The next few days were a blur for Xieren, as he slipped in and out of consciousness. During the few moments of clarity, he recalled someone sitting beside him, feeding him though he couldn't recall a taste and speaking gentle words to him.

It was the best feeling ever.

He could even vaguely recall a melody being hummed, making him think Tankian had come to visit, but surely not. They weren't in town. He was back at the sect, being locked away.

It was a few days after when his fever broke and he was strong enough to get out of bed. As expected he was alone.

He'd kind of hoped that the person caring for him would be there so he could properly thank them.

Sighing, he took in a breath and felt his heart stop.

It was clean air.

Looking around, he noted that he was in his room but it looked nothing like what he'd remember it being. Despite it being little more than a shack, Xieren had tried to make it livable. The floor was cleaned whenever he had the chance and He made sure to keep a window open to let in some fresh air.

But there were limits to what could be done to such a rundown shack. Xieren was a child, not a contracted, so when damage was done to the structure, he could do little more than just cover it up. As such, the shack was full of holes and leaks.

Except, it wasn't anymore.

The shack was still the same but the holes he covered with cloth and bark had been covered and sealed, blocking off the leaks that Xieren had grown used to. For the first time in months, the child woke up to a relatively warm room rather than an ever present draft.

Looking around, he saw that the room had been cleaned up, with nary a item out of place.

Xieren was still reeling from shock when two different smells hit him at once.

One was the familiar scent of tea that Xinyi always brewed him. It was mint tea, just as he prefered. He could even smell the hint of sugar she always snuck in cause of her own notorious sweet tooth.

Xieren sighed, happy that the person who cared for him was her. Anyone else might be tempted to poison him or worse.

The unfamiliar scent was from a bowl of soup sitting beside the tea. It looked normal and smelled delicious. It's was just...

Why was it so ominously red?!

Wary, Xieren took a step closer, taking in the scent once more. It smelled spicy, the spices burning his nose a bit. But it also smelled good so...

Taking that first bite... Xieren thought he was going to die. It took everything he could to swallow the soup and even then, felt like death was coming for him.

He ate all the rice, trying to stave off the spice from his tongue. As he tried to catch his breath, he stared at the still full bowl, his wariness increasing.

What an evil brew.

It was dangerously spicy, too much for anyone to stomach more than a single bite. Just the thought of it brought tears to his eyes. Except...

It was also really delicious!!!

Xieren was no cook, so to ask why he loved it would be like asking a child to explain brain surgery but one thing was for sure. Xieren wanted more.

With a heavy heart, Xieren raised his spoon like a weapon to used against the mightiest of foes and dug in, not stopping until the bowl was empty.

As expected, the burning sensation lasted for a while, making him roll and cry out as he tried to recover. It only reversed after a few mouthfuls of rice. With a sigh and an little burp, Xieren laid back on his bed, full and satisfied.

"Ah~ that was so good!" He sighed, stretching his arms out. As his robes fell past his arms, he noticed they were covered in bandages.

Curious, he checked himself and saw he was covered in bandages. Xinyi must have taken him to Elder Zhihao. The herbs were definitely his.

Just as he was about to get up, someone hammered on his door. It wasn't hard enough break it down but if was hard enough to shack the structure.

"Oi, waste, get out here!" Someone called out. Xieren didn't recognize the voice but that didn't matter. Everyone treated him the same way.

Save for Xinyi. Perhaps he should thank her for the food later.

"Master Shao is waiting."

Xieren's mood darkened, making him scowl hatefully. He had forgotten that that man would be returning. That he was the reason he'd needed treatment in the first place. That he could no longer spend time with Tankian.

Equal parts sad and angry, Xieren got up and got dressed, assuring the person outside he'd be there. Surprisingly, they waited for him, which he had not expected when he opened the door.

"Master Shao doesn't like it when us disciples come alone." The young man grumbled, looking impatient. "Everyone else had been on time so only us two are late. You have to come with me."

Xieren inwardly frowned, though he kept his expression blank in front of this person. He didn't think much of his words, though as they walked, he learned this person was quite talkative.

"I still can't believe this!" He cried, walking side by side with Xieren. "I woke up late and my dumb roommate left me alone! Did he want all the good food for himself?!"

Xieren said nothing, not really caring. Really, this was strange. Other than Xinyi, no one else bothered to talk to him yet this guy was just venting all his frustrations on him.

