---------------------------------Chapter 21 Fatal decesions------------------------------
"Why you looking at me like that, huh!? Just get in." Ren expression was geniune.
Ren slouched over the door of an old looking motor vehicle. The doors were barely hanging to their hinges, its paint job had long since faded. It reminded you of a car that had its share of demolition derbys. Mostly made up of spare parts from an illegal third shop, Ren only used it in emergencies, and prayed that it would work. Hazuki and Chen's son both got in the vechicle, Ryo at shotgun.
"Don't worry, she showed me the way..." Ryo eyes were closed as he said this. He understood what the others didn't. Shenhua is all he cared about right now; her well being. The only way he would get her back was to defeat Lan Di. But somehow, it didn't seem that simple. Shenhua wasn't only reason, he felt drawn to the impending location. Was this his destiny? What convictions did he have? Would his father's spirit rest in peace with the descrution of Lan Di? These questions are what drove him.
"Ryo..then show us the way." Guizhang said in a low tone. He knew this is what it came down to. Hazuki in his eyes was still a novice although his potential was without boundaries. He was left with the frightning question "Would that be enough to stop Lan di!?" They would have to defeat Lan Di here and now or it would me the end; the end of it all.
"Its that simple then, we go!" Ren shouted. But even he knew something terrible was about to come to play. It seem so much like the climax to something significant. He really didn't understand any of it, but with all he seen he believed anything was possible even a possible victory. Then he would move to his ulterior motive once again...the riches.
The chaotic downpour seem to simmer down against its will, the final drops yearned for redemption. Dark clouds disappear from the sky, the scene was animated, a horizon reborn. In the distant Lan Di's vehicle could be seen, his driver even seem to tingle with anticipation.
"Here..." Lan di spoke out suddenly.
"Master?" The driver look around quizzically. There was nothing but a simple clearing. He was one of Lan Di's most trained bodyguards, and driver. Yet he didn't understand why he wanted to stop in a random clearing. Howerver , it was an order and he dared not disobey it.
Lan di stepped from the vehicle looking at a depression in the ground where the sun's glow blessed the murky puddle flowed there. The colors were surreal, a shade of many colors forming a unique pattern.
"What sign is this?" He asked himself. Perhaps, everything that was written would come to play.
Lan Di's guards escorted Shenhua to him, she dared Lan Di looking him in the eye, never wavering under the ferocity of his glare. Lan Di could see she didn't not fear him, he could sense it as well. Every Martial Artist, or rather those with exceptional skill or potential could read their opponent. Some battles are won without even throwing a punch, just like in chess one must know when he is outmatched.
"You do not intend on showing me the door way, do you child?" Lan Di questioned.
"I would never." Was her immediate response.
"Interesting, yet I did expect such a response from you."
"Then why ask?" She countered.
"Such a question cannot be answered. I cannot see the future."
Lan Di paused.
"But apparently you can. What will happen next..?"
Shenhua closed her eyes, a vision appeared in her head; she could see herself in prayer and a glow around her body. The ground itself begin to erupt around her, Lan Di and his guards watched on.
"Well...?" Lan Di said with patience still in his tone.
She opened her eyes a little startled by what she saw, yet she understood.
"...I can't.."
"Perhaps we should get rid of him Master that will make her open it!" The driver barked referring to Ryo.
"Silence, Lee!" Lan Di shot him a look a Master would give his student if had got out of line.
"You hurt Ryo and I'll never help!" She stammered.
"Oh?" Lan Di looked back to Shenhua.
"You heard me...I will never.."
Lan Di turned his back to her.
"You misunderstand me, I cannot guarantee anything if you do not open the way for me."
"But..." She was beginning to weaking.
"Do not make this difficult."
