Main Chapter: Eat, Drink, Die.

With the day over Xuan Yu was leaving the Academy. During the interim between the afternoon and evening, the Academy was filled with people. And as the change of fate between Xuan Yu and Xuan Yi was still a hot topic. There was quite a bit of chattering from those he passed.

"Whoa, he still looks so arrogant."

"Yeah, it just makes him look lame. I can't believe I used to like him."

"Ew, I always knew he was trash. That solitary, cold, air was obviously an overcompensation."

That kind of talk was common on one side and on the other;

"It's that arrogant pretty boy."

"Ah, is it just me or his face pissing you off as well."

"Walking around like a prince when he's more suited to be a commoner."

"Pfft- everything about him is just disgraceful."

"Ugh, I feel like my eyes are being dirtied."

As Xuan Yu left the Academy he heard more than his share. But none of it was enough to spark any feelings in him. He already knew why there were acting like that.

Indeed, there was some that were just enjoying another's misfortune. But more than those were those who had wished to gather behind the Xuan name.

However, Xuan Yu failed to shine, and Deng Shui snatched up Xuan Yi. Many blamed Xuan Yu for getting their hopes up and overshadowing his brother. And his presence would always remind them of their mistake.

However, this wasn't just venting there was a side that was politics. Many of such conversations were Minor Families checking each others affiliation. Xuan Yu had an early, unknown Dao connection. Anyone who wasn't openly against him would be suspected of having hidden information. That's why even though there were more than a few people bad mouthing him. A lot of them were looking at each other not him as they talked. Looking for lies or hidden details in each other.

The only people who were expressing true feelings were those from the Lower Mortal Ring. Or those who weren't apart of Qing Ruo's political climb.

Passing the gate Xuan Yu walked up to the Xuan carriage that was parked right outside next to the other Major Family carriages. Then walked past it. The Xuan servant who was the driver, of course, saw this and didn't care. If Xuan Yi was around he would show some concern. But it was just Xuan Yu and he couldn't bother with that "cold-faced orphan."

Later when Xuan Yi rushed out and was looking for Xuan Yu. The driver would say, "Young Master's brother had to take care of matters for the Madam and Master."

Xuan Yu left the pathway to the Academy and found the host of neutral carriages that awaited at its end. Taking a random one he rode it all the way down to the Lower Mortal Ring.

And hopped into a random tavern that the driver had recommended.

Taking a corner seat where he could see the entrance. He reclined, deeply into the auburn cushion.

A comely lady with a next-door vibe approached him with a smile. Noting his robes she bowed deeply.

"Young Ancestor, how may I serve you today?"

"Carn Mohr (Dew of the Pink Fields), a bottle for now. I'll be troubling you if I need anything else."

Excusing herself politely the waitress left and quickly returned with the fruit wine. It was overly sweet and could leave one drunk before they noticed. Ever since he reached the drinking age, 12, he would drink this from time to time.

'It's not that good but it brings back memories.'

Xuan Yu didn't start appreciating alcohol until much later in his life. And right now, as he drank, he intentionally recalled the old days when he led the Demonic Sects. The disciples who he used to make take care of his vineyard and the view he loved from the mountain range he had made his home.

Seeing a beautiful youth drinking with such a pitiful and sad expression. Many of those in the tavern were curious about him. And it didn't take long for them to find out. Both he and his parents were pretty famous even in the Lower Mortal Ring.

Night soon fell and the bottles by Xuan Yu grew from one to five. He laid listlessly on the table before him. His eyes half-closed he was staring out blankly.

"Young Ancestor?"

The waitress had returned to him once more. Even though she believed mortals and cultivators were of two different worlds. Her heart was aching for the boy in front of her. So, genuine concern was in her voice.

"Food."

"Ancestor?"

"Bring food a bag of it and a pot of wine."

"Ancestor, would you like me to call a carriage instead."

Xuan Yu ignored her and fumbled with his bag. Taking out his money pouch he dropped it on the table. Pushing it to her weakly.

"I have money."

"That's…"

"Take it, it's all I have."

