CC2 -CH3-

“Everyone’s staring at me,” Ash mumbled. They were standing off to one side of the assembly area.

Mei, Na, and Ash had been joined by Moira and Tala. Yue and Jia had yet to find them yet. He didn’t think they’d attend without finding the rest of their group.

“That’s because they are, Master Sheng,” Na said from his left.

“You apparently attacked a house-elder?” Tala asked, her long ears twitching one way, then another. “I’m missing some of the details but that seems to be the recurring theme. You threw a house-elder out of… oh. You threw a house-elder out of Mei’s house and refused to leave.”

Tala turned her lovely face toward him and gave him a flat stare.

Unable to maintain contact with her rather frosty green eyes, Ash looked ahead toward the front. Hopefully where someone would show up and end this so he could go home.

Then again, it was likely Tala would go home with him. She’d been cold to him and avoiding him since he’d kissed her the night before.

He didn’t regret doing it, she’d had very soft lips, though he did regret angering and upsetting her.

“Ah, that spread faster than I expected,” Na said. “I’m surprised Zi Xin spread that information so quickly. He’ll lose a great deal of face for it.”

“I don’t think he spread it,” Mei said, shaking her head. She was holding Ash’s right arm with her left, and had his forearm pressed into the side of her chest. “If I had to guess… someone was watching Sheng street and then questioned him a bit.”

Ash got the impression by “question him a bit” she meant someone had interrogated him. Possibly by force.

Those who supported the Deng want to know what’s going on.

“You’re not exactly helping dispel the gossip,” Ash said gruffly, trying to pull his arm away from Mei without harming her.

Except she had a grip on him that’d require him practically flinging her off.

Damn Earth cultivator. Far too much strength.

“Am I supposed to? That’s news to me,” Mei murmured and then laughed softly. “Stop struggling. I’m not letting go. Unless you’re planning on throwing me, this arm is mine.”

“You’re becoming rather aggressive,” Moira said from behind him.

“I… suppose I am,” Mei admitted, then shrugged her shoulders. “Or at least more honest about it. Certainly more honest than our pretty rabbit friend.”

“True. I can appreciate your honesty,” Moira said.

Ash shook his head. He wasn’t stupid or dense.

Mei had acted interested in him from the day she realized what he was. It made him nervous however that he couldn’t figure out if she was interested in him, or what he was.

Truth of the matter was that if he knew she was interested in him he’d probably try to make a move on her. His attraction to Mei was rather strong.

“Finally,” Tala growled as a group of elder men and women walked out to the front of the assembly stage.

His master, Gen Sheng, was one of their number. He was a short man, walking with a cane he didn’t actually need anymore.

He had short white hair, a face full of wrinkles, neutral brown eyes, and held a quiet and powerful aura to himself.

The crowd began to hush as the delegation stopped at the center of the platform.

“Welcome one and all,” said a woman in her forties. She had dark black hair and dark brown eyes. She was very attractive for an older woman and would have likely been a real beauty in her youth. “I am Master Zha. I am now the head of the outer sect disciples. Every master in the outer sect reports directly to me.

“This is all due to what occurred recently. Nothing will change at this time as far as how we will conduct ourselves.”

Nothing? Really? That seems… odd.

“I get the impression these type of… wars… are far more common than you or I suspect.”

“-a number of losses,” continued Master Zha smiling and showing her teeth. “Master Sheng and I have spoken with the sect leader and successfully petitioned to recruit from other sects.”

Ash noticed Gen nodding his head to that. He didn’t look annoyed or even like he was paying much attention.

He had the calm look of a man who approved of what was being said, knew what would be said next, and cared not at all.

“There you are, Ashley,” said a voice from his left. In the next moment Yue was there, standing almost hip to him with him.

“Some of you may have noticed a significant number of newly arrived students. They’re all the best that other sects had and we’ve taken them in here to the Jade Fist,” Master Zha explained, putting her hands on her hips. “And with so many new faces, it’s about time we had a tournament to determine everyone’s strength.

“And by tournament, I mean a true fighting tournament. One on one fights until only one remains. Everyone will participate. The bottom five percent will be dismissed from the sect. There’s no room for you here with all the recruits we’ve brought on.”

Harsh.