"Oh, that reminds me!" The young man turned to him, looking earnestly curious. "What's your name? I'm Zuejie." He held out a hand, smiling jovially. This made Xieren even more suspicious.

Xieren walked past him, ignoring the hand and moving outside. He could hear the faint sound of people talking all at once. Was there some event going on? Anywhere else in the sect, one would assume it was a training session but Shizun wasn't like that.

"H-Hey, wait!" Zuejie called out, running to catch up with Xieren. "Why did you run off? I told you we have to arrive together or else Shizun will-"

"I don't care." He grumbled, not really in the mood to deal with such a troublesome person this soon after waking up. Surely there was some rule that said you can't annoy people this early in the day?

"Hmph. You might not care but I do." Zuejie replied, pouting. "I don't want us to get in trouble with Master Shao. You're my partner, after all."

Eh? Since when? He thought, grimacing as they arrived outside. As he'd thought, dozens of disciples were standing around, chattering to themselves. No one seemed to notice their arrival, which had Zuejie sighing in relief.

"That's great." He said, leaning on Xieren's shoulder like they were close. "Master hasn't arrived yet." Annoyed by the proximity, Xieren brushed the boy off, turning to leave when he heard someone call out to him.

"Xieren?"

The boy stopped, his heart racing as excitement filled him. That voice? Was there many who had such a voice but... He turned, the words 'big brother' on the tip of his tongue when he saw who it was.

It was Shao Liang Fei.

As disappointment rushed over him like a tidal wave, he scowled at the ground, not daring to show such disrespect to this... person.

Why? Why does he have to sound so much like him? Shizun was not as kind or caring as Tankian so how dare their voices be so alike!

"T-this disciples humbly greets Shizun." He said, surprised by how smoothly the words came out. He was still angry at him. If not for him coming back, he'd not have been punished and he could go and properly look for Tankian.

"I'm glad to see you up and about." He replied, surprising Xieren. "I heard you were sick but it seems you are now feeling better."

Xieren wasn't sure how to feel. On one hand, the words said were even and lacked any mocking tone but on the other, Shizun's eyes were shimmering with amusement. Was he truly sincere or not?

"This disciple thanks Shizun for worrying but all is well." He said, his tone clearly confused. Just as he was about to ask why he was so concerned, the man turned away to address the group.

"Alright, class! You all know how this goes so please get in position." He stated, watching everyone scatter into little groups. As he watched them, Xieren stared at Liang Fei, confused.

"What is..."

"Oh right, you've been out sick, haven't you." Zuejie chimed in from beside him. "Not sure why but Master Shao has been overseeing our training for the last few days."

This confused Xieren even more, since the Shizun he knew never bothered to even guide his disciples, let alone oversee them train.

Yet throughout the day, he watched the man walk around the courtyard, looking over the groups. Strangely, he seemed to organize the more advanced disciples as group leaders, tasked with guiding those with a similar element who were less advanced. Since Xieren only had skills with fire spells, he was paired with a senior who specialized in the element.

While the senior seemed less than enthused to allow him into the group, one pointed look from Shizun and the young man quickly shut his mouth and went on to show the others what he knew. As the lesson went on, Xieren couldn't help but watch Shizun.

His ears perked up every time he spoke, though it was usually just him giving advice and guiding either the seniors or the shidi on whatever they were doing. Watching him, Xieren could tell he seemed to be happy, though his expression never shifted from that calm serene face.

Just like Tankian.

He didn't know what to do with this. Every time he heard him speak, he thought of Tankian but he also knew they couldn't be connected. Different people could have different voices after all.

Moreover, he refused to think that his favorite person was also his most hated person..

"Oi, are you even paying attention!" Xieren's eyes snapped up, only now realizing that he was still in the middle of a lesson. Seeing everyone in the groups eyes fall on him, Xieren flinched.

"S-sorry." He mumbled, though he inwardly scolded himself for showing weakness. Still, he had been daydreaming so...

"Figures." Another disciple sneered, his name unknown to Xieren but as venomous as those he knew. "This waste probably knows its a fools errand to learn like us. He can barely light a candle but dares show himself to us."

His words set off a chorus of laughter, leaving Xieren sitting there, his hands clenched in his sleeves. His expressed was blank, this time not allowing them to see his anger. Yet again, he chanted his mantra, his promises to the heavens.

