off the bed. Huxian scowled and bared his teeth jokingly.
“Let’s find Wang Jun and see how everyone is.”
Wang Jun was relieved when he saw the duo coming downstairs. He quickly ordered many dishes through the maid, who had been standing to the side. She gave a deep bow and trotted off quickly, not delaying a single second. Cha Ming thanked him for saving his life.
Wang Jun nodded. “I’m very relieved that we were able to make it on time. Both Elder Bai and I just happened to be looking at my divination compass, which I had been using to try locating you for an entire two weeks. We rushed over at Elder Bai’s full speed, but unfortunately, we didn’t arrive before you’d been poisoned. Fortunately, your little friend’s timely intervention saved your life. It’s extremely uncommon for such a young spirit beast to be able to establish such a strong contract of equals.” Wang Jun gave Huxian a meaningful glance.
“We’re life-and-death brothers now. I would do the same for him if I were in his position. I will also do my all to help you, too, Wang Jun. Just let me know if you ever need any help, and I’ll come help you through hell or high water.” Cha Ming smiled as he pulled Wang Jun in and gave him a hug. “Thank you for all your effort, my friend. Are the other three safe?”
Wang Jun, embarrassed, quickly pushed Cha Ming off and motioned for them to sit down. He’d even prepared a raised stool for Huxian to sit down at the table next to Cha Ming. Before they could continue the conversation, a host of maids quickly laid plate after plate of food down in front of them. They had specially set many exquisite vegetable and tofu dishes in front of Cha Ming, while they laid down large amounts of roasted meat in front of Huxian.
The famished duo didn’t stand on ceremony and began to eat right away.
* * *
1 What is a brother? I grew up with two brothers and a sister. I spent most of my time growing up with my younger brother, who is two years younger than me. When I was ten, I helped raise my youngest brother. I changed his diapers, fed him, and even shared a bed with him. In my life, I have also met a few friends who I can also call “brother.” They are not brothers by blood, but just like the brothers I grew up with, we are always on the same wavelength. We complete each other’s sentences, we share interests, and we would do anything for each other. A brother is a friend who you will always feel at home with. No matter how hard life gets you can always confide in them and trust them. Nothing can ever replace them.
Chapter 30: Clear Sky (Epilogue)
Wang Jun continued the conversation after they had taken a few bites. “Everyone is fine, but they took your fall from Greatwood Bridge very personally. They don’t know you’re back yet, because I wanted you to be in full health before breaking the news to them.” Shaking his head, he continued, “Feng Ming was very shaken and ashamed, and he felt like he could have put a lot more effort into cultivation. In his opinion, he might have been able to help a lot more if only he had taken advantage of the cultivation resources he had access to.
“As a result, he asked his father for permission to join the army as penance. He has been assigned to one of the strictest commanders in the army, and Heaven only knows what kind of man he will be by the time he obtains permission to return. My informants in the military say that, in all likelihood, he will either come back a brave, responsible person or die trying.
“Gong Lan disappeared shortly after our return, along with her brother and many members of their mercenary company. She also blames her gentle behavior and seems intent on following in her brother’s footsteps. Hong Xin, on the other hand…” Wang Jun was suddenly interrupted by the sound of swift footsteps rushing down the hallway.
A teary-eyed Hong Xin ran into the room and aggressively hugged Cha Ming while sobbing.
Wang Jun coughed lightly. “I invited her for breakfast this morning since the doctor said you would be up soon. I thought it would be a nice surprise.” He gently rubbed the top of Hong Xin’s head, who blushed and smiled.
“Brother Jun definitely treats me the best. I’m so glad you’re back! We’ve all missed you terribly, and I was so sad! But Brother Jun kept me company very often, and he took me for walks, and he always treats me to supper.”
Wang Jun spurted out tea and rubbed his head awkwardly, which made Cha Ming laugh. Huxian laughed telepathically.
“Yes, he is the best,” said Cha Ming. “Did you know that he rushed out with Elder Bai to save me in the spirit woods? He even took me to the best doctor in the city, which is why I could get well so fast. Huxian and I would have died if it wasn’t for him!”
Wang Jun shot him a thankful look. He had been worried that Cha Ming might be interested in Xin Er, and he’d been hesitant to be too forward before obtaining Cha Ming’s approval.
