The Pieces of You

To Sever the Ties That Bind

This chapter contains various mature themes. 

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Zhou Zishu dismounted from his horse and the other two men followed suit. Chengling, Gu Xiang, and Cao Weining approached and stuck close while eyeing the crowd warily. Zishu glanced at the group, a little worried over what was about to unfold. "Stick close to me." 

A sect disciple rushed down the stairs and greeted them respectfully. "Respectable travelers, the sect leader wishes to greet you and reward you for the safe return of his nephew." He gestured that they follow him and entered through the sect gates. They glanced around but quickly saw that the only way was forward. 

The inside was rather unembellished for a cultivating sect with wide lawns and high guard towers. The only noteworthy sight was a crowd of beggars that crouched just inside the gates. Their beady eyes followed the small group, but they remained otherwise aloof. Zhou Zishu frowned but continued to follow after the young sect member. They came to the base of a set of stone steps that led up into the main building, but the member bowed to them before bidding that they wait here. Zishu saw movement out of the corner of his eye and angled his head slightly to watch Wen Kexing sidle over to Chengling and murmur a few words with a sly air. Chengling's face became steely and the two conversed for a few moments unnoticed by the rest of the group. There was the flash of metal exchanged between hands and then it disappeared into Chengling's sleeve. Zhou Zishu's heart was ill and ease, but he pretended he hadn't seen whole affair.

Once their presence was spread through the gathering crowd, it did not take long before the sect leader came rushing down the stairs with a benevolent smile, a varied entourage trailing after him. Like the beggars at the entrance, there were many faces that should not be here yet Zishu knew them all. He knew the veil was obscuring his face and that he was safe, but a part of his heart quivered at the faces he saw in his nightmares sometimes. Seeking support, he reached back absently but only empty air met his fingers. 

Zhou Zishu was so busy watching the events unfolding that he didn't notice when Wen Kexing disappeared from his side until he sought his comfort. A quick inspection gleaned that the two women were also gone. His heart sank to the depths of the vast ocean in his body. It seemed that their separate plans were now traversing two different roads. 

"Greetings, greetings, chevaliers." The male had a righteous air about him but it tasted acrid on Zhou Zishu's tongue. He knew exactly what kind of man this was. 

Still, he bowed respectfully and the youths followed. Ye Baiyi didn't bother and only continued to appear rather bored at his right side. At least he had the immortal's support. "Greetings." He gently directed Chengling to the front, his hands squeezing his arm comfortingly. Just a little longer and they would be able roll the carpet out for their plans. 

The sect leader came forward and his hands came up to squeeze Chengling's shoulders. "Chengling, I am so relieved you are here! Look how you have grown! I am Zhao Jing, you're fathers best brother. If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me." 

Chengling nodded his head, his eyes red with held back tears, and his hands trembled against his robes. "Thank you, uncle Zhao." 

Zhao Jing looked up and then bowed to the rest of the group. A serpentine glint lurked behind the friendliness he wore like a trick mask.  "What can I do to properly thank you?" His eyes lingered on the veil Zhou Zishu wore and then flickered to Ye Baiyi covertly. This man was more than he appeared and Zhou Zishu could not help the curl of distaste that slithered across of his lips behind the veil. Still, he forced his voice to return the pleasantries.