Xuan Yu looked at her with an expression of raw sadness. Tears at the corner of his eyes as he looked deep into the waitress eyes. And the young waitress heart lurched with pain. She didn't know why he wanted what he did but even if she had to fight everyone in the tavern she would do whatever Xuan Yu wanted.

Turning away quickly she went and retrieved the things. Placing the large bag of food on the seat opposing him and the wine on the table. She turned her full attention to Xuan Yu even stooping to his eye level.

"Little Ancestor is there anything else I can do for you."

"No… Thank you, you're too kind to someone like me."

"I-…"

Before she could finish Xuan Yu pushed the pouch toward her. Though she was remiss to take anything from Xuan Yu. She still knew she had to if she wanted to keep her job. So, she took his pouch and though there was much more in it she counted out only the money she was owed.

Taking back the pouch, Xuan Yu got up. Held the wine jug with one hand and slung the sack of food over his shoulder. As he attempted to leave he stumbled, and the waitress caught him. Xuan Yu as if he was in a daze ignored this and continued to walk forward.

The waitress supported him all the way to the exit and kept watching him even after he left. Every time he stumbled her heart lurched.

Wherever humans resided there tend to be dark places. On Qing Ruo, one of the darkest places was the Slums in the Lower Mortal Ring. Those who could no longer support themselves would find themselves deemed a criminal for one charge or another and then sent here.

The living conditions were horrible, and starvation and sickness were prevalent. There were no gangs ruling it or any brand of power. It was just a dead end for mortals.

This is where Xuan Yu was tonight. As he maneuvered through the somber buildings and alleys. He had managed to gather 17 people. Entering a clearing that could have served as a village square. He placed the food and wine down and the haggard people slowly gathered.

Men, women, three kids and an old man with a dog.

"As you can see, I don't have that much so don't bother calling others."

The bag had been filled with buns, breads and wrapped meat. Pouring it all out Xuan Yu then lifted the cover off the wine jar.

"Eat, drink if you have someone you want to share with. I advise you not to bother. I doubt the others will allow you."

They slowly approached unsure of Xuan Yu's intentions. Until the old man rushed forward and grabbed a bun. Seeing Xuan Yu make no further movements he bit into it fiercely.

Then the rest rushed forward. Some going for the wine while others picked up food. Xuan Yu didn't need to move. None of them would let the other monopolize the food before them.

Only one or two diverted their focus to Xuan Yu, thanking him profusely. It was a bounty to these people who often resorted to eating the dead, the dying, strange fauna, insects and pests.

Xuan Yu looked around at the unpaved dirt ground, the worn-down rotting houses, the rags those before him were dressed in, the wild growth and rot that was everywhere, the running stream of sewage and the various insects and pest he could see scurrying beneath the bright moon.

"It's a beautiful night."

Xuan Yu said softly his gaze now on the moon. And he started humming a song. Reaching into his inner robe he drew three strange shaped knives.

It was split into three blades. Two pointing outwards and the third curving forming a type of hilt-guard. Each about five inches in length.

Looking at the double-edged serrated blades. The sharp protrusions on the flat side of the blade. One could easily tell what such knives were made for.

With a flick of his wrist, Xuan Yu sent them into the neck of the three whose necks were most exposed to him. A child and two haggard men. Blood spurted out in great volume and the surroundings changed quickly. But even quicker Xuan Yu drew out two more knives and began to hunt.

"Stop, no, forgive-…"

"Wai- please."

"I-I don't want to die."

"Damn it, are we not even allowed to live anymore."

"It's just one brat you bastard help me kill him."

"No, fucking way. Am I really gonna die to some privileged brat?"

"Why?"

"Am I going to see mommy again."

"Damn you, damn you fucking cultivators. You took every-…"

"Hah, to live like a bitch and die like one too."

"Finally-…"

Xuan Yu ignored the sobbing, the cursing, the questions focusing only on the song he was humming. But even then the last words of those he killed were forced to register in his mind. Those who fought found themselves outclassed and those who tried to run had their limbs fail them. And Xuan Yu butchered them all, all but the dog whose eyes had gone completely blood red.