Familiar
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AN: So after a lot of deliberation and thought, I've chosen to make Xuejie's love story a side story. So when I finish Naive Master, I'll write a short story about him and his love interest. This is being done mostly cause 1: writing 3 separate love stories in one 'novel' is really hard and 2: I kind of wanted to make it its own story. Honestly, I'm still on the fence about his partner but it does allow me to fulfill my very recent desire to write a story about a shameless kiss ass and his stone-faced partner. Xuejie just happens to fill the role well.

*****

Faced with no recourse, Liang Fei found himself in quite a situation. One that he, a hard-working and responsible man, had never had to deal with.

He was broke.

He had attempted to do odd jobs and run errands as he'd done years prior but the world was very different from back then. Turns out, when the town was doing well, there was no shortage of errand boys to do tasks.

And him being an adult made things harder rather than easier.

"I don't understand why they would prefer children to do such tasks than an adult." He found himself muttering to himself, after being told yet again that he was not who they needed.

At a later date, he'd learn that children were preferred for their malleable minds and small bodies capable of escaping notice. Liang Fei, even as himself, was very noticeable and firm in his beliefs. The people he'd have worked for could sense how troublesome he could be just by looking at him.

This man had the eyes of a teacher, scolding their disobedient students.

Eyes as cold as the harshest wind, judging them silently and righteously, how could these devious men stand to have such a person look upon them. Better to see the disappointed and heartbroken eyes of children than such a disapproving look that shamed them to their core.

Liang Fei was unaware of his effect on others and continued on his search for work. He'd been in town for a few days and had been relying on Xinyi to pay for their board. Though Liang Fei refused to sleep in the same room as the woman, she insisted on helping him, since he'd saved her.

Liang Fei felt shameful, relying on a child (in his mind) like this. He'd wanted to pay for his own room but Xinyi had chosen the most lavish inn in town and Liang Fei feared to leave her alone in such a large city.

So the money he'd 'borrowed' from those thugs was quickly used up. This left Liang Fei in a bind. He had yet to inform Xinyi about his circumstances, not wanting to worry her but he was at his limits.

He hadn't eaten in two days.

As a cultivator, his body could survive weeks without food or water but he wasn't a cultivator anymore so it was getting hard to go on. He couldn't even beg, his pride refusing to bend to that extent.

He had worked long and thankless hours back when boys his age were out at arcades and with friends. He sacrificed so much just to keep his family afloat. He had hardened his resolve from many disappointments and setbacks in his life. He'd be damned if he started begging now.

Liang Fei stared out into the night, his stomach grumbling loudly. It had been doing so for hours and was quite vocal in its opinion about his pride.

Liang Fei sighed, his breath misting in the cool winter night. His body was tired, hungry and weak yet his mind was still on other matters.

Not on the Shuizhi.

Not on his hunger.

Not even Xieren.

No, his mind was on himself. He was finding himself feeling... strange. He'd never been in such a situation before. His life had been hard but there were always options available. They were narrow and steep at times but there.

Here, he was nobody. He was no longer Shao Liang Fei, who could fly across the sky and had the backing of a well-established sect. He wasn't even capable of feeding himself yet he wanted a life here?

Why? He struggled, only because that was what he always did. His pride had made him incapable of giving in but that was when he had a family to think of. His family, his friend had moved on.

Here, who did he have? Who did he struggle for?

Xieren?

No, Xieren was his reason for coming back but he couldn't be the reason he struggled. His student was his responsibility and was dear to him but it had been years. Perhaps Xieren didn't truly need him. Especially now that he wasn't his master anymore. Not truly.

If Xieren rejected him or had moved on, how could he go on? He couldn't live for that person, not with so little to go on. So he... would have to find a reason to struggle if things got harder. He couldn't do it for anyone else but could he do it for himself?

His mind was still wandering when another presence joined him. He'd been sitting on the roof overlooking the city. The wind was light but chilled one to the bone if left alone. Liang Fei had been sitting out there for over an hour.

"Ah! Lord Han, there you are. " Xinyi smiled, bundled up in an overcoat. In her hands, she held another one, knowing her companion would be out here. He was there every night. "What are you doing up here?"

"Watching the sunset." He answered as he had every time she'd asked him that. With how his expression never changed, she could never be sure how honest he was being about it. 

But could she say such a thing out loud? Of course not.

"Are you not cold?" She offered the overcoat, noting how little her companion wore. She had offered to buy his better clothes but he'd refused, insisting he'd buy winter wear soon.

That had been several days ago and he still wore the same clothes he'd had when they met.

"I won't die from this." He assured, taking the overcoat and draping it across his shoulders. The material was thick and the sudden warmth had him shivering. Seeing his reaction, she knew the cold had been getting to him.

"That's... not comforting." She muttered, sitting beside him. Her eye fell onto his hands, his fingers flushed pink from the cold. 

