Seeing the grime clinging to Kai like a second skin, Xianlu's smile slowly morphed into a less-than-thrilled frown.
It was as if the universe hit pause the moment Xianlu locked eyes on Kai's dirty form about to step through the front door. With a quick, practiced motion, Xianlu grabbed Kai by the arm and yanked him towards the back entrance of the house.
"I wouldn't recommend introducing yourself to my Grandfather or Uncle in… that state," Xianlu muttered, barely masking his disgust. His smile, so carefully curated moments before, faltered the moment the stench hit him. Known far and wide as a clean freak, Xianlu's version of a smile now looked like he'd just sucked on a lemon.
Kai blinked, frozen by Xianlu's sharp gaze. His lips pressed together as he glanced down at himself, the realization dawning slowly—he looked like he'd fought the wilderness and lost.
"Before we even think about meeting them, we need to fix this situation," Xianlu continued, waving a hand toward Kai's filthy state. His voice was as crisp as ever, but beneath the perfectionist exterior, his mind raced with tactical ways to cleanse every speck of Kai.
Kai, in contrast, was nothing but a soft-spoken yes-man. His usual shy demeanor kicked in as Xianlu laid down the law. "Yes, yes, of course," Kai mumbled, trailing after Xianlu like a loyal puppy.
They made their way to the small garden behind the house. There, a water pump stood ready, and Xianlu prepared to take charge. But before he could, Kai raised his hand, "I can do it."
Despite being covered in grime, his ripped physique was impossible to miss. Xianlu glanced sideways at him—he had to admit, the man had a solid build. A thought crossed Xianlu's mind: maybe this muscle could be put to use for more than just cleaning.
Xianlu mulled over his options as he pumped water. He remembered the old carpenter who used to frequent the shop, skilled hands that mended anything and everything. Perhaps Kai could apprentice under him, help maintain the shop for free.
But Xianlu's thoughts didn't stop there. He wondered how Kai had managed to survive outside the clan. The scars, the battle-worn physique—there had to be useful knowledge locked inside. Maybe there were herbs, secret spots where nature still thrived beyond their borders.
"Lift your arms," Xianlu said again, more firmly this time, snapping himself back to the task at hand. Kai hesitated for only a moment before raising his arms, his face burning with an intense blush that stretched across his whole face. The grimy layers that had clung to him moments before were now replaced with a stark vulnerability.
Xianlu's hands were precise, almost surgical in their cleanliness. Each sweep of the water felt deliberate, like he was meticulously inspecting every inch of Kai's body for imperfections. His expression remained cool, focused, as if cleaning was the only task worth completing. The water dripped steadily, but his motions didn't falter—his mind was a whirlwind of ideas, plans, and possibilities for the newly cleansed Kai.
Kai, on the other hand, stood stiff as a statue, his arms raised high, unable to break eye contact with the ground. He felt every brush of Xianlu's hands like a spark against his skin. Though his embarrassment was palpable, he accepted the attention without protest. After all, Xianlu wasn't exactly giving him a choice—this was more like a command.
A soft sigh escaped Kai's lips as he felt the cool water wash away the grime and sweat. Every inch was touched by Xianlu's careful hands—arms, chest, back—like a work of art being carefully restored. His blush deepened, darkening his ears and down his neck, but still, he didn't move, too lost in the awkward intimacy of it all.
And though the situation was intimate, Kai couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement beneath the strict routine. Xianlu, however, was too lost in thought—too busy plotting ways to utilize every ounce of Kai's potential—to notice.
"I'd say this is progress," Xianlu murmured under his breath, his focus unwavering as he continued scrubbing away at Kai's grime.
Kai stood tall, a head above Xianlu's lean frame. His short hair was uneven, as if a rusted blade had been used—untamed and wild. His tan skin bore a lean, skinny build, but the practical muscles spoke volumes of a man accustomed to physical labor, likely hunting or working tirelessly under harsh conditions.
Xianlu's sharp gaze drifted downward, and he noted the uneven scaring throughout his body, and those thick, unruly hair peeking out from Kai's armpits and lower region. 'Could be a mutation due to his bloodline?' Xianlu wondered, eyes narrowing slightly. Given Kai's origins from the Transformation Beast Tribe, he likely possessed a bloodline connected to a Fur Beast. Some awakenings were known to manifest physical traits—his Grandfather and Uncle had scales along their skin due to their Tea Koi Bloodline. If Xianlu awakened his own, he could potentially develop scales as well, a fascinating thought.
