Hidden Forces

Later that evening, it took a long while for Tian Cai to fall asleep. The bunny decided to use his chest as its bed. It shifted for hours until it found a comfortable position. In fact that was the problem. Half its butt was on Tian Cai's face. Adding to his sorrow, Tian Cai also discovered the bunny snored. The only solace he had was the rabbit didn't stink like a certain Teacher he knew.

Eventually, Tian Cai decided to spend time with Fei Hung. Ever since his little brother suffered the backlash, Tian Cai had actually been visiting every day. In Fei Hung's den, he found a pillow and blanket, then created a comfortable spot for his brother.

Sitting down gently next to Fei Hung, he treated him like a comatose patient. First he would tell him how is day went. Then, he would he would activate the memory jade and play their Mother's memories.

"Soon, Big Brother will take you to Shadow Hell Forest. Near there is an order of monks that know how to heal spiritual injuries. Big Brother swears to find a cure. Little Brother, you're not going to believe this....In order to fulfill a promise, Big Brother is being forced to take a pervert, horny boar and let him loose in that forest for a month. Big Brother, sincerely hopes he's nothing like Teacher. If you remember, the first time we met, the crazy pig actually was humping my leg. Humph! There both perverts...how does your Big Brother meet those weirdos?"

Like this Tian Cai spoke openly with Fei Hung.

"Big Sis Bai is getting prettier and prettier...even those crazy eyes of hers are starting to look good..."

"Sister-in-law, I finally forgave her....recently, she protected our family well and Big Brother just couldn't be angry anymore....Sometimes she's a little frisky though.."

"One day, Beauty will return. And one day, you'll have a real body...we'll be one happy family. Beauty makes the best coffee...."

"Recently, Big Brother made a true friend. Her name is Ling Hua...would you believe she's the Ling Clan's number one beauty and a hidden bodyguard. Like me she's a foreigner and likes coffee....however where she's from, they call it kaffe....how strange is that?"

Finally after an hour, Tian Cai sighed. "Little Brother, recover quickly. Big Brother misses you. Mom, misses you...Your family is waiting for you....always.."

Tian Cai woke up to the fresh small of joe. As he opened his eyes, a happy smile broke across his face. However, when his bleary eyes focused, his face blackened.

Is that little f*cker drinking my coffee!?

Indeed, the bunny was drinking his coffee. In fact, he was almost finished.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!" roared Tian Cai. He was about to jump up and kick the bugger when a beam flashed and burned a hole just below his crotch.

Tian Cai hissed.

Veins popping all over his face, Tian Cai smiled, "Hee...Little Lord...looks like you're almost finished..How about another cup, Mhm?"

The bunny nodded in affirmative.

"Ha! We'll have a fresh cup brewed right away! Sister-in-law!!"

As if things, couldn't get any worse, Zhu Shensheng appeared with Junjie.

"Good Morning Big Brother! How did you sleep?" snorted Shensheng.

Mu Huizhong appeared. "Noble Brother-in-law you called?"

"Sorry to trouble you but our Little Lord here likes coffee as well. Can you brew two more cups?"

Mu Huizhong's eyes narrowed and her hands twitched as though she was going to pull out her golden ruler and pulverize the rabbit.

Taking several deep breaths, she said, "Of course! Anything for his Lordship."

Unbeknownst to Tian Cai, he wasn't the only person having a bad morning.

In Zhao Jia's courtyard, Zhao Wen was conferring with her Grandmother. Taking a sip of tea, Zhao Wen asked, "So you are asking for monies to nurture a hidden force?"

"Mhm, recently Grandmother recruited some talented people in the city. In fact, they are the ones to discover Di Clan's presence in Savant City."

"So, they captured Di Bao's younger brother Di Feng and interrogated him. Then you killed him. Then why look for my Disciple?"

"They aren't a strong force...therefore they disguised themselves as Zhao Clan members."

"Grandmother...that's not right! What if she had been alone? Wouldn't we already be planning her funeral by now?"

"Indeed you are right. However, their actions did prove to be prudent. In addition, would we have not experienced the joy in killing so many Di Clan youths in one go?"

"Who is their leader?"

"She is called the Wine Master and I am the Duchess."

"It's a woman?" asked Zhao Wen with a raised eyebrow.

"Naturally," replied Zhao Jia.

Striding into the courtyard, Zhao Chen said, "Mother, Daughter how are things?"

Zhao Jia's eyes narrowed. Long ago she had become familiar with Zhao Chen's mannerisms when he had difficult news to divulge. Despite him wearing a mask and hood, she just noticed a slight tremble in his hand.

"Humph! Chen'er just say it."

Understanding Zhao Jia's reference, Zhao Wen straightened in her seat. "Father, have you done something again?"

If one could look beneath Zhao Chen's mask, they would see he was sweating non-stop.

Clearing his throat, he said, "Mother, today the sunlight on your skin radiates your beauty in all directions. Daughter, the way you led our forces earlier makes Father proud."

"Say it."

"Father, stop delaying."

"Well you know, a few days ago, when Father stopped the Five Tiger Mercenaries...He was able to recruit the Chief of the Five Tiger Mercenaries. We bonded over drinks, specifically over 300 year old aged fire wine. Brother Hu lamented how his Five Tiger Mercenaries had no intention of attacking our Zhao Clan. In fact, long ago he wanted to approach us secretly and declare their allegiance."

