Chapter 48, Pent-up

~/`````````````````````/~

A lit normal sized room filled with goods.

Dust could be seen if you just slide your finger along any wooden plank that made the place.

With the ground being covered in hard soil.

There was a bunch of individuals standing there.

Tengfei, Lihua, Zhou Huan, Li Meixiu, Peizhi, Li Bingmei, Xiao Meifen, and her retainer.

“So, how did you reserve this large warehouse?” Asked Zhou Huan. A good question as there is too many harvested crops in here to trade in for solid coins.

Li Bingmei did a certain pose, “Connections~”

A common thing that would occur from now on is her special cutesy pose. She bends towards the person, tilts her head up, and presses a finger on her cheek.

Zhou Huan still finds it hard to believe that they’re both sisters, or even related.

As if predicting as to what he was thinking, Li Bingmei answered, “My dear sister was not always an ice queen, you know?”

Hearing this out, Lihua recalled pointing this thing towards her friend. Already realizing that something occurred to change her.

Tengfei who was always beside her, gave the princess beside him a short poke to her side. Making her release an adorable sequel before rebuking physically.

Li Meixiu hearing that her past was being spoken off, made her emit malicious intent towards her sister but unfortunately it was ignored.

In the case of Zhou Huan, he was quite perplexed and wondered as to how she turned like this. He’s not complaining though. As he's starting to have some sort of kink towards expressionless females.

Though his mood at the moment was not suited. Inside him was completely mess.

After waiting for everyone's conversation to be done, Peizhi then announced, “I’ll bring him out now.”

Within a few moments, his ring glowed in color before releasing an object which steadily gotten larger. Eventually taking the shape of a man, covered by oozing violet chains.

His eyes slowly opened before adjusting to the light coming off from the large circular window. It seemed he was taking a deep slumber before. His expression was haggard, lips cracked. Shows how many hours he withstood inside.

Looking around, he quickly understood the situation he is in. Without caring, he took a sit on the chair which has been kindly placed there.

Li Bingmei gave a cup to Peizhi which was filled with clear liquid. He then approached towards the man, who was strangely Complient. Allowing himself, without struggle, to drink it. The man even commented, “Truth serum.” Afterwards.

Li Bingmei expression laxed from observing his behavior. She even offered, “Would you like some water?”

The man nodded. Peizhi then slowly poured water on the man’s opened mouth. Gulping each down.

Xiao Meifen and her retainer witnessed as to how delighted the man was.

”Okay, now we can start the questioning.” Peizhi exlaimed.

The man interjected, ”Before that, I just like to say that the truth serum was pointless since I’ll be telling the truth anyway. But I guess it’ll make you believe my words at least.”

Lihua, Li Meixiue, Zhou Huan and Tengfei were still having a surprised look. Not due to his calmness, but because of his familiar appearance.

Lihua commented, “The inn keeper...”

He gave her a smile before joking, “I’m still waiting for the payment.”

Tengfei then murmured, “It all makes sense now. The quality of the inn, the amount of people in it, the rare appearance of the inn keeper, and not to forget how free the place is.”

The inn keeper gave a sharp look, “You might have figured it out, but let me explain it for the others.”

He turned to everyone before exclaiming, “Since I’m about to die soon, I might as well reveal the truth. I’m not a spy but someone who takes care of that envious couple right there.” He raised his chin repeatedly towards Tengfei and Lihua.

Li Bingmei was going to ask, but was stopped by Meifen. Instead she asked, ”By who?”

”Of course, like what you also guessed, it was none other than your dear older brother.” He revealed.

Meifen narrowed her eyes, furrowed her eyebrows, before checking out the expression of Lihua.

The princess's expression changed to that of someone receiving a big reveal. Shocked to core.

Tengfei also noticed her change which caused him to feel something aching inside. Averting his eyes away from hers quickly.

The self-proclaimed inn keeper witnessed the shocked look on the girl. He gave out a sigh before realizing that only Tengfei knew about it.

Everyone else, aside some people, were puzzled at that reveal.

The chained-up man gave out a rough cough before continuing, "You see, this all started when I purchased an inn and shut down any nearby ones. All happened during the time of your escape." He said before eyeing, Zhou Huan, Lihua and Tengfei.

Their complexion changed to something paler.

