The Fearless Gang Sect

THE NEXT DAY, Zhan Sheng marched into his father's office determination set in every step. The walls were adorned with intricate paintings and tapestries depicting ancient battles and scenes of prosperity. The wooden furniture was carved with such detail that it seemed almost alive, and the scent of sandalwood filled the air. He walked towards the large desk where his father sat, feeling small under the weight of his father's disapproving gaze.

Zhan Wei's yamen[1] reflected power and status, and Zhan Sheng could feel it in every inch of the room. Zhan Sheng thought of the kisses he shared with Lei Bo by the stream, his first kiss and he felt his face grow hot. Lei Bo had been wanton and pink beneath him, stuttering and flushing with each breath trying to shove Zhan Sheng away, but Zhan Sheng had held him close.

Now was the time and he wouldn't take no for an answer.

The omega had been so embarrassed that he didn't recognize when his heat was coming, but Zhan Sheng didn't care. All he wanted to do was hold Lei Bo, nuzzle deep within his warmth, and never leave. They traded kisses for several hours before Lei Bo had to leave and Zhan Sheng let him, not sure if he could control himself if Lei Bo stayed.

Zhan Sheng fidgeted in his seat as he faced his father. Over the years his father had allowed some of his devil's features to show, his ears were slightly pointy, and his canines sharper than normal, but he still retained his human aura. He felt like Zhan Wei's eyes were drilling a hole in his head, almost as if he knew what his son had been up to. Zhan Sheng cleared his throat, he had come to request something that he knew would not be easily granted. But he had to try.

"Father, I have been thinking," Zhan Sheng began, trying to keep his voice steady. "I have decided that I want to marry Lei Bo."

Zhan Wei raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback by his son's request. "Lei Bo? But he is too old for you. You deserve a young omega who can bear you strong and healthy pups."

Zhan Sheng's heart sank. He knew his father wouldn't approve, but he had hoped for a more sympathetic response. "I didn't want anyone else, Father," he said firmly. "Lei Bo was the only one I desired."

Zhan Wei let out a sigh. "Zhan Sheng, you know I cannot agree to this… there are things you don't know about him. Things you may never understand and it goes against tradition and would bring shame to our family."

"I already know what they say about him," Zhan Sheng replied. He wasn't deaf and blind to the rumors circulating about the Snake Poison sect. Lei Bo was a disgraced omega, cast out by the sect leader Lei Xun at the time for not wanting to become one of his concubines.

"Then you'll know, the Zhangmen of Snake Poison is never wrong, Lei Bo as an omega should have submitted to his alpha and did his duty."

"I disagree," Zhan Sheng snarled. "Lei Bo is his own person, why should he have to bow when Lei Xun says so?"

"Because this is the way things are done," Zhan Wei sighed through his nose. "Lei Bo is much older than you, and he carries a lot more baggage than you think. Turn it from your thoughts. Prove yourself worthy in the competition and think of nothing else."

Zhan Sheng clenched his jaw. He couldn't accept that answer. He had to do something. "Then let me prove myself, Father," he said, desperation creeping into his voice. "I'll compete in the martial arts tournament next month and if I win, I'll ask Lei Bo to marry me."

"And if I say no?" Zhan Wei's expression was thunderous, his lips thinned into a hard line.

"I'll lose on purpose," Zhan Sheng replied, stubbornly. On this, he would not bend, either Lei Bo would be his or the Burning Fire sect would never come to glory. He knew it was Zhan Wei's dream to the sect excel beyond all expectations.

Zhan Wei raised an eyebrow, considering his son's proposal but his face darkened considerably, and a shadow of disappointment and dismay descended over his features. "Fine. Do as you please," he said finally. "But you must win first, Zhan Sheng. And even then, it will be up to Lei Bo to decide."

●

ZI YIN WALKED THROUGH the bustling market, taking in the sights and sounds. The colorful stalls and merchants hawking their wares created a lively atmosphere that he found comforting. He was accompanied by Fu Tai, who walked several feet behind him, behaving more like a servant than he used to in their youth. Over time things changed between them, as they grew into their roles Fu Tai became more and more reserved, not holding Zi Yin's hand like he used to or laughing with him like in their childish youth. But at the age of eighteen, Zi Yin guess it wasn't really appropriate, Fu Tai was an alpha and Zi Yin was an unmated omega.