Shenhua dropped to her knees, she knew what she had to do. She had already seen it, now she was living it. Her eyes closed, and she put both her hands together, a lonely tear streaked down her face; only she could hear it touch the ground. A white glow begin to entangle her body surrounding the ground around her as well. Fallen leaves begin to circle around the area as the wind picked up considerably in the enclosed space. Lan begin to smirk it was coming into play, it would be complete soon. The ground begin to sink beneath them all, only forward ground remained on its same level. A rock structural entrance begin to unearth at a daunting rate.
"Yinlongyan...so long I've searched for you." Lan Di voice boomed with exhilaration.
One could see the entrance fully now, Shenhua opened her eyes seeing what she had done, her face full of distraught. Lan di begin to walk forward, the secrets, treasures............
The power...
"Come Shenhua...you still have a use for me."
Reluctantly, she followed Lan Di.
"Shao, Lee stay here...no one is to enter."
"Lan-Di sama as you wish" Lee bowed, as did Shao.
Lan Di walked in exploring the interior with Shenhua, many torches were lit, as if they never burned out.
"Such magic is of the Qin.." Lan Di observed with awe.
They had traversed for at least a half mile deep into the cave before they entered a wide chamber littered with gold, diamonds and other luxuries. Lan Di looked at the booty as if it was nothing. Though he would have his men recover it once he had found what he truly wanted. Shenhua stared at all of it in amazement, she had no idea such a thing could exist in this cave, yet it right before her eyes, therefore she could not deny it.
"Come we are almost there..."
The next chamber, Lan Di could feel the power resonating from it. It wasn't as wide as the other chamber yet its importance is what made up its interest. Two gigantic depictions were carved into the background lit by the many torches that encircled the room. One resembled the dragon mirror while the other was the phoenix.
"uunh" Shenhua let out a moan.
"You've seen something like this before." Lan Di observed by looking in her eyes.
Lan noticed a altar ahead of him, and begin to approach it, a slot laid in the middle of the altar, in writing under it said "The dragon."
"Interesting..."
Lan Di held the dragon mirror in his hand, observing its detailed design. Placing it down into the slot without hesitation. Lan Di went to his knees bowing before the altar awaiting what was written. He sensed the Tiger was coming, with him; his destiny and will.
-----
Ren brung the motor vehicle to a sudden halt, smoked stormed from every escapable vent, or cracked in the frame. Ryo could see a black car sitting stationary up ahead.
"That's them...lets go" Ryo shouted.
They all started running up the hill, expecting anything to occur. They were right, two men in the dress up black suits appeared from in front of the cave.
"I can't believe...it" Lee said to shao, removing his shades in the process; revealing his eyes which were full of focus.
"This means you actually defeated Master Niao Shun..." Shao added, also removing his shades, his eyes showing the same amount of training.
"Damn no time for this" Ryo said getting into a fighting stance.
"Ryo, go ahead will take care of these guys." Guizhang said immediately.
"We won't let him pass."
Ryo dashed forward, Lee and Shao both charged at him with equal force. Instinctively they both jumped up and kicked at him, Ryo rolled under both of them, and without looking back kept running.
"Damn!" Lee yelled out.
"Don't let him get..." Shao immediately stopped talking as he ducked under a spinning heel kick delivered by Guizhang. Shao stepped back getting into a ready stance, as did Lee. Guizhang and Ren both stood firm readying to attack.
"You'll regret that..." Shao said, sizing up Guizhang.
"So what's so special about you guys? We took care enough you black suits for one day." Ren spurted out in a cocky tone.
"I was trained personally under Lan Di...as was Shao, do not mock us."
"You a tough guy now huh? Lan Di must have mistrained on purpose as a joke." Ren begin to chuckle.
"Ren watch yourself." Guizhang warned.
"Heh, Guizhang don't worry about me."
Ren pointed at Lee.
"Hey you, I'm Ren of Heavens."
Lee cracked his knuckles and loosened his neck up.
"Don't worry about any Heavens, you'll be experiencing hell soon enough." Lee countered back.
"Is that so, May the Gods protect you."
Guizhang and Ren rushed ahead for thier climatic confrontation.
