Chapter 46, Peace

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A knight in iron armor removed his helmet before inhaling in the blood scented air. 

His breathing was rough, but he is not alone as the woman beside him, is the same. 

Her hair messy, pale expression, red oozing out from her cuts, and not to mention the removal of her upper clothing due to how drenched it was with sweat and blood. 

She calls herself Lou Jun. The woman who swore to herself to never forgive the man who killed her father. The very man who is standing beside her. Farengoth. 

The sound of metal could be heard which originated from Lou Jun dropping her metalic spiral shaft. 

She then stretched her arms before complaining, "After killing all this people, they just suddenly disappear. Alongside that huge freaking whale above." 

Farengoth sheathed his sword, "If they kept coming, then I'm afraid that we would eventually succumb." 

"I would leave you before that occurs." She gave a cold glare.

"I know, I know." He gave up.

Eyeing him with a sneer, "So, that man you captured had a poison pill in his mouth?" 

"Alas, yes." He answered.

Lou Jun stood with silence. Closed eyes and trying her best to fix her breathing. She then asked with some of her usual cold tone returned, "What now?" 

"I used to know a man who served the King as his personal health advisor. Now he's herbalist who set up a shot in this town. His name if I recall... Reesh Levy." 

"Another Krehorian. But what ought you to visit him?" 

"I'll explain when we get there." 

She went nearby, kicked him on the knee before furiously walking towards the exit. 

Farengoth grimaced in pain. 

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While Lihua and Tengfei were hugging each other.  

The man who brought Red Sin with him, was standing beside. Waiting till they're done. He had a look of envy on his eyes with a twitch of annoyance. 

Seeing that there is no end, he went nearby before purposely coughing loudly. He even did so with his eyebrows knitted. 

Noticing his presence caused the couple to part before pretending that they do not know each other. Though their red colored faces say a lot. They even thought, 'Someone was looking...', at the same time. 

Tengfei asked after a moment, "What is it?" 

The man was even further infuriated by the fact that Tengfei looked annoyed from being bothered. Even with witnessing his expression, he still asked calmly, "Are you acquainted with that lady known as Red Sin?" He then added, "Also, you can call me 'Six'." 

Lihua went nearby before also staring at her lover as if she wants to know too. Her hands held together to the back as she tilts herself forward in front of him. Eyes half closed with an expression look that resembled Li Meixiu. 

Tengfei noticed the princess's cold atmosphere which made him grimace. He drooped his shoulders before replying vaguely, "Yeah, somehow." 

The man surveyed him if there is any more he could learn, but failed to find any. Six then asked, "Do you know what I saw when I found her?" His tone was filled with fear. 

Both Lihua and Tengfei were puzzled. 

He continued, "There was a guy covered in countless deadly insects and another who was sucked dry to the bone with half of his body decapitated. Crows were feasting the remains too. I don't really care about them since they're obviously part of the raiding group 'Quail'. But as a human, they truly suffered the worst death. At least one of them did." His tone turned serious. 

Tengfei felt shocked. Thought when he thought about it more. It started to make sense as to what that lady said earlier. Seeing as to how many scars were on her, the revenge is plain obvious. 

"So... It was her doing?" He asked. Tengfei's expression was also serious.  

Six gave short nod, affirming the gray young man's question. "She's the rumored blood fiend afterall." 

Lihua's eyes widened from knowing the truth. She too has heard rumors of the individual who leaves corpses deprived of blood. 

Tengfei turned silent for a while before asking another, "Then... why did you help her? I see no reason for it." 

His expression turned sour, "We already knew from the start. Purposely allowing her in." 

This revelation surprised both. 

Six continued, "And plus, she helped us in a way. Dealing with what I presume two powerful individuals. Our sect never disapproved due to her hatred seething out. Particularly towards Quail. It's a win win condition when he allowed her in. Not only we would have someone to back as up in case a problem like this arrived but also, she could exact her revenge." 