Still, despite the unconventional appearance, Kai's build was solid—something Xianlu saw as a promising asset, worthy of training and development. With the right guidance, Kai could be molded into a capable worker, and perhaps more.
"You'll be halfway respectable once you dry off," Xianlu added, his voice calm yet firm, as he rinsed off the final trace of grime from Kai's chest.
Kai gave a weak laugh, soft and barely audible over the steady sound of the pump. "Halfway?" he said, his voice a mere whisper. "That's… optimistic."
"Realistic," Xianlu corrected, meeting Kai's gaze for the first time. His smirk was sharp, but there was a calculating warmth in his eyes. "You'll get used to this eventually. Besides, I don't mind cleaning up filth if it means you'll be useful."
Kai's flush deepened, his lips twitching into a small, self-deprecating smile. He had expected Xianlu's practicality, but there was something oddly endearing about how the man methodically assessed and addressed every detail. "Useful, huh?" Kai murmured, turning his gaze downward again, his heart racing.
"Very useful," Xianlu insisted, his tone unwavering as he focused on the last speck of dirt near Kai's collarbone. "Once we're done here, I'll fetch a robe for you. You can't exactly stroll into the tea shop dripping like… well, like that."
Kai let out a resigned sigh. "Looking like a drowned cat?"
Xianlu chuckled softly, the sound unexpectedly warm and genuine. "Exactly. Now, dry off, drowned cat. We've got work to do."
---
The intricate chrysanthemum patterns on Kai's borrowed robe shimmered faintly as he adjusted the belt nervously, trailing behind Xianlu into the tea shop. The space was warm and bustling with the delicate fragrances of tea leaves, faintly tinged with the earthy scent of dried herbs. Xianlu, always radiating charm and confidence, practically glided through the door, his ever-present smile widening as he caught sight of his uncle and grandfather.
"You are to refer to them as Master and Grandmaster respectively." Xianlu instructed to Kai as he listened and nodded.
At one end of the room sat Uncle Yuhen, his wheelchair positioned near the low tea table. Despite his frail frame, his presence exuded calm authority. His golden chrysanthemum-like scales reflected the afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows, and the intricate carvings on his wheelchair seemed to mirror the peaceful aura he carried. He was tinkering with an ornate wooden puzzle, his fingers deftly working at the pieces.
Grandfather Daiten, on the other hand, was an imposing figure at the head of the table. Towering and broad-shouldered, his dragon-like stature seemed to dominate the room. His koi-like black and gold scales gleamed like precious gemstones as he poured himself a cup of steaming tea with deliberate precision. His eyes, sharp and calculating, locked onto Kai the moment he entered, and Kai felt a shiver crawl down his spine.
"Xian-Xian," Daiten's deep voice rumbled like distant thunder. "You've brought… a stray?"
Kai froze, his hand tightening reflexively on the belt of the robe.
"Not a stray, Granpa," Xianlu replied smoothly, stepping to Kai's side. "An asset. A diamond in the rough, if you will. Allow me to introduce Kai—hunter, survivor, and, potentially, the most useful addition to our tea shop you've seen in years."
Yuhen's lips quirked into an amused smile, his hands pausing on the puzzle. "Oh, Xian-Xian. Always the salesman. I'm curious—what, exactly, makes this young man a 'diamond'?"
"Where do I begin?" Xianlu said, gesturing theatrically toward Kai. "He's strong—practically carried half a forest on his back when I found him. Resourceful—survived alone for years outside the clan's protection. And adaptable—he's already proven willing to learn and take direction without hesitation."
Kai flushed at the praise, unsure whether to feel flattered or embarrassed. "I'm just… here to do whatever I can for Master Xianlu," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Daiten's sharp eyes narrowed. "Whatever, is it? A vague offer. What are your actual skills, boy? We don't need dead weight."
Kai straightened his back and met Daiten's gaze, summoning a sliver of his innate confidence. "I can hunt, repair, and gather. I'm willing to learn anything else you need, Grandmaster."
"Anything?" Yuhen interjected, his tone light but curious. "Even reading and writing? Perhaps accounting? The tea trade isn't all muscle and sweat, you know."
Kai hesitated for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Yes, master. If it'll make me useful, I'll learn it."
Yuhen chuckled softly, his fingers returning to the puzzle. "He's got a good attitude. I like that."
Daiten leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "An eager attitude doesn't pay bills, Yuhen. What's your real plan here, Xian-Xian?"
