Ying Lin dropped down into a busy street. Elegantly, she extended her small feet and landed with barely a sound, her robes fluttering around her. Zhubi tumbled clumsily after her, flailing his newfound limbs wildly, his face still stiff but his eyes wide in panic.
All around them, cultivators stopped and stared.
Hui reached out and caught the small child with the long hair, not willing to appear as a child abuser in the middle of a busy street. A small, round face peered up at him, then turned and hugged him tight, the boy hiding his face in Huis robes.
Er who? Hui wondered silently, arms stiff, not sure what to do with this small child.
A second later, he caught the scale pattern on Zhubis robes and the long, winding sheaf of hair. He cleared his throat. Zhubi?
Face still buried in Huis robes, Zhubi nodded.
Hui sighed and petted Zhubis head absentmindedly. He looked at Ying Lin with a sense of trepidation. Why is it that I feel the two of you are a bad luck charm, recently? Every ti you appear, Han Qin is not long behind. Dont tell , is this small clone the next on the chopping block? I dont want to die! Go on, go on, shoo!
What is it, Master? Ying Lin asked, tilting her head.
Hui sighed again. He waved a hand. Nothing, nothing. I cant actually tell them to shoo. One is Zhubi, and the other well, I bear responsibility for introducing her to the world of cultivation. I should see my duties through.
He looked down at Zhubi. Zhubi, its incredibly inconvenient to carry you about like this. Why dont you change back?
Zhubi looked up at him with big, watery eyes. Instantly, Hui waved his hands. No, no! You arent inconvenient, I didnt an that. Please. I do like your manifestation, its very adorable. So go ahead, be my guest.
Pleased with himself, Zhubi continued to lounge in Huis arms like a little monkey. Hui sighed and shifted Zhubi to his hip.
Ying Lin shook her head at Hui. If you spoil him like that, hell grow up crooked.
What grow up? Isnt he already two hundred and so? Hui asked, looking down at Zhubi.
Zhubi gave him an innocent look.
Still, you shouldnt indulge him so much. Hes big enough to walk. Make him walk, Ying Lin insisted.
Zhubi grabbed on tighter to Hui, practically gluing himself to Huis side.
Zhubi she is right, you know, Hui said.
Zhubi shook his head.
Do you not want to walk? Hui asked.
Of course he doesnt. Thats not the point, Ying Lin grumbled.
Zhubi shook his head again.
Hui let out a big sigh. We can have this argunt later. For now, lets get out of the middle of the street.
Ying Lin nodded, and the three of them retreated to the roadside. All around them, cultivators flew on swords or walked, rode shuttles or descended majestically in immortal boats of various sizes.
Taking it all in, Ying Lin stared, amazed. Master is this a cultivation city?
Twin Elental City. The best place to hear news and gossip and make a few spirit stones, Hui said, nodding.
Ying Lin turned. Her eyes widened. Master, your robes!
Hui looked down at himself. Blue silk brocade patterned with phoenixes and flood dragons stared back at him, the hems a muted gold. He adjusted his robes and cleared his throat. This is nothing unusual. My true body wears sothing similar. True, he stole them from Bai Xue, and these are robes I bought myself, but theyre similar enough.
Your shoes look at that fan! And the jade decoration at your hip. Master are you rich? Ying Lin asked.
Hui quickly tucked the gold leaf-covered fan into his robes and self-consciously adjusted his belt to hide the decoration under Zhubi. Well modestly so. Ive made a living selling talismans. These are nothing compared to what a true rchant could acquire.
Master! Dont delude yourself. Ive told you, youre talented! It isnt just anyone who could make talismans of such quality that people would pay so much for them, Ying Lin insisted.
Well most fifth-stage talisman masters likely belong to a sect or clan, and have a support system unto themselves. Unlike a rogue cultivator like , who has to make his own way. Naturally, when a good is rare, its price becos higher, whether the quality is there or not. Hui cleared his throat, reaching for his fan before he rembered how flashy it was and let his hand drop to adjust his hems instead. Its nothing worth making a fuss over.
