Liang Fei remained silent, his face still and calm while his mind was in turmoil. Fiancee?! Since when did he have one of those? That was never mentioned in the plotline he was given! Then again, that worthless 'system Q' or whatever didn't tell him anything at all.

Worse yet, he had no clue who this person in front of him was. Was he a friend? Family? Some guy he bumped into on the street one time? How was he to know?

"I..." He started, trying to think of a response. The man scowled, waiting for a response. Luckily, before any more words could be said, Xieren ran up, pushing the man away.

"Who are you?!" He demanded, glaring hatefully from behind his mask. Such a sight shocked the two men, making this new face the focus.

Internally, Liang Fei was too grateful for the diversion. It gave him time to think.

"Now now, no need to be so rude to an elder." He scolded, pulling Xieren away. With how he was simmering, he looked close to biting the man.

When did my Disciple suddenly become like a stray? He thought with a sigh.

Xieren continued to glare but obediently allowed his master to pull him away. If his master wasn't here, he very well would have punched this guy.

Touching his master, talking about a fiancee in front of him, surely this man wanted to die!

Meanwhile, the man in question watched the two, clearly curious.

"A-Fei, who is this little one?" He looked between the two.

Both Liang Fei and Xieren jumped at the familiar way this man spoke to him. Clearly, they were close.

Perhaps they were family?

Just when the temptation to ask was becoming overwhelming, another voice spoke, this one softer and gentle.

"Perhaps, my lord, we should speak elsewhere."

All eyes fell onto the fourth person in the group, unnoticed till this moment, She had been escorted by the mysterious man and addressed but had been forgotten about soon after.

Her appearance was hidden from sight, her head covered by a dark veil. Her posture made it clear that she was a noble miss, with high rank and prestige.

The man sighed, looking a bit put out by the situation. they were, indeed, causing a scene.

"Let's get away from here." He offered, gesturing for them to follow. "We can talk back at the villa."

Xieren looked ready to attack the man, wanting nothing more than to bite him. His teeth were sharp so surely he could-

"I shall follow uncle." Liang Fei said, nodding at the man. From the way he was addressed, he figured that this man must be older. He wasn't sure by how much but it was better safe than sorry.

"Hah?! Who's your uncle?" The man cried, looking wronged. He leaned in close with a frown. "Just because I'm a little older, you dare call this Chen Yu 'uncle'? Who gave you the gall?"

"My apologies..." He replied, a bit surprised but firm. When the man continued to stare, Liang Fei sighed. "Brother Yu?."

That brought a smile to Chen Yu's face.

"That's better!" He clapped Liang Fei on the shoulder, his smile big and proud. "Really, you act like we're strangers, A-Fei. It's been a few years but there's no need to be so distant with me."

"Right, please forgive me." Liang Fei nodded, not fighting him as he was pulled along by Chen Yu. The veiled woman and Xieren followed close behind, both silent.

Xieren was focused on his master, wondering just how long that man planned on touching his master. Yes, this man seemed to be close with his master but there was no need to be touching him so much.

The woman, however, was focused on Xieren, though it was unclear what thoughts went through her mind.

They soon reached the main road, where there was a carriage waiting for them. Chen Yu walked over to talk to the drivers with the veiled woman close behind. Xieren took this chance to talk to his master.

"Shizun, I-"

"Your name is Han Caifeng." He whispered, fixing his robes. "Answer only to that while we're here."

"Han...?" He echoed, a bit confused. He'd never had a surname so it was a bit exciting.

"I'll address you as Xiao Han while we're here." He continued as if Xieren had said nothing. "Just go along with it."

"Is it because...?" His eyes narrowed as they drifted around the street. While they were well hidden, the guards around them were clear to them.

"Yes, the men here," He said, not looking up. "they have the same aura as those who were chasing us before." He'd noticed soon after they exited the fair. Hidden guards had drawn closer, following behind them as they moved.

"Did they notice?" He asked, wondering if they knew the two of them noticed them.

"Probably but I can't say for sure." He watched Chen Yu walk back with a smile. "For now, continue to act like my little brother, alright?"

"Yes!" Xieren watched Chen Yu get close, patting Liang Fei on the back. He scowled at the man's back as he led his master to the carriage.

"Oi, A-Fei, get in." He said, gesturing to the carriage. In comparison to the one he'd ridden on before, this one was clearly on a different level. It was the difference between rich and poor, heaven and earth truly.

"We're traveling by carriage?" He countered, seeing that the veiled woman was sitting inside as well. She said nothing.

"Of course! Do you expect me to let my dear brother walk?" He cried, pulling Liang Fei close to whisper in his ear. "That and you should at least talk to your fiance, right? This is your first meeting so I don't want to interfere." He added covertly.

"Thank you for your consideration." He said with a nod, not bothering to question the matter too much. He didn't want to seem suspicious. Yet Xieren couldn't help but cry out in frustration.

"Big brother!" He absolutely hated this guy! Why did he get to touch his master like this?! It was unfair. He tried to enter behind his master but was stopped at the door by the elder man. "Get out of-

"Xiao Han!" Liang Fei snapped, keeping his rebellious student from saying too much. "Stay out here."

"But..." He gave a pleading look to his master, hoping he would submit to his whims. Liang Fei almost did but refrained. He sighed.

"You'll keep me safe, right?" He said instead of scolding his student. He'd punish him later.

"Absolutely!" While Xieren was weaker than his master, he was strong enough to take on most enemies

"Then there's no reason to worry." He assured, gesturing for Xieren to remain where he was. The door closed, leaving Xieren and Chenyu outside.

Upon entering the carriage, the woman sat across from him, snow white hand laying gracefully upon her lap.

Silence fell between the two, neither wishing to speak as the trip began. Liang Fei stared out the window, watching the scenery pass by. He could still sense their pursuer's nearby but they were drifting further away as time went on.

How curious.

"My lord Shao," His companion said, breaking the silence after some time. "I'm surprised you haven't even bothered to ask my name. Then again, perhaps it doesn't matter."

"My apologies, but you are but a stranger to me." He replied, not thinking about his response. His concern was his pursuer's. He'd forgotten briefly, that he had a part to play.

"That and your mind is on other things, yes?" She countered, finally earning a look of suspicion from him. He could see a faint smile from under her veil. "But I know better than to pry into a lords business so if I may, I will introduce myself. At least then, we won't be strangers."

