Tian Chen touched down and strode off. His feet tapped with authority, echoing down the long entry hall. Waterfalls flanked the hall, rushing down into the lake far below. Flowers grew out of the gem walls, glittering in bright blue, red, and yellow. Through the gem floor, the sparkling lake glittered. Carp swam around.
Hui glanced around, hesitant to touch the floor. Er, am I allowed to touch that? It looks way too fancy for If I break it, I cant repay you, Senior!
Tian Chen looked back. His eyes narrowed.
Hui quickly touched down and hurried after him. Right lets just obey our tyrant CEO right now.
Servants with red, blue, or yellow hair with dragon horns pushing through their locks ca up to Tian Chen, offering him tidbits and taking excess. One offered to take Tian Lan, but he waved his hand, sending her away. She turned and vanished without another word. Another two servants fussed about Tian Lan, fixing her hair and cleaning her face, until she waved a tiny tyrannical hand and waved them off, the sa as her father.
The servants ignored Hui. Quietly, he let out a sigh. Phew. I think I would die if I had people waiting on like that. I wouldnt know what to do. Im more suited to waiting on people than being waited on.
Under the hall, the lake gave way to the lily pad. The palace swallowed them up, bright blue light pouring down like water. Images of Tian Chens heroism, carved directly into the hallways walls, depicted one fantastic act after anotherTian Chen slaying a monster, Tian Chen saving a maiden, Tian Chen besting a mausoleum, one after another, seemingly endless. The walls stretched just thick enough to not let light through, the gems just a bit occluded in their depths so that outsiders couldnt see through to the palaces heart. Massive hallways stretched in all directions, large enough to fit a three-lane highway, leading to school-gym-sized rooms. Treasures, richly upholstered furniture, tapestries, carvings, gems, statues, and wall scrolls filled each room, so lavishly covering the walls
Stunned, Hui stared with big eyes, afraid to even speak in the face of such luxury.
Tian Chen led Hui to a small room in the palaces depths, though the room only counted as small compared to the rest of the palace. A dining room table, large enough to seat twelve, stretched down the center of the palace, and didnt even fill a quarter of the room. A portrait of Tian Chen stared down from the far wall.
Sit, Tian Chen ordered Hui, pulling out the chair at the head of the table.
Hui glanced around, then picked a chair near Tian Chen and smiled. Ive never understood why people talking to tyrannical CEOs always pick the opposite head of the table. Its easier to talk if were closer together. Whod willingly sit on the other side of the room?
Tian Chen blinked at Hui.
Hui gestured for Tian Chen to go ahead.
Snorting under his breath, Tian Chen adjusted his hold on Tian Lan and nodded at Hui. Should we send the little ones to go play in the next room?
Zhubi hissed ferociously, baring his snake fangs.
Hui patted his head. Er, Im not sure its a good idea
Ill have the servants watch them, Tian Chen said, his tone suggesting it wasnt an offer that could be refused.
A pair of blonde servants appeared from the wings. Tian Chen handed Tian Lan to one, and the other offered her arms to Zhubi.
Hui glanced at Tian Chen, then nodded at Zhubi. For so reason, he wants Zhubi out of the room. Hopefully its not to take a hostage but from the look on his face? Its sothing else. Zhubi, will you go? Or would you rather fly around outside?
Zhubi looked at Hui, then jumped out of his arms. Pointedly walking by himself, he followed the servant away. At the door, he turned back at Hui and hissed.
Ill be careful, Hui assured him, waving a goodbye.
Zhubi hesitated one more second, then nodded and walked away.
Tian Chen waited, his fingers knitted, elbows on the table. He stared over his fingers at Hui, completely silent.
Hui stared at the table in cowed silence, equally waiting. Er, is he waiting? Is he waiting for to say sothing? What should I say? I dont know why he brought here! Senior, I cant speak if you dont tell what you want to say! Give a hint. Im begging you. A clue! Anything!
More silence. Tian Chen stared at Hui, and Hui stared at the table. Sweat ran down his back. Senior Senior, pleas. Is this so new form of torture? Whatever you want, Ill do it. Just tell . Waiting here is the worst.
Wait, he sent the kids away. Does that an hes about to commit violence so extre that he doesnt want his daughter or Zhubi to see? Is he going to kill viciously? Hui shivered. He swallowed, eyeing the exit. Theres no way I can get out of here before he attacks, is there? But maybe if I run for it, then play dead, then run for it again, Ill be able to get far enough to have a shot at running.
But hes so much higher realm than . Theres no way I could escape. Ill just have to commit to playing dead and hope he doesnt have evil in mind for Zhubi!
Tian Chen turned toward Hui. He opened his mouth.
Spare , Senior! Hui cried, ducking in his seat.
What?
Hui peeked up. What?
Tian Chen squinted at him, lost.
Oh, wait. Is he not going to kill ? Hui sat up and quickly straightened his robes. He gestured kindly toward Tian Chen. Senior, please go ahead. Ignore this small cultivator.
Clearing his throat, Tian Chen drew himself up to his full height. That child you brought he is no dragon.
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