Tengfei and Lihua remained silent. 

The administrator shook his head, "Anyhow, changing subjects..." 

He then asked after looking around the area, "Where is 'Four'? If I recall, he was in charge of your group." He had a smile on his face as if awaiting to do something. 

Lihua was confused due to not knowing who this 'Four' individual is. So, she remained silent. 

Though as for Tengfei... he had a dim look. He didn't want to keep the answer waiting and so he answered, "I'm sorry to say this... but he's dead." 

The administrator stood still for a moment before asking, "You're joking right?" He had a forced smile on him. As if pressuring Tengfei to tell him a lie. 

"...He truly was killed. By a giant at that." It was hard for Tengfei to elaborate this time. 

The eyes of the man turned blurry as he turned and slowly walked away, eventually he fell to his knees as he muttered, 'This must be a horrible dream, right?' 

Banging the floor before anger welled up. Then he spotted a piece of the administrator known as 'four'. A hand detached from the person's body. 

Seeing the ring which he recognized so clearly made him thought, 'This is no dream... huh.'. This is the reality and he know that his dear friend is dead.  

Recalling all the moments from the time of their childhood. 

Sadness engulfed him before tears appeared on the corner of his eyes. Devastated. 

Witnessing as to how the man mourns for his friend made Tengfei remember again as to how precious one is. His stupid mistake in the past was never meant to be forgotten. As they will always live inside him. 

Lihua held his shaky hand. Grasping it tightly before saying with a sad tone, "Let's go, it has already been a long day." 

Tengfei didn't reply and just followed her instead. But before he did, he asked Lihua to wait for a moment. 

Tengfei then went towards the man who was still unconscious on the ground. He kept his hand on his heart before feeling the heartbeat. Afterwards they then went towards the familiar group of people. 

Though the first one who approached them was the aunt of the princess. Xiao Meifen. 

She gave a look at Tengfie before asking, "Nice to meet you again. Xiao Ling was the one who brought you in, right? If I recall... your name is Tengfei?" 

Tengfei didn't recall the middle-aged woman in front of him. So, he asked, "Sorry, but I forgotten who you are. May I know your name?" 

"Oh, I forgotten. I never introduced myself to you." She then answered, "I'm called Xiao Meifen. Sister of Lihua's and Ling's father." 

Tengfei scratched the back his hair. He felt like he read this type of scenario before. He then asked, "So, are you going to forcibly take away Lihua? After calling out that I'm some toad wishing to eat Swan's meat?" 

Lihua nudged his sides but his expression didn't change. This caused Lihua to be mixed with two feelings. One was the embarrassment of his words and the other was the feeling of unflinching love he's giving out. 

Meifen gave a look at him before replying with laughter. She laughed almost the same way Lihua does. Immediately Tengfei thought the same.  

Meifen then said, "Sorry, but that just caught me off guard." She then wiped away the joyful tear from her eye before continuing, "Who do you think I am? Some evil family member who would snatch away this girl? After witnessing your pleasant hug?" She had a smug look. 

Tengfei again thought as to how similar that look was too Lihua. He even whispered to the princess, 'It's like I'm seeing an older and kinder version of you-' 

She made his speak in by pinch his sides before replying back, 'So, you're saying that I'm mean??' 

Meifen then interjected, "I'm not going to bring her with me if she doesn't want to. And my niece isn't weak enough that she would require protection." She held her chest proudly before she continued, "I personally witnessed her brilliant splendor! Of course!" 

After seeing the silence in between Tengfei and Lihua. Meifen felt it became awkward. She couldn't help but comment, "Such a bore." 

The Aunt then said with a flustered tone, "Come now, let's get moving." She then shrugged before continuing, "I bet your brains stopped working from exhaustion." 

Walking a bit, 

Tengfei found his brother Huan beckoning at him before entering inside a portal that is familiar to him. 

The princess tugged his sleeve before saying, "Come now, so that we can escape this horrible place." 

