Main Chapter: A Banquet to Die For.

"When was the last time you had meat? When was the last time you had bread? When was the last time you had a full stomach? Are you enjoying life so much that you would cling to it till the end? Is it worth the suffering of hunger and illness? Is it not better to die happy and full then starving and miserable?

But I know, many of you hold out hope that we can leave these slums. You believe that some way the Cultivators of Qing Ruo would give us a chance to redeem ourselves. We're all from the same Clan, we're all from the same home. But let me ask something we all know. Has anyone ever left? Even after death has anyone's corpse returned for a proper burial? Has any of them even bothered to check on this place? Do any of them and I mean any know how much of us there are? They do not care for us. This place is our end we all know it.

There was no hope for us. But now, now there is. A chance to die full and willing. A chance to truly live. A chance to end our suffering. A chance that may very well be the last time you or I, are offered a choice. Take it."

Throughout the night in the 13th District of the Qing Ruo Slums, an old man was gathering people with his crying out.

Back in Xuan Estate, Vermilion Court, Xuan Yu was finishing up with Li Zi.

"Sensing Qi requires a clear mind and a deep focus. You can use the breathing exercises I showed you to lure your mind into a drawl. If you can't attain the state naturally.

For the actual sensing itself, it will be easier if you focus on sensing your surroundings, first. On whatever is beneath you and the objects around you. Start with the memory of what you last saw and use your other sense to get a feel for it.

Start with the static things and then with the fluid. As your focus sharpens in time you should notice Qi. It is ever-present, and it is constantly in motion. But linking to it is like finding a needle in a haystack and it will take you time.

When you get frustrated, find it hard to sit still or find that the amount of time you can spend in a clear-minded state decreasing. Thoroughly exhaust yourself with the movement exercises I showed you. Doing so will allow for what can be considered a second round."

When Xuan Yu finally left teacher mode. Li Zi got onto the ground and kowtowed.

"Young Master, this servant will work hard to repay this debt."

"Don't speak of debts, there is none to be repaid by you."

"Thank you."

"Mm, go to your room and cultivate. I won't be needing your care for the time being."

"Please allow your servant to take care of you in the morning."

Her formal tone, the emotion in her voice and the position she was in. Was more than enough to convey her deep gratitude to Xuan Yu.

So, he only gave a sound of assent. As formally as she could she left Xuan Yu's room. Stopping outside Xuan Yu's door. Li Zi was experiencing a whirlwind of feeling. Unsure of herself she merely stood outside the door for a time.

Xuan Yu stood in place for a time as well an old conversation had started to play in his mind.

"Young Master, I've lived my whole life for you. Is it really so strange that I would end up dying for you too?"

Li Zi was in his arms her body broken, marks of torture left her a barely recognizable mess.

"Why didn't you just tell them where I was? Why are you so stupidly loyal? What did I do to deserve you? Li Zi, answer me! Don't go, I order you not to go! Li Zi! Li Zi! Please, you can't leave me too…"

Li Zi couldn't answer any of his questions or ravings. Holding on long enough till he found her was impossible enough. And that final answer to his first "why" took everything she had.

Li Zi had followed Xuan Yu into exile and suffered for it. Dying at the hand of Hunters who tortured her to death. Yet, she never gave in, never complained and stayed by Xuan Yu's side. Even when he shamefully tried to force her away with abuse and harsh words.

At times Xuan Yu wanted to question the current Li Zi but he knew there was no point.

***

"Hey, Teach, what happens if we don't make it on time?"

"Hmmm, I would probably get some punishment or something."

"Seriously? then aren't you gonna be in big trouble?"

"Oh, why do you think that?"

"Well, Tan Cui and Xuan Yu haven't been doing anything but sleeping since the first day."

"Hmm, Tan Cui's family definitely would not let her rest at home. Forcing her to cultivate now as well would not be the best for her growth. And you guys growing up well is my first concern. Just like Tan Cui, I have not seen anything to worry about with Xuan Yu's progress. Cultivate at the times best suited to you."

***

A wagon filled with food drove its way into the Qing Ruo Slums. A dazed-looking mortal was its driver and in the back was Xuan Yu. Exhaustion evident on the latter as cold sweat poured from him.

Right now, he was at his weakest since he had returned, but even though she was his enemy he trusted her the most. So, he brought a grand wagon filled with enough food for over a thousand people.

He had controlled at least 10 different individuals to get this carriage without any link to him.

The story ultimately ended with an altruistic visitor donating a wagon of food to the Qing Ruo Slums. And a "criminal" who had avoided being sent to the slum. Was caught and sent to be the driver of this particular wagon.

Reaching the square and seeing it was empty, Xuan Yu couldn't help but furrow his brow. Commanding the driver to enter the carriage. He slashed the driver's throat and fed.

Finished he stepped outside and only then did he noticed them. Those his exhaustion had prevented him from noticing. But now, under the full moon, he could see them. From every entrance haggard, people poured into the square. Their eyes sunken, their bodies clearly showing their starvation through their rags. Young, old, men and women all gathered into the square.

This was more than Xuan Yu could handle, drained as he was. Even if he was rested it would be exhausting and a slip-up would be his end.

So, he didn't bother reaching for his knives. Mostly because of his trust in her.

The crowd closed in on him and then the old man from the night before appeared and kowtowed. Following him, many of the others kowtowed.

"Great Ancestor, a thousand of us have come to receive your mercy!"

Not just the old man but several of those who kowtowed cried out. Though not everyone was on their knees. Those who had gathered were of the same accord.

"Prepare yourself the way you want and act as you please."

"Many thanks to the Great Ancestor."

The first thing that was brought out was a "throne" for Xuan Yu. It was unworthy of even being called a chair, but it was the best the District had.

Initially, they were fearful when they presented it. But quickly relaxed as Xuan Yu sat down without a fuss.

They brought their tables, chairs, and rags that they could gather and laid them out. Passing around the food to everyone they waited till everyone had a meal before them. Then with the old man as the lead, they kowtowed towards Xuan Yu, three times and gave him thanks. Xuan Yu didn't respond to their obeisance and only looked at them with his usual indifference. They, however, did not mind and began celebrating.

Not only did they eat and drink, but they also sang, played instruments, rutted, danced, played, reminisced, told stories, joked, cried and laughed.

It was chaotic, a chaotic showing of life and whenever anyone had enough. They went before Xuan Yu and offered their throat. And using his knives Xuan Yu would eviscerate that throat.

Then absorb their blood and the dogs who lurked at the end of the crowd would drag away the withered body.

Even though that scene would play out constantly. They celebrated under the full moon as if they could not see it.