Powerful Clan: Black Dragon

“Gege.” Jia turns to look at the man who was calling him. A slight frown was drawn on his face. Zihan runs out to him holding a scroll in his hand. They face each other as the young master stop in front of him to catch his breath.

Ever since being Zihan’s servant he never had a break from everything. The young master always strolls in the city buying everything that his heart desire. His pervertedness also lessens to the core which makes Jia happy somehow. Zihan appeared cheery and highly spirited making Jia wonder if some childish spirits possess his master.

“What was that?” pointing to the scroll in Zihan’s hand. He got curious as to why the young man dashed towards him instead of Zixhen. Zihan gazes at him with a thrilled look on his face. “I got this from the black dragon clan. Our clan where I was born” Jia just nodded and was reciprocating glances at the young man.

“I was told to return.” Jia overhearing this seems happy. He can’t believe what he was getting on. “Is that true?” genuinely smiling as he grasps both Zihan’s shoulders eyes glistening as they stare focused on Zihan.

“Finally, God truly am grateful for this day. Zihan... no this annoying man is leaving.” He said in the back of his mind the ordeal from yesterday was gone as the news came into view.

Zihan overlooking the situation smiles back as he started to say “Yeah, so you should pack as well. We will be going tomorrow before dawn. Jia’s whole world a messy shamble thought was playing on the poor man’s mind. He kept silent for a good long second before asking Zihan to clear out what he said. “What was that again?” he wanted to make sure he was hearing things right just as Zihan chuckled softly and pat Jia’s head lightly.

“I know you were excited to come along with me, right?” Zihan abruptly stops moving closer to Jia’s ears. “AFTER ALL I AM THE ONE WHO OWNS YOU.” looking at the contorted face of his Gege as he just laughs it off.

“That’s... I.” he never convinces Zihan to pay him any excuse as the young master lock arms with him. “Young master, I had a sister she will be very sad if.” Zihan cut him off-putting his index finger on Jia’s mouth and shushing him. “Your little sister will be in Shixiong’s care he promised that before. Prepare everything now I told Gege that will ride the carriage by then.” He lightly taps Jia’s shoulder then like a child running wild he left Jia dumbfounded.

“Fuck.” The only word Jia can helplessly spit. He can’t predict what Zihan was thinking and that leaving the City just like a flash without even a day for a walk to remember. Feels dejected as he trudges heavily on the streets to home. His mind was chaotic. He didn’t even know how long they will be staying there.

A moist in his tired eyes started forming; there was a hole in his heart that keeps on bugging him. A soft but welcoming voice welcome him. It was A’yang who look at him confused. The poor man didn’t realize he was dazing that he failed to notice he was inside their house.

His eyes softened as the attempt to cry failed him. Pacing forward to sit beside A’yang who languidly folds their clothes. Jia sighed at the moment and then glances at her. “A’yang, I was told that Gege will be.” A’yang cut him off by replying. “Hmm, Gege let me guess you were going to accompany young master Zihan back to the Sect. Is that why you’re what trying to tell Ge?” Jia shut his mouth; the mountain of thoughts was pouring inside him. As to why A’yang knew about that pervert. How did she know about it? Why does it seem like she was fine being away with him?” He sulks the corner of his mouth curved down dropping his eyes, staring at the ground. “How did you know about it?” and pressed another question. “Who told you?”

A’yang gently chuckled she was sure enjoying Jia’s sulking behavior. “Young master went here early when you were on an errand. I was told that he will be borrowing you and will take good care of you too. So, I don’t have to spend worrying about you.” she lovingly gives Jia the folded clothes before. “Gege, Chen Shixiong promised to take good care of me. He will never abandon us that I believe. So, you deserve to take a break from all the responsibility and have a little fun with the young master.” Jia hugs his sister the feeling of being comforted and gentleness eases Jia’s soul. A’yang hugs him back.

“How about your illness?” Jia asked it without expecting any answers, but A’yang replied. “Gege, I am fine this sister is fine. Do not put yourself to worry. It will make you sick.” He was still holding A’yang in his arms grips slowly tightening as he sighs in relief. Both of them consciously let go they look at each other “I will also busy myself to find some cure for your illness.” He caresses A’yang’s face and the young maiden just nodded.