There was a general feeling of unease permeating throughout the entire audience now. Ash didn’t worry in the least about this tournament. So long as he could get past the five percent barrier he’d just lose on purpose after that.

He didn’t really feel like dealing with a tournament right now.

“This will occur in exactly three weeks. The annual alchemy examination will be in two weeks. Starting tomorrow, I will personally speak with each and every outer disciple to insure your class placement. The day after tomorrow regular lessons will begin, regardless if I’ve spoken with you yet or not,” Master Zha said. “I’ll also be testing and interviewing every master, house-elder, and instructor’s assistant. I don’t plan on leaving any weeds behind.”

In other words, she’s going to hunt down anyone who’s still affiliated to Deng and eliminate them. As well as Deng family members.

“That would include Na or Mei if they weren’t attached to you I imagine. You won’t be able to shut Na out as easily. Unless you don’t care if she dies, which, let’s be honest, we really shouldn’t care. She’s little more than another Deng genius without anything we want.

“Well… outside of a throw or six in the bedroom.”

“With that all being said, I’m going to introduce our newest Master, Gen Sheng, and ask him to close our assembly,” Master Zha said, then stepped to one side indicating the older man.

Gen smiled politely at the new outer head master and took several steps to the front of the group.

“I’m Gen Sheng,” Gen said, putting both hands on his cane. His words were soft, almost to the point that it was abnormal to actually hear him. Though Ash heard him perfectly. He also heard the steel in old man’s voice. “I will not accept any more personal disciples, so stop asking. I’m also now in charge of outer sect security, and some of the security for Jade Fist city. If you have concerns, bring them to me. That is all, you may go.”

Smirking at that, Ash looked around the assembly area.

He couldn’t see anyone that would be “security” but he got the impression there was likely a large number of old men and women who were around. Those of the Open Hand who’d joined Gen and lived through the battle.

Ash could imagine them sticking around to work with Gen. They owed him.

He’d given back their cultivation, provided them with a way to strike out at the hated Deng family, and gave them their revenge.

Gen had delivered on everything he’d promised them and then some. Now they were his well and true.

It was no wonder that Master Zha had quickly worked to ingratiate herself to Gen and incorporate him into her plans.

“Oh, I recognize you. You’re my new neighbor,” Yue said, her head turned around toward the rest of the group.

Following her gaze, Ash found she was addressing Na.

“Yes, that’s right. I challenged just this morning for their home. They were so confused they actually attempted to fight me. I imagine they’ll have to figure out what to do with house number one-hundred as it’s unlikely they’ll be able to keep it for long,” Na said, smiling at Yue. Then the young woman bowed her head toward Yue. “I’m Master Sheng’s personal attendant, Na Deng. I’m at his leisure, and pleasure, in whatever way he wishes, for as long as he allows me to live.”

Yue’s eyebrows shot up at that and she looked to Ash.

“She’s one of the people I saved,” Ash said with a shrug of her shoulders. “She’s just wasting her time. I have no need of her or a personal attendant.”

“Then… then I shall take my life and trouble you no more,” Na said, immediately bowing deeply at the waist toward Ash. Then collapsing to her hands and knees and pressing her forehead to the ground. “My death will not trouble you, I swear. I’ll make sure I leave my corpse in a place that will not be found.”

“That’s not necessary. You can just live your life and-”

“I swear, my death will not trouble you, Master Sheng,” Na repeated, interrupting him at the same time. “I’ll take my leave now.”

“Ashley!” Moira hissed, glowering at him. Her large eyes demanded that he immediately fix the situation.

Damnit. Of course she identifies with her.

Damn, damn, damn!

“Stop. That’s… stop. Stop. No killing yourself,” Ash commanded.

“Are you taking me into your service then?” Na asked, not having raised her head. She was still prostrate on the ground at his feet otherwise.”

Moira nodded her head once definitively, glaring at Ash.

“Yes,” Ash said, checking a sigh and keeping himself from rolling his eyes. He really didn’t have much room to work with this. “I’m taking you into my service.”

“I understand. I’ll serve you in every way, Master Sheng. I’m yours in all things,” Na said. “May I rise, Master Sheng?”

He really didn’t understand why Nah was throwing herself at him like this but he didn’t see another way out right now.

