"Old Patriarch!!"
"Old Patriarch has returned!!"
People started clamoring about with the news. In comparison, Ling Ming stood gobsmacked.
Still in her Father's arms, Ling Fan pinched his cheek. "Father, Daughter wants to meet Grandfather!"
Suddenly, a smile broke across Ling Ming's face. Vigorously, he said, "Mhm!"
Before Ling Ming could move, in the distance Ling Wenyan roared, "Who was it!? Who dares to destroy my Ling Clan! You have the guts, you come here right now. This Old Man will show you what it means to bleed out all your orifices."
"Daughter, you must remember, your Grandfather is a bit of a warmonger," whispered Ling Ming.
"Eh? Who's talking behind this Old Man's back?"
"Also, his hearing is exceptionally good. Never say secrets out loud when he's home," continued Ling Ming.
Through the door of the main hall, strode in an impeccably dressed elderly man with a bleached white man bun and long narrow beard.
He slammed his fist into his palm, causing fluctuations with his strength and cracked his knuckles one-by-one. "Ling Ming, tell Father who the enemy is and we'll kill our way into their clan."
Ling Fan gasped.
Shensheng grunted. "You two must be related. He likes to crack his knuckles as well."
Ling Fan nodded in agreement.
"This?? Father, are you sure you want to kill your way into the Zhao Clan?"
Ling Wenyan's body shook as he was shocked by the news. "The Zhao Clan attacked us? Was it Old Disaster King in a drunken stupor again?"
"No Father. You may not know, but Zhao Wen returned five years ago with a son. Earlier he fainted and she almost wiped us out along with half the city."
"Zhao Wen!" hissed Ling Wenyan.
"Father, why-why did you make us move here."
"Ming'er there some things you won't understand?"
Ling Fan's eyes twitched with curiosity.
A Ling Clan guard rushed in. "Patriarch, Chief Mo of the Savant City Guards has arrived."
"Chief Mo?...Son, you wouldn't be filing a complaint?"
"Humph! The Zhao Clan must believe that can do anything they want. I'll make sure they pay every penny to rebuild our manor."
"No won't do it!" blurted Ling Wenyan.
Ling Ming gasped in shock. "Father, why??"
"Old Patriarch, welcome back to Savant City," greeted Chief Mo, walking in.
"Greetings Chief Mo. Do this Old Man a favor and tell my son how many complaints have successfully been filed against the Zhao Clan."
"Ah This? Was the damage outside done by the Zhao Clan?"
"Correct," said Ling Ming.
"Ah, Patriarch Ling, forgive this Chief's late greetings. Since the Zhao Clan is involved then I'll take my leave."
"Chief Mo, your just leaving like this!? Aren't you going to investigate the Zhao Clan?"
"Patriarch Ling, this Chief is doing the Ling Clan a favor. You should know, in the last 5 years, any Clan filing a complaint has...Kekeek." he said, using his thumb to draw a line across his neck.
"Ming'er you think the Five Shadows are just for show?"
With a dejected face, "Father will we have to pay to rebuild the manor ourselves?"
Seeing her Father's unsightly face, Ling Fan turned to Shensheng. "Are you going over to the Zhao Clan tonight."
"This Queen has to relieve herself regularly."
"You have to let that Zhao Chen pay for what they did."
"Feed me more food, Humph! He'll be swimming in the darkest of nightmares."
Nodding with contentment, Ling Fan looked up at Ling Ming.
Father, Daughter will get you justice.
Ling Wenyan let out a deep sigh of resignation in response to Ling Ming's question.
Cupping his hands, Chief Mo said, "Since this matter is settled, this Chief has many duties to fulfill. May we meet again at a more auspicious time."
"Ming'er the lass you're holding, is this Ling Fan??"
"Mhm."
"Ha! Look at her wearing that black little mask. She looks just like her mother. Ming'er you're truly raising her well."
Beaming with pride, Ling Ming nodded vigorously in agreement.
Ling Wenyan patted Ling Fan's head. "After this Old Man rests a bit, how about Grandfather take Fan'er shopping? We'll see just how many gifts you can carry home. What does our Ling Fan want to buy?"
Without thinking, she blurted out, "Kaffe!"
