The opposing forces suffered substantial damage as Huxian's group crashed into them. There was a quarter hour left before reinforcements were to arrive, and their job was to buy as much time as possible. He couldn't worry about the fates of the low-level soldiers. His job was to fight against six half-step core-formation cultivators. It wasn't going well. Every one of those that faced him specialized on restraining techniques and defense, effectively locking him out of the battle.

Meanwhile, the other sovereigns were suffering greatly. Each was confronted with multiple stronger opponents, unable to break free. It wasn't long before the first one fell. The Reptilian Lion Sovereign, with his iron-hard defense and poisonous claws, was subdued by three other cultivators just as strong as the ones restraining Huxian. Only one of the three cultivators perished in the process.

Things weren't going much better in the middle of the battlefield. Now that Guo Jia was no longer concerned with breaking formation eyes, he brought out the best out of his high-grade formations, incinerating low-level demon beasts by the score. Their advantage on that front was dwindling.

Two incense time left, Huxian thought. He didn't use his most powerful abilities, as they left large openings that could be exploited by his opponents. Hurry up, Brother, he sent mentally to Cha Ming.

The battlefield was a meat grinder, even considering the Geomantic Sovereign and Wang Jun's efforts in erecting random walls, spike traps, and timely concealing formations. By the time an incense time remained, a quarter of the beast forces had been decimated.

Why did we have to intercept them again? Huxian asked Wang Jun.

Because we didn't want to allow them time to set up a defense, Wang Jun said. Someone tipped them off on Cha Ming's arrival, so they had started setting up permanent defensive formations. Formation masters are especially frightening when given enough time to prepare, and the losses would have been staggering if we attacked them later. Once Cha Ming's forces arrive, we'll be able to fight them on even terms. Before then, however, we can only distract them and sacrifice forces.

I get that, Huxian said. But couldn't we have—

Run! Wang Jun sent mentally. Huxian looked toward the sky and spotted the twelve core-formation cultivators, who had suddenly jumped into action.

They must be suicidal, Huxian thought. Unless they know something that I don't. He felt a massive pressure on his bloodline as a giant owl suddenly appeared on the battlefield. Despite his size, he was several times faster than Huxian was.

"You dare interfere in this battle between juniors?" the owl shouted, flying toward the core-formation cultivators and baring its talons. Ten of the cultivators attacked it with their weapons and various Daoist techniques, barely managing to hold it back. Two of the core-formations cultivators avoided its talons and dashed at unreasonable speeds. Straight toward the retreating Huxian.

Shit, he thought. He combined his two clones into one body and laid a bagua trap behind himself. Eight trigrams imprisoned the two pursuers, but only temporarily. The trap only bought him five breaths. How in the nine heavens am I supposed to survive this?

One the cultivators, a gray-haired old man, formed ten thousand hand seals in the blink of an eye. A giant two-hundred-foot-wide frost lotus sprouted beneath Huxian's paws. They tore through his fur as he struggled to dodge. From above, ten thousand swords rained down on him. His fur was tough, but not tough enough to completely negate techniques from core-formation cultivators. Over twenty of them cut deeply into his black and white fur, leaving patches of red.

Brother Cha Ming, Huxian sent. It looks like I won't be able to hold out. I'm sorry. As he darted between the forest of ice and steel blades, he saw Lei Jiang's familiar purple glow.

Run away! Huxian sent to him. You can't fight them! The purple mouse ignored his words, summoning nine purple lightning dragons to attack the two core-formation cultivators. They simply snorted, and with a wave of their sleeves, Lei Jiang was thrown onto the side of the mountain coughing blood. His lightning dragons dissipated into nothingness. This was a suppression of realms.

With Lei Jiang disposed of, the two stone-faced cultivators formed hand seals once more. This time, two giant spears appeared above Huxian. One was gold, the other was crystalline. He roared in defiance at the spears as they came plunging down toward him. His surroundings went dark, and he simultaneously transformed into a sphere of light that pushed back against the spears. Cracks appeared on that sphere as the core-formation cultivators exerted their powers.

This is the end, Huxian thought as the cracks expanded.

Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the cool mountain air. The winds shifted suddenly, and a silver glint broke through the darkness that surrounded them. The streak of silver dove down from above the clouds and cut a sharp arc in its descent, suddenly smashing into the two spears that were attacking Huxian. The silver streak was like a sharp blade tearing through wet paper. The two core-formation cultivators coughed up blood as their techniques were destroyed.

Silverwing! Huxian shouted. He didn't waste the hard-won opportunity and continued fleeing. The core-formation cultivators struggled to chase after him, but they were pelted with swipe after swipe of deadly silver wings. You came back, my friend.

What else was I supposed to do? the falcon cooed.

You didn't lock yourself up because you were mad at me? Huxian asked.