"After a day of your group staying inside the forest, the preparation of the inn was set. Allowing me to navigate around the place without anyone's notice. Maybe except for her." His eyes wondered to Li Meixiu.

Li Meixiu nodded, before saying, "So, you were the other one."

He nodded gently in response. The man then continued, "Also don't worry, young lady. Your secret is safe with me."

Lihua realized that all times she was sniffing on Tengfei's bed... was seen. She was angry and embarrassed at the same time.

The man then gave a sad smile before continuing, "My task was to take care of you, but please forgive me for setting up that mess. As your father directly ordered for you to feel a sense of despair."

Tengfei took some time to understand what he meant. He then grew mad when he realized that the men who were about to defile Lihua, was nothing but a plan coerced by her father.

Lihua remained silent.

The man open one of his eyes before saying, "I have the ability to disguise myself to someone else. Remember that man who was getting mugged? Well... that was me."

Lihua recalled now, and felt a sharp pain in her heart.

Her master, Vlos, remained silent.

Li Meixiu, noticing that her friend is in pain, she couldn't help but grab her hand and squeeze it.

Tengfei saw this act. As a lover, he should do the same or even embrace her... but right now, he doesn't have the right.

The inn keeper then continued, "After that incident, you could say I had a change of heart. Since I too have a daughter, I wouldn't want you to have any further problems. Even going so far to ignoring the commands of your father." Blood started oozing at the corners of his mouth.

Li Bingmei exclaimed, "Peizhi, something is wrong with him!"

The man dismissed Peizhi's act of medication, "No worries, this is but something that would occur, if I were to speak any more information. Luckily I have a good resistance or else I would be dead by now."

He then sighed, "Let me continue for now, I'll just say the important parts." The inn keeper paused for a moment, "Lihua, your father is someone crazy. I don't know the reason why he needs both you and Tengfei, but for sure it isn't for something humane. He has ties with the Quail group. He would silence anyone from revealing that specific information. If you want to know about it, ask it form your lover."

Lihua's eyes turned towards Tengfei, they were filled with mixed emotions.

The innkeeper also turned towards the gray-haired young man, "Though I don't understand why you hid it from her."

He then stopped moving.

Peizhi, felt his pulse and checked his eyes before announcing, "He's dead."

Lihua grabbed the hand of Tengfei before giving him a look. A cold look.

Tengfei somehow understood what she was thinking and so he followed her out of the place.

~/`````````````````````/~

"Tengfei, you knew, didn't you? What happened?"

Tengfei remained silent for a moment before nodding, "He was the one responsible for wiping out a certain sect, having your step mother know about this information, he colluded with that quail group to wipe out everyone in that place."

She asked another, this time her words were getting louder, "...And you hid all of this? The fact that I'm a daughter to a person who orders rape and murder!?"

He had a horrible expression but still nodded. Before he knew it, he was slapped hard on the cheek by Lihua. Imprinting a red mark on his face.

Afterwards, you could see that she was gripping her hands tightly, downcast expression, with a sign of her gritting the teeth.

She then asked with an angry look and watery eyes, "Am I some fool to you, Tengfei!? Aren't you the one that doesn't like keeping secrets!? Doesn't that make you a hypocrite!?"

Tengfei accepted all the bashing without rebuking. Allowing the pain to seep into his cheek, not even touching it.

"All this time when we were playing house, I thought that someone else like the Quail was responsible for destroying my home!" Lihua's anger didn't slow down at all.

Her hand tightened the clothing around her chest before yelling, "Even with all things done to me, that place was still my home! The very place where I spent most of my life!"

She grasped the shirt of Tengfei before asking him with tears on her face, "Tell me Tengfei... Why did you hide it from me... Weren't we supposed to share... everything?" A tear-jerking voice.

Tengfei couldn't reply. At the moment he didn't know what to say.

Lihua gave him a moment before letting loose of his clothing.

She then told him, "...I must have looked like some love-struck moron all this time. You knowing everything while I dally around as your pet."

The princess gave an angry look before telling him, "Go search for my damn sister by yourself!" Then she ran away.

Tengfei was about to chase after her, but stood still at the moment.

~/`````````````````````/~

Inside the storage room, Li Bingmei asked her fiancé, Peizhi, to bury the body of the dead man. He complied after searching the body. Seeing if there is anything more. All he could find though was the drawing of a lady with a cute girl beside.