Ling Wenyan's eyes glossed a bit before throwing a look to his son. Ling Ming shrugged is shoulders and said, "Daughter had a dream a while back where the Gods were drinking a divine liquid called Kaffe. Since then, she's always asking for some."
"Fan'er, you really like this Kaffe?" asked Ling Wenyan.
Ling Fan's eyes filled with a distant strange light. "Kaffe is the blood...Kaffe is the life." Suddenly, as though she was experiencing withdrawal, her hands started trembling.
"Disciple, you exhibiting strange behavior...have you been possessed? If such is the case, whatever devil dares to possess my Disciple, will meet the eternal bliss of death," said Shensheng.
"Ming'er this Kaffe must be truly divine. Notice how our Ling Fan is trembling. Those are the same signs that Zhao Chen shows when he hasn't had his daily drink of wine. If a beverage can make one addicted, even from a dream...truly..truly it must be divine. Son, at all costs, we must find her this Kaffe."
Suddenly, a guard rushed in. "Reporting! Matriarch Zhao Wen and Old Matriarch Zhao Jia have come to pay a visit."
"Eh!!"
"Son, Father's is extremely tired from lack of rest. In fact, my stomach is feeling queasy and my old hip bone injury is acting up. It's best that I let you play host while I go and rest," said, Ling Wenyan."
"Ling Wenyan! You trying to hide from this Old Lady?" said Zhao Jia, walking in with Zhao Wen.
Ling Fan's heart skipped several beats, as she recognized Zhao Jia from Shensheng's memory.
Shensheng hissed which startled Ling Fan.
"What's with your reaction?" she asked.
"That old crone isn't simple. You..You don't anger her," said the Divine Pig.
Ling Fan's eyes popped out as she focused on Zhao Wen.
Shensheng hissed again. "You-You don't anger her either."
Ling Fan gulped. Even without seeing the power of the Heavenly Sun Slicer, her instincts...the one's she had as the 28 year old The Cutter...they went haywire when they saw this woman.
"Juniors, us Grandmother and Granddaughter have come to visit," said Zhao Wen.
Finally, putting Ling Fan down. Ling Ming and his father, cupped their hands.
"Se-Senior Zhao Jia, it-its been a really long time. You-You haven't aged a bit," nervously said, Ling Wenyan.
"Seniors, Ling Ming greets you and welcomes you to our Ling Clan."
Zhao Jia snorted. "No need for niceties, we're neighbors and have known each other for a long time."
Zhao Wen eyes narrowed, searching about. "Juniors we've come because of that beast. Not only has it..cough..attacked my Father but its also has affected my son."
Zhao Jia pulled a simple thick ruler and it flickered with blue-white incandescent flame. Zhao Wen drew out a long blazing white sword.
Both Ling men stumbled back in horror, with Ling Ming unconsciously placing his body before Ling Fan. They were gobsmacked into silence, the dread weighing down upon them like a mountain.
"Humph! You point to where that foul beast last appeared. It will learn well it should never had left the Nether Hell," said Zhao Jia.
"Senior, are you saying you're not here to kill us but are here for that beast?" asked Ling Wenyan.
"Junior Ling, you-you think we're here to kill you?" asked a surprised Zhao Wen.
Ling Ming motioned with his hand to point out their weapons.
Zhao Jia and Zhao Wen looked at each other and quickly realized the problem. Nodding to each other, they put away their weapons.
Clearing her throat, Zhao Wen sheepishly said, "Juniors, we apologize for the misunderstanding. That beast has caused irrevocable harm to our Zhao family. We're just a tiny bit anxious to make it know extinction."
Zhao Jia added, "Junior Ling Wenyan, upon arriving we noticed all the damage this beast has done to your manor. By killing this beast, our Zhao Clan would be doing your Ling Clan favor."
Ling Wenyan and Ling Ming looked at each other, not knowing how to respond.
Ling Fan stepped out. Bowing, she said, "Ling Fan greets Seniors. Matriarch Zhao, earlier after Zhao Tian Cai left...a big fire shot into the sky..and-and there was this big flash of light...and-and everything shook...and-and then was crushed due to that light. Ling Fan was so scared."
Zhao Wen's eyes constricted upon hearing Ling Fan's words and suddenly a cold shadow fell onto Ling Wenyan and Ling Ming. The dread sent both their legs trembling.
