Bab 96: Emergency

"Tang Wulin. You listen to me. And you listen to me well." Tang Wulin could hear the slight tremble in Karni's voice. There was no room for objections.

"There will be an attack on the train soon. I don't know exactly when, or how. But it will happen. Prepare for an Evil Soul Master, and a powerful one at that. More powerful than all of us." Karni's breathing over the phone increased even though nothing has happened yet. Jianyu's life was at stake here! Compared to the rest, this was far more important. Jianyu was basically his little brother!

"Tell it to someone you can trust, prepare for it as well as you can, while we go and get reinforcements before disaster happens."

Tang Wulin sounded eerily calm. "You called me not because of your brother, but…"

"Yes." Karni confirmed. "We were hoping to do something. But after you left, we first wanted to take care of… it doesn't matter anymore. We were careless and now we can only mitigate it as much as possible. Please protect Little Jian."

Tang Wulin heard one more voice. More desperate than Karni's. "Please, Tang Wulin. Protect my little brother."

Tang Wulin's answered utterly serious; with a dedication that could be felt through the communicator. "I promise. I won't let anyone lose a sibling today."

"... Thanks." Karni breathed, hoping that everything would be fine. "I promise to tell you the details later."

"Of course. Time is of the essence. I'll do all I can."

They stopped the call and Tang Wulin turned to Jianyu. "Little guy, let's go look for the train conductor. Your gifts will have to wait."

There was a certain ferocity in Tang Wulin's voice despite his seemingly kind words. Jianyu didn't dare argue.

… … …

Karni looked at Siduo with a face full of worry, but not as big as hers. For once in a tight situation, it was him who was left with some rationality.

"Sisi." Karni shook her shoulders. "Think. What is the fastest way we can get there? I don't have a mecha. You're the vehicle person. If need be, we steal a Soul Car."

Siduo's eyes refocused. "I have something." She quickly looked around. "We're close to the Tang Sect right?"

Karni nodded.

"That's where we go. I have a project I've been working on while you were part of the Human Augmentation Project. While I get it ready, you try to get a hold of Mo Qing."

… … …

"Dammit! Listen here!" Karni held the cloak of the receptionist, with his AR Glasses on. He used his given security access to prove it. "I don't care if he said that no one should disturb him! You tell him right now. If he doesn't call us soon, tell him that not only will we quit. I will take away as many rights as I can from the sect." Mo Qing ordered not to be interrupted, no matter who came. The only thing Karni could think of to force his teacher's hand now was direct threats. His teacher would understand.

But it was damn frustrating. Why couldn't he have that weird luck of meeting a master at a time like this? One that could start the process needed to get the proper force ready. Did all his luck run out in Star Luo Continent when he met Hu Jie?

Before he could threaten the Tang Sect receptionist further—something he never thought he would do in the first place—Siduo called him.

He left to go outside; Siduo was ready to go. He had no time. Lives were at stake.

A person walked up to the receptionist, face serious. The receptionist turned respectful. "Show me his ID."

The man looked it over. "Mm. He's somewhat reputable. Though he has no true combat experience… Oh? He does have one. Hmm." After checking the ID, he walked towards a corridor.

He met one inner disciple. "Ready a Battle Hall Battalion. As fast as possible."

"Yes sir. We'll be ready in 20 minutes."

"Make it 10." He turned to the elevator. "I need to talk to Mo Qing. He can confirm the nature of this information."

Karni didn't know it, but he did have some luck today.

… … …

Karni stared for a second. What was this? A full-blown car?

Siduo waved in a hurry. "Get in already!"

He hopped into the passenger's seat and Siduo put the pedal to the metal. They were about to break an uncountable number of laws.

Siduo drove like mad, but she drove well. Incredibly well. She really had been busy without Karni's knowledge. One could see that she put a lot of time into learning the intricacies of the car. Karni designed the AR Glasses and was part of the Human Augmentation Project—and Siduo was technically part of both as well—but she rarely actually actively participated. She only assisted during key production processes.

Karni looked at her. Her eyes glowed purple. She was using everything she had. She even had her Martial Soul activated so she could control her body to the best of her abilities.

This car also seemed a combination of off road as well as a city car. Perfect for chasing.

She forcefully broke through the city checkpoint border and an alarm went off. It hasn't even been 2 minutes of driving and they were already out of the city. She was terrifyingly efficient.

