Battle Preparations

Tian Cai was whistling. Just now, he had enjoyed meeting Ling Hua again and was sending over a cup of joe.*1

"Small Shadow!"

Running in, he said, "Little Brother, you called?"

Tian Cai's head jolted. "Er Brother your face?"

Small Shadow's face was purple with bruises. Grimacing, he said. "If you recall, yesterday in the forbidden area,"

"Ah That...when Sister Gray was wiping the floor with your face?"

"Mhm."

Coughing, Tian Cai said, "Little Brother believes you will quickly recover." Handing over the cup of joe, Tian Cai continued, "Little Brother wants to send this over to Miss Ling Hua next door. If you go to the breach, a servant will be waiting for you."

"Elder Brother understands."

Accepting the cup, Small Shadow turned about and left.

Suddenly a shadow enveloped Tian Cai and he felt a chill run down his spine.

"Noble Brother-in-law, Huiqing wants to know who you're sending that cup of joe to?"

Looking up, Tian Cai thought he saw red blazing eyes. Shaking his head, he rubbed his eyes. Looking back up, he found the light had returned and before him was the sweet demure face of his Sister-in-law.

Must've been my imagination.

However, Gray Shadow looked on from the distance and shuddered.

Little Brother, one day you'll see Mu Psycho as she really his.

Coughing, Tian Cai said, "Ah that..recently your In-law met a fellow coffee aficionado. In the future, when we start roasting and testing, In-law intends to recruit that person as a taste tester."

Mu Huizhong smiled as her eyebrows twitched. "And you met this person a few days ago, when I arrived?"

Tian Cai gasped, "Yes, how did you know?"

Mu Huizhong chuckled, "Huiqing remembers as she saw when she was trapped as a fly."

"So it's like that," replied Tian Cai. He paused to take her hand. "That time must've scared you, In-law swears that will never happen again. My Beauty's relatives, this Young Master will always protect."

Che, that slut again!

"Honorable Brother-in-law, Huiqing feels so much safer with you holding her hand."

Gray Shadow rolled her eyes.

You're an Empyrean...he's 5 year old!

Small Shadow returned. "Little Brother, Young Miss Ling was there with Sister Qin. She said, she'd personally pass it on to Miss Ling Hua."

Mu Huizhong stiffened.

The aficionado's a female?

Turning to Gray Shadow, Small Shadow said, "Big Sister, Father is calling us to a meeting. Little Brother, please be at the main gate in one hour. Us Five Shadows will be escorting you to the prison."

Tian Cai nodded.

Gray Shadow quickly joined Small Shadow and whispered, "Is the meeting in the Forbidden Area?"

"Mhm, we've to hurry, they're about to go over the battle arrangements."

As they departed, Tian Cai scratched his head with a slight frown.

"Noble Brother-in-law, is something bothering you?"

"Mhm. Brother-in-law is not sure what to wear. Beauty used to help me dress. Now that she's not here.."

Mu Huizhong's eyes sparkled brightly.

Master, how many centuries has it been since this Maid last helped you dress?"

Mu Huizhong chuckled, "Huiqing will gladly fulfill Elder Sister's duty in her place. Come, let us prepare."

Appearing like a great problem had been resolved, Tian Cai smiled brightly.

"Mhm!"

Suddenly, he halted, "Wait I'll meet you inside soon."

Without waiting for an answer, Tian Cai ran off to where he just talked to Ling Hua.

Maybe there's word on the tree expert?

Deep within the Zhao Clan's forbidden area, Zhao Wen stood surrounded by the Five Shadows, Bai Guang, Zhao Qiang, Zhao Chen and Zhao Jia. Before them was a rough model of Savant City.

With a frown, Zhao Wen looked to Zhao Qiang and asked, "Big Brother's where's your Qin Rong?"

"Rong'er? She's with Ling Clan's Young Miss. I wanted Brother Ling to have some extra security during this excursion."

"Mhm...Sister understands."

"Qiang'er, good thinking. That Ling Wenyan is completely unreliable," commended Zhao Chen.

Snorting, Zhao Wen said, "Fat Shadow begin."

"Understood....early this morning, we informed City Lord that Youngest Master was visiting Savant City Prison. We've yet to receive a formal response. However, we detected movement by various militias."