"You-You weren't planning on filing a complaint against our Zhao Clan were you? Earlier we passed Chief Mo of the Savant City Guards." icily asked Zhao Wen.
"No-No-No! Absolutely not! With us being neighbors, we were planning on visiting the Zhao Clan later to discuss things," quickly responded Ling Wenyan.
"Matriarch Zhao, how is Brother Tian Cai? Earlier when we all saw him faint at the sight of blood, Ling Fan was very worried. Father, Daughter is curious...why did you command all Ling Clan members to oaths of silence."
"Fan'er, this..." Ling Ming started to explain.
Both Zhao Jia and Zhao Wen looked at Ling Fan with extreme interest and cold calculation.
Killers, they're stone cold killers. Father, I'll sacrifice myself.
Ignoring the line of cold sweat down her back, Ling Fan suddenly gushed. "The Zhao Clan women are true fairies. Fairy Granny, your strong aura makes you seem so young. Fairy Auntie, Brother Tian Cai favors his beautiful mother. May Ling Fan visit Brother Tian Cai soon?"
Both women snorted and looked away. After a moment, Zhao Wen cleared her throat.
"Brother Ling, your daughter is not only adorable, but I hear she's extremely talented as well. She's welcome to visit Tian Cai anytime at our manor. Later when she grows, should she take up the sword, this Empyrean would be happy to pass some pointers."
Ling Fan ran up and tugged at Zhao Wen's sleeve. Looking up with puppy dog eyes, she said, "Fairy Auntie, Father's says you have an unbeatable technique called the Heavenly Sun Slicer. Can you teach Ling Fan this?"
"Fan'er don't be disrespectful to Senior Zhao," said Ling Ming who started to reach after Ling Fan.
Zhao Wen bent down to pat Ling Fan's head. "Even though you look just like your mother, wearing that mask, somehow you remind me of my daughter."
Ling Ming froze still. "Senior Zhao, we didn't mean to remind you of that incident."
Zhao Wen smiled and the bright beauty of her elegant face sparkled in Ling Fan's eyes.
Stone-Stone Cold Killer Beauty!
"Child, This Empyrean can tell you have an affinity to the ice element. Unfortunately this means I cannot teach you my Heavenly Sun Slicer. Otherwise, with your talent I surely would take you as a disciple. However, as a Sword Goddess, there are plenty of tips I can give you about the sword."
"Auntie Fairy, really? Father will be giving me Mother's Butterfly Swords and Ling Fan would like to start practicing tomorrow."
"We should wait after some time. My Older Brother Qiang is returning soon and he will start Tian Cai's training. Your father, will tell you with Qiang's coming things will be boisterous. So after things settle down, then Auntie will invite you over. How's that for you, Little Fierce Fairy?"
Ling Fan nodded furiously in agreement.
Whereas Ling Wenyan and Ling Ming looked at each other in horror.
All three Disaster Kings will be in Savant City!?
"Haaa! I'm sure you and my Tian Cai will be great friends. Patriarch Ling about your manor...unknowingly, earlier when I released my sunlight domain, your manor suffered unintentional damage. Being a parent, you must know, should Tian Cai suffer pain, this seat will kill her way first then seek answers later...this-this is the love of a parent."
Ling Ming nodded in agreement.
Good Mother!! Kill your way first. Fan'er, Father would do just liker her.
Ling Wenyan's eyes constricted.
Your whole family's crazy and your gonna destroy the whole city.
Somehow, Ling Fan was able to get a wet tear to dribble its way down her cheek. Sniffing and with a half-broken voice, she said, "Fa-Fairy Auntie, if Ling Fan's mother were alive, would she blame such a loving mother? If only we had the money to completely rebuild the manor ourselves, then Ling Fan could invite Brother Tian Cai over to visit. However, with all the broken buildings its not safe for him."
Ling Fan batted her wet eyelashes.
Zhao Jia who was unusually silent, was scanning the area when she finally caught sight of Zhu Shensheng, the Divine Pig. Playing cool, the pig grunted and started munching on a patch of grass.
This Queen hates grass!
"You-You keep distracting them. Otherwise, the city will be destroyed in a battle between us three," grunted Shensheng to Ling Fan.