What about your house? You have a house, dont you? Ying Lin asked.
A modest hut, Hui demurred.
Her brows furrowed. Master you arent sleeping in the forest again, are you?
I no, Hui said honestly, taken aback.
Ying Lin sighed, a hand to her chest. She shook her head. Honestly you clones are going to run ragged, with all these bad habits of yours.
Bad habYing Lin! Watch your mouth, Hui said, scowling.
Its true, Master. Besides, didnt you say it was my right to question you? Ying Lin returned, putting her hands on her hips.
I I did! Ah, dammit. If Id known how mouthy this damn disciple would be, I never wouldve run my mouth like that! Hui sighed and shook his head at himself. He scanned over Ying Lin, and a frown appeared on his face. Arent those the sa robes I stole off that cultivator back in the Fu Clan? Hey, all you pathetic clones who cant make any spirit stones! To think youd be so shaless as to let our disciple continue wearing second hand robes!
Respectfully, Sectgoer, were all dead or indisposed, Mortal replied.
Hui snorted. Hardly an excuse. He waved Ying Lin on. Co along. Lets head back to my place. Ill get you so proper robes, and see if I can find you a room.
Ying Lin nodded. Is there room to practice sword techniques? Im close to mastering the ones Ji Taiyu taught .
Ah naturally, theres a courtyard, Hui said. Eh? When did she learn Ji Taiyus techniques? While I was fighting Song Weilai? But that was that was a day, at most! And shes nearly mastered them? Hui stared, then shook his head. Calling talented, when I failed to learn the sa techniques after months at his side. Truly, there are heavens beyond heavens, and this small cultivator will never forget that!
As they walked, a palanquin passed them by. Delicate hands raised a curtain, and a white-haired Bai Xue stared after Hui.
Thats his disciple. Thats his aura. Can it be? A child? Hui had a child but not with ? she murmured. She shook her head. This cannot be allowed to stand. This Bai Xue has been holding back, but no longer!
Huis ears twitched. Bai Xue, you know I can hear you? And how have you been holding back, huh? Explain it to , in clear language! He turned and bowed, the motion slightly awkward for holding Zhubi. This small rchant is honored to be in the presence of the Bai Clan heir. This boy is the manifestation of small rchants spirit beast, not his child.
Bai Xue narrowed her eyes. Is that how were playing it?
Playing what? Hui asked.
She smiled. Ive taken an interest in that spirit beast of yours. Why dont you sell him with ? Ill take good care of him.
The guards around the palanquin tensed, ready to attack Hui to take his spirit beast if Bai Xue demanded it.
What is this domineering villainess plot twist? Hui sighed. He shook his head, unintimidated by the low-level guards. It isnt like Bai Xue will actually have them attack to steal Zhubi away. Its as threatening as a paper tiger. Ah, although she might have them attack to kidnap no, Elder Sister wouldnt do such a thing. Probably? Unfortunately, Zhubi is not for sale. Elder Sister should understand this.
No, no, dont misunderstand. I simply wish to have Huis child care for Huis spirit beast for a bit, Bai Xue replied. Under her breath, she murmured, Ill get him to talk. Then Ill know how to tempt Hui into my clutches at last
Im misunderstanding. Im misunderstanding everything! Hui shouted silently. Bai Xue, your internal voice is leaking out
Greeting Illustrious Bai Xue, Ying Lin broke in, interrupting the mont.
Ah, its Huis cute little disciple. Has he stopped trying to pawn you off? Bai Xue asked.
Ying Lin nodded. Hes accepted as his disciple, even if I had to do it forcefully.
Bai Xues eyes flashed. She nodded slowly. Good girl. Yes, yes, thats the way
Hey! What does that an? Hui interjected, frustrated.
Bai Xue laughed quietly into her hand, then nodded. Have you heard about the female warrior to the west?
Ah, yes, Hui said, his expression falling for a mont. Actually, a clone died to earn that information.