Liang Fei was still a bit suspicious of her but nodded. While she might be a danger to him, he still had to play along.

"My name is Min Leilian, youngest daughter of the Mindu sect." She said, removing her veil. The sight made Liang Fei freeze.

This woman was a sight to see, devastatingly beautiful and serene as a still lake. Curiously, her appearance was like that of a fairy, with hair as pale as the moon and eyes equally so. Looking at her, one might think she was a corpse herself.

For the first time, Liang Fei truly felt like this world was that of a fantasy. Only in such a world would there be someone with features like this naturally.

As such, Liang Fei was left stunned.

Seeing his reaction, Min Leilian smiled sadly. Of course he looked at her like that.

"I'm sorry if my appearance is displeasing to your eyes." She mumbled, her hands clenching around her veil.

"You are quite lovely, actually." He replied bluntly, still a bit stunned. His tongue was loose as he spoke his true thoughts. "I've never seen such a color look so good. You truly resemble a fairy from legends."

As an avid reader, Liang Fei had stumbled upon many ancient poems and myths. While he was not someone who read non-fiction, such subjects were purely historic so Liang fei knew a lot about it. He had grown up reading those poems and myths to his sister and while he didn't believe in the mysticism of those tales, he was enamored by them.

As such, seeing someone who resembles those fairies of myth was something to engrave into his heart.

If she was small and soft like a plush, it would be even better. He thought, imagining a plushie version Min Leilian.

Min Leilian watched as her fiancee seemed to fall into a daze, his mind drifting elsewhere. She couldn't read him, as his expression had yet to change during their conversation but she at least knew he was no longer listening to her.

***

At dinner, the conversation was mostly carried by Chenyu, who welcomed Liang Fei with open arms. Xieren, however, was mostly ignored by the man, treated like air. It was only when Xieren, tired of being ignored, spoke up that Chenyu turned his gaze to Xieren briefly.

Yet just as quickly, he turned back to Liang Fei. It was clear where his preference lied.

"So, is this that 'Xieren' kid you told me about?" He suddenly asked, looking between the two. Both of them were shocked he knew Xieren at all. Liang Fei wondered why the original would have mentioned Xieren at all, considering he was so distant with everyone.

Why single Xieren out?

Xieren was mostly confused and curious as to what his master had said about him to this man. Was it good things? Bad things?

The main issue was, why did he expect Xieren to be there?

"Unfortunately, he couldn't accompany me." Liang Fei answered, his expression calm. "He happens to be representing me at the Sunjin Conference. Perhaps we could still make it back if you wish to see him."

Chenyu frowned, his gaze falling in Xieren who glowered back.

"Then who is this rude kid that keeps glaring daggers at me?" The older man growled, glaring back at him. Xieren briefly faltered, feeling slightly threatened by the man.

"His name is Han Caifeng. He's a new disciple of mine." He replied, calming drinking some tea. "I  didn't want to travel alone and figured I should train my students outside the sect ground every once in a while."

"Is that so?" Chenyu continued to stare at Xieren, who remained still. Since he'd been told before, he could maintain his composure but the man's glare was starting to bug him. Just when he was about to falter under the tension, Chenyu's jovial smile returned.

"I see! How nice of you, A-Fei!" He laughed, sitting back. He slammed the table, rocking the food but spilling none.

Liang Fei nodded, his eyes briefly falling onto Min Leilian, who had remained silent the whole time.

After dinner, they were escorted to their rooms. Originally, they were to have separate bedrooms but Liang Fei insisted on sharing. Chenyu had wanted to argue but quickly submitted to his request. He truly was very doting on Liang Fei compared to others.

Thus, Liang Fei and Xieren were left seemingly alone in the room. Yet they could both tell they were still being watched. Just not by their pursuers anymore.

There was much to be discussed, yet no words could be spoken so they started using sign language. Liang Fei had learned to use sign language on a whim, having found a book on it as a child. He quickly learned how useful it was in this world, so he chose to teach his students as well.

As usual, Xieren excelled at it, earning praise and admiration from his fellow disciples.

Xieren: {Are they still watching us?}

Liang Fei: {No, these aren't the same as before.}

Xieren: {Should we escape?}

{No need, I doubt they'll attack us now, considering how distant they are now.} Liang Fei had a feeling they wouldn't get much closer now. But if they left, they would probably get ambushed. {Not to mention, I still have some questions for our host.}

{I don't like that guy. He's a weirdo.} 

You don't like anyone! Liang Fei thought with a sigh. Xieren was a grumpy kid to start with, only truly being friendly with his friends and most recently, himself. He didn't understand the change but was happy another one of his students liked him.

He was being a good teacher after all! 

(AN: Just imagine stone faced LF with happy stars in his eyes)

But first.

"That reminds me," He said, surprised his student. His master looked down at him disapprovingly. "You were quite rude to our host tonight. I know I didn't teach you to talk back to your elders yet you showed such a display in front of me?"

Xieren paled, a little worried. Angry Shizun was very appealing to see but mostly really scary, wu wu~

"I-" No more than that could be spoken before he was smacked upside the head with Liang Fei's sword. Tears tried to well up but Xieren resisted. "Why is it always my head that Shizun aims for?" He whined, staring up at the man.

"Apparently, that part of you is quite thick." He explained, staring down at his student. He wasn't worried, since cultivators, even young ones, were tough. "All these years and so little of my teachings are getting through. Obviously, I have to break some holes into that thick skull of yours so you'll learn."

Ah, his master really was too scary sometimes.

After being ruthlessly 'taught' manners, the two went to bed, Xieren exhausted from all the exercises he was forced to do. He thought just training alone was touch but working out and studying at the same time was hell. How was he supposed to count push-ups while remembering the proper formation of a level 3 monster seal?!

Shizun was too much.

Yet he couldn't help but stare at his master he was preparing for bed. No, he wasn't staring at the man but his sword. Throughout the whole trip, it remained wrapped up. He understood why, when they were outside but why now too?

"Hey, Shizun, what's your sword called?" He suddenly asked out of nowhere. He didn't notice his master flinching at the question.

"My... sword?" His gaze fell onto the blade at his side, having forgotten it was even there.

