1709 The Wind of Sorrow (1/2)
Edited by Aelryinth
Zhang Xiaohou glanced at the female officer named Ling Fei. He was surprised that the woman was familiar with the demon creatures of the Qinling Mountains.
”Indeed, the powerful creatures can easily hide themselves, while the lesser creatures are tricky to deal with. These Winged Patrol Beasts are extremely cunning. They are not strong on their own, but they won't attack intruders right away. They will keep sending out signals to the other beasts nearby with their cries, while staying in the area. Not only are they going to summon more Winged Patrol Beasts, they might attract the attention of other powerful creatures too!” Zhang Xiaohou confirmed.
”Other powerful creatures? Why would they do that? It won't do them any good!” Zhao Manyan protested.
”The Winged Patrol Beasts are lowly creatures. They will wait until the greater creatures are done feasting before eating the remains left behind. Therefore, we have never had to worry about burying corpses in the Qinling Mountains. These Winged Patrol Beasts will always clean them up,” Zhang Xiaohou said.
”Aren't they like vultures, then?” Apas asked.
”Except they are more disgusting,” Zhang Xiaohou agreed.
A few piercing shrieks came from above while they were talking. It sounded like the Winged Patrol Beasts were right above them!
”Did they notice our presence? We should leave at once,” Bai Hongfei said worriedly.
”Don't panic. The cries do not necessarily mean they have found us. These Winged Patrol Beasts like to make noise for no reason, just to intimidate timid intruders. We just need to stay on the path. We will be fine once the cries fade away,” Zhang Xiaohou said.
Zhang Xiaohou had entered the Qinling Mountains many times. He could easily identify the meaning behind the cries of the Winged Patrol Beasts and determine if they were bluffing or if they had truly found intruders.
”They are just a bunch of weaklings, we shouldn't be worried about them. Our time is running short, let's hurry!” Li Dexin said impatiently.
”General, we are currently in the Qinling Mountains; we should be more respectful,” the advising officer said.
”Respectful? If we bother wasting our time on the lesser creatures patrolling the canopy and the mountains, we are not being respectful, it's called making a big fuss over minor issues! We are going straight as fast as we can. If they dare to bother us, I'll handle them!” Li Dexin said.
”We all agreed beforehand that I'm in command!” Zhang Xiaohou was once again displeased by Li Dexin's arrogant behavior.
”Forget it, let him be. Besides, he did say that he will handle it,” Mo Fan said.
Several more cries were heard. The group lifted their eyes and saw shadows beating their wings along the top of the mountainsides and the huge trees along the edge.
”They did find us this time,” Zhang Xiaohou judged.
”Humph, they won't be a threat!” Li Dexin scoffed.
The group continued on their way. More shrieks came from above the walls on both sides. They would occasionally see one or two creatures with gray feathers flying from one side to the other. They took quick glimpses at the unwanted guests while they were flying past above them.
”Their numbers are increasing!” Ling Fei noticed.
”My ears are hurting,” Zhao Manyan added right after Ling Fei's comment.
Unfortunately, Ling Fei did not even bother to look at Zhao Manyan. He had tried flirting with her cheekily, yet all he received in return was an icy expression that clearly indicated the woman's disinterest in talking to him.
”They are always like this, disturbing and annoying their prey; they might even make noise for the whole night around the spot where we camp, making it difficult for us to rest and recover our energy. The strange thing is, no matter how calm a person is, their cries will still influence them,” Zhang Xiaohou informed everyone.
”The cries of these Winged Patrol Beasts are enchanted with magic. They aren't just normal cries,” Apas spoke up.
Apas was most familiar with Psychic Magic. The ability to disturb and unsettle the minds of an enemy with sound might not be effective with just one or two creatures, but when the cries stacked up as their numbers increased, it would severely impact their targets!
”You know quite a lot, little girl,” the advising officer noticed.
”I've learned them from big brother. He knows a lot. He always sits on my bed and shares his knowledge with me before I sleep,” Apas smiled like an innocent vixen, purposely leaning closer to Mo Fan.
On the bed...
Before sleep...
The soldiers of the Violent Imperial Battalion immediately fixed their eyes on Mo Fan, including the advising officer.
Mo Fan immediately saw the word 'jerk' in the look in their eyes. How could such an adorable little girl fall into the hands of a perverted man like him!?