Get stronger than anyone.

Kill those who laugh-

"Why are you all laughing during a lesson?" A voice said, sweeping over the group. Immediately, everyone's eyes darted toward Liang Fei, who watched them impassively. They all paled at the sight of him, knowing what would come next.

"Master Shao, we-" The senior started but was ignored as the man's eyes fell on the nameless disciple who started it.

"Fan Qui, do you usually go around making fun of others?" He asked, not even bothering to speak quietly. "I must say, that is a daring thing to do considering your current level of skill. I don't believe that is behavior befitting a disciple, don't you?"

The boy looked away, shame evident on his face. In his heart, he knew he was not much better than Xieren in terms of skills but was content to allow Xieren to be the target as opposed to him. He had no personal grudge against him but...

"N-no, Master..." He mumbled, humble and contrite.

"Then perhaps you should properly study how to behave like a true cultivator before you learn any actual skills." He said, pointing the the library. "Copy volumes 1 to 3 of the behavioral manual and then come to report what you've learned."

They all knew those books, they were thick and very word heavy. It would take hours to copy just one but 3? That'd take days!

"But-"

"Clearly, you have a lot to learn about respecting others if you think insulting someone who sincerely apologizes for their mistake is moral." He stated, his tone firm and leaving no room for argument.

The young man, embarrassed, stood up and stomped away, not wanting to be around any longer. Silence fell, leaving them all awkwardly waiting for something to happen. Would they, the group, get in trouble for laughing?

Their worries were soon put to rest when Liang Fei turned back to the senior in charge. Addressing the young man by name, he told him to keep a better grip on those in his charge or else he'd be held responsible next time. After that, everyone was on their best behavior, at least in their group. A few times, Xieren heard Shizun scold others for disruption and bullying.

All the while, Xieren watched him, trying to figure out what was bothering him about the whole situation just then.

***

"Ah~ how lucky are we?!" Xuejie exclaimed, standing next to Xieren. He (XR) wasn't sure why this kid kept so close to him all the time. Had it not been for their difference in element, Xuejie would have remained by his side the whole day.

It was weird...

Xieren said nothing, walking away from the young man. Xuejie, enthusiastic by nature, thought nothing of it and followed after Xieren.

"I'm so glad is rained today or else we'd have had to run all around the sect and it is hellish!" He complained, after catching up with Xieren. "Though I suppose it is good to build up ones strength, huh?"

Xieren wasn't sure. He'd always run to exercise but Shizun apparently wanted them to run laps around the sect grounds which was... difficult to say the least. At least for everyone else.

While their jog had been cut short by the rain, Xieren was the only one to keep up with Shizun, who was leading them around the grounds. Xieren hadn't even noticed he'd kept up with the man until he turned his head.

"Ah, Xieren, I wasn't expecting you to be there." He noted, his brows rising just a bit. "I was worried you'd get left behind but here you are. Good job."

What happened after that was a bit unclear. Perhaps he kept running or maybe he stopped, he wasn't sure but one thing was for sure. Those words 'good job' circled about his head.

He felt... good being complimented by that hateful man. He was happy... because of that bastard! Hatred and joy warred within him as he tried to settle his mind. It was so confusing and he hated it, so his expression darkened.

"Hey, Xieren, are you okay?" Xuejie asked, bringing him back to the present. "You look like you swallowed a lemon?" He joked, smiling a bit. Xieren wasn't amused and kept walking.

Briefly he wondered when this person, whom he'd never met before today, had learned his name but figured that there were many whose name he didn't know. He(XJ) probably just know of him (XR).

Letting the thought fade, he and Xuejie arrived at the cafeteria, watching all the disciples rush over to the food line. The disciples were almost climbing over each other to get food.

"Ah, I guess this means we'll be stuck with Red Pot." Xuejie sighed with disappointment and woe. "I hate this. I don't want to die!!"

"Red pot?" Xieren couldn't help but ask cause he could smell something delicious. It smelled familiar.

"Oh, yeah, you've been sick, haven't you." Xuejie directed them to a table in the far corner. Sitting across from each other, Xuejie continued. "Over the last couple days, a new dish has been found among all the usual meals. It's a pot of soup in a red pot. It's... it's terrible!!!"

"Is it really that bad?" He asked, his mind drifting to the smell of food. Really, if not for all the other people, he would be able to place the smell.