He then lightly pat A’yang’s head and quickly stand up to prepare the food. The two of them proceeded to have a lovely supper. They also retire to bed early as Jia needed to wake up before dawn. He was able to keep his things packed in the old groggy but usable bag. It was nothing but clothes and purse coins.

Somewhere in the deserted place in Huang An called “Hail Valley”

Murmurs and chants can be heard, and a group of people was wearing a cloak encircling the fire stake warming their cold bodies despite the covered clothing. A woman sitting beside one of the groups. She was staring blankly at the fire crackles dancing amid the night. They look desperate and tired. Some can be seen having deep wounds in their bodies.

“Jing Jing do you think that boy will be held by Apo Kankai.” A woman who was dazing was disturbed by such a question as she glances back. “I mean our elder did visit the boy during his venture in the forest alone. He was terrified yes, but he could no longer escape his destiny. He was---

The guy wearing a cloak stops for a little bit and then continues” After all, he was chosen as the vessel.” The woman’s grip on her tattered robes firmly tightens. She was patiently silent. Why does it have anything to do with that boy who helped him escape her brutal demise? Why does it have to be Jia?

“I will talk to Apo Kankai. I will plead not to get involved with that man. He doesn’t have to be the chosen vessel. I don’t want that man to suffer forever.” She gritted her teeth carried away by her guilt. Jing Jing wants to thank Jia for what the man had done but the day where she completely vanishes like a flash. It was the time she got kidnapped by their elder. When she heard about Apo Kankai attacking Jia while the young man was sleeping in his lair. She always blamed herself that lack of sleep perhaps because of guilt and self-torture can be her only choice to repay what was damaged.

“What are you talking about? Apo Kankai took a liking to that man. If he said he will be the vessel it must be well orchestrated and done. By force or by his own, you should just accept it” Jing Jing stood up throwing a glare at his comrade. For her, it was all their selfishness and desperation to use Jia’s body for the clan’s revenge. Her knuckles slowly turn white as her eyes are like a venomous snake ready to attack its prey. In a fit of rage, she yelled at them “YOU’RE LETTING THE MAN BECOME A VESSEL FOR WHAT? FOR REVENGE? WE ARE TAKING A HOLD OF HIS DESTINY FOR OUR BENEFIT. LET ME BE THE VESSEL!! I WON’T ---” A slap was hit by Jing Jing’s face. It was strong and hard that she was deafened by the hand hitting her. It made her stumble to the ground feeling the stinging pain reaching through her body.

“What did you say? Our benefits?” A very deep voice ranging through the group’s ears making them abruptly stand up nervously. The man has a new scar on his left eye. His pale amber eyes were blazing hot. The aura he was giving made the other shudder with fear. Jing Jing looks up, a clear view of Apo Kankai standing in front of her feigning superiority was for all to see. His figure terrified her not just her alone but the clan that stand before him.

“I ask you again to keep an eye for that man. You intended to fail your mission because of those stupid feelings of yours. I need him to restore the promise of our Wu Clan. I need him to be a sacrifice. How dare a lowly life like you disobey my orders.” His voice was cold enough to freeze you to death. He forcibly grabbed Jing Jing’s hair up making the poor writhe in agony. “If you failed just one more time. Your sister’s life in the brothel will be her grave and not just that she will be a breeding pig in the public square.” He then let go of her Jing Jing on the other was shaken to the core. Of course, how could she just forget her sister? She promises to save her from that hell. But the overwhelming guilt and pressure were too much for her to handle.

“I will expect your answer when you had that kid. You know what will happen if you fail.” Apo Kankai turn his back on the poor woman and started walking away as if nothing happened. The group from before also left her to follow their master. She was helpless. It’s either the guilt that would kill her or the demise her younger sister will be facing. She stood up despite the weakened knees. She looked at the star lovely glowing in the lonely and cold night. She yearns to die and become part of the heavenly bodies. Tears flowed down her cheeks her sobs were clear and excruciating.

She blamed herself for why Jia will be the vessel. She doesn’t have a choice but to make a decision that will ruin her life. The breeze embraces her listless body. Her hair danced wildly in the vast as she uttered her words before parting away.

