Upon hearing Ling Fan's command, the Fierce Fairies moved as one. As Ling Fan started heading to the main gate, on her right appeared Wang Chuntao, Tang Xifeng and Mo Lai. On her left was Wang Chunhua, Qin Rong and Elder Bing.
Ling Fan cracked her knuckles in anticipation of the upcoming battle. However, she soon frowned realizing her hands felt empty.
Halting she said, "Everyone wait, Sister needs to get her swords."
Within several breaths she left and came back. This time, her butterfly swords were criss-crossed on her back. On her small dainty frame, the two weapons were very prominent.
"Che, Little Fierce Leader, with those swords and your mask you truly look intrepid," said Tang Xifeng.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Mhm...Little Sister needs these blades for the interrogation."
Wang Chunhua whispered to Tang Xifeng, "This Wang is rethinking your words earlier. Mayhap it's best to inform the Patriarch of Little Sister's idiosyncrasies."
Elder Bing's eyes moistened.
Noticing, Elder Bing's emotion, Ling Fan asked, "Elder Bing, what's wrong?"
"Seeing you just now...in fact your the mirror image of your mother."
Yao Roulan, your loyal friend will protect your daughter well.
"Open the Gates! Us Fierce Fairies are heading out!"
The main Ling Clan gates creaked open. As the group stepped out, Ling Fan said, "You Wang Sisters and Tang Xifeng will escort this Young Miss to the Market. You others, prepare a wagon and set things up at the ambush site. In three hours, we'll lure the bastard over. GO!!"
The secondary team immediately ran off.
"Everyone, appear natural, we must lure that person thoroughly. Sister Wang Chunhua, carefully look around see if the stranger is..."
"He's here, Elder Sister noticed him earlier."
"Let us go to the Heavenly Tea Pavilion. We can wait there while enjoying tea and snacking," said Ling Fan.
Snack!
Wang Chuntao's eyes brightened.
"Mhm!"
Wang Chunhua shook her head. Tang Xifeng smiled and led the way.
As they entered the market area, Ling Fan recalled how they found Junjie.
Clearing her throat, she said, "Let's avoid that Pig Butchering stall. Our Ling Clan cannot afford another Junjie. Heed my command, starting from today we never go that route."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Who would want another ugly animal traversing about the manor?
Unbeknownst to Ling Fan and crew, the Divine Pig was flying high in the clouds above Savant City.
Carrying Junjie with her Divine Power, the young Heaven Swallowing Boar was frightened beyond belief. Since the moment he was taken into the sky, the ugly little thing was trembling non-stop.
"Little Junjie, feel the flow of air. Don't loose this opportunity and learn well."
Suddenly, Shensheng's snout tingled.
"Ah Disciple, she's out and about. Good...Good she's fulfilling her duty as this Queen's disciple. Little Junjie, we'll watch her closely. Should she need assistance, we'll use this as a learning opportunity and this Queen will teach you the Pig Swooping Down Tactic."
Junjie's natural instincts kicked in. He squealed feeling his doom was imminent.
Ling Fan's group entered the Heavenly Tea Pavilion. A waiter immediately ran up and bowed.
"Welcome to our Heavenly Tea Pavilion, with whom is this one addressing?"
Wang Chunhua stepped forward, "This is our Ling Clan's Young Miss Ling Fan."
"This lowly one recognizes the Young Miss. Your Ling Clan are our regular customers. Please, let me lead you to a table."
Ling Fan whispered to Sister Tang, "Stay a bit. See if that person arrives and provides a name."
Tang Xifeng affirmed, "Yes Fierce Leader."
Upon hearing Tang Xifeng words, Ling Fan smirked with satisfaction.
Soon she'll rule this whole city.
Ling Fan and the Wang Sisters followed the waiter to a table.
As they sat down, the waiter asked, "Young Miss, what would you like to order."
"Bring your most fragrant tea as well as a set of your best sweets."
"Right away Young Miss!"
Ling Fan turned to Wang Chuntao, "Sister Wang, Little Sister understands Heavenly Tea Pavilion offers some of the best sweets in Savant City. Please enjoy well."
