The Phoenix's Tears

THEY RACED OUTSIDE to the grand hall, taking in the sights and sounds of the approaching disciples. The air was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation as martial artists from various sects arrived, each with their own unique style and approach to combat. Zi Ling, Fu Tai, and Zi Yin were in awe as they took in the sights of the sect competition. Everything was so grand.

Zi Yin's heart pounded with a mix of exhilaration and nervousness. He had been preparing for this moment for months, and now it was finally here. He felt a sense of pride in his skills, but also a tinge of self-doubt as he looked at the formidable competition before him.

"Slow down," Shifu said trailing behind them, but his wrinkled with joy. "Don't go too far, we still need to regroup for the competition."

"Yes, Shifu!" They shouted but still ran off.

The grand hall itself was an impressive sight, with ornate banners and flags fluttering in the wind. The sound of chatter and excitement filled the air as the disciples mingled and greeted each other, preparing for the competition ahead. Zi Yin's eyes were drawn to the large stage at the front of the hall, where the competitions would take place. He could feel the weight of the expectations upon him as he contemplated stepping into the ring and showcasing his skills.

Despite his nerves, Zi Yin could not deny the thrill of anticipation that coursed through him. He knew that this was a pivotal moment in his career as a martial artist, and he was determined to give it his all. Fu Tai stood tall beside him, and although he was still hurt by the punishment Shifu gave a week prior, he never showed it. Today was the day they would all have their talents on display, he knew out of the three of them Fu Tai worked the hardest.

"Fu Tai," Zi Yin said. "Let's find the best spot." He went to grab Fu Tai's hand as he did in their youth, but Fu Tai flinched away and put his hand in his sleeve.

Zi Yin pretended not to feel hurt, although it flickered in his chest. Zi Ling watched their exchange and spoke up. "What are you guys waiting for? Let's go! We need to find the best seat in the house."

Fu Tai forced a smile a followed closely behind them. Zi Yin swallowed around the blockage in his throat, not letting it get to him. He knew Fu Tai was still upset about the punishment, it could have easily been avoided if Zi Yin had been more mindful. They were just about to look for a seat when Zi Yin's eyes widened as he saw the Burning Fire sect arrive at the martial arts competition. The whispers and murmurs that followed in their wake only added to the tension in the air.

As they walked by, people inched back in fear, eyeing Zhan Wei's large black fur cloak with suspicion. He looked regal and imposing, but to many, he appeared more like a devil than a martial artist. However, Zhan Sheng's arrival soon after softened the mood. He was tall, with chiseled features, and dressed in a striking red outfit. Beside him stood a beautiful omega, Lei Bo, whose presence immediately caused gossip to erupt.

The Burning Fire sect made their grand entrance, the crowd could not help but gasp in awe at their intimidating presence. "Did you see Zhan Wei's cloak? It's like he's a lord of the underworld," whispered one spectator to another.

Another spectator, overhearing the whispers, chimed in, "I heard rumors that the Burning Fire sect has connections with the criminal underworld. I wouldn't be surprised if they're here to cause trouble."

However, the arrival of Zhan Sheng and Lei Bo soon shifted the attention. "Look at Lei Bo, he's a soiled omega! And with Zhan Sheng no less!" exclaimed a woman in shock. "I heard that they're planning to get married, but I can't believe it. Lei Bo is nothing but a lecherous troublemaker," replied her companion in disbelief.

Overhearing the gossip Zi Yin couldn't help but feel uneasy. What kind of sect would welcome such scandal and controversy into their ranks? They must have some ulterior motive. He thought to himself. The arrival of the Burning Fire sect had already put Zi Yin on edge, and now this revelation only added to his suspicions.

Zi Yin kept a wary eye on the Burning Fire sect, unable to shake off his unease at their presence. The whispers and rumors continued to spread, but he tried his best to remain focused on his performance and not get too distracted by the drama unfolding around him. They went back to their balcony to get dressed and prepare for the competition. Each of them had their quarters where they could change and get dressed. Zi Ling was the first to come out and looked beautiful dressed in bright purple robes, her sword attached to her hip and her smile dazzling.

Zi Yin was the second to come out, he was also given expensive white robes to signify the Heavenly Orchard sect, it was lined with silver and gold, with beautiful interwoven patterns that made Zi Yin's pure white complexion look even more stunning. Zi Ling and Zi Yin both danced around in the back room practicing their steps, each other their robes flowing in the wind. They almost collapsed in a fit of laughter, but when Fu Tai stepped out he was still dressed in the shabby clothes from earlier.

Zi Yin and Zi Ling's laughter died in their throats, and Zi Yin's brow knitted as he stepped closer to Fu Tai. "What happened? Where are your robes?"

Fu Tai's entire face flushed. "I didn't get any…Shifu must have forgotten."

Forgot? On such an important day? That didn't make any sense. Zi Yin could feel something was wrong in the bottom of his heart and he quickly grabbed his old robes and gave them to Fu Tai. "Here put these on, they're nicer than the robes you have, and at least they won't be able to say anything about it."

Fu Tai's lips pulled into a frown. "These are omega robes…I can't wear them." He tossed them onto the floor. Zi Yin was shocked that he behaved so brazenly and Zi Ling was as well, but before they could say anything Shifu walked through the doors.

The three of them knelt, their heads bowed as Shifu closed the doors behind him. "You're all here." He said and turned around. "Good. The competition will start soon so I want everyone to be prepared, we are representing the Heavenly Orchard sect, we must all be above reproach."

"Yes, Shifu!"

Shifu smiled proudly until his eyes landed on Fu Tai. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in the back with the other slaves?"

Zi Yin's head snapped up and he gazed at Shifu in horror and disbelief.

"W-what does Shifu mean? I am to compete—"

Shifu hmphed. "What? I said no such thing. You should have been beaten harder for your insolence."

"Shifu," Zi Ling spoke up. "What do you mean by saying this? Fu Tai trained with us from dust until dawn for the competition. How is he not supposed to compete? There must be some kind of misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" Shifu's gaze turned hard. "There is no misunderstanding. Fai Tai is a part of the guards to protect Zi Yin. His job is to make sure Zi Yin is safe at all costs, he is no better than a mindless soldier. Compete? The only reason he was there was to make sure you both had someone close to your age who you could train against."

Fu Tai looked utterly crushed. "W-what? No one told me—no one said anything—"

Shifu raised his foot and kicked Fu Tai in the shoulder, Fu Tai tried to block the blow but Shifu was too powerful and he stumbled backward, clutching his injured arm. Zi Yin's heart was beating in his throat. He had never seen his Shifu so ruthless before.

"You were never going to compete, boy. The only reason I trained you was to help Zi Yin," Shifu said, his voice dripping with disdain.

Fu Tai's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "What? That's not true, Shifu. I want to compete. My parents are here, they're waiting for me," he protested.

Shifu laughed at him as if the idea of a slave like Fu Tai competing was absurd. "You're nothing but a servant, boy. You'll never be anything more than that," he sneered.

The words cut like a knife, and Fu Tai fled the tent, tears streaming down his face.