"Why you looking at me like that, huh!? Just get in." Ren expression was geniune.
Ren slouched over the door of an old looking motor vehicle. The doors were barely hanging to their hinges, its paint job had long since faded. It reminded you of a car that had its share of demolition derbys. Mostly made up of spare parts from an illegal third shop, Ren only used it in emergencies, and prayed that it would work. Hazuki and Chen's son both got in the vechicle, Ryo at shotgun.
"Don't worry, she showed me the way..." Ryo eyes were closed as he said this. He understood what the others didn't. Shenhua is all he cared about right now; her well being. The only way he would get her back was to defeat Lan Di. But somehow, it didn't seem that simple. Shenhua wasn't only reason, he felt drawn to the impending location. Was this his destiny? What convictions did he have? Would his father's spirit rest in peace with the descrution of Lan Di? These questions are what drove him.
"Ryo..then show us the way." Guizhang said in a low tone. He knew this is what it came down to. Hazuki in his eyes was still a novice although his potential was without boundaries. He was left with the frightning question "Would that be enough to stop Lan di!?" They would have to defeat Lan Di here and now or it would me the end; the end of it all.
"Its that simple then, we go!" Ren shouted. But even he knew something terrible was about to come to play. It seem so much like the climax to something significant. He really didn't understand any of it, but with all he seen he believed anything was possible even a possible victory. Then he would move to his ulterior motive once again...the riches.
The chaotic downpour seem to simmer down against its will, the final drops yearned for redemption. Dark clouds disappear from the sky, the scene was animated, a horizon reborn. In the distant Lan Di's vehicle could be seen, his driver even seem to tingle with anticipation.
"Here..." Lan di spoke out suddenly.
"Master?" The driver look around quizzically. There was nothing but a simple clearing. He was one of Lan Di's most trained bodyguards, and driver. Yet he didn't understand why he wanted to stop in a random clearing. Howerver , it was an order and he dared not disobey it.
Lan di stepped from the vehicle looking at a depression in the ground where the sun's glow blessed the murky puddle flowed there. The colors were surreal, a shade of many colors forming a unique pattern.
"What sign is this?" He asked himself. Perhaps, everything that was written would come to play.
Lan Di's guards escorted Shenhua to him, she dared Lan Di looking him in the eye, never wavering under the ferocity of his glare. Lan Di could see she didn't not fear him, he could sense it as well. Every Martial Artist, or rather those with exceptional skill or potential could read their opponent. Some battles are won without even throwing a punch, just like in chess one must know when he is outmatched.
"You do not intend on showing me the door way, do you child?" Lan Di questioned.
"I would never." Was her immediate response.
"Interesting, yet I did expect such a response from you."
"Then why ask?" She countered.
"Such a question cannot be answered. I cannot see the future."
Lan Di paused.
"But apparently you can. What will happen next..?"
Shenhua closed her eyes, a vision appeared in her head; she could see herself in prayer and a glow around her body. The ground itself begin to erupt around her, Lan Di and his guards watched on.
"Well...?" Lan Di said with patience still in his tone.
She opened her eyes a little startled by what she saw, yet she understood.
"...I can't.."
"Perhaps we should get rid of him Master that will make her open it!" The driver barked referring to Ryo.
"Silence, Lee!" Lan Di shot him a look a Master would give his student if had got out of line.
"You hurt Ryo and I'll never help!" She stammered.
"Oh?" Lan Di looked back to Shenhua.
"You heard me...I will never.."
Lan Di turned his back to her.
"You misunderstand me, I cannot guarantee anything if you do not open the way for me."
"But..." She was beginning to weaking.
"Do not make this difficult."
