Head Seamstress Mo's eyes constricted as she started to huff about.
Was this little girl actually asking me, a master, to create clothes for a pet pig!?
She was about to send Ling Fan to another shop, when from the waiting parlor, the owner loudly cleared his throat. Simultaneously, he was pointing to the Black Jade Card in his hand.
Will I have to make clothes for a PIG!!
Realizing why her mother was hesitating to respond, Mo Lai stepped forward. "Young Miss, this one will be honored to create a mask and set of robes for your pet pig. In fact, it would be considered a great experience."
Oblivious to Head Seamstress Mo's reaction, Ling Fan was only relieved she would be able to shut up the Divine Pig.
Immediately Ling Fan said, "Miss Mo, you truly are saving our Ling Clan."
Grunting, Shensheng said, "Ask if they have war armor for battle pigs. Also crowns. This Queen needs a crown. Find me a nice fan. When this Queen is too hot, you need to cool me down."
At this point, Ling Fan was looking for a weapon.
Wasn't it better to kill her now? The world wouldn't know that it was destroyed. If everybody was dead, who would blame her?
Mo Lai also noticed that Ling Fan appeared quite irritated at the pig. Most especially after the pig snorted or grunted.
Perhaps, she's talking to the pig...Isn't this the sign of a prodigy Beast Tamer?
"Young Miss, why don't I take your pet pig to another room. It appears quite intelligent. I'm sure if I point thing's out, it will clearly decide what it likes?"
Ling Fan shot a look at Mo Lian.
Savior!!
She nodded furiously in affirmative.
"Little pig, can you follow me to the other chamber?" asked Mo Lian.
Shensheng snorted and followed Mo Lian into the next room. Ling Fan groaned in relief.
Three hours later, Ling Wenyan was snoring contently in a chair. Gently, Ling Fan woke him up.
"Fan'er what hour of the day is it. Have you found all that you needed?"
As his eyes focused,
Eh, Robbers! I'm surrounded by Robbers!
Jumping up, Ling Wenyan roared. "Fan'er Run! Grandfather will defend while you flee!"
Ling Fan chuckled, "Grandfather, its Granddaughter and the Fierce Fairies, we're all wearing our new masks!
"Eh!"
When Ling Wenyan took a second look, indeed it was Ling Fan surrounded by the Wang Sisters, Xang Tifeng and Elder Bing. Everyone wore black star spider silk masks including the Divine Pig Shensheng. However, what really surprised him was that the pig was wearing multi-colored robes and a flowery headband.
"Fan'er you really surprised Grandfather. Beneath my sleepy eyes I mistook you for robbers." Coughing, he casually pointed, to Shensheng. "This? What exactly is this?"
Inwardly, Ling Fan sniggered.
The fool pig was color blind...Queen of the Cosmos can't even choose her own clothes!!! Hahahahaha!
"Fan'er you really want to walk out with that?"
The Fierce Fairies looked dejected as well.
Would anyone be willing to walk out with the pig looking like that?
Oblivious, Shensheng was pattering about with the confidence of a beauty queen.
Snorting, she said, "Disciple, indeed it's the clothes that make the Master."
Hiding any hint of sarcasm, Ling Fan responded, "Master is not only the strongest in the Nine Chaos Heavens but also the prettiest. From now on, you should always display your noble self like such."
Shensheng chortled with the praise. "Follow Master, Little Genius is outside, we should say hello."
"Brother Zhao is here as well?"
"Mhm! Let this Queen parade her beauty before her student."
Rolling her eyes, Ling Fan said, "Grandfather, we'll wait outside while you settle things with the shop. Tomorrow, they will be delivering masks to the Ling Clan guards."
Bowing slightly, she turned and followed Shensheng out. The Fierce Fairies gathered their bags and hurriedly chased after.
The shop owner appeared before Ling Wenyan, he presented the Black Bank Jade Card and a receipt.
"Master Ling, this one took liberty and withdrew payment already. Earlier, the Young Miss said to spare no expense. And of course, our shop obliged and brought all our means to fulfill her desires. If you look at the receipt, you will see everything is itemized."
