Fussy Boy

As the gates to the Zhao Clan manor opened, several warriors called out.

"Zhao Qiang! You finally dare to show your face!?"

"Come kowtow before your father!!"

"Today, Savant City shall witness divine justice!!"

"Zhao Qiang, you broke my nose. Today, I'll cripple you!!"

"All of you shut the hell up!!" roared a small voice. Tian Cai stomped out, his face distorted in all kinds of fury. "You dare raise your voices before my Zhao Clan? You wanna fight? Bring It!" roared Tian Cai with crazy eyes.

Bai Guang appeared on Tian Cai's right side. Qin Rong appeared on his left. The Five Shadows fanned out behind them along with the guards.

"Little Punk! Whose little bastard are you? Don't you know how to respect your elders? Call out your parents. I Duan Feng will teach them meaning of manners," huffed an elderly man as he stepped out. Supporting calls from the crowd erupted about.

"Bring out Zhao Qiang and your parents. This Gu Jin will cripple all of them."

"Today, in the name of righteousness I, Cao Fang will teach your parents well!"

In the distance, the Ling Clan manor gates opened and Ling Fan appeared with the Fierce Fairies. Behind them was Chief Li and a contingent of Ling Clan guards. All of them were wearing nose masks.

Waving, Ling Fan said, "Brother Zhao, your here? What's with all the noise. Please send my greetings to Matriarch Zhao."

Qin Rong said, "Youngest Master, should we kill them all? Bai Guang, we'll see who can defeat the most."

Bai Guang's fist burst into flame. Those who mean harm to my little brother, die."

Fat Shadow, hissed, "No Mercy! Protect Youngest Master!"

Everyone on the Zhao Clan's side drew their weapons. On the Ling Clan side, the Fairies formed a protective ring about Ling Fan.

Brother Zhao? Youngest Master?

Someone finally put the pieces together and screamed, "Small Disaster King!! That's Zhao Tian Cai, Small Disaster King!!"

Tian Cai stepped forward, furiously pointing his finger. "Indeed I am Zhao Tian Cai, You all dare to interrupt this Young Master's peaceful morning?"

Ling Fan nodded with realization.

He must be one of those people, when they wake on the wrong side the bed...you don't dare offend.

"Bring It! Let's see who wants to teach this Zhao Tian Cai manners. Seems like many of you have forgotten my other title...Son of the Legacy Killer. Humph! Who wants to talk to my Mother first?"

Ling Fan's eyes gleamed fervently as she thought of Zhao Wen.

Strongest Boss!!

The three men who stood out earlier Duan Feng, Gu Jin and Cao Fang suddenly found themselves standing alone. The crowd that originally supported them had somehow emptied the plaza. Sweat poured endlessly from out of all their pores. The iron plate they just kicked, was one they absolutely couldn't afford to provoke.

"So you three want to meet my mother!? Someone take their names, then invite the Matriarch out," said Tian Cai.

"Mercy!!!"

"Young Master, please have Mercy!! I Gu Jin have a son."

"I'm an only child, it's my duty to continue my line!!!"

A woman dressed in white mourning robes and carrying a sword, walked out. "Cowards!!" she spat looking at the three with disdain.

"Long Mei Xing," whispered Qin Rong.

"Sister, who is she?" asked Tian Cai.

"Master killed her husband. She knows, she's unable to defeat him. However, she constantly follows him as a reminder of his past transgression."

"There's a longer version to this story, isn't there?"

"Mhm, Sister will tell you later."

Long Mei Xing was a willowy pale beauty with sad eyes.

Tian Cai shook his head.

She's sickly like a ghost. If she doesn't change it won't be too long before she dies.

"Miss Long, how can this Young Master help you?" inquired Tian Cai.

Long Mei Xing eyebrows arched in surprise. "You know me?"

"Sister Qin Rong, my Uncle's disciple recognized you earlier."

Long Mei Xing cupped her hands and said, "This one greets Young Master Zhao. I came in hopes of witnessing Zhao Qiang's death. Sadly, after seeing these three, it appears my wait will be longer."

"Indeed, you as well as everyone here will have a long wait. My Uncle is currently indisposed and unable to receive challenges. All of you are wasting time, so just leave."

