94 Lost in the heart.

Through the night, the three discussed their future plans. They must disperse, fleeing from each other's company. With the threat of Yuan Lin, and his vowing to destroy those associated with Sha Ku, the timing couldn't be more fortuitous.

But before the three of them left, each confirmed with Sha Ku which society they would join.

The first, and most domineering of the trio, Bing Yuanshan decided to aim for the Sacred Jade Society. Their practices and elegance mixed with their imposing and authoritarian nature would blend nicely with Bing Yuanshan's newfound… personality. If he rose through the ranks quickly, he would become an incredible and domineering force within the Spirit Sword Sect.

Next was Yu Shi. Being a man of few words, he decided to join the Serenity Sword Association.

Although they've never had a member from the demonic mountain before, Yu Shi's calm as water nature and his matchless talent would make him an easy recruit for the young man.

Finally, was Song Yi. Song Yi was a curious case, his new cultivation technique needed to be fuelled by constant battle. It was his only hope of advancing. For that, one of the smaller demonic cultivation societies were the best option… although he'd have to fight blood and tooth to keep up and be accepted by his brethren. A new group called the Frenzied Blood Warriors was starting to make waves. If Song Yi managed to acclimatise and advance in his new technique, adding to it his newfound skill set in Demonisis, the Frenzied Blood Warriors would have to recruit him.

Not only that but being the apple of Dong Hu's eye would propel his reputation on the peaks forwards, especially once word spread around that the old madman was planning to take the young Song Yi as his very own apprentice.

Like Yung Chu of Elemental Peak, Song Yi would have a far easier time. Somewhat compensating for his lack of natural talent and tongueless, mouth. He'd be free to cultivate in peace, and when the time came with need of his 'talents', those that shall treat him well shall receive the best treatment.

Although this was all presuming that Song Yi would be able to become a master of Demonisis, there was always the chance he'd fail in some way or trigger old madman Dong Hu's temper. Sha Ku hoped for the best though, placing his hopes in the new 'God Slayer'.

Eventually, all left Sha Ku's home. Wandering back to their own mould ridden dormitories, a sad look deep in their eyes. They had listened to Sha Ku's words that evening. The newfound friendship that they had mustered together had to vanish. Fade into the depths of time, never to be seen again. Only then... only then would their connections be above suspicion, their intentions never to be beyond reproach.

That night Sha Ku found it hard to sleep, tossing and turning all night. A feeling of unease lingered in his heart, "Did I do the right thing?"

The question rammed itself into his mind over and over, not giving him a moment's rest, like a parasite burrowing into the depths of his soul.

Deep down inside, he didn't want to admit it, the grizzled warrior who had seen countless ages past, wasn't still that same man. He was no longer a man of the Sha Clan. His old body, gone. Now, no matter how much he disliked it, he was Yang Chi.

He couldn't burrow his emotions deep within, as they cut at the inside of his heart, "I may be ageless… but I am still but a child." Sha Ku sighed to himself, a wave of darkness ensnared his heart as the moonlight shone down from his burnt stone window.

He sat there, in deep reflection until dawn came. Saddened, by a great many things. The memories that once were, the realisation of what is and the prediction of what is to come. "Sha Ku, a great man. He is dead, I wear the corpse of his heart, his will. That is why when I sent away my only friends… it hurt so much."

The small dark-haired child whimpered slightly, in so hushed a voice, even the Netherworld Judges would be deaf to it. Wiping his eyes before any semblance of hot slated water dared to cascade from his eye, he calmed himself, preparing to face whatever the dawn may bring.

---

The next morning, Sha Ku left. Not having a moments sleep wasn't the biggest of concerns, considering Sha Ku was in possession of an Undying Body. Of course, it would take a toll on his mental faculties, but his body at least would still respond and for a good reason. Today, Sha Ku was planning to learn and practice martial arts!

It had to be known, learning martial arts wasn't a simple thing, and of course, there were limits to it.

The heart, body and mind can only take a certain amount. Depending on one's talent and cultivation level, more could be learned, of course. But for those untalented few, who learn one too many, it could cause irreparable damage to the body.

Imagine if you will, the body's blood vessels: a complex maze, and part of which the body uses to channel Qi for technique. Obvious right, something everybody knows. There's a pattern to the movement of Qi in one's body, which gives form to the technique.

Over time as one's mastery of these skills increases; they leave permanent markers in the body. Like muscles, specially tailored to suit one exercise. The introduction of a new martial art or technique can massively disrupt and even damage the body, if not done so correctly.

That is why Sha Ku had to take time to master his techniques once more. One, to be careful not to overrun his body, destroying his veins from within. And two, so that his body can come accustomed to the techniques, engraining them in his muscle memory, as ever so increasingly masters them.

"After all, an Empire cannot be built in but a day." Sha Ku whispered to himself, thinking about the newest technique that he'd acquired from the library hall - Silverlight Swordsmanship.