"It's best if I'm here." He stated, warming his hands with his breath. He said nothing about her gaze. He knew what she had to be thinking but he had to focus on more important matters.

His reason to live could come later. He had to live first and foremost.

It had only been three days since he planted the seed on the top of the building. Part of him was glad Xinyi had chosen the tallest building in the city to reside in, as the roof soaked in the moonlight much more than any other building. 

It was ideal for the Shuizhi's resting place.

Liang Fei only came up to make sure the seed hadn't been blown away or eaten by birds. He could only guess that mythical plants in this world were unappealing to local birds or else he might wake to find that decades of cultivation skill had been transferred to a random pigeon.

"So you can see the city?" Sensing that her companion didn't wish to talk about himself anymore, she shifted the subject somewhat. "Do you like it here?"

"I suppose." He replied flatly. Liang Fei thought about his current situation and inwardly sighed.

"The city is quite lovely, isn't it?" Xinyi continued, knowing she'd have to carry the conversation.  "Shocking to think that a few years ago, this was just another backwater town where no one ever goes." Looking over the buildings, the woman couldn't help but look on with admiration. "I think the only thing back then was some kind of festival or something but that was only for a couple of days out of every year."

"Festival?" He echoed, recalling such a thing. Looking down, Liang Fei thought back to that time. When he and Xieren had stumbled into town only to find a festival going on. Due to the stressful circumstances, Liang Fei had spoken more than he had intended.

Yet rather than being mocked for his immaturity, Xieren had reached out to him, offering him companionship. Hearing his humble desire, the young man sweetly made a promise to him.

"Maybe we can go together, Shizun?"

Thinking of those words warmed Liang Fei's heart, making him feel a bit excited. He'd made a promise back then, with Xieren. Many things had changed, as the years had gone by. Xieren was probably an adult and might have already forgotten their promise.

Even so, just those words alone meant a lot to him. The promise of doing that which he'd spent his whole life dreaming of, perhaps that child would never know just how those words made him feel.

Perhaps I can struggle for him for just a bit longer. Thinking this, he was left with a very comfortable feeling. Recalling those times made him forget about his troubles and relax, though his expression remained static. Xinyi, seeing this, thought she might have upset him somehow.

This uncle, he truly was hard to read.

"Lord Han, I was going to go out and find some ingredients for a pill I'm making." She called out, regaining the attention of the daydreaming man. "Would you like to accompany me?"

She knew Lord Han disliked having her walk around at night alone. The city might be well lit and prosperous but that just made it easier for those who had ill intentions to hide in the shadows. As expected, he agreed, wanting to walk around since it was chilly.

It was hard to freeze to death if you were constantly moving.

***

Despite the winter air, the streets were full of people, the noise nearly suffocating. Xinyi clung to Liang Fei, relieved that she chose to invite him along. While she might have done so just to get him moving, this crowd was too much.

"Where did all these people come from!?" She grumbled, her hands clenched in the elder's robes. Many times, the flow had forced her away but her grip had prevented them from being pulled apart. Meanwhile, Liang Fei kept his arm around her shoulder, his eyes drifting over the crowd.

He was a bit surprised to find himself just a little taller than most, so he could see over the crowd. 

"Who can say." He replied, not thinking much of the crowd. Having lived in a large city all his life, he was used to crowds and forcing his way through. As such, as long as he kept ahold of Xinyi, he could get her where she needed.

That and it was at least warm in a crowd.

By the time they finally got to a less crowded area, Liang Fei was sweating. Xinyi still stood close, wary.

"Ah, that was horrible!" She whined, pouting. "I know these places sell good wares but why does it also have to mean crowds?"

"I imagine other people had the same idea as you." He replied, his mind slowly drifting elsewhere. He'd had this conversation many times before, when waiting for buses or crammed into trains at rush hour.

"Then those people need to wait until I leave." She shot back, grumbling. She attempted to follow Liang Fei's lead by pushing past a person but her strength was absolutely nothing compared to men twice her size.

(AN: Xinyi is truly a NEET, with weak arms and skin pale from the lack of sunlight.)

"Ah, how unreasonable." Liang Fei couldn't help but feel amused by her brattiness. She really was too much like that guy. So impatient.

"It's perfectly reasonable!" She insisted, huffing. With her fist clenched on her shapely hips, she stared down the street with confidence bordering on arrogance. It was very adorable. "I have much more important matters to take care of than them."

"Truly? What is it you are pursuing?" He asked, curious. From what he knew about Xinyi, she was a bit of a shut-in. If she wasn't studying, she was collecting herbs to make more medicine. The only time he saw her outside was when she ate or was harvesting ingredients.

For her to venture this far out of her comfort zone, alone no less, was strange.