He gave a good look at the drawing before folding and placing it in his pocket. Deep in thoughts.

Li Bingmei patted his shoulder before whispering something into his ear.

She then stretched her arms before exclaiming lazily, "It seems that we learned something that we're supposed to not know..." Eyeing the middle-aged lady, Meifen.

The lady replied, "No, it's not something to hide about. Our sect is currently having some issues with regarding my brother. Though we cannot do anything about it at the moment." She then added, "Plus, the main secret has not been revealed at least."

"Even without knowing the secret, I can already tell that it's quite the mess." She commented. Smelling herself afterwards, even questioning Peizhi about her stench.

Li Meixiu was still busy wondering as to how would Tengfei soothe his princess. She even thought, 'I mentioned before that they were both lucky to find each other. But I guess that it could only be said when they stop hiding secrets from each other. Being truthful... to one another...'

Her thoughts wondered towards a certain figure's back. Slowly increasing her heart rate.

Someone nudged her side which caused her to almost shriek in surprise. She turned in anger to find a grinning Zhou Huan. Instead of the anger subsiding, it grew worse. As usual, not through her expressionless face, but instead by her aura.

He patted his chest before exclaiming, "Don't worry, you always have me to fall onto."

She almost busted a vein from witnessing his act. Li Meixiu then told him, "Go die in a ditch." Before walking away.

Li Meixiu's sister, Li Bingmei, approached the person who made a fool of himself. She then told him, "I would advise someone like you who isn't serious about my sister, to not even joke about making her fall for you."

Zhou Huan had no expression written on his face.

She then continued, "I know your type very well. A person like you would only hurt her more than giving warmth." Her golden eyes gave off a glow which would give shivers to anyone who took a glimpse at them.

Huan closed his eyes and showed a smile. He then replied, "I know, but seeing her show an expression is quite addicting you know."

Li Bingmei gone close and inspected him entirely, "Hmmm, being able to make that ice queen show some expression. Is a sign of her being comfortable with someone? I'm already happy enough that she found a good friend who isn't only looking for favors from her..."

She then poked his chest twice, "But let me warn you buddy, if somehow you became serious about her, I advise not hiding anything from that person." She then went away with Peizhi. Overtaking Li Meixiu, who still has hostility pointed towards her.

Li Bingmei's lips quiver before she asked her, "How long till you forgive... me?"

She didn't reply.

Li Bingmei felt annoyed, "I thought so."

She then shook her head before pulling her fiancé away, telling him, "Let's go, we need to check out what happened yesterday. Elder Gu is waiting."

~/`````````````````````/~

The sun was kindly bright today.

Sound of crickets chirping could be heard.

A certain place had the sound of water changing.

Lihua threw a rock on the pond. Aiming to skip it but failed to do so. Watching as it drowned to the bottom.

She then thought to herself, "...That was horrible of me...." She sighed before completing, "Again."

After cooling down, she realized somethings.

'He definitely had a reason as to why he didn't tell me.'

She then looked at her reflection on the pond before muttering, "No one is perfect, flaws are always there... I too have hidden the secret of my mister from him. And so, I had to rights to react like that" She then closed her eyes.

A person sat by beside her.

It was none other than Tengfei.

Lihua, after noticing his presence, averted her eyes to the opposite direction.

In truth, she was happy that he came.

Tengfei gave a deep breath before saying, "I have been truly wrong this time."

The princess gave a short murmur, "Hmph."

"I'm sorry for not telling."

Tengfei then continued, "At the start, my hate for you was still inside me, so I had no obligation to tell you."

"...But we changed."

"Yeah, and I had a changed reason. A very selfish one. A very childish one." Said Tengfei.

Lihua pondered, "And what was it?"

"Like before, I'm scared to lose you."

Lihua felt warmth in her heart before asking, "How did you conclude that you would lose me if it was told earlier?"

"I have a fear, that one day you would leave to search for answers from your father."

Lihua blinked twice before replying, "Hah, no. I don't think I'm that desperate for answers. It's true that I want answers, but more importantly... losing you would be devastating. I don't think you understand why I was pained again."

She gone close and continued, "It's because you do not have any faith in me. Trust your little princess more, Tengfei."

Tengfei embraced her before replying, "If people witness our acts this past weeks, I bet they'll be annoyed as hell."