“Wait, how long have you known he was back?” Hong Xin said, her hands suddenly on her hips. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Her imposing manner had reached sky-high levels, and neither of them could properly think or put sentences together. Cha Ming and Wang Jun both shuddered and explained hastily.
“I just got back last night,” Cha Ming exclaimed. “And that spirit doctor was really good! Wang Jun didn’t want you worrying!”
“Didn’t want me worried? You mean you hid it from me?” Hong Xin looked aggrieved.
Panicking, Wang Jun looked around and found the wandering Elder Bai. His eyes lit up instantly.
“Elder Bai, didn’t I tell you yesterday afternoon to inform Xin Er that Cha Ming had returned? Why didn’t you tell her?”
Hearing Wang Jun’s scolding, he paled but quickly picked up the hint.
“Aiya, in my old age, I made the judgment that the young miss loved surprises, and so I sent the courier with a letter to invite her for breakfast … This old man knows his mistake. I will punish myself. Please continue with your breakfast, I will take my leave.”
Hearing that Elder Bai was about to go inflict punishment on himself, Hong Xin’s eyes widened. “It’s not his fault, Elder Brother Jun. Please don’t let Elder Bai punish himself!” She looked at Wang Jun imploringly.
Wang Jun shook his head self-deprecatingly. “No, the fault is all mine. I should have been more explicit in my instructions. It’s my fault, Elder Bai. Relax and continue with your activities. What’s important is that Cha Ming is safe and sound at last.” Wang Jun clasped his hands together and gave Elder Bai a short bow of apology. Elder Bai nodded his head.
Meanwhile, Cha Ming decided that one day, he would also do his all to obtain such a loyal assistant.
It was now late afternoon, and Cha Ming and Wang Jun were seated at an ornate wooden table, drinking tea. Elder Bai was out running errands, Hong Xin had returned home, and Huxian was sleeping lazily by a warmly lit fireplace. Oddly enough, the fireplace and chimney matched the rest of the building, being completely wooden in composition. The bark covering the wood had a reddish hue, and as far as Cha Ming could tell, it was impervious to the weak fire used to warm the living room. It did, however, give off a smoky cinnamon smell whenever the heat of the fire reached a certain intensity.
“You definitely know how to enjoy the small things in life,” said Cha Ming, sipping on his cup of tea. “This fireplace and chimney must be worth a fortune.”
Wang Jun made a gesture, indicating that Cha Ming should put his cup down to be refilled with freshly brewed tea.
“My father always said that one can enjoy these simple comforts privately but must never show them off in public. By appearing humble, your friends appreciate your modesty. Conversely, your enemies will underestimate you, and neutral people will find it difficult to resent you. Therefore, I always dress si
mply, but the tea I brew is always top quality. The outside of my home is simple, but my desk and fireplace are worth more than the entire house combined. As an added benefit, I don’t need to spend excessive money on impressing others. In some matters, my father is truly wise.”
After taking a sip of the freshly poured tea, he continued. “Speaking of which, I sense some interesting things in you. First, your body is a lot stronger than it was before you fell. Like before, I can tell that you’re now practicing a very high-level body-refinement technique. You must have encountered unimaginable good fortune after you fell in the river. Secondly, I can tell that you have an impressive treasure aura. It seems like you found something good?”
“My luck was not bad. I encountered a body-refinement technique and everything necessary to cultivate it until becoming a Xiantian life-form. I can’t share it with you, but the technique seems to be imparted as a legacy; I have a feeling that the future cultivation methods will be revealed once I am ready for them.
“As for the treasure, I discovered a large amount of elemental essence that is useful to me for talisman crafting. However, in the same location, I found these pieces of ore, which I can’t identify.” Cha Ming produced a piece of stone he had found in the bottom of the liquified elemental essence lake—it was one of the stone Huxian had eaten a few to increase his strength by many levels.
Wang Jun gleefully grabbed the stone and inspected it from every angle. He then took out an expensive-looking soul-alloy knife and gently cut the rock into two pieces. The outside of the stone was emanating a light blue glow, but the center of each stone was crystal clear. Wang Jun nodded. “How many of these stones did you find?”
Cha Ming responded by dumping several hundred stones on the living room floor. The room quickly lit up with a blue glow. As soon as the stones hit the floor, Wang Jun cried out and pulled out a small jade chest, which quickly sucked up the rocks from the floor. He then handed the chest over to Cha Ming.
Clear Sky Page 28