Wang Chuntao grabbed Ling Fan's hands. "Little Sister, Chuntao loves you!"
Wang Chunhua rolled her eyes.
Don't you say that every time someone buys you sweets?
Noticing, Wang Chunhua's reaction, Ling Fan smirked with understanding.
At a table in the far corner, Gu Yang sat with Sun Roumei.
"Sister Sun, your beauty inspires the soul. When the semester starts, you may depend on Big Brother Gu to protect you."
Sun Roumei giggled, covering her mouth. "Big Brother Gu, Roumei has long heard of your fighting prowess. She remembers how you won Savant's City Match of Princes two years ago."
Hearing their loud conversation, Ling Fan glanced over.
"Humph."
Tang Xifeng sat down. Whispering, she said, "Sister could only catch the surname Di. He's seated at a table by the entrance."
Ling Fan nodded.
Wang Chuntao asked, "Little Sister earlier your reaction?"
Using her nose, Ling Fan motioned towards the fawning couple.
The others quickly glanced.
Ling Fan whispered, "The other day, I saw him looking at Zhao Clan's Bai Guang. That Gu Yang, seems to be a ferocious tiger."
Tang Xifeng snorted, "Should I challenge him? In a duel, this Tang can legally end him."
"No need. Let Miss Sun learn adult ways the hard way."
Everyone nodded in understanding until they realized Ling Fan was still a 6 year old miss.
"Sister Tang, were you able to notice anything about that person named Di?"
"Mhm, he has a burn scar on his right hand. It did not appear he was with any others."
"Little Sister understands. Before we leave, you will leave a little earlier and take lookout. When we exit, you watch for any accomplices. Quietly eliminate them prior to reaching the ambush point."
Soft hisses escaped the others.
Such detailed planning was coming out of Fierce Leader.
Several eyes looked upon Ling Fan with newfound respect.
Ling Fan nodded in content.
Wasn't this just the basics?
"Sister Sun, how about you let this Young Master hold your hand. Won't you feel safer like this?"
Ling Fan and crew rolled their eyes.
Suddenly, Wang Chunhua nodded with her forehead, "Isn't that Zhao Clan's Bai Guang?"
Everyone looked to the entrance and indeed, Bai Guang just entered. Immediately, silence filled the room.
Covering her mouth, Bai Guang chuckled, "This Bai's Little Brother is waiting outside."
Innumerable sighs of relief echoed about. The whole city knew that Small Disaster King was her little brother.
Bai Guang saw the group and went over.
"Young Miss Ling, you are here as well? Where is that Qin Rong? You let me know if she's failing to do her duty. If so, I'll inform my Master and Qin Rong will be severely punished."
Bai Guang's eyelashes batted repeatedly with extreme hope.
Suddenly, there was a loud gasp from Sun Roumei's table. From the corner of her eye, Ling Fan could tell it was Gu Yang.
Scum can't control himself.
"Che, Little Sister, this Tang swears she can end him in one move."
Bai Guang's face stiffened as she felt Gu Yang's heated gaze.
"Miss Bai, just now you said Brother Zhao is outside?" asked Ling Fan.
"Indeed, were on our way to the City Prison."
All conversations ended abruptly as everyone's ears twitched.
"Oh!" gasped Ling Fan. "Does Brother Zhao know yet."*1
Bai Guang's eyebrowS curled, "Qin Rong told you?"
"Mhm."
Clearing her throat, "Not yet...this Bai and the Shadows are hoping he doesn't find out."
Ling Fan's eyes dilated. Biting her jaw, she said, "This Young Miss thinks you should do so ahead of time. Last time when he found out, he was rather pissed. If cough-cough Old Matriarch hadn't chosen that moment to discipline him, most likely he would've been having words with all of you."*2
Bai Guang shrugged her shoulders. "What can be done? Master has ordered not to inform him. She wants to retain his youthful innocence as much as possible."
Ling Fan's eye twitched.
Isn't he betrothed? Innocence my ass.
Continuing, Bai Guang said, "Worse case, our Zhao Clan is thoroughly prepared to kill our way out of the prison."