"Yes, I was curious." He stared at the man, wanting to know more about his master. "was that rude?" He didn't want to get smacked again.

"No. It's not but..." Liang Fei looked away, unsure of what to say. How was he supposed to know? He'd never given the blade a good look before, treating it like air as it did with him. Not to mention that since the name was on the blade and he couldn't draw it, Liang Fei had no clue what the swords name was. But he couldn't say that. "I am just curious about why you asked."

"Xuejie said before that my sword's name was strange, I think." He replied, not recalling that he was called an 'edge lord' when he showed off his newly named sword.

(AN: Reminder, Xieren's sword name is 'no future')

At the time, he had no clue what that meant but thought it sounded cool, so he didn't question it. Yet his master had a similar reaction to his naming choice so he wanted to ask about it.

Liang Fei, didn't have an answer so he chose the next best thing.

Deflection.

"Go to sleep, we have much to deal with tomorrow." He ordered, shoving Xieren onto his bedding. Admittedly, it wasn't his best attempt but he truly was too tired to care that much about subtlety.

"But-"

"Sleep."

"Yes, Shizun..." He mumbled back, pouting. He really wanted to talk to Shizun more. 

Sometime later, he was surprised to feel much warmer than he had before. He opened his eyes to find his master right in front of him, his eyes closed peacefully. His heart racing, Xieren remained still, wanting to preserve this moment for as long as possible. After days of somehow missing his masters' movements, the elder had finally stopped beside him.

This was great!

Nervously, he reached out a hand, tempted to touch his master's head. He absolutely loved head pats so perhaps his master would as well. That and he'd always wondered if his master's hair was as soft as it looked.

Before he could, however, Shizun pulled his arm from his blanket roll and laid it on Xieren's chest. Part of his wondered if perhaps his master was awake but the soft snores said otherwise. As such, a red faced Xieren was left with a racing heart and a master who was just about cuddling with him.

Yet his heaven soon turned to hell as his master groped at his chest for a moment before turning away with a huff. 

"Too soft..." He sleepily mumbled, disappointment evident in his tone.

This left Xieren, staring at the ceiling, his pride and ego shattered by the man's sleep fuel dismissal.

The next morning, Liang Fei woke up to find his student doing sit-ups. From how much he was sweating, it was clear he'd been doing it for a while. He didn't bother asking why or when he'd started. He just yawned and snuggled back into his blankets, huddled against the far wall.

***

Despite how much Xieren insisted on accompanying him today, Liang Fei chose to spend time with his so-called fiancee. He wasn't sure how much she knew but it was best to find out now rather than later.

When he suggested spending the day with her, he gave him a strange look, as if asking what his intentions were. It made him wonder more about this so called marriage. And why he seemed to keen on it.

The problem was that once the two of them were alone and had exhausted the usual topics, they fell into a tense silence. If he was being honest, Liang Fei felt a bit nervous. He hadn't held a casual conversation with a woman in years. The few female masters at the sect were usually busy so idle chatter was not something he could have. And to mention the women in his previous life... such an ordeal should never be put into words.

In short, Liang Fei was generally bad with women his own age, worse with those younger. Older women, he treated like males so there was no chance of romance happening between them.

This left Liang Fei to be dumped by his few girlfriends for various reasons, ranging from:

Working too much.

Being too blunt with his opinions.

Being late for appointments outside work.

Not listening during conversations.

Even when told these things, Liang Fei couldn't understand why he was being dumped. Surely, these ladies knew he was busy? He made sure to cut through their hour long stories about 'that bitch at the office' in order to find a solution faster. He always called when he was running late.

Yet few seemed to be willing to put up with him, leaving him to wonder if perhaps he wasn't meant to have a relationship at all. He had too many responsibilities to manage.

The elder man sighed, wondering briefly if perhaps he was beginning to sound like an old man. He was only 29. Surely he'd have to have hit at least 40 before such thoughts entered his mind. Sure, this body was that of a century-old cultivator but mentally, he was still young, right?!

(AN: Liang Fei was 25 when he died.)

Just as he was about to try, once again, to revive the 'weathers nice today' subject, his eyes fell onto a checkered board. An idea hit him.

"Do you know how to play chess?" He asked, taking up the board.

"Chess?" She echoed, frowning. It then occurred to him that perhaps that wasn't a thing in this world.

"Ah, right." He laid the board down, feeling a bit nervous. "It's a strategy game I used to play as a child. Perhaps you'd like to play a round with me?"

"I don't know how-"

"Allow me to teach you then." He offered, picking up some nicknacks to act as pieces. "If we are to spend the rest of our lives together, we might as well start by liking the same games." While he wasn't planning on getting married, he did want to know more about her. "Besides, I feel that you might be quite good at this."

"You truly think so?" This seemed to surprise her.

"Lady Leilian is quite sharp," He assured, setting up the board. "nothing at all like how my brother speaks of you." Throughout the entire dinner, he'd noticed how Chenyu would cut her off and dismiss her words. Considering how little she spoke at all, it implied she was expecting such treatment.

"T-thats because-" Her faced darkened, her mood soured by the subject.

"No need to explain." He insisted. They could get to that later. "Let's play instead." Thus they spend the rest of the day playing chess, though a lot of time was spent with Liang Fei teaching her the rules.

Liang Fei came to regret that decision.

As he had predicted, Leilian was very good at Chess. She was sharp and could plan ahead and around every counter attack Liang Fei devised. After the fifth loss in a row, Liang Fei leaned back to let out a sigh.

"It would seem I've lost once more." He looked down at the board, seeing he had no more moves he could play. This young miss truly was very good.

"I'm sorry." She cried, feeling worried she'd embarrassed him. She had gotten excited after learning and kept winning. "Lord Shao is a very straightforward person, so your moves are subtle but clear in their intent."

"I feel that isn't a compliment," He noted, a bit amused by the statement. "But I am impressed. You truly are very capable."

"My lord, did you not expect that?"

"I did, but only after talking to you." He replied, cleaning up the table so they could eat their snacks without making a mess. "To be honest, you were so quiet during supper last night, I briefly wondered if you were actually just a painting that resembles a human being."

"T-that is..." Leilian had lived her life hearing the worst kinds of insults, from her own kin, that would break and destroy a weaker person. But this was the first time she'd ever been compared to a painting.

