Chapter 20 (part one)

In the corner of the street stood a luxurious carriage craved with beautiful floral patterns.

I greet the flower the coachman greeted cherry.

In the carriage sat Jim, Anne and the old master.

So how have you been?

I am fine thank you for your concern.

Here are the deeds.

Who might this be? The old master asked.

Why aren't you introducing yourself? Ruffling his hair.

My name is Yunqi.

Yunqi, What a nice name.

Thank you.

Can we stop by a boutique or something? He needs new clothes she said whiles pointing at Yunqi.

I think I will sit with the coachman. I am sorry for soiling the seats. He said. The whole time he had been sitting on the edge of the seat.

Make yourself comfortable.

Cherry said.

Thank you, master.

Cherry flicked his head.

I mean cherry.

What a well-behaved child.

Master, there is something we have to tell you. We have spent over 3284 red spirit stones.

Jim said with a straight face.

Is it even possible to spend a lot of money? The air around began to freeze.

Here is how we spent the money.

He handed the papers to cherry.

Little spirit can you become a necklace?

No one noticed that the bracelet on her wrist ceased to exist.

From beneath the neckline of her garment. A green necklace was seen.

She prepped the papers in front of her and pretend to read while little Spirit read out loud for her to hear.

I get it you made more than you spent.

Ethereal Pristine, what a good Idea. She clapped whiles swaying her upper body from left to right.

There are a few things we have to do.

On the is a store that sells pets and perfumes. We also have to pick up some orders. If you do not mind we will do that before going to the pet Store. Miss, we are almost there Jim who sat outside the carriage said.

Do whatever you please. They rode the carriage until they reached a boutique.

Cloud city was a very busy place. Many people were going in and out of the city. In every corner of the city were soldiers patrolling and questioning people. It seemed like the security was tightened.

Cherry and Yunqi got off the carriage. All the servants who came along stopped and bowed before returning to their tasks. Cherry went up to the front desk of the boutique.

Behind her followed Jim.

Good morning, How may I help you?

Good morning I am looking for fine robes for him.

As soon as the lady saw Jim behind her. She arranged for the best tailor to take the child's measurements and led them up to a lounge.

In the lounge, they were served tea whiles Yunqi's measurements were taken.

Yunqi was dressed in fine garments. As the kind lady dressed Yunqi another brought in the order Jim had made. It was for Cherry a light pink dress it was simply stunning.

Madam, would you please change this?

What colour is it?

Pink

Pink?

I wished it was green. At least it is better than nothing the clothes she currently wore are dirty. So she went into the changing room when the assistants of the boutique followed her.

Shall we help you change your clothing?

No cherry said refusing help.

She came out wearing the same black cape.

Would the miss like to take off her cape?

No, I shall take my leave. They left the boutique.

On the way back to the carriage Cherry heard a voice very familiar to her.

She turned in the direction of that voice.

Hello, she waved. She hastened her steps and walked forward. to them.

Such a coincidence she touched the hands of the voice.

Do you know this person? A more masculine voice said.

No, I do not she gently shook off the person's hands.

Cherry was confused this voice belonged to Poppy, Poppy would NEVER say she did not know what was going on. But she decided to play along.

I am so sorry your voice sounded like my sister's. Cherry said excusing herself.

What an optimistic girl the man beside her smiled.

Cherry run! ! A voice that belonged to Poppy echoed in her mind.

Poppy had told her to leave, so she must, but why?

Cherry began to think of all possible reasons.

she went back to the carriage she would find out about tomorrow morning.

Poppy knows what she is doing and has plans. She soothed herself, she knew Poppy was bright on the outside but inside she planned every step, and move, calculating all possibilities accurately. A big similarity between Poppy and Cherry. Poppy like cherry only feels safe if they are in control of the situation with at least three backup plans.

She sat down and began to cultivate. Some hours had passed and was nearing the late afternoon. Yunqi was fast asleep resting his head on Cherry's lap. Her head rested on her hand which leaned on the window edge. She stayed in this position ever since they had gone shopping and for lunch. It was when she was tapped by A finger that woke her up.

Miss some soldiers would like to ask you a few questions and insist you come to the department. Jim said.

Why?

Miss, can you repeat it?

Why? Cherry said a bit louder.