Ling Wenyan looked at the bill. His face quickly blackened. The balance left on the Black Bank Jade Card was merely 5 spirit stones.
Earlier Ling Ming had reluctantly handed over the card. "Father, this represents the whole of clan savings. Son also wants to provide everything to Fan'er...what loving father wouldn't. However, for the sake of the Clan, no more than 100 spirit stones can be spent."
How was he going to explain this to Ling Ming?
More than an hour later, Ling Wenyan burst through the Ling Clan gate with Ling Fan in his arms. Exhausted and relieved they had finally reached the manor, Ling Wenyan collapsed to the ground. Wheezing, he let a ruffled Ling Fan free from his arms. Within a breath later, the disheveled Fierce Fairies stumbled in. Wang Chuntao was at the back of the pack, her heavy body struggling with every step.
Zhu Shensheng entered last.
"Close the gate!!" yelled Ling Wenyan.
Chief Li appeared, "Old Patriarch, what happened? Is anyone hurt?"
Huffing, Ling Wenyan said, "It's not even the 2nd day of my return and this Old Man has almost died thrice over. Earlier…."
Ling Wenyan proceeded to detail the morning's events to Chief Li.*1
Flabbergasted at the news, Chief Li asked, "Old Patriarch, if Zhao Qiang has returned, shouldn't we lock down the whole clan?"
"Inform my son of the news! Double the guard on all the walls. For the next three days, no one is allowed to leave the manor."
Grunting in a huff, Shensheng was pacing back and forth before the gate.
Ling Wenyan noticed the pig, but actually only her clashing colored robes. Many people in the Clan started pointing at the spectacle.
Sighing, Ling Wenyan said, "Fan'er Grandfather isn't one to care about what people think….However, your-your pig?….How you dress her? Child, people will start ridiculing you."
"Grandfather you can't blame me, the pig actually chose her own attire," giggled Ling Fan.
"This?"
Still giggling, Ling Fan said, "It must be true that pigs are color blind."
"Why it is pacing before the gate and pawing at the ground. Is it expecting an enemy?" asked Ling Wenyan.
Ling Fan shrugged her shoulders. "Grandfather, granddaughter is pretty, wise and talented. However expecting to know the mind of that pig...Can anybody do that?"
"Still, her pacing about in those clothes...she's hurting Grandfather's eyes. You and the Fairies go rest in your courtyard, and hide that pig away quickly."
Chuckling, Ling Fan kissed, her grandfather's cheek. "Granddaughter thanks you for protecting her."
She ran off to the Divine Pig.
Ling Wenyan smiled.
Ming'er you are raising that child well.
Just as Ling Fan arrived, Shensheng snorted. "Anomaly, this is bad. This Queen will investigate well."
"What's wrong with you? Do your new clothes itch?" asked Ling Fan chuckling.
"You-go ahead and laugh. Just now, you nearly died."
Not understanding, Ling Fan said, "The Bosses? They didn't even come close to us earlier."
With a couple of grunts, "As usual your brain is addled. There was a woman with Little Genius. Do you know her?"
"A woman? Come to think about it, there are several females next to Brother Zhao. You mean Gray Shadow or Miss Bai?"
"Fool, there was another woman, an anomaly, she had killing intent towards you. She was like a sword itching to be drawn."
Stupefied and confused, Ling said, "Some strange woman wanted to kill me?"
"You think this Queen wouldn't stand out if she wasn't a threat? Humph! She was almost as strong as those Bosses you fancy so much."
"I-I don't know that woman?"
Abruptly, Shensheng hissed. "As I thought, she's connected to Little Genius. She's returning home with him."
"What-What should we do? Isn't she just like an assassin living next door?"
"Tonight, after I release my Divine Punishment, I'll end her."
"You're going to you know-uhm dump on her tonite?"
"Disciple you really need to get smarter. Zhao Chen won't ever escape Divine Wrath. Tonight he'll receive his just due. Then afterwards, I'll hunt down that anomaly and kill her. You-You give master a jar of flies. This Queen will swat her well as a fly, with her tail."