"Jealous fellows." She snuggled.

A pink small snake went out of Tengfei's clothing before laying on his lap. Hissing its smol tongue.

~/`````````````````````/~

"Would you like some tea?" Asked a man.

Lou Jun gave a nod before eyeing the fragrant liquid pouring out of a porcelain container.

Taking the cup, she gave a deep sniff before sipping it down.

It has been a while where she could relax.

Farengoth placed his cup down before commenting on Lou Jun's ease, "A smile huh? Must really love tea..."

She feigned ignorance.

The man who carried the container, placed it down on to the glass table. He then asked after cleaning his glasses with a cloth, "Farengoth, I still cannot believe to see you here. So far away from home."

"Yeah, it felt like yesterday when both me and Sheirl would get patched up by you." The knight said.

He nodded before asking, "Speaking of Sheirl? Where is she?" He then eyed Lou Jun, "I doubt she's in disguise as a Kian, right?"

Lou Jun placed the tea cup before shaking her head.

Farengoth had a grim look.

Reesh surveyed the knight before concluding, "...She died?"

Farengoth paused before giving a short nod.

Reesh took out his glasses before placing it on the table. His hands were shaky.

He asked another, "Was it in this town?" A tone of sorrow.

Farengoth replied, "No, her death was at a sect near this place. She got killed."

Without anyone noticing, a slight breath of relief was released by Reesh Levy. Though his expression was still sad.

He gave a look at Farengoth before saying, "She was a lively and pleasant one. I will really miss her."

Lou Jun didn't know who 'Sheirl' is, but can tell that she was someone important to both of them.

Reesh Levy then continued, "Still... I'm surprised you're... fine. If I recalled, without her... you would be-"

"No, inside me is still a mess. A little better than before at least. But my tendencies is leaking."

Reesh gave a sharp look before uttering, "The mad-king's curse."

He nodded.

Reesh explained to the lady besides, "It's a curse bestowed upon him by a humanoid beast who resided in a forest nearby our hometown. A curse that will slowly drive him to the brink of insanity."

This piqued Lou Jun's curiosity as she asks, "Why would the beast curse him?"

Farengoth didn't like others delving into his past. But it doesn't hurt answering, "I rescued Sheirl from that lady's clutches. Freeing her from being another disciple. Killing the female beast by stabbing her core. Destroying the last illusion queen."

Reesh gave a wry smile before commenting, "And that's how he was marked to be the future illusion king. In return of slowly losing everything, he gains fiendish magic."

Lou Jun commented, "Just... like that one... you placed on me." She then shivered from recalling Farengoth's head splitting in two.

Farengoth replied, "A weak one compared to what it is supposed to be."

Reesh had a serious look as he stared towards Farengoth.

The knight interjected, "Don't give me that look. I know how to control the tendency."

"You better, or else you'll have the largest bounty on all these blasted countries. Making even the rankers to chase after your damn head." He the continued, "I'm worried cause, you don't have Sheirl anymore. And I doubt this girl who's clearly having murderous intentions on you would be a replacement."

Farengoth waved it away, "I'll think about it later."

Reesh then refilled the cup of Lou Jun who was subconsciously asking for it. He then asked Farengoth, "So, I take that you need some questions."

"Yes, did you know about someone who is capable of dealing with a seasoned Knight?"

Strangely, he quickly asked, "Which knight are you particularly asking about? Gives me a clue."

"Merask." Answered Farengoth.

"You're over crediting him, when you mentioned well-seasoned. It's more like someone who relied too much on that gloves of his. Not refining his swordplay and tactics of combat. Weak to any dirty shenanigans." He commented.

"Well, he was killed in action. And I don't know who was the individual responsible for the death. His shield and magical gloves were missing too."

Reesh replied, "I don't recall any fellow in this town who is strong enough to deal with a beginner knight, don't even mention about a proper knight. Maybe that bald headed guy, but he most likely wouldn't engage against Krehorian soldiers."

Lou Jun felt the ache on her shoulder before annoyingly saying, "That guy was too strong."

Reesh nodded, "Indeed, he's a fine candidate to becoming a ranker. So, is there any other question?"

"Took wind of the latest gossip around?" Asked Farengoth.

"Only one. There have been sightings of Quail group near the valley of song."

