DIZION 13 Another Familiar

As they pa.s.sed by a few streets, they witnessed the dire poverty of this town. Beggars asking for food everywhere, military guards hurting random civilians on the street, vendors selling pricey goods despite how poverty-stricken the place they're in, and tattered houses.  It's summer right now, yet a cold thick mist enveloped this poor town at the foot of Cen Sect's mountain. 

Mu Feng realized this was probably the reason his father took Cheng Qiu from the JingHai kingdom. His father, King Mu, brought Cheng Qiu to the Royal Palace nine years ago and told them he found the young boy from a G.o.d-forsaken town across the border in the south, which was exactly the place they're currently in.  She watched Cheng Qiu, who's indifferent as always, it doesn't bother him at all. 

In one area of the town, a small gloomy temple was found by them.  Lai Yin stepped in to enter, "This temple, I wonder who they worship here. "  The three also followed. 

Inside the dark temple, red flames on the altar illuminated the figures of people kowtowing to a statue in front, it was Bai Si's. The statue was exquisite and realistic, sculpted carefully and comprehensively. The G.o.d of death was faceless and its body couldn't be seen clearly as it was ninety-percent covered with a cloak. Upon sweeping their gazes around, they exchanged glances and felt unsettled. The temple sure was dim and strange, as if the doors would close anytime to lock them inside; but that's not what disturbed them the most, it's that these townspeople kowtowing for Bai Si were, in fact, praying to him. Their keen senses enabled them to hear the quiet whispers of the people asking Death G.o.d to eliminate the poor citizens, so the town's economy will soar high. These worshippers were neatly dressed and had pieces of jewelry all over their clothes and skin. They were the wealthy ones who thought of the poor as pests.

For Mu Feng, it was too alarming. The G.o.d of Death won't simply take human lives for absolutely no reason but if someone initiated to act on it, he'd certainly grab the opportunity. She honestly didn't know whether to be enraged or to feel pity instead. As they observed, another few sets of people came in and replaced the ones who were done. People who had pa.s.sed by them and noticed they weren't respecting Bai Si would give them a cold glare before walking out.

After contemplating for an incense time, the four went back outside. Cheng Qiu felt bothered. Seeing this kind of awful situation and discovering inauspicious matters about the southern kingdom, he knew that should Her Highness stay here, she won't hesitate to help the townspeople and meddle in YongQin Town's affairs. And that wouldn't be fun.

He inquired, "Your Highness, where are we going now?" 

Mu Feng fell silent, she didn't know either. Later, a black phoenix flew above them and landed on Her Highness' shoulder. She swept her gaze around and seeing the thick mist covered them from other people, the phoenix flew again and transformed into a fine young lady, then straight out hugged Mu Feng pa.s.sionately.

This phoenix was Fan Zhan. Her Highness tamed her for three weeks during her seclusion in Mt. ZhuXintai Cultivation Valleys five years ago. She only tamed the phoenix but didn't establish a contract with her as an official familiar. However, despite that, Fan Zhan still recognized Mu Feng as her master. She's a year younger than the latter. Although they're supposed to be master and familiar, their relationship was more like close friends. But Fan Zhan only acted sweet as sugar to Her Highness. The rest of the world? She doesn't give an ounce of a f.u.c.k and sometimes would even make life hard for them. In fact, when the two first met, Fan Zhan would steal cherries directly from Mu Feng's plate. It took the latter a great deal of effort to tame her. After sharing meals for three weeks, only then she started clinging to Mu Feng and got to live in the palace as Her Highness' messenger. 

Mu Feng was overjoyed to see her friend. "Fan Zhan, why are you here?"

Fan Zhan let go of her embrace and announced, "Your Highness Mu Gongzhu, the king summons for your presence in Royal Palace in five days." 

She raised her brows and inquired, "If it's still in five days, why did you come so early?" 

Fan Zhan spoke in an endearing manner and brushed her hair with her fingers, "Mu Gongzhu I just want to see you, were you not happy to see me?"

She took heed of the ones behind Mu Feng and noticed the unfamiliar face of Hao Xi, then frowned."Mu Gongzhu, we just separated for a few days and now you tamed another spirit beast." 

This phoenix was a spirit beast like Hao Xi, and magical beasts were able to identify fellows of the same kind. Mu Feng wanted to say she didn't because she originally had no intention of taming another beast. A cub came badly injured in front of her, so she raised its cultivation in order for it to heal quickly. The next thing she knew, it started calling her Master. Moreover, she asked for its company. In addition to that, she even gave him a name herself. What else could she be but a master of this TigerFox? She could only nod and glanced at the Hao Xi behind her, looking too pure for the world. Fan Zhan, however, was displeased deep in her heart. She glared at him then let out a hmph. 

Lai Yin and Cheng Qiu, on the other hand, went out on their own to look for a place to stay. They knew how loquacious Fan Zhan was towards the princess and that the two conversings would take several incense time to finish. Of course, they wouldn't dare take Hao Xi with them, for he's such a mysterious and odd young man in their eyes. 

The two strolled through the market on the main road. They have already found a shelter, now they're buying goods for dinner. Lai Yin checked each store for fresh potatoes and carrots. On the opposite side, Cheng Qiu probed for fresh meats. Why? They agreed to go for stew. Of course, they're doing the shopping themselves that they got to decide the meal for the night. Cheng Qiu had finished buying his part, yet Lai Yin was still conversing with the seller. 

He's flirting again!!! 

The former grabbed the latter's collar and pulled him as he did before. "You stinking brat!! Right now's not the time to be taking concubines. Hurry up!" 

Lai Yin got annoyed, "Hey hey stop!! Go pick your own concubines if you want some too. It doesn't concern you how much virgins I take for myself. If you badly need the goods, I…"

When he turned around, Cheng Qiu had already sauntered towards the temple far ahead of him. He could only grit his teeth and chase afterward.