Beware Of Chicken

Book 4: Chapter 81: Last Days of Fall

Book 4: Chapter 81: Last Days of Fall

Drums pounded without cease. Fireworks detonated with wild abandon. Dragon costumes bounded and pranced through the streets, and children chased their tails.

And so the Sects of the Azure Hills, and this Director of Spiritual Ascension Affairs, bid you all welcome to make merry on this fine day!

Xiulan listened to the cheer that went up as the Lord Directors voice finished booming through the recently repaired formation. His voice was jovial, and punctuated by even more fireworks.

The streets thronged with people as the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Dueling Peaks commenced.

It was likely very different than the people of this town were used to, Xiulan mused as she walked through the crowd herself. The Dueling Town was normally quiet and sleepy this time of year. Perhaps there would have been a few parties and small town events, as most of the people left during the off season. There normally were no cultivators, and without the crowds that travelled to watch the tournaments most of the residents dispersed back into the countryside, retaking their roles as farmers, or simply closing their shops and heading back to other towns and villages.

But this year the cultivators had stayed. This year, each and every sect was in attendance. Over the months they had been operating out of the mountain, the people who lived in the town had obviously sent messages to friends, family, and business partners. And while it wasnt to the level of a tournament, the number of people in the town had once more swelled. The town once again looked more like a cityand Xiulan had worked with the Lord Director, Bai Huizhong, to organize the festivities properly.

The man had only been too happy to helpthe Lord Director had been nothing if not accommodating of everything they had been doing, and in return he had a seat in the meetings. Not that he actually spoke much, simply saying most of the time that he deferred to the Elders judgment.

Xiulan realised instantly why he had been Lord Director for so long, and why her father never had anything bad to say about the man. He was very adept at the political game.Nêww chapters will be fully updated at (

Outside that, he had actually been quite the help in smoothing out some of their problems. At first the Elders had been skeptical on how a mortal would be able to help with cultivator logistics, but Bai Huizhong clearly knew how to move vast quantities of supplies relatively quickly, and his ability to coordinate men in different towns and villages so far away from his seat of power was fascinating.

He also had several interesting ideas on how to cement the idea of the Azure Alliance, as many were calling it, in the minds of the people. They had not announced the alliance officially to the mortals, even if they knew something had changed, simply because at first nobody knew if it wouldnt all fall apart. But now? With the way things were progressing? Most of the Elders were fine with the people knowing.

To that end Huizhong was commissioning songs and plays and, of all things, dolls of various cultivators, clad in what was fast becoming their uniformthe blue gi top with the symbol for Azure on the back.

Familiarity reduces fear, the man had said. What child is afraid of the doll they hug for comfort at night? Who does not want to hear of their glorious protectors?

Xiulan found his logic hard to argue against as did the rest of the Elders. Everybody had been happy about itexcept for Tigu.

So what about royalties? she had asked.

Huizhong became slightly less enthusiastic after thatand Tigu had to explain the entire thing to the Elders. Most hadnt cared about the paltry sum from mortal trinkets, but Tigu had simply said it was so they could pay their mortal servants and that they needed every silver coin they could get to properly restore the mountain.

That had found more fertile ground with the Elders, and a deal was soon agreed to. Huizhong would be in charge of the announcement, and they would have a likely small but still useful income stream to aid in the reconstruction efforts.

Mmm. We have the same dragon dance, even if many of our customs are differentthough our dragons have to walk across the ravine balanced on ropes, the old man continued.

I would like to see that some day, Xiulan said. Perhaps next year? I would like a visit not cut short by the necessities of politics.

The man smiled. Of course, Grand Marshal. We would show you our hospitalitybut why wait? I would invite you to witness Ovliin Tulithat is the Holy Solstice. It is of great importance to us.

Xiulan paused, surprised, before she smiled. I am honoured, but I promised Master Jin I would celebrate the solstice with him and his family.

The older man nodded his head. Say no more. I understand he trailed off for a moment. How does he celebrate the night, if it is not too presumptuous of me to ask?

The old ways. His family dances until the sun comes up, to once more greet the dawn.

Baatar looked intensely interested. He took a breath, before deciding to speak again. I know Master Jin asked for his privacy. Butthere are some delicate matters of clan and people. How would he react to receiving a letter from us? I would like to meet him and offer my thanks. He looked after my kin when they battled the Shrouded Mountain Sect. If he is agreeable, I would invite him into our home as a guest of the highest honourweak though we may be to a man of his caliber.

Xiulan considered the request. The man making it was completely humble, with not a hint of greed in his eyes or posture. There was nothing in his mannerisms that indicated he wanted to use her friend. Instead, he spoke only with the greatest respectand Xiulan knew how much inviting a man into the ravine meant for the people of the Grand Ravine. Very few outsiders received that.

Besides, Jin had mentioned exploring the province, hadn't he? He had once said he thought the Grand Ravine would look amazing. When Little De got a bit older, perhaps they could travel? Xiulan wanted to show him the Azure Hills. The real Azure Hills, in all its glory.

I will deliver any correspondence myself, but I cannot promise anything, Xiulan said after a moment.

Thank you, Grand Marshal. That is more than I could have asked, Ulagaan Baatar said, clasping his hands in respect. Then he turned and considered the rest of the festival, before his eyes alighted on a go board. Though, may I ask that you keep this old man company for just a little longer?

Xiulan chuckled. Of course, but Ill have you know I have defeated Master Jin every time we have played.

The old mans eyes widened. Ah, then I shall be challenging your might.

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Ten minutes later, Baatar was squinting at the board. Xiulans cheeks were flushed as she stared at the complete domination she had been subjected to.

...Master Jin is really, really bad at Go, she said, defending herself.