Pointing to the small model of Savant City Prison, he said, "They're reinforcing the prison with Lieutenant Chen's 7th Company."

Scratching his chin, Zhao Qiang grumbled, "That's City Lord's crack troops. This King will break them like twigs."

"Young Master, normally that would be the case however, last year City Lord assigned his cousin Zhang An to guard there. According to reports, Zhang An is an early Empyrean," replied Fat Shadow.

Zhao Wen snorted. "In-law will be directly supporting Cai'er at the prison."

Gray and Small Shadow shot glances at each other.

Mu Psycho!

Gray Shadow was about to offer that might not be the best decision when Zhao Wen also said, "Although she's not as strong as Daughter-in-law, she is also a formations expert. They must have the same master."

"Humph! With that Old Fart, Old City Lord that means the Zhang Clan has two hidden Empyreans," said Zhao Jia.

Zhao Chen gasped, "Old City Lord is still alive?"

"Chen'er did you ever hear announcement of his demise? That coot merely retired."

"Mother, how-how do you know?" asked Zhao Chen.

"He's more a lover than a fighter. Back in the day, he used to chase after this Granny. From time-to-time he still sends notes."

Everyone threw strange looks at Zhao Jia.

Someone used to chase her?

Smacking the table, Zhao Chen exclaimed, "Humph! He dare has eyes on my Mother?"

Zhao Wen chuckled, "Father what will you do? Scare him, a peak Empyrean with your Mask."

Zhao Jia chortled, "Son, she got you there!"

Grumbling, Zhao Chen said, "Daughter, Father will depend on you to defend your Grandmother's honor."

"Nope, won't do it. Someone must directly meet City Lord."

Zhao Qiang whispered to Zhao Chen, "Father relax. Naturally when son rises to Empyrean, he'll defend Granny's honor."

"Qiang'er, Father can only depend on you."

Stilling chuckling, Zhao Wen said, "Fat Shadow continue."

"Young Master, it's best you guard the left flank and deter 5th and 6th companies should they attack."

"Mhm, I'm a little familiar with 6th Company's Lieutenant Cao," answered Zhao Qiang.

"For the right flank, we'll have to depend on Old Master to hold the line."

"The right flank? City Lord's has companies protecting a mountain?"

To the east, was Mt Dragonfall. Savant City in fact was situated between The Great Five Colored River and Mt. Dragonfall.

"Old Lord that's not it. That's the mercenary quarter. Two years ago City Lord contracted the Five Tiger Mercenaries to provide security when necessary. The Five Tigers are all battle hardened Martial Kings."

"Father, how about we switch sides? Son would relish battling five Martial Kings at once."

Zhao Chen patted Zhao Qiang's shoulder. "Not this time, Son. With recent events, Father needs to release some stress."

"Son understands."

In fact, everyone was nodding their heads in understanding.

After suffering the attacks of a supreme Nether Hell King Beast, as well as being somewhat disfigured. Was this not the natural response?

Zhao Jia's eyes actually softened. "Chen'er you relieve yourself well. No need to worry if you rile up all the mercenary companies. Mother will just light them up."

"Mhm! Son loves mother!"

Zhao Wen shook her head. "Fat Shadow, is their anything to be concerned about the road."

"Not anymore. City Lord actually established three secret outposts from here to the prison. Last nite, we quietly took them over. Chief Guard Lu and his Vice Chiefs are manning those outposts now. If need be, they will cover our retreat.

"Good..Good...Good," said Zhao Wen clapping her hands.

"Wen'er, Father thinks he should mention this. What if grandson sees blood and faints like a wuss?"

This?

Clearing her throat, Bai Guang said "Master leave this matter to Disciple. Next to you, doesn't he trust me best? Disciple will distract him when necessary."

Mulling a bit, Zhao Wen said, "We can only go with this. Are there any other concerns.

"What about the manor, who will protect it?" asked Bai Guang.

Suddenly, all the light flickered to edge of being completely snuffed out. A hoarse, cracked voice called out.

"Leave it to me."

Everyone except Bai Guang trembled.

"Little Brother!" exclaimed Zhao Chen.

"Little Six, my son," softly said Zhao Jia.

The Five Shadows fell to their knees.

"Grandfather!" yelled Fat Shadow.

Zhao Wen cupped her hands, "Lord Uncle, you've awakened."

"Children rise. Whomever's the fastest, bring this Old Man some water."