Ling Fan sighed.
How many more crazy requests was she going to have to make on behalf of Zhu Shensheng? She could imagine the face of servants as she asked them to catch flies.
"Let's return to my courtyard."
Upon returning the Ling Fan's courtyard, Zhu Shensheng was still pacing about.
At the table, Wang Chuntao was snacking on a bao. "Little Sister, this case here, I believe it was left for you."
Upon hearing her, Ling Fan ran over. "What could it be?"
"Little Miss, if I'm correct, those are you Mother's Butter Fly swords!" commented Elder Bing. She and Tang Xifeng were already enjoying a cup of wine.
"Che! The wine is so refreshing," exclaimed Tang Xifeng.
Wang Chunhua, looked at her younger sister, "Eat slower...take smaller bites. Noble ladies must follow proper etiquette."
"Sister, will do better," said Wang Chuntao.
Ling Fan opened the case, revealing two silvery butterfly swords. They glittered brightly like two holy swords. Trying to lift them, she quickly found..
Heavy!!!
"Little Sister, you'll be unable to utilize the weapons for now. You need the strength of a Martial King to use those."
Shensheng, noticing Ling Fan's disappointed face said, "You-You in your past life were called The Cutter. Is it correct to surmise, you know how to use those well."
"Mhm. My old self always carried two short blades. These-These two aren't that much different," replied Ling Fan.
Sauntering over, Shensheng probed the swords with her nose. "You may use them now," she said factually.
"What do you you mean?" asked Ling Fan.
"You need weapons to protect yourself. In fact, this Queen will start training you."
Not believing the Divine Pig, Ling Fan nonchalantly tried raising one of the swords. Amazingly, she lifted it without any resistance.
She shot a look at Shensheng.
This?
Elder Bing jumped to her feet, "Impossible! Those are grade 4 blades made of ice steal...you-you are barely a Martial Adept!"
"You-You how did you do this?" asked Ling Fan to Shensheng.
"Humph! Is there anything this Queen can't to? Familiarize yourself quickly with those. Tonite, you need to be prepared...I may be required to battle three Empyreans. Food! Bring lots of food," squealed Shensheng.
Elder Bing started chortling. "Our Ling Clan truly has a genius. The reason why you are able to raise the weapons now...they-they have acknowledged you as Master. This means, these blades have the potential to reach Grade 5. Patriarch will be mightily pleased!"
"Someone prepare a banquet for us!" commanded Ling Fan. "Grabbing the other blade," she waved both weapons about, familiarizing herself with their weight.
"HAAA!!" she exclaimed, performing a back flip and slashed with both blades. She landed in a split, one blade guarding her head and the other thrusting forward."
Elder Bing smacked the table, "Genius!!!"
Tang Xifeng glanced with rosy red cheeks. "Little Sister, that split...it doesn't hurt?"
Wang Chuntao was looking at Ling Fan incredulously. "Big Sis, Chuntao can do that as well."
She stood up and was about to demonstrate when Wang Chunhua stopped her. "You really want to tear your robes!?"
Ling Fan answered Tang Xifeng with action. She kicked back up to her feet, and two everyone's amazement, she proceeded to perform an intricate and flowing routine. Everyone was awed to silence except for Zhu Shensheng.
The servants started bringing plates of food. Grunting and squealing, Shensheng prepared herself well for the upcoming battle. She was clearing plates faster than the servants could bring them. Every so often she would comment.
"Those blades you won't find on Bright Star World. The bow on the grip is designed to protect your hand. The l-shaped hook extension is made to trap weapons."
As Ling Fan continued her routine, she burst into a flurry of short thrusts.
"Obviously, you were used to double-edge blades. These swords are more like sabers, the short fat blades can withstand great weight."
"You stop eating, time to practice!" said Wang Chunhua to her Sister."
However, Wang Chunhua was mesmerized by Shensheng's eating. Drool was dripping from the side of her mouth.
"Chunhua! You want to not eat dinner!?"
