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The ancient forest is covered in mid-summer rain as the little critters scurried back into their homes. Mist moved with the nimble figure moving fast to see if the rumor was real.
The yao overheard a group of bone eagles talk of a human lurking deep in the depths of the forbidden demon temple. The black ninetailed fox had to see for himself.
Humans never came this far in fear of being killed, it wasn’t unfounded seeing how the residence hated them. Expect the nosy fox.
He loved cataloging each and every living being came across, the rows of books or scrolls drove his family and students mad.
His parents would throw a fit if they knew he would be observing an actual human. He was two-hundred years old and didn't need permission now, which is why letting them know never is the salutation.
Dancing around mud puddles with each step shook the drops of water from the fluffy nine-black tails. He loved the rain. It was great to sleep as the sound patted across the roof and it made his hair soft.
Jumping in a large bound the ground went from natural made to construction. A worn stone path lay the way to the dilapidated temple to the fallen demon clans. After the great war it was built as a sign of peace between them, but centuries later the clans died out.
His mother forbade her children to ever enter, so by his natural curiosity he explored in secret to document history. Such a great scholar as him needed to see with his own eyes.
Hidden rooms, hand paintings depicting the last battle, and old furniture lay left, what a let down.
Looking around showed no signs of anybody larking. Lifting the tails down, rain drenched him immediately. His pointed ears twitched at the sudden cold drops running down his face, no strange noises could be heard.
What did humans even sound like? He never saw one before, only heard the vicious tales by the others who dared adventure that far. It was living, so if it was here it would leave signs.
Maybe gender differed in their ways or personality? Maybe like some demons they use eye color as a way to speak? Waving his hand black energy made a blank book and pen appear to write these unanswered questions down.
Sniffing the air had that intense aroma of wet earth, yet there lingered something different. A new scent, it didn’t smell bad, just unfamiliar. It seems to be coming from deeper inside of the temple, the strongest source.
Waving the items away he moved lightly to the entrance. His high vision saw no movement or life inside the opening hall, he had to get closer.
Foxes were notorious to be great thieves so sneaking undetected was in his blood. Easy on his feet as the smell got stronger in an old room used for worshiping sat a…..HUMAN!?!
The human sat crossed legged with their eyes closed as their breathing was steady. It must be resting.
From the crack in the wall he observed taking notes. It must be male smelling the typical hints of pheromones. That human must not be that old given the youthful appearance, perhaps they were close in age. Did humans live for that long?
On his lap lay a sheathed sword bound in leather wrap. He wore black with hints of red trim and the wavy hair looked soft to the touch, he wanted to feel. Sitting for at least two incense times the fox couldn’t help but get closer.
The subject has not moved in his presence. Kneeing down right in front of him Shen Yuan decided that yes he was sleeping.
Humans really weren’t psychically much different. Different ears and lack of tails besides that they could be from the same race. He wondered what other differences they had….Should he ask or is the rumor true that under this extraordinarily handsome sound person it was harmful?
It was best to watch from afar, yet he has no idea how long they sleep for it might take forever. His family would come looking for him and he didn’t want the little guy to get killed.
Reaching towards the leather bag he wanted to take just one human creation that hid inside.
The air shifted causing him to dodge the sword tip. The human held his sword ready for the incoming attack that he had no intention of doing.
The rain echoed through the old temple as the human was ready for the fight and the fox curious to where this would result in.
In the shadows his green eyes glowed, many black tails moved in a casual motion. His mother told him of fox demons and what to watch out for if they posed a threat. It seems to be an unfortunate one to wander into his goal, killing a high level demon.
Determination sparked in those dark eyes with each precise step. Was the human trying to kill me? If so this fight would be a great test to see what the species could do. So he slowly walked backwards out the entryway.
In the vast research the teen did, fox demons were found the most interesting. They used their charm and beautiful appearance to lure humans to their death. Sneaky, thieves, or lustful were the words used the most in the sects library.
It would be a shame to harm such a sacred temple, to protect it Shen Yuan led that human outside. They say humans could be very resilient to weather elements which makes the summer rain little to worry about.
The crumbling temple crunched under his steady steps, he shouldn’t follow yet the disappointment of his mother kept any fears at bay. She wanted her son to kill his first high-ranking demon on his own and what a loss to let this opportunity leave.
