The moonlight flowed like water.
In Elder Xu's courtyard, a man, a bear, and a tiger sat facing one another, the atmosphere as eerie as if they were plotting a rebellion.
Seventeen demonic beasts sat in a circle, eyeing the old man in their midst like tigers watching their prey.
Black Mountain stroked the bear fur on his chin, looking unfathomable. "Old Xu, there's something this humble scholar must tell you."
Elder Xu's heart lurched, but he plastered on a smile. "Please, fellow Daoist."
"Little Lin and those junior brothers of his... have long since become my people, too."
Elder Xu froze.
Little Lin?
Lin Ping, the one who had brought them into the sect today?!
This bear... had fucking started stirring things up ages ago?!
Red Wind added quietly from the side, "They wanted to capture us and bind us with contracts, but then..."
The corner of Elder Xu's mouth twitched.
He understood.
It seemed that mighty expert had left some means of protection on them. Any contract that came into contact with them would come a cropper, provided its user's strength did not exceed that mighty expert's.
Just like he himself had.
But Elder Xu was Elder Xu, after all.
He immediately gave a thumbs-up. "Such foresight, fellow Daoist! I admire you! I truly do!"
Black Mountain waved a bear paw, looking thoroughly pleased, though he said, "...Hardly worth mentioning, hardly worth mentioning."
Elder Xu wore an expression that said, "You're too modest." "In ten thousand years of cultivation, I've never seen such a... masterful strategist, winning victories a thousand miles away... such a gifted bear!"
Black Mountain nodded. "You flatter me. This humble scholar merely... repaired the roof before the rain."
Red Wind nearly threw up last night's dinner beside them.
Could you two act normal?
At