Long Mei Xing's eyes brightened. "Tell me is he injured? Does he suffer greatly? Were there multiple cries of anguish."

The image of Zhao Qiang cleaning and washing Zhao Chen all night entered Tian Cai's mind. He shuddered in disgust.

"Indeed Uncle Qiang has suffered unimaginable pain. Earlier, Great Grandmother beat him silly. If everybody recalls, she's the Blue Flame Empyrean."

Long Mei Xing's popped open. "Isn't she the one that turns people into burning trees."

Tian Cai nodded his head in affirmative.

Golden wet puddles started appearing below the three men. There's kicking an iron plate and then there's kicking an iron plate. If anything, today was the day they would die.

A bright smile broke across Long Mei Xing's face. "Good! Good! It's good that he suffers greatly."

Tian Cai shook his head.

Yep, she's bonkers.

Ling Fan walked over followed by the Fairies. "Brother Zhao, earlier you sure were angry. Did you not sleep well? I hear if young boys don't wake up well, they will be quite fussy."

Behind Tian Cai, Gray and Small Shadows nodded furiously. Seeing Ling Fan approach, the Zhao Clan people lowered their weapons.

"That's not it. I slept heavier than a rock and woke up quite refreshed. I was enjoying my morning when all these f*ckers caused a ruckus," said Tian Cai, shooting a glare at the crowd.

Ling Fan nodded her head.

Indeed all these f*ckers...wait…

Ling Fan shot a look at Tian Cai.

This little 5 year old has a potty mouth!

"Brother Zhao, then what do you intend to do?" asked Ling Fan.

"For interrupting my morning and not choosing to leave...Humph! This Young Master will just kill them all."

Ling Fan was about to ask another question, when Elder Bing, said, "Retreat!! Protect the Young Miss!!"

Fat Shadow yelled, "Prepare to kill!!!" The sound of numerous weapons being drawn filled the air.

The sweet demure Bai Guang suddenly transformed before Tian Cai eyes.

Cackling, her eyes morphed into murderous pinpoints. Putting on red scaled gloves, her eyebrows inverted as she spatted, "You dare offend my Little Brother! Come, let my burning fist show you the path to hell."

Qin Rong was no less crazy. With a burst of martial power, her muscles flexed and the sleeves of her robes burst apart. With bugged out eyes, she said, "Qin Rong shall bring glory to Master! The street will flow deep-deep in the blood of our enemies!"

As she put on gleaming silver gloves, Fat Shadow pulled out two black long knives, chanting, "My blood is that of the Ancients..."

As though on cue, the rest of the Shadows and the Zhao Guards joined the chant.

"From across the stars we come

Brothers, Sisters we all are Zhao

Beneath the light of the blazing sun

Our enemies shall burn

The shadow that follows

Is the harbinger of death

Our blood is Zhao

In death we return to the stars"

Ling Fan looked about aghast. Everybody on the Zhao Clan side had crazy eyes.

What kind of loony chant was that? Zhao Clan is all kinds of Bat Sh*t Crazy!

Tian Cai was about to roar and give the kill signal when the City Guards filled area. Quickly they streamed into two separate formations, one facing the challengers and the other the Zhao Clan.

Chief Mo came striding out with a pair of Vice Captains. Looking at the lead instigators and their shameful state, he said, "Arrest these fools for public indecency. Let them work three months in the mines!"

Several guards ran forward and dragged the three away. They were sobbing in relief, thinking they had escaped with their lives.

Gray Shadow whispered, "Little Brother don't worry, I remembered their names. Keeke! We'll make sure they have accidents in the mines."

Tian Cai acknowledged her with nod. Stepping forward, he cupped his hands and said, "Chief Mo, Zhao Tian Cai greets you."

"Young Master Zhao, this is beyond expectations. Normally, Zhao Qiang is already out here dueling. Why the change??"

"Uncle Qiang is currently recovering from injuries he received from my Great Grandmother."

Chief Mo's eyebrows arched, "Senior Blue Flame? She-she burnt him!?"