"Chen'er are you saying you recruited a Hidden Force?"

"Mother is correct."

"Father, this is the good news...what's the bad?"

"Wen'er Father loves you best...."

"Father, what did you do?"

"If you recall, Father didn't return home till late the next day. That 300 year old Fire Wine was much stronger then Father remembered. In fact, Father can't remember much that happened over the night."

Whoosh!

Zhao Jia pulled out the Heavenly Punishing Stick and flame started sparking on each of the weapon's spikes.

"Chen'er, don't make Mother beat it out of you. Say what you came to say."

Knees wobbling, Zhao Chen said, "In-In the morning when I woke...there was a woman in the bed. Turns out she's Brother Hu's younger sister Hu Jiao. Just before the banquet last night, Brother Hu brought her over and demanded justice. Miss Hu appears to be pregnant."

Eh!!!

Several breaths later, Zhao Qiang strode into Zhao Jia's courtyard. He knew things were bad when he found his Father kneeling before his Grandmother. His natural instinct was to turn around and leave the manor until things quieted down.

However, before he could implement his plan, Zhao Wen said, "Big Brother, it's good you're here. There's something Father needs to say to you."

Zhao Qiang's face blackened.

Father what did you do now!?

"Qiang'er it's like this..." Zhao Chen began to confess his indiscretion.

A few breaths later, Zhao Qiang was making potholes in the ground. Punching, he blurted, "Unbelievable!!"

Zhao Jia was sipping wine while raking the Heavenly Punishing Stick across the grounds. Sparks continuously flared. Not even moments ago she had turned a series of shrubs into ashes.

Sighing, for the third time, Zhao Wen asked, "Father...you're absolutely sure you're the father?"

While keeping an eye on the Heavenly Punishing Stick, Zhao Chen replied, "Father checked. Just before arriving here, Father took Miss Hu over to the temple where they performed the blood resonance test. Indeed, you should be expecting a new brother or sister."

Through gritted teeth, Zhao Wen asked, "Now, are you planning on remarrying and replacing my honorable mother!?"

Boom!

Zhao Qiang had smashed both fists into ground. Before him was now a small crater. "No-No-No! Father, Son will never forgive you if you remarry!"

"Father you are even asking for money's to nurture her brother and his mercenaries as a secret hidden force?"

"Wen'er, would you want your sibling to starve? It's Father's duty to raise the child well. Never, will this Zhao abandon his family like your Grandfather."

Abruptly, Zhao Jia stood up. Pointing the stick, she said, "You dare mention that good for nothing? Huh!?"

"Son was wrong! Son was wrong!"

Zhao Wen looked away. "Father, how do we explain this to Cai'er?"

"Grandson?"

Zhao Qiang groaned, standing up. "Father, son can't believe he's going to have another sibling."

Just then a servant came in.

Bowing, he said, "Matriarch, Youngest Master is asking for Old Master and Young Master. He desires to plan the excursion to Shadow Hell Forest."

Shadow Hell Forest!!

Zhao Chen stood up, "Wen'er what's this about?"

Eyebrows inverting, Zhao Jia hissed, "Did Mother allow you to rise?"

Gulping air, Zhao Chen immediately collapsed back to his knees.

Grumbling, Zhao Qiang asked, "Little Sister, why does Super Punk want to visit that forbidden place?"

Snorting, Zhao Wen, "Sister hasn't said anything but there are some things you two don't know. That bunny is not our Zhao Clan's Godkiller. Truly it is a beast that just fell from the sky. Earlier at the prison, Cai'er did summoned the real Godkiller, however...however he suffered a spiritual blacklash."

"What!"

"How could you not say so!!" roared Zhao Chen.

"Shut up!" snarled Zhao Jia. "Does he go on drunken escapades like you and then bring home unknown woman?"

"Little Sister, Nephew...how-how is he?"

"His physical strength hasn't been affected which is why visibily one cannot notice his injury. Earlier, Sister took him to the Temple to ask the Grandmaster to heal him. Vice Master Jun clarified the Grandmaster is unable to help him. Outside of Shadow Hell Forest is a special order of monks. They have the means to heal Cai'er. However, only males may enter. Thus, we need to determine who can escort Son safely."

This?

"Sister, Big Brother will go get Nephew, we'll go right away."

"Humph! Grandson, you think you can just go? You're 30 day delay of the duels is about up. Soon you will be obligated to duel."

Zhao Qiang smacked his fists together. "Humph! I'll just fight them all right now."

"That may not be necessary. Go talk things with Cai'er, he may not want to leave so soon."

"Little Sister, Big Brother swears to take care of this!" Zhao Qiang immediately turned and ran out.

"Mother, Daughter, shouldn't I go as well?"

"Oh you wanna go? Mother will be happy to let you go. Of course only after she BEATS YOU!!!" roared Zhao Jia.

"Mother, No!!! Son was wrong!"

Suddenly, the Heavenly Punishing Stick flared and Zhao Chen screamed. Not even a moment later, his mask shattered as his face was imprinted into the Heavenly Punishing Wall.

Zhao Wen looked away as her Grandmother started a severe beating.