Two months passed in a blink of an eye and so did the majority of Xing’s copper and silver coins. He left the Red Flower Society with a pouch full of copper coins, a half bag of silver and a quarter-full bag of gold coins.

All which were given to him by his Master, Feng Chaoxiang. Now, his pouches were halved.

Xing wasn’t rich by any means, but the Red Lantern tavern treated him according to what he paid. He’d tried finding another tavern, but all of them lacked a fireplace strong enough to keep the child warm.

It was clear, that Shaanxi wasn’t as well-off city as he’d thought, but it was still better than Fuzhou, where he’d originally come from.

Shaanxi, was a city alright, but the roads were more mud than paved cement. It didn’t help that every corner smelled of shit and piss, but that was how most people lived.

The Governor never cared for anything other than lining his pocket with all stones and taels.

Xing wasn’t proud of being an urchin, but he knew where he came from. Hence why he never made many friends within the Jianghu, but he was still liked. They’d probably despise me if they knew who I carried in my hands, He thought ruefully, then smiled bitterly.

Wine and women were everywhere within Shaanxi. Xing thought he would’ve caved to his vices, but with the child seriously unwell, he had to ensure she would be fine. Despite that though, he still salivated for the taste of both.

Xing tapped the ground, ascended to the sky, and landed on the roof. The child wailed a giggle then squealed as she pulled his scraggly goatee. “I hope to name you soon.” He said aloud, “I’m not good with names, so forgive me for prolonging it thus far…alright?”

Xing took a seat on the roof and felt the wind caress the right side of his face as the sun continually rose in the sky.

The view from the roof was as stale as a week-old loaf of bread. Shaanxi lacked the colour and vibrancy he felt when he was in Anqing and Longyan.

The city was built on top of a gentle slope, that ascended and descended gradually. It went past the forest, which was located on the east.

I must leave here soon Xing thought, the governmental power here might be lackluster, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t chase me down once the child is discovered.

He rested the child on his shoulder, feeling her weight finally on him. “I’ve kept to my room for far too long, but you needed the sun. Don’t worry, we’ll soon be on our way to Sichuan, but you need to get better first, alright?”

The child didn’t answer, as she’d fallen asleep, forcing Xing to stay on the roof for a little while longer. When he felt it was time to leave, he leapt off the roof, landing on the ground with a thud, drawing some unwanted attention.

He smiled and waved at them, then began making his way through the crowd like a cat, nestling the child in his arms and ensuring no one could disturb her as she slept.

Xing passed an old woman, hands out, begging for some copper coins. He would’ve donated a few, but as he was low on funds, he simply couldn't afford the luxury.

A sharp pain shot up his leg forcing him to look down. Xing realised he stepped on a broken cobblestone and cursed his luck. No, He thought, “I’m quite lucky…right little one?” Xing said with a smile.

After roaming through the city for a few hours, Xing finally returned to the Red Lantern Tavern. He walked up the stairs, feeling as the everyone’s eyes washed over him as usual.

The murmurs and curses he received, were like poison on decaying flowers and grass on the ground. He could feel their words erode his skin, little by little. They were right though, why bring a child to a place like this?

But imagine if they knew if the child was as Axsumite Xing thought bitterly. Even Bodhidharma’s Anger would never subside and according to the Kunlun Monastery.

Xing never believed such a things, a man, who never got angry? Saints exist, but Saints still had wroth…unless they were a Deity.

Hostess Li appeared in the corner of his left wearing white robes with yellow dragon embroidery centered around her breast then spiraling down to her waist, splitting into two.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

The dragon made her seem grandeur and the white robe was purposeful against the red colour of the interior to make her seem distinct from everyone else in the room.

Xing walked past her, keeping an eye on her. Ever since he found her exiting his room, he’d had a bad feeling about her, but as nothing happened after that feeling subsided, but not fully.

He pushed his door open, entered and rested the child on the bed. She rolled out of his hands as if she was awake and stopped right by the pillow she grew to like.

He walked around ensuring no changes had been made to the room and found none, which made his heart feel at ease for a bit.

Not leaving the room for so long messed with his psyche, but after seven days…it was too much for him to handle.

He sat by the window, took a deep breath and closed his eyes, feeling as if his body finally gained the rest he needed.

A knock on the door resonated, killing whatever thoughts of rest Xing had for himself. He didn’t move immediately, but after a minute of waiting the person knocked again.

I thought that girl would understand by now! Xing growled to himself, annoyed. Xing pushed himself up, begrudgingly, rolling his neck and shoulders.

