The banquet went off without much more drama, and soon all the clans were sent to their quarters for the evening. Bai Yusheng walked leisurely through the maple forest before finding themselves at the arch of the bamboo house. They were surprised to see Saalah already there, standing in his handsome dark blue robes and looking stormy as he stared out at the creek. While most would find that look unapproachable, Bai Yusheng felt drawn to it, and they stepped towards him without reservation.
"Good evening, young master," they greeted first, announcing their arrival before approaching. "I trust your dinner was to your liking?" Despite the warning, they did not miss the slight twitch in his shoulders before he turned to look at them, his thoughts seeming to clear as he bowed his head slightly in greeting.
"Good evening, Bai Shizun. The food was very good. Thank you for sending it. How was the banquet? Hopefully it wasn't too messy." He stepped towards them as they waited at the gate, and Bai Yusheng found that they were quite intrigued by the way the moonlight caught his eyes, making the yellow turn to a brilliant gold for just a moment.
"It was...mostly uneventful," they responded with a light chuckle. "The banquets are always pleasant. There is entertainment and good food. They are quite common to me, but I do not dislike them."
Both of them turned their heads as Serinity quietly stepped out of the house. She smiled and nodded towards Bai Yusheng before going to Saalah, laying a hand on his shoulder gently. "Saalah," she started in a quiet voice, "would you like me to join you and Bai Shizun for that tour? Or are you okay going alone? It would be no trouble for me to come along." The succubus cast a knowing look at Bai Yusheng and they gave a nod of assurance. Everything had been set in place. They had taken extra care to make sure their family wouldn't be disturbed.
"If you would like Serinity to join us then that's perfectly acceptable. She knows the grounds quite well. Otherwise, it will just be the two of us," Bai Yusheng added, watching the way he leaned into her comforting touch.
"I am fine to go alone, Serinity. However, if you wish to accompany us, I will not stop you," Saalah replied, his voice low as he spoke to her. "You don't have to worry so much. You'll start to get wrinkles." He teased her and brought a hand up to press at the furrowed lines of her brow. She swatted at his hand and pouted.
"Saalah, don't say that! You'll curse me!" Despite her outrage, she visibly relaxed, a smile curling her lips as she pressed up to kiss his cheek affectionately. She seemed to weigh her options before sighing and pinching his arm. "What a cruel son you are. Go on. We'll still be up when you come home. You have our numbers in your phone. Don't hesitate to call us if you need us for anything." She turned to Bai Yusheng then and her eyes twinkled like they had back when they had shared tea. "Take care of him, A-Sheng!"
"Don't be mad, Serinity," Saalah chided, wrapping her in a hug that had the woman's eyes closing and lips curling up into the brightest smile. She hugged him back enthusiastically. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'd probably get things done a bit faster without this sticky mother of yours. Go on. I'll leave you to your tour," she stepped back and gestured for him to go.
Bai Yusheng was observant, and had carefully been watching the miniscule changes in expression and tone from the young man. Saalah really was a spirited person, and Bai Yusheng found it endearing as he watched the mother-son duo interact. When Serinity addressed them they stepped closer, opening their fan more gently this time and bringing it up to cover their face as they waited for the two to finish their banter. "Of course, DaJie. We will not take long." Seeming content with that response, Serinity stepped back and watched as they both turned to disappear into the forest together.
The two struck up a leisurely pace, and Bai Yusheng let the silence draw on between them for a while, unable to keep themselves from looking over now and then to glance at his face as he looked around the forest. They cleared their throat, seeing his eyes turn to them. They fluttered their fan in front of their face before they spoke. "Serinity has told me much about you. She has bragged about you quite often, and I hear you picked up weight lifting and self-defense classes. Have you been enjoying them?"
"I suppose I enjoy it...I started weight lifting about 7 years ago. The self-defense classes were just some new classes that the gym offered, so I decided to try them out, but I've only been in them for about a year," He brought a hand up to rub the back of his head, turning his eyes away as his cheeks burned a bit. Bai Yusheng moved closer and brought a hand up.
"May I?" They could tell he was caught off guard, flinching at their sudden closeness. There was a silence between them for a long moment, but he nodded, and they reached to pick a leaf from his shoulder. "Hmm, Dajie also said you recently started practicing with your sword again. I have heard of it. It is quite infamous. For someone so young to wield it, you must be a true talent. The sword is called Vadin, is it not? Also known as The Lecturer. I hear that it speaks to its master in silent whispers very few can hear and sometimes in blood thirsty roars that echo across continents."
They looked to the scimitar in question that hung from Saalah's waist, curiosity and no small amount of enthusiasm in their eyes. It emitted a strange energy, neither good nor evil and the mouth on the guard was closed in a relaxed line. If one didn't know, the sword would look quite ordinary. Well, as ordinary as a jeweled scimitar could be. Its craftsmanship was of the finest make, silver and gold carvings of snakes embellishing it.