Zhao Jia took out her Ruler and was about to inspect the Divine Pig more closely, when Ling Fan grabbed her waist. "Fairy Granny, that pillar of blue-white flame truly scared Ling Fan. Since you are the eldest in the Zhao Clan you must be the strongest. How-How can Ling Fan be strong as you?"
Ling Wenyan and Ling Ming were both sweating bullets. Of the two, Zhao Jia was renowned for her fiery temper.
Caught off guard, Zhao Jia looked down at Ling Fan's dainty figure.
Too adorable in that black mask.
Smiling, she patted Ling Fan's head. "Little One, you truly know how to win hearts with your presence." Putting way the Ruler, Zhao Jia forgot about the Divine Pig. Chuckling she said, "You want to be as strong as this Granny...visit us often and this Empyrean will gladly give you pointers. As a gift, here's some advice. Males, no matter what age need to know fear from the beginning. Suddenly, she brought out three weapons."
Still swallowing grass like there was no tomorrow, Shensheng eyes narrowed when she saw these weapons. In natural response, she shifted her rear to a safe position.
Zhao Wen gasped in surprise, "Grandmother you can't show her those!"
"Wen'er this is the best thing I can teach her now." Zhao Jia pointed to the first weapon which was a large spiked bat. "This is the Heavenly Punishing Stick. Using this I was able to raise Chen'er well. My son is a bit slow at times so his brain needs rattling ever so often."
Next she pointed to a barbed-wire like net. "This is the Heavenly Punishing Net. When he was young, Qiang'er was constantly running about and causing trouble. Placing him in this net for several days quickly rid him of that habit."
Finally she pointed to a weapon that looked like a spiked ping pong paddle. Beaming with pride, she said, "Ah! This one's my favorite as well as the most powerful. I especially made this for Cai'er. Regrettably, Grandson has incredible luck as I've yet to use it on him. However, knowing his uncouth mouth, it should be any day now."
Zhao Wen's face blackened.
Sensing Zhao Wen's reaction, she said, "Wen'er you better straightened your attitude. If not, you know what's waiting for you in my courtyard."
Zhao Wen stiffened.
Zhao Jia put away the weapons. Smiling she caressed Ling Fan's face. "Truly adorable. Your lucky you're not to this seat's descendant. As a girl, you know all females fret about their faces. For Wen'er, I have the Heavenly Punishing Wall. Each time she misbehaved, it was my duty to imprint her face into the wall."
Chuckling, she continued, "Indeed Granddaughter was naughty in her early years. The Heavenly Punishing Wall is graced with over three hundred of her face imprints."
Stone Cold Killer Granny!
With a twitching eye and the biggest smile, Ling Fan said, "Fairy Granny is not just strong but she's extremely wise!"
Ling Wenyan and Ling Ming legs were already past the level of being weak like jello. As males, they were very very happy not to have been raised in the Zhao Clan. In addition, they found a new level of respect for Zhao Jia. How many people had the ability to imprint Sun Sword Goddess's face into a wall? Who would dare?
Zhao Jia chuckled at Ling Fan's words. "Juniors, your Ling Fan is truly a treasure. She's welcome to visit next door at anytime. Seeing as we are partly responsible...mmm...Wen'er how do we help them?"
Zhao Wen thought a moment before speaking. With a sigh, she said, "Juniors, regrettably our Zhao Clan cannot provide immediate reparation. With the three disasters in our household we've accrued a large debt with the Black Bank. However, we do have a way to help. Throughout the years, we've accumulated various—ahem--items that we—ahem—appropriated by accident. Since your Ling Clan are merchants, how about we hand these warehouses to you and you sell what you can? If its lucrative, then we'll continue to provide—ahem--items and we'll sign a contract after your manor has been rebuilt."
This??
Although both Ling Wenyan's and Ling Ming's face brightened with hope, there was still some wariness.
"Senior Zhao Wen, this junior is willing but has one concern. These-ahem-items, do they still have owners?" asked Ling Wenyan. Clearly, he understood the origin of said valuables.
"Junior Ling, be relieved. The things in our warehouses, only have one living owner," icily responded Zhao Wen.
Ling Fan's looked at the two women with her mouth opened like a giant O.
Gangster Bosses! They're Bosses!!