"Small Shadow, Go!!" commanded Fat Shadow.

With a grunt, Small Shadow coalesced into a thin narrow shadow and shot out of the Forbidden Area. Within three breaths, he reappeared with a cup and water jug.

"Great Grandfather, Small Shadow has brought water."

Suddenly, the far wall split open revealing a pitch black hidden chamber.

To Bai Guang's amazement, a thick billowy shadow filtered out to roughly formed into a shape of a man. Small Shadow, immediately ran forward and poured out a cup.

Instead of taking the cup, the man took the jug and proceeded to empty it.

"Ah so refreshing." The shadow patted Small Shadow's head, "You did well child. Eh, you're shadow's strength has actually increased?"

"Grandfather, recently, it was discovered Small Shadow has the Sun Shadow Eclipse Body," proudly offered Fat Shadow.

"Sun Shadow Eclipse Body? You'll have to tell me more about this later."

The Shadowy Man shifted instantly to Zhao Jia. Kowtowing, he said, "Mother...Shadow Six has been unfilial."

Zhao Jia patted his head. Turning her head, she softly said, "Good Good, my youngest son has returned. Rise child."

Shadow Six rose as though he was floating. "These past few days there's been so much noise, it's impossible to sleep. Son wanted to see for himself what all the ruckus was about."

"Lord Uncle, with you being awake, Niece feels reassured about leaving the manor to you."

"Mhm...now where's my Genius Great Nephew? Uncle wants to meet him in person. Ah I see now, he getting dressed. Eh!! Whose that woman manhandling him!? Eh! She's an Empyrean!"

Manhandling?

Gray Shadow's cheek twitched.

Mu Psycho was manhandling Little Brother?

About then minutes prior, Mu Huizhong was helping Tian Cai with his clothes. Currently the Youngest Master was looking curiously at a set of armor.

"So you're saying your Elder Sister conveniently took my measurements while this Young Master was sleeping at the request of my Mother? This armor was in fact procured long ago and I'm to wear it to the prison?"

"Mhm..Huiqing is just passing on In-law's words."

"Don't want to," pouted Tian Cai.

Mu Huizhong jolted originally with surprise. However, not even a breath later, she was covering her mouth in an attempt to control her smile.

This maid's Master, pouting like that....ADORABLE!!

Mu Huizhong had to pat her chest to calm herself down. After a few breaths, she regained composure and asked, "Noble Brother-in-law is there something you don't like?"

Tian Cai nodded furiously and pointed to the helmet. "Firstly, if this Master wears this, his head's going to look like an acorn. Secondly, you think my eyes aren't blind? Isn't the armor's color pink!!!"

"Eh, isn't the color of cherry blossoms pretty? Should you wear it wouldn't you be setting a new trend?"

"Humph! You think this bright lime-green cape will set a trend? This Master doesn't have a brick for brains."

Furiously, Tian Cai gathered the armor set. With a roar he threw the items over the wall. Inconspicuously, the armor set landed within Ling Fan's courtyard.

"Aiya! Noble Brother-in-law that armor was originally purchased via special auction. It was originally commissioned for a Martial King in Ninth Heaven and cost 70 million spirit stones."

"Humph! Even with his eyes gouged out, this Master wouldn't wear pink armor."

Mu Huizhong chuckled. When they had first brought over the armor, didn't she warn them he wouldn't wear it?

Clearing her throat, "Then Noble Brother-in-law, what image would you like to project?"

Tian Cai pointed excitedly, "Ha! That's exactly the type of question my Beauty would ask. Indeed you two are siblings with the same mind."

Tian Cai's eyes misted over as he peered off into the distance.

Beauty where you? Are you safe? Will you ever return to make this Young Master coffee?

Tian Cai's heart wrenched. His sense of loss was deep.

Mu Huizhong's hissed, turning her face.

You...You my older self don't ever let me see you. Calm....Calm..let's set priorities. Make the Hussy have an accident and disappear. End my older self....Marry

Tian Cai said, "Since this Young Master is personally making a trip to the prison to settle Gu Jin's matters....his image should be heroic and noble."

Startled back to reality, Mu Huizhong said, "Ah In-law understands. Then how about we go with these white robes, this black-gold vestment, this white cape....finally this white head band with a coiling silver dragon."

This?

