Main Chapter: Defeated Ghosts.

As Ming Xie drained the 52nd cup. She muttered a soft, dad, before closing her eyes.

"As fierce and kind as I could never be."

With a soft chuckle Ming Xie slammed the glass down. Though there were tear stains on her face she didn't mind them instead leaned back into her seat, her arms lazily splayed out on the back of the couch with her hands pointing down.

Despite having downed 52 drinks she didn't seem even a little drunk. Rather compared to her solemn expression from before she was more in her day to day state.

"So, Xuan Yu what do you want?"

"Nothing."

"That I don't believe. But whatever it is I owe you one. If it isn't against my bottom line, I'll help you out."

Ming Xie said with a smile as placed her legs on the table. The rage of some of those nearby could be felt. But neither Ming Xie nor Xuan Yu cared. Especially since those who were angry could do nothing to the two.

"The North does not forsake their vows."

And with that Ming Xie's smile immediately faded into annoyance.

"You really do know some annoying things, huh."

"I have read a lot."

As Xuan Yu and Ming Xie where having their second face-off. A "man" appeared dressed in a black and silver robe similar to Xuan Yu, but the top half was open to reveal his chest.

His large red eyes and curly black hair. Made his features all the more handsome. So, much so that Ming Xie was openly staring at him.

"I'll be counting on you in the future."

Said Xuan Yu as he rose to leave with Baskerville.

"Won't you introduce us before you go?"

Seeing Ming Xie's eyes glued to Baskerville. Xuan Yu smiled though no one realized.

"I advise you not to take an interest in him."

Leaving behind a dissatisfied Ming Xie. Xuan Yu hopped into a carriage that was waiting for them outside. While Baskerville took the reins. It was only after the pair were gone did Ming Xie realize that Xuan Yu left her to pay a bill for 104 drinks.

As soon as Xuan Yu stepped inside the brown unmarked carriage, he was greeted by the sight of a lady in a, sleeveless red dress kowtowing before him.

"Maaaaster."

Hearing the strange cry that made Xuan Yu think zombie, he flinched, but ultimately climbed into the carriage. Followed by Baskerville who closed the door after them.

"Your servant is so delighted to be blessed by the sight of you!"

Ignoring Ao Ri, Xuan Yu took a seat as the carriage drove off. And spent the entire trip pretending she didn't exist. Ignoring the constant praises she lavished on him and expressions of her happiness and adoration.

Eventually they made their way up to the Minor Cultivating Ring. Then to a slightly destitute manor with only one guard at it's gate.

Baskerville alighted from the carriage then Xuan Yu and finally Ao Ri. Ao Ri did so with grace and dignity. With an upright back and calm eyes, she exuded a warm, gentle aura. As she and Baskerville followed Xuan Yu one step behind.

As they approached the wrinkled, grey-haired guard whose eyes seemed to be closed, smiled warmly, recognizing Xuan Yu.

"Ah, greetings to First Young Master Xuan. It has been some time; will you allow me the honor of escorting you?"

With a nod Xuan Yu gave permission and together they entered the manor. One thing that quickly became obvious was the utter lack of servants, the lack of artwork, trophies or any extravagance whatsoever. It was truly a destitute manor.

The guard led them into a study that was once robust but now only had two chairs. Without hesitation Xuan Yu took the chair in the center of the room as Ao Ri and Baskerville stood to his side.

While the lone servant, after offering tea and being rejected. Went to inform his master.

After waiting a few minutes the sound of a cane tapping. Then a gray-haired old lady, dressed in dark gray robes with braided hair slowly made her way into the room.

The strain was obvious as she finally made a seat. Yet despite her infirmity the fiery will in her eyes remained unbroken.

"Shouldn't you be dead by now?"

The aged voice was cold and mocking. But Xuan Yu paid it no offense.

"I don't intend to die here."

"Ha! Intend to, listen well boy, you need more than intent, much more. Do you even know the worth of your inheritance?"

"I have a guess."

"You obviously don't if you're wasting time looking for me. Look at me, you should know well, especially since that long-winded slug Zhou had you take part in my downfall. That there is much you need to avoid being crushed by the greed of others. Now, go, look for a way to survive. Instead of wasting what little time you have with the defeated."