Karni turned to look back. Two Mechas aimed weapons at them. He teleported on the roof, fighting against the wind pressure. He put on his AR Glasses and started transmitting the Tang Sect frequency.

Even if the Mechas didn't belong to Shrek Academy or the Tang Sect, they had the frequency saved. The two organisations were in constant cooperation with the city's forces.

The Mechas stopped. Karni transmitted the emergency signal to them. At least the one he could in such situations. Unfortunately, only inner disciples had access for a general SOS signal to organise a group for help. Here he could only use this to explain their actions. Whether those will count as valid or not would be determined later. Though it wasn't one of his worries. Of course this would be valid. He trusted the leaders of Shrek.

Karni Shifted back inside the car, then turned to look back. One Mecha decided to stay, the other started following, though it was slower than the car. This could end up being a blessing in disguise

Siduo turned to the grass in a forceful manner, surprising Karni. She was aiming to get to the railroad. From there, she could directly catch up to the train.

They sped up on the railway, the mecha followed far behind. The pilot was trying to figure out what was going on. Their actions didn't resemble the typical Tang Sect protocol for Outer Disciples.

The road was bumpy, but the car barely felt it. The suspension system Siduo created in this car was amazing. Karni could see where some of the ideas she gave him for prosthetics came from. Balance and power distribution in technology. It wasn't something Karni had great knowledge or research in.

And thank gods she did that. They would have been completely up to luck otherwise. Karni remembered what would happen after the Evil Soul Master captures him. Tang Wulin would survive thanks to his dear old daddy dearest: Tang San. But Jianyu? He was a complete oddity in the scenario. They could not take the risks that came with such uncertainty.

Siduo knew about what would happen here as well. Karni told her a good while ago. It was important for them to cooperate in such times if they wanted to save lives. The reasons they didn't pull Tang Wulin into these were many, but the biggest of them was the chance that everything would change as soon as they did. Not that it mattered anymore.

After 10 minutes of driving way past the highway limit on the railroad, they finally noticed the train in the distance. It was stopped. And smoke could be seen as well. Shit. It had already started.

"Be safe Jianyu. Please be safe." Siduo muttered from the side and sped up even more. The Mecha that followed them before wasn't even visible anymore, but they were still transmitting the emergency frequency. Hopefully the mech behind them would catch up soon.

"Sisi. How much do you care about the car?"

"If destroying it can help, it's worth absolutely nothing."

"Good." Karni activated his first Soul Ring and combined it with Purple Demon Eyes. Purple Demon Eyes gave true perception of current surroundings, unlike Golden Insight. After so much time combining the two, Karni could almost see the movements of Space and Time itself. He could feel and see surroundings he couldn't otherwise with Purple Demon Eyes alone.

It was now similar to Huo Yuhao's Spirit Eyes abilities. The only difference here was that it was still based mostly on his vision. The rest had to be felt with his Spiritual Prowess. While it was mighty, it wasn't nearly as versatile or as detailed as Huo Yuhao's abilities were.

Thankfully, he only needed to focus on the future in the distance.

Karni saw a golden shape jump out of the train with force and might, followed by a ghostly golden shape. He could almost feel the moment coming.

"Siduo! Push it! Our timing is perfect!"

Siduo pushed on the pedal. To its very maximum.

The closer they got the more Karni got a feel for the timing of when it was about to happen.

"Slow down just a bit. Yes… wait… wait… Full speed!" Karni shouted.

Tang Wulin tore open the side of the train and jumped out, followed by a ghastly figure. And into that figure drove the car with full force, with no one inside it.

Tang Wulin's eyes opened wide.

"Wulin! Is Jianyu safe!"

Tang Wulin turned. "He is! But the conductor is hurt! She protected him! I barely distracted the guy, so he'd chase me afterwards. You guys couldn't have come at a better time."

The three quickly put themselves into position. Then they ran. Karni was behind, Siduo and Tang Wulin at the forefront. Into the wilderness, as far away as possible.

"Wulin. Info."

"Soul Emperor. Weird bone spikes. He's angry at me, so he'll definitely follow. Hopefully your actions angered him further."

"How many were killed?" Karni asked, but then immediately Shifted. Sizzling, grey bones hit the ground where he stood before.

"Haaaaa." A chilly sigh escaped from the forest. "I was going to have some fun with you. But then that claw. And now a car of all things?"

Siduo immediately transformed into her Hell White Tiger. It was only a shame that she couldn't utilise most of her Battle Armour pieces anymore, she already started fusion with the alloyed Battle Armour. That one was blood bound, incompatible with the usual one-word Battle Armour.