His thoughts were all about how this day went. 

Tengfei and Lihua went through the portal after allowing Meifen and her retainer to enter first. 

When they got out, the first thing they noticed was... rain. 

Pouring slowly down. Sounds of puddles being pelted by rain droplets. 

Lihua looked up to the sky and allowed the droplets of rain to trickle down her face. 

Tengfei pulled slightly the hem of her clothing before pointing at somewhere. A place where people they know reside.  

They went to the place and the first one who greeted them was Li Bingmei. She came up to them before saying, "I'm Li Bingmei, Li Meixiu's younger sister. I don't believe I introduced myself." 

Tengfei greeted her before introducing both of them, "They call me Tengfei, and this young little princess is known as Lihua." He then bowed slightly before saying, "Thank you for that time." 

"No, no. It is always a duty of mine to help people out." Her eyes darted to Lihua before correcting, "Also, I already met this lady friend of yours." 

Li Meixiu came up to Tengfei before asking Lihua, "Can I borrow him for a moment?" 

Lihua questioned it at first but shook her head. She then replied, "Why not." 

Tengfei was puzzled and followed Li Meixiu who was asking to follow her somewhere. 

Even Zhou Huan eyed them but didn't ask anything. He had a guess as to what she wanted though. 

By the time they came to a place where no one seems to be nearby. Li Meixiu then asked with hostility on her tone, "So, you were the one. The person who was spying on me with malicious intent." 

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Tengfei became confused even more, "What do you mean?" 

Li Meixiu eyes glowed in golden, "Don't act stupid. No person who doesn't have an influential background could easily set up their mana pond. Not to mention how you can move your refined mana with ease." She pointed at him before continuing, "You were the person who eaves dropped on the conversation I had with Zhou Huan. Not only that, but also the parts where I was discussing with my teacher." 

Her killing intent almost manifested. 

This made it hard for Tengfei to move but he still confessed, "Alright, it's true I'm the one who overheard your little help conversation with brother Huan."  

Li Meixiu's eyes turned colder until Tengfei continued, "But, that was the only time. Everything else that you had a feeling of being spied on must be someone else. Just think about it for a moment. Don't jump into conclusion without remembering the fact that I was nothing more than a weak thief. What benefit I will gain for spying upon you and hinting hostility? You're making me reevaluate something." 

Li Meixiu thought about it through and found her act quite... stupid. It's unlike her for pointing out the dots without thinking straight. It's as if she became the same person from before. Now she looks foolish for even prying the question. 

As if reading her thoughts, "Indeed it's foolish to even ask." 

Her eyes slightly widened for a moment before commenting, "Both you and Huan have some mind reading technique hidden inside the sleeves." 

Tengfei snapped his finger, "No, it's just that you're easy to read at times. More so than someone who shows constant change in expressions." 

Li Meixiu closed her eyes. She thought about it and there's chances that not only Tengfei having some sort of hatred formed but also her friend Lihua leaving her. 

A fear crept inside her and the embarrassment of falsely accusing someone. 

She then apologized with a bow. 

Tengfei waved her hand before replying, "The thing is, you have no reason to say sorry. I too made a mistake for overhearing at that time as to what you and my brother is speaking about. A mistake that is worth getting bruises." 

Li Meixiu agreed, but then she shook her head before commenting, "But I presume without you hearing out what we've discussed... You wouldn't be able to do much when it came to the contest. Even more so, I fear you would be killed."  

Tengfei looked up. Seeing the gaps of roofing which allowed piled rain to sip down. 

He then replied, "I couldn't argue with that. But I still wouldn't get killed. I know when my chances are high or zero." 

Li Meixiu fixed her soaking hair. She remained silent for a little moment. Relaxing herself from the sound of the rain. 

She then said, "I also would like to apologize on another thing. I didn't mention about the conditions of the mana bird technique." 