So still and silent, one might mistake her for a realistic portrait. Something to be admired.

Her eyes drifted to her hands, smooth at a glance but covered in thick calluses. There was nothing to admire. When she said as much, she was surprised to hear his refutation.

"It's admirable to have the scars of your hard work." He said, his eyes falling on her hands briefly. "I had a few of my own before but I suppose those don't matter anymore." He finished, staring at the table.

Four years and he was no closer to returning home. Yet every day, he felt just a bit more reluctant to leave those he'd come to adore in this fantasy world. He was torn.

Min Leilian peeked at Liang Fei, surprised by the world weary sigh he let out. Had she upset him?!

"L-Lord Shao, are you... displeased with me?"

"Hm?" He cocked a brow, having briefly forgotten where he was. "Ah, no, please don't mind me. I'm just thinking about other matters."

"Is it perhaps the matter you and your disciple were attending to before?" She recalled them whispering to one another before.

Liang Fei hadn't been thinking about that but didn't want to bore this young miss with his troubles, so he nodded.

"My apologies then, for interrupting then." She said with a sad smile. "But time is of the essence after all." Her words were heavy with meaning but Liang Fei was too distracted by his own thoughts to think much on the matter.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"Did..." She started before her eyes darted about the room. She knew they were being watched. "Do you regret your choices?"

My choices? Oh, was she talking about the marriage?

"Was there a choice to begin with?" He countered, not thinking much about their audience. He knew they were there and they knew he knew, so there was no need to stress about it. "The decision was made long before my time and I must fulfill the expectations placed upon me."

Min Leilian was shocked to hear him say that, sounding so distant from the matter. This was life and death!

"Even if it brings about harm?" She tried, standing up. She could not understand this man. He was kind but seemed not to care about their 'marriage' or the aftermath. Was she wrong about him?

"I think with some work, things can be resolved to be mutually beneficial." He replied, a bit surprised but unsure of what he had missed. Was there more to this engagement?

"Mutual?" She blinked at him.

"Yes, you and I are to be partners, yes?" He truly hoped she would be an ally to them. As far as he could tell, she didn't seem to be an enemy. "I will have to bring you happiness, even if we didn't choose one another."

His words felt genuine, surprising Leilian for a moment. Did he... truly want to help her?

"And your disciple?" She asked, wanting to know where his loyalty lied.

Eh? What did he have to do with it? He thought, frowning. He just wanted information. Then again, Xieren was prone to acting spoiled and clingy at times. Perhaps he might be upset to have his master's attention divided.

"He will help if need be." He replied, hoping to reassure her. While Xieren was generally unfriendly around others, he was a good man, so he wouldn't leave someone if they needed help.

Leilian continued to stand, staring at her fiancee with a blank look. She could tell he was being honest yet everything about this felt wrong.

She began to wonder if perhaps he was unaware of what was to occur. But he was supposed to know. This was all for him yet he spoke like there nothing more going on but an engagement. Or perhaps he was probing for information?

Her suspicions might have borne fruit then. She silenced herself, knowing they weren't alone. She had already said too much that could be overheard.

She'd surely be punished later.

Min Leilian looked away, frowning at the floor as Liang Fei's words flowed over her. This man, Shao Liang Fei, was nothing like she imagined. From the tales told to her about him, he was supposed to be callous and arrogant, treating anyone weaker than him like dirt.

When Min Leilian, the youngest of the Mindu Sect saints, was chosen she was warned that her life with him would be in name only and that their union was bound to be filled with strife and agony. Her sisters snickered at her, thankful that it wasn't them being passed off to such a man.

Surely she, the trash child of a tossed aside maid, deserved such a fate. She, who couldn't fully utilize her saint blood ability, was at least useful enough to do this. So often she heard those words, she never fought back and accepted her fate. Yet when her eyes fell on Liang Fei, her saint blood ability activated for the first time.

This man isn't Shao Liang Fei.

Her blood cried out to her, telling her in clear words. Yet the man introduced himself as such and was presented to her as him. But he didn't feel right.

Like he was out of place yet painted just the right shade to blend in.

Despite him being so different from the stories told to her by Chen Yu, the man didn't seem to notice anything wrong with Liang Fei. He had once told her how loud his brother was yet acted like nothing was strange when the man spoke so little. Even his lack of laughter seemed completely expected.

With every word, her blood cried out, screaming in her head. Things weren't right! This isn't supposed to be like this.

She felt her legs buckle under her, darkness dimming the edges of her thoughts. Every blink making the world just a bit quieter. Just before the world went black, she felt a warm pair of arms around her. Even with her eyes closed, she could tell it was her 'fiance'. Her crying blood told her so.

Her eyes fell upon the man, his voice louder than anything else around her. His words were muffled but she could hear his tone clearly enough.

He was quite upset.

Liang Fei, seeing the woman he'd spent the last few hours with, suddenly faint, was truly quite upsetting. He called out to her but she barely opened her eyes, looking pale. Without a thought, he lifted her into his arms and carried her out.

Unexpectedly, he ran into Xieren, who looked to be angry about something. Liang Fei didn't think much of it, since his disciple seemed to be angry a lot when others were around. So he sidestepped him, calling for the maids to lead him to Min Leilian's room.

"Sh-Brother, what are you-"

"Not now, Xiao Han." He interrupted, sweeping past him. As soon as he spoke, Min Leilian's eyes drifted open, her gaze falling on Xieren.

The young man, perhaps a little younger than herself, was quite handsome, with long blue-black hair that fell gracefully down his back. When his single gold eye fell upon her, she felt that things had been righted somehow, as if she was supposed to find him first.

Her blood cried out to him, wanting to be closer but wary as well. He was life and death wrapped in flesh, her salvation and her doom.

And he looked at her with pure disgust.

***

Xieren waited in his master's room, grumpily tapping his foot with impatience. He hated this. He hated this house. He hated the people in this house.

But he especially hated that woman!

She was being held and cared for by Shizun yet she just kept looking at him with those gross longing eyes. How dare she ignore his master to act so shameless.

The fact that his feelings for her would be the same even if she was paying Liang Fei any mind didn't occur to him in the least.

When his master finally arrived, Xieren shot up to his feet, glowering at his master. The man said nothing, walking past him to pour himself some water.

Was Shizun ignoring him now too?!