Tang Wulin also shined brightly with his Golden Dragon Body. His single Golden Blood Ring didn't lose in intensity to Siduo's base fusion form.

Karni, on the other hand, released his melody. Controlling it as a steady rhythm on their side, and a chaotic one at the opponent's area. At the same time, he circulated Relaxing Aura to its maximum, using every little thing that could help them.

Wulin and Siduo glanced at Karni's eyes, both familiar with his abilities by now.

Just from applying abilities, Karni could feel that the one on Tang Wulin was a bit unstable. Is the guy's mind already wavering? Something must have happened just before this.

"Mm. Mm. You two will be fun toys to play with too after that boy."

Karni felt a shudder. This odd feeling. Those words reverberated in his mind. He could feel the bloodlust the guy was releasing. It was an instinctual dread. Dread for his life.

The man moved, Siduo and Tang Wulin jumped. Tang Wulin was above the guy, Siduo from below. The guy used his Spirit Soul to spring himself high in the air.

Karni attacked from behind with a Shift, music disappeared from the surroundings, and all that was left was his single Bo Staff. He didn't have the time to build up any additional power.

The Ashen man was surprised. Was that… genuine danger he felt? Well, well. These brats had some surprises prepared

The man's fifth Soul Ring lit up. A pitch-Black Soul Ring. Yet it felt almost as Ghastly as the man himself.

The man lit up in green flames, before the flame extended from him and into a giant green ball. The ball of flames contracted in a blink of an eye, then expanded.

"Watch out!" Karni shouted first. His predictions were still just a tad more effective than those he put on Wulin and Siduo.

The two braced. Siduo activated her defensive skills, Tang Wulin wrapped an additional layer of Bluesilver Grass around himself.

Kani Shifted away, he couldn't take that head on.

The flames exploded like a bomb. Green flames attacked Wulin and Siduo. The two looked battered, but they still stood.

They knew they were running out of time, but it wasn't over yet. A golden shape attacked from behind, guiding their timing.

The two exploded in power, putting on their Battle Armour pieces. Siduo immediately fused six of her Soul Rings. As fast as she could, knowing it would damage her.

Tang Wulin's bloodline flowed, his technique, Golden Dragon Shocks the Heaven. A technique he used against Siduo as well. Except it was now stronger than their bout a month ago. Additionally, five long streaks appeared. Tang Wulin's Dreadclaw External Bone.

They aligned perfectly, Tang Wulin and Siduo struck together, and what caught up was a thrown Bo Staff. Yes. A full Bo Staff, because Karni couldn't build up his Disordered Drumstick Resonance high enough, only up to 9. This would be stronger than a base Sound-filled Drumstick.

The ghastly man had to admit. These brats were incredibly talented. His third Soul Ring shined, and a pale grey shield of smoke appeared before him.

As soon as the attacks clashed with it, it cracked, almost shattering, before suddenly strengthening.

"Alright then, enough games. This isn't fun. I want to get to the fun part."

The group's eyes looked in horror. Ghastly green and black Battle Armour covered the Ashen-Robed man. His fourth Soul Ring activated. The flames increased, Siduo and Wulin were immediately set aflame. Screaming. Bloody screaming. And the man laughed.

Karni tried to run, trying to switch to a blitzkrieg tactic. He had to strike and save them. He still had his Shift-

The sixth Soul Ring shone a ghastly black. The gourd released grey smoke, it had the same smell as the fire, except… Karni couldn't sense anything with his Spiritual Power! Even his Purple Demon Eyes had trouble seeing through it. It wasn't an illusion.

He… couldn't lock onto any space. His senses couldn't. He… He screamed in pain. The fire reached him. This was what they felt?

Scorching heat. A burning skin.

Pain. His very soul felt like it was burning.

"Karni!" The crow yelled from the inside. Sending him some of his origin essence. Karni had to keep it together.

"Stop it, Hop. I can't move. You could still run."

"Fuck that. That bastard is evil. We just have to wait! You only have to survive. Help should be on the wa-"

A cackling laughter caused Karni to lose focus. His mind was hazy. His mind was in pain. His body was in powerless. His body was in pain. He could only feel the help of Hop, an energy trying to fight back against the invading fire.

He collapsed. No power he could summon anymore. He hazily looked at the Evil Soul Master. Glaring. He would not give in willingly.