Shenhua dropped to her knees, she knew what she had to do. She had already seen it, now she was living it. Her eyes closed, and she put both her hands together, a lonely tear streaked down her face; only she could hear it touch the ground. A white glow begin to entangle her body surrounding the ground around her as well. Fallen leaves begin to circle around the area as the wind picked up considerably in the enclosed space. Lan begin to smirk it was coming into play, it would be complete soon. The ground begin to sink beneath them all, only forward ground remained on its same level. A rock structural entrance begin to unearth at a daunting rate.
"Yinlongyan...so long I've searched for you." Lan Di voice boomed with exhilaration.
One could see the entrance fully now, Shenhua opened her eyes seeing what she had done, her face full of distraught. Lan di begin to walk forward, the secrets, treasures............
The power...
"Come Shenhua...you still have a use for me."
Reluctantly, she followed Lan Di.
"Shao, Lee stay here...no one is to enter."
"Lan-Di sama as you wish" Lee bowed, as did Shao.
Lan Di walked in exploring the interior with Shenhua, many torches were lit, as if they never burned out.
"Such magic is of the Qin.." Lan Di observed with awe.
They had traversed for at least a half mile deep into the cave before they entered a wide chamber littered with gold, diamonds and other luxuries. Lan Di looked at the booty as if it was nothing. Though he would have his men recover it once he had found what he truly wanted. Shenhua stared at all of it in amazement, she had no idea such a thing could exist in this cave, yet it right before her eyes, therefore she could not deny it.
"Come we are almost there..."
The next chamber, Lan Di could feel the power resonating from it. It wasn't as wide as the other chamber yet its importance is what made up its interest. Two gigantic depictions were carved into the background lit by the many torches that encircled the room. One resembled the dragon mirror while the other was the phoenix.
"uunh" Shenhua let out a moan.
"You've seen something like this before." Lan Di observed by looking in her eyes.
Lan noticed a altar ahead of him, and begin to approach it, a slot laid in the middle of the altar, in writing under it said "The dragon."
"Interesting..."
Lan Di held the dragon mirror in his hand, observing its detailed design. Placing it down into the slot without hesitation. Lan Di went to his knees bowing before the altar awaiting what was written. He sensed the Tiger was coming, with him; his destiny and will.
-----
Ren brung the motor vehicle to a sudden halt, smoked stormed from every escapable vent, or cracked in the frame. Ryo could see a black car sitting stationary up ahead.
"That's them...lets go" Ryo shouted.
They all started running up the hill, expecting anything to occur. They were right, two men in the dress up black suits appeared from in front of the cave.
"I can't believe...it" Lee said to shao, removing his shades in the process; revealing his eyes which were full of focus.
"This means you actually defeated Master Niao Shun..." Shao added, also removing his shades, his eyes showing the same amount of training.
"Damn no time for this" Ryo said getting into a fighting stance.
"Ryo, go ahead will take care of these guys." Guizhang said immediately.
"We won't let him pass."
Ryo dashed forward, Lee and Shao both charged at him with equal force. Instinctively they both jumped up and kicked at him, Ryo rolled under both of them, and without looking back kept running.
"Damn!" Lee yelled out.
"Don't let him get..." Shao immediately stopped talking as he ducked under a spinning heel kick delivered by Guizhang. Shao stepped back getting into a ready stance, as did Lee. Guizhang and Ren both stood firm readying to attack.
"You'll regret that..." Shao said, sizing up Guizhang.
"So what's so special about you guys? We took care enough you black suits for one day." Ren spurted out in a cocky tone.
"I was trained personally under Lan Di...as was Shao, do not mock us."
"You a tough guy now huh? Lan Di must have mistrained on purpose as a joke." Ren begin to chuckle.
"Ren watch yourself." Guizhang warned.
"Heh, Guizhang don't worry about me."
Ren pointed at Lee.
"Hey you, I'm Ren of Heavens."
Lee cracked his knuckles and loosened his neck up.
"Don't worry about any Heavens, you'll be experiencing hell soon enough." Lee countered back.
"Is that so, May the Gods protect you."
Guizhang and Ren rushed ahead for thier climatic confrontation.