Tang Xifeng stumbled up her feet. Sloppily she began to rolled her sleeves back. "This sister will now demonstrate the real stuff."
Picking up a jar wine, she took a deep swig. Unsheathing her saber, she spat the wine all over the blade.
"Brother, drink well!!" she said. Hugging the wine jar, she proceeded to perform a jumbled set of chops and slashes as she moved about inebriated.
Elder Bing gasped, "Sister Tang you practice the Drunken Sword?"
"Saber Elder Sister...Drunken Saber."
Wang Chunhua pulled out her cane swords. "I'll attack, you defend. We'll work on your footwork."
"Ha how can this Old Lady not practice as well," said Elder Bing pulling out a bow.
"Sister, You're a long range fighter?" asked Wang Chunhua.
"Why, you don't like bows?"
"No, no…. doesn't every group need a long range fighter?"
"Indeed it's a good thing. We can learn how to coordinate attacks," said Wang Chuntao.
As Shensheng was eating, her eyes gleamed brightly, analyzing everyone's abilities.
This Queen will train you all as unrivaled bodyguards. With my mount, finally I'll have an entourage.
Later in the evening, Shensheng was preparing to leave for the Zhao Clan manor.
"Why do you keep pacing about? Do you have doubts about fighting three Empyreans?" asked Ling Fan.
"Humph! I'll turn them into flies and squash them with my foot. Hand over the fly jar Master asked for."
Ling Fan gasped, "You wanted that for tonight?"
Shensheng rolled her eyes. "Your Master has been preparing for battle all day. As my disciple you should have surmised or calculated with your fingers."
Confused, Ling Fan said, "All you did was eat. Since when were you preparing?"
"Humph! Eating was preparing, Fool!!"
"That's how you prepare for battle!"
"My innate battle skills require energy. Where does a pig derive energy from? Eating!! MHM!? MHM!?"
"If you don't have flies, don't you have other skills? What about that defecator skill?"
"You-You find three insects or beasts I can squash with my foot. Quickly!!"
After several breaths, Ling Fan brought back a lady bug, a snail, a caterpillar and a cockroach.
Upon seeing the cockroach, Shensheng's eyes constricted and the hair all over skin raised involuntarily.
Furiously grunting, she said, "You dare!? You dare bring that vile thing before this Queen?"
Aghast at Zhu Shensheng's reaction, Ling Fan asked, "You're-You're afraid of a cockroach!!"
"DIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" squealed Shensheng.
A paw squished the cockroach. "Quick, bring fire! Burn the little f*cker!"
Ling Fan shot an incredulous look at Shensheng.
A Pig scared of a cockroach so much she wants to burn its carcass? This is a whole new level of bat sh*t crazy.
"You!! Hurry before I transport your soul into that snail. Let's see how you like to eat grass?"
Ling Fan quickly ran off. Within three breaths, she brought back a flaming poker.
"Burn that vile creature!!" squealed Shensheng.
At this time, a drunk Tang Xifeng was just returning from the latrine. She rubbed her eyes just to confirm the validity of the sight before her eyes.
"Little Sister, are my eyes really seeing you burn a cockroach. Patriarch failed to mention you had a sickness in the head."
Ling Fan's face blackened.
Look...look at the strange things you are making me do.
Clearing her throat, Ling Fan said, "Sister Tang that's not it. Zhu Shensheng is terribly scared of cockroaches and this is the only way to appease her."
Mostly unconvinced, Tang Xifeng said, "So-So its like that."
At that moment, the carcass flared and exploded in a puff of black smoke.
Ling Fan jumped back, "What-What was that?"
Grimly, Shensheng said, "It appears this Queen's vacation is over."
"Explain?"
"That vile thing was a spy for the Primordial Cockroach Race. For them to have sent a spy here, something is truly amiss."
"Primordial Cockroach Race, there's such a thing?" asked Ling Fan, flabbergasted.
"Indeed...Moreover they happen to be the mortal enemies of us Queens and Kings of the Cosmos. For a spy to be here means...means."
"Means??" added Ling Fan.
"Third Chaos Heaven, it may already be lost."