The Missing Gu Do

"Gu Do?" called Jing Lung while walking outside. He widened his eyes among the forests and trees far across the river. The field didn't leave any clues. But when he was about to take his sword, the calmness that spread this time was too quiet. Made Jing Lung feel bad.

When he heard someone moving behind him, on reflex, Jing Lung immediately turned around and brandished his sword in the air. But apparently, an elf who was holding two corns in his hand appeared.

Jing Lung's forehead furrowed faintly, trying to process what was going on. "You… the owner of this hut?"

The question sounded impolite, but Jing Lung was in a panic. Because Gu Do disappear. It had only been a few seconds since he had sent him to guard in front of the hut, but when he returned, the man had disappeared. A feeling of guilt enveloped Jing Lung for a moment. Has anyone been following him all this time? Or Folix—who took Gu Do away to purposely drag him right into the Folix Hole? Or worse, what if Folix had been following him all this time?

It could be because he had been with Han Zhong all along.

In that case, is Han Zhong all right?

"Hey, kid!" cried the old Elf, holding the corn in his face to wake him up. Jing Lung's reflex blinked.

"Old Man, did you see my friend standing in front of your hut—"

The elf wasn't very tall. He was slightly stooped with a crooked nose and pointed ears. His skin is not as old as grandpa's Trixon. His eyes were dark blue and looked beautiful in the moonlight.

"You haven't answered my question yet! You may look like someone from the Monarchy, but you act like a thief!" hissed the Old Elf as he turned nonchalantly into his cabin.

"Wait a moment! I was looking for you. Old Man, where are you from?"

"What do you mean where? And since when did I let you into my hut?"

Jing Lung's feet that had stepped on the living room of the hut reflexively moved backward. He stood in front of the door watching the Old Elf who turned out to have a sharp wrinkle between his nose. He was putting the two corns in the stove, boiling them.

"Sorry, but… did you see—"

The Old Elf glanced sharply at him. "Get out of here boy," he said coldly, shaking his head. The Old Elf dragged his steps towards the center of the room, took a boat of water, and gulped it straight down.

"I can't. My friend disappeared in an instant. I don't know where he went, he just suddenly disappeared."

"I don't care about your friends, or you. Now, get out of my hut."

Jing Lung did not give up. He blocked the Old Elf who was about to come out. "I know about you," he said calmly, "you're the only elf who made it out of Folix's hole. I have to ask for your help."

Jing Lung's cheek was suddenly slapped by the Old Elf. His eyes lit up and this time it was more glaring. Suddenly, Jing Lung felt a momentary loss of consciousness as the slap was painful as well.

"Aw…"

"Watch your mouth!" Old Elf hissed as he glanced up among the tall treetops across the room. Jing Lung still didn't understand the situation, but the Old Elf who had lived here for many years would know that something was wrong. His nose could detect an unfamiliar scent from across the river, his feet could feel a new vibration around the hut and even his eyes could spin like the axis of the earth knowing the slightest movement.

"Don't you know that you've been followed by Folix? Could be your friend in Folix's kidnapping."

Jing Lung's heart swished coldly. "What?" his voice is slow and desperate. Ever since his journey from the borders of Lune Temple, when he parted from Han Zhong and met Gu Do who was waiting at the top of the tree in the direction of the Bluelit forest, he had not felt anything or seen anything suspicious around him.

And now this Old Elf was telling him he was being followed by Folix? Seriously Jing Lung didn't feel any wariness toward them? Was Gu Do really… kidnapped?

Jing Lung's heart sank. He felt a part of him was attacked by disbelief.

"You're still a kid, don't underestimate Folix."

"I'm not like that. Look, I have something important to tell you."

The Old Elf's brows furrowed. He pushed Jing Lung's shoulder, who was almost as tall as the elf's, to get out of the doorway that was blocked.

"I told you to get out of here. I don't want anything to do with anyone, much less—with someone Folix is ​​following. What kind of people are you?"

Realizing that he had not introduced himself, Jing Lung immediately bowed his head in respect. "Sorry, I'm Jing Lung. Chief Flinch of Dragon Palace."

Hearing that the Old Elf who was about to sit in front of the bonfire stopped. He glanced at Jing Lung who was standing tall. Now he was being followed by Folix. If so, then he must continue to be vigilant. If Folix is ​​around, then they should know his purpose here, right?

"A little brat like you is a respected Flinch leader? What are you trying to fool me with?"

Without saying anything else, Jing Lung immediately took out his flat and sharp sword from the scabbard. It swung its energy to the ground and then leaped high into the sky with lightning speed and beyond the shadows. Made one long and distant blow that was enough to squish the Old Elf. The silhouette of Jing Lung's thin body and agile leaps were painted behind the moonlight as he soared through the sky. When the wind sped up and fast again, right then and there, Jing Lung descended from the sky with a smooth anvil beneath his soundless feet.

There was no vibration whatsoever, only a strong gust of wind as Jing Lung hit the ground again. He got up and looked at the Old Elf while putting his sword back into the scabbard. The long hair hanging from her temples swayed slightly.

"Is that still not enough?" Jing Lung asked.

The Old Elf cleared his throat briefly and then looked away. "Whatever."

The sound of the sword whizzing as it was tucked into its scabbard closed the short show. Jing Lung approached and stood beside the Old Elf.

"I beg you, after this, I will not bother you anymore, Old Elf. I am here because it is strictly on the orders of the Dragon Prince."

The elf's eyes narrowed slightly when he heard Han Zhong being called. Jing Lung deliberately provoked it, because he had no other way. Gu Do was kidnapped. He was being followed by Folix and of course, the ugly demon should know what he was doing here. So without expecting any respect, Jing Lung had to finish his plan.

"Okay. But stop calling me Old Elf. My name is Jiyo."

***