"No worries, I kind of figured out the reason why you didn't reveal that information. Maybe to get back at me for what you recently suspected." He said before forcing a smile. 

Li Meixiu shook her head, "Nothing like that, I just... forgotten." After clutching her other arm, she continued, "And it's a terrible blunder at my part. Almost made my precious friend lose her lover which till now pains me." 

Tengfei was astonished as to how the princess and doll became good friend in his absence. Quite quick to say. Even with that said, he did indeed some form a sense of dislike towards her. But after seeing as to how earnest her eyes looked, it made him forget about it. 

He then responded, "That's all water under the bridge. Later on, I figured out the bird's condition. As long as hostility targeted towards me, the bird would go and bind the perpetrator immediately. That time when I was fighting Ifol and his partner, they were confused from the flash technique I used. That's the reason why the bird technique didn't work at that time." 

The doll nodded. 

Stretching his arms, Tengfei said, "Anyhow, I'll be going now. I'm tired as hell and my stomach is growling." Said Tengfei. 

Giving a deep breath, Li Meixiu answered, "Let's return then." 

When both of them came back to the place, they found Zhou Huan and Peizhi having happy expressions. They seemed to be enjoying their discussions. And Tengfei could already figure out what the topic is by witnessing their hand gestures. Motioning into a curve near the chest. 

They had hearty laughs afterwards. Shaking hands as if they both met a brilliant person. 

Zhou Huan spotted Tengfei before bringing him close to Peizhi. He then introduced, "This Peizhi, he's the fiancé of Li Bingmei. A man of true culture, similar to us brothers. He has good tastes too." 

Peizhi offered his hand. Tengfei accepted and gave him a handshake before saying, "Nice to meet you, I'm Tengfei." 

He nodded before asking, "You both don't look like brothers to me. Must be really good friends to be able to say that." 

Tengfei nodded. 

Peizhi came close before asking, "That young lady with red hair is yours?" 

Tengfei felt weird inside for being asked like that but he still honestly replied, "Yes." 

He then questioned another, "I guess you like it small, huh-"  

Though before he could say any more, Li Bingmei knocked him unconscious by hitting him at the back of the neck. She grabbed his body before tossing it to the side as she happily said, "Sleep, my love." With a scary looking face. 

Lihua came by Tengfei before whispering, "Hopefully by befriending a man such as him, you wouldn't dump me aside and chase after cows." 

Tengfei replied, "You know me very well." 

Lihua stuck out her tongue. She then scoffed at him, "Hopefully the Tengfei I know is what he is truly." 

Quafilia came near Zhou Huan before whispering something to him. His expression changed. 

The lady gave a wave to the whole group before walking out. Letting the rain soak her. 

She had to leave. 

Li Meixiue witnessed the change in expression. She wondered what Quafilia whispered to him. 

... 

One of the administrators came towards Tengfei before handing a ring. He then said, "I already gave the other contestants the same ring. This right here is nothing special but allows you store some items inside it. Almost the size of two large backpacks." 

Tengfei grabbed the ring before wearing it, he then commented, "Thanks. At least now I don't have to carry countless bags when fishing." 

Li Bingmei went up and said, "Well, me and my fiancé will depart now for the night. We'll meet again at this spot tomorrow as we'll indeed need to interrogate together the spy." 

Lihua nodded alongside Tengfei. 

They waved as they departed away from the group. 

Xiao Meifen and her retainer came by before saying, "I too have many things to say, but like what that lady said, it's best to wait till tomorrow. Get some proper rest." 

She gave a bow before saying her farewell. Leaving with her retainer. 

The administrator too departed, only leaving Li Meixiu, Zhou Huan, Lihua and Tengfei. 

Zhou Huan yawned, "I'm tired, I'll be going back to the inn." Zhou Huan then asked, "How about you Li Meixiu, aren't you supposed to help out the mess that occurred? Following that guy?" 