At this point, Gu Yang left his table. Behind him, Sun Roumei shot an extremely hateful look at Bai Guang.
Cupping his hands, he said, "Miss Bai, long has this Gu Yang sought to meet you. Your beauty is distinct and boundless." His eyes were thoroughly glued to her ample chest. "Why not enjoy a seat at my table?"
Sun Roumei stood up with a huff.
Gray Shadow entered the main door and said, "Sister Bai, Youngest Master is growing impatient. Weren't you supposed to just pick up some sweets for the road?"
Coincidentally, a waiter ran up with a covered basket. "Miss Bai, with your order being so large, it took some time to gather all the sweets you requested. Our owner thanks you for being a loyal customer and is giving you a 15% discount."
Bai Guang chortled, her hand moving faster than lightning, as she slipped a honey cake into her mouth.
Wang Chuntao groaned.
Where was her cake?
Wang Chunhua gently patted her sister's hand. "Your's is coming soon."
"Young Master Gu, this Bai is merely on a brief errand and has business to attend to. Young Miss Ling, Sister Fairies..enjoy your tea."
Bai Guang spun around, "Gray Shadow, let's go kill some guards!"
"Mhm!"
After Bai Guang and Gray Shadow departed, Ling Fan sighed, "This day may be the most interesting yet."
Gu Yang cupped his hands in a polite salute then returned to his table. However, he quickly found he was now alone.
A person suddenly ran in. "Everybody, be alerted! Small Disaster King is roaming about, if you value your lives stay inside."
Not even two breaths later, a City Guard rushed in. "This city block as well as the road to the prison is under curfew. All citizens must remain inside for there own safety."
"Damn the Zhao Clan. Every time they make a move it causes a ruckus," said a patron.
"Did you hear what Miss Bai Guang said earlier, they were heading to Savant City Prison."
"It must be related to that incident two years ago. If this old man remembers correctly, Small Disaster King broke off a leg from the Emperor's statue."
"That's why the statue is missing a leg? Wouldn't Small Disaster King have been arrested for treason?" said a woman.
"I recall now, it was a quick but nasty battle, they call it the Battle of the Flowers. That day, indeed Small Disaster King was arrested. Zhao Clan killed their way from their main gate to the Prison. Blood flowed like rivers in the street. Burning corpses lit the night sky and many a family legacy abruptly ended."
Another patron gasped, "Legacy Killer came out herself!!?"
All the men in the pavilion, hissed in dread and nervously shifted in their seats.
That name was the most forbidden of taboos in Savant City.
Suddenly, a man panicked, drawing his sword. "I say we barricade the doors and fight to the death!"
"All of you relax," said Gu Yang. He was now enjoying a cup of wine by himself. This Young Master guarantees everyone's safety."
The same man who panicked, nodded and asked, "Young Master, may I ask how you intend to guarantee our safety?"
"Fool! That's Empyrean Gu Zhixin's son, Savant City's Prodigy Gu Yang," said another patron.
Ling Fan looked about the fairies, "Prodigy?"
They all shrugged their shoulders.
"Mayhap Elder Bing knows."
The man who asked the question, sheathed his sword. Cupping his hands, he said, "Young Master Gu, this Master failed to recognize you and begs forgiveness."
Gu Yang waved his hand, "This master is above such issues. Are we not all men? Shouldn't we all stand together against a common natural enemy?"
A waiter finally brought over tea and a tray of sweets to Ling Fan's table. Secretly, he slipped her a note. "Young Miss, our shop offers free service. Earlier we were forced to delay due to Miss Bai's huge order."
Ling Fan nodded and read the note. "Sister Tang, we give you twenty minutes. Leave now."
Tang Xifeng nodded and quickly left.
Ling Fan turned to Wang Chuntao, "Elder Sister quickly eat. It'll be time to leave soon."
A tear dribbled down Wang Chuntao's eyes, "Fierce Leader, Big Sister loves you."
Wang Chunhua whispered, "How goes it?"
"There was a minor complication, however, they are ready."
Abruptly, another man came running into the pavilion.
"It's war! The City Guards have Small Disaster King surrounded before the Prison gates."