Short-tempered, blunt and sharp with her words. Madame Ao was as Xuan Yu remembered. He smiled lightly but no one could tell. Waving off Xuan Yu, Madame Ao, took her cane and moved to stand up. And watching her Xuan Yu changed his mind.

"It seems Madame Ao has some care for me."

Stopping her before she left Xuan Yu had Baskerville escort her back to her seat. As she sat, she gave an arrogant snort.

"It's hard to look at someone so pitiful without giving advice."

"You could always turn me away. Instead you give me advice the only thing you think you can offer. Which sounds like caring to me. I initially thought to control you with threats, promises or by just plain domination. But now I prefer we ally.

First I'm well aware of what you mentioned. I know the only reason I've been fine until now. Is because the other Families had some concerns about my Dao Affinity and any possible connections I might have to other families. Luckily, they believe I've already awakened it, and are under the assumption that it was thanks to my affinity. I was able to survive during that rebellion incident that made me famous.

Next there is the factor that my father was an Elder. As such me and my little brother and children we have are assured a place among the Major Families. Openly harming us is damaging to Qing Ruo's reputation and will cause dissatisfaction among the other Major Families. As long as they leave actions against me only to the level of plots. They are able to state that they were merely tests of my worthiness.

And finally because Ong Zhou who is in the best position to harm me secretly. Is sick but not so sick that he needs to be replaced."

The gaze Madame Ao looked at Xuan Yu with softened. But she immediately hardened back as soon as she caught herself.

"At least your smart enough to know your situation. But not smart enough to tell those you want to ally with that you intend to control them."

"I prefer honesty between allies."

Madame Ao smiled at that bit of confidence but caught herself quickly.

"If you are honest while others lie then you'll be the one to lose out."

"Don't heroes win despite never stooping to the level of the villains?"

'I don't think anyone responsible for over 5000 deaths by the age of 13 can constitute as a hero.'

"Just because you're the son of a hero. Doesn't mean you are one."

"I am well aware."

"So, what do you want, boy?"

"I wish to take your name the last thing you possess. And use it as my shield."

"Ha! Look around, a threadbare shield that would be."

With a gesture Xuan Yu beckoned Ao Ri forward and she gave an elegant courtesy to Madame Ao.

"She will be responsible for fixing that. Adopt her and allow her full authority over your house."

Mocking laughter filled the small study and more than a little disappointment was evident on the Madame Ao.

"I don't know where you picked up this trickster but I'm not as foolish as you evidently are. I'm not so desperate as to throw away what little I have."

"If you find the proposition distasteful. Then take her on as an adviser. Or use her for hard labor. In fact just feel free to use her as you please. Think of it as a junior's gift to a senior."

Madame Ao was silent as she looked over Ao Ri a second time.

"Are you fine with that girl?"

"… I… have a deep-seated grudge with the, as you put it Slug Zhou. One that I will never be able to forgive in this lifetime. If being under your thumb is what I need to do to finally have a proper shot at revenge. Then I'll do so gladly."

The pain and sadness Ao Ri spoke with was so much that Madame Ao couldn't help but sympathize. Believing just as how she was reduced to nothing the same might have happened to Ao Ri or something much worse.

"Are you that confident in your ability?"

"I am."

"Then you can be a servant. I am sure keeping this manor clean isn't above these well endorsed capabilities of yours. Feel free to say your goodbyes and then report to that idiot who won't leave."

As Madame Ao rose Baskerville assisted her. While Xuan Yu and Ao Ri made their way back to the carriage. The moment they were alone inside Ao Ri fell to her knees and Xuan Yu moved back.

"Maaaaster! I'm so sorry! When she asked if I was fine with your orders I wanted to answer of course! My loyalty to master is unquestionable! There is no greater pleasure than servitude to him! In fact just the thought of being order by him is-…"

"Stop. Don't speak."

Clearly frowning Xuan Yu held a hand to his head. Looking at those unpleasantly bright eyes he rubbed his temple.

"Thanks to the information I gave you and your own capabilities you should be able to handle almost anything. So, I'll leave things to your judgement for the most part. Though when the time comes that you need guards or assassins request them of Baskerville. And remember Ao Ri, I am not one to forgive failure."

"Of course, my master! Knowing that you've placed your beautiful and glorious trust in this undeserving one has caused..."