The Chef's Immortal

Chapter Twelve

Wudi spun around, preparing to make a move, but was immediately confronted with the smiling face of his naughty junior brother.  "Zhurong, what in the world are you doing here?"

"Oh, great, another god.  Who's this one?" Buta asked disdainfully.

"That's quite the rude little disciple you got there, senior brother," Zhurong observed, frowning.

"Yes, Zhurong, apparently I'm destined to be surrounded by rude, ill-mannered, short-tempered loved ones.  Now, answer the question, why are you here?"

"Well, after you ditched me at the Healing Pool, it took me a while to get the feeling back in my body.  Thanks for that by the way.  Then it took me a little longer to figure out the time period.  I didn't know much about Lanying, so I snuck into Star Hall and watched your heavenly trial.  Almost got caught a couple of times too.  I calculated the best I could and jumped into the Wheel of Time.  Finally, I've spent the last five mortal years searching for the two of you.  Well, mostly.  I would admittedly get distracted often.  This realm really is overly populated.  Thankfully, you just took a disciple so I was able to find you.  You're welcome, senior brother."

Buta laughed, and Wudi shot him a cold look.  "I may actually like this one," Buta said pointing towards Zhurong.

"Thanks, kid," Zhurong bowed slightly towards the boy.

"You didn't answer my question, Zhurong.  Why are you here?  Not how you're here.  Didn't I tell you to take care of Supreme Deity?" Wudi asked, annoyed.

"About that, Supreme Deity already knew what you were up to, so I've been sent here to keep an eye on you," Zhurong answered, wringing his hands.

"Wonderful," replied Wudi dryly.

And Zhurong quickly continued, "But don't worry, considering this is mostly my fault, I will not interfere with any of your decisions.  I'm just here to make sure you don't get yourself killed."

"This is all your fault?  How exactly are my JieJie's punishments your fault?" inquired Buta.

"Oh, because I'm the one who told the Heavenly Council about your JieJie."

Wudi bent his head, shook it, thinking his junior brother was a complete idiot.  Buta shot forward charging at the second god in the room.  "I take that back, I don't like you one bit."

Wudi caught the boy before he could reach the god of fire, "As much as I admire how much you love your JieJie, Zhurong is the god of fire, so you don't want to do that."  Buta halted.

Zhurong took a few steps back, surprised by the murderous look on the young boy's face.  "Well, that was unpleasant.  Who exactly is this kid, Wudi?  Didn't the girl only have one, older gu(brother)?"

"You mean the jerk who made her cry yesterday?" Buta huffed.  "You should just get rid of him."  He looked to the god of war for a response.

"This is Lanying's disciple, Buta.  And no, Buta, I will not get rid of Bohai.  As harsh as his words were, he only said them because he's genuinely concerned about his sister."

Zhurong pointed towards Buta, "So, not your disciple?"

"NO!" Buta and Wudi responded in unison.

Footsteps could be heard coming down the hall, it was Lanying.  Wudi motioned for his junior brother to be quiet.  He put Buta into a slight state of unconsciousness and sat him at a table, head down.  He waved his hand around the room, returning the kitchen to its originally clean form, and drug his junior brother to the corner of the dining area, covering them in his god essence.  Wudi unsealed the room.  Lanying stepped through the door moments later, inspecting the kitchen, and nodding approvingly towards Buta.  She walked over to the boy and patted him on the head before laying her hand on his back to shake him awake.  Buta woke with a start and wondered if meeting the two dipshit gods was just a dream.  That is until he felt the dagger at his waist.  He glanced around the room expectantly but was surprised to find only his JieJie standing in the large kitchen.