Shaking his head in negative, Tian Cai said, "She beat him silly...with a scratch she imprinted his face five feet into the ground."

"This? I've yet to witness the glory of the Blue Flame Empyrean. However, Young Disaster King I've witness him fight several times. Each time he's like a relentless fiend. You hit him and he never goes down. You say she did that with a scratch?"

"She didn't just stop there. She continued to beat him well into the night."

Chief Mo winced, "This? If he's incapacitated then he's unable to fulfill his legal obligation."

"Legal obligation?"

"Challenges by defeated family members cannot be ignored. He's obligated to accept each an every challenge. Only those whom he's not previously defeated or new fighters does Zhao Qiang has the right to accept or decline."

"So you are not here to stop these challenges?"

"Young Zhao is correct. Us City Guards are primarily here as witnesses. Also, we assess any damage to public grounds and correctly calculate the reparation bill. Not meaning any disrespect, but may I inquire why you are here? Senior Zhao Chen should be here as well."

"Ah-This? Grandfather is unwell and is currently resting. Therefore, Mother left me in charge."

"Zhao Chen sick? Just now, you're intention then?"

"These ruffians were all creating noise and disturbed my quiet morning. This Young Master was about to go on a killing spree," replied Tian Cai.

"Then its a good thing this one arrived,"

With an inquisitive frown, Tian Cai asked, "What-What do you mean?"

"Killing legal challengers directly is against the law. This Chief would've been forced to arrest you."

Tian Cai's eyes blinked several times before he turned about. Behind him, everyone in the Zhao Clan was still waiting for his kill order.

"When was somebody going to f*cking tell this Young Master it's against the law to kill legal challengers!? UHH!?"

The red anger of his gaze fell upon them and immediately everyone broke out in cold sweats.

Fat Shadow stepped out and said, "Youngest Master, its not that we didn't know. It's just you say kill, we kill. Am I not right?" he asked looking about. Bai Guang, Qin Rong, the Shadows, and the guards all nodded in affirmative.

Gangsters! I'm the Youngest Master of a gangster family!

Over at the Ling Clan side, Ling Fan's eyes sparkled.

They're all killers!! Boss's Family kills first asks questions later.

In her mind, Zhao Wen appeared in the distance. With her hands clasped behind her back, she stood like a Queen beneath the blazing sun. Behind her, the Zhao Clan stood behind her in sunglasses and black suits.

Boss!!

With veins popping out of his forehead, Tian Cai yelled, "Later! Later! This Young Master will be talking to each and every one of you!! Almost getting me arrested!"

Chief Mo and everyone from the Zhao Clan gave Tian Cai a strange look.

Bai Guang slipped next to Tian Cai and whispered, "It's actually like this...You were arrested when you were three. We-We already killed our way into the City Prison and brought you out. In fact, technically you are under house arrest. This is the reason why we need to request permission for you to travel."

"Are my ears hearing correctly? You're saying I'm a convict?"

"Mhm."

"My sentence, how-how long?"

"It ends next year. However, with today's exercises it may be extended."

"What-What was my crime?"

"That? Er—the Emperor's Statute in the main square, you-you accidentally tore off a leg."

"You all are just telling me Now!" blurted Tian Cai.

Clearing his throat, Chief Mo said, "Young Zhao, as you can see, we averted a disaster. Arresting you is the same as the City Lord declaring war on the Zhao Clan. A fight between Empyreans is a price no one here can afford."

Coincidentally, a series of explosions rocked the mountains outside Savant City. Everyone jumped to their feet.

Feeling resonance with fluctuations in the distance, Tian Cai realized his Mother was fighting.

It must be Mom and Miss Mu.

People in the crowd erupted with questions.

Who's fighting?

Who can it be?

Realizing something, Chief Mo raised an eyebrow, looking inquisitively at Tian Cai.

Tian Cai nodded, confirming his suspicion.

More shattering explosions rocked the sky. Suddenly, a bright blue light flashed in fluctuating waves. Savant City's defensive formations activated immediately just as the waves reached the city. The walls groaned and shuddered with the impact.

Chief Mo ran over to Tian Cai. "Young Zhao, what are the Zhao Empyreans doing? Is it an enemy?"