"That's plenty of help." The knight then stood up, followed up by the other two.

Reesh shook the hand which Farengoth offered before hugging him.

He then said, "Take care."

Farengoth, "You two Reesh."

Before they left, the knight told, "If we ever came back here, I'll stop by."

"Faren, wait."

The knight halted.

Reesh then commented, "You've grown."

Farengoth paused, recalled a lady before shaking his head. Waving his hand afterwards.

...

...

After their departure, Inside the shop, there could be heard of multiple glasses being broken repeatedly.

Reesh fell do the ground before weeping.

~/`````````````````````/~

Lihua and Tengfei returned near the storage place. They took a glimpse of seeing Li Bingmei leaving with Peizhi, giving their waves at them.

They both bowed as thanks for everything they done for them.

Spotting Li Meixiu, the princess asked, "Where are they going?"

"They have something to do back on those islands." She then continued after eyeing the expression on both of them, "More importantly, how are you feeling?"

"Better, since this idiot beside me finally understood to put some trust."

Tengfei scratched the back of his hair before laughing it off. He earned a sharp nudge to his side.

Li Meixiu looked at her friend Lihua before saying, "Strangely, if I had less trust back then... It wouldn't hurt as much."

Hearing her words made Lihua remember as to what Tengfei said back then. About how he was betrayed. She now felt even more stupid and forceful. She tugged the clothing of his.

He looked to find Lihua with her apologetic look. He guessed that she finally understood the other reason. And here he thought that she forgotten.

Without anyone's notice, the ring on his finger glowed.

Zhou Huan came up and noticed that everything was cheery. He joined in with arms raised high. Sticking close to Li Meixiu, before slowly trying trying to wrap one of his arms around her.

The thing he felt next was a large stream of jolts through his body. His hair stood up as he froze in shock.

Li Meixiu moved away from him.

Lihua rubbed her chin before saying with a tone filled with ridicule, "Zhou Huan, I wonder what happened to your cool and cold personality?"

Li Meixiu also commented, "Thinking back at it now, you look more pitiful for pretending to be like that."

He recovered quickly due to the help of Tengfei's healing.

Zhou Huan then rebuked, "At least I'm not the fellow who took countless days before seeing through my masterful facade."

Li Meixiu averted her eyes as she felt really annoyed.

Zhou Huan told his brother next, "Oh yeah, we didn't have a proper chat in a while. Let's have one tonight."

Lihua heard it through and gave an idea after grabbing hold of Li Meixiu's arm, "Then we'll be spending with each other then."

Li Meixiu tilted her head to the side slightly before asking the adorable girl beside her, "Where to?"

"Your inn room of course!" She exclaimed energetically

Li Meixiu paused before asking, "Will there be food?"

Lihua giggled, "Of course."

"I'm excited then." The ice queen proclaimed.

"Your expressionless face makes it seem otherwise.... But who cares! I'll be having some quality time with a friend of mine!" Lihua was really cheery

Li Meixiu nodded twice.

~/`````````````````````/~

EXTRA:

When Lou Jun exited the herbal store, her eyes tracked over towards a young man and a red-haired lady.

She stopped for a moment before seeking attention form the knight beside her, "Hey."

He turned and gave a puzzled look.

"...Is it a problem if I go and meet up with someone right there?" She then pointed at the pair.

Farengoth was slightly startled by her kindness, "I don't see the problem if you were to ask so politely."

She stopped herself from cursing him before walking towards them.

Lou Jun even thought, 'I wonder if he would still recognize me.'

When she stopped in front of them, the red-haired girl was having a troubled look. Maybe because of Lou Jun's dry hair, no make-up, and overall looked like someone really poor. Only her clothing was helping.

The reason why the princess was having that type of expression, was not because of the appearance but instead she felt like the lady in front of her is someone she met before.

Tengfei on the other hand, paused for a moment before saying, "...It has been a while, Lou Jun. Or if that is truly your real name?"

His words jogged the memory of Lihua before she was further puzzled by the difference of appearance. Even questioning if Tengfei got the right person.

Lou Jun never thought she would smile twice today. One for the pleasant tea, and another was because of the person in front of her.

She gave a laugh which also shook her shoulders. Lou Jun then asked the girl beside, "Cute girl, may I borrow your lover for a moment? I promise you that I'll not snatch him away~"

The princess crossed her arms, firmed herself, flicked her long hair before replying, "I have full trust on him."