"Me?" She jumped, looking a bit wary. "I... Lord Han has been so kind and understanding, so I don't want to lie to you but..." Seeing her distress, Liang Fei nodded in understanding.

"If you don't wish to tell me, it's fine."

"But you told me about your student!" Xinyi truly did want to speak her mind but years of careful silence were difficult. 

I mean, he is also your friend so... Liang Fei sighed, wishing again he could ask her about Xieren. It would save him so much trouble but alas it would be too strange for him to say such a thing.

Xinyi stared at Liang Fei, trying to read him. His eyes were clear and guileless, showing no judgment or even annoyance at her words. Perhaps I could really...?

"I... I'm looking for someone." She whispered, staring at the ground. Xinyi had been with this man for a few days yet she didn't feel any fear in telling him. Looking at him, one might assume he was scary with his lack of expression and cold demeanor but she could tell he was a kind man.

He's so much like Elder Shao, its a bit scary. She thought with an amused huff. 

"That person went missing a long time ago and I think I might be close to finding him again." She explained. Her thought drifted back to when she had last seen her brother. He'd left her a note, saying he'd be back with Elder Shao but...

Elder Shao had passed and no one knew what had happened to Xieren. Xinyi, after years of searching, had learned that the two had been last seen in this town yet she couldn't find any more info. Her heart had ached for Elder Shao, as did most before that got out.

Perhaps some things were best left alone. The dead should be respected, no matter their crimes.

"I see. So I suppose we are on a similar journey." He replied, nodding his head. Her eyes were dimming, looking less joyful as her unseen thoughts clouded those pretty blue eyes. So he changed the subject. "What herbs were you thinking of buying?"

"Eh?"

"Herbs. Did you forget?" He pointed to one of the stores nearby. "That's why we are out here in the cold, is it not? Did we brave the crowds to stand around like this?"

"N-no- I mean yes, but..."

"Then perhaps we should hurry?" He offered, patting her head gently. Xinyi flushed, feeling a bit embarrassed but comfortable.

"...Right." She nodded, hiding her flushed face. "Thank you."

Xinyi rushed off, her mind quickly being filled with what herbs to buy and how to haggle for the lowest possible price. Meanwhile, Liang Fei remained outside, watching the people flow through the streets.

Xinyi's words stuck with him. A long time had passed since his death. He'd been trying not to think too much about it but when confronted by the aftermath, how could he ignore it?

It had been over 10 years since he'd died.

When he was given this chance, he'd hoped he could return to the moment he'd died, or perhaps a few months but for a whole decade to have passed was...

Liang Fei let out a deep breath, his chest clenching at the thought of what his students must have suffered. Xieren had been alone and never returned to the sect. Xinyi had been left with no knowledge of what had happened to her dearest friends. And the Elders, how had they handled things after he died.

Did they miss him?

Had they mourned?

Thinking of all those things, Liang Fei felt deep guilt for having caused people he'd grown close to such sorrow. While some might feel happy to have people care that much, he'd much rather not put anyone through such grief.

Perhaps it would be best if he, Shao Liang Fei, was forgotten.

His thoughts swirled and circled around that thought for a while, leaving the real world to fade as background noise. After the nth time of thinking about it, he felt a tap on his shoulder and the world returned to the light.

"Yo!" Yao Da waved, leaning down to see his face. She and this uncle were close in height so she couldn't see his face with his head down.

"Ah, good evening." He replied, his previous thoughts drifting away as he saw a familiar face.

"Uncle!" She sighed, feeling relieved. His aura before was a bit... worrying but now he looked normal again. Well, as normal as this uncle could. Her eyes drifted over his form. "You look... well."

It had been a while yet he looked to be wearing the same clothes as before. While he'd remained clean, his clothes were worn from washings.

"I've been trying to find work but it's not easy." He replied to her implied observation. The clothes he was reborn into were commoners robes, not really made for the cold winter.

"Of course not. This town is way too hectic and paranoid to hire some stranger." She stated, looking out into the busy street. Liang Fei followed her gaze but saw nothing strange.

"Hectic? It seems fairly normal to me."

"Yeah, all of the towns run by that merchant are like this." She huffed, pulling out a bun from her bag. Not saying a word, she offered it to her companion, who eagerly took it.

"Merchant?" He echoed, frowning as he tried to settle his stomach. "Ah, do you mean, Lord Caifeng?"

Having been in town for a while, Liang Fei had learned a lot, mostly from rumors and gossip. The most notable subject was lord Han Caifeng, who ran the city. Many of the less upright people disliked how they had to hide their actions but most people loved him.

"Yeah." Yao Da was less enthused about talking about him, waving her hand dismissively. "He's been taking over major swaths of land and making them prosper."

"So why would people be wary then?"

"Cause the demon king is also taking over the land." She noted, a glint shining in her eyes. Liang Fei flinched, thinking of that scary guy from the forest.