Halting his legs under the murky sky, rain seemed never ending drenching the two standing in the open area. The smell of fresh damp soil resonated with the demonic lands as the fog waved around the magical energy. Raising a sharp nail at the human he asked. “What brings you to these lands?”
Hearing from the graceful appearance covered in teal robes stunned the teenager. In the ancient books it was said that these demons dressed promiscuously to distract as they are a predator, he was nothing but proper.
Luo Binghe had to stay focused to not be falsely drawn in by the beauty covering the devious mind. Saying nothing he jumped towards the yao with a slash of light aimed at his throat.
Swiping a hand black energy brushed the threat away, then another as the human made relentless attacks. Shen Yuan assumed he was trying to back him into a corner or find an opening. So after a down slash he jumped backwards into the thick area of overgrown bamboo stocks.
Giving no room to flee Luo Binghe brought a large amount of cultivation in one heavy breath then pushed most of it to slash the sword. A clean swipe lobbed bamboo he ran before the plant could drop to the muddy ground.
Eyes locked onto the teal figure preparing to jump higher having to find a new hiding spot. The reminding energy shot through his other hand hitting and knocking the demon to the ground.
Got him! Carefully he held his sword at the ready making his move closer. Standing right above the fox he turned the sword down to thrust the finishing blow, but the fresh scent of sweet florals caught his attention. It seemed to call and comfort him to influence Luo Binghe to bring no harm, blinking those feelings away he had to not give in.
Studying the face more it was true, the red marks adored his elegant features. Its emerald eyes shine bright when the natural red liner matches very well. Many would find killing such a beauty to be a horrible loss to the world, unfortunately he secretly agreed.
Long black hair along with his ninetails lay in the soaked ground. The teal robes are stained with spots of mud and pieces of grass. It made him feel a little bad for this creature, but they were natural enemies. Would this fox be kind if the role were reversed? No!
The scent wafted calling he blinked out of haze deciding to make the final move. Squeezing the hilt of the weapon Luo Binghe narrowed his eyes then the world spun quickly. He lost his breath when his back hit the ground. “Ack!”
His grip loosened on the sword with no help from the rain adding to this issue. Trying to bring air back to his lungs, the tight grasp felt on his ankle caught by one of the demon’s tails.
Wiping the wet strands off of his face he sounded disappointed. “Human, I have no ill-intentions.”
“Let go of me!” Twisting his leg to get out of the hold the yao pulled him closer as he struggled.
Shen Yuan sighed, he must be still too young to properly fight, only experienced fighters would have seen through his faking of being hurt. “I feel human, you have no place to make such demands. Look around on what territory you have walked into.”
Luo Binghe knew his cultivation still had many years to develop, so having his sword was a must. He had to figure a way to reach it. “I have made a wrong judgment.” Getting the foxes guard down was the first step. “Please forgive my intrusion for I just wanted to explore the forbidden region.”
“Why?”
“I am an inspiring scholar wanting to get a better understanding of demon culture.” Giving a smile to hide his true intentions he slowly sat up no longer struggling in the hold. “I was startled with the rumors I heard of the demon kind which is why I attacked so fiercely. To that I apologize." He bowed his head.
The fox moved his other tails in thought it seemed to make sense, but all trust couldn’t be given. “All is forgiven. I must ask, what is your name, little human?”
“It is courtesy to give yours first with my kind.” The cultivation slowly seeped through his merits to raise no alarms with the demon. He had to drag this out to allow the build up.
Tapping his chin to make a note of that he gave it freely. “Shen Yuan.”
The name to his surprise was very normal. “Luo Binghe.”
“Very interesting. Giving to you because of the Luo River?”
Raising a brow he didn’t know that the river was so well known to this world. “Yes, it was where my ancestors started from.” Given how old the body water was, is it that much of an astounding discovery.
Stepping closer to the tensing young man he loved this new knowledge and wanted more. “How old are you?”
“Fifteen.”
“In years?”
Yes…..”
“Hmmm, so young to be such an explorer.” His parents would not let their children leave the town until they were fifty in years. “What is the average age expectancy for humans?”
“Around eighty for a normal human, but cultivation could have no limit once immorality is reached.” A hold loosened, only slightly.
“Interesting.” Tilting his head, eyes sharp on the young-man’s own eyes widened. Out of fear? Excitement? It was hard to tell. “I can smell food on you which leads me to believe eating is a necessity?”
Shaking his head he couldn’t break the enticing gaze. “Ye-yes most do.” It loosened more with each answer.
