Chapter Three: Awaited Arrivals

"Yi Lian! Yi Lian! Look up! There's maidens dancing with fire around them!" Lantern called out. They were in a carriage. It was small and finely painted. The image of clean, careful and spiritual.

Yi Lian was meditating in his seat. He had been dressed in white and silver, grand robes. He looked powerful yet stunning. Yi Vian was sat opposite. She sat in grand white and red robes with a red and gold expensive hairpin Yi Lian had bought her. As a soldier she didn't get to dress up much and she told everyone it was a waist but as soon as the doors shut she thanked Yi Lian over and over with much excitement.

Having gotten no reply, Lantern just carried on talking. "Maybe the Nie Sect's best Prince will greet us." He said slowly.

Yi Lian, "Have you done your studying today?"

Lantern used Yi Lian's trick and stayed quiet from then on.

Yi Vian, "It's been awhile since I served Young Master Nie Asreal, I wonder how he's getting on..."

Yi Lian gave her a light smile. "I'm sure he's well."

They peacefully entered the grand gates. The Nie Sect's cultivators chose a very strange place to set up their Centre. It was next to three mountains with few trees but impressive architecture. The walls and tents had been decorated with flags and nature, unlike its natural, desert like, state.

It was a strange place to set up because it was also the hottest part of the region, almost bone dry yet still held such formality.

Like said, it was a steady journey through the gates and past the Towers filled with Nie Sect disciples until a figure banged on the window and poked their head inside.

"Shijie! Oh and Sect Leader Yi Lian! Pleasure to see you again!"

Yi Lian tutted, "When did I ever see you last?"

Nie Asreal put a hand to his heart and his, already disheveled, hair slanted. "My- Sect leader doesn't remember me, however shall I live on out of your graces?"

The memory wobbled and Yi Lian stopped talking.

Yi Lian, "again?" He echoed.

Nie Asreal gave him a side look. "I'm glad you don't remember more..."

Seeing the smile had disappeared from his face Yi Lian grew concerned.

Yi Lian, "What did you do?"

Nie Asreal pulled something out of the leaves with an ah! "You slapped me three times that day! Here!" And he threw a pouch of dust into Yi Lian's face.

"You told me you'd never want to see me again, that I was the shame the whole of Nie Sect. Oh the hatred in your eyes Yi Lain, but don't worry, you will be out of here soon... night night."

The world went dark.

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Yi Vian, "Good to see your doing well Young Master Nie Asreal."

Nie Asreal was shocked for a moment before falling through the carriage window and into Lantern's lap. Now in the garage, Yi Lian saw him fully. He had the face of mischief but it was also youthfully handsome, the face one could forgive all sins for with one pout or promise. He was tall, wore a black, royal robe with red embroidered flames around the cuffs and train. "Nie Vian- I mean Yi Vian heh... Your back! and look at you, so beautiful, who are you?" Yi Vian smiled softly.

Yi Vian, "Sect Leader, if you cannot remember then I shall aquant you again. This is The Second Young Master of the Nie Sect, also the strongest and most promising cultivator in The Deserted Capital."

Yi Lian saluted him then evaluated Lantern's scared face. "Second Master Nie, I believe there is better seating in this carriage."

Nie Asreal turned his attention to Yi Lian. He looked shocked again until he returned to his mischievous smile. "Alright, I'll choose better seating."

In one quick movement he was on Yi Lian's knee with one leg over the other, looking quite at home.

Yi Lian went red from ear to ear and as soon as Nie Asreal had acquired his new seat it was taken from him… or he was taken from it.

Yi Vian had pulled Nie Asreal next to her in the carriage. "Young Master Nie! I may be used to your antics but Sect Leader is not! He doesn't like people too close." Yi Vian explained quickly.

Nie Asreal looked to Yi Lian again. "So he is your new Master?"

Yi Vian, "Yes. You needn't worry, he is very kind."

Nie Asreal, "And handsome."

Yi Vian burst out laughing as Yi Lian's eyes blew wide open.

Yi Lian schooled his expression and clenched his fist. Nie Asreal saw this movement and smiled even more.

Nie Asreal, "I'm quite handsome don't you think? But Sect Leader Yi is much more handsome."

Yi Vian laughed, "Much, much more"

Nie Asreal poked the back of her head. "Shijie your meant to say, 'No Nie Asreal your handsome too' and then I would say 'You are comparing a Rose to a Orchid."

Yi Vian burst out laughing again, "You have pushed the boundary now Young Master, please hold your tongue."

(a Rose's meaning is of obvious beauty and attractiveness, whereas an Orchid means rare and delicate beauty)

Yi Lian looked down at the floor. Asreal studied him and hummed, "Your Yi Lian is very fun. I think I'll like him for this trip. I'll make sure he really does remember me this time."

Lantern wiped away sweat from his forehead. "I think we're almost here- will they think it's weird that we have Second Young Master Nie here with us-"

When Yi Lian looked up Nie Asreal was gone. He looked out of the other carriage window as the curtains fluttered for a second before drums arose.

"I present; Sect Leader Yi Lian and King of The Isle."

The carriage doors opened and Lantern stepped out to hold the door whilst Yi Lian and Yi Vian walked out onto the Event's grounds.

There stood three men, one remnant of a crow, standing in purple. This was Sect Leader Zhao Chen.

Another with the posture of a timid man holding a fan in front of him with brown, earthy coloured robes, Sect Leader Bai Hua, and finally Nie Yang.

Nie Yang stood hidden behind a small curtain in a small thrown area, being shielded from the sun with his three sons outside. Nie Asreal smiled and gave the group a small wave.