Dust & Gold

23

After a bit of convincing, Zewu Jun had talked me into being a representative along with Lan Zhan for the Qishan Congress Meeting. There will be an archery competition as the main event. One is held every year just to let the sects have a little fun and some friendly competition. Though, this time was a bit different, with the Wen Sect starting to cause trouble, everyone had to be careful with their actions and even their words. The archery competition was still months away but it was good to know in advance on who is participating.

"Why would I be representing you if I'm not fully integrated into the sect yet?" I asked.

"You are Wangji's betrothed, which makes you a suitable candidate to represent us. You have recently become a rogue cultivator so you have the opportunity to do so without worrying about other sects' responsibilities or concerns," Zewu Jun explained.

"I will still be a bit of a shame to be there," I said, "I am a rogue because I was technically kicked out of my previous sect. Anyone who knows this will know that being kicked out is one of the biggest shameful things a cultivator could carry."

"That is counteracted with you being my soul-bond," Lan Zhan said, "being bonded to the main bloodline of a Lan sect member is a great honor. It negates any other shameful acts. Plus it's not shameful if others knew why they kicked you out. We don't need to go in depth, but you could just say that the sect didn't want to take responsibility for their actions and you left willingly, and not kicked out."

I nodded, "I suppose, the way that it happened made it same like I left and he then kicked me out. But I'm not sure if I am okay with sharing why yet. The abuse I can possibly share but if news gets out about my condition, it will get bad quickly."

"Though we are trained not to lie, this is a case where it is necessary to potentially do so," Zewu Jun said, "you could lie and deny any accusations if they spread anything."

I nodded, "I suppose," I said, "but what if someone were to try and test it?"

"I will make sure no one ever hurts you or touches you," Lan Zhan said, "once we announce that you are my fiance, the other cultivators will know they have to be cautious about what they say."

"This is going to be interesting to say the least," I said, "but I would like to be there. I love archery so it is a chance for me to have some fun...maybe I should set something up here so I can practice a bit. It's been a little while and I don't want to be too rusty at the competition."

"Of course," Lan Zhan said.

"What about the rest of the land though, we have a lot of animals here and a garden to look after?" I questioned.

"If you are okay with it, I can have a couple junior disciples come here to look after the place," Zewu Jun suggested.

"I suppose it can work," I said and looked at Lan Zhan, "what do you think?"

"Mnn, we can leave a list of things for them to do and instructions on how to do them in case they don't know what to do," Lan Zhan replied.

"Alright," Zewu Jun said and stood from his seat, "thank you for a lovely meal and a nice chat. I will be heading back so I can take care of everything. I will also order a set of robes for you as well, Wuxian."

"What for?" I asked.

"The competition," Zewu Jun reminded.

"Oh, right," I said, "thank you and thank you for stopping by."

"Of course, you two take care of yourselves," Zewu Jun said as he walked over to the door, "I will be in touch soon."

"Bye, Xiongzhang," Lan Zhan said happily, "thank you."

"You're welcome," Zewu Jun said and then left.

I let out a soft sigh of relief and relaxed further into my seat, "since it's late, we can set up some archery training tomorrow," I said.

"Mnn," Lan Zhan replied and sat beside me. He placed his hand on my back and smiled, "I look forward to seeing you compete."

I smiled and sat up a bit, "even though we will represent the same sect, did you want to compare against each other to see how much we can get?" I asked.

"Sounds fun," Lan Zhan said, "I would like that."

I turned more to face him, "your brother is really okay with you staying here," I said, "he said he is glad that you have someone like me in your life."

"He told me something similar," Lan Zhan said, "I like being here. Duties still exist but only when we are really needed. And we have more of a choice and we can say no if we do not want to. I like this freedom of being able to have a choice."

"It is definitely different from living in a sect," I agreed, "after I fully realized I was no longer living in Lotus Pier, I felt a sense of relief and peace."

"I noticed," Lan Zhan said, "want to share a bath?"

I giggled, "why not, we already played around so much together that I think it's alright. Plus it saves water."

Lan Zhan let out a soft chuckle as well and kissed me before going to prepare it. I got up from my seat and prepared a set of fresh robes for the both of us. I even made sure the bed was prepared properly as it will be time for bed shortly after our bath. Lan Zhan came to get me as soon as the bath was filled. He wasted no time in helping me undress either. I helped him do the same.

Lan Zhan sat comfortably in the bath with me in between his legs. Of course, I could feel his little friend down below slightly poking at me as if it was begging me for some fun. I giggled and told him once we finish our bath, we can mess around a bit. Lan Zhan of course was all for it. I am forever happy to have this man in my life. Even with how he was raised, he still makes everything more special and enjoyable. I couldn't have asked for a better person.