Side Chapter: Xuan Yi (1). Little Brother’s Day.

In the Xuan Estate east of the Vermillion Court, was the Island Court. Xuan Yi, it's master, woke while it was still dark. Reaching out with his hand he turned on the light in the room.

Blue illumination filled the room and the white room was dyed in sapphire. Every aspect of the room would change color based on the light that touched it. Making the sunset view of it a talked about topic among servants.

Xuan Yi took out a small notebook from under his pillow and flipping to a new page. He wrote down what he dreamed about.

Next, he reached for the bell by his bed and shook it once. Two girls and a young man entered. They were dressed in simple blue robes and clasped their hands as they bowed.

"Will you warm the bath for me?"

"Young Master only needs to ask." The leader of the three, the man in the middle answered.

After a glance at the girl to the left, she moved towards the bath.

"Is there anything else you need?"

Xuan Yi shook his head and the servants retreated.

Breathing a sigh of relief Xuan Yi left his bedroom and went down the hall. To the room that served as his closet. Passing the doors he was surrounded by more clothes than he would need even if he changed three times every day for the year.

Looking at the splendor it would be hard to believe that Ong Zhou was not spoiling the two. But a lot of these no longer fit Xuan Yi. And if you asked Xuan Yi if he liked most of the clothes in there, he could only shake his head.

Grabbing a set of his uniform from the clothes near the entrance he returned to his room where the girl from before was waiting.

"Young Master Yi, is there anything else I can do for you?"

The servant girl's voice was hopeful and expectant. Her enthusiasm slowing Xuan Yi, but he ultimately shook his head. The servant girl's countenance fell, and tears filled her eyes.

"Young Master Yi, I'm a new servant and I fear that I'll be looked down on. Won't you please assign me a task even if it's something arbitrary?"

A blatant lie, she had worked for the Xuans for over 5 years. She had only worked her way up to be near the Young Masters recently though.

"Um, can you tidy up?"

"Thank you, Young Master. I will never forget your care for this servant."

The servant girl clasped her hand in front of her and leaned forward. A bright smile on her face and her "happiness" was in her twinkling gaze.

Xuan Yi slightly overwhelmed by her intensity nodded his head and moved to the bath. Taking his uniform with him. He undressed in the overly large dressing room. Cleaned himself off in the shower room and soaked in the pool sized bath.

Meanwhile, the servant girl who had been given leave to clean up. Was currently rolling around in Xuan Yi's bed. Doing her best to seep her scent into his bed. Rolling around inside the covers. Rolling around on the covers. So much so it would make one wonder if she couldn't grow dizzy.

But she wasn't the worst of the servants Xuan Yi had to deal with since the Evaluation Ceremony. More than once a few had entered the bath, but Xuan Yi was 10, timid, inexperienced, a late-bloomer and sheltered. And as they were just servants, they were wary of over-stepping further.

By the time Xuan Yi was out. The room was prim and proper. And the servant girl was standing neatly with her head bowed.

Xuan Yi was unsure of a proper response, so he merely awkwardly nodded toward her.

Xuan Yu would ignore the servants unless he or they needed something. While Ong Zhou would give long speeches or pat them on the shoulder. Xuan Yi didn't feel ignoring them was right, but he wouldn't know what to say if he tried to give them a speech. And awkwardly touching them seemed wrong. So that was often his response to them, an awkward nod.

The Island Court was as its name implied a large white house that reflected light with a courtyard, a garden with a variety of flowers and fruit trees. All surrounded by a lake.

Along the bridge that connected it to the rest of the estate where a myriad of blue lanterns.

As Xuan Yi exited he nodded to the five servants who were waiting outside. Though they were there to follow him he had worked up the courage to tell them not to over the past week.

It was a relatively short trip to the Vermillion Court from there and Xuan Yi came upon a certain sight.

Li Zi was banging on the door to Xuan Yu's room. The simple red servant robes she wore stood out in the late-night illumination. Her short black hair swaying as she knocked away.

"Young Master, please open the door. I'm truly sorry if you want I'll even go down to the Upper Mortal Ring to buy that wine you like."

The door opened slightly at that but then closed. However, Li Zi was quick and stuck her foot in between.