Saalah's hand came up to rest on the hilt, and he glanced towards them, an unreadable look passing his eyes before he spoke. "Vadin does indeed speak. If one is in complete control of themselves, mind and body, it speaks tales of victory and valor, its words flooding the bearer with power. However, if the one who wields it holds doubt in their heart, or if they begin to falter or panic, Vadin will spin tales of pain and suffering unimaginable. It will thus set a curse upon its wielder instead." His hand clenched around the hilt, and Bai Yusheng swore they saw the mouth move just the slightest. "I'm surprised you know so much about Vadin. Did Serinity tell you about it as well?"
"She told me a little. I did my own research out of curiosity. It is a fine weapon with many powerful and sorrowful tales surrounding it." They reached the edge of the forest, stepping out onto the main courtyard. "We should begin our tour. Follow me."
Bai Yusheng led Saalah around the grounds to familiarize him. Slowly they began to pry words from him, and the conversation began to flow between them smoothly. He was a brilliant man, wise beyond his years and learned in many topics. He placed some of that credit on Serinity, but Bai Yusheng could tell Saalah had done his own research as he spoke enthusiastically on topics of interest as they arose. The tour had ended a while ago, but they found themselves strolling through the gardens. Bai Yusheng said something small that brought a smile to the young man's lips, and he chuckled, the sound sinking its way into their chest. They felt heat spread to their cheeks and sneakily raised their fan to their face, but their smile could be seen in the crinkle of their eyes.
They approached a rest area with a single bench settled by a small carp pond. Bai Yusheng settled onto the bench and patted the spot beside them to encourage Saalah to join. When he settled, they fluttered their fan and spoke. "There is not too much more of importance to discuss. We do not have too many rules here. We simply ask that everyone be respectful to each other and guests. I will introduce you to my head disciples tomorrow. I hope you will become friends. They are very diligent students with good hearts and good heads on their shoulders. They will guide you well."
"I appreciate your accommodations, Bai Shizun. I only hope to live up to Serinity's grandiose tales of me. She can be quite fanciful. She makes me seem larger than life when she speaks," he chuckled again, and Bai Yusheng found themselves leaning in to hear it better before they could stop.
"Serinity praises those who deserve it. I look forward to having you with us, even if it is only for a short time. Now, do you have any questions for me?" They tilted their head, bringing their fan down to their waist to remove the barrier between them.
"Ah, I suppose I should ask what to expect in class? What will I be studying?" Those gold eyes met theirs and they almost brought their fan back up but stopped themselves.
"Most of the students here dual study with the arts and martial skills. We teach classes in many different instruments, traditional styles of dance, calligraphy and painting. You may choose to participate in any of the arts classes you so desire. All students are asked to participate in history and philosophy classes, and every morning we discuss the previous night hunt and compare notes and tactics. After the morning class, everyone goes outside to run basic drills. After drills, everyone breaks off. You can stay and continue more advanced martial training or you can choose to join in the arts classes," they answered, letting him process the information for a moment. "Serinity has, of course, spoke highly of your martial talent, as she has with everything else. It'll be nice to have someone who is capable train with them and possibly join us on the night hunt. When Serinity offered for you to join us, I was happy to accept."
"Well, I can only hope I do well then to be worthy of such high praise." Saalah replied, looking away from Bai Yusheng and giving them a reprieve from his eyes that were drawing them in even as they forced themselves to focus. "Thank you for this opportunity, Bai Shizun."
"I am glad you joined me tonight. I hope to make this experience a safe and enjoyable one. The council usually takes a few weeks at least. They bicker and fuss until they wear themselves out." They chuckled lightly, covering their mouth with their sleeve. "It is always the same."
"Is that all they do? Bicker and fight and just waste time in general?" Saalah was smiling now, just slightly amused by this. "That must get exhausting. I don't know how you handle it. You must be a saint. Don't you ever tire of it?"
"Ah, it is not good to speak ill of people behind their backs," Bai Yusheng answered wisely before bringing their fan to cover their face once more, gesturing for Saalah to lean closer. He rose a brow but leaned in until both their faces were hidden behind the cover of the paper fan.
"To tell the truth, yes, I do tire of their constant whining. It can be quite wearying. Politicians are the worst no matter the species it seems," they whispered conspiratorially, a sneaky smile on their face before leaning back again.
"However, I take my position seriously, and I am honored to be a mediator in such important matters." They fanned themselves lightly and smiled at the way Saalah's mouth quirked at the playfulness of their response. "I am interested to see your sword skills tomorrow. I eagerly await training. I do have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to indulge me in a duel for demonstration? It will allow my disciples to see a new manner of sword play. And I must admit to a little excitement to see Vadin in action."
"Well, I'd be happy to indulge you, Bai Shizun in whatever you'd like. Your hospitality is as impeccable as Serinity said. If you have any favors in the future, I would be of mind to help if I can." His tone was sincere, and they found themselves wishing to keep the conversation flowing, but Serinity would get worried soon, and Saalah needed to rest for the early classes.
"I thank you. Perhaps I should begin to take you back. Tomorrow, I will have my head disciples come to walk with you to class. They will show you everything you need to know. After lunch I will be free to join the class for a short time." They took one more look out to the gently swaying forest, feeling a crisp breeze brush their cheek in the semblance of a caress.
