Path of the Berserker-Chapter 24Book 5:

“Holy shit, Chun! What the hell happened to you?”

The words of alarm came from Mu Lin who was waiting for us as Ling Wei and I stepped through the Omni Gate and back onto the spaceport hub of Yee Guo. My other companions looked just as shocked as she was, reacting to the ‘fake legionnaires’ blood now staining my robes.

“Don’t worry, it’s not mine,” I said casually, but that did little to lessen the look of shock and concern on Mu Lin’s face.

“Whose is it then?” Xi Xha said, joining her. “Did you get into a fight with the enforcers or something?”

I chuckled. It was probably a good assumption. Of course, the only way I could run into violence on the most posh world in the empire, was by having a run in with the police, right?

I continued to smile inwardly the more I thought on it.

The higher up in Yee society you went, the more savage people seemed to get.

Like their cultivation progression unlocked the true carnal nature of their being, or something.

No restraints.

Like bored little psychopaths.

I waved away Xi Xha’s concerns with a smile. “Just helped out with some entertainment at a dinner party. No big deal. Right, Ling Wei?”

Ling Wei gave me a mischievous smile and then let out a laugh herself.

“Yes, no big deal,” she said. “The good news is. We have your permissions.”

Ling Wei then presented two sealed letters each to Mu Lin and Xi Xha. They opened then eagerly, like kids on Christmas and their squeals of delight made it clear they had all but forgotten the stains on my clothes.

“We must go right away!” Xi Xha said, bouncing on her toes. “The empress has provided us lodgings at the archives themselves. We will be staying with the Grand Sages, Mu Lin!”

The two of them celebrated together, geeking out like crazy.

Before we knew it, they were leading the charge, heading for the line of skiffs that would take us down to the surface. As they took off, Blue Rose hung back with me.

“So what really happened?” she asked.

“Come on,” I said. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

I filled Blue Rose in on the details of my ‘audience’ with the empress, from the fake ass legionnaires to the true one I had saved. After a while though, it seemed as if she was barely paying attention, even though she was the one who asked. In fact, everything about her seemed a bit off. Walking at a fast pace, constantly glancing about as if expecting an attack at any moment. I finally stopped my story and pulled her to a halt by the shoulder.

“What’s going on?” I said. “Are you okay?”

“Just don’t want to be seen here,” she said, pulling the hood of her robes over her head. “There could be some people from my home world passing through.”

It dawned on me then that I hadn’t even considered what this trip would mean for her.

“Shit, I’m sorry Blue. You think there are people still after you?”

“Let’s just say, I wouldn’t want them to know that I survived Du Gok Bhong. At least not yet. My father’s enemies are still very much in power on Ganesha. Even as a Legionnaire, I would expect them to find some means to try and do away with me.”

I scowled at that, my ire building. “Hey, I made you a promise to restore your family. If there are assholes gunning for you, we need to go deal with them.”

She chuckled. “It’s fine, Max. You have bigger things to focus on for now. Like breaking through to the Lesser Deity Realm so you can conquer a whole planet.”

“Oh, so you were listening.”

She shook her head at me. “I can do two things at once, you know? Anyway, I’ll be fine once we reach Ri Ben. It’s as forbidden to my people as it is to you. So long as your pass grants me entry.”

I felt for the letter Revenah had given me, now tucked away in my robes. I wasn’t certain what kind of access it granted, but it didn’t matter. Whatever it took, I was going to ensure my full entourage got through this time. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what the dynamics were truly like for Blue.

“You know, we’re here in the core worlds now,” I said. “I wasn’t planning on getting to this stage for years. But now that we’re here, I can’t turn up an opportunity to help you along the way. Tell me more about this beef your family has. Who’s it with exactly? Who are the players?”

Blue Rose merely smiled and patted me on the shoulder. “You’re a good guy, Max. A man of your word. And that’s exactly why I won’t tell you a thing.”

“What?” Now I was truly confused. “Why?”

“Because once I give you the details, I know you’ll go on a rampage and want to drop everything to come help me. And I’m not going to allow you to do that.”

My confusion turned to intrigue.

“Come on, don’t do that. Now you’ve got to tell me!”

Blue Rose walked past me, thumping me on the arm again. “Later. I promise. Right now. Let’s get you down to Ri Ben so you can stop embarrassing yourself in the ring.”

