Master, This Poor Disciple Died Again Today

Chapter 723: Becoming

The flame winked out. The wave rushed in, catching Hui by surprise. He fought against the water, kicking back toward the last place hed seen Zhubi. Zhubi!

Even as he fought it, the water flowed smoothly beneath his hands, no longer off-balance. He looked down at it, then breathed out and forced himself to let go and get carried away by the wave. Zhubis made his decision. The energy isnt out of control anymore. Whatever happens, its all up to him now!

He surfaced with a gasp and flew back into his body. The orb still surrounded Zhubi, but smooth, now, the top of it swirling quietly. Sitting back, Hui watched over him as his Dao Protector, waiting for Zhubi to finish his transformation.

All at once, the orb collapsed. The extreme darkness vanished, faint light filtering in again. After the pure black, it seemed bright to Huis eyes. He blinked, staring toward where the energy had been. What did he pick? Which Zhubi has be become? Its too dark!

Hui waved his hand, summoning his glowing barrier again for light. Zhubi?

Black hair. Black robes. He looked up, and black eyes met Huis.

His hair no longer spilled past his feet. He loomed over Hui, much taller than Hui, or anyone else Hui had ever met. Easily three no. Four meters tall? Five?

Zhubi knelt down and picked Hui up, the way Hui had carried him. He looked down at Hui. The childish softness to his face had melted away, revealing high cheekbones and fine structure. His big, watery eyes remained the same, as gentle as ever.

Hui laughed awkwardly. Ultimate intimidation move. Er, Id like to apologize for all those times I picked you up over the years, Zhubi I never realized how uncomfortable it is!

Xiao Hui, he said quietly.

Er, yes? Hui asked, nervous.

What do you think?

About getting picked up? Ambivalent, at best, outright uncomfortable at worst?

Wait, hold on. Im being insensitive! Hes asking about his new form. His new body. Hui nodded enthusiastically. Looks great! Intimidating, for sure!

Zhubis expression drooped. Im not cute?

No, no. Youre still cute! Big-cute. Yeah! Hui said quickly, nodding. I cant let my pet snakes confidence droop. Hes just hit puberty. Hes going through a lot of changes right now. I cant let him doubt his decisions.

Zhubi chuckled. He set Hui down. I can get smaller.

Oh?

He shrunk down to normal human size. As he did, Hui caught a glimpse of an almost-flat, hexagon-shaped shell growing out of his back.

As I thought. He chose to become a Dragon-Turtle.

What do you think? Zhubi asked, looking up at Hui.

Cute, definitely cute, Hui said, nodding. He looked Zhubi in the eye. You chose to become a Dragon-Turtle?

He nodded. I felt it. Its in my blood. All along, I was never a dragon. Instead, I was Zhubi spread his hands. He looked up at Hui.

Something even rarer, Hui replied, looking at Zhubi with pride. That tiny snake I found is all grown up! And hes even more amazing than I imagined.

Wait could it be? Is Zhubi a protagonist? A mysterious, powerful beast, who wasnt a dragon, but a more powerful, secret, unknown type of beast that no ones seen for eras, who suddenly and dramatically transforms from an ordinary snake to something beyond a tiny snakes dreams

Ah! Then I was Zhubis mascot all along! It makes sense, it makes sense. He nodded to himself, pinching his chin.

Zhubi glanced up. His eyes narrowed. I need to hide my presence. The Heavens dont approve, but they arent paying attention. As long as I stay quiet, they should overlook me.

By the Heavens, you mean Hui trailed off meaningfully.

Zhubi nodded. He made a grasping gesture.

Hmm. Interesting. The Heavens disapprove of a cardinal beasts return? Or wait. Come to think of it, Ive only seen dragons so far. Is there a Vermillion Bird or a white tiger? Or were the cardinal beasts perhaps intentionally dispelled, due to that gold hands fear?

Fear

Its an interesting thought. If the golden hand fears the cardinal beasts, then, logically, I should seek them! Hui nodded to himself. But first

Zhubi gave Hui a look.

What? Hui asked, tilting his head.

Will you be okay on your own?

Hui took a deep breath, forcing back a chuckle. Will I be okay? Youre the one I literally carried through all those battles! Ill be fine. I can handle myself in a fight. Youre the one Im worried about.

Zhubi thumbed at the shell on his back. Ill be fine. Im much stronger than I was, even moments ago. An ordinary dragon cant easily hurt me anymore, even if Tian Lan comes after me. But you hes looking for you.

Hes been looking for me for a long time. Hui shrugged.

But now were in the Immortal realm. Zhubi looked at Hui in concern and shook his head. Be careful.

Hui laughed. Stepping forward, he stood on his tiptoes and mussed Zhubis hair. Were you always a worrier?

Yes! Zhubi dodged out of his reach, nodding at the same time.

Well, thats fair. He plays dead like I do, and I worry a lot. It makes sense.

Its so strange to be talking to Zhubi. After all this time, he finally has a voice. And its right as I have to leave him behind. Unfortunate, how unfortunate!

He nodded at Zhubi. Where are you going to hide?

If I told you, I wouldnt be very hidden, Zhubi countered.

Right. It makes sense. If I dont know, then even if the gold immortal finds me, I cant tell him where Zhubi is.

But when you need me, no matter where you are, I will find you. All you have to do is call for me, Zhubi said. His gaze met Huis, his eyes firm.

I understand. Hui bowed to Zhubi, just once. Thank you for all the time you spent with me.

Zhubi bowed back.

Without another word, they parted.

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