The vast lands of the beast-men are ruled by the four beast-men clans of the Tiger, Ape, Wolf and Fox. These descendants of the Giants, over the course of time, have developed martial arts appropriate for their bloodline. The Tiger Style, the Ape Style, the Wolf Style and the Fox Style are created by them by observing the natural habits of the beasts for centuries, and have been perfected after numerous generations.
It was a pity that even these mighty styles could not prevent the lands of these beasts from being conquered.
*****
Ancient Gold City, Makara Dynasty, Human Continent.
The caravan of the druids moved into the city, and they took the main road which was the quickest way to leave the city. They would only stop when the beasts had to rest or to gather some essential supplies from the city. The luxurious carriages in the front were eye catching, and the sign of the Great Root Sect on the carriage shone under the evening sunlight.
Sura and Ananya sat across the mysterious druid who seemed to be too absorbed into her book. The book was old and seemed to be written in the fairy language. Books in this world were something rare; although this world had magic and the native could jump more than ten meters and can throw fireballs from their palms, they still lived a primitive life and had no such things like printing machines.
The two sat silently, occasionally glancing at the lady or the interior of the carriage.
"Are you from the Vindhya Dynasty ?"
The lady suddenly closed her book and looked at them. Her long silver hair fell over her ear which he tucked it lightly. This action made her look charming while the small crown on her head made her look authoritative.
The young blood in the Mad Saber's body boiled and his mouth gaped open. Suddenly he felt a nudge to his leg and saw Ananya who was looking at him with her brows furrowed. He cleared his throat and looked at the druid.
"Yes." He didn't deny it as the Vindhya Sword Art could easily be recognized by a master. What was surprising was that this druid from a small clan could easily recognize the Dynasty's sword art.
The druid held her chin, her index finger tapping over her smooth cheek.
"Although this lady here also practices the same art, it is not difficult to guess that she has just learned it, and is not as proficient as you. Also, unlike the common soldiers, you seemed to have learned the sword art for a long time- perhaps your childhood. So, warrior ! What are you doing in this caravan ?"
She smiled as she looked at them. Her gaze was steady, as if everything was in her control.
Sura didn't hide anything from her, and told her that he wanted to go to the Beastmen Continent. The druid stared at the two for a while, and upon seeing their sincerity turned to Ananya.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
"Little girl, you shouldn't practice the sword art he taught you, or else you will have to lie in a bed forever." the druid softly said. Although Ananya felt a little annoyed earlier when the dwarf called her 'little girl', this time she didn't feel unpleasant. Rather, she felt as if a motherly figure was speaking to her and guiding her.
"I will teach you a sword art more suitable for you." the druid promised. She paused a bit, recalling if she forgot something. "We will begin tomorrow. You can call me teacher Zhen Qi."
Ananya couldn't believe this pile of good fortune that fell from the sky. First they were gifted a lot of money by the dwarf, and now she would be taught by a high level druid. The good thing was that this druid didn't seemed to be biased against the humans.
The two thanked the druid again and got out of the carriage towards one of the carts they previously sat on. Soon night arrived and the caravan stopped and chose a suitable place to create temporary tents.
*****
Shore of the Gateway Continent.
"Captain, we are ready to depart !" a soldier said to Claire. The captain glanced at the shore for the last time and shouted.
"Quick ! Depart !"
Her voice powered by her Profound Energy was heard throughout the ship, and one could notice the panic in her voice. A large mob of beasts could be seen travelling towards the shore, and there were some Ancient beasts, some even the size of a small mountain. Their each step created a tremor, and some some nearby beasts even fell occasionally. Even if they fell they would get back to their feet and fawn over those Ancient beasts, after all, in one way, these Ancient beasts were their ancestors. Even though these Ancient beasts hadn't awakened their wisdom they still were mighty and had prestige.
"Don't worry ! It's not like they are able to swim." the sexy senior, Druid elder Yun Bao spoke confidently with her hands at her back. Her silver hair were tied in a bun and two thick strands dangled near her ears. A fierce wind from the ocean flew her hair sideways. Along with her loose robe which fluttered in the wind, she really looked like a mighty expert.
Alas, this moment only lasted for a few seconds when some of the beasts jumped into the water and swam towards the ship.
"Don't worry, they are just just little beasts." Yun Bao spoke coolly after a second. Captain Claire was assured, however the druid senior was sweating inside.
A few minutes later, this druid senior's face blacked when she saw the scene unfolding before her. One of the Ancient beasts stepped into the water and created large waves in water. Each action from the humongous beast created a large movement in water, and even the Fairy ship shook a bit.
Miss Claire was almost in tears, and thought just whom did they offend ! She kept screaming and asked the ones in charge of the oars to increase their speed.
Yes, even though it was one of the most advanced ship of the fairies, it still needed paddles and sails. Surprisingly, there were wolf-men in coarse clothes rowing the ship, while a group of elves tried to use to Profound Energy to create wind.
They could still hear the roar of the beasts from the shore, although they did not know what they meant.
The Sage beasts roared and hand signed wildly in the air.
"Get out from our home, you foreign bastards !"
Soon the ship grew smaller and smaller in their eyes, until it disappeared into the horizon.
*****
Little Stone's Fragrant Tea, Capital of Dragon Empire, Dragon Continent.
It was evening, and although there were many customers in this popular shop not much noise could be heard. Many natives could be seen drinking their tea in silence while reading something, while some engaged in small talk or brought some table games with them.
On one such table was a chess board, and a man and a woman sat across each other.
"So, has the administrative office decided on the new king tribe for the giants ?" the man spoke eventually, as if what he was asking was the price of a cabbage and not some confidential information.
"Hmmm... It is the Tun tribe. Those idiots are pretty tamable." the girl replied, as if what she told was a juicy gossip about her girlfriend instead of something classified.
These were the imperial prince, Bahut Bhondu and Sonam a.k.a. the imperial prince Bahut Shandar.
Their hands moved, and pieces on the chessboard were trapped or became dead. It was as if they were controlling a world.
"What about you ?" Sonam asked the young man.
"What about me ?" Bhondu furrowed his brows.
"Aren't you going to fight for the imperial throne ?" Sonam asked in a teasing voice.
Bhondu replied her with a mocking smile.
"You know me. Even though my mother is my father's niece, she is just a concubine of the emperor. I don't have any martial talent, and I can only support my younger brother Shur to fulfill my dream. Sigh, I wish I were a vampire like you, so I would have been able to avoid this trouble."
"But you are not a Vampire." the beauty Sonam raised one of her eyebrow and said.
"Indeed." the prince closed his eyes for a moment and mumbled absentmindedly. "The second prince is a Vampire."
The cross-dressing prince almost chocked on his tea. "That is .... surely a coincidence."
Bhondu did not notice her strange behavior and made another move on the chess board. Suddenly a mocking voice was heard.
"Look here ! Isn't this our little Gandu ?"
Laughing sounds came from a corner, and a group of motley bunch walked towards the couple.