"So they butt heads?"

"I guess that's what people are thinking." She shrugged. "This town in particular is on the edge of the demon kings territory so most people are wary in case a demon shows up."

Liang Fei really didn't know much about demons. When he'd been here before, they were creatures of myth and described as horrible and grotesque creatures. Yet if people were wary of strangers, they must not look that different from humans.

Thinking about it, Liang Fei turned to the woman beside him. Even as she leaned against the pillar, her grace and poise were very eye-catching. Her eyes, a deep red, glowed in the night.

Perhaps...

"You seem to know a lot about this subject." He noted, looking back toward the street.

"I do a lot of work for my boss." She replied, smiling to herself. Thinking of her Lord Xieren was enough to make her want to scream.

Ah, how amazing he is~

Seeing her expression, Liang Fei sighed, thinking she looked a lot like his sister just then. She always had that face when talking about her favorite characters.

"The man in your heart?" He guessed.

"Yes. My boss is the strongest and most powerful man, so of course he's in my heart." She proclaimed, her eyes glowing with adoration and pride. "Who else could take that spot?"

"Someone you actually like?" Liang Fei said, nothing thinking much of it.

"Are you saying I don't like him?" She snapped, glaring at him. As usual, the elder didn't react, despite the danger he might have been in.

"I can't say but it doesn't really sound like you do." He stated, turning to her. Seeing her face resembling his sisters, he couldn't help but think about how she looked before he'd moved on.

The expression Liang Mei had when talking about her favorite character was that of excitement and pride. It was erratic and boisterous, like a cyclone in a cup and just needed an outlet. Yet the few moments he'd seen of her with her husband were... heavy.

It was calm and filled with warmth. Her steady yet loving eyes were nothing that could be compared with her fan moments. Her 'love' for a character will fade as soon as she saw another cool person but her eyes were only for her husband just then.

Those weren't the eyes he saw on Yao Da.

"Really?" Yao Da frowned, not seeing any malice in the mans eyes even as he doubted her love for her boss.

"Yes. I've known very strong men and have admired them yet I don't love them." He explained, thinking about all his role models. The elders at the sect. His uncle. His father... "I value and admire their strength. Perhaps you feel the same way about your boss?"

"...Gods, you really sound just like that perv, Xuejie." She muttered, looking away. That dumb perv had said something similar before yet to hear it from someone she actually sort of liked was too much. "Either way, even if what you say is true, my goal is clear. I wish to be by his side. Even if he doesn't see me like that."

Yao Da, despite being as brash as she was, wasn't an idiot. She knew her boss had someone else in his heart, someone he hadn't forgotten even after all this time. She had followed after him, wanting to be close but knowing it was fruitless.

Hearing her words, Liang Fei felt bad for putting the idea in her mind. While she might have had such thoughts on her own, to blurt it out was a bit rude.

Ah, this is why he wasn't any good with women. He thought, the wind blowing harshly through the street. Liang Fei's overcoat shielded him well but his companion was left bare. 

Without a word, he draped the thick coat over her shoulder. Yao Da frown before smiling as she huddled into the coat.

"Thank you." She said, seeing the man walk away before she could finish her sentence. "Ah, wait, where are you going?"

"I have to get going." He stated, looking into the store to see where Xinyi was. She had drifted quite far.

"Going?" She followed after him, curious. She found this man to be quite interesting, if not a bit blunt. "Are you shopping?"

"No. Are you?" He asked, not really expecting a reply.

Yet, boy did he get one.

"Yes, I have some gems to buy." She explained, her eyes were immediately aglow with joy. The previous subject had been completely forgotten. "This town has a few rare beauties. I heard there might even be some from overseas that don't form on this continent! And I happened to find this gorgeous red gemstone that I am dying to polish when I get back and-"

Yao Da started to talk, her eyes shining with glee and excitement. Anyone listening could tell just how much she loved her passion, her entire persona slipping to show the giddy joy of a woman.

It was quite sweet.

"A red gemstone?" He echoed, giving in to his desires and petting her gently. Her hair was soft like fur. "Thats good, as you will have something to match your eyes."

"Ah, who says you can't say honeyed words?" She huffed, waving his hand away. Despite her dislike of being touched, her rejection didn't carry any annoyance. Rather, it came about as flustered. Being petted by this man was nice but she was a woman, not a child. "Uncle, you truly know how to speak well."

"Ah, it wasn't like that." He denied, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I just happen to notice your interests match very well with you. You are both strong and lovely, like a gemstone."

"Oh?" She said, Much like a shark smelling blood, she moves in close. "So that was just an observation?"

"Yes."

"How could you tell?" She challenged, wanting to see if she could push him.

"I have a good eye." He stated with all seriousness. Yao Da suppressed a chuckle, not wanting to lose to this man.

