Chi Ni Zi

The sound accompanying the red light was so abrupt and loud that it shook Shi Mu and the three Windstrider Hou* into a jump.

[Hou is a mystical creature in Chinse folklore which most resembles a dog. It has a pretty crappy temper and loves to have fun (on other beings' expense). Some people say that Hou is the natual predator for dragons, 'cause they eat dragon brains; Some say Hou is the posterity of dragons, and is exclusive with the job of supervising the Emperor of China.]

"Ehh?" A soft quizzical exclamation escaped from the red light, which made a sudden hairpin turn before descending. Once the light receded, a towering silhouette about several yards tall and a skin as red as a jujube emerged.

"That's the guy!" Shi Mu's eyes flashed in recognition. This man had left quite an impression on Shi Mu—after all, he was one of the muscular, Earth-rank men who had left on his own.