Tengfei felt like she indirectly jabbed his stomach.

Lou Jun beckoned Tengfei before leading him to side of a shop.

When they're left alone, Tengfei finally asked, "So, what did I earn to be graced with your visit after this long?"

Her eyebrows creased, "Drop the damn formalities, I don't want you reminding me of him."

Tengfei raised both his hands in forgiveness before replying, "I thought I could tease you a bit." He then revealed a sardonic/snarling smile.

Lou Jun whistled as she surveys him from toe to head, "You became bold since we last met. No wonder many poor girls died saving you." She rolled her eyes.

Tengfei secretly gnashed his teeth while putting a smile out-front.

He then rebuked, "And you look like a sad widow. Too depressed to even clean herself."

She knitted her eyebrows before pulling his ear. Only feeling better after hearing his pain.

After letting go, Tengfei rubbed his red ear before asking, "Can't handle a joke?"

She looked at him, and he looked at her. Both having a serious look. Staring at the eyes of each other. Though not before long, they started laughing.

"Hah, you truly are someone that's fun to be with!" Lou Jun exclaimed.

Tengfei slowly dropped his laughter before saying something coldly.

"I know you were the one responsible for killing the mayor." His expression was still normal.

Lou Jun froze for a moment before taking a shrug, "He killed himself, all I planned was destroying his way of communication. The restaurant's owner must've informed you that."

Tengfei nodded before pointing out another one, "Also that you are part of the assassin guild An Yu."

"Well, it's easy to guess if you know who was the killer." She forced a smile.

She then continued, "But more importantly, if you know all of this... then why agree to meet with me alone? Don't you have some sort of fear that I would silence you here and now."

Tengfei revealed a smile, "No, not one bit." He gave her a look before continuing, "Also, I don't loathe or resent you."

Lou Jun became uneasy, "Why? Aren't I killer? And do you even know what I did?"

"Why should I treat a friend differently because of that?" He questioned.

Tengfei looked up to the sky as he explains, "If I did so, I'll be afraid as to what others would think of me after learning what I did in the past."

Lou Jun also looked up. Seeing that it still looked cloudy. She the muttered, "Past huh?"

She then thought about something, '...No wonder you find me odd from our first meeting.'

He then asked, "So, Lou Jun. I heard from gossips nearby that your guild has been entirely destroyed. Is that true?"

She gripped curled her hands into a fist before murmuring, "...Mn." Showing a complicated look.

Spying her expression, he tapped her shoulder and told, "It's alright."

The next thing that occurred was something that Tengfei could never would have predicted.

Lou Jun embraced him and cried.

Tengfei was puzzled but still patted her back. This made her cry even more.

All the pent-up sadness was released at once. She found someone to rely on.

Lou Jun complained, "My mother left me, my dad left me, my home... was destroyed, the killer taken me as his slave, and I'm slowly... and probably surely losing the motive of revenge..."

Tengfei didn't embrace her back, as it would be unfair to Lihua. But instead, he comforted her with his words, "Let it all out, I'll be here to share the sorrow."

Her embrace became stronger as she cried with her head buried onto his shoulder's clothing.

~/`````````````````````/~

Lihua saw that Tengfei and Lou Jun returned back after a short while.

She kind of heard some crying but only when she saw the red eyebags of Lou Jun, she confirmed that it came from her. She wondered why she cried and more importantly... why on his shoulder.

Lou Jun patted Lihua's hair before saying, "Don't worry, we're nothing more than friends." She confirmed, "Never saw him other than that."

Lihua didn't trust her last words.

Tengfei made a joke, "And here I thought that it stopped raining." Before pushing her with his shoulder lightly.

She chuckled before reminding him, "Make sure you hear the vibrations of that stone."

Lihua asked, "Stone?"

"The communication gems." Elaborated Lou Jun.

Lihua frowned before asking, "...just friends with that much price?"

"Good friends then." Teased Lou Jun as she looked at her.

Lihua gritted her teeth before saying loudly, "I was right from the beginning! I do hate you!"

Lou Jun smiled before whispering into her ear, "And I envy you."

She then waved at both Tengfei and Lihua before returning to the knight.

~/`````````````````````/~