"I can see that, yet you look in all the wrong places."

"Do I?"

"You haven't commented on my dress." She stated, running a hand over her chest. Liang Fei followed the motion for a second before his eyes drifted back to her face.

"I didn't think I needed to." He replied, his brows slightly furrowed. "Honestly, I'm more concerned about you than anything."

"Concerned?" She hadn't expected that. "Why? Do you think I am in danger?"

"I doubt you could be cornered. Your strength isn't less than mine so most people would be defeated quite easily." Even without his strength as a cultivator, Liang Fei's years of fighting had taught him how to judge people's strength. This woman was definitely not weak. "That and your choice in clothing can be... distracting so you would have an advantage."

"True." That was exactly why she wore revealing clothes like this. Most of her opponents were men and men were easily distracted by the skin so of course, she'd take advantage. "So why be concerned?"

"Its winter. Are you not cold?" He stated, his brows furrowing. Seeing her dressed like that in such cold weather, how could he not be concerned for her.

Yet all he got in response was pure laughter. Yao Da couldn't hold it in. How could she when this guy was so amusing.

"Is that why you gave me your coat?" She gasped between breaths. Liang Fei had no idea what he'd said to make her laugh though.

"My apologies. Was I too presumptuous?"

"No, it's fine." She waved it off, wrapping the overcoat tighter. The gesture felt so much sweeter now than before. "Uncle, you are too sweet."

"Sweet? Me?" He couldn't imagine why that was her response. It was a simple courtesy. "That's not a term I've heard attributed to me before."

"I can imagine. Uncle is so hard to read, its difficult to tell how truthful you are." She replied. This guy was way too nice. She feared he might be taken advantage of. "But uncle is very honest, right?"

"I try to be."

"Then perhaps I can be honest too. I'm called Yao Da." She said, smiling as she leaned forward. Her breasts, nearly bursting from her clothes, gained the attention of the men around them. Many cursed Liang Fei in their hearts, feeling envy that such a man was seen with not one, but two buxom beauties in so little time. Liang Fei, while noticing the display, said nothing about it.

It must be hard to have breasts that large and remain modest. He thought, tactfully looking away. Living with a sister made him fairly numb to such displays and understanding on the woes of having breasts. As such, Liang Fei rarely reacted to them.

This, along with many other things, made his girlfriends assume many things about his interest in them and in women in general.

But questions about his sexuality aside, Yao Da was staring straight at him, seeking a response.

"May I have your name, uncle." She pressed, wondering why he hadn't responded. "Since we are friends?"

"Oh, uh..."

Having been asked his name, Liang Fei felt a bit concerned. The use of his surname seemed to have caused some undue attention to him. He couldn't be sure but he could tell he'd been noticed by the townspeople.

That wasn't what he wanted.

While he couldn't ask anyone why, he felt it might be better to go with a different name until he got more information on what was happening around him. But he also didn't want to lie to Yao Da.

"Hm." He grumbled, trying to think of a solution. Seeing this, the young woman frowned at him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. My apologies." He answered, shaking off his thoughts. For now, he'd just be honest. "I am called Liang Fei."

"Uncle Fei, then?" She smiled, feeling relieved.

"I suppose."

"It was nice to meet you."

"Likewise, Miss Yao Da." Liang Fei nodded, thinking the name appropriate for such a woman.

(AN: Yao Da means "To Fight")

"It's rare to meet any nice humans."

"Humans?"

"Uh, n-nothing." She looked away, wanting to slap herself for speaking so freely. "I was just talking to myself."

"I see."

"So, might I ask what you will be doing after this?" She pressed, wanting to get off the subject quickly.

"Are you asking me out?" He deadpanned.

"Asking you..?"

"Never mind. It's a joke." He truly thought she might laugh at that. He still had no idea what had made her laugh before.

"Ah, I'm starting to see why people have such a hard time with you, Uncle." She chuckled, nodding to herself. "With such a straight face, how could one tell you were joking?"

"Thats true." He recalled being told that before. "Ah, Xinyi said the same thing."

"Xinyi? Is that your lover?" She pressed, curiosity rearing up within her. Xinyi, what an interesting name?

"Never! She is my student..." He explained, feeling a bit defensive. Xinyi was lovely but still a child in his eyes. "Well, no, she's a friend of my student."

"Ah, so Uncle is a teacher?" She hadn't expected that, considering his demeanor. Looking at him, she imagined he just scare kids.

"Perhaps... I can't be sure now."The man looked away, his mood dimming slightly. He had no idea what his reputation was now and even if it was good, he (SLF) was dead. "Things seemed to have changed a lot recently."

"I suppose but things with work itself out." She assured him, resting a hand on his shoulder. He said nothing, only nodding in response. Seeing her words hadn't sunken in, she continued on. "So where are you going?"