“Yes, please do. You’re making a scene,” Ash muttered. More than a few people had noticed what was going on and was watching.

“Thank you, Master Sheng,” Na said. Lifting her head she placed her hands on his boots and then lowered her face down to the tops of them. “Thank you, Master Sheng. Instruct me in whatever way you wish, and I shall attend to it.”

“Oh my fu- get up. Now. Stop this,” Ash growled.

Na sat upright, then got to her feet, bowing her head thrice toward Ash.

“Yes, Master Sheng,” Na murmured. “Of course.”

“No more of that. No more bowing, no more prostrating, no more… no more of any of that,” Ash said. “If you do… if you do I’m going to get rid of you and I don’t care what happens. Do you understand? And don’t call me Master Sheng.”

“Of course, Master Sheng. I will obey your orders. But I must humbly decline the last one. You are my Master Sheng, Master Sheng,” Na said her eyes wide. “Any child I bare for you will serve your family as well.”

“What? That’s just stupid!” Ash said.

“Why?” Yue asked sounding confused. “It would be right for her to bare children that would serve your family.”

“Because… because you don’t just… turn children into slaves,” Ash said, feeling very strange about this.

“They’re not slaves, they’re familial servants,” Mei said, also looking at Ash as if he were rather odd. “Should she bare your children, they would serve your family, which is their family.

“Unless you’re saying that her children would be part of the clan?”

“Clan?” Ash asked. He was feeling extremely bewildered now.

“Yes, a clan,” murmured a voice from behind him. Turning his head Ash found Gen standing there.

“The Sheng clan. Your personal branch of the Sheng clan. Because that’s what you need to start preparing for. If you do have her bare you children you’ll have to decide if they’ll be familial clan servants or Sheng children,” Gen saaid, nodding his head. “I would suggest familial servants at first, then turn them into a Ashley Sheng branch family down the road.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea,” Mei said, nodding her head.

Ash just stood there, not really comprehending the full context of the discussion.

The fact that they were talking about forcing children on Na, and then making those children servants, wasn’t something he could really put his mind to.

“The process to have a clan recognized takes time,” Gen continued, looking around at those gathered nearby. “Its good that you’re all discussing it now. The Sheng family never truly had a registered clan so you’ll have to start from nothing. I look forward to being one of the first honored elders.”

“I’ll handle that,” Yue declared. “I’ve been meaning to make connections with the realm lord’s court. It’ll be a good excuse and greasing palms to get a clan registered is very normal.”

“What can we do for you, Master?” Mei asked, smiling at Gen. Ever since being accepted as a student, she’d been extremely differential to Gen.

“Mmm, nothing, really,” Gen said, leaning onto his cane. “I was just curious what was going on. It seems I have yet another student to instruct.”

Na nodded her head rapidly at that.

“Fine. It makes me glad to be stealing away the few remaining geniuses of the Deng house,” gen said with his wolf-like smile. “Though I do wonder who else will try to move onto Sheng street, as you call it. There’s another five homes on your little path.

“And given your victories, there’s definitely a good deal of confusion about which way the ranking of houses goes.”

“Not to mention the Essence,” Yue said. “Its all moving toward Ash’s house. I heard it used to go the other way.”

“Yes,” Gen said with a small smile. “That does seem to be the case now, doesn’t it? Hmph.

“Well, I’m going to go check in with Master Zha. She and I have been working closely since she was brought in. She’s from the Mountain Bear sect you know. The sect leader recruited her personally to handle this matter.”

Ash detected something else in Gen’s words. It wasn’t just admiration for a co-worker. If Ash had to put a name to it, he’d almost think it was familiarity or tenderness.

Everyone, bowed their heads and pressed their fists together toward Gen.

Smiling wider at that, Gen bowed his head in return, and then began to slowly walk away. Making not a single noise as he did so.

“He’s… very strong,” Na murmured. “I wasn’t able to deduce anything of his power.”

“Yes, our master is a very wise and powerful man,” Mei said, then laughed softly. “Though I find it rather amusing that he’s sleeping with Master Zha. I wonder if she initiated that, or he did.”

“You’re thinking runs the same as mine, huh?” Ash asked.

“Indeed. I hope they find comfort in one another,” murmured Mei.