"Shizun!"

"I thought I told you to behave yourself?" He sighed, not wanting to talk at that moment. He could be indulgent at times but this was too much.

"But, why are you acting so familiar with that woman?" He grumbled, feeling like he was being treated like a child. He was old enough to get married yet his master spoke like he was 6. "She might be an ene-"

"Xiao Han!" He snapped, reminding him that they weren't alone. Xieren shut his mouth, wanting to shout but saying nothing. Seeing his student finally relent, Liang Fei turned to him.

"Min Leilian is my fiancee," He stated casually, as if it was nothing." so me being so close is to be expected."

"But you just met her today!"

"And?" He countered, turning back to his student. "That means I must be distant with her?" Xieren clenched his teeth, truly angry at his master for not understanding.

"Why not?!" He shot back, glaring up at him. "You've done it before." 

Liang Fei stared blankly down at Xieren, his brows raised in surprise before his expression fell blank. Not a single thought could be read in his eyes.

"...Is there something you wish to say?"

"I..." Xieren was a bit surprised that he was being allowed to vent. He expected to be silenced for raising his voice but he could tell his master was allowing him to speak his mind.

He wouldn't waste his chance.

"I just think it's strange for you to act like that toward a strange. You used to be so cold and detached, as if we..." He stopped, feeling like he was about to run out of breath. He could still see those cold green eyes staring down at him, as if he was nothing. "As if I didn't exist yet this woman gets treated so kindly. If you are so free with your attachments, why treat me so coldly before?!

How could he not be resentful? He had been dreaming of the past a lot recently, recalling how his master used to be. It was only in those dreams when his thoughts didn't get muddled and foggy, yet they were so clear, they had to be real. All the times he neglected him and mistreated him.

Yet his master was so kind to some random woman when he could have been kind from the day he was picked up off the street.

The response he received, however, was one that chilled him to the bone.

"Do you wish for an apology?" Liang Fei asked, his tone cold and distant, very much unlike his usual monotone. Xieren shivered, not sure what to do. He knew saying what he did would offend his master but he hadn't expected such a response. With an unsteady heart, he looked away, hoping the matter could possibly be dropped without the need for a response but he was wrong. "Xieren?"

"Yes, Shizun!?" He cried, looking up at the eyes of Liang Fei, his heart racing with trepidation. All of his anger faded when confronted with such pressure.

"I asked you a question." The room felt much colder, Liang Fei's inherent chill descending upon Xieren for the first time.

"Ah!" Xieren was in shock, scared about the sudden shift. He'd never actually faced his master when he was like this. It was always directed elsewhere. "Uh, n-no, there's no need for Shizun to-"

"Don't make me out to be the villain, Xieren." He cut in, stepping closer. Xieren flinched but his master paid no mind. "You clearly wish for something so be clear with this master so that he might repay such injustices. Master is very willing to do so."

Yet why did you sound so reluctant?! Xieren wasn't used to Shizun being so overt in expressing his displeasure. Usually, Shizun was like a clear and serene lake, unperturbed by anything and requiring close observation to being able to read yet now...

His brows were deeply furrowed and his tone harsh. His beautiful eyes staring hard into Xieren's making him unwilling to speak another word.

In other words, Shizun was angry at him.

***

Liang Fei was pissed.

He'd wanted to spoil Xieren just a little since he'd been so helpful but now he had to deal with this? He'd worked hard to be a good teacher, guiding and treating his students well in ensuring they liked him. Not just because he didn't want to be ruthlessly killed by the protagonist but because he adored his students.

He'd tried his best to keep himself from having favorites but his love of cute things made that impossible so of course, Xieren was attended to more often. He knew Xieren would succeed and had hoped the child would have the confidence tryout and he was not disappointed.

And yet here he was, now expected to apologize for things he hadn't even fucking done!

Liang Fei was a generally relaxed man, letting things go and taking things in stride but the one thing he disliked most was being blamed for things he hadn't done himself. While he'd accepted his role as the 'villain' of the novel, it was entirely a different thing to expect him to apologize for the original's actions like it was his own.

The original and he were, for now, the same person but their actions were their own. As such, Liang Fei was very reluctant to apologize for things he hadn't done in his time as Shao Liang Fei.

"I won't force you to remain by my side if you want to bring up such things now, in the present." He said, turning away. "If you want, return home. I don't have time to deal with such petty matters." Without looking back, Liang Fei stormed out, leaving a distraught Xieren staring after him.

The young man stood by, listening as his master drew further away, his slightly louder than normal footsteps making it clear he was not only mad, he was furious. He hadn't expected such a response, used to his master being calm and nonplused when pressured.

Yet he called his concerns petty. Told him to go home.

Xieren fought back tears as he tried to reason out why things had gone this way. Just that morning, they were as close as ever yet now...

Was it his fault? Had he pushed his master too far? He knew he was acting childish but... Shizun said he could! He said it was fine yet chastised him when he finally opened up to him!?

How was that fair!?

These thoughts stewed in his head for some time, his heart and mind telling him two different things. His mind told him that he wasn't the one in the wrong. That it was fine for him to voice his concerns. His heart, however, insisted he had to respect his master as his master. They were close but not so close he could openly say such things.

At the end of it all, he decided that what he wanted more was for his master to like him. He was fine with not being 'right'. So he decided that as soon as his master came back, he'd apologize and be a proper disciple.

They weren't truly brothers, after all.

Just then, he heard footsteps approaching. They were very calm and quiet, melodic in their tempo.

Shizun!

Xieren ran to the door, eager to apologize to his master for upsetting him. Yet upon opening the door, there was only darkness.

***

After departing, Liang Fei found himself feeling incredibly guilty for leaving Xieren behind like that. For saying such things. While he didn't want to apologize, he knew Xieren wouldn't understand his reasoning. To him, the original and the present 'Liang Fei' were one and the same, so saying such things made him sound petty.

Not a good trait for any teacher.

He let out a low sigh, wanting to bury himself deep in a hole. His temper was so strange, anyone would be taken by surprise yet he acted like he was high and mighty.

"But didn't that system guy say no one would be able to tell I wasn't him?" He muttered to himself, frowning. He was sure that was part of the conditions yet...

Perhaps it was just another thing that worthless system messed up on.