"I was accompanying Xinyi, as she goes shopping." He said, pointing to the shop. Despite being fairly small, Xinyi was easy to spot with her white and pink robes standing out against the bland browns and greys.

"Is that her over there?" Yao Da was a bit surprised to see this man with a pretty young girl. While her face was never fully seen, the few flashes could make anyone's heart race. "The lovely lady herself?"

"Yes."

"My, I do wonder how uncle keeps finding himself such beauties." She huffed, watching the girl move around the area with ease and comfort. Her movements and her aura made Yao Da think she was a cultivator. "Are you sure you aren't a flirt?" 

"I assure you, I would never think of Xinyi in such a way." He stated, watching her flit about the room. It was amusing. "She is a child."

"A child, you say?" The men around the store that watched and the few that even gathered enough courage to approach this Xinyi, all of them looked at her as a woman. As someone they desired to speak with and have look at them fondly. The woman with curves and valleys that most dreamed of exploring and a face that called upon a man's desire to protect her.

This person, was a child?

Looking at the man, while his face was hard to read, his words rung truthfully. He truly only saw that woman as a child. How amusing.

"Yet she's alone?"

"Unfortunately, she refused to allow me to escort her into the shop." He explained, shrugging. The smell of herbs was strong and gave most who weren't used to it a headache. Liang Fei was one of those kinds of people. "She also refused an escort despite her lack of fighting skills. I worry about her safety so I came along."

Yao Da rolled her eyes, thinking this girl must be an idiot. If she wished to be alone, she should ensure she was safe. Being weak and doing nothing about it was the one thing Yao Da couldn't stand.

This girl must be stupid.

"She is lucky to have you then, Uncle." She noted, shifting her attention back to Liang Fei. He was definitely a mortal yet she felt that he was strange. Like he was out of place somehow. There was also the matter of that cultivator girl. She couldn't help but wonder how this mortal had become so close to a cultivator in so few days.

Then again, he said she was a friend of his student so... Who was this Liang Fei guy?

"Yes." Liang Fei, not noticing any of Yao Da's inquisitive looks, nodded and turned to leave. "If you will excuse me."

"See ya!" She started before grabbing hold of his sleeve. "Oh, hey who should I call for if I need to talk to you? You have a surname, correct?"

"Ah, yes." He felt a bit bad for forgetting. He'd have to introduce himself properly if they were to see one another again. "If you need me, just call for Shao Liang Fei. Be well, Miss Yao Da!" With that, he walked into the shop to find Xinyi.

Yao Da stared after him, her brows furrowed and her mind racing. Even after the man faded into the crowd, her thoughts still twisted and turned, trying to figure out what had just occurred.

As a demon, Yao Da had many abilities that humans and cultivators alike would envy. Even her master, half human as he was, sought her out just because of her special ability.

The ability to sense lies.

Her ability made her ideal for recon and intel collection, hence her sense of style and mannerisms. Her skill was also why she was so willing to talk to Liang Fei.

He truly was entirely honest with her so she liked him. It was rare to find anyone so willing to be honest.

Yet as he left, his departing words struck a chord within her that had never been plucked.

He had lied to her but somehow not at the same time?

***

Liang Fei left, feeling light in his heart. He'd been wondering how to introduce himself since being given a second chance. Calling himself 'Han' seemed to make people nervous and wary around him. Until he either regained his strength or figured out why the name made others nervous, he'd have to use another name.

Luckily for him, his habit of introducing himself as the villain seemed to be useful. Four years of being Shao was turning out to be quite useful.

Shao Liang Fei, while famous among cultivators, was barely anything to regular people. As far as the people in this town knew, Shao Liang Fei was nobody so there was no need to look any further into it.

Yet he'd already told a couple of people his surname was Han, so it might have caused trouble already. He could only hope his new plan would work.

After a moment of searching, he found Xinyi, who was happily haggling for her ingredients. Liang Fei remained silent, greatly entertained by the conversation. In his old life, prices were fixed so the opportunity to watch someone haggle was invaluable.

After several minutes of back and forth, his companion came out on top, buying her ingredients for a 5th of the original cost. While he was impressed, she seemed a bit frustrated.

"Please don't tease me, Lord Han." She huffed as they walked back to the inn. Even as he praised her skills she seemed unsatisfied. "That was not my best."

"Truly? But it was quite exciting." He said, recalling all the methods she used. He really wanted to try and imitate her. In this world, he'd surely have to learn how to spend money more frugally.

Seeing how she bargained, he could finally understand why he'd lost his money so quickly. He didn't bother to haggle.

"Exciting?" She chuckled, amazed by this elder. "My, you are very easily pleased, aren't you?"

"I wouldn't say that." He shot back. "I just need very few things to make me happy." This made the woman burst out laughing.

"Isn't that the same thi-" Out of nowhere, an older woman in lavish clothes blocked their path.