"Any word of movement by Legacy Killer?"
"Damn you man, why'd you have to ask such a question? By saying her name, you'll curse us all to death!"
"Why can't I ask that what should be asked. This Lord wants advance warning, so he knows in what direction to run."
"Shameless Coward!!"
Weng! Weng! Weng!
Several men drew their weapons.
Things were starting to get a little too unruly for Ling Fan. With a nod to Wang Chuntao, she said, "Sister, take all those sweets with you, we're leaving early."
Swoosh! Swish! Wind swirled about as Wang Chuntao furiously gathered all her sweets. "Mhm! Big Sister's ready!"
Wang Chunhua placed her hands on her blades. The men in the room were starting to get more and more panicky.
Another man ran in. "It's Young Disaster King! That maniac is making his way towards the prison."
A man groaned in despair, "Young Disaster King too!? Is this the end of days for our Savant City?"
"Were going now!" commanded Ling Fan.
As the three exited out into the street, they noticed the area was completely devoid of activity.
Ling Fan's eyes narrowed. "We'll proceed slowly, act like were careful about bumping into the Zhao Clan.
High in the clouds, Shensheng appeared like she was sitting on a cloud. Her snout sniffed about as she utilized her Divine sense of smell to determine things.
"Eh Little Genius is also moving?"
Junjie, who huddled next to Shenseng's side, snorted.
"Little Junjie sure is smart to ask such a question. What if both need assistance? Humph the answer is simple, we save both. You've yet to see how this Queen can multi-task."
Junjie trembled. He had a feeling multi-task meant something bad.
"Eh! Mu Psycho's moving as well? It appears Little Genius won't need our help after all."
Ling Fan's group was led by Wang Chunhua. Wang Chuntao guarded the rear. She was multi-tasking. Munching on sweets while scanning for threats.
Amazed, Ling Fan asked Wang Chunhua, "How's she do that?"
Glancing at her sister, Wang Chunhua answered, "Ah that...she actually has the same demeanor as our noble Father. He too was greatly distracted by erm food. Finally, honorable Mother devised a technique to separate focuses."
Ling Fan gasped, "Remarkable...Mayhap someday this Ling has the honor to meet her."
Wang Chunhua winced. Hoarsely, she said, "Our noble parents have moved on."
Ling Fan was about to apologize, when Wang Chunhua said, "There's the road Tang Xifeng said to follow."
"Wait!"
Ling Fan quickly calculated with her fingers. "There's still some ten minutes left. Act like we're lost, act confused."
Thoom! Thoom!
Powerful fluctuations erupted in the distance.
Suddenly, ahead on the main road a roar sounded, "Men follow me! We go to support 7th Company."
The sound of innumerable running feet rang. A fast moving group of guards were rapidly running forward as a unit. "Arms Ready!" yelled the leader.
Weng! Weng! Weng!
To the man, they drew their weapons
Defend the prison!
The company quickly disappeared into a side street.
Boom!
"Hahahahah! Lieutenant Cao, you're still with the City Guard?"
Ling Fan's ears twitched. "That's Zhao Qiang!" she gasped.
Young Disaster King!
"You dare block the City Guard?"
"Block? This King is just standing here. How about you sit and have some wine?"
"Zhao Qiang, you wanna be arrested?"
"This King is drawing a line here. You wanna die, go ahead and pass. So what if I die, in the end my Granny will light you all up!'
"City Lord will stop her!" spat the Lieutenant.
"Can he stop four Empyreans?"
"Four-Four Empyreans!?"
"Maybe you haven't heard, Senior Golden Path Empyrean, our nephew's betrothed...her younger sister is visiting. She's already moving to protect Nephew. Would you rather drink Thousand Flower Wine with this King or die unknowingly before an Empyrean."
"Men stand down...Let's-Let's enjoy some good wine."
Ling Fan shook head in shock. The brewing storm could erupt at any moment.
Gritting her teeth, she focused. "Head down the road now. We need to move before something weird like pigs dropping from the sky starts happening."
Suddenly, Ling Fan's heart trembled.
Was that a premonition?
GO!!!!