How could this noble friend of yours be so selfish? he said indignantly. I locked myself up to upgrade my bloodline and retrieve my inherited memories. Then when you dropped off that delicious silver root, I immediately used it to break through to core formation. I just didn't expect it to take so long. I could barely move, and sending out that drop of blood took more power than you can even imagine. It delayed my breakthrough by several days.

Huxian's heart warmed. Thank you for coming back, my friend, he sent. The two core-formation experts had quit pursuing him. Instead, they took the opportunity to slay two more sovereigns before finally retreating. The other core-formation cultivators, Guo Jia, and the other foundation-establishment experts retreated as well, just in time for Huxian to see a large group of men in white cloaks on the horizon with the rising sun.

He looked at the battlefield mournfully. One-third of all the beasts and sovereigns had been slain in this crucial battle. Was it worth it?

***

The leaders of the beast and human forces stood at odds at the peak of Silverwing's mountain. Wang Jun, as the only human among the beasts, was in an awkward position. The owl monarch stood proudly, watching the newly arrived core-formation cultivators with a guarded expression. The sovereigns glared at them. They had suffered too much bloodshed at the hands of the humans lately.

The leader of the humans looked around awkwardly, obviously unsure of what to do.

"Huxian!" Cha Ming yelled, flying out toward the group of beasts. The black-and-white fox jumped out and shrank in size substantially.

"Brother!" the small fox yipped, jumping into his arms. Cha Ming pet his head, and Huxian licked Cha Ming's face. The awkward tension that had built up between both groups diminished substantially. Both humans and beasts watched on with incredulous expressions.

"I'm sorry for being late," Cha Ming said. "The Obsidian Syndicate snuck out of the city, so we had to rush to get here on time."

"As long as you're here," Huxian said.

Then, as if realizing that he was surrounded by what was essentially the royalty of the Silverwing Mountain Range, he coughed and reverted to his normal size. "This is my brother, Cha Ming," Huxian said in a much more authoritative voice. "I have signed a contract of brotherhood with him. You must treat him as you treat me." The expressions of the sovereigns and even the monarch softened substantially when they heard this. Likewise, the Alabaster Group's vigilance lessened as well. After all, all the beasts but the monarch seemed submissive to the black-and-white fox. If he was one of their members' contracted beasts, it wasn't impossible to work together.

After briefly discussing with Huxian, Cha Ming withdrew thirty-six formation flags. Using his Clear Sky Brush, he set up large-scale healing formation, the Mid-Grade Respite Formation. The beasts, who had been severely wounded in the battle, began recovering at a visible pace.

"I hate to interrupt this teary reunion, but we don't have much time," Wang Jun said suddenly, stepping toward Cha Ming and Huxian. "I'm not sure if you all realize that our forces are currently at a disadvantage should the Obsidian Syndicate attack."

"How are we at a disadvantage?" Flaming Eagle Sovereign questioned. "With the monarch on our side, we will surely defeat them."

"I'm afraid that he's right," the monarch said. "But I'm not comfortable talking about the reasons behind this in front of everyone. I would like Huxian, Cha Ming, Wang Jun, Silverwing, Flaming Eagle Sovereign, and two representatives from the Alabaster Group to follow me to discuss. I will tell you everything. Does that sound reasonable?"

After looking at the eldest and most powerful core-formation cultivator, Luo Xuehua nodded. "I, Luo Xuehua, and Protector Meng will represent those from the Alabaster Group."

"Excellent," the large gray owl said. "Follow me."

They followed the large owl down the mountain toward the valley below. The valley was known as Owl Monarch Gorge, and it was off-limits to man and beast alike, save those the monarch approved of. The nine mountains came together like an ellipse with the valley at its center. The mountains were prosperous and full of life, while the valley was full of death and decay. Wherever they looked, they saw withered trees that had long been broken apart by the wind.

"This is far enough," the owl said. Then, to everyone's surprise, it slumped to the ground. A large red stain trickled out from beneath its left wing for all to see. Looking closer, they saw three swords had pierced its side where its heart should be. "The reason we are at a disadvantage, as our very observant friend put it, is because I am dying. I am on my last legs, a lamp on its last few drops of oil."

The owl didn't react as Cha Ming threw out a healing combat formation near the wound, which refused to close. The owl shook its head. "It's no use. You would need a core-level formation to make any difference. The vitality of a core-formation spirit beast is far too high, and your formation is just a drop in the bucket. Now then, Wang Jun, how could you tell?"

"Everyone has a story," Wang Jun said wistfully. "Unfortunately, yours is far too easy for me to see. There is only one ending for you, and that is your death."

The owl sighed. "I have a few days at most, and that's if I don't fight. Therefore, our alliance against this band of devils is much weaker than you might think. If we fought against them, we would last at most a week."

Wang Jun shook his head. "Not even that. They clearly have a spy in the Alabaster Group." Luo Xuehua glared at him, but he continued. "They couldn't have known when we would be arriving and have arranged a counter ploy if they didn't. They clearly knew when we would attack them."