Then go to her side, already. And rember, you will always have , Bai Xue said. She dropped the curtain and rapped on the palanquins side, and moved on once more.
Hui watched Bai Xue go, his brows knotted. What does that an? Always have Bai Xue? Is Li Xiang in danger, sohow? But then, surely Bai Xue would have been more urgent about telling .
Master, are we going west? Ying Lin asked.
Ah eventually. Lets give it ti for Han Qin to wander sowhere else. Besides, I want to get you cleaned up and properly dressed, first, Hui said adamantly. I want to find Li Xiang, but at the sa ti, all the other clones have neglected Ying Lin to this extent. Leaving her in soone elses rags I dont want her to think Im a cheap master who cant even afford proper robes for his disciples.
Healer agreed with a snort. You tell those poor clones.
Its its really just , at this point, Mortal cried miserably. Im doing my best
Eh? Whats this? Everyone huh?
All the clones fell silent, then began to speak all at once.
Another clone?
Ah, thank goodness. We were starting to run out!
Where are you? Are you safe? Whats happening?
The new clone cleared his throat. Elder Brothers, please
Everyone fell silent, waiting. Healer spoke first. Where were you born?
Im on Masters peak. Ive been raising the lotus plants here, growing new clones. Just recently, I thought to try the inheritance, and
Masters peak! How is it?
The new one paused. Its very peaceful. Occasionally, I see All Heavens patrols in the distance, but none can break Masters barrier. Senior Wolf keeps company, and I check every day to see if Bai Jingwen has woken up.
Healer nodded. What should we call him? Shepherd? Gardener?
How about Peak Lord? Rogue suggested with a laugh.
My votes on Hobody, Mortal chipped in.
The new clone hesitated, then added, And Ive been digging a hole.
Digger.
Digger for sure. His na is Digger.
Pressing his hand to his face, Healer sighed. Why are you digging a hole?
I dont know. I just feel as if I should.
Sectgoer spoke at last. We all have our oddities. Mortal cant make money, for instance.
Hey!
So lets peacefully call him Peak Lord for now. In any case, Im busy. Dont interrupt .
Master? Ying Lin asked, looking up at him.
Hui shook his head and walked on. A daydream. Lets hurry. The shop will close if we dont arrive soon.
Eh? Okay, Ying Lin agreed.
Hui looked at Zhubi, then shrugged. His robes are plenty nice, and hes a manifested spirit beast, anyways. They might even be a part of him. Zhubi, are you sure I couldnt convince you to enter beast form, at least for a while?
Make him walk, Master! Hell never learn, otherwise! Ying Lin whispered from the side.
Zhubi shook his head, sowhat distracted. Head turned about, he watched the cultivator city with wide eyes.
Co to think of it, he might be able to see more colors in human form. In which case, its no wonder he wants to spend a little longer as a human, in such a colorful city. Hui swapped Zhubi to his opposite side and walked on.
Master youre spoiling him, Ying Lin complained.
Hmm, Hui comnted.
Tutting, Ying Lin shook her head. Such clear favoritism. When this disciple has sore legs from sword practice, she has to walk, but Zhubi sits around all day and gets carried?
Your legs will get less sore if you walk, Hui replied helpfully.
Ying Lin shook her head. Hes a fifth stage spirit beast! Hes much more powerful than . Theres no need to carry him. This much walking is nothing to him.
Ying Lin, are you jealous? Hui asked. Zhubi turned to her as well, his big eyes blinking innocently.
Ying Lin scowled. I am not!
Hui gave her an indulgent look. How about this. When you hit fifth stage, Master will carry you, as well.
Who wants that! Ying Lin retorted.
Its alright, Ying Lin. Theres no sha in it. Master, too, wasnt carried much as a child. Ill carry you all you want once you hit fifth stage, Hui said, smiling gently.
Ying Lin stared back at him, her cheeks pursed and her face red with indignation.
Hui fought the urge to laugh aloud, turning away instead. Has it always been so much fun to tease people? No wonder everyone always teases !
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