Beware Of Chicken v7c44: Stolen Moment

A wave of relief washed over Xiulan as Jin and Meiling were finally greeted at the Dueling Peaks. Ever since returning to her station, her entire existence had been consumed by the preparations for this singular event. It was the spectacle of the year—a monumental occasion necessitating constant consultations not only with fawning Sect Elders but with every functional division of their expanding alliance. The next time she heard a thinly veiled suggestion that she steer Jin toward a specific sect, she feared she might truly resort to violence.

The logistical nightmare of the seating chart was, quite frankly, a topic she preferred to avoid. The number of fragile rivalries requiring delicate handling was staggering.

It was fortunate that Xiulan possessed such loyal allies, or she would have certainly buckled under the crushing pressure. She was far from alone, however. Tigu had expedited her return from the north to assist with security logistics, bypassing her home entirely to reach the site. With Rags by her side, the two were absolutely indispensable as they stood among the elders. Tigu appeared to be suppressing a strong urge to leap upon her parents, though she evidently felt a need to maintain a certain level of decorum.

Regardless, the reprieve was well-deserved for both of them, especially following the Grass Sea fiasco. Some fool had actually posted a public bounty on the Acting Lord Magistrate, drawing opportunistic cultivators from across provinces to collect. They had nearly mobilized a strike force to eliminate the culprits responsible for the assassination order, only to find the agitators already incarcerated. Or at least, the majority were. Rags, Tigu, Yin, and even Xianghua had been forced to hunt down the remaining escapees in Grass Sea City to nullify the bounty.

Meanwhile, Delun and Gou Ren worked tirelessly to renovate the Dueling Peaks, rehabilitating several systems with assistance from the monkeys of Crystal Hill.

It was truly captivating to observe the ancient mountain waking up, from the intricate climate control systems and self-irrigating floral displays to the sophisticated waste management facilities. Each advancement served as a symbolic stride toward restoring the peak to its former glory.

They even uncovered long-forgotten banners within the storage vaults—massive tapestries meant to adorn the mountain summit, each marked with the seal of the house.

She was well aware that Jin would find the grand arrival, the pomp, and the ritual tiresome, yet he respected the necessity of the performance.

And so, they unveiled everything. The towering banners, the honor guards lining the thoroughfare, the elders prepared to strike the gong above the arena, and Bao Wen standing ready to transform the stadium ground into sod.

The welcome ceremony was merely the precursor. There would be banquets, tours of the grounds, and exhibition matches held by disciples and elders alike; it was essentially a state visit, and providing a spectacle for Jin was the most effective method for the sects to feel personally invested in the alliance.

“Grand Marshal. Esteemed Elders of the Azure Hills. I appreciate this gracious welcome. It is refreshing to meet under these circumstances rather than our previous encounter,” Jin remarked, his lighthearted quip dissolving the underlying tension. He stood composed under the scrutiny of the Azure Hills, appearing utterly relaxed. “Allow me to present my wife, Hong Meiling…”

His introductions of his household were flawless, presenting Wa Shi and Bei Be as if the situation were the most natural occurrence in the world.

It was genuinely surreal to witness him in such a light. While she had always cherished her friend as a man of noble character, he usually eschewed such formalities. He was typically defined by his ready laughter, his willingness to share a hug, or his playful nature. His warmth was like sunlight upon the soil, a soothing balm that never ceased to comfort her spirit.

Yet, here he stood, devoid of his usual grins or jokes. He stood as the most formidable figure in the Azure Hills; he was the man who had neutralized three Earth Realm cultivators and a being of the Sky Realm. He was the grandson of Shen Yu, the Unconquered Blade, a partner of the Cloudy Sword Sect, and a Spiritual Herb Master commanding respect across distant provinces.

His power was palpable yet restrained. He required no overt displays of force, for his presence commanded authority on its own. His demeanor was regal, and she could not help but think it became him. The aura of calm strength he exuded dictated the atmosphere for all the cultivators nearby. He was as tranquil as a still lake, and everyone around him mirrored his composure.

At least, that was the facade. Tianlan was currently relaying some of Jin’s private grumblings to Xiulan with a laugh. Xiulan and Tianlan had plotted the growth of the grass, with Xiulan instructing her friend on which systems to trigger for the glow, ensuring Jin’s entrance was slightly more theatrical. It was amusing, even if he did not require the extra flourish.

Regardless, the Lord Magistrate had educated him well. Much like how Lady Wu had refined Meiling, who stood behind her husband with equal poise. Meiling’s purple eyes met Xiulan’s, and her smile flickered briefly before she returned to her neutral expression.

Zhuye, nestled in the arms of the fox-maid—whom Tigu had identified as Suyan—was scanning the arena with wide, confused eyes, sniffing and rubbing his nose. The hundreds of cultivators in the stands clearly overwhelmed him, and small tears welled in the corners of his eyes.

Xiulan immediately refocused on the task at hand. The sooner she concluded the proceedings, the sooner Zhuye would find solitude.