“What talents does Luo Binghe possess?”
“I.” He couldn’t say the full truth to give any doubt in his lie. “Too many to name, but I was told by my father that cooking is one of my best."
Such a mundane thing to be praised in high regard, it must be something. If only he could try to taste those skills. The mention of a parent had him smelling the air; it seemed he was really alone. “Is it normal for parents to send children at such a young age alone?”
The voice sound concerned which made no sense given demons do not have those emotions. On second thought this fox didn’t act as soul sucking by what the scrolls say. “It depends. My parents know I can take care of myself.” It had to be a trick on this temptress' part.
Bending down a fraction closer he said with a knowing look. “Binghe must be a great fighter.” The young-man reminded Shen Yuan of his many disciples. If only it was acceptable to let this Luo Binghe into his sect.
Now! Rolling backwards he sent a blast out of his palm to retrieve the sword.
Shen Yuan spun from the attack and faced Luo Binghe ready for another fight. “A young scholar, yet no questions were asked on your part.”
“I have no choice given you have been influencing me with lustful actions.” This whole time each little thing this fox did brought desirable thoughts he fought to keep at bay. How could he believe this creature had no ill-intent. It makes perfect sense given he had no prior thoughts as these before.
“.......” What was the human talking about?!?! Lustful! When? How! Shen Yuan knew he could do that, all demon foxes could. Yet he didn’t in this entire interaction, actually never in his life has he done such a thing. “I can assure you I haven’t. As I said before I have no ill-intentions.”
“Lies! Y-you did!” These feelings were all his doing, what a horrible act to take away other’s wills. “I will stop you from ever doing it ag-”
Before he could finish the fox demon shot razers sharp leaves coated with demonic energy straight at him. When Luo Binghe moved to dodge, he found one that cut the side of his cheek.
Readying to rush forward he stopped hearing a loud screech, behind him three ghost headed-spiders let out a death cry. They were that close and he didn’t notice too focused on the fox. Wait! The fox! “Oof!”
Two of his tails wrapped around the young fighter. “I hate those things. Luo Binghe should be more aware.” Holding his struggling face he cheered in his head at getting this close to apparently a blood thirsty monster.
The clawed nails pressed into his skin. “N-no fight me fairly!” His face became warmer at the physical touch. It had to be a trick.
Shen Yuan knew he was pushing his luck, but with one last examination of the handsome features he honestly said. “Thank you for what you have given me, I find your kind intriguing.” The shiny object hanging around Luo Binghe’s neck caught his eye.
Snatching it off to have a piece of a human made item Shen Yuan spun the young man to confuse him. Jumping back he let out clouds of large red smoke to hurry back home with a smile all the way there. Liu Qingge will throw a fit for interacting with a human, but he has to tell someone.
Wobbling to catch his balance he yelled at the treeline. “GIVE THAT BACK!! GET BACK HERE DAMN IT!” The spin made him too dizzy to get a hold on his sword or know which direction the fox went.
The plumes of smoke cleared to his annoyance, the fox demon got away. Huffing he kicked the ground sending patches of grass flying. Thunder rolled making it impossible to hear, rain poured down harder leaving his vision blurry.
Luo Binghe understood his cultivation still needed growth at this sorry excuse of a fight. Placing a hand on his empty spot where his gifted jade pendant hung, he had to get it back. His great aunt found the rare treasure in an abandoned temple on her travels. This isn't over fox!
His mother would put him through extreme training if he didn’t come home with something. It was time to find an easier target that would satisfy her and only had one more day to make it happen.
Rushing to pack up his short stay at the temple Luo Binghe held his bag and strapped the sword to his back. Ready to jump off to a new direction the dead ghost headed-spiders caught his attention.
In deeper thought it made it hard to understand why the demon would save him. If he wanted his soul he didn’t take it. According to the text they needed human life forces to sustain their demonic cultivation and men were most victimized. They never pass up an opportunity even if already full.
The yao was elegant, humbly dressed, and felt genuinely curious, yet why would he use underhanded sexual tactics to hold his attention. These emotions were new leaving him confused on what to feel. The foxes cultivation must be strong to have him still having these lingering thoughts.
Bending down Luo Binghe took the razor sharp leaf in his palm, dark energy lingered off the pointy end. Were these creatures this talent in martial art techniques? Closing it in his hand he stood to continue his hunt.
One day they will meet again.