Side Chapter: Xuan Shen and Deng Shi (4). One-Sided War (Part 2).

Deng Shi, Xuan Shen, and Seung Il were riding around the city. Deng Shi was once again in her carriage. While Xuan Shen and Seung Il were on either side of her carriage.

As they moved through the streets Xuan Shen and Seung Il drew more than their fair share of gazes. Being two of the most handsome people these people would ever see. If Dan Fa had not put down strict safeguards they would probably be accosted by now.

Riding on the flat brown streets they passed many houses that were made of wood with green roofs. It gave the feeling of a merge between civilization and a forest.

However, it was undoubtedly a city. The sidewalks were more than full of people. And the armored guards that surrounded the city looked in no way tribal.

"They have done well for a city that sprung up in a little over 30 years."

Xuan Shen spoke, halting his horse as a shirt-less child with a bow on his back run across the road to friends who were armed just like him.

"Father had been excited, a vassal had grown in his own garden. Instead what he thought would be a nice fruit tree turned into a massive oak that sought to uproot everything."

"At least, we'll get some good furniture."

Seung Il laughed as he and the other two moved on.

"You are so eager to destroy them. You do remember, officially we are here to negotiate peace."

"What good is peace, Shen? Give it a few years and we would be at war again. The moment one side thinks they're stronger."

"Your thinking is shallow, both Ai and Qui are waiting to suppress us if we do not handle this well."

As the two argued lightly Deng Shi was looking through her window at the minor things in their surroundings.

"How can we know we won't come out on top if we don't fight first?"

"Think about the consequences, for once."

"Why should I? When I have comrades like you."

As Xuan Shen sighed at Seung Il. Deng Shi made a gesture and they halted.

A dove flew down with a new note for Deng Shi lifting her window a bit, there were gasps and other exclamations. Ignoring them Deng Shi removed the letter from the Dove then sent it off. Deng Shi unfolded it, to reveal a blank piece of paper. The item that was wrapped in fell gently to her palm and she wrapped it around her finger.

"First a love letter now an empty note. You keep interesting friends Beauty."

"Maybe, I'll introduce you but for now let's return. I'm starting to miss Qing Ruo, so we will be going home soon."

Without waiting for their response Deng Shi made a gesture and her carriage sped forward.

***

The next day the Qing Ruo group stayed in their allocated residence and passed the day peacefully and the feast with the nobles went without any major incident.

As it grew on Deng Shi had requested Dan Fa to show her the Ivory Tower's museum. After touring past rows and rows of trophies the pair retreated to a balcony, with glasses in hand.

Looking out one had a beautiful view of the city-state of Abu Ko. Many of the streets and houses were still brightly lit. For the next few days, the common people would be celebrating as well as the aristocracy.

"Abu Ko is quite a city."

"This King has more than a little pride in it."

Dan Fa joined her in looking out at the city. He wasn't a lustful man nor was he arrogant. And even though Deng Shi was otherworldly beautiful. His love for his wife made her seem to him more like art. Nothing more, nothing less. So, despite being alone together he did little more than be a host.

Though he fully intended to besmirch her reputation after they parted ways.

"It is a pity that the Glowing One's Arm cannot be picked up and moved."

Of course, even if that massive weapon could be moved Dan Fa had no intention of leaving.

"This one shares the King's remorse. Qing Ruo is sadly stuck where it is. If we could move, we would have long left our unruly sibling Clans."

The two clinked their glass and Dan Fa drained his before throwing it off the balcony. Deng Shi did the same and then Dan Fa left.

Soon he came back with two more glasses and a bottle. Placing it on the railing he poured a glass for himself and Deng Shi.

"Dan Fa, I find it hard to respect you."

The prior politeness had suddenly and completely left Deng Shi. Her gaze in the direction of Qing Ruo. She didn't bother looking at Dan Fa or his expression. She had seen her fill of the man she now considered boorish and his dull city.

"It was commendable tricking my father. He is a cunning and depraved bastard, all things considered. But you like so many upstarts overestimate yourself. You are little more than a passing star. No, even less because no one will even remember the sight of Abu Ko and its boring King."

Dan Fa laughed, and the balcony became silent. All outside noise had disappeared. His power on display, a clear warning.

"Isn't it too early to be dropping your mask. Oh, Fairy of Ruo. Crushing an arrogant bitch like you won't take more than a second for this King. I doubt your Hero-…"

Deng Shi raised a finger to her lip. A clear indication for Dan Fa to be silent. First, she hated hearing that nickname. Every time she heard it, it was translated in her head too, "illegitimate child." Second Dan Fa bored her, so she wanted to get this over with.

Dan Fa wasn't just silent because of Deng Shi's action but because of what was wrapped around her finger. A single, long light blue hair.

"Your daughter has such a strange hair color. I'm surprised she didn't have some cringy title like Fairy of Ruo as well. With us both being locked up princess, maybe we could find a lot to talk about."

"What, did you do to her?"

The glass in his hand broke, shards were clinging to his hand, but it was only wine that ran down.

"Be quiet and I'll tell you, or attack me. Make your choice before I grow nauseous from your presence, as well."

Dan Fa grew silent though this wasn't the choice he wanted to make. He realized he couldn't make any other choice.

"And this is why you're a bore Dan Fa. What good is one child compared to your kingdom? Your city's population is over a million, but you'll bow your head to some bitch from another nation, over the sight of one hair."

"We all have our treasures."

"It's fine for a band of mercenaries to prioritize treasure but for a self-proclaimed king to do the same is pathetic."

"Where is she?"

"Hah… I really am wasting my time trying to teach you. Your daughter is fine, her dead mother must be proud of how much you prioritize her."

Dan Fa was filled with rage and though his red face, clenched fist, and teeth made it seem he was at a breaking point he did nothing. The fact that Deng Shi hadn't bothered to look at him throughout the conversation. Angered him further but just as she didn't care about him she didn't care about his feelings.

"Dan Aiyi is right where you imprisoned her. Deep in your Cultivator Forest. However, her guards have been changed. That weapon you dug up. The Glowing One's Arm has father wary so instead of a full-on war, we will compete. Secure your daughter and keep her safe until our convoy leaves and we will concede to you. Fail and we will trust that you will concede."

Dan Fa didn't bother responding once he heard where his daughter was he jumped over the railing. Using gravity to pull him down quickly before flipping and soaring outward.

His first priority was to gather his forces and ensure his daughter's safety.

"Truly, a boring idiot."