Shen Lu was running on the steep path leading to the mountain peak, with Mao by his side.
Tied to his legs, there were 3 Kg weights, as well as to his abdomen and arms, for a total of 18 Kg, almost as much as himself. While running he saw his old fishing spot and turned his head to give it a longing glance, imitated by Mao. The good times had finished, he now had to train and attend lessons to become a good Young Master. Geography, History, Literature, Maths, Strategy, Etiquette... pompous scholars taught him everyday, boring him to death. The fact that he was a good student didn't lessen his boredom at all, actually, it enhanced it to unbelievable heights. From his memories, gradually, knowledge kept pouring, aided by the soporific words of his teachers. It was like a huge book, where all the words were written with invisible ink, and he was uncovering its secrets, step by step.
He cursed under his breath. Today was his birthday, but he still had to do this hellish training. His Father woke him up early in the morning, saying he got a nice present for him. If he wanted it he had to climb up the mountain.
He was now close to the peak, its rocks covered in snow were just a few meters away. Finally, he stepped on it. He gazed into the distance admiring the scenery. Now he understood better how could Ankai chose to gamble his life for this. It was truly addicting. Shen Lu sat on the ground and looked around him. No presents could be seen. At his feet neatly arranged on a piece of ice, there was a letter. 'You did it, son! Bring this letter with you, you'll have your gift at the party this evening.'
He stared at the letter for a couple of minutes, then folded it and put it in his pocket. Mao licked his hands, worried, and Shen Lu lightly caressed its head. With a sigh, he slowly climbed down the mountain. In the last year, his father always liked to pull this kind of dirty tricks on him, and he wasn't surprised anymore. He wondered what his present would be. It was the first time he was celebrating his birthday. At first, he assumed it wasn't a common custom in the Empire, but his mother explained to him that in big clans only some birthdays were celebrated, and the first one was his 5th because it was pointless to throw a party for someone who wouldn't even remember it. That day had come. Obviously, it wasn't possible for all the family to participate. King Shen Zhang and the Elders, for example, wouldn't come, since they didn't have the time, and also it would be inappropriate to give a five years old kid this much face.
To tell the truth, he was excited about this evening. It was his first occasion to show off in front of his family and the other guests. His father may have given up the throne, but he didn't care about how much competition he would have to face, that crown will be his. He didn't want to meddle too much, but after his first duel with Shen Kai, his skill with the sword continued to soar. He still wasn't a match for his eldest brother or his cousin, but, after all, he was just a beginner and those two already started cultivating. He feared that soon he will have to be on guard against strange little "accidents" happening to him. Shen Lu dressed up in an elegant blue robe, then took a golden collar from a drawer. Mao looked at it and meowed indignantly.
"Come on, don't be like this Mao. It's a beautiful collar, you know? Even humans would want it." he tried to convince it.
The Dragon Cat puffed air from its nose. Mao knew its fate was sealed, he would
have to wear that awful collar. It played its last card. Its eyes seemed to grow bigger and it looked at the little master meowing pitifully, like it was suffering from horrendous tortures. Shen Lu swiftly put the collar at its neck.
"That was good. When the guests arrive maybe you can show them your acting skills. They'll be impressed."
"How mean! Come here, Mao!"
The ferocious Demon Beast ran into the arms of a little girl who was cuddling it. She was Xiao Anqi, the daughter of his servant. She always roamed around his courtyard and she loved playing with Mao when he was training in the sword. Shen Lu smiled. She was a rather funny little girl and he liked to tease her.
His old servant Pan Liang soon came rushing to pick up his daughter.
"Third Young Master, I'm sorry! Was this naughty girl disturbing you?" he asked kowtowing.
"Oh no, she wasn't bothering me. Old Pan, how do I look?" replied the Young Master while admiring his small figure in the mirror.
"You're fabulous, Third Young Master! I bet the birthday party this evening will be a success and you'll enjoy it greatly!" Old Pan said.
"I doubt it. But I sure hope so. I want to remain alone until this evening Old Pan. Don't let anyone in, unless it's important."
"Of course. Let's go, Xiao Anqi, leave the Young Master's pet alone."
The servant brought away the little girl who, before going out, stuck out her tongue.
The wooden doors closed behind his back with a loud thud. Shen Lu buried himself in the bed. While outside the sun was setting, Mao watched its owner who was still snoring. Yawning it licked his face until he woke up. It didn't understand what a party was, but he understood that it was important to him, so it was better to not let him miss it. Demon Beasts weren't ordinary animals, they were intelligent beings who could cultivate, read and build Empires. The war between humans and Demon Beasts was a complicated matter, but from its ancestral memories, Mao understood that to both sides wild Demon Beasts like itself were just barbarians, uncultured and uncivilised species to tame and enslave or preys to kill. Contrary to its expectations its owner treated it way better than he treated most humans.
Shen Lu opened his eyes. It was time to go. Still half-asleep he dragged his feet along the long and majestic hallways of the mansion, closely followed by his Dragon Cat.
He arrived at the hall where the feast was going to happen. His mother was wearing a refined azure dress and was instructing a dozen servants. He had the impression that she cared more than him about this party. Which was normal, knowing the circumstances.
His father, no surprise about that, was keeping the guests busy, drinking wine as a thirsty man in the desert who found an oasis.
"Hey, Shen Lu come here! Come to meet everyone!" shouted Shen Xuefeng across the room.
"He can't drink, Xuefeng, he's too little!" warned Song Fen in a commanding tone.
"Don't worry mom, I'll be good."
Shen Lu hugged his mother, then went towards his dad.