"Simple," Xianlu replied, still smiling. "We'll put him to work under your supervision, Granpa, to learn the basics of shopkeeping and repair. Your old carpenter friend could teach him to mend things—our roof could certainly use the help. Uncle Yuhen can teach him literacy and basic accounting, and I'll introduce him to the art of tea, at least enough to manage shop errands like restocking and cleaning."
Yuhen raised an eyebrow. "And you think he's up to all that?"
"Absolutely," Xianlu said, with a confidence that made Kai's head spin.
Daiten let out a low grunt, his gaze shifting to Kai. "Come here, boy."
Kai hesitated for half a second before stepping forward, his bare feet silent on the wooden floor. Daiten's hand shot out, grabbing Kai's wrist and pulling him closer. His other hand brushed against Kai's neck, gently moving the robe's collar aside to reveal the edge of a scar that ran along his skin, disappearing beneath the fabric.
"These scars," Daiten murmured, his golden-edged black scales catching the dim light as he leaned closer to inspect Kai's neck. His tone was not accusatory but thoughtful, almost curious. "They're not from hunting."
Kai stiffened under Daiten's sharp gaze. His jaw tightened, and his fists curled at his sides, though he made no attempt to pull away.
"They're from transformation," Daiten continued, his voice even. He brushed his fingers lightly over the raised, uneven edges of the scar peeking from under Kai's robe. The touch was not gentle, nor was it cruel—it was analytical, like a craftsman inspecting the details of an artifact. "Your bloodline mutated, didn't it?"
Kai's eyes widened slightly, betraying his surprise. He hesitated but didn't respond, his posture betraying a mix of unease and resignation.
Daiten's keen eyes missed nothing. His grip on Kai's wrist tightened just enough to halt any retreat. "Let me check your pulse," he said firmly, his commanding presence leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, Grandmaster," Kai replied softly, bowing his head and extending his arm obediently.
Daiten pressed two fingers against Kai's wrist, his touch steady and deliberate. Closing his eyes, he let out a slow breath, channeling the faint traces of his remaining Bloodline Qi into a thin stream that flowed into Kai's expanded Qi-Veins. It was a delicate process, one that required immense precision—especially given his own aging body and the younger man's unfamiliar energy pathways.
Kai winced slightly as he felt the faint energy circulate through him, not painful but undeniably invasive. Daiten's brows furrowed as he concentrated, his senses probing deeper, seeking to unravel the secrets locked within Kai's bloodline and cultivation.
The first discovery came easily: bone age. The structure of Kai's bones told a clear story of his years. "Twenty years old," Daiten murmured, more to himself than to anyone else.
Kai's eyes flickered up in surprise but quickly returned to the ground, saying nothing.
Daiten continued his assessment, his expression hardening as he delved deeper. The scars across Kai's body spoke of hardship—of battles fought within his own skin as his bloodline struggled to awaken. "You awakened early," he muttered. "Too early, perhaps. That explains the scarring."
Xianlu, standing nearby, leaned in curiously. "Is that… bad?" he asked, his smile faltering slightly.
"It's dangerous," Daiten replied without looking up. "When a bloodline awakens prematurely, the body often pays the price. But…" His tone shifted as his probing uncovered something unexpected. His eyes snapped open, sharp and focused, as he released Kai's wrist.
"Bloodline Awakening, 5% resonance," Daiten announced, his deep voice laced with surprise and, for the first time, approval. "Stable. Remarkably stable for someone at your level. Stronger than most at this stage."
Kai swallowed hard, uncertain how to interpret the statement. Was it praise? Judgment? Both?
Daiten's lips curled into a rare smile—subtle but unmistakably approving. "You're from the Transformation Beast Tribe, aren't you?"
Kai hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Yes, Grandmaster," he said quietly, his voice steady but deferential.
Daiten then asked, his voice low and steady, "What's your bloodline ability?"
Kai's gaze was calm, his tone even. "Endure," he replied simply.
Daiten raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed the word. "Endure?" he repeated. "Explain."
Kai continued, his voice steady, "It allows me to grow stronger indefinitely, as long as I'm under external pressure—including pain. The more pressure I endure, the stronger I become."
Daiten's expression shifted to one of intrigue. "Fascinating, a Cultivation Type..." he said softly, his fingers tracing lightly over the scars on Kai's skin once more. "This explains your scars and physique."
Bloodline abilities are typically categorized into three main types: Attack, Defense, and Support.