"Fu Tai, please don't walk so far behind me. You're my friend too, not just my servant," Zi Yin said, turning around to face his companion. Fu Tai's sleek black hair was now styled in a half-updo ponytail, his fringed bangs covering his forehead, adding to his sophisticated and polished appearance. Although he was a servant of the Heavenly Orchard sect, he was still higher ranked, and he acted more like a bodyguard to Zi Yin than anything else. Since Zi Yin was on the fast track to becoming the next General, that would eventually serve the Emperor, having Fu Tai as his personal guard would be advantageous to him.

"I'm sorry, Zi-gongzi. It is my duty to serve and protect you," Fu Tai replied.

Zi Yin sighed in his heart, knowing he wouldn't be able to convince Fu Tai otherwise. "Very well. Just try to stay closer, all right?"

"As you wish, Zi-gongzi," Fu Tai said, falling into step behind Zi Yin.

The colorful stalls and merchants hawking their wares created a lively atmosphere that he found comforting. Zi Yin's long black hair was left unbound, cascading down his back in waves. His beauty was striking, and he was aware of the attention he garnered from both alphas, betas, and omegas alike. But he paid it no mind, content to enjoy the simple pleasures of the market. Besides the only real attention was the one he knew he would never get. He stopped at a stall, looking at some purple fabric he might buy Zi Ling, since she had come of age, she still loved to cultivate but he heard that his Shifu would soon be looking to marry her off as soon as possible.

Zi Yin snuck a peek at Fu Tai through his lashes, his heart beating in his chest as he noticed Fu Tai's once boyish features had sharpened into a chiseled jawline and high cheekbones, framing his piercing dark eyes. His lean frame had filled out with muscle, making him a formidable figure and cultivator. Zi Yin had trained and finally made it to the Core Formation stage, while Fu Tai was at the Foundation Establishment stage. Zi Yin licked his dry lips, his omega heart swooning and he quickly turned away. Zi Yin's nipples tightened, and his pants became a little wet and he cleared his throat to steer his thoughts away from Fu Tai.

Zi Yin wasn't completely innocent to the graphic novels the alphas passed around at school, he was well aware of his omega intersex parts that most alphas found deeply arousing. But Fu Tai never did anything, he never even looked at Zi Yin in any other way besides master and servant. Zi Yin knew it wasn't at all appropriate to lust after his servant, the way he did Fu Tai.

Zi Yin and Fu Tai overheard a group of elderly ladies whispering amongst themselves, "Have you heard the rumors about the devil in the Burning Fire Sect? They say it has the face of a pig and the body of a snake! What a sight that must be!"

"Impossible! How can anyone take it seriously?" another lady chimed in, stifling a giggle.

"It's true! They say if you look at it, you'll burst into laughter and won't be able to stop," another woman added, covering her mouth to contain her laughter.

Zi Yin and Fu Tai exchanged a bemused look, wondering how anyone could believe such outrageous rumors. Zi Yin chuckled behind his hand and kept walking, not sure where these ridiculous rumors were coming from, it was like each time they went out there was some new rumor about the Burning Fire sect, each one more outrageous than the last. Zi Yin walked past a group of ruffians that seemed to be swarming a young servant omega, their brash voices heard above the crowd as they pushed her around. Zi Yin stopped, his brows knitting together. Zi Yin's brow knitted as they made their way toward the commotion and saw a group of burly men in black robes surrounding a young omega servant.

The men were members of the Fearless Gang sect, here for the martial arts competition that was being held in the city. They were taunting and pushing the servant, who was cowering in fear.

Zi Yin could feel his blood boiling at the sight of the injustice. "Wait," Fu Tai grabbed his arm. "These men are senior cultivators of the Fearless Gang sect, we don't know why they're troubling this servant we should not interfere."

"And let them hurt her?" Zi Yin shrugged him off. "We don't know why they're troubling her that should be the reason we get involved."

"Zi-gongzi," Fu Tai pleaded. "Let's report it, the Sun Ocean Palace guards patrol the city. This is not our sect, things are different in the Heavenly Orchard sect. As a future sect leader it's best not to be involved directly, if you plan to be the General of the Sun Ocean Palace sect, then let one of the guards deals with it. The Fearless Gang sect is known for holding grudges, what would you do if you happened to offend them? If the Emperor was ever in danger, they were working against you."

Zi Yin weighed the pros and cons, but a sudden cry came out among the group and Zi Yin couldn't hold back any longer. He approached the group, his head held high.

"You there, what do you think you're doing?"

A/N: yamen[1]: The yamen was the official residence and administrative center of a government official or magistrate. It served as a place for conducting official business, receiving petitions from the public, and administering justice.