CG Chapter 29: A Reunion Amidst Chaos
Amidst the engulfing chaos of the village, where the air was thick with the stench of crumbling buildings, a man stood on the edge of despair. From the moment he had begun his new life, Tom had only perceived Tian Chang as an unyielding warrior, as immovable as a mountain.
While Tom didn't harbor any emotional attachment to this family of his, he couldn't help but develop a sense of respect for Tian Chang as an individual.
"We... need to find... your mother," his voice trembled with every word he spoke, his words tinged with uncertainty and loss. Tian Chang sat as he searched for his now broken haven, despair in his eyes.
A mournful composition played in the background, echoing the tragic fate of the village. Its notes were somber companions to the weighty steps, accompanied by the desperate pleas of families torn apart by the merciless onslaught.
The anguished cries of the villagers echoed through Tian Chang, each wail piercing his heart. Yet, as he considered his own predicament, the shreds of compassion within him withered away like smoke in the wind.
The scenes of the past flashed through his eyes. He remembered how they first treated him coldly; they even hated his son. However, as time passed, they started to get closer. The sorrows and joys he knew here were different from what he previously saw. "This is just ... a dream ... isn't it? Yeah, all of this is but a fake dream. A nightmare." Slowly, Tian Chang started gathering himself as he continued his search.
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As he reached the house, Tian Chang noticed a piece of fabric brushing against his hand. This scarf had once belonged to him. However, Li Mei had taken it for herself, claiming that it fit her better. And while she might have tried to hide the real reason from him, he knew that the only reason she cherished it was because it was his. He always smiled when he saw her wearing it as he left for his hunting trips.
"She must be... nearby," Amidst this chaos, Tian Chang whispered a prayer for help, directed to anyone who would listen. And then, as if in response to his plea, the sound of a harsh, mocking voice approached, "Hahaha, are you going to cry?"
As he drew nearer, the figure began to take shape, revealing himself as one of the three masked individuals who had arrived. There was a brief pause before he continued, his tone dripping with disdain, "The great and mighty 'Scythe of Death' himself, lying here in such a feeble and pitiful state, all for the sake of a woman? What a disgrace. To think that I once idolized your legend, day and night."
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"Shut it, boney," the apparent leader of the trio snapped.
"It has been a while since we last met, hasn't it?" asked the leader in a somewhat melancholic tone. "I never thought that you of all people would betray 'The Octavian Society.'"
Once he heard this man's words, Tian Chang replied with a rageful tone, "What society are you talking about?"
He paused as his face contorted, "Monolith, do you think that I am the same fool who believed in your ideas? And why are you trying to hide your true name? It's not like you are planning on letting anyone here go. I am aware of your true faces, you sons of dogs from 'The Cult of Ennead.' "
"You… How dare you call us a Cult? The great name of 'The Covenant of Ennead' shouldn't even cross the filthy mouth of yours, you traitor." The warrior, who had previously taunted him, was now trying to pursue Tian Chang with anger and intent to kill.
"Enough, Whisper," the leader shouted, his words dripping with frustration. "I swear to the sealed one that if you don't lay down, I am going to crush your head and sacrifice it here and now."
Monolith suddenly smiled as he said, "Tian Chang, I think we know each other well enough to know how this is going to turn out; thus, I have a proposal for you."
"Talk." Tian Chang stayed cautious as he answered.
"I have always wondered why the eight keepers chose you instead of me to be the leader of the triad. And since I surpass you in every aspect other than fighting, since we never fought before, I wish to face you in a fight to the death following the tradition of the caves. I want to see who will win in combat. Will it be your unorthodox 'Eight Predatory Rings' or my orthodox 'Eight Sealed Rings'?" The leader's voice held a mixture of curiosity and challenge as he posed his proposal.
"Oh, and how can I trust that the idiot behind you won't interfere?" Questioned Tian Chang.
"Let me kill … him," Whisper's voice dripped with malice, a sinister undertone underscoring his words.
Looking at Whisper, Monolith reassured, "Don't worry. Colossus will hold him back if he dares to make a single move." He spoke with confidence, his tone laced with a hint of cold authority.
Not having much of a choice, Tian Chang relented, his voice carrying a mixture of resignation and determination, "Fine, but I have a condition."
"Go ahead and ask," Monolith's tone was both curious and dismissive, a sense of arrogance woven into his words.
"If you truly wish to test yourself and not merely fuel your arrogance, and if you want me to invest everything I have into this battle, then you should release my son." Tian Chang's voice carried a steadfast resolve, displaying his fatherly fierce protectiveness in his demand.
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Tian Chang threw that condition without expecting much. However, he didn't expect the question that followed, "What is your name, boy?" Monolith asked.
Tom remained silent throughout the previous conversation, and as he analyzed his current situation, he came to the realization that he wouldn't survive unless this man allowed him to escape. "My name is Tian Long. Were you one of the people who burned this village?" he inquired.
Monolith's lips curved into a smile, a mix of surprise and amusement playing across his face at the child's audacity. "Hahaha. I shouldn't underestimate a cub if its father is a lion," he chuckled. "You may go."
Whisper's fingers twitched as if he wanted to interfere, yet he remained still, his gaze locked on Monolith. Fear of invoking Monolith's anger seemed to tether him to silence.
"I am not going to leave," Tom's voice wavered slightly but held firm, a mixture of determination and apprehension in his tone.
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"Child, I've given you enough leeway, but don't expect me to be overly patient with you," Monolith's voice was laced with a sense of warning, his patience wearing thin.
"Long ... Please .. leave," Tian Chang's voice pleaded, a father's concern evident, though strained under the weight of the circumstances.
"I can't," Tom's voice held a stubborn resolve. He made it clear that he was reluctant to abandon his father.
"You'll be more of a distraction than anything else. Your departure will be more helpful," Tian Chang's voice shifted to a reasoning tone, his logical sense coming through.
Having skillfully played his part, Tom felt the weight of the moment pressing upon him. It was time to make his escape, and his heart raced in anticipation.