He looked at Cha Ming. "That means they also know that Cha Ming is a formation master. Given enough time and resources, Cha Ming could make this battle very difficult for them, despite Guo Jia's presence. After all, formation masters are best defensively. That means that they will attack within the hour to not give him that chance. We need to be ready to use everything we have at our disposal."

"Everyone from the Alabaster Group is ready to lay their lives down to kill devils," Luo Xuehua said. The elder beside her nodded. "I can also call the Alabaster Group to send additional forces. They won't stand by idly as we're slaughtered by those from the Obsidian Syndicate. Give us twenty-four hours, and we'll have more core-formation reinforcements."

"This the other reason they will attack sooner," Wang Jun said.

"We beasts always get the short end of the stick," the owl said weakly. "We do not care about these petty battles between angels and devils. We care not for karma. We have always been neutral. But why do we always get caught in the crossfire?"

"It's because demons always populate areas with natural riches," Wang Jun explained. "How could greedy humans possibly stay away from them?"

"You are right of course," the owl sovereign said. "Core-formation demon beasts can live five thousand years, which is ten times as long as a human. I have seen many wars and many struggles for riches. As such, our land has dwindled steadily. Now all that is left of my great-grandfather's domain is the Silverwing Mountain Range, named after his friend Silverwing. Your ancestor," he said, shooting a meaningful look to Silverwing.

"In any case, aside from discussing the reality of the situation, I came to bring you hope," the owl said. "I see things sometimes. Things that help us beasts navigate the difficult currents of each age. This time, I saw a man wielding a black and white brush, activating Silverwing's Pure Jade Defensive Formation."

The group looked to Cha Ming, the sole formation master. "What grade of formation is it?" Cha Ming asked.

"Throughout the mountain range, there are nine jade formation plates," the owl explained. "In the center, there is a control plate. The formation is a core-level formation, but the foundation is already set. In addition, the energy is supplied by the mountain."

Cha Ming shook his head. "I'm afraid that's far beyond my ability."

"It isn't," the owl said. "Not this one. I can feel it. But it will take you and your fox brother to accomplish it. Do you dare trust me?"

Then the owl's eyes changed. When Cha Ming looked at them, he felt as though he could see through the mysteries of the Dao, as though he were lost in a sea of mysteries.

You can see things that others can't, the owl said mentally. It is in your destiny to activate the formation. The Dao will make everything possible.

***

"Impossible," Zhou Li said. "We clearly have the advantage. Why should we rush and attack now?"

"Because they've just gained a substantial advantage," the voice whispered. "A formation master named Du Cha Ming."

Hearing this familiar name, Zhou Li grimaced.

"It is also very likely that the Alabaster Group will send reinforcements. Are you able to pay more for additional services? Besides, it's not like you are losing anything. We've already been paid, and you only stand to lose if you don't act now."

Zhou Li thought for a while before nodding. This was the last chance they would get, and if they didn't succeed, he would be up to his elbows in debt. He hated debt.

***

Cha Ming and Huxian followed the owl monarch as it hopped with small flaps of its wings. Each flap sprayed copious amounts of blood onto the dusty forest floor. The land here seemed to be dying. And according to what Huxian said, it was also absent of demonic qi, something unusual so far into beast territory.

"Why is the land so gray here?" Cha Ming asked.

"It is as it looks," the monarch replied. "It has been dying ever since the formation was put into place. It was set up as a potent defense, but the price was half the energy the land had to offer. It will never recover so long as the formation stays."

"But why set it up in the first place?" Cha Ming questioned.

"My ancestor had a dream," the owl said. "The True Seer bloodline is powerful, allowing its descendants to see what others can't. He saw the destruction of our people, and he knew that the only way to prevent it was through this formation."

They continued advancing through the broken, desolate forest. Even the waters seemed strange. They were clear like the purest streams, yet lifeless. Not even swamp creatures that feasted on death dared occupy them.

Before long, they reached a large clearing where Cha Ming and Huxian finally saw a large jade plate, much like the one he had seen on Huxian's mountain peak. This one was circular instead of rectangular, with lines heading in nine different directions. It too was covered in runes. Although he was able to read them, Cha Ming could tell what was required of him was far beyond his capacity.

"I can't do this," Cha Ming said, shaking his head. "I can't even grasp a tenth of this formation."

"You can," the owl said. "It's just that there are some things you still don't see. The formation was made to be easy to use, assuming one meets certain prerequisites."

"And what prerequisites are those?" Cha Ming wondered aloud.

"A key. And a technique," the owl replied. "If you have the key, the technique will appear."

"And what is this key you speak of? Where can we find it?" Cha Ming asked.

"I already mentioned it," the owl said. "My ancestor dreamed of a disaster and built this formation. He was inspired to build a testing stele, so that the destined one might gain us a slim chance for survival. I, on the other hand, had a different dream. I dreamed of a man who wielded a brush and a black-and-white fox with two tails. The brush was the same as you were wielding when you arrived."

It dawned on Cha Ming then. The key was the Clear Sky Brush.