* * *

The flight down on the skiffs took another hour, but most of it was spent waiting in line. What Blue Rose said was still teasing my mind, but even after another passionate plea to get her to reveal some details, she kept her mouth shut.

It was just as well, perhaps.

I did have a lot to get on with and another side trek probably wouldn’t be helpful.

Still, I wasn’t going to forget my promise to her.

No matter how big my laundry list got.

From high above, the city of Yee Guo was impressive, but up close it was even more so. Bathed in the light of the Celestial Realm, the place was a literal Eldorado, seemingly made of gold by the way the yellow-tinged light cascaded off the mixture of jade, stone and glass buildings below.

On the ground, I began to understand what Blue Rose meant by being seen. The place was massive but still felt congested with how many people were bustling through the streets. I lost count of how many rickshaws and sedan chairs were being pulled by Core Realm cultivators dressed in plain servant’s robes, giving even more prestige to their finely adorned passengers.

I probably had enough clout now to order one myself, but the idea was dead stupid to me. Plus, I liked the idea of bucking the system. More than a few sets of eyes ogled me and my bloody robes as I pushed through the masses, but I didn’t care.

I felt for Blue Rose though and hurried our pace as quickly as possible towards our destination. It wasn’t hard to find. Amidst the already tall buildings was an enormous structure that filled an entire city block. It was shaped like a massive scroll turned on its side and atop it was a golden cap with a spire stretching to the celestial heavens.

When we reached its base, I figured the thing had to be close to a mile high. It was literally the largest structure I’d ever seen and I understood now why it would take weeks or even months to research the place to find the answers I needed. Throngs of scholars were milling about on the outside of the structure, where several academies seemed to have set up location.

Xi Xha and Mu Lin were getting even more wild and giddy.

We headed for what seemed to be the main entrance and a set of Imperial Guards stopped us, demanding to know our business.

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“These two have official permission to enter from Empress Revenah of Scalia,” Ling Wei said, stepping forward and showing them the documents. “Scholars Xi Xha and Mu Lin of the planet Terra.”

The guard looked at the papers and then ushered over a scholar who seemed to be in charge. He was a surprisingly spritely looking old man with plain features, but extremely fine looking robes.

“These two are not yet qualified to enter this repository of knowledge,” the man said.

“We understand but the permissions have been granted,” Ling Wei said.

“I can read,” he said sternly. “It still does not make it acceptable. For what purpose do you seek access?”

“They’re researching something for me,” I said, flexing with both my robes and my [Struggler’s Resolve]. “You got a problem with a permission granted by an Empress?”

“And you are?” he said, still maintaining his tone, despite the touch of fear now in his soul.

“I’m Imperial Marshal Max Chun, the Iron Bull,” I said. “If you’re a scholar you should know what that means. I need knowledge that will assist me in the fight against the Cursed Stars and these two are going to help me.”

His tone shifted a bit, becoming less confrontational but still haughty. “And you have selected such unlearned vessels to accomplish this task? Do you intend to wait a century for an answer? Because that is how long the unskilled will take to even scratch the surface of the knowledge within these walls.”

I could see Xi Xha was now blushing with embarrassment.

I was about to rush to her defense when a voice called out.

“Its fine. I shall assist them.”

From behind the scholar came a man I didn’t recognize, but who was smiling at me like we were old friends. Late thirties perhaps, glasses, built like a true cultivator rather than a scholar, but if his robes were any indication, he was of higher rank and status than the man we were speaking to. They were beige with purple-trim and on his head was a small jade crown that held his jet-black hair in a top knot, with only a streak of silver giving any indication that he might be well beyond the years he looked.

“Greetings,” he said with a bow. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Marshal Iron Bull.”

I squinted at him. “You know me?”

“I do,” he said. “Although we never officially met when I was on your home world. I am acquainted with your father-in-law. Or your former father-in-law I should perhaps say. My condolences on the loss of your betrothed, by the way.”

He clasped his hands together and gave another bow.

My fighting instincts kicked into high gear. I didn’t know this guy, but he knew way too much about me. “Who the hell are you, pal? Speak quickly.”

He immediately raised his hands in surrender. “Please, be at ease. This One is known as Zin Tai, Imperial Grand Sage of the Lower Courts and a steward here at the Grand Archives. Master Hei Dong advised me that you would be making a visit and to look out for you and your scholars.”