Attack type focuses on straightforward power, like enhancing strength for combat, using iron fists or claws. Daiten's Bloodline Ability falls under this category—Strength—granting him inhumane physical power for combat.
Defense type involves hardening the body to a metal-like degree. Daiten also excels here, thanks to his ability to strengthen his scale-like body, making his skin nearly impenetrable.
Support type includes abilities like Yuhen's Insight, which enhances comprehension and guidance.
Meanwhile, Cultivation type abilities are exceedingly rare. Most individuals who possess them come from wealthy backgrounds or exhibit limitless potential. But Kai falls under this.
Daiten was silent for a moment, the weight of Kai's words settling in. His usual composed expression hardened slightly as his mind processed the implications. After a pause, he spoke, his voice sharper than before. "Cultivation abilities…" He narrowed his eyes slightly, his dragon-like presence commanding. "You're certain of this?"
Kai nodded, his expression calm. "Yes, Grandmaster. My bloodline focuses on cultivation."
Daiten let out a slow breath, glancing toward Yuhen, who sat quietly in his wheelchair, his gaze focused but serene. Yuhen's golden chrysanthemum-like scales shimmered softly in the light, his calm demeanor exuding wisdom.
"I've read about such abilities," Yuhen said softly, his voice steady and measured. "Cultivation abilities are indeed rare. Most come from those with deep familial ties to ancient lineages or those with boundless potential, few are ever forged from hardship alone." His gaze shifted to Kai. "Your ability, Endure, will require both wisdom and patience. It is a path that many would struggle to navigate."
Xianlu, who had been standing quietly to the side, finally spoke up with a knowing smile. His eyes gleamed with excitement. "This is invaluable, Kai. You don't understand yet, but your ability is something I've read about extensively in the Academy library. Cultivation abilities like this—ones tied directly to growth through adversity—are something most won't fully grasp until years of training. But with the right guidance from Grandmaster Daiten and Uncle Yuhen, you'll excel beyond expectations."
Daiten's gaze shifted back to Kai, his expression thoughtful. "You've shown restraint, and a firm understanding of your ability, despite your circumstances. That says much about your potential."
Daiten straightened, his towering frame radiating authority. "Impressive. Your kind is rare, boy. Most from your tribe either perish during awakening or live with unstable cultivation for the rest of their lives. Yet here you stand, stable and capable."
Kai dipped his head in acknowledgment, unsure how to respond to such words from a man as formidable as Daiten.
"If trained properly," Daiten continued, his tone now calculated, "you could be of great value—not just to this shop, but to our clan in general."
Xianlu, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly clapped his hands together, his grin wide and triumphant. "See? I told you he's a diamond!"
Kai's cheeks flushed slightly at the sudden attention, but he kept his gaze respectfully lowered. "I will do my best, Grandmaster," he said softly.
Daiten's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. Then, with a nod, he turned to Xianlu. "You did well bringing him here. But understand this, boy," he said, addressing Kai again. "This is not charity. You will work hard to earn your place here. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Grandmaster," Kai replied firmly, bowing his head even lower.
Daiten stepped back, his imposing presence somehow lighter now, and glanced at Yuhen, who had been silently watching the entire interaction from his wheelchair. "Yuhen, make sure he learns to read and write. If he's going to be useful, he'll need to handle numbers and inventory."
Yuen let out a soft laugh, his golden scales shimmering in the light. "Yes, Father!"
"Good," Daiten said, his stern facade slipping just enough to reveal a glimmer of satisfaction.
As the conversation wound down, Yuhen gestured for Kai to come closer. "Kai, I'll start teaching you tomorrow. Bring a clear mind and a willingness to learn, and we'll get along fine."
Kai nodded, offering a small smile. "I'll be ready, master."
Xianlu, meanwhile, looked practically giddy with success. "See, Kai? That wasn't so bad, was it?"
Kai hesitated, glancing at him with a mixture of unease and respect. "Master… Grandmaster could've crushed me with one hand," he murmured, his voice low but steady.
Xianlu burst into laughter, clapping Kai on the shoulder with an ease that made the younger man flinch slightly. "He could've, but he didn't. That's progress, don't you think?"
Kai sighed softly, shaking his head as he looked up at Xianlu. "Master… you make it sound so simple."
"And it is," Xianlu said, grinning as he leaned in conspiratorially. "Besides, you're part of the team now. Welcome to your doom."
