"What in the world?"

Tianlan could barely speak between heavy breaths.

What he had just experienced was so far from his expectations that he was having trouble believing it was all real.

"Is that all you've got, Tianlan?"

Instead of answering, Tianlan took the precious few seconds to catch his breath.

"You didn't think you could take the clan from me with just this, did you?"

"This isn't... How?"

Tianlan had entered the battle with some apprehension. It had been a long time since he had faced Hei at full power, after all.

But this just didn't make any sense.

"Why can't my attacks get through?"

When it came to speed, he had Hei beat hands down. Even with Hei's time dilation, Tianlan was still faster. He could tell that through watching Hei's eyes during the fight. They weren't able to keep up with his movements.

But all that speed didn't mean much when he couldn't break through Hei's defences.

Hei's chains stopped Tianlan's blade at every turn.

Sonic qi? Negated.

Sword intent? Countered.

Blind spots? Covered.

Brute force? Blocked.

As for a battle of attrition, such a thing was never an option. Hei's qi reserves had always been far in excess of his siblings.

"Let's stop here," said Hei. "It's my victory."

Tianlan clenched his fists.

The fight wasn't over yet. He still had plenty of energy left.

But the result was already clear.

"One day, I'll find a way to break through your defences."

Hei smiled.

"Then I'll make it my mission to never let it happen."

"Hater."

Hei laughed then let out a sigh.

"I want to trust you with something Tianlan. You think you can handle it?"

"What is it?"

"Sharpen that sword of yours to the limit, and if I ever turn on you guys, drive it through my heart."

Hearing that caused Tianlan's countenance to fall.

"Why would you say something like that, Hei?"

"Why so serious? It's just a precaution."

"What's going on?"

"Well..."

Hei looked off to the distance for a moment before placing his hands behind his head.

"I'm pretty sure there's something wicked hiding deep within me somewhere. I noticed it at the Fang Clan when I was angered by the elders."

"When they were badmouthing our work?"

"Mm. It was an unusual level of aggravation. So much so, that I don't think it was a simple emotional response. I'm probably afflicted with something. Something like a heart demon."

"A heart demon? Come on. That was just you being overly protective of little Bai. You've always had a short fuse when it comes to her."

"That's was what I thought at first, but I've got this nagging feeling."

"..."

"Ah well. This is all just conjecture anyway. The point is, if I go crazy, I want you to be the one to take care of it. You down?"

"You won't go crazy."

"But if I do?"

"You won't."

Hei smiled and chose to remain silent.

"In the first place, that body isn't yours, Kaner. What you're asking for is impossible."

"Ah. True. Then I'll make sure to give little Hei his body back before I go crazy."

"But how about little Bai, Mei, Mother. How would they feel if I-"

"How would they feel if they had to do it themselves?"

"..."

"I'm asking you this because I think you can handle it. If you don't think you can, then-"

Tianlan let out an exasperated sigh.

"Fine, Onii-chan! If you go crazy, I'll be the one to kill you! You happy now?"

"What?! T-Tianlan?! Why would you say such a thing? Even if I do go crazy, shouldn't we look for a more peaceful solution first?"

"!"

Tianlan's eyes immediately darted about, looking for any onlookers, but he didn't find any.

He let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Hei hadn't led him into another trap.

"You're a real pain in the side, you know that?"

Hei stuck out his tongue.

"Alright. Let's head back. There's still a matter to settle."