"Quail group already disappeared, only cleanup will be needed. Plus, the reinforcement of my sect already appeared, so there's nothing to do but sleep right now." 

Lihua pulled the sleeve of Tengfei before asking, "Do you want to get some food?" 

Tengfei nodded. He then told Zhou Huan, "You two go ahead. I'll get dinner with Lihua." 

They both gave their farewell before leaving out to the rain.  

The princess stood beside Tengfei before pointing out at the wooden place that has a sign of restaurant on it. 

Tengfei nodded before joining with her inside. 

A warm homey type. The smell of good food cooking.  

Normally there would be lots of people here, but because of the recent event, most of them went back home. 

tengfei went up a wooden chair before pulling for Lihua. 

The princess commented as she took the sit, "Hoho, a gentleman." 

He laughed before easing down himself on a chair nearby. 

A lady who was dressed in normal clothing went up to them, "I didn't expect customers to appear tonight." She had red eye bags as if she was just crying. Her expression was forced. Even with that, she didn't forget to hand over fresh towels to the customers. 

Lihua dried herself after receiving the towel. She then replied, "The monsters are gone by now." 

She heard her before replying after a moment of silence, "Is that so..."  

Her expression became damp. Though she eventually forced herself to look cheery as she asks, "What would you like to serve?" 

"Something affordable and tasty at the same time." Said Tengfei. Afterwards giving the towel back alongside Lihua's. His hair looked fluffy. 

Lihua interjected, "Don't be stingy, let's have feast today." 

Tengfei gave up and replied, "Fine." He then looked at the lady beside who understood what he would say. 

She gave a slight bow before walking inside the kitchen. 

Meanwhile, while they're waiting for the food, Lihua struck a topic, "So, where did you meet Red Sin?" 

Tengfei felt that her tone was filled with worry. He then replied, "I really don't know. But for sure I can say that we have met." 

Lihua looked at him with half closed eyes. 

He then reaffirmed, "Really, I'm telling the truth!" 

"Fine I believe you." Lihua then sighed.  

She then traced her finger on the wooden table before asking, "Then what did you discussed during that contest?" 

"Red Sin asked whether I know her. She even seems to know me but cannot pinpoint when we met." He paused before continuing, "Also... she felt kind of close." 

Lihua eyebrows knitted before she murmurs, "Hoh..." 

Tengfei then commented, "Lihua, I'm not going to abandon you and chase after someone I don't know. Are you saying that this is the extent of what our relationship become?" 

Lihua averted her eyes before replying, "No, it's not that. I'm not mad at you or anything. This is just who I am. I'm scared that you'll abandon me." 

Her eyes looked teary. 

Tengfei caressed her hair to while saying, "I won't." 

The lady who presumably owns the place, came by with a wood tray on hand. She placed it on the table before saying, "Here, have two bowls of pottage. I'll bring the whole chicken with raspberry jam later." 

Tengfei and Lihua nodded but never looking away from the porridge in front of them. 

The lady asked, "What's wrong? This your first time eating Krehorian food?" 

Lihua shook her head, "It's not that. It is just the food looks really delicious." 

Tengfei agreed with her. 

The lady gave a smile before saying, "Hopefully the taste is to your matching too." 

Both Tengfei and Lihua took a spoon. Gave their thanks for the food before digging in. 

Midway the feasting, the princess couldn't help but comment, "This taste so good." 

Tengfei also replied, "Yeah it is." 

Lihua after finishing the bowl, "I wonder if she'll teach me how to make this." 

"That would be nice." Tengfei said. 

Later, the lady returned with a chicken on a platter. Serving it to them. 

Tengfei commented, "I don't think we can finish this." 

"I'm small for a reason you know." 

Tengfei was going to say something but Lihua interrupted him, "Shut it. Not another word of my chest." 

He blinked twice before laughing. 

They then enjoyed the chicken which has been served with a sour jam. 

Giving half to 'Mini' the pink snake who slithered out of the princess's bossom.