"I don't know." He shrugged, tapping his fingers.

"You don't know?" Xieren blinked, not expecting such a response.

"No one knows!" He exclaimed, his cry drowned out by all shouts behind them. "No one's been able to eat it! It's too ominous and so spicy, it feels like your tongue is trying to kill itself! It's cursed they say."

For some reason, he thought of that deliciously spicy soup he'd eaten that morning. Just the thought of the ominously red brew made him want to drool. It was so delicious! Was that the smell he'd been picking up? Part of him wanted to run over to see but being as small as he was, getting through that crowd was impossible.

Just then, he felt a hand tap his shoulder. He turned but saw no one. Frowning, he turned back to see Xinyi sitting on his right, smiling at the surprise that was probably evident on his face.

"Did I scare you?" She teased, resting her tray of food on the table. As usual, she had a lot with her. Being as popular as she was, she had little trouble getting whatever food she liked but she always got enough for them both.

"Ah yi..." He grumbled, upset that he'd been taken by surprise. He could usually smell her from far away, since she always smelled like herbs but his focus was on that soup and-

"Oh wow!" Xuejie cried out, his eyes glowing with awe and admiration. Xieren had actually forgotten about him for a moment. "You really are friends with the lovely flower, Xinyi. Bro, you really are so cool!"

"... Ah-Ren, who is this?" Xinyi muttered, frowning at the sight another at their table.

"Oh! You guys are so close already? I'm so jealous!!" He complained, pouting as he laid his head on the table. Xieren felt a bit embarrassed, not wanting to explain it all.

He and Xinyi had gotten close after their talk. They weren't friends (at least to Xieren) but she was the closest thing to a friend

"Ah-ren and me are very close!" Xinyi bragged, preening at the attention. If Xieren let this guy sit with him, he must be nice, she thought with a smile. "He's my sweet little brother!"

"I'm older than you." He stated, taking a bowl of rice from her tray. She'd have handed it to him anyway so he thought nothing of it.

"But I'm taller than you." She countered with a worldly smile.

"That doesn't mean-"

"It means you are little compared to me so you are my little brother now." She declared with gusto.

"You don't get to decide that on your own!"

"I just did!." :)

As the two stared each other down, Xuejie stared at them, his expression one of contemplation. Eyes furrowed and a look of bewilderment evident.

This wasn't right. He thought, watching the two.

Seeing the look, Xieren stared back at the young man, confused and suspicious of the look. Before he could open his mouth to ask, he was embraced by Xinyi all of a sudden.

"Hug time!" She cried, happly trying to smother him in her bosom. Most men wouldn't mind but he wanted to breath so he struggled.

"Ack, get off me!" He struggled to get free but he also didn't want to spill their food so it was hard. It became harder still when he was grabbed from the other side by Xuejie.

"Double hug time!"

"Why are you hugging me!?" His shouted, his face a mix of black and red as he tried to free himself. Xinyi hugging him was one thing but this guy too? He was not a damn doll!

"I don't want to be left out." Xuejie pouted, his serious look long forgotten when looking at such a pitiful expression.

"I don't want you hugging me." He growled, struggling to place his food on the table so he could effectively escape.

"So I can hug you, Ah-Ren?"

"I can't imagine why any guy would refuse a hug from such a pretty girl. Xuejie said, his tone sagely and sounding much older than his years.

"Is that why you're here?" Xieren asked, letting himself be pulled into Xinyi embrace, the back of his head cushioned on her breasts. "To get close to Ah-Yi?"

"I... won't say that's NOT why but..." He admitted, looking away embarrassed. Despite not looking, he could feel the blackening of Xieren face, his annoyance radiating off him. Jumping back, Xuejie held his hands up in surrender. "Now now, there's no need to get all upset. Shimei is part of it but I really do admire you, bro. Everyone told me that you were weak but you blew them out of the water today."

Hearing another praise him was... weird. It wasn't bad but it didn't feel as nice as when Tankian did so. Probably because it was preceded by a insult.

"Eh? Ah-Ren did well today?" Xinyi asked, curious. She heard he'd been locked away for days now, hence her rushing over to check him out. Despite what she'd heard, he looked fine, other than the bandages. "You didn't hurt anywhere?"

"No, I didn't." He replied, frowning a bit to himself. He hadn't noticed it cause his focus had been on Shizun but his body didn't hurt. It was a bit numb but not at all painful.

