13 Too young to be a father

It was late evening when Zhang Wang found himself kneeling in front of Beast Master Wei. Her eyes glared down at him, arms crossed tight in front of her chest. Though she was a woman, many people believed that Beast Master Wei was a man. And with her sneering haughty and crass personality, Zhang Wang thought she could really pass for one as well, if she just bound her chest.

"And who the heck do you think you are? To bring these fiends into my house?" She pointed at the two demons that were also kneeling next to Zhang Wang.

Yu Yanlin was clearly unhappy, and now sported even more rope circling around his arms and torso. But he remained quiet and obedient with his head lowered and resigned. Zhang Wang would be lying if he didn't feel bad.

Juhua was bound as well, with the same rope around her small torso, her big eyes blinking at them. Unlike the demon king, she didn't seem that alarmed and appeared quite content flexing her toes in her little shoes.

"Ah, that's the reason why I need your help and advice, Honorable Beast Master Wei!" Zhang Wang kowtowed shamelessly, "And plus they're harmless, I promise!"

But Beast Master Wei only sneered. "One more glaring problem!" She roared.

Zhang Wang would never admit to the squeak that came out of his mouth, "W-What is it!?"

The Beast Master pointed her fan at Juhua, "What the heck is up with this brat's hair!?'

"Huh!?"

"Her hair is so damned messy and dry! Are you even taking care of it properly, and you call yourself a father?"

"HUH??!?!"

…

Beast Master Wei's home was small and quaint, situated atop Mount Hannu where she lived in relative seclusion with her spiritual beasts. She had taken part in the war but a few months ago sustained a serious injury and had to take time to herself to recover her strengths.

Zhang Wang liked to think he had a decent relationship with this wild beastmaster. She was the type that didn't like to listen to anyone and did things her own way. It was said that that was the reason why she did not have a husband.

Well, Beast Master Wei was not an ugly woman but she was far from the most feminine. Even now, where she was pouring two large bowls of alcohol for them, her legs were splayed apart in an unlady-like manner. The robes she wore were commonly the style and cut worn by men. And though she took very good care of her hair and skin, she never wore even a flick of makeup and did not bother wearing her hair up in complex styles.

In short, she was a tomboy. A total tomboy. With a crude personality to boot.

"You're saying you got into a contract with that thing…by accident."

"...Yes."

"I don't believe you." Her expression was pulled into a sneer even as she handed Zhang Wang the cup of wine.

He took it from her hand with a small bow. "It's true, I swear! Ah I seriously don't know how it happened. I want to know how to undo it. You're an expert on contracts aren't you?"

"Do I look like some sort of free consultant to you?"

"No, but we're friends aren't we? For old time's sake?"

"Who even wants to be friends with a piece of shit like you!?" Even with the rude words coming out of her mouth she still held her cup up for a toast.

Zhang Wang chuckled and played along with her antics, "I have many friends, Wei-dajie!"

"Don't call me that." A dangerous cloud appeared around her.

Zhang Wang raised his hands up in surrender, "Okay, I won't, I won't, Honorable Beast Master Wei."

She rolled her eyes, and then took note of Juhua who was awkwardly playing with a set of bells that she found on the counter, "Hey, brat!" Beast Master Wei barked, waving the little girl over.

The young girl flinched at being called. She dropped the bells before putting them carefully back on the counter and skipping over. Zhang Wang watched curiously as Beast Master Wei padded the ground in front of her and then pulled out a wooden comb.

"Sit still, little brat unless you want all your hair to be pulled out!"

Juhua was a good girl and sat obediently as Beast Master Wei combed through her messy locks. A weird well of fatherly pride blossomed in Zhang Wang's chest but then he shook himself out of his stupor. He was too young to be a father!

"Is there anything you can do for me?" Zhang Wang pouted cutely at the woman sitting opposite him, "I promise I'll give you something good in return~"

"Ah forget it." She rolled her eyes. "I want to remind you that I know little to nothing about contracts with demonic beings. You do understand that they're different from spiritual beasts right?"

"I know, I know but you're the only person I can turn to and rely on!" He was really pouting now. It wasn't like Zhang Wang wanted to come and beg for help in the first place. He really didn't have a choice! He quickly downed his share of alcohol and poured them both a second bowl.

He should probably slow down after what happened the other night.

But Zhang Wang was bad at learning his lessons, even from mistakes

Beast Master Wei sighed, "The only type of contract I'm familiar with in regards to demons are their slave contracts."

Zhang Wang scrunched his nose up in distaste, remembering how Yu Yanlin mentioned something about Zhang Wang being his Master. He shuddered at the memory.

Beast Master Wei's words did not comfort him, "It seems like the terms of your contract are pretty similar. That's usually how the slave contracts work, the master has full authority of the use of his slave's spiritual power and abilities."

"Then…what about the soul entanglement part?"

The woman shook her head and shrugged, "I've never seen anything like that before…Hm, aside from maybe one thing. But it seems strange and out of place for a slave contract."

"What is it? Just tell me, don't make me wallow in suspense."

"Yeah, yeah stop whining!" She chided him before continuing, "It��s a very old and rare practice I've seen between Dao partners. Hm, maybe you can think it similar to wedding vows?"

Zhang Wang's mouth hung open, the bowl in his hand slipped out of his shocked, loosened grips, spilling the alcohol all over his lap. The Immortal of a Thousand Blossoms thoroughly blushed as he flailed awkwardly, pulling out a handkerchief in attempts to clean up the mess he just made.

Did he really hear that right!? Dao partners? Wedding vows? This was seriously stupid and really seemed like a cheap and convoluted plot device that he wanted no part in!

"Is there any way to undo it!? I don't want to deal with this!"

"How the heck am I supposed to know? I already told you that I've never seen anything like this before."

Zhang Wang wanted to scream! So much for getting any help whatsoever.

…

Beast Master Wei allowed them to stay the night but warned him not to overstay his welcome. "I don't want two demons stinking up my lovely home," she said to him without mercy.

But despite her cruel words she doted quite heavily on little Juhua, and even went out her way to find a cute little hairpin for the girl. To think Zhang Wang even got scolded for being a negligent father.

He sighed, exhausted and was about to retire to the guest room that Beast Master Wei provided them with.

"Oh one more thing," A hand on his shoulder prevented him from leaving.

Zhang Wang turned back, "Hm, what is it?"

"About that demon of yours. Do you know how to control his powers?"

"Nope, not at all," Zhang Wang admitted.

"Hm, I do not know the details of how the contract functions. It's unfortunately very different from the ones you'd form with spiritual beasts," She paused, her face scrunched up as though she was debating if she should share her following words.

Zhang Wang waited until finally the beast master said, "Though…there should be an easy way to give back small amounts of spiritual energy. Though it would be wise to keep it under control. He is still a dangerous demon. But you have to also take into consideration that your soul is tied to him, so it will do you well if he's not totally helpless."

"Okay, I'm listening."

After she told him, Zhang Wang thought for certain that Beast Master Wei was pulling his leg.

That definitely couldn't be the case, right!?