A Master's Woe

"There you are Master Zhen. I was afraid I was mever going to catch up with you."

Atop the sky, Qiyue caught up with her master as she rode her ice guandao.

Blocking her disciple's path, Zhen standiy on top of her sword gave an expression far from welcoming, Zhen's demeanor should be enough to clue Qiyue in that she does not want her to come in this expedition. To make it perfectly clear, Zhen told her firsthand.

"Qiyue, you are not coming with me on this mission. Turn back. Now."

"Why, master!? I can be of help in making short work of those spirit beasts!" Qiyue reasoned.

A reason why Zhen chose not to have Qiyue tag along, Qiyue is ill fitted to encounter these Divine Beasts. Zhen knew her disciple well, if there's an opportunity for conflict, Qiyue will grab the chance to turn a situation into a bloodbath. Gone was the zealous disciple Zhen took in who only wanted power to make Zhen proud. Perhaps this persona was inside Qiyue all along, and it was the cultivation she achieved under Zhen's tutelage that brought it out.

"Last week you beat a man from the Piercing Spears sect near death. Yesterday there is news of you slaughtering disciples from the Earth Abode sect."

They are immortals, Zhen had belief in Qiyue that she can move past this bloodthirstiness and reach the same zen as her. Even if the wisdom she accumulated over the eons practically screamed to cut ties with Qiyue, through thick and thin she will stick with her disciple but punishment must be doled out when it is necessary.

The upset Qiyue reasoned, "That piercing spear bastard told me he is the better spearmaster, so I beat the shit out of him to prove I need no spear to best him! And those Earth Abode punks!? They bumped me without even apologizing!"

"I shall not listen to anymore of your excuses, Qiyue. Return to the court, and help Bao at the library. This is an order from your master."

Qiyue's glare found their way into Daji in her human form, also flying on top of an ordinary blade.

"Who even the fuck is this bitch!? You're taking her with you but not me!?"

Bitch!? Daji will not stand for this disrespect, even if this little brat is Zhen's disciple.

"Careful, brat. You don't know who you're messing with. Your master is telling you to leave, be a good little disciple and follow her orders." Daji taunted, returning Qiyue's glare with her own.

"You cunt! I'll slice you into pieces for daring to talk back!"

Ice solidified in Qiyue's right hand, manifesting a masterwork polearm. Qiyue's lips twist into manic smile. Her eyes more than just a glare, within them lies the hunger for Daji's blood.

Right before Qiyue could charge Daji, Zhen intervened. The back of Zhen's hand slammed into Qiyue's cheek so hard, Zhen slapped the bloodlust of Qiyue.

"Back to the Court. Now! Do not test me, Qiyue."

Qiyue held her cheek. Why, why can't her master see that she only wanted to help!? Qiyue gave Daji one last stare sharper than any dagger before retreating.

With that, the Zhen and Daji resumed their flight.

"Your disciple, she's got quite the mouth on her." Daji commented.

"I know. On behalf of her master, please forgive this one's unruly disciple."

There was no need for Daji to bring ruin to Zhen, her very own disciple will be Zhen's demise. Therefore, Daji warned.

"Zhen, that disciple of yours will be your own undoing. Heed my warning."

"That is a possibility, but perhaps I can guide her out of this murderous rut. I believe in my disciple."

Daji sighed. What the hell does this Divine Beast know about disciplehood? She has never taken one when all she did through the ages is focus on her own cultivation and hoarding wealth, is it truly this complicated?

Soon, they had arrived near the forest's outskirts.

A stop where traders gather before hauling the soul cores and spirit beasts they caught into various cities.

But instead of finding a settlement bustling with trade, Zhen and Daji witnesses the remains of buildings smote into the ground. Ashes all around. Zhen kneeled to examine the dust with her finger. It is cold, the traces of qi now fading, its been weeks since this attack happened. And yet the strength of the cultivator's qi remained potent even as it's on the brink of disappating.

A vicious fire that can match Zhen's ice. It's been while since she had the chance to clash with a foe like this, almost as if she's going head to head with another seat member. Zhen smiled, these Divine Beasts truly are a force to be reckoned with.

Speaking of, Zhen glanced behind to Divine Beast in her company.

"Who do you think harbors the more dangerous fire, you or the Divine Beast that did this?"

"When we fought, I'll have you know that I did not use the full intensity of my flame on you because I like you. With the nine of my tails, my fox fire will burn brighter and hotter than the Phoenix that did this, I can tell you that much."

Such confidence from Daji made Zhen smile. Definitely the answer she expected from her lover, and info to boot on who did this. As someone from Wodan, Daji's insight couldn't be more spot on.

"So, we are dealing with a Phoenix?"

"Indeed, her name is Zhuque. One of Wodan's four Guardians." Daji scoffed after the mention of the Phoenix's name. "Unlike the other three, Zhuque is drawn to power, perhaps you two might get along when you cross paths."

Plenty of ladies flock towards Zhen with the beauty and power she possessed. Daji agreed to become a part of Zhen's harem, but her instinct to become jealous does appear from time to time. Ah, but this agreement comes at a cost...

Zhen closed in on Daji, offering her a pleasant smile.

"You know our agreement, I would never take in another harem member unless you agree with it."

It was Daji's terms, a reminder that it wasn't all about Zhen. That it wasn't just Zhen's harem, it was their harem.

Daji's tail pulled Zhen close, their lips almost touching. Daji smiled.

"Good, because there is no way we are going to add that woman to our harem."

And thus, Daji's lips touched Zhen's own.

+++

Wodan forest, its trees and fauna lush while deep within, those that towered over their beastial brethren formed a civilization of their own.

In the heart of the forest, there is a city made from the natural growth of trees, bending and contorting to form habitation resembling designs made by the humans. Imagine the mightiest oak, taking in the form a pagoda as it grew, such was the mysticism and wonder of this forest. What the humans had to build by hand, the forest of Wodan gave to its inhabitants.

Natural grown buildings abound, Zhen and Daji strolled in the wonders of Wodan's verdant streets, a mingling of trees and building populated by both humanoid and pure spirit beasts.

"They are all staring, perhaps they are enraptured by this human's beauty?"

"Sure, Zhen, let's go with that." Daji chuckled as they walked side by side, Zhen knew the real reason. The senses of a spirit beasts are keen, although concealed, Zhen's bearing couldn't be more closer than that of an apex predator, turning into prey any spirit beasts that would even think of daring to antagonize.

"Perhaps I should've taken a disguise? Nay, I am planning to storm where these four guardians are congregating, no need for trickery."

The boldness of her lover curved Daji's lips. Right now, she would accompany Zhen even if the destination is hell itself. But before that...

"Then how about we drink first before we face these four guardians head on?"

A drink before a climactic battle might sound ominous but Zhen respected her lover's resolve, it's not like Zhen planned for either of them to perish, Zhen thought of this mission as a vacation of some sort. A vacation where you need to battle four of the strongest divine beasts and ensure the safety of humanity. Zhen smiled. No pressure at all.

"Let us. You know a place? I shall follow your lead."

Daji linked her arms with her lover, all nine of her tails swaying with joy, "Sure do, I know all the best places here in Wodan. Come, let us enjoy ourselves before the clash."