109 What Should I Do? (1/2)
The search was troublesome. These experts were systematically scanning the ground and forest that was located beneath the mountain on which they had found refuge.
There were experts split into groups; some were moving on the ground, traversing the forest from beneath, while a small group was patrolling the skies on flying Fierce Beasts.
They were combing through the area with meticulous care, and Xue Wei gritted his teeth and felt uncomfortable.
He knew nothing of Hei Gou's change – that he now had wings and was capable of flying at lightning speed – as he had been unconscious when they escaped Lingyun Town.
”I need to save my newfound brother,” Xue Wei mumbled to himself as he looked at Hei Gou with worried eyes.
Hei Gou was in a deep sleep. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was steady. When Xue Wei looked at Hei Gou, he was reminded of the black lines under his eyes and how his body had seemed incredibly feeble the moment that Xue Wei had awakened.
Xue Wei knew by instinct that Hei Gou had watched over him, day in and day out, for a long time. The black dog had ensured that he was safe, and constantly worried about what to do should their pursuers catch up to them.
Even though Hei Gou had known that their lives were at risk and that someone would eventually discover their location, he had still faithfully remained by Xue Wei's side, knowing full well that he was putting his life at risk.
Xue Wei, who knew all of this, had not said any words of thanks to Hei Gou.He had instead kept the warmth in his heart, and he would do anything to protect his brother.
The hunters came closer and closer to the mountain. Xue Wei's body tensed more and more. He started considering his options.
Should he run away? Use his own body to lure the experts away from Hei Gou? Although that was risky for him, it was likely that it would be the best solution. Even so, he could not guarantee they would leave the mountain residence unchecked the moment Xue Wei showed himself.
Hei Gou was still deeply asleep. The black circles under his eyes were slowly vanishing, and he seemed as if he was improving by the minute.
Since Hei Gou was getting better, Xue Wei did not want to trouble him, but he was at a complete loss for what to do.
He sat down and started thinking about what exactly was happening. He knew that the more he thought, the more danger they were in, but he was hesitant. He did not wish to leave Hei Gou now that he had finally found a friend, but he was also willing to give up his life for said friend, knowing full well that his friend would do the same for him.
Xue Wei was deep in thought when he suddenly felt something moving in the cave. When he looked up, he saw that Hei Gou was awake and sat on the stone bed while looking at him with worry in his eyes.
”You did not sleep a lot,” Xue Wei said, but Hei Gou just shrugged his shoulders. Although he had not slept for a long time, his face was much less haggard than before. The charming smile that he always wore was back in position.
”Well, what is happening? You look as if you are about to make a life-changing decision? It is natural that I cannot sleep when you are making the atmosphere so tense!”
Xue Wei grimaced. He knew that he could not hide anything from Hei Gou at the current point in time, so instead he pointed out of the cave, moved to the side, and allowed the black dog to see for himself.
When he saw what was happening outside, his handsome face turned solemn and his smile faltered for a short moment.
”I knew they were supposed to arrive sooner or later, but this is unexpected and rather unfortunate,” Hei Gou sighed and Xue Wei nodded his head.
”I am thinking of using myself as bait,” Xue Wei said. ”I will run away as fast and as far as I can while you move the other way. They will chase me so you should be able to escape safely.”
Hei Gou's face turned dark, and the smile completely vanished. An ice cold feeling started spreading from his body, which took Xue Wei by surprise.
”I am not going to run away!” Hei Gou hissed. Were he not worried that his voice would alert the pursuers of their location, then he would clearly have screamed at the top of his lungs.
”We are in this together so we live and we die together as brothers!” he exclaimed fervently. ”Also don't give up just yet,” the smile returned to his lips.
”We have one path of escape,” he said and his voice was suddenly filled with confidence.
”I told you before,” Hei Gou said with a grin, ”my body transformed the moment I merged my blood with yours.”
”I am now not just an ordinary Celestial Dog. I am a mutated one. My body has grown wings, and I will be able to outrun most Fierce Beasts equivalent to the Heavenly Warriors, but I do not know for how long I will be able to keep that up.”
”The only reason I am able to do so is because my strength is equivalent to a Peak Sky Warrior, as I am a Primordial Beast whose body has mutated.”