Main Chapter: Memories in a glass.

2039 of the Black Lightning Grand Sage, 30th day of the first month of Spring. North-west, Central Plains of the Greater Lands. Qing Ruo Mountain, Upper Mortal Ring, Xuan Estate. Time: 14:05.

The Upper Mortal Ring of Qing Ruo was essentially one big entertainment district. Due to the small number of Upper Mortal Ring families. There was quite the excess of space.

Recognizing the opportunity a great number of the families who belonged there chose to open up business of all kinds. Which then earned funding and attention from the upper rings and in the end turned the Upper Mortal Ring into a political battleground.

Currently Qing Ruo Xuan Yu was here more for the entertainment aspect. Despite having recently earned the rights. The Hou Family had turned the Ton Family's wine shop into a high-quality lounge and bar.

Compared to the humble but comfortable place the Ton Family was operating. This new place, the "Destined Salvation," was an example of splendor, arrogantly stopping on someone's face and over the top naming.

Xuan Yu dressed in black robes embroidered with silver stepped in without an escort. The Destined Salvation was more ornate than any bar and lounge need be. With controlled low green lighting and its own internal temperature.

"This servant greets the Young Ancestor and request to know where you would like to sit."

Despite the young man deference Xuan Yu ignored him, as the young man expected, and took a look around the room. Near the back of the lounge he spotted a distinct bunch of white, spiky hair. So, he changed his plans.

"I'll be sitting with an acquaintance."

Stepping out of the way the waiter escorted/followed Xuan Yu to Ming Xie who was sitting by herself. At a booth for eight with 52 drinks on the table in front of her. Her usual flair exchanged for a solemn one.

Recognizing who the acquaintance the waiter momentarily showed a disgusted expression but quickly hid it. Realizing Xuan Yu didn't care the waiter politely excused himself and promptly left.

Without a greeting Xuan Yu took the seat opposite Ming Xie. Compared to those around her she was under-dressed. While everyone around her was dressed in robes. She was wearing black shorts, a sleeveless white top and had a pink coat wrapped around her waist. As always bangles surrounded her arms as she traced the mouth of the cups. Her emerald eyes deep in thought. While her piercings took on a similar glow thanks to the lighting.

Dressed as she was, so contrary to others, she attracted the eyes of many. Making her an eyesore to most. In fact, many had already suggested to the staff that she be escorted out.

However, now that Xuan Yu had taken a seat. No one made complaints of Ming Xie or openly showed their displeasure. The influence of the Major Family in full effect.

Despite noticing his presence. Ming Xie ignored him for some time. Then looked up with a slight frown.

"Xuan Yu?"

"I'm surprised you could tell so easily or bother to say my name right."

Though he said he was surprised since Ming Xie didn't see a flicker of emotion on him, she scoffed.

"It's because you smell like death."

"So, do you."

"No, I smell of it, you smell like it. The constant sensation that if I'm not careful I'll die."

From then on Xuan Yu began to evaluate Ming Xie a bit higher. And only then noticed how tensed she was, she really was on guard against him.

'Her instincts are really good.'

'Mm.'

"So, Xuan Yu why does some noble like you have such a smell?"

"It's a story you can hear anywhere. I had to deal with a bunch of thieves who were too ambitious for their own good."

Ming Xie didn't believe Xuan Yu in the slightest. And tried to derive some truth from his words, tone or maybe the expression on his face but she learnt nothing. So, her guard raised even higher.

'It looks like she has your interest.'

'My curiosity.'

"That's nice and all, but do you mind going somewhere else. I'm kinda busy."

Ming Xie's tone was cold but Xuan Yu didn't move. Merely returned her fierce gaze with his usual indifference. Until, Ming Xie stood up.

"If you're drinking to commemorate the dead. Wouldn't it be better to have drinks that remind you of each individual person?"

Ming Xie froze in place.

"Northerners drink a glass for each of their dearly departed on their birthday. Isn't that what you're doing now?"

"Why do you know about that?"

"I have read about a lot of things."

"First Hunt: Fear."

Though there was no physical change. Xuan Yu was well aware the First Hunt was active. Though Ming Xie was primed to pummel him Xuan Yu remained indifferent. Stepping on her figurative tail while pretending not to notice.

'So, Yuyu how does it look up close. Still want to gain that power.'

'Maybe, but there's no need to rush.'

Though Ming Xie was standing up and looking down at him with plain annoyance. Xuan Yu made no move to defend himself.

"It's a ritual to remember the dead. But how much of them do you really remember like this."

Though he ignored what she wanted to know. She realized that he didn't care about her feelings or thoughts. So, it was pointless to press. That's why instead she gave her final warning.

"Get. To. The. Point."

"Tell me about them. The people you're drinking for. And I'll order something that will better represent them."

Ming Xie laughed but before she fully snapped at him Xuan Yu added a little detail.

"If you're unsatisfied with any of the drinks I used to represent them. Then I'll let you punch my face in until you're tired."

Ming Xie laughed for a good while, ignoring all the glares she got, before seething out a "fine, as long as your paying."

Then she told the story, the story of the 52 most important she met so far before going completely silent.

Calling over the waiter Xuan Yu had him take away the 52 glasses. And then had him bring 52 others.

By the time he was finished the waiter was indignant. Of course, he knew better than to show it in any way whatsoever.

With the 52 new glasses before her Ming Xie idly circled the rim of the 52nd glass. Then she picked up the 13th glass and drank it. It was a simple drink, peach in color that tickled all the way down. And left a gentle warmth in the stomach.

"Typical of a joker. You're still trying to make me laugh even after death."

Emptying the glass Ming Xie placed it back down and her finger lingered on the rim of the glass for a long time.

"These are going to be hard to drink, aren't they?"

Without touching the glass Xuan Yu suggested the next one for her to drink. And with a half-smile, Ming Xie picked a different glass. Falling into her memories while Xuan Yu closed his eyes.

'Yuyu, is it finally that. Did you finally hit puberty? I'm so, proud. Though I can't condone peeping it's good to know your growing up.'

Xuan Yu's brow furrowed lightly as he hid his blood red eyes.

'She has a bomb in her head.'

'Triggered to blow if she was captured on death or just when her previous boss wanted it to.'

'And its yield is more than enough to take out an entire Ring… Why are they letting her walk around freely? Why are they letting her near their favored children?'

'What do you think?'

'Arrogance.'

'Tut-tut, you really hate the Righteous Sects, don't you, Yuyu? What's the real answer?'

After analyzing for a little while longer Xuan Yu opened his eyes revealing his normal black.

'It can be activated or deactivated, though right now it's active.'