Borrowed Time

He felt all the muscles in his body tighten, refusing to move and listen to his brains commands. It was a feeling unlike he had ever felt before.

It truly felt as if his own body wasn't his own, and for a second, separating itself from reality. Jia paid no mind to his strange state as she went after the person pulling Jilun.

The boss only stood still, running the past events through his mind.

'Must she be a cultivator stronger than me?'

In actuality, there was no possible way to over power someone naturally. So, either this seemingly weak and frail girl was stronger than him, which he didn't believe, because why would a talent such as her, young and strong, reside within the building of fire?

That was not to degrade the building of fire, but this faction of the Aster grounds wouldn't be able to house such geniuses. But then if that wasn't the case, an even harsher reality would be present in front of him.

'Is she from a great family? To be able to repel without touch, must be the artifact of a family'

Although none could be confirmed, it was best not to act in risky territory. A family with a powerful background was enough to cause a stir. The Aster Grounds doesn't want problems it doesn't necessarily need, and would not mind loosing its tension to appease a potential headache. Because what the family had wasn't military might, but influence among common people. And to the central powers of the city of the new moon, this is what was most important. As the Imperial Sent maintained order within the powers of the city, respect and public couldn't be gained through the use of force or physical means.

Most powerful families came from the markets, a field the common folk of the city traveled and used often. Of course, they were more willing to side and trust a business they know well and trust then an exclusive powerhouse that contributes nothing towards the daily function of their life. If they so want to, reports can be made to the Imperial Sent, who will act out, following imperial order and law, to put the rest the cause of aggression that may cause possibly destruction to the city. So, considering all of this, he decided to act safely.

Jia walked up to the man hauling Jilun around. She reached out, grabbing him by the wrist. The same phenomenon occurred to him as well, his body tightening as he froze. But just as it came, it also faded. As he came to a realization to what had just occurred, he widened his eyes in disbelief.

'Did I just fear a girl?'

His blunder in front of a weak girl, years younger than him, angered him. When had he cowered before people stronger than him? Now he felt a feeling he thought himself long loss to a little girl? But just as he was about to retaliate, his boss recalled him.

"Hao, it is fine, it seems our fellow disciples don't appreciate our kindness."

The man named Hao calmed his sudden aggression as he released Jilun out of his hold. Shrugging his shoulders as he waved his hand in the air, he laughed.

"Well, nothing can be done then."

He walked over to his bosses side once more.

Jia attached herself to Jilun's arm as she whispered in his ear.

"Are you okay?"

Jilun only nodded as they continued walking farther away form the pair. It was just surprising what strength could allow someone to be able to do, Jilun had no experienced this type of strength first hand. Though their sudden aggression wasn't warranted as he had done nothing to him, it was typically of a show of power here and there to occur, at least that was what Old Gi had experienced in his time within the grounds.

He nodded to Jia's question.

"I'm fine

***

"Boss, when have you ever backed off from obtaining a girl, much less of such worth? Has your hobby truly dulled you?"

Arriving back at their habitation, the boss only shook his head.

"I don't feel them to be normal disciples. She seems to possess some sort of greater artifacts, so her background status is formidable. Just because my grandfather is an outer elder does not grant me unlimited power within the grounds."

The boss open the door to his room, leading the way in.

"Grandfather will definitely not tolerate trouble from powerful families that hold significant influence, but with disciples from poor backgrounds, though he may frown upon it, he hasn't stopped me yet, and I would like to keep it that way"

After Hao entered into the room, he turned around, closing the door behind him.

Facing his boss standing facing away from him, he responded.

"I'm sure you don't have to worry about that. The Fire Building would be the last place that powerful families would like to have nurture their geniuses or heirs."

Hao was pretty confident with his inference as he waited for his bosses response. But even after a couple of seconds he hadn't got the emotion he expected. Seeing as his boss remained standing, he approached him.

"Having second thoughts on letting her go? We could still find her, after all, they do reside in th-"

Before Hao could finish talking, he also mysteriously paused. Though, it wasn't a mystery soon after. Both of his eyes exploded. He collapsed to the ground, soon after, his boss did the same. Blood spilled out of their seven ofrices, focusing on the eyes and mouth, running down their chests to pour onto the floor. The once clean room was only identifiable by the lake of blood that decorated it, with two floating islands upon it.

A horrific way to die, and though artistic, couldn't be said to be unexpected.

***

Jilun and Jia arrived at Instructor Fengges quarters.

Fengge could be said to be the head of the building of fire. As he is the head instructor, progress within the building is overseen by him. Jia and Jilun were told to meet with him early morning to test aptitude as well as future plans that would concern the path that they would take.

Arriving in front of a tall, gold accented wooden door, Jilun first knocked.

"Come in"

The familiar voice of Fengge rang out from within the room. Hearing his approval, Jilun turned the knob of the door, walking in, Jia following closely behind.

This would be the start of it all.

A/N: This chapter was pushed out last minute, this weekend had been very busy for me, so please excuses possible errors and repetition.