"Relax Chief Mo, they're actually exchanging pointers"

"With whom!?"

"This? I can tell you but you must promise me absolute secrecy," said Tian Cai.

"On my honor as Head Chief of the City Guard."

Clearing his throat, Tian Cai said, "They're exchanging pointers with my betrothed!"

"You're betrothed!! Young Zhao, isn't it correct that your age is 5?" asked Chief Mo.

"Mhm."

"You're-You're already getting married? She's exchanging pointers...she's an Empyrean!?"

"Mhm. Hence the secrecy. Our Zhao Clan now has three Empyreans."

Chief Mo paced about dumbfounded. There was only so much astonishing information his mind could handle.

As abruptly as the explosions began they ended. Sighs of relief echoed about as the defensive formations deactivated and the tremors ceased.

Tian Cai looked about.

Wasn't this the craziest of mornings?

Mulling on how best to resolve the issue, a peculiar sight caught Tian Cai's attention. Hidden in the crowd was a hooded man. Following the intensity of his gaze, clearly his eyes were locked on the Wang Sisters.

It wasn't the look of lust. Which meant, his true intentions could endanger Ling Fan. It would be best to warn Ling Fan.

Chief Mo finally regained his composure and returned to Tian Cai. "Young Zhao, how best to resolve the issue?...I fear the Zhao Empyreans will return soon, then it would be too late for an amicable resolution."

"With the challenges to my Uncle Qiang being legally required, is there away to post-pone for a month? This will allow him time to fully heal and then our Zhao Clan can slowly decide on how best to proceed," inquired Tian Cai.

"How about this, we announce a proclamation that in one month any challengers can formally proclaim their requests. Also that none will be denied," offered Chief Mo.

"So Uncle Qiang would have to accept all requests? Sister Qin, what say you? Would my Uncle object?"

"Object? That words not in his vocabulary. In fact, he'd want to battle them all at the same time. Am I not right!?" Qin Rong asked, turning to the Zhao Clan members.

"Young Master is unstoppable!"

"Glory to Zhao Clan, he doesn't even need a weapon."

"He'll instakill all of them!!"

"He's our Zhao Clan's Battle God!!!"

Tian Cai gave all them a strange look.

Didn't Granny just beat him to a pulp. Wasn't he screaming for mercy just hours ago?

"Little Brother, most assuredly, Master would be more than happy to accept!"

Tian Cai turned to Chief Mo and said, "If you can proceed with the proclamation, this Zhao guarantees my Uncle Zhao Qiang will honor all challenges in one months time.

Nodding with understanding, Chief Mo walked to the crowd and Long Mei Xing.

"Martial King Zhao Qiang is recovering from injuries and is temporarily unable to accept challenges. Therefore, in discussing the issue with the Zhao Clan, in one month's time, Zhao Qiang will welcome and honor any challenges. Until then, all individuals should return at that time. In the name of City Lord, you are all hereby ordered to disperse."

"Disperse?"

"It's a ruse...he's just being cowardly!"

"Zhao Clan is shameless, lead us to believe Zhao Qiang is injured."

"Humph! Can't you see this Chief is trying to save all your lives. The fluctuations outside the city. That was the Zhao Clan Empyreans exchanging pointers. Can't you put two and two together? How long did those fluctuations end? Be my guest if you still want to be here when they return. In fact, those that want to be flaming trees line up on the left. Those that want to end their family legacies, form up on the right. Regardless, this Chief isn't waiting."

With a flurry of his robes, Chief Mo yelled, "Retreat!!!"

Running past Tian Cai, Chief Mo said, "Young Zhao have good day. This Chief has many duties to fulfill." With that, he and the guards streamed out of the area in a rapid but orderly retreat.

Seeing Chief Mo and the City Guards not wasting time leaving, the resolve of the challengers dissipated like mist.

Adding to the fire, a fluctuation of Empyrean might swept across the city.

RUN! They're returning!!!

In a mad scramble, the challengers dispersed in every direction that had an open road.

Left alone was Long Mei Xing.

Seeing as the woman wasn't leaving, Qin Rong whispered, "Little Brother, should we kill her?