Accompanying the Phoenix

Chapter 6: Rude Visitors

White smoke twirled above a lighted incense atop a sandalwood desk. The man who sat behind the desk looked forward and asked, "Is it really true?"

The one kneeling in front of him trembled but answered honestly, "Even with ten lives this small one would not dare deceive My Lord. My sister-in-law was insensible the first few days directly after. It was only recently that she regained her senses. Although my wife was unconscious at the time the neighbors all say there was a bright light flowing out of my house. And also there is the robe...the immortal turned the chicken by his side into a beauty, but he forgot the robe when he left."

"How interesting." His phoenix eyes raised in surprise. "Bring him here. I want to see his abilities."

"Yes My Lord."

...

The leaves grew thick and dense on the vines in the courtyard with each passing day. Despite the sweltering summer heat, the days were idle and calm for Xing Yun. He was lying indolently in the courtyard when a rocking chair suddenly hit him. He looked down to find Shen Li rolling on the ground.

"Ah! Why can't I turn back?! I was definitely able to do it a few days ago for that couple." Shen Li rolled around on the ground lamenting. "These past few days, my qi has definitely filled up again! So why can't I turn back?!"

Xing Yun quietly looked at her for a bit before saying, "Stop screaming. And also get some clothes on yourself first." It wouldn't be good if she transformed in her current state. His voice fell as he remembered her glorious body in the light that day.

Shen Li stopped rolling around to listen to him. "The array you made that day was really powerful. Can you consolidate the essence of the sun and moon in an array?"

"All arrays obey certain laws. What you ask is a violation of those laws." Xing Yun laughed. "You've been here so many days and you still haven't noticed?"

Shen Li looked around, and it was only then that she realized the arrangements of the stones and grass were laid out in accordance to the laws of feng shui. This kind of layout must have taken a great deal of time to nurture, as even the trees were a part of the formation. It was hard to discern, but upon closer inspection it was clear that the grass grew all along the perimeter blurring the boundaries of the courtyard. Her confusion cleared. She understood it was the formation that allowed her to recover so quickly. The amount of qi it gathered had to be tremendous.

"Every time I learn something about you, you become more of a mystery." She studied the courtyard carefully one more time before making her way over to him. "How do you know so much about array formations? How does a mere mortal like you have the ability to divine the heavens and foresee the future, and yet not have a shred of magical energy? Just who hell are you Xing Yun?"

Xing Yun smiled and nodded his head while saying, "I'm a good person."

"Tch. You're a weirdo." Shen Li made a circle around him. "You have an odd temperament and you behave strangely. I mean, just look at me. I'm a bald talking chicken that can transform into a person. Yet you express no curiosity or fear of me, instead you chose to welcome me into your home and treat me like a member of your family. Unless... did you foresee something?"

"Just because I don't like foretelling doesn't mean I think it's a bad skill to have. I didn't question you because I didn't want to pry. We only met recently. Just know that you and I are not inimical to one another."

Shen Li was stupefied at his words. Her tone was stern when she spoke. "You must be the most unlucky disciple under the heavens, only slightly better than that loser bald donkey in misfortune."