Su Maihiya was having difficulty maintaining her gentle and kind demeanor, her smile stiffening as she turned towards the Chen Clan Leader. Even Grand-father Su curbed his rising irritation. Though they were both Clan Leaders, and he was older than the other, but the other was the Clan Leader of one of the Leading Clan's of the city. And though he had made some contact with the Sect Leader of the Guardian Sect, having failed to provide with what the other needed, the future of his clan looked rather unstable. So even though he had a pile of frustration and nowhere to vent, he could only grit his teeth and greet the younger Clan Leader.
The other members of Chen Clan and other clans who had gathered in and around the courtyard for entertainment quickly shifted around to clear a path for the Chen Clan Leader, as he swaggered into the courtyard looking extremely nonchalant and arrogant, stopping before Rihanna.
'What the hell does he want to do now?! Why did he stop near me? And why is he so interested in pushing me off to the Su Clan? Does he lack entertainment so much that he wishes to watch the world in chaos so he can sit back and enjoy?!'
Rihanna bowed even lower, her eyes stuck to the ground, trying to hide her annoyance at this sudden interruption. Somehow she was sure that this interference was going to cause her more harm than help!
"I find this old man really pitiable. He barely managed to escape with his life from a bunch of Devil Cultivators. He was really lucky that he came across these two children from his own village so far away in Moon-Grave city, and finally had someone he could claim as family. He is really intelligent and hardworking, and has been a great help during this banquet. I was earlier planning on taking him in as part of our own clan. But....since he is so attached to the two children, it would be rather inhumane to separate the three of them, don't you think? So I can let go of my claim on him as long as you take both of them into the Su Clan as well. Otherwise....it is only right that you leave the little girl behind, so all three can enter the Chen Clan. What do you say?"
Rihanna felt like coughing up blood - what was with this sudden benevolent attitude?! Dare she think that he was really helping her....then she was the fool! So, what was his actual intention? Did he need something from the Su Clan as well, and he wanted her to be his spy or something?! Hmmm....that was actually more believable!
Su Maihiya pursed her lips. This was one fine hole she had dug up.....no, the old man had created this! If she let go of the little girl, it would lower the prestige of Su Clan. They would become a laughing stock! And if she refused to take in the other two, well....people would still judge! She turned towards Grand-father Su, then nodded subtly.
"Well, since the Chen Clan Leader has made the matter so clear, it is indeed a very touching story. And it would indeed be very inhumane if these three members of a family had to separate because of us. Grand-father, why don't we bend the rules this one time, and take in all three of them. We have certainly watched how efficient Ke Kuroba is with whatever work is given to him. And the young boy too is very hardworking. I am sure they will be an asset to our clan."
The Su Clan Leader still looked rather unwilling, but understood his Grand-daughters gesture. This was the only way to save some face.
"Fine, fine. Since the young Clan leader of the Chen Clan is personally vouching for these commoners, it is indeed their blessing. The Su Clan would be very willing to take them in."
The Chen Clan Leader suddenly gave a brilliant smile, dazzling everyone around. This Clan Leader was known for being extremely uncaring, arrogant and unapproachable. He was forever laid-back and looked gloomy and bored. Seeing him smile so brightly was like seeing a ghost!
"Well, since the Su Clan Leader promises, then I can only forego my own claim on the three. However, I do have a little request. I have personally taken rather a strong liking to this very witty old man. I do hope the Su Clan Leader won't mind lending him to me sometimes. I promise not to keep him for too long."
Both Grand-father Su and Su Maihiya looked startled and wary. Were they letting in a spy in the guise of a servant? But they were merely commoners!.....What was so interesting about this Old Man that even the Chen Clan Leader was ready to bow down and request for him?! But....this also meant that they couldn't put a finger on this man even when he stepped into their territory! And yet they couldn't reject the request since he was being so humble and nice!
"Sure, sure! How can I refuse such a simple request made by the Chen Clan Leader in person? In fact if you need, you may keep all three of them for today. I will send a servant to fetch them tomorrow."