"Perhaps that would be for the best. I will look forward to meeting them," Saalah nodded in response and stood, straightening himself up and offering a hand down to Bai Yusheng who smiled gently, their expression like the softest rays of moonlight. They took his hand, standing and straightening their robes with a few pats. His hand was cool in theirs. They could feel the rough calluses on his palm and they were sure he could feel the same on theirs. They both stood for a time, seeming transfixed by the innocent contact. Bai Yusheng was the first to speak, their eyes lingering on their joined hands.
"Would it be alright if I checked your qi flow? It is alright if you would rather not," They waited to see if he would pull back, but he didn't, and there was a silence around them disturbed only by the sounds of the night.
"It's alright," he said after a while, releasing their hand to hold his palm up for them. Bai Yusheng tucked their fan into their belt and stepped forward, cradling his hand while the other pressed two fingers to the pulse that jumped in his wrist.
"Relax and breath," they whispered almost unconsciously, their eyes slipping shut as they felt for any disturbances in the ebb and flow of spiritual power. Golden light moved from one meridian to the next like blood, and they followed those lines silently. Their eyes opened and lingered on his wrist and the prominent vein under their delicate fingers. "Almost all your channels are flowing freely. Your heart chakra is all that is blocked and stagnant. It seems to have been that way for a long time." They calculated their next words carefully, weighing them in their mind. "It is...a difficult one to mend, but not impossible. It will require time and patience as well as an active effort to improve."
"What do you mean they're blocked and stagnant?" He asked, and they couldn't help but note the lack of surprise. Perhaps he had been hoping they wouldn't notice, but he was, nonetheless, not shocked. They could tell from the way his hand tensed in theirs that he was not wishing to speak too deeply on the reason, and they would not press. "I don't know if it's worth mending, anyway. Don't let it worry you, Bai Shizun."
"To be blocked means your spiritual energy, that which guides you and gives you the supernatural strength you possess, is not flowing properly through your heart. While some would brush this off, as it may not affect fighting prowess like other chakras, it has its own host of problems, and I believe you will find those problems are nothing to dismiss."
"I didn't mean to sound so flippant about it. Forgive me for my ignorance," Saalah replied demurely. Bai Yusheng stopped for a moment and let his hand go, realizing a little too late that they had been stroking their thumb over the inside of his wrist perhaps a little too intimately and in a way that had nothing to do with checking his qi.
"Ah, but you probably didn't mean for me to give you a whole academic lecture on the topic. Suffice to say that it can have some negative effects on a person. But, with patience and maybe a little help, it can be fixed. I think you will find yourself better for it." They smiled at him, a gentle and kind thing that held a whole host of unspoken thoughts behind it.
"I think I would prefer to know about these topics. But I have no idea where to start. Perhaps Bai Shizun can offer me their wisdom if they find the time. However, I would hate to have put the burden of me on someone else." His tone held a note of hesitation to it, and Bai Yusheng found themself wanting to stroke away the crease on his brow.
"You are not a burden, Saalah. I find you to be pleasant company, and I would not mind teaching you about these spiritual pathways if you would like to learn. You are very smart. I am sure you would only benefit. All you need to do is ask." Their response was gentle, and they gestured to the path before them. "Let me get you back to Serinity. I am sure she will stay up all night if you don't come home soon."
Saalah sighed, a small quirk to his lips. "If need be, I can just text her, I'm not a child."
"I believe if you text her she will find us herself. She is on edge right now. I think it best to just give her the reassurance of your presence, hm?" They began to walk, and Saalah followed them with a long suffering sigh.
"I suppose you are right. She has been irritable and stressed since she received the summons. I think she cursed every member of the Demonic Council by name in her whirlwind packing spree. Lada and Johnson both hardly got her calmed down enough to get in the carriage you sent." Saalah recounted their trip as they walked, and Bai Yusheng couldn't help their bright laugh at his exasperated yet adoring expressions as he spoke fondly about their exciting trip to JingShui Temple.
"I am not surprised. DaJie is always so lively," they hummed with a chuckle.
Soon, they approached the bamboo house again, "Ah, back so soon," Bai Yusheng tutted in disappointment, though the trace of a smile still lingered on their painted lips. They turned to Saalah, waiting for him to meet their gaze. "I will leave you here for the evening. I do hope you enjoy class tomorrow. Li Jun and Xiu Ying will be here in the morning to join you on the walk. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to ask me. I will do the best I can to accommodate you."
Bai Yusheng bowed to him and Saalah did the same, before waving to Serinity as they straightened again and turned to the forest. "Remember, all you need to do is ask. I am at your disposal." Their eyes turned back and locked once more on his, lingering on each other before Bai Yusheng finally stepped away, disappearing into the forest of red maples to leave the family to their evening activities
YOU ARE READING
The Serpent and the Lotus Blooms
Romance"How do you know if you've found the right person? How do you tell them how you feel when it is the right person?" "Truth be told, you may never know if someone is the right person, but you could get hung up for centuries on trying to find the perfe...
