Chapter 10: Rumor

As they regroup in the coastline, Wang Chu's eyes strayed to the enormous shape of the Sky Devouring Beast, which was now soundly dozing close by. Their pensive silence was accompanied by the waves' rhythmic crashing, the harmony of the natural world reflecting the harmony amongst them. 

Su Chen quickly caught onto his master's thoughts. "Master, what are you thinking?" he asked. 

Wang Chu turned to his disciples, and pondering as he was determined, posed a question. "This has been bothering me," He begins. "Why does the Sky Devouring Beast refuse to swim deeper into the sea? It would become more powerful once it does so."

The threat of this request lingered in the air like fog, impossible to ignore, forcing everyone to look at the beast who in turn rises its head slowly. The animal's eyes met with Wang Chu's centuries-old eyes, and they both stared for an unknown amount of time.

"Who knows?" The Sky Devouring Beast let out a voice that sounded like an avalanche in motion. Its voice echoed through the ground long after it spoke. "If information is what you seek then I will tell you something interesting! This is not something deep inside the ocean; this is something that lies within this realm!"

He raised one of its claws and pointed towards the coastline without turning around. Su Chen furrowed his brows. "What exactly lies here?" He wasn't quite sure what to say.

The beast nodded and gave a heavy sigh. "Proximity of the Yan Empire!" It puts down its claw and continued speaking with a straight face, "Their power flows strongly across these waters my friend." They nod their head slowly as if understanding something big.

Su Chen leaned forward curiously, hoping for a better explanation than he had just heard from Wang Chu moments ago.. "What do you mean?" He asks as politely as possible.

It gives him a nod before speaking again revealing some information..."In simpler words," It says with confidence leaking from every word spoken."While down there power is primal! Here things flow differently! And I don't mean water!" 

Old Ji interrupts before they could ask it to explain further. "Let me." Old Ji was more than ready for this one! "Strength and territory are not the only things that drive us! You must also remember that there is a political side to every story!"

Wang Chu's eyes glimmer with realization as he finally puts two and two together. "Yan…" He mutters under his breath, "Their influence might not stop at land."

Nodding once more, with enough force to send an earthquake if they wanted to... "You're starting to get it!" It says as its claws sink deeper into the sand, making another tremor underneath them.

Xiao Chi backs away from their previous stance about territories being everything. "I can see now." He says while scratching his head in thought."By remaining here" He points at the white waves hitting the shore. "It's almost like we are tapping into their energy instead of our own."

"Smart Kid." The Sky Devouring Beast can't help but look at this child, although this kids eye carry a sense of naughtiness, he can also feel something more powerful and he can't explain it.

Old Ji, his eyes gleaming with a mix of knowledge and intrigue, interjected with a piece of the puzzle that added depth to their understanding. "There is a rumor," he began, his voice carrying the weight of years spent investigating such matters, "that one of the reasons why the Yan Empire maintains its success despite its middling strength is attributed to the son of the Grand Tutor, Murong Lingyun."

The mention of Murong Lingyun sparked interest among the group, their attention focused intently on Old Ji as he continued. "He is said to be a prodigy, possessing the sharpest mind in the entire eastern continent," Old Ji elaborated. "Rumors suggest that from the tender age of six, he had already subdued gambling dens across the surrounding empires with ease."

"So, it's not just about military might or sheer cultivation prowess," Su Chen deduced, connecting the dots. "Murong Lingyun's influence extends to realms beyond physical strength."

Old Ji nodded sagely. "Indeed," he affirmed. "He is an enigmatic figure, shrouded in mystery. Despite months of investigation, no one can accurately determine his cultivation level or unravel the depths of his knowledge."

Wang Chu's thoughts raced, pieces of the intricate puzzle falling into place. "The influence of Murong Lingyun," he mused, "extends not just within the Yan Empire but also influences the currents of power and diplomacy that shape the entire region."

The Sky Devouring Beast, its ancient eyes reflecting understanding, rumbled in agreement. "The threads of influence weave a tapestry that extends far beyond what meets the eye, the Yan empire's luck surge 5 years ago. If he is indeed what the rumors entail, he can be considered as one of the most interesting characters in this entire realm" it added, its tone carrying a resonance of ancient wisdom.

Xiao Chi, captivated by the revelations, voiced a question that lingered in their collective minds. "But why would a figure like Murong Lingyun command such reverence among ruffians and gamblers?" he wondered aloud, his curiosity piqued.