"Lord Han, is it?" She pressed, her eyes darting to Liang Fei. Truly, he was just as handsome as she remembered.

"Eh? Who are yo-" Xinyi started but was promptly ignored as the woman moved past her to come closer to Liang Fei. The man remained where he was but furrowed his brows at her treatment of Xinyi.

Seeing this, the woman was quick to speak.

"Lord Han, it is so good to see you again."

"Do I know you?" He snapped, a bit annoyed to have this woman block his path. More importantly, she was being rude to Xinyi. Still, he couldn't be so discourteous as she hadn't touched either of them.

But the second she did...

"Oh, me? Never!" She assured, smiling graciously as if he was someone to suck up to despite his meager clothes. "A lowly peasant like me would never reach your eyes."

"Peasant?" Liang Fei was now absolutely sure this woman was mistaking him for someone else. How could anyone look at his clothes and call themselves a peasant? Her clothes alone could probably feed him for a week! "Ah, I think you might be mistaken about something. I don't think I-"

"Please, my lord, don't deny me this opportunity to accommodate you." She insisted, blocking his path once more. Before he could refuse, she continued. "I've heard Lord Han has been looking for a job?"

"You heard this?" 

"Yes."

"From?" 

"Ah, when you speak to so many, the words can get confused." She said, waving it off like it was nothing. "Who knows which of the many ears you've spoken with told me?"

"I see." He was sure it must have been the people he'd been speaking to. Having asked around, of course, his job hunt had circulated to the higher rungs. Yet why focus on him in particular? "And this job?"

"An escort."

"Who am I-" The woman held up a hand.

"Ah, my lord please understand." She cut in, her gaze falling on Xinyi. "Such information can't be spoken about in front of others."

So it was one of those kinds of missions? Perhaps it was the unsavory type. Liang Fei didn't want to get involved if it was objectionable but perhaps he could do something about it afterward?

Either way, he couldn't make a decision with Xinyi around.

"Xinyi."

"Yes."

"Return to the inn." He turned to her, not surprised by the reluctance on her face.

"But-"

"I will be fine." He assured her, patting her gently. It wasn't his first time getting involved in... distasteful jobs but it would be best. He needed money and he needed information. 

Xinyi clenched her fist, glaring at the woman before looking back at Liang Fei. She was worried but trusted this man.

He hadn't lied to her yet so...

"...O-okay but you better not be lying to me." She cried, clasping his hand tight. Their eyes met, with her searching for a single glimmer of doubt or fear. She saw neither.

"I don't lie." He said, pushing her past the woman. Xinyi kept looking back as she walked until she disappeared through the inn doors. After a moment, Liang Fei turned back to the woman. "Now that we're alone, will explain to me what this job is?"

"But of course. Please, follow me."

***

Two Days Later

Elsewhere in this prosperous town, in the most expensive inn, a party was occurring. Drinks were shared and the women, as lovely as faires danced about, tempting any who heard their call.

To a lesser man, such a display was sure to soften the heart of any man. Yet the local mayor, a man of many years and expertise was left sweating and too frightened to move.

When this man had heard his superior was arriving at his city gate, he was prepared to scrape and bow to gain whatever this man was willing to give. Lord Caifeng was richer than even the most prosperous sects and could change a man's fate from earth to heaven with a single word.

The chance to curry favor with such a man, who could pass that up?

In his heart, however, the mayor was cursing his luck to have been chosen to host such a difficult man. He'd been told that providing this lord with the most beautiful women and delicious foods was a guaranteed method of gaining his favor.

Yet this young lord just glared out the window, his eyes dark with a fury that no one dared brave. Even the women, brazen and lustful to get close to such a handsome man, kept their distance, seeking to seduce him from afar.

Staring out into the night, Xieren watched his breath mist as it left his lips. His thoughts unknown to all who watched him. While his mood was dark, no one could truly look away. 

How could a man look as handsome as him?

Was he a dream? An illusion?

What did his face truly look like?

Xieren had kept his hair covering half his face, creating the lure of mystery around him. Some said this man had scars from a long-forgotten battle. Others thought he might have lost his eye to a beast.

All these rumors and more created the image of the mysterious Lord Han Caifeng.

Xieren, at this moment, wasn't thinking about anything presently. No, he had been in a horrible mood and was inwardly furious. While the music was pleasant to his ears, he couldn't help but think of a more mysterious melody. One he knew by heart but was unfamiliar to everyone else.

"Damn slippery bastard." He muttered to himself, thinking of all the time he'd wasted.

Over the last few days, he'd been searching for that stranger from the woods. Despite his intention to forget about the whole ordeal, he couldn't make himself leave.

That man, weak as he was, reminded Xieren too much of his late master. Their faces were different, as was their voice but the way he sang was way too similar to be a coincidence.