“How exactly do you know master Hei Dong… or me?”

The man, Zin Tai, smiled. “It’s somewhat awkward to explain, but I was the Grand Sage that Master Hei Dong hired to prove his daughter’s innocence by inspecting a quill. Turns out my testimony did the opposite. But thanks to you that all eventually worked out. By way of apology, I offered master Hei Dong my services for anything in the future and thus he contacted me about this.” ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

I was rocked back on my heels by history.

I didn’t recall ever meeting this guy, but I knew of his involvement with Fia’s trial. His testimony was indeed what had sealed her conviction. Had I not stepped in to take responsibility, she would have been executed. I honestly didn’t know how to feel about him ‘helping’ like this.

“You handled that case quite admirably in the ring,” Zin Tai said. “It is no wonder that you now stand as a proxy for even a princess before the High Council.”

“You know about all that too, huh?”

I wasn’t liking this by the second.

“Master Hei Dong sent a comprehensive letter,” he said with another smile. “Please, I am here to help.”

I looked to Xi Xha and Mu Lin and both of them had their bottom jaws on the floor.

I guessed that meeting a guy like this was a big deal to them.

Zin Tai stepped forward, adjusting his thin rimmed spectacles as he studied me. “That is quite the interesting core you have, Marshal Iron Bull. Mind if I have a closer look?”

“What?”

I became suddenly self-conscious as he peered closer. Scholars had the ability to discern a great many things about one’s core through their ability to sense Qi. But for me, I was still relying on my trick of using a sliver of lightning core to ‘flavor’ my own with something someone with Qi sensitivity could detect. It fooled most people, even officials in the ring.

But could it pass the muster of a Grand Sage?

I upped the sensitivity of my demonic technique used to mask my Frenzied Core.

“Why that is quite interesting,” he said, intrigued. “Your core density appears quite unparalleled for your current cultivation level. What are you? 8th Tier Sacred Soul Realm?”

“Just barely,” I said. But damn if this guy hadn’t gotten it right on the nose. “I had a breakthrough like an hour ago.”

His face went deadpan and then he laughed as if I were making a joke.

“Must be the Terran humor, I am not used to it. And you are lightning aspect, correct? Although I do sense traces of something else.”

Shit, could this guy sense Frenzy?

“It’s furious lightning,” I said, with a shrug. “Maybe that’s it.”

He let out a ‘hmmm’ as he continued to study my core. “I knew by watching that match against your former sect leader that you would be a specimen to study. You are a rare prodigy in many ways.”

“Yeah, thanks man,” I said, shifting away from him. “But I’m not really here for all that.”

The man Zin Tai finally smiled, looking me in the eye instead of my Dantian. “Of course. I will honor my offer to Master Hei Dong and lend assistance to your scholars with whatever they are seeking on your behalf.”

“You will take responsibility for them, Master Zin Tai?” the scholar manning the gate asked.

“I shall.”

The man then shrugged and started going through some paperwork to allow Xi Xha and Mu Lin access, handing them badges and special trim to add to their robes.

“You should check in with the patriarchs of your sect while you are here in the capital,” Zin Tai said. “You may have created a new style and even aspect that requires further study and refinement.”

“The Fire Birds?” I said. To hell with that noise. “Nah, I think I’m good. I’m just passing through anyway. Need to get to my training on Ri Ben to win this trial for the princess.”

His eyes widened in surprise.

“It would be rather disrespectful not to present yourself to your patriarchs while here,” he said. “You perhaps are unknowledgeable of these things so your ignorance can be forgiven to a degree, but now that I have told you…”

He let his last word hang like it was going to make me change my mind or something. I couldn’t stomach the Fire Bird scum while they were in my home province, much less on their all high and mighty home turf.

“No thanks,” I said, with [Struggler’s Resolve]. “I’ve got more important shit to do.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if insulted or irritated.

But then quickly he just smiled.

“Have it your way then,” he said. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if they come looking for you regardless. Word travels fast amongst the lower courts.”

I didn’t know if it was a threat or what, but I immediately looked to Blue Rose and sensed her discomfort increase. I needed to wrap up this business and get the hell out of Dodge. But I didn’t feel fully comfortable leaving him with Xi Xha and Mu Lin either. This guy had detected something funny about my core and he would be smart enough to put two and two together if given enough clues.