Seeig that it looked closely towards Tengfei, he figured that the snake required smaller pieces.

Doing as what he presumed needed, the snake then happily gulped down the small pieces of chicken.

Feeling full, the snake entered Tengfei's clothing.

After they felt stuffed, the lady returned with two iron mugs. Handing it to them, "Have some of these. It'll warm you up. Goat milk, honey and ginger. Really good. Helped me back then when it snowed a lot on Krehor." 

Tengfei grabbed the handle and drank the. It tasted quite good and the ginger helped cleanse his throat. 

After seeing his peaceful and pleasant expression, Lihua also took a sip before gulping the entire contents down. 

She gave her usual, 'Fwah' before having a satisfied expression. 

"Glad both of you liked it." The lady then gave a wide smile. 

Tengfei noticed that her expression wasn't forced anymore. 

... 

After some time, Lihua stooped leaning on him before saying, "Let's go back to the inn now." 

Tengfei replied, "Yeah, I'm really sleepy after getting full. Felt like a bear going for hibernation," 

He stood alongside Lihua before approaching the lady who was cleaning the dishes. He then asked, "How much would the food cost?" 

The lady just replied with a smile. 

A man then came by and patted his shoulder, "The food is free. Take it in a way for saving my life. Even if it's small return." 

Tengfei turned to find a man he recognized. The same man he healed when he was stabbed by a waterjack. 

The lady stood up before bowing deeply and saying, "I thank you to the bottom of my heart. If it weren't for you, my husband would be dead." She raised her head before showing a joyful teary eyes. 

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Tengfei and Lihua went out the inn after giving their farewells to the sweet couple. 

There were so many thoughts inside Tengfei's head, but the image of them giving their gratitude was still stuck inside him. 

Lihua had a smile on her as she nudged her lover, "See, light isn't that bad after all." 

Tengfei looked up and smiled. 

... 

He then commented, "The rain is still pouring till now." 

"The more reason to reach the inn before we get the cold." Said Lihua. 

Little while later of walking. 

They finally reached the inn.  

Entering inside, they saw no one there. Dark except the kindling small lamp on one table. 

They had to rely on that lamp to get past the stair case. 

When reaching the second-floor corridor, they could hear the snoring coming from Zhou Huan's room.  

Tengfei gave a wry smile before whispering, "He must be really tired." 

Lihua didn't reply but instead yawned. Her biggest concern is the fact that the bath place doesn't have water. She had to wait till tomorrow. 

Before both of them get inside their room. 

A presence came behind them before uttering, "Boo." 

This spooked both of them as they jump slightly. Immediately turning around and shining their lamp at the individual. 

It was none other than Li Meixiu. Who had her hand over her moth as she looked at both of them. 

Lihua scolded her, "That was not funny!" 

"Shh, you wouldn't want Zhou Huan to wake up." Li Meixiu replied. 

Lihua pouted and Tengfei couldn't help but laugh at himself. 

Li Meixiu patted Lihua's hair before saying, "Thanks again for helping out on that fight." 

The princess showed a smile, "Isn't that what friends do? If we were caught again in that predicament, I would come to aid again." 

Li Meixiu rustled her hair before telling both of them, "Good night." 

They both replied the same. 

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Lihua yawned before taking a sit on the bed. She already dried herself and changed to her usual bed clothing. 

Tengfei placed the lantern on the desk that separates the two beds before closing the windows. Locking the shutters 

He removed his leather suit, unfastened his bag, dried himself, placed the sleeping Mini on the chair before jumping to bed. Tired to the core. 

Lihua laid down beside him before snuggling close. She then covered themselves with the blanket. 

Her eyes were tired but she wanted to do something for Tengfei. 

She brought her face close to Tengfei before giving a peck on his cheek. A small kiss. 

Before Tengfei could reply back, he found that Lihua was already asleep. 

He gave a smile, kissed her fore head before lulling himself to sleep. 

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