“He’s so much older though,” Tala said.

“There are those who will chase power, rather than the person,” Yue said with some disgust.

Ash imagined everyone added, “Like Jia” to the end of her statement. No one had any doubts as to what Jia had wanted from Ash, and why she’d challenged him previously.

While Mei was willing to overlook it for Ash’s sake, as was Moira, Tala and Yue seemed determined to keep her away from him to one degree or another.

“She didn’t know what she wanted,” Ash countered. He’d been defending her since she and he had a talk about it. He imagined he’d be doing that for a while yet.

“Foolish girl,” grumbled Yue.

“Yes, foolish,” Ash agreed. “And very apologetic. I expect you to work at forgiving it, Yue. Not to actually forgive her, not yet, but to at least work at it.”

“Ashley, she-”

“Made a mistake,” said Ash with a smile, catching Yue’s eyes with his own. “For me, Yue? Just work at it?”

Yue’s cheeks slowly reddened as she held his gaze.

“Okay, Ashely,” she murmured, nodding her head minutely. “For you.”

“Speaking of Jia. She’s not far off. I think she’s waiting for you to separate from the group, or Yue to leave.”

“Now. You’ll need to forgive me, but I do need to go track down Jia,” Ash said, turning to Mei. “I’ll need my arm back for that.”

“No you won’t. I’ll go with you,” Mei said, her fingers clamped tight to him. “You’ll need to keep me around for a bit anyways. Who knows what Zi Xin might do?”

“I’ll go clean your home, and make sure it’s tidy, Master Sheng,” Na said. She didn’t bow, but it was clear she wanted to do so. Then she turned and left immediately.

“I’ll go get the paperwork started,” Yue said, still gazing at Ash. Her infatuation with him was showing right now, but he did attack her somewhat directly when he asked her to do it for him.

Her body turned to leave long before her head followed suit, her eyes locked to Ash for several steps, before she truly left.

“Spar?” Moira asked to Tala.

“Yes. I’m afraid your idiot lover violated my elegant self,” Tala growled. “I’ll need to work off the shame and filth of him.”

“You violated Tala?” Mei asked, her tone tight and pinched.

Give me an arrow to Jia?

Immediately an arrow appeared and pointed off to one side of the assembly area.

“Kissed her,” Ash said, dragging Mei along with him. “I kissed her. She was demanding me to rub her back and shoulders and kiss her cheek. So I kissed her on the mouth and refused to rub her.”

“Oh. Hum,” Mei mused. “That’s not very kind of you. That is a form of violation, my Ashley. You should apologize to her later for it.”

“Uh huh,” he replied. He had no intention of doing that.

Then he spotted Jia. She was dressed in a very pretty blue-dress, her hands clutched one into the other, and watching him approach.

The dress flattered her slim and athletic figure and made her midnight black hair and black eyes all the darker.

“I hate it that I’m envious of her figure and that she can wear blue so well,” Mei grumbled.

“And I think you’re beautiful the way you are,” Ash disagreed. “So leave it be. Jia’s in a bad place right now.”

“Oh. Well… thank you, Ashley,” Mei said, her fingers immediately starting to stroke the back of his arm again.

“Good afternoon, Ash, Mei,” Jia said as the two stopped in front of her.

“Afternoon, Jia,” Ash said with a smile. Since she’d dropped the bomb on him that her brother was coming, she’d been considerably warmer with him. Asking him to dinner several nights in the last week.

“Jia,” Mei said. Then she disentangled herself from Ash and walked over to the other woman. Wrapping her arms around her, she hugged her. “It’ll be well. Ash defends you and asks everyone to give you the chance to earn your place again. Just a bit longer. It’s really just Yue anymore. Tala is just Tala.”

Jia sucked in a slow breath, her arms tightening up around Mei.

Then she let out a soft sob.

“Okay. Thank you, Mei,” Jia murmured, turning her face into Mei’s hair.

“Of course. I understand what you’re going through,” said Mei, lightly stroking Jia’s back.

Ash stood there, not really sure how to proceed or what to do.

He was happy though it seemed Mei was willing to go beyond just letting Jia work her way back into the group.

Then again, she might be doing it for Ash’s benefit, knowing how Mei’s mind worked.