Elsewhere, in the multiverse, a certain system let out a loud sneeze. It felt like someone was talking about it.

Liang Fei was just trying to formulate a proper apology for his cruel words when he heard some noise nearby. Having forgotten briefly where he was, he had unconsciously wandered further out than he'd planned.

Hiding from sight, he witnessed a crowd of hood figures walking down a beaten path, dragging a bag behind them. A little closer to the front, he noted one of the figures was shorter than the others and had their hands bound, being pulled along by the one in front.

Liang Fei watched, feeling something strange about the tall bag being dragged. His eyes fell onto it again but he couldn't see too well in the limited light. He could see something peeking out of it but not what.

So he watched as the group arrived at the mouth of a cave. The bound figure was dragged inside, her cries of pain soon muffled by the distance as the rest followed after her. This left only 3 figures and the bag.

Liang Fei was too far away to tell what was being said but the one word that stuck out was 'Sacrifices.'

Liang Fei felt his blood chill, his attention now fully on the bag. He hoped he was wrong, he hoped that wasn't-

From the bag, the figures dragged out an blood soaked Xieren, pulling him by his hair and holding him up to the fire. He was so close, his hair could ignite at any second.

Liang Fei wasn't sure what happened after that. He vaguely recalled, running out and attacking but he wasn't exactly sure what he'd done. There were screams that were quickly muted as ice encased his targets and he felt something warm hit his face multiple times but could only faintly feel the impact as he bashed the man holding his students face in.

Byt the time he collected himself, he was carrying Xieren away on his back, running as fast as he could. Panicked, he took Xieren to a nearby river, wanting to wash the blood from his face. He had to see if the young man was hurt.

His thoughts were muddled, fear that his student was dying in his arms making his hand tremble as he cleaned and treated his wounds. Looking him over, he saw the young man only had a gash on his head but otherwise, was fine.

It was only when Liang Fei heard his heart beating under his ear that he began to breathe normally again. He let out a long held breath, feeling like he'd almost lost a precious thing. even covered in blood as he was, he felt no desire to clean himself, more concerned with his student than anything else.

"Xieren!" He called out, smacking the young man awake. He was pale but breathing. Red and gold eyes opened and dazedly stared up at him. "Xieren, are you alright? Does it hurt anywhere?" For a moment, Xieren just stared before blinking into awareness.

"S-Shizun!" He cried, trying to move but finding his movements restricted. He weakly struggled for a minute before Liang Fei pressed him back down again.

"Xieren, relax." He said, feeling the tension in his body. "Just tell me if anything hurts."

"Sorry. I feel a bit weak but nothing hurts." The older man sighed with relief.

"Good, then we have to remove these bonds." Somehow he hadn't noticed until just that moment that Xieren was tied up with gold ropes. He pulled out a knife, intending to cut it but was surprised to find that they weren't breaking. His strength as a cultivator was not ordinary so why weren't they breaking? "It's not-"

"These are soul binding ropes. You can't cut it with just anything. You need to use a magical tool." Xieren wasn't sure why he was explaining this. Shizun was a high-level cultivator. He knew more about this than him yet the words spilled out like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Liang Fei gritted his teeth in frustration. Of course, they'd use something like this. A normal rope could never contain a cultivator. To cut it, he'd need a magic sword. Unfortunately, he didn't have one.

"Where is your sword?" He pressed, now noticing the blade wasn't by his student's side.

"I think they took it. I don't sense it anywhere nearby."

Of course, they did. Anything else would be idiotic. Liang Fei sighed, tapping his temple trying to come up with a solution. They'd need a magic tool yet neither of them had one to use. Liang Fei had a sword but it refused to be drawn by him so he might as well just have stick for all the use it had.

Thinking back to his studies, he recalled that some magic spells could break the rope.

"You have fire magic, right?"

"Yes."

"Can you use it?"

"M-maybe but it might take too long and-"

"Just do it." He snapped, a bit frustrated by the situation. "I'll keep you safe for now until you finish."

"But what about your swo-"

"Forget about it, just use your magic." He then grabbed Xieren, tossing him over his shoulder and rushing off, sensing their pursuer's nearby. As they ran, Xieren couldn't help but stare at the sword at his master's side.

He could be free in moments if his master would just draw the blade. Yet he kept saying no. Why?

***

It was only when they reached a safe distance that Xieren realized why soul binding rope was such an easy way to subdue cultivators. Even magic didn't work when tied up.

Liang Fei was pacing the cave they were hiding in, trying to come up with a solution. Xieren couldn't use magic, his sword was useless and the only other magical tool was in the hands of the enemy. He could use his own magic but that would still leave them with no magical tools to escape.

In conclusion, they needed Xieren's sword back.

"I'll be back." He said, covering Xieren with his robe. The young man was shivering yet remained silent throughout their escape. "Stay quiet and they shouldn't find you. The talismans I put around here should keep them from sensing you as long as you don't make noi-"

"Wait, where are you going?!" Xieren tried to sit up but was too weak from his attempts to use magic. Even if nothing came from it, it was draining his strength faster than his bonds.

"I'm going back to the villa to retrieve your sword." 

"We can get it back later." He insisted, staring up at the man. "Just untie me and-"

"If I untie you, you'll just follow me, correct?" He crouched down beside his student, his eyes calm serene despite the situation.

"Of course!" Liang Fei huffed with amusement. Of course, he says.

"Then just stay tied up for now." He pressed Xieren down, stroking his back gently. "I won't have you endanger yourself like that."

"But-"

"Just stay quiet for me?" He said, pressing a finger to his lips. "If you make too much noise, I'll have to rescue you again. "

Xieren watched his master stand and leave, his last words being a simple 'Be good, Xiao Han.'

***

Liang Fei found that returning the villa was considerably easier than escaping. Everyone was scrambling about to chase after them so there was no one expecting him to return. It only took an hour or so to get back in.

After some time, he spotted Xieren's sword, tossed aside on the floor. Part of him was worried this might be a trap but there was too much to lose if he waited too long, so he rushed out to grab it. To his surprise, there was no trap.

"They must really not expect us to return." He mumbled to himself, tying the sword to his back. He was about to leave when he heard someone talking.

"What do you mean A-Fei was the one who stopped them?!" A voice roared, one he recognized. It was definitely Chenyu. "He wouldn't do that!"

