Ascent of the Beast King

Cultivator?

It was Mr Lin. In his hand he held a jade sword which he swung in perfect, precise movements as he leapt from stance to stance. Wait, a sword? Where had that come from? He did not seem to notice her watching him. She could see energy forming round the blade as he repeated the same movements over and over in cycles. Could he be a cultivator? She moved away from the window and went downstairs, as curious as she was, she had to go to work.

There was still some rice left over from the previous night. She put it on the stove and reheated it. She didn't feel safe leaving Li Dan at home with a stranger, then again, normally he was alone. Mr Lin didn't seem so bad either. She walked over to the garden-door but as she reached out to open it, it opened itself to reveal Lin.

"Oh. Hey Mr Lin..."

"Just Lin, please."

She nodded, "I have to go to work, I've heated up some breakfast for you and Li Dan. He should be down soon. He's a late sleeper. Umm... I'm sorry, but for breakfast I had to reheat the rice from yesterday..."

He nodded. "I'll take anything I can get. Thanks. Besides, those rice were pretty damn good. Hey wait!" She turned round, catching the pouch he had just flung at her. It jingled as it hit her palm. "Buy yourself a shawl and a jacket for Li Dan. Oh, and next time, don't just stare at me from the window. It's unnerving for an old fellow like myself to have a young beauty eyeing him up like that. Haha. Well, I'll see you in the evening then." He waved her out and walked back out into the garden.

Old fellow? He barely looked over twenty-five. There was something strange about that man. He didn't seem threatening anymore, but she didn't know... so many things just didn't add up.

"Li Jia! Hurry up!" Mr Jin was stood outside the shop. "Go check the oven. Did you stock the breads yesterday?"

...

Li Dan hugged the blanket. Wait, what was that smell? Mmm... but the bed was so warm... but the smell... that aroma of fried rice... he smiled, eyes closed... fried rice... Mm.. He reached for his chopsticks as bowls of fried rice stacked with vegetables swam through his visions. The drool forming at the edge of his lips hit the floor with a plop. That decided it. He threw the blanket aside and rushed down the stairs. Two bowls! Li Jia, what a great sister! He smacked his lips together then leapt at the table like a ravenous wolf, attacking the both of them, a pair of chopsticks in each hand.

A creak sounded as the garden door open. Oh snap! He had forgotten about Lin! One of those bowls must have been for him. He needed an excuse, and fast.

"Li Dan, I..."

"Lin. There you are. I think Li Jia forgot to make a bowl for you. Don't worry, when that girl comes home I will make sure to give her a stern talking to." He puffed up his chest, "oh no, don't you worry, not one bit sir!"

"That's great. But I had something else to ask you." He reached into his clothing and when his hand came back out there was something clutched in his fist. He unfolded it to reveal a silver ring, an azure dragon watched over a winged lion and tiger snarling and staring each other down, ready to pounce. Li Dan gasped.

"You have one of these, don't you?" Li Dan nodded.

"Can I see it?"