“Forgive me.”

The stake was burnt as ashes visibly gathered on the edge. The light from the fire became dim as it slowly dies. The silhouettes too were nowhere to be found.

The horizon welcomes the arising sun as it wakes the slumbered souls all over the Huang An City. Jia on the other was waiting patiently in front of the tavern. A few moments later a carriage stop in front of him. It was rare for those people who use this kind of transportation since nobles and high-ranking officials can own this luxury. He was staring intently and he failed to notice Zihan calling for him.

“Gege! Hoy! Get on.” Zihan stubbornly lends his hand to guide Jia on the carriage. Meanwhile, Chen Xu and Zixhen arrived late yelling behind them. They hurried their pace as Chen Xu hugs Jia suddenly. The simp man became stiff as the look on his face betrayed him. He was flustered and acting shy. Zixhen just laughs it off while Zihan just glances at Jia’s tomato face.

“Shi… Shixiong.” Panicking Jia didn’t know where to put his hand because if he does put it in his Shixiong waist Zixhen will feel uncomfortable. Maybe? That’s what the simp man thought.

“Idiot, you didn’t even stop by to say goodbye to your Shixiong.” Chen Xu teasingly smacks Jia’s head. His Shixiong became teary lately maybe it was because this is the first time that they will never get to see each other every day. “I will miss my bao.” Then again tenderly hugged Jia like a father waving goodbye to his son.

Jia reciprocate back and said, “Would you prefer if I stay here with Shixiong?” Chen Xu chuckled at what the young man said. He let go of Jia and push the simp man to Zihan and then glared at the young master. “I just lent my bao to you Xiao Zihan so please take good care of him.”

Jia hearing this felt cringe all over his body he hops onto the carriage sitting beside the young master. Zihan take a good look at Chen Xu and with a smirk said “Eh! Gege must take good care of me. We equate the same business here Shixiong since I also lent Zixhen to you before. Look what happened? You two were engaged.” He laughed under his breath while taking quick glances at Jia.

“Tsk, don’t make my Jia cry and you must be attentive to him since it was his first time traveling to another city.” Chen Xu replied back, crossing his arms while looking at the two.

“Zihan, tell dad my regards and the scroll I gave for the wedding invitation. Please let him know also that. Write me with your response. I’ll be waiting.” Zixhen moves closer to the carriage and takes something from his robes. A red but eccentric was given by Jia.

“Please give this to our father Jia. You must also go with Zihan when meeting with my father.” Jia just nodded he didn’t really know why Zixhen gave the tassel since the young master was capable of giving it to their father.

“I will make sure this will be given properly.” Zixhen nodded back just as Chen Xu and he wave goodbye to the two. The horse started to walk carrying the carriage. Jia felt sad but at the same time, he wanted to know what kind of world his owner was living on.

“Do you miss Shixiong that much?” Zihan asked him while eating fruits not even baiting an eye on Jia.

“Although, I was a little sad that I can’t see Shixiong. I am also curious what kind of luxury you were living all these years that make you hard-headed.” Zihan merrily laughs at the confession. He looked at Jia and pinch his cheeks without warning.

“Hey, it huwerts leyy gow.” The poor man was trying to peel his annoying master’s hand but Zihan got the upper hand he was laughing while playing with Jia’s cheeks. They were so chaotic that the attendant in front of them also smile while watching them.

Zihan let go of Jia’s redden cheeks and then tenderly looked at him. “Gege, I will accompany you to the stalls and food stores in our City.” Jia caressed his cheeks just staring at him.

“Can I count on that?” Zihan hearing this moves closer to Jia and nuzzles his head on Jia’s shoulder. “Hoy! What are you doing?” He was swaying his arms but Zihan holds him firmly. “Just let me rest for a bit Gege.” Jia heavily sighed as he let Zihan rest on his shoulder. It was awkward and he was embarrassed but Zihan’s plead made him docile sometimes. He looked at the sleeping face of the perverted master. It was gentle and soft. Although his master was childish and a bastard sometimes. He can’t ignore the fact that his charismatic aura was contagious.

Jia slightly smile as he was embracing his new journey with Zihan. His emotions were in shambles, he was slightly nervous about what was to come.