“It is our distinct honor to receive you, Master Jin,” Xiulan intoned. “As well as your wife, your son, and your attendants. Every cultivator here understands the gravity of the battle on the Solstice, and the tragedy you spared us from.”

Jin gave a slight nod. “It was a necessary duty—much like your own, Grand Marshal. We spilled blood side by side during that conflict, and I was grateful to have you there. I am equally honored by this alliance and look forward to building bonds with those who have committed to this noble pursuit.”

The crowd rumbled with excitement and admiration at his words. His sincerity was projected through the sheer mountain of Qi he and Tianlan inhabited—the very weight of the world.

Xiulan could feel the shift in the crowd. Shock transformed into pride, igniting a fire in the chests of those beginning to view the Azure Alliance as a permanent foundation.

A man of true power—someone recognized as a monstrous presence even in the most elite of provinces—had given his seal of approval. Moreover, he deemed it a task worthy of his effort.

His gaze swept across them. It softened whenever it touched Xiulan’s companions, though it never turned cold. Baatar stood a little straighter under Jin’s attention, earning a warm smile from the man.

Others seemed poised to step forward for introductions, but Xiulan intervened.

“The journey has surely been exhausting, Master Jin. We have quarters prepared, so please accept our hospitality while we finalize the arena for the coming feast.”

Jin hesitated, but a soft whine reached them as Zhuye buried his face into Suyan’s neck. The elders' eyes snapped toward the child, and they immediately retreated.

“That would be delightful, Grand Marshal,” he replied, turning to the elders. “I look forward to becoming acquainted with all of you at dinner.”

The response was perfect, prompt, and dismissive enough that those wishing to mingle collectively took a respectful step back.

“Of course,” Ulagan Baatar agreed. “Master Rou, we trust our humble efforts will meet your standards.”

“Both the Hermetic Iron Sect and the Framed Sun Sect provided admirable accommodations; I have no doubt the hospitality of the Dueling Peaks will be equally excellent. Pray, lead the way, Grand Marshal.”

Xiulan offered a bow and complied.

Privacy was granted as they moved through the Dueling Peaks toward the newly renovated suite near the summit. Far from the crushing masses, Zhuye’s distressed whimpers ceased. They were escorted by the Commanders of the Azure Alliance; Sect Master Xianghua would arrive later to avoid publicly emphasizing their connection.

There was little conversation until they reached the door of the noble suite—the safest location on the mountain. Tianlan held the administrative overrides for every door; none could enter or exit without her mandate. Gou Ren and Delun had even ensured the room was soundproofed.

As the doors creaked shut, they were finally free to drop their masks. Meiling scooped up Zhuye, bouncing the infant as she turned to Xiulan.

“Uuuuugah! That was incredibly stressful!” Meiling groaned, her majestic composure vanishing in an instant. She gripped Xiulan’s arm, her eyes betraying her exhaustion. Xiulan hugged her back at once. “There were so damn many of them!”

Gou Ren let out a laugh, slinging an arm around Meiling’s shoulders while Shaggy Two leaned against her legs for support.

“It’s total bullshit, honestly. When I first arrived at Xianghua’s sect, I thought I was going to lose my lunch,” Gou Ren sympathized.

“You absolutely must tell me all about that later!” Meiling demanded.

“Damn, Big Bro, you actually looked cool and regal for once!” Yin teased, landing a punch on Jin’s stomach. The man chuckled, returning a light, exaggerated blow to her shoulder while keeping his other hand on Tigu’s leg, who had already mounted Jin’s back in a hug.

“What the hell happened there? Where was the little food table? Are you telling me you forgot the little food table?!” Wa Shi griped, drawing laughter from Rags and Loud Boy.

“It’s planned for later tonight, brother, and I guarantee you’ll love it!” Rags assured him.

Xiulan allowed the tension to drift away, replaced by the warmth of genuine laughter—a stolen moment amidst the orchestrated pageantry.

Jin pulled her into an embrace, and she leaned into the familiar heat. Wa Shi coiled about her, while Bei Be nudged her side with a determined bob of his head.

Finally, Meiling entrusted Zhuye to Xiulan and pivoted to interrogate Tigu and Delun regarding their recent activities, her eyes sparking with mischief.

Xiulan looked down at the babe in her arms. Zhuye rubbed his nose again, his tears long dried. He paused, sniffed, and glanced up at her.

The pouting vanished entirely. His purple eyes widened, and his tiny hands latched firmly onto her braids.

“Aun’ Lala!” he chirped, his voice cutting through the banter with pure, infectious joy. His expression broke into the widest smile she had ever seen. She saw the adoration glistening in those purple depths as he hugged her with all his infantile strength. “Ma! Da! Jiejie!”

“Yes. Aunt Lala is here,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

For a fleeting second, the world fell away. The stresses, the immense duties, the complex political dance—none of it mattered. There was only the warmth of the little one clinging to her, radiating such unfiltered happiness.

It was a moment of perfection, and it made every bit of the toil feel entirely worth it.

Master Rou had arrived.

Every soul at the Dueling Peaks understood the significance of this moment.

And everyone began to maneuver, hopeful to earn his favor... or perhaps, for more complicated reasons.