The sun rose, its breeze replacing the cool air. The tall trees beat the air as fruits dropped onto the earth.
Lord Chen woke, drenched in sweat.
Why did I leave there so soon? He sat up, pumping his fist into the air.
"Idiot!"
He looked around, scratching his neck.
"Today is a good day." He proclaimed, remembering how the ghost was at a loss for words.
"Father."
He climbed down out of the bed, approaching his door.
He slid the door open, standing straight.
"Good morning, brother." Rong stood at the door, her palms pressed to her waist.
He stepped out, shutting the door behind him.
He turned to his side and fell on a tall figure.
I didn't notice his height. He looked up as Jùn bowed slightly.
"How was your rest?" he asked, straightening.
Lord Chen stood watching him; joy filled his heart.
Now I have another man with me. He turned to his sister, smiling.
"Very well, my son." He waved his hand in the air, walking forward.
"Thank you, my lady." He bowed slightly before following Lord Chen.
She watched him in admiration.
He's so handsome and well-mannered.
"He should be my son's age mate." She mumbled, eye fixed to his broad back.
Lord Chen picked his cloak from the short tree, turning to Tiān Jùn, who stood waiting for me.
People in the capital are rich fellows; how can they relate to the flexible market? He put on his cloak, smiling at him.
"How are your parents?"
"Very well." He smiled back, placing his arm behind his back.
"Join me then."
These are the kinds of citizens needed in the capital. He turned, and his gaze fell on Mò Lián as she walked down the corridor.
Her hair was quite a mess, and she yawned, looking around.
Where is everybody? She stood as the breeze blew on her gown; she stretched, scratching her armpit.
"Aunt!" She spun and then rested on the rails.
She looked out at the wooden gate, and her gaze fell on Tiān Jùn; he stood still, watching her.
Last night was recalled in her head, and she closed her face running away.
When did I become this vulnerable?
He turned, joining Lord Chen.
"You are not the first man to visit my family. I hope your intention is not evil."
Thank you, Lord, I spent a few years in this realm. How then can I answer such a question? He laughed inwardly, keeping a straight face.
"No, Uncle. My intentions are good. I heard of your fame and always wanted to meet you."
What document still holds my deeds? His lips curved.
"Really?" he looked back, raising a brow.
They walked out of the street, conversing. Lord Chen got to his warehouse, giving orders to the watchmen.
He entered, leaving Jùn at the wooden gate.
Tiān Jùn stood for a long time, resting his back against the wall of the warehouse.
He rested his head on the wall, folding his arms across his chest.
"Mother, mother!" A young girl cried, running.
Five armed soldiers laughed following her. She ran, but they caught up to her.
"Help!" The girl hit a brick and slumped; she fell on the sharp sand.
She looked up sharply,, raising her arm; and the scarf on her arm dropped,, revealing her bruised hand.
"Mother," the girl cried out as the soldiers stopped at her front.
The people passing by gathered, closing their noses.
"She is a brothel attendant," they mumbled to themselves, pointing fingers.
"How sure are you? Not all girls who are disgraced are retired whores." The people started arguing.
The soldiers turned to them, and they fell quiet.
"Jùn?" Lord Chen came out of the warehouse with his workers, who carried the ordered goods, and looked around; his gaze fell on a woman running towards him.
"My Lord. Save me, save my daughter. These soldiers are after her." A woman cried, falling to her knees.
Where did he go? This city is not like the capital; where on earth are you, Tiān Jùn? His fist tightened.
"What? What happened?" He looked around, searching for Tiān Jùn.
"Don't let my daughter die! They are falsely accusing my daughter." She dragged his boot, hugging it.
"My Lord. Young lord is among the crowd." One of his workers pointed at the crowd.
Better be sure of that. His face tightened with anger.
"Lord Chen!" she cried out, rising to her feet.
"Who has the guts to molest Huǒyuán's citizens?" He spoke loudly and then turned, recognizing the voice.
The crowd shared giving space as he approached them; the woman followed from behind, wiping her tears.
Tiān Jùn stood silent among the crowd, watching the scene.
"Every militant is subjected to the rule of our land; any violation will be reported." He looked straight at the soldiers.
They turned to themselves, marching out.
The woman rushed to her daughter, caressing her wet chin.
The crowd slowly diffused, arguing with each other.
"My Lord," Tiān Jùn stood before him, bowing slightly then straightening.
Chen turned to his side; his face was still puffed with anger.
"Jùn. I was worried these patrolling soldiers might have duped you."
Expensive joke. He beamed, turning to the people with him.
"Hopefully, I didn't. How about we continue to the market?" He noticed how the men were staring at him.
"Take the goods along ahead of us." He waved to the men beside him.
"Yes, my lord." They moved together, one by one, each turned, looking at Tiān Jùn's.
Why was I so worried? He moved forward, showing Jùn around.
They kept trekking until the sun stood at the center of the earth; they followed a shortcut to the sea.
"Thank you so much, Uncle." Jùn smiled widely, noticing soldiers at every joint.
"You have a very good body." Lord Chen noticed Jùn was not sweating, but his arms were soaked.
"I inherited it from my father." He took a breath as the sea air blew on his face, tugging his hair behind his ears.
Lord Chen laughed out, watching Jùn's expression. "It's always cool here. This sea connects the whole of Huǒyuán and the outside world."
They approached the shore, looking at themselves.
"This part is for bathing." He pointed to the left, removing his coat.
"You may not be used to this life, but it's interesting." They nodded at each other.
"Lord Chen! Did you bring your son-in-law with you today?" A man shouted upon seeing them.
The men turned, waving at him.
"Wow! Lord Chen. Your son is built like a royal soldier." The man screamed in a loud tone, and his gaze remained fixed on Jùn's broad shoulder.
Lord Chen kept waving, walking to the spot where he usually refreshed.
"Don't take their words to heart; they are not fond of foreigners." He removed his purse from his waist, laughing widely.
Tiān Jùn laughed back, pausing the time. He entered the water, freshening.
Waving a chant in the air, his clothes dried, and earth activities continued.
He looked around, then squatted, and earth activities continued.
"Jùn, you are really used to this!" Lord Chen called from the water, wearing his new clothes.
It's okay to have random thoughts. He took a deep breath, cracking his fingers.
"I need to settle these misbehaving tropes." He looked around, checking his imposter face.
Hmm… this face really lasted long. He smirked, looking down at his finger
"Young Lord!"
He rose to his feet, turning to the voice.
"Young Lord, there is a procession. Please take cover."
Lord Chen came out fully dressed, looking at the two men.
"What happened?" He adjusted his sleeve, pressing his foot into his boot.
"My lord, there is a procession. "
His Immortal Priest Bái Zhēn?