The winding river connected to the waterfall welcomed stray flora that came its way as well as the dimming silver lights.
Abels stabbed his hand through his shrinking and expanding blue sphere on the surface, dividing his sphere in two. He whipped his hand in the direction of the draft and floated above the water surface as though he was mulling over a complex topic.
Abels dedicated 70% of his strength to maintain his field to launch indiscriminate attacks in all directions at himself. The remaining 30% was reserved for defence. The only way he was going to defend against attacks twice as strong as his defence was technique and experience. In order to develop the ability to neutralise massive force using various tactics, he left no stone unturned. Should he fail, he would hurt himself severely. The fact that his field didn’t take damage was good news, nevertheless.
“How did you go?”
Although there was no bigger taboo to martial artists than having someone spy on them training, Abels didn’t care if A-Lan watched him from behind.
“Not ideal. I could do even better than this in the past.”
A-Lan crossed the verdant lawn. “You can’t rush the process. You can’t expect a breakthrough mere days after suffering your injuries. As incredible as you are, you are no exception to the rule.”
Abels bitterly smiled. He knew his condition better than anyone. True, he did access the seventh level of Evil Eminence Scripture once, but that was due to his rage, not to mention the side effects of pushing into it. Ever since his skirmish with Luo Ming in Huzhou, he struggled to cast his field again. He had nigh recovered inside and outside; however, his state of mind wouldn’t return to him.
Mentality played an enormous role on materialisation; the belief one holds when executing movements impacts the outcome of the movement. Abels had discarded the ambition to journey across the desert as a free-spirited soul, depriving him of the mentality needed to execute the full potential of Evil Eminence Scripture.
“I’ve recovered from my injuries. No medical skill can nurse what can’t be nursed, however. By the way, why did you want to watch me train today?”
Ever since Ming Feizhen announced the plan to march on Nieyao in seventeen days, the Divine Realm adepts began their special training, Abels included. After hearing Ming Feizhen mention the possibility of death, A-Lan kept Abels company all the time, though she didn’t get in the way of his training.
“I bring good news. I think it’ll knead your brows apart since you haven’t even been in the mood to talk. That lass came to me to invite us to drink with her.”
“Ahaha, that’s a first. Has she been possessed? She’s inviting us to drink?”
“She probably has something to say after learning of Nieyao’s hunt.”
“She’s not the type to beg someone. Well, as we have been invited, let us accept the invitation. Did she say when and where? I don’t think it’ll be easy to find accompanying snacks in Nanjiang.”
“That’s the funny part, hehe. She went straight to the kitchen and toiled all night subsequent to inviting me. I heard she still isn’t done. I came to fill you in seeing as how odd she’s behaving. She invited us for tonight. As for the location, it’s Mount Wanyu’s wine cellar.”
“The wine cellar?”
“She says it’s easy to cook nice dishes but hard to find quality wine. Shall we go or not?”
Abels was never one to fuss over trivial details, but Mountain Monster took that to a new level.
“Yeah.”
Upon returning, A-Lan covertly wagged her hand at Abels from the door. “The spots are ready. You better not let anyone catch you.”
“Isn’t it comical that I’m still stuck snooping around as a bandit even in Nanjiang?”
Abels transported himself and A-Lan into the wine cellar using his qinggong. “Ooh, I smell lamb. Is she grilling a whole lamb? Nice. Nice.”
“Look at you. You’re like a big kid. Has being with Ming Feizhen turned you into a glutton, as well?”
Indeed, there was a lamb being grilled on a rack and fourteen side dishes.
Standing by the table, Mountain Monster gave an unexpected smile once she noticed the couple’s arrival. “You’re late. The lamb soup has gone cold. Sit.”
Abels whispered, “Has she developed an addiction to gambling and owes money?”
A-Lan whispered back, “Stop making wild guesses,” as she went to her seat.
“It took me all night to cook these dishes. Let me know how they taste.” Mountain Monster perpetually offered the two drinks throughout their course. “I realise I made a lot of errors in the past. I owe Master for the life that I still have today. I promise to turn over a new leaf. Henceforward, I am at your service.”
Mountain Monster’s betrayal cost Abels his health, skills and brothers. He cost Mountain Monster Ox Demon. Neither of them could decide what to do about the predicament. Abels, therefore, was glad to hear Mountain Monster finally speak her mind.
“As that is the case, you should return to your leadership r-”
While her gaze was elsewhere, Mountain Monster had suddenly dug a silver blade suddenly into Abels’ chest.