Rihanna wanted to bang her head a few more times on the ground.....what in the world was happening?! Could someone please explain how she suddenly become such a 'hot-and-delectable-piece-of-cake', wherein both were tugging her in two opposite directions? What in the world did this stupid psycho want with her?!
Ignorant of her frustrations, the Chen Clan Leader seemed pretty happy with this plan, and he personally saw to the preparations of the Su Clan members leaving their territory. As soon as the Su Clan carriage vanished, Rihanna slipped off from the Western Courtyard, and went in search of the Chen Clan Leader. She had to know what he was up to. There were things she could do for him, and things that she would do for no one. In trying to flee the grip of the Sect Leader, she had fallen into the clutches of the Chen Clan Leader....and this fellow knew a lot more about her than anyone else! It was not a good feeling knowing that someone had you in their clutches!
She couldn't possibly sneak into the main mansion...there were too many high level cultivators in there. She was still looking for a way in when a disciple of the clan came over and called her in. The Clan Leader wanted to meet her! And so she followed behind obediently, wondering what was in store.
The main residence was far more elegant and lavish than any of the other courtyards. The stone floor was double layered, with water in between the layers. This helped maintain the heat of the floor during the extreme temperature changes. The hall itself was built around a large open pool in the center, where a large lotus like flower was blooming.
But this one was dark blue in color, with red veins on its petals. The leaves were entirely round as they floated on the water surface, with golden dots sprinkled lavishly on the green of the leaf.
Smaller water plants clung to the edges of the pool like creepers, covered in tiny snow-flake like flowers. The creepers moved lazily with the movements of the water, giving a laid-back and lavish feel to the entire room - very like the Clan Leader himself.
The walls were made of wood, and they too were double layered, with rune engraved spirit stones in between the layers. These rune stones would absorb all the heat and the chill of night and day. Once they were full, the energy stored within could be used for the working of various small and medium spirit artifacts in the house. Once they were empty, they would be returned to their sockets to absorb more energy. A very thrifty method of conserving and utilizing energy!
The ceiling was sloping, like European houses, and built of large stone tiles atop wooden rafters. This helped in keeping off the rain and also snow which came suddenly and heavily. Rihanna wondered what this world looked like after a snowstorm.
There were large and carved stone seats placed around the pool. A large stone table stood between the seats. On another side, lavish wooden couches adorned the walls, with flowing silk on the cushioned seats. Colorful stones hung like a dense bead curtain, separating the hall from the bedroom. Large paintings decked the walls, separated by tall lamp stands. A large gold chandelier hung from the center, right above the pool. Colorful spirit stones were used as candles, giving off a dim but multicolored light throughout the hall.
The Clan Leader himself was sprawled over one of the couches, one feet bent and resting against the couch back, the other freely swinging below. His head resting on a couple of large silk embroidered cushions. Rihanna could feel her lips twitching. What was a 'Nawabi' attitude? This was a 'Nawabi' attitude!
Without sparing her a glance, he merely gestured with his hands, beckoning her closer. Eyes half closed, long lashed sprayed over his very fair face, fingers tapping on a ornately designed hand-fan carved out of bone, a dark blue long robe with black and gold embroidery and a gold collar softly shimmering in the colorful light. Rihanna was feeling mesmerized and perplexed at the same time. What was with this extremely seductive set-up? Licking her dry lips, she bent her back to give a deep and humble bow, then stood silently, hoping he would forget she even existed.
"I can't keep calling you little girl all the time, can I? So why don't you tell me your name now?"
Rihanna found that once again her connection to Little Purple had been cut off. So she really was all on her own right now! She gulped down her discomfort, and put on a very obedient face.
"This inconsequential one is named Rihanna. Sir, you are so powerful. And I am just a commoner. I cannot help but wonder what you might need from me."
The eyes opened slightly and flickered over her, then went back to their resting position.
"Hmph! You may not be able to cultivate, but you sure are not 'just-a-commoner'. And I can also guess that your name is not Rihanna.....am I right...Su Matsao?"
Rihanna felt her blood turn cold, as her feet froze, and her mind turned blank. What did this man just call her?!