“Excuse me a moment,” I said. “I need to discuss some final details with my retainer.”

I then gestured for Mal’Kira to join me as I ventured off to the side, leaving the Grand Sage to continue his banter with Xi Xha, Mu Lin and Ling Wei.

“What is it?” Mal’Kira asked.

“I’m getting a weird feeling about this guy,” I said. “I need you to stay here with Xi Xha and Mu Lin to keep an eye on him.”

Mal’Kira stared back at me in dismay. “Stay here? With a bunch of bookworms and dusty old books?”

“Come on. You might learn something.”

She harrumphed. “I’d rather learn from the weapon masters of Ri Ben.”

“Yeah, I know, I know. Trust me, I wouldn’t be asking you this if I didn’t think it mattered.”

I honestly did feel bad for her too. Of all of us, she would probably love the experience of Ri Ben more than others. But I couldn’t ask Blue Rose to stay for obvious reasons and Tu’lok was attached to her and not me.

She then sighed. “Fine. I’m yours to command.”

“Thanks,” I said. “Just don’t let him do anything funny, especially when it comes to what they are researching for m—”

“I’ll stay,” someone said, cutting me off.

I looked past Mal’Kira’s massive shoulders to see Tu’lok standing behind her.

“If Blue Rose allows me, that is,” he added and then looked to Blue Rose who had now sneakily appeared from behind me.

“Geeze!” I said. “You two double banking us or what?”

“I get nervous when I see you discussing things in private without me,” Blue Rose said. “What’s the deal?”

I eyed Xi Xha and Mu Lin who were still yapping away obliviously with the Grand Sage. “Just got a weird feeling about leaving Mu Lin and Xi Xha alone with that guy.”

“Done,” she said. “Tu’lok stay with them.”

“No, no,” Mal’Kira said. “Max asked me to, first.”

“It’s alright, sister,” Tu’lok said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You’re my senior and a far more experience and skilled warrior than me. You should experience Ri Ben if that is your wish.” He then looked over his shoulder and smiled. “And, truth be told. I rather like books.”

That caused us all to laugh and he suddenly looked offended.

“What? I do!”

“I believe you,” I said.

Mal’Kira said something to him in their native tongue and gave him a bow.

Tu’lok just smiled and nodded.

“Settled then,” Blue Rose said. “Mal’kira, saddle up. Tu’lok you’re on scholar sitting duty.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said with a salute.

I felt way better about the whole thing.

I knew and trusted Tu’lok even more than Mal’Kira and Mal’Kira seemed happy as well. I returned to Xi Xha and Mu Lin and told them the arrangements, but they seemed too worked up over Zin Tai to even care. Ling Wei made it all happen though, finding a way for Tu’lok to stay with them as their muscle.

“Someone to lift all those books,” Ling Wei said with a smile.

“Don’t worry,” Tu’lok said. “I’ll take good care of them. Good luck.”

After saying our parting goodbyes, the rest of us finally left and made our way back to the Omni gates once more. Ling Wei assisted with one last haggle with the gate staff, getting all of us passage to Ri Ben.

“I’ll let you through,” the guard said finally. “But don’t be surprised if they kick all of you right back out. The masters aren’t open to outsiders. Even when their customers.”

I chuckled. “I’ll take my chances.”

“I won’t,” Ling Wei said and then gave us all a bow.

“Huh?” I said.

“As much as visiting a literal, planet-sized furnace sounds, I’d rather stay here as a means of keeping you in contact with your associates.” She then smiled. “Also, they have very nice hotels here.”

I chuckled. “I won’t try to twist your arm then. Thanks for everything Ling Wei.”

“Train hard, Marshal Iron Bull, the Princess is counting on you. And I’ll be sure to send her an update letter on your behalf.”

Eesh, I’d already forgotten about doing all that. “Thanks again.”

Ling Wei gave us a final bow and then headed back to the skiffs to return to the city.

“Looks like it’s just the prison crew left” I said. “You guys ready?”

Blue Rose grunted. “I doubt it could be any worse than Du Gok Bhong.”

“Hell are you talking about?” Mal’Kira said, sounding genuinely offended. “That place is great!”

“No, it’s not.”

“It’s better than here.”

“Are you a chun like him?”

I left Mal’Kira and Blue Rose to continue their ridiculous argument as I stepped through the gate.

It was finally time to meet the masters.