Tian Cai's eyes gleamed brightly. "You-You know my tastes exactly! Quickly, help me!"

It was at this moment, when Mu Huizhong was stripping Tian Cai that Shadow Six's divine sense had found him.

Back in the Forbidden Area.

Zhao Wen said, "Empyrean? Lord Uncle, that one is our In-law Mu Huiqing from Ninth Heaven's Yun Clan."

Shadow Six's figure jolted. "Ah, she's Golden Path's younger sister, Uncle understands now." Motioning to the Shadows, he said, "You all gear up! Little Nephew will be ready soon."

As one, the Shadows cupped their hands and erupted with a resounding, "As Lord commands!"

Whoosh! The shadows burst into various shadows and vanished like smoke.

Shadow Six leaned over to Zhao Wen and whispered. "Uncle didn't want to say earlier....that woman's a little frisky with her hands. She may be trying to steal her Sister's betrothed."

"Mhm...Niece already knows. However, she's confident that her man-child will follow the proper path"

Shadow Six jolted.

Man-child? Bah, it's not this Lord's place to intervene.

Snorting, Shadow Six turned to Zhao Chen, "Big Brother, what's with the outfit. One would think your a assassin and not my honorable brother."

"Disciple you go prepare as well. Be sure to not let Cai'er faint," commanded Zhao Wen.

Bai Guang cupped her hands and quickly disappeared.

Zhao Chen sighed and patted Shadow Six's shoulder. "There's no time to relate the story right now....It would take six jugs of wine to convey everything."

Grumbling, Zhao Jia said, "You two better not be planning on raiding Mother's wine stash. Don't think you won't be discovered. Earlier, Mother asked Fiancé Mu to enhance the formations. Now even a worm will be detected."

Zhao Chen sheepishly scratched his head. "Mother, us Brothers would never steal your wine."

Secretly, behind his back, Shadow Six's hands revealed a small jar of wine. Scooting closer to his brother, he quietly passed it over.

Little Brother would never forget Big Brother.

Zhao Chen's eyes sparkled.

Younger Brother loves me best.

Zhao Wen smiled. If Tian Cai were here, wouldn't the whole family be together?

Followed by Mu Huizhong, Tian Cai made his way to the main gate. Upon seeing everyone he gasped with surprise. Wasn't everyone armed to the teeth and wearing battle armor?

"You all what's this? All Five Shadows are escorting with two sets of weapons and armor. Aren't we just going on a small trip to the prison?"

Fat Shadow chuckled with twitching eyes. "Ah we're hunting vile demon beasts later. In fact, the forest is in the same direction."

Hearing the words vile demon beast, the image of Little Junjie's ugly face came to mind.

Little Killer needs to have his eyes fixed somehow. Do they even have plastic surgery for pigs?

"So it's like that," said Tian Cai. Motioning with his nose to Bai Guang, "What about you Big Sis? You already have your Fire Fist Gloves on and er-uhm are in rather tight fitting armor."

"Mhm. Little Brother sure looks handsome and heroic. While escorting you, is it not Big Sister's duty to match well and convey the same heroic aura?

"Ah so it's like this. Very well open the gates, let us proceed."

Open the Gates!

Behind Tian Cai, the Shadows formed up. Bai Guang took the left flank and Mu Huizhong took the right.

Out of the main hall, stepped out Zhao Jia, Zhao Chen, Zhao Wen and Zhao Qiang.

From deep within the hall, Shadow Six called out. "So that's my Zhao Clan's great genius."

"Mhm...that's my son Zhao Tian Cai."

"Humph! Child better control his potty mouth," said Zhao Jia.

"Super Punk show them your Superman powers," said Zhao Qiang.

"Cai'er you better not faint like a wuss," said Zhao Chen.

Tian Cai looked up to Mu Huizhong, "In-law, your coming too?"

"Mhm, Huiqing wants to take the opportunity to tour Savant City."

Bai Guang leaned over to Tian Cai and whispered, "Big Sis hears Heavenly Tea Pavilion has the best sweets."

Tian Cai smirked, understanding Bai Guang's words.

"What Big Sis wants, she gets."

Bai Guang tousled his hair.

Catching Bai Guang's reaction, Mu Huizhong's eyes bugged.

Kept your frisky hands to yourself!!!

Waving his hand, Tian Cai yelled, "Roll Out!"