They are investigating a few cases.

I am not interested.

Ma'am, it is not a matter of interest but a statement of law that ensures the safety and well-being of the residents of cloud city.

What about my well-being is there a law about that? I was woken up from my sleep and am required to think.

The soldier was baffled by this remark and felt a little sorry.

They are just questions.

Then be quick.

For the investigation, we must go to the crime centre.

Is it far?

no, it is not but you will have to get off the carriage.

inner cherry was the edge of a mental breakdown. Milk tea had run off somewhere. Little spirit was cultivating. If she summoned a golem the situation might get worse. They are bound to look at my record.

Miss Jim called her back.

She put Yunqi in a different position.

Do not offend but do not fear she mumbled to herself. With a big stride, she exited the carriage with her head high when she missed the small stair and fell onto the floor before anyone could offer a hand she quickly got up dusted her clothing and continue walking whiles chanting in her head do not ask or say anything.

The soldier led the way.

When they arrived Jim and the guards were stopped at the door.

Jim nodded to cherry and stuffed a fan in her hand. At the entrance, many guards came out. To escort Cherry back inside. She was taken to the third floor of the department.

Miss take a seat and make yourself comfortable.

The soldier opened the door and pointedly at the sofa.

Does the Miss have any Tea and snack preferences?

Anything is fine.

The soldier closed the door and left. Before he comes back I should probably take a seat.

Cherry quickly crafted a long Ice stick and used it to tap the ground. She moved when she found nothing to be there. In less than ten minutes she was sitting on the couch. On the couch, there were many very soft Pillows. Cherry loved the texture of the pillow so much that she thought of keeping it for herself. But she knew that would be stealing.

Cherry was getting bored no one came time was passing. Cherry continued cultivating.

After an hour, the soldier finally came back with tea.

Oh, I am so sorry for the delay there were some delays. Another soldier behind began to put the snack on the table and poured the tea.

The soldier took a seat opposite a cherry. Cherry was already in a bad mood.

So do you like tea?

Yes

What a beautiful day do you have any plans?

Not anything special they had only asked two questions yet Cherry was irritated. She didn't have patience for such things, they should stop hiding around the bush. She still wanted to visit the pet shop.

Cherry helped herself to the snacks whiles answering the questions with yes or no.

Do you have a favourite technique?

No

Miss, how has your stay in cloud city been?

Boring

A knock came from the door but this didn't stop cherry from eating the snacks and putting some of them in her pocket.

Cherry, you have to stop but she couldn't

The officer opposite her got up to änder the door.

Sir the officer saluted the man at the door.

I heard you had time on this case. The man whispered.

Hello miss! The man stretched out his hand for a shake but cherry was focused on the pastries they were delicious.

A little embarrassed he retreated his hand and sat down.

I heard you enjoy pastries here are some pastries from downtown. He said opening the box and pushing it to her the smell caught her attention and she took a bite. Whiles eating she noticed a medicinal smell there was something in the pastries in all of them. Not to cause more suspicion she had suppressed her cultivation. She normally regulated her Qi and realised the pastries were filled with drugs so she continue eating but she couldn't identify all of them.

Option one pretend nothing has happened

Option two fight them head and sue them for poising

Option three just leaving

Ideas began to flood cherry's mind.

Until she decided I will give them what they want.

Let us stop cutting around the bush what do you want? Tell me the case and I might help you.

What do you possibly know? The officer who had served the snacks said.

I have a few guards who are brilliant at investigating.

She is the officer who launched an attack on cherry. When the heat touched cherry she flinched backwards and realised they are not from our realm there had a lot of cases with people from the middle realm. This man's smell was similar to the man beside Poppy cherry realised with shock. Her prior fear vanished. The temperature dropped the tea was frozen and the door too.

In a loud voice, cherry said

What is your relationship with Poppy?

Poppy, was confused

Cherry sat Back down this was of no use. She freezes the officer and threw him out of the window taking him back home. The Shadow guards caught him.

You can't just take him.

He is a suspect.

My name is li Rayo the man said and then snapped his fingers. With that cherry fell asleep. She was carried to the basement by the man.