"You first." The Ashen Man approached Tang Wulin and picked him up by the neck. Tang Wulin could no longer struggle. "You caused everything here. Now scream for me."

Tang Wulin screamed for two seconds before losing consciousness. His eyes closed.

The man looked bewildered. "Dammit! Scream, I said!"

Karni could feel even the flames on him intensify. He could barely hold it together. He glanced at Siduo. Her teeth were gritted, but her eyes were already completely empty. Her mind gave up before her body did.

"Dammit. When is that asshole coming?" Karni could only scream into his mind. His mouth wouldn't move. Also where was the damn Mecha? Wasn't it following them?

Why was Tang San needing so long. Did something change? Please. He couldn't hold on much longer. He didn't want to die. He couldn't!

Anger filled Karni. The feeling of helplessness This was so unfair. He had a plan for this day! And now it was going so wron-

The flames vanished. "WHAT!?" The terrible man screamed.

"You bastard! I'll kill you!"

Yet the man suddenly stopped. Tang Wulin stood tall. He jerked his body and sprung backwards. In his hands appeared a Golden Trident.

Karni watched it all with a barely conscious mind. Finally.

Tang Wulin flickered—his injuries now healed thanks to a golden power—suddenly appearing in front of the Ashen man. The spear, the Trident, impaled him without effort.

Ashen-Robed Man's eyes turned pale, before slowly withering. "Evil leads to destruction!" Tang Wulin, who was really Tang San, shouted. The man died just like that.

Tang San turned to Karni and Siduo. The golden eyes went wide. "Impossible. You… You two?" He turned to Siduo. "Both of you?"

Before Tang Wulin could voice any more thoughts, the golden presence vanished, and Tang Wulin fell lightly on the ground.

Karni in his barely conscious mind, was confused. Tang San knew him? He knew him? How? That didn't make any sens- He lost consciousness. His mind was barely even alive.

… … …

A minute later. A man, wearing armour with a flame-like design arrived next to the trio. He first checked up on Tang Wulin. The boy was breathing, surprisingly uninjured even. Thank the gods. He then stepped next to Karni and Siduo. The other two were alive as well, though they looked to be in a dangerous state instead.

Soon more men in mechas arrived. "Your eminence. I am Captain Liu An of Heaven Dou City's 1st Mecha Regiment. May I ask you to identify yourself?"

The man with flames crouched and put Soul Power into Siduo and Karni. He answered all the while. "I'm Zhen Hua of the Blacksmith's Association. I had received a request for help from my nephew-disciple and came to save him. No traces of hostiles were spotted when I arrived."

The man looked around. No enemies were here. Only traces of a battle.

Soon, they heard more movements. Mechas, by the sound of it.

Liu An shouted. "Stop there! You're in Heaven Dou City's jurisdiction. Identify yourselves."

Mechas, along with a group of hooded humans, arrived. The leading man nodded at one of the Mechas. If Karni and Siduo were conscious, they would recognise it as the one that followed them.

"I am Guo Xiaxu. General Manager of Tang Sect Battle Hall. The Shrek branch. We came here because one of our members notified us that an Evil Soul Master would attack the train leaving from Shrek to Heaven Dou City."

Liu An ordered his battalion to stand down. One wouldn't just go mess with the Tang Sect.

Guo Xiaxu continued. "Speaking of, the two being healed by His Excellency, are the two that notified us."

Everyone glanced at the kids. "To be exact, it was Val Karni, the boy, who screamed his lungs out due to the danger."

"Odd. How did he know?" Liu An wondered.

"I wonder the same thing myself." Guo Xiaxu said. "But I can speak for his character. We have records that he has helped the good side before. He should not be suspicious."

"It doesn't matter." Zhen Hua interrupted the two. "Aside from my disciple-nephew, the other two are in a bad state. We need to get them to a professional."

Liu An nodded. "We can question them later. We need to check the casualties on the train as well. I trust the Tang Sect will cooperate with us."

"Of course we will. Though the personal information of our members is confidential."

"I'll be going back first. Thank you for taking care of the situation." Zhen Hua nodded to the two. He flew off with the three teens. No one stopped him. No one would dare to stop a Divine Blacksmith. A Four-Word Battle Armour Master.

None except for one. "Wait!" A person shouted from within the Tang Sect group. "I am their teacher. Val Karni's and Wu Siduo's. Please. Let me come with you."

Zhen Hua stopped and nodded. "Don't fall behind." He couldn't wait. Karni and Siduo needed healing now.