"Did you take some medicine?" Xuejie asked, wanting back into the conversation. Xinyi gave him a look, her gaze accusatory, as if to say 'who else but I would make him medicine that he would take?'

Thinking back, the only thing was that ominously red soup he'd eaten. While it was a task to finish the bowl without dying, afterward he felt refreshed and warm. Throughout the day, he felt more relaxed and less fatigued. Even cultivating was a bit easier, though he knew he hadn't gotten very far. Still, he'd made more progress today than in the last year he'd been trying to get stronger.

Smiling a bit at the thought, he turned to Xinyi who stopped when she saw Xieren smile. The instances of seeing the child smile was few and far between so she stopped to stare, her face a bit warm at the sight.

"Ah yi?"

"Eh!? Y-yes?!" She stammered, pulled from her admiration. He really was adorable when he smiled. Perhaps later, he'd grow up to be handsome? No, with a face like that, he'd be a lady killer. Part of her wished to protect him from that. His sharp tongue was bound to break a few hearts.

(AN: Recall all the stuff he'd said and thought about Xinyi and keep in mind that they are close. God help anyone outside that.)

"Thank you for before."

"Before?"

"The breakfast you left for me?" He reminded her, smirking at the notion that she'd forgotten. "I recognized the tea you left, though the soup was new."

"Soup?" She echoed, frowning cutely. "Oh, not that wasn't me."

"It wasn't?"

"No, the tea was what I brought for you, since I figured you were still sick." She explained, fully letting him go. "You always seemed to like that brew so I brought it over but the meal was already there when I came by the last few days."

"Days?" He questioned, not expecting that he'd been fed before this. Xinyi nodded, not noticing his look of confusion, instead focusing on sharing her meal with both Xieren and Xuejie. Said young man watched with fascination.

"Yeah, a bowl was left there every morning though I'm unsure who made it. I assumed it was either a servant or maybe Elder Shao but I can't say for sure." At the suggestion, Xuejie burst out laughing.

"Master Shao? Cooking for a disciple? No way!" He said, his expression incredulous. "Master Shao is weird now but he isn't like that."

Xieren felt the same. Shizun wasn't like that. At least, he hadn't been. All day today and even before, he seemed strange. Nicer...

Xieren, frustrated by the inconsistencies warring in his head, crammed some food into his mouth, wanting to eat his headache away. Xinyi said nothing and Xuejie continued to talk about other things. All the while, Xieren kept firm in his beliefs.

Shizun is hateful.

***

Hours later, Xieren was sleeping in his room peacefully. The sound of the rain a gentle melody to sing him to sleep. Except not now.

He had to pee.

Getting up, he slipped on some proper clothes and snuck out his room. Usually, there were only the guards keeping watch but none should be nearby. Even if caught, he'd just explain his reason and be sent on his way.

At the very least, the guards weren't cruel to him, just indifferent.

The lavatory was just past the kitchen, which was a separate build from the cafeteria. Quietly, he briskly walked past the building. There was a dim light coming from within. Perhaps the kitchen aunties were making breakfast? It was fairly early so it seemed right. Just as he past the window, he heard something.

Graffiti decorations, under a sky of dust

A constant wave of tension, on top of broken trust

Someone was singing, though the words were a bit unclear to him. Despite that, he stopped in his tracks, letting the rain soak him to the skin.

That voice!

The lessons that you taught me,

I learned were never true

No, it wasn't the voice or even the melody, being a new one to his ears, that had him rushing to the window. That had him climbing up crates to catch sight of the person within.

It was the feeling his melody brought forth.

The feeling of warmth and ease that chased out chill of the rain. A feeling similar to a warm hug after a hard day.

Within the kitchen, as expected was a man with his back to Xieren. From the looks of it, it seemed as if he was cooking and singing at the same time. Well, he was kind of singing. He seemed very unsure on what the words were cause he kept interchanging actual lyrics with 'la la la's and 'do do do's.

Despite that, he was very animated in movement despite his tone staying fairly even. Just like-

"Brother!" Xieren whispered, excited to know his favorite person was nearby. So close and-

"Hello?" The man turned around, not facing Xieren but his profile clear in the lantern's glow. Xieren felt his heart break at the sight.

Shao Liang Fei. The most hateful and horrid person, his Shizun, was somehow also his most favorite.