The shadow guards could do nothing about it

When she woke up Cherry sat on a chair and her hands were cuffed with cuffs that refrained one from using any sort of technique. In front of her was a table and on the other side sat a total of ten soldiers some noting down what she did and others what she said.

Before we can start. Can you please take off your veil and hood?

No, I can not.

You have no choice li rayu said

My hands are cuffed. Cherry rattled the cuffs before them.

You have three seconds with that the cuffs released themselves. Cherry took a deep breath. If something happens I will just fight them head on this is a world where strong ruled. Let us just hope that there is not much difference in our ranks She sighed.

She took off her hood and veil.

Everyone's eyes were glued onto her appearance she seemed like an otherworldly beauty. She set the definition of beauty to a whole new level.

cough cough the cuffs cuffed her hands. Cherry had already weighed the con and pros and it was better to answer everything truthfully.

you may sit.

Please answer the following truthfully and as shortly as possible.

Name

Cherry Blossom Qing.

Social standing

8th daughter of the Qing manor Oh we seem to have a little princess li rayu clapped his hands. The rumours seem false.

The rumours cherry rolled her eyes.

Please do not call me that cherry said.

Why not? Almost every lady of the Qing manor has a royal title.

It was true every child of the current generation had a prince/ss title except Mara.

Cherry remembered the day she had gone with her grandma and father to the palace to be given that title. If you do anything wrong out of place. I will drown you in the well fish you out and let the wolfs feed on your body. Her grandma had said before they entered the palace.

You do not seem suspicious. Li rays said

Do you wish to learn under my tutelage it would be an honour for me to have a talented student?

No

Wait

Think about it.

Cherry nodded she didn't like him but knew his thoughts were genuine. She went out of the building and boarded her ride.

...

The carriage in motion came to a halt. Where it stopped, at a small shop that was an ant in front of its neighbours. These neighbours were giant buildings. The people coming in and out of the other shops were dressed in fine robes. They walked and talked with elegance. Most of their faces were behind fans however all shifted their gaze towards the carriage. The carriage is simply embedded with pearls but somehow simple.

Who is that? A lady inside a neighbouring restaurant said.

Just some country brat. a lady opposite her said.

outside of the restaurant was a scholar, he observed the carriage.

But if there was someone simple in it would they bring that many guards?

The scholar said, ruffling his hair.

Miss, we are almost there Jim who sat outside the carriage said.

We are here Jim said opening the carriage door and offering his hand.

It was when a hand wearing a green glove stuck out. Suddenly more guards appeared preventing one from seeing who got off.

Why are they entering legendary beasts?

The scholar rolled his eyes when saying legendary.

Who are you talking to an elderly woman said.

No one, He looked at his hands, Then turned his gaze to the woman.

Youth always fantasize he said with a smile.

The lady looked at him in surprise I was about to say how did the no she shook her head and left.

Miss, we are almost there Jim who sat outside the carriage said. Cherry had listened to the conversation between the lady and the scholar and smiled. Today was a brilliant day she was at the market with Jim learning about the different kinds of foods she bought many ingredients.

Are you still hesitant to continue alchemy? Milk tea on her shoulder said.

No why should I

Then could you buy the Yue pill for me? Milk tea said cuddling himself up to cherry trying to look cute when he realized it wouldn't work.

Cherry, you are almost like a mother to me would please grant me this wish of mine?

Cherry couldn't say no when he put it like that. Unwillingly she asked.

Where will I get it and how much?

On Wednesday the cloud auction house is hosting an auction where they are bidding it.

How much roughly? Cherry massaged her temples it was hard to satisfy Milk tea sometimes, but it was even harder to live without him. She sighed.

Well, the bid starts at 10 red spirit stones. He said quietly.

What!

Milk tea what does the Yue pill even do is that hard to refine? Cherry almost yelled.

Yunqi who was sitting beside her flinched to the other side of the seat whiles Anne and the old master asked what had angered her.

Someone wants me to purchase The Yue pill.

Yue Pill Anne looked at Cherry in shock.

All the big families from all around the continent are coming to purchase it. The old master said.

Why?

If appropriately consumed it can boost cultivation speed for A week help you rise a Rank and sharpen your senses. Legend as it can improve your innate Grade. It is refined by the Dao fairy .who lives in primordial lands, her daughter sided with rebels who are against the Jade emperor. Thus, compensation was required to sell a few items to the lower realm, a place she hates.