"W-we're sure of it, my lord." Another said, sound haggard as if he was struggling for breath. "Young master is the only one with ice magic like that. He froze the hearts of several of our men."

Liang fei continued to listen in, shocked to find that this whole thing, the sacrifice, was devised by not only Chenyu but the entire Shao clan, including Liang Fei himself. Apparently, his original planned on gaining strength by sacrificing young cultivators in some kind of demonic spell. 

The plan had been set up years in advance, being set up by his clan's lower ranks. Even the disappearances were connected, the clan wanting to ensure Liang Fei's safety by testing the spell on mortals.

Liang Fei was horrified, thinking about all the innocent who died to ensure this plan would go through. Worse yet, his original had planned on using his own students as a stepping stone.

How disgusting!

He was about to leave, not wanting to hear another word before he heard a pained cry. One he knew too well. Leilian, bound and beated, was attempting to flee. Her wounds were light but she definitely wasn't going to get far. He saw the figure draw their bows and Liang Fei's body moved before he could think about it.

"Watch out!" He cried as he pushed the young girl aside. The spot she was just standing in was then covered with arrows. Before she could say anything more, Liang Fei dragged her away, pulling them into the safety of a far off room.

The room was covered in dust and one could feel the age seeping off the walls. This place was truly abandoned and well hidden. They should be safe for a while.

In the darkened room, only the sound of their haggard breathes indicated that the other was even there. Neither could see but knew where the other was generally.

Min Leilian was shivering, her nightclothes was not meant for such weather. Her teeth chattered softly yet she soon found herself immersed in a warm robe.

"Lord Shao, thank-" She stopped, smelling something strange. A heavy and dark scent, one she knew very well.

Blood.

"L-lord Shao, are you hurt?!" She cried, reaching out to grab him, only to be pushed away gently.

"It's fine." He assured, his breathing much heavier than before. "I've been in much more pain."

"The level of pain isn't important!" She tried to explain. She knew how this clan worked. They specialized in poisons, using their chi and herbs to create deadly concoctions. If Liang Fei felt very little pain, that meant that the poison was working.

Soon, he wouldn't feel anything at all, even when his body began to rot from the inside out. If not for the numbing effects of the poison, the man would die in agony.

But she could save him.

She stared at her wrist, considering the option. It would take just a few drops of her blood and she could save him. It would be painful for him but she saw him as strong. He would survive.

Yet she remained in place, listening to his haggard breaths.

Her desire to help was being pushed aside by her desire to live. The more she listened to the song of her bloodline, the more clear things became. If things kept going as they were, they were both going to die. Her blood might heal him but it would take way too long and his screams would alert everyone in the area to their location.

Not to mention the time it would take for him to recover from the poison. While it had only been a couple of minutes, the Jiang sects poisons were notoriously fast acting. She couldn't move him, as she was not a capable cultivator.

So either way, they would die. She didn't want to die.

She knew that if something didn't change soon, she was going to die. Her blood cried out, save yourself, run! She didn't want to though, to leave this man to die but...

Just as her foot slid back to run, the man spoke.

"Do me a favor, if you could, my lady." He groaned, forcing himself onto his feet. Unexpectedly, his body was feeling heavier but also felt strange, like he was losing feeling in his limbs as well.

He held out Xieren's sword to the darkness, waiting until a pair of white hand took it from him.

"My disciple is out there in the forest, waiting for my return." He explained, leaning against a wall. "Take this to him for me, if you don't mind."

"But... What about you, my lord?" She asked, surprised by his request. Was this her chance?

"I'll keep them busy while you save him." I won't be of any help to him if these guys catch up to him."

Liang Fei wasn't sure how this would go since he was now injured in an unfamiliar place but he knew Min Leilian couldn't stay with him. She'd only get hurt so he thought to send her ahead.

Hopefully, he'd catch up with them.

If not, he could only pray they didn't get caught.

Min Leilian stared at the man, her mind going over the situation and seeing the outcome. If he was lucky, he might be able to live if given the chance. It was slim but...

"My lord, I suggest you go west, toward the mountains there." She said, her hand clenched around the sword.

"West?"

"There is a path there that should keep you out of sight until your disciple and I return for you." She explained, laying a hand on his shoulder. She could feel something warm and wet there. "We will return for you."

"There's no need for that." He assured, worried about their safety. "To be rescued by a junior is a bit-"

"A life is a life." She shot back, glaring into the darkness. "One can regain their reputation only if they are alive, my lord!"

Despite not being able to see each other, Liang Fei could feel her determined look as she spoke. This woman, she truly wishes for him to live just then.

"As you wish." He sighed, feeling a bit dizzy but reassuring the woman before him. "I won't be a good partner if I didn't listen to my future wife, would I?" He joked.

"Whomever you marry in the future will have their work cut out for them." She retorted, just before slipping past him.

***

Xieren sat back in the cave, staring at the wall, frustrated. He didn't want to be waiting here for his master. He should be by his side, assisting him. But he'd gotten his orders and he knew better than to try and disobey.

His master was way too strong to get beat by guys like this.

He knew why his master chose to leave him here. He knew he was weak and would only distract the man. The few times they had fought their pursuer's, his master constantly had to rush back to save Xieren. And that was when he had his sword with him.

Without it, he was worse than just a liability.

So he did as his master said, remaining silent and waiting for his masters' return. Even as their pursuers drew near, the talismans covering the cave kept them from discovering him. Even as the hours passed and air drew chill with the morning air, Xieren kept his spirits up, knowing his master would come back, his sword in hand.

Yet why was it that when the sun began to rise, he heard a female voice call out to him.

"Young master?!" Min Leilian called out, being careful not to be too loud. "Young master Han, are you there?"

Xieren frowned, not knowing why this woman was here. He should just remain silent, as to not let anyone know where he was but he could faintly smell his master's scent nearby. And blood. He crawled over the edge and peeked out, spotting the woman some distance away, searching the area. She was dirty and looked ragged from running but the only thing Xieren truly noticed was his sword in her desperate clunches.

"That's mine!" He couldn't help but snap at her, angry not because she had his blade but because she wasn't with his master. Why was she alone!?

"Young master!" She ran over, slipping passed the cave entrance. Xieren followed, not sensing his master nearby but noticing his scent on her. She was wearing part of his robe. "Young master, I-"

"Where is Shizun?!" He growled, glaring at her. She was wearing his master's clothes and the scent of blood was heavy on it. And it wasn't hers.

