Gatewalker: Remnant of the Tang Clan Chapter 33: Chapter 32 - The Vault

Read chapter 33 of Gatewalker: Remnant of the Tang Clan by TheeRaven on NovelPedia.

The next morning Blue laid propped against the pillows on his bed. The smell of herbs and ointments filled his infirmary room. He rotated his right arm, pain still throbbed throughout, but his arm was whole again. His mind wouldn't settle. Memories of the tournament replayed. The fight with that master, Blue replayed it over and over, searching for a different outcome. Everyone ended the same, him on the ground looking at Ryul, fear written across his face. Footsteps approached Blue’s door. He looked up as Wu Jin slid the paper screen open and stepped inside. "Here." He tossed a vial to Blue. "Another present from So-Yeon. It will help stabilize your qi and flow after that messy breakthrough you had during your fight." "She gave you this?" Blue asked as he examined the vial. "She might not believe who you are, or trust you. But, she doesn't want you dying before she's had a chance to test you properly. Wu Jin crossed his arms. "I'm not entirely certain if that's a blessing or a curse for you either." Wu Jin grabbed a stool and sat. "The Tang Matriarch also asked if we could help her find her missing scouts in the Black Pines. I'm sending Rogue Edge." Wu Jin sighed. "I'm aware you won't let them go without you. So focus on recovering. You will leave in three days." Wu Jin paused. "Also, tomorrow. The Alliance expects you at their vault to claim your prize. If you don't show, you forfeit your chance. And honestly, maybe that's exactly the right move. After the Wudang incident, the Alliance will probably have it out for Silent Edge. Especially you, since you seem to be the center of attention." Blue stared at the floor for a long moment. Then he looked up at Wu Jin with a grin. "I busted my ass to win that tournament. I'm getting my treasure." "That prize may be a trap." Wu Jin raised a brow. "So be it, I'll make sure to take from the Alliance, like they tried to take from me. I'll use whatever artifact I can find from the vault. And I'll use it to protect my family. That includes Silent Edge." Wu Jin smiled and nodded. "Your stubbornness is going to get you killed one day. But we will die beside you Blue." Wu Jin stood. "Please, learn to think before you act though. Don't turn into your uncle." With that Wu Jin walked out. ─── The next morning Blue was focused on stabilizing his qi and his recovery. "I refuse to let the Alliance see me weak." Wu Jin walked in. "Ready?" Blue nodded and hopped off the bed. Wu Cheng and Tang Yeol stood outside waiting. "Let's go." Wu Jin ordered. The four men left, and headed toward the Alliance. They approached massive stone doors. Jaegal Li and Namgung Hyeon stood, waiting for them to arrive at the vault. Iron Order guards lined the walkway that lead to the vault. As Blue approached, Jaegal Li took a step forward. "Blue. Congratulations on your tournament victory. The Alliance Leader has graciously decided to allow you entry, despite the unfortunate incident with Wudang." The Alliance Leader smiled. His eyes locked onto Yeol. "Aren't I forgiving?" Yeol scoffed, loud enough to be heard. Jaegel Li gestured for Blue to follow him. He folded his arms behind his back and walked toward the Vault entrance while speaking. "Inside, you will find treasures gathered from countless generations of Murim. Some even come from the gates themselves. Priceless relics of a time passed. You may choose one. Any that you favor. No questions asked." Jaegal Li paused and turned. He looked past Blue toward Cheng, Wu Jin and Yeol. "Consider this not just a prize for the tournament. But also a gesture of reconciliation between the Alliance and Silent Edge." He looked down at Blue. "Take your time. Find something useful for yourself and for murim." Blue stepped through the stone doors and let out a heavy sigh. "Fuck, my whole body aches still. I can't let those two see Silent Edge as weak though. That Jaegal Li sure does have a way with words though. If I didn't know any better, I'd assume he was a friend." Blue looked up.