I want it a voice that belonged to the egg rang in her mind.

Maybe it can help.

She was happy when she realized she couldn't afford it.

Master, you do not have to be sad didn't you say you know a bit of alchemy and refining?

I do Cherry's expression lit up.

Here are a lot of recipes on how to refine some pills perhaps you can sell them for money and I also should have a stock of pills. Little spirit said.

But could you give me one of the pills?

Sure.

We are here Jim said opening the carriage door and offering his hand.

On the street were many big shops, but their goal was a shop that look a little dilapidated. The shop had a hole in its roof a small hole.

The figure entered the shop as soon as she entered a sudden bell was heard coming from the in surprise Cherry looked at the door corner.

Hello, how may I help? A lady of old age asked. The lady's eyes were fixed on the book in front of her occasionally flipping the pages and writing into it. On the desk were also a few pouches of money.

Jim thought the lady was busy and waited for some time. But the lady did not even look at them. Jim took a step forward good day ma'am I am looking for the owner of this shop.

Here I am the lady looked at Jim.

Some days ago I met him before, he could finish his sentence the man Jim knew came in from the back door.

There are no Leads Maybe there is a mistake in the records. The man said looking at his wife.

Hello sir do you remember me?

The man who was busy talking to his wife looked at him but quickly continued his conversation. It was a minute later that he was by an idea. This is my benefactor.

Benefactor where did you go?

May I invite you to stay for Dinner?

Oh, no sir I would be asking for too much. All I want to ask is if my boss can take a look at the spirit beast here.

Oh, of course, there are even spirit eggs on sale.

Are there some that have already hatched? Jim knew his mistress had a special link to nature, but he didn't know what kind of link. Is she fond of them or … . Well we will see.

Jim wanted to know everything about other people and would only feel safe knowing their strengths and weak points.

Normally they are not for show and can not be chosen. But since you have brought your boss. He winked and let out a light chuckle.

Cherry's hands that hid in her garment sleeves moved.

Master, you unlocked a seal. Little Spirit said, putting down the herbs in his hands.

I sealed myself from hearing the animals and plants. So I unsealed that seal.

Now even the ants on the floor were all heard, sometimes it was a bother, especially ants. People often stepped on them causing them to die. Cherry always felt bad, when such happened because she could have warned the person, but she was never on time.

They were led, to a separate room where Cherry could hear the different Beast. In the corner of the room, cherry could hear a mix of voices.

We need to leave.

I have no clue where that fool has run off.

But what if he is taken away by those bad guys

What if we are next?

Cherry went to where they were discussing and began petting a rabbit.

She had a feeling it was related to Poppy. A bad feeling.

Can I have some time alone with the spirit beast?

No, a boy said.

With this statement, I am taking you to the office of crime. The boy walked closer to cherry.

Cherry flinched back. She didn't like the office of crime what if they found she has stolen bread on several occasions?

Will I be sentenced to life?

Hmm, are you guilty?

Raya, can you get a piece of patched paper? We have to write our guesses.

Now, It is enough. The owner said.

But grandfather, this was all planned. Three days after little nine is stolen. Someone offers to pay our debts comes back and wants to be alone with the other spirit beast.

Even though it didn't make much sense. The owner began to speculate.

May I ask what happened Cherry asked.

Nothing that concerns you.

Would you mind leaving, we are closing early. the owner smiled at Cherry.

After that sentence was uttered time began to slowly freeze.

Cherry moved to where the spirit beast was chatting and asked?

What happened? This was Cherry's business she had to find out. her curiosity was taking over her reason.

The Spirit beast had told her about the weird occasions and cases going on. Amongst this was the case of the stolen nine-tailed fox and the personal story of the owner.

Ten years ago a friend of the owner used his house as collateral to retrieve from a mysterious loan giver. For some time the owner was not aware of this contract since he had signed it whiles drunk. Five years later the loan shark came for the collateral, his friend was nowhere to be found. The record stated such a person had never existed, nor did his family. Which to this day was never paid. Many of the residents seemed to know his friend and owed many people money.

Before they could drive them out. Cherry purchased a few perfumes. No who is he kidding she bought almost all the perfumes in stock.