Old Ji's expression turned thoughtful as he recalled snippets of information gathered over the years. "It is not just about strength or status," he explained. "Murong Lingyun embodies a strategic brilliance that transcends conventional norms. His ability to navigate intricate webs of power and influence, combined with his enigmatic aura, draws admiration even from the unlikeliest of places."

Xiao Chi, his eyes wide with wonder at the revelations about Murong Lingyun, couldn't help but inject a playful tone into the discussion. "So, this Murong Lingyun is like a shadow in the mist, huh?" he remarked with a mischievous grin, earning a chuckle from Su Chen.

Su Chen ruffled Xiao Chi's hair affectionately. "More like a hidden dragon, waiting to reveal its true form," he teased, enjoying Xiao Chi's playful energy.

Wang Chu, though focused, couldn't help but smile at Xiao Chi's antics. "Indeed, Xiao Chi," he said, his voice warm with amusement, "but even shadows hold secrets worth uncovering."

The Sky Devouring Beast, its massive form a stark contrast to Xiao Chi's youthful exuberance, let out a rumbling sound that resembled a deep laugh. "Young ones remind us of the joy in discovery," it mused, its ancient voice carrying a hint of fondness.

Old Ji, his expression softening, joined in the banter. "Just be careful not to get lost in the mist, Xiao Chi," he advised with a wink, earning a playful salute from the young disciple.

Xiao Chi, emboldened by the camaraderie, posed another question with a twinkle in his eye. "So, does that mean if we meet this Murong Lingyun, we'll have to play hide and seek to learn his secrets?" he quipped, eliciting a round of laughter from the group.

Su Chen, amidst the laughter, nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps not hide and seek, but certainly a game of wits and observation," he suggested, the playful atmosphere blending seamlessly with their serious considerations.

Wang Chu, his gaze fond as he looked at his spirited disciple, added, "Every encounter is an opportunity to learn, Xiao Chi. Whether it's a game or a serious discussion, wisdom can be found in unexpected places."

As the banter subsided to a comfortable hum in the background, Wang Chu's presence seemed to add gravity to the conversation. His eyes peered out into the distance towards the coastline that marked the Yan Empire, and he felt as if they were being watched by some colossal figure. 

"Light-hearted chatter aside," Wang Chu said, his voice measured but stern. "We may find ourselves caught up in a game that none of us have considered."

Su Chen, always quick to catch on to his Master's thoughts, furrowed his brows slightly. "Master," he said respectfully but with an edge of curiosity. "What is it you think?"

Wang Chu leaned back slightly as he replied — his expression calm and calculated. "When we crossed paths with one of Yan's territories earlier today," he began slowly. "I felt as if someone was sizing us up from behind." 

The group collectively tensed up at this news — their playful atmosphere had just been sucked right out of them. Old Ji, who always wore a stern look on his face anyway, nodded calmly as his eyes darted back and forth, deep in thought. "Intriguing," He grumbled deeply before continuing. "They never made contact with anyone directly — which means it was planned."

Xiao Chi wasn't quite able to grasp everything that was happening; however, he understood well enough that the situation was dire enough for him to take things seriously rather than blurt out another joke. "You think they were spying on us," He asked quietly yet pointedly.

Su Chen's gaze shifted towards Xiao Chi, sensing the gravity of their situation settling upon them. "Master, could this be related to what we've been discussing about Murong Lingyun and the Yan Empire's influence?" he ventured cautiously.

Wang Chu nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated the possibilities. "It is not outside the realm of possibility," he acknowledged, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Murong Lingyun's enigmatic reputation and the Yan Empire's strategic maneuvers could indeed intersect in unexpected ways."

Wang Chu's gaze softened slightly as he looked at Xiao Chi, a hint of amusement playing in his eyes despite the seriousness of their conversation. "Ah, Xiao Chi, it seems you might meet another 'Senior Brother' sooner than you think," he remarked with a gentle chuckle.

Turning towards the Sky Devouring Beast, Wang Chu's tone shifted to one of mutual understanding. "Rest here, old friend," he spoke to the beast with a sense of camaraderie that transcended mere words. "Tomorrow, we will make your back our main residence for the journey ahead. Be prepared and remain vigilant."

The Sky Devouring Beast nodded solemnly, its eyes reflecting a deep understanding of their upcoming endeavors. "Understood, Master," it rumbled in its resonant voice, the sound carrying across the beach.

The massive creature acknowledged Wang Chu's words with a rumbling purr, its eyes closing in anticipation of the rejuvenating rest ahead. The disciples, too, felt a sense of anticipation and readiness for the challenges awaiting them.