So Xieren had waited near Shizun's grave, hoping the man would return. While his camp was destroyed, there must have been some reason he'd chosen to camp so far from town. Xieren had assumed it might have something to do with Shizun, since the grave was slightly disturbed yet even as the sun began to sink, Xieren was alone.

This stubborn man remained there for two whole days yet no one ever came by.

As such, by the time Xieren stormed into the city, his mood was dark enough to make even the most jaded steer clear of him. While he might be pretending to be human, mortals were no so distant from animals not to sense a predator among them.

Xieren had tried to get the matter out of his head by returning to his usual lifestyle. The earthly pleasures of the flesh usually never failed to distract him. The soft and fragrant flush of a woman and their skills were the salve to his woes.

Yet for some reason, he couldn't find any satisfaction in these bedsports. Even after a long bout, his eyes would drift close and imagine a deep voice humming softly under his breath. Every time he heard it, he'd awaken to find himself alone or just with some woman he'd slept with.

Then he'd have to find another woman to partake in, as his bed partner was too tired from his previous tryst.

Presently, Xieren was considered a prize stud to the woman vying for his attention. Rumors of his insatiability had gained the ear of many a courtesan. All the women had heard under bated breath the stories about him, how this man could ravage an entire brothel and still hunger for more.

Such a man, who was handsome as well as rich, who could dare lie and say they didn't want him?

Xieren leisurely drank his liquor, ignoring the lustful looks he gained. These women, while useful to entertain him he had little to no interest in them anymore. He only needed something to satisfy his bodily desires.

Yet none of these women could do it.

They were boring. Soft curves and sweet smells had soured his experience with these women. Even their comely smiles, that used to fill his heart with confidence, now annoyed him.

Their scents were heavy and only used to mask the scent of other men. This never used to annoy him before yet...

His mind, having been reminded of his true desires, couldn't help but compare the women to that person.

That man, while his scent was very diluted, was pleasant and light, making him want to remain near.

His eyes were clear and confident, very different from the women with devious and heavy with greed.

Yet he dared to run from him! The fact that Xieren had tried to kill him was ignored as the man's only thought was about how he wanted to get this person back. Even if his scent was nothing like Shizun, even if his eyes weren't the same shade of violet-

That person had dared to sway his broken heart! 

He would not be allowed to remain hidden.

While he was content before to drown his mind in liquor and women to keep his mind and body off his own woes, it had only been temporary. With every breath, his desire to capture this person grew.

He turned to make the order, the order to have that person found and brought to him when he noticed a familiar face.

"My lord, I found you!" Yao Da cried, clutching his hands to her chest. After days of trying to find her master, she spotted him. While the scent of other women was heavy on him, she wasn't upset. Her master was a man after all. Surely, she couldn't ask him not to partake in the fruits offered to him.

"Did I not order you to remain at the castle?" He growled as she drew closer. Yao Da shivered at his tone, knowing she had stepped out of line. To disobey him, surely his punishment would be harsh.

But I wanted to see you. She thought, her hands clenching on her overcoat. A familiar scent rushed over her, calming her racing heart a bit. She had intended to return the coat but hadn't gotten the chance to. She couldn't seem to find him anywhere and-

Yao Da was suddenly grabbed and hauled into another room, faster than the human eye could spot. The few people watching their exchange could only stop and wonder if perhaps they had been mistaken.

People don't just disappear, right?

In the other room, Yao Da found herself slammed against a wall. If not for the familiar scent of her boss, she would have torn this man's throat out with her teeth. Yet why did he...?

"You..." Xieren growled, sending shivers down the woman's spine. His voice, deep and melodic, was a seduction to anyone, human or demon. Even if his heart belonged to another, his body was free to anyone who could gain his favor.

Was it finally my turn? She thought, moaning as Xieren leaned into her neck, inhaling her scent. His hands slide across her waist, caressing her exposed skin in ways she dreamed he would. Thinking herself to be chosen, Yao Da tried to reach out to touch Xieren, as she had yearned to do, only to have her wrists pinned to the wall.

"B-boss?" Her eyes were wide with confusion and slight arousal. Was her master usually so rough? She didn't mind but-

"Where did you get this?" Xieren's words were muffled by their proximity but Yao Da could hear it clearly.

"Get?" She echoed, her mind trying to catch up with the present. Were they not about to make love? "Get what?"

"This robe! Where did you get it?" He demanded, tearing it off her. The color was vibrant and cool-toned, not matching Yao Da at all. What's more, it was much too big for her, so it must have belonged to a man.

Yet all those things paled in comparison to the scent it gave off. It was faint from being worn by Yao Da but Xieren knew this scent. It had been engraved upon his soul and heart for over 10 years and he could never forget it for as long as he lived.

"Shizun..." He whispered, pressing the fabric to his face.

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