"Ah... Um... L-lord Shao, hes-"

***

Elsewhere, a group of robe figures stood huddled up at the edge of a cliff. In the center, laid a corpse, soon to be, breathing its last breaths. The man's body was riddled with arrows and was definitely going to die soon.

The hooded figures expected to be cursed and reviled by the man, who must know they were there but none came. Instead...

"S-sorry..." The man labored through his last words, struggling to finish before death took him. "Xie...ren...."

***

"No... No! T-that can't be true!" He screamed, struggling to escape his bonds. "Shizun is way too strong to be taken down by a mere arrow!" Min Leilian tried to explain about the poison but got cut off. "I don't care about that! Shizun wouldn't die like that! He wouldn't... leave me like this."

The words, whispered in the tiniest voice, broke him. While he was sitting here, helpless and waiting, his master had been struggling and in pain. And... now dead, because he was too weak.

Because he wouldn't let Xieren help.

Why! Why wouldn't he let him help? Why wouldn't Shizun cut him free and let him help him?! Without a sword, he was weaker but surely, even his meager strength could...

Yet Shizun said no and went off on his own.

At that moment, Xieren felt a deep hatred for his master. How could he do this to him? How could he just go off and die as soon as he left his sight? Why!? For this worthless person.

Xieren glared at Lei Lian, ignoring her look of terror.

Lei Lian's hands clenched around Xieren's sword, reluctant to return it to him. With the look on his face, how could she not foresee her own death?

She had already dirtied her hands to remain alive this time, there was no way she was going to give her life up so such an absurd fate!

L-lord Shao... wanted me to come back for you." She stammered, hoping he wouldn't question her too much. This boy, for some reason, cared a lot about her late fiancee. "He wanted me to help you-"

What could a weak little thing like you do to help me? If you could do anything useful, then why is Shizun dead!?

I tried to but he refused. He claimed you were more important and that he could handle himself.

Xieren felt his chest clenched in pain, fighting back anger-filled tears. His master, his stupid stubborn master, just had to be that way. Sometimes, his master was stern and distant, as if he was above them all. He felt so far away at times, he wondered if he and Shizun resided in the same plane of existence. Other times, he was friendly and kind, his eyes displaying openly his care and love for his students. Those times Xieren both loved and hated.

Loved because he felt so full of joy and happiness when his master looked at him with such an expression. It made him feel so much more than all the empty looks he received from his 'adoring' fans. Women who barely knew anything about him other than his appearance.

He also hated those times, because he knew the look wasn't for him, it was for everyone. While he was loved, he was not 'Xieren' he was just 'one of his students'. Shizun knew him and accepted him despite his flaws but didn't see him as Xieren.

He wanted so badly to be seen as someone special. To be someone's beloved, treasured or even just special. Friends were friends but they weren't beloved. One could have dozens of friends, hundreds even but the person one gave their heart to was exclusive.

One to one.

But Shizun gave his adoration to dozens, with Xieren just being one of them.

Even this woman, who he'd only just met, was adored by his master and was given his life.

It was too unfair...

"Hand me my sword." He growled, hiding his face from view. Lei Lian held the blade tighter, scared of his sudden change. Xieren was impatient. "I won't kill you, though you deserve a thousand deaths. Because of you..."

Lei Lian calmed down just a little, feeling a little less afraid. She was not some silly little girl who would lie and say she didn't deserve death. To sacrifice the life of a good man to save herself.

How could she say she was a good person?

But let it be known that Lei Lian didn't see herself in such simplistic terms. No, her only desire was to escape her fate. She refused to be the nameless person who died for nothing.

"Lord Shao was a good man." She said, her words calm and steady as she handed the sword to its owner. It welcomed him fondly. "As his beloved disciple, you should honor his memory and-"

The blade slammed into the stone wall, cutting the woman's neck just slightly. Under the pale moonlight, a trickle of blood slide down the smooth column of her neck enticingly. Yet all Xierne saw was her ugly face.

"Shut up!" He said through gritted teeth. It took everything within him not to cut her down. "I already said I won't kill you. Don't make me reconsider tearing you to pieces."

Xieren truly hated everything at that moment. His master, for leaving him behind. The world, for going on as if nothing had changed despite the emptiness within him. But most importantly, he hated this woman.

He truly wanted nothing more than to tear her apart, retching her scream from her until she begged for the sweet embrace of death. Even then, he wouldn't allow her that peace. Let her suffer longer. For as long as Xieren had to suffer this emptiness.

But he knew he couldn't. His master had died to keep her safe and to kill her would dishonor his sacrifice.

It wouldn't bring his master back, even if he painted to the cave in her blood.

So he wouldn't kill her... perhaps only at the end.

As he contemplated what 'the end' would be, his eyes fell to her neck. She was still bleeding lightly, his cut not enough to truly harm her but mainly to intimidate her. It had worked, pinning her to the spot as he let out his anger.

Yet, watching the blood flow, he felt something slightly different from anger.

Min Lei Lian's blood was very unique, acting similarly to most Qi enhancing herbs. It was the reason she was sought after, to begin with. Just a drop was enough to increase one's potential several-fold.

In the original novel, Xieren was to be offered this sacred blood by a near-death maiden whose name was forever lost to time. Her blood, minuscule as it was, would awaken Xieren's demon blood and allow him to become the most powerful cultivator the world would ever see.

The plot, the ever helpless plot, was only so weak. It could not force much but the crucial events could not be delayed or stopped. So when Xieren caught sight of the blood, his first instinct was to consume the precious bead.

He swooped down, his lips latching onto Lei Lian's neck and licking up every drop of blood that emerged from her skin. From the first drop, he knew he was done. Every lick tore at his soul, as it was his acceptance of the present.

His master was gone.

He couldn't go home, lest he be blamed.

He had to rely on others, once again, for he was too weak.

Hot angry tears fell onto Lei Lian as Xieren ravaged her neck, his cursed muted by his proximity. All the while, Lei Lian's own words fell on deaf ears. A promise to them both.

"I'll make myself useful to you," She whispered to the night sky, ignoring the harsh bites inflicted upon her. " to repay my debt to Lord Shao."