Kai blinked, unsure whether to be amused or terrified by the statement. Despite himself, a small smile tugged at his lips. The weight of his new pressure was heavy, but there was a strange comfort in Xianlu's confidence and the promise of a place to belong. For the first time in years, the uncertainty ahead felt more exciting than daunting.
---
Xianlu led Kai through the narrow hallway to the back of the tea shop, stopping at a modest storage room. He pushed the door open to reveal a small, clean space with neatly stacked crates of tea leaves and a single corner cleared out. "It's not much," Xianlu admitted, setting a mattress on the floor, "but it's warm, dry, and yours for as long as you need it."
Kai stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the space. The bare walls and the scent of tea lingering in the air felt oddly comforting. "Master," Kai said softly, "thank you. This is more than enough."
"Just call me Xianlu when we're informal," Xianlu said, placing a folded blanket and pillow on the mattress. "And don't get too cozy. I expect you to earn it."
"I intend to, Master," Kai replied smoothly, still using honorifics, his voice steady. Xianlu noted this but decided not to comment. Xianlu, ever a bit vain, took quiet pleasure in the respectful way Kai addressed him—deep down, it made him feel important.
Without hesitation, Kai interrupted Xianlu's fleeting vanity. "What can I do to help?"
Xianlu raised an eyebrow, surprised by Kai's eagerness. "You've had a long day. You don't have to—"
"Master," Kai interrupted, bowing slightly. "You've already done so much for me. Even bathing...me... A-And It's only right that I repay you!"
Xianlu chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine fine. The tea shop could use a little cleaning. I already cleaned it this morning, but if you're that determined, go for it."
Kai bowed again and immediately set to work. Though the shop was already spotless, he meticulously wiped every surface, organized the supplies, and swept the floor with precision. Xianlu watched from the counter, amused. "You know," he said as Kai scrubbed the corners of the room, "you might be making this place cleaner than it's ever been."
Kai paused, straightening up. "Cleanliness is important in a tea shop, Master. It shows respect to the customers."
Xianlu blinked at him, then grinned. "You're going to fit in here just fine."
Once Kai was satisfied with his work, he stood by Xianlu's side, watching intently as the young tea master prepared for the morning rush. Xianlu gestured for him to observe how he restocked the shelves, measured tea leaves, and brewed various blends with precision and flair. Kai's eyes followed every movement, his focus unwavering.
By the time Xianlu left for the Academy with Uncle Yuhen, Kai was already seamlessly stepping into his role. Daiten, stationed behind the cashier, silently observed as Kai worked.
Kai proved to be a natural. Though not as polished or meticulous as Xianlu, his ability to adapt was remarkable. He swiftly memorized where supplies were stored, took careful note of customers' preferences, and kept the shop immaculate. As soon as a customer finished their tea, Kai swooped in to clear the table, wash the cups, and return them to their proper place without hesitation.
Daiten, while maintaining his usual stern demeanor, nodded approvingly from his seat. "Not bad," he muttered to himself as he watched Kai wipe down a counter with precise movements.
Kai, hearing the faint remark, straightened up and bowed slightly in Daiten's direction. "Thank you, Grandmaster."
The day passed smoothly, and by the time evening rolled around, Xianlu and Yuhen returned from the Academy. As they closed up the shop, the four of them gathered around the table for a simple but hearty meal.
Kai sat quietly, listening to the lively banter between Xianlu and Yuhen. Daiten occasionally chimed in with sharp, witty remarks, often earning a laugh from the others. Though Kai remained reserved, a small smile lingered on his lips as he ate.
Later that night, Kai lay on the mattress in his makeshift room, staring up at the ceiling. The day's events replayed in his mind, each moment feeling surreal.
Just that morning, he had been shivering on the streets, his stomach empty, his body aching, and his heart heavy with despair. Now, he lay on a warm bed, his hunger sated, and a roof protecting him from the cold night.
His thoughts drifted to Xianlu—the way he had appeared in the alley, his pale skin catching the light like the moon. Xianlu had extended a hand without hesitation, treating him with kindness and respect that Kai had not known in years.
Tears welled up in Kai's eyes, unbidden. He turned his head, wiping at them quickly, but the overwhelming gratitude in his chest refused to be contained. For the first time in a long time, he felt safe. He felt seen.
"Thank you," he whispered to the empty room, his voice trembling. "Thank you, Master."
The night was quiet, save for the faint rustling of leaves outside. Kai closed his eyes, the weight of exhaustion finally catching up with him. As he drifted off to sleep, his heart was full, a single thought carrying him into his dreams: Tomorrow, I'll work even harder.