A gentle breeze blew, and before Liu Bugun stood four burly, battle-scarred mountain gods, namely Chi Feng, Chi Shan, Chi Lu, and Chi Sen, who bowed to Liu Bugun, “The mountain gods of Wufeng greet General Mo.” “Hmph, you are cruel and wicked, aiding the evildoers, right?” “No, not at all, General Mo. We are under heaven’s command to inform you of the location of Yuan Ming Mountain. Chi Lin, one of the mountain gods, brought you here from the inn because it was not convenient to speak there. Who knew that upon his return, demons invaded the mountain, beating us black and blue. Chi Lin only wanted to tell you not to linger on the mountain, but he was captured and hung by the demons. The mountain gods of Wufeng are at your command.” “Very well, since you wish to atone for your sins, I’ll give you a chance. You must return Zi Yue before the Yin hour, or you will be damned to eternal destruction.” Liu Bugun said sternly, turning his back to the mountain gods. “As you command, my lord,” the four gods lifted the gravely injured Chi Lin and vanished into the mountain.
Liu Bugun looked at the towering peaks, wondering how he had managed to get up there before. He leaped back into the forest, moving swiftly up the mountain. The night was murky on the mountain, with shadows of trees all around. The black horse was hung over a cliff by vines, and if they loosened, it would plummet into the abyss. The horse was neighing in distress. Liu Bugun climbed onto the tree where the horse was tied, pulled down another vine, tied it to an old tree on the other side of the ravine, and half-suspended himself to pull the horse to safety. Once on solid ground, he untied the horse. “Neigh-” The horse let out a long neigh, seemingly thanking Liu Bugun for saving its life. “Can you still walk?” Liu Bugun patted the horse’s head. The horse trotted forward and then dashed off down the mountain path. As the horse disappeared from sight, Liu Bugun whistled, and it returned. Mounting the horse, Liu Bugun sighed deeply, blaming himself for his carelessness, vowing to save her and deal with the demons to prevent them from ever harming Rainbow again.