He’d only been in the room for fifteen minutes, but regardless, he’d have to chase away this girl again.

Xing pulled the door open with such venom, that even a snake would gawk. The wind that thundered down the hallway made the candles simmer from his frustration. “XIAO JU! I TOLD YOU!” Xing roared but caught sight of someone else.

A Young man stood before Xing, wearing an elegant green robe with overlapping black and white lines which were stitched around his waist. He held an aura of arrogance that stung Xing’s eyes in annoyance.

The young man’s face was pale as if he hadn’t seen much sun, and his nose was small, matching his thin lips. His eyes were as cold as the summer nose, whilst his hair was pulled back into a silver tang crown.

He smiled at Xing, showing a sniveling grin, which made Xing wary. Men such as this usually smiled as if they were owed, or know something.

“Apologies Young Master!,” Xing said firmly, cupping his hands. “But as you can see. This room is taken. If you usually reserve this room, then I will have to apologise as my stay here will be for some time!”

“I care nothing for your room.” He said coldly, wrinkling his nose. He turned to a side, pointing his nose to the ceiling, which only made Xing roll his eyes in his mind.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” The Young Master asked.

Xing gave a gent smile, then shut the door behind him. “I’m afraid, not Young Master, my daughter’s not at her best right now and she needs her rest.”

“I see. Well, I guess we can speak here then.” He said cooly. Xing gritted his teeth, cause he knew that tone. It was reserved but laced in anger, a tone only a noble would use, but why would a noble need to speak with me?

“Speak? regarding what Young Master?”

“I’m here to make a request. I need something done, and I heard you’re a martial arts master.”

“Martial Arts Master?” Xing laughed, “I’m no master, you’ve been misinformed. I’m just a man hoping to take care of his daughter.”

“…and brought her here?” The Young Master said, “You do know this is a brothel, yes? Unless you plan to sell your daughter off!”

The fury that boiled within Xing began to rage. He felt his Qi swirl within his Soul Dantian and stormed through his meridians straight into his Core Dantian.

The urge was there, to snap his head off, but Xing kept his rage within. Young Masters were known for their arrogance and disregard for human life.

Calm yourself Xing…you don’t need trouble with the local Young Masters. You just want to leave quietly and get to Sichuan.

“I’m only here by circumstance Young Master,” Xing said with a smile. “Plus the view isn’t bad at all now is it?”

“Hooo…that can’t be all now is it. I highly doubt the case, or does her mother work here, hence why you here?”

“Here?” Xing asked confused. “What do you mean here?”

“You’re quite well known in the Red Lantern Tavern.”

“Well known? That seems unlikely.” Xing laughed.

“Yet, here I am…seeking your acquittance, yes?”

“Yes, it would appear so,” Xing said grimly. “But there’s nothing I can help you with.”

The Young Master rubbed his hands greedily then clasped them behind his back. He licked his lips and smiled gently. “I’m not here to offend you, Master…”

“I’m no Master, but you can call me Bo Kung.” Xing answered.

“Bo Kung? I’ve never heard of an expert with that name.”

“Because I’m no expert Young Master. I’m just a traveler, hoping to keep my daughter safe, in a world of experts as you so put it.” Xing laughed, dryly.

The Young Master turned, harrumphing as he did so, as to hide his disgust, but Xing saw right through him. “I have a job for you Master Bo, would you be interested?” The Young Master said, turning back to Xing, sleeves swaying from side to side.

“Work? An honest day’s work is always best, but sadly, I can’t accept it. I have fatherly duties to attend.”

“Doesn’t she have a mother?” The Young Master snapped, anger steaming from his nostrils.

“She does, and what does that have to do with you Young Master?” Xing said coldly, dropping his smile and squaring his shoulders up.

The Young Master looked at him as if he weren’t bothered, but Xing could see a little fright enter his eyes.

“Then I have to apologise for offending Master Bo.” The young Master said with a bow, cupping his hands.

“I’m no Master, nor am I offended Young Master, but I will accept your apology,” Xing said raising his hands.

The Young Master sneered and turned around, walking off without another word. Xing watched him disappear down the hallway making a right. Humph…the stairs are on the left Xing thought, he’s heading for the auxiliary door…he probably has influence here.

Xing turned around, and entered the door, checking in on the child. She was sound asleep thankfully, which relieved him of any burdens he had on his mind.

He plunked himself on the bed, right next to the child, shielding her from the ground and dropped sleep, hoping she would get better soon, so they could leave this vile place.