The ferocious glare of Xuan Yu could be felt from that gap, but Li Zi looked back with a resolute expression. Then from the corner of her eyes, she saw Xuan Yi.

"Ah, Young Master Yi, go on ahead. I swear I will get Young Master Yu ready on time."

Li Zi boldly pumped her chest as she struggled with Xuan Yu. Xuan Yi nodded, feeling a little jealous of how "friendly" the two were. And made his way to the Dining Hall.

"Young Master, feel free to punish me later. So, excuse my disrespect."

"Remember your words well."

Hearing those words Xuan Yi's jealousy turned to pity. It was common knowledge in the Xuan Estate. That Xuan Yu could come up with some of the worst punishments.

The Dining Hall was a work of art. A clash of white colors championed by white birds facing off against a torrent of black snakes. Everything in the room played into the allusion of a great battle.

Xuan Yi sat alone at the table. Ong Zhou was recovering, and Ong Jun had the servants bring her meals to her bedroom.

However, the room wasn't empty there were eight servants. One of them, in particular, stood out. He was a young man, but his hair was cut low there were bald patches all over his head. His eyebrows had been cleanly shaved and so was his chin. However, his mustache was full, dyed green and stretched out until it curled into a spiral on both sides of his face.

He was someone who had suffered from one of Xuan Yu's punishment.

Before Xuan Yi finished eating, Xuan Yu showed up and joined him. Over the course of the meal. Xuan Yu would fuss over Xuan Yi's plate. Ensuring the latter ate the healthy things he didn't like.

Finished they left together, and the Head Butler came to see them off handing them their bags and their daily allowances.

Leaving the estate door the duo's pair of boots tapped down the stairs. Servants were already busying themselves with the flower bushes on each side. Some shivering in the morning wind as they stopped their work to bow.

As the duo walked down the grey pathway the neatly trimmed grass stretched out before them. And at its end, a servant handed the pair a set of umbrellas.

Xuan Yi thanked her before hurrying up to catch Xuan Yu passing the black and white gates. Then after greeting the driver. Jumped in the white and purple carriage.

Inside Xuan Yu was already sitting comfortably in the posh and comfy white and purple seat. A book in his hand and his other hand occasionally going to the bowl of snacks on the counter by his side. His leg crossed, and his drawstring bag set in the seat beside him carelessly. A picture of a young master.

Seeing that Xuan Yu was only using the light from the half-drawn curtain. Xuan Yi turned on the lantern at the ceiling of the carriage. Soft white light filled the room and Xuan Yi took his own seat. Taking out his notebook he began practicing his hand signs.

Guessing the young masters were settled the driver gave a sharp whistle and the twin white horses trotted off.

As always whenever any of those from the Lower Rings saw the flag with the crossed swords, the symbol of the Xuan's, they moved to the side. So, without any trouble, the carriage drove up to the school gates. Forcing quite a few students to give way.

Alighting from their carriage. The pair were immediately the topic of discussion. Even as the stream of students parted so that no one was in their way. Walking through the wide-open gates of Qing Ruo. The brothers passed under the array of trees as petals floated over their head.

Youths were laying about and chatting, mostly about the three basic spells, as they waited for their classes to begin.

Reaching the fountain of Lord Ruo the First. Xuan Yi clutched onto Xuan Yu's robes and warily bowed. Before following Xuan Yu to class.

The Class 1-A building was originally made for the extra 5,000+ students that Qing Ruo had in attendance. During the height of its recent popularity. But was now designed around 10 students. So, as one could imagine every room was spacious and filled with splendor.

Especially the Class 1-A classroom that was originally a lecture hall for over 100 students with elevated seating rows.

Now repurposed for the usage of 10 students. Each row having 3 available seats. With finely crafted desks, soft chairs with heating and massaging function. Then there were the high-quality movement and meditation spaces with spell formations inside each on both sides.

On top of that, there was also the fact that there was a snack and drink corner in the room. With attendants coming in from time to time to make sure everything was fresh.

And on either side of the room was an expertly painted retelling of the battle of Lord Ruo the First. While on the ceiling was the painted night sky of that day. With the Moon and stars providing the actual illumination for the classroom.

When they had first seen this classroom everyone but those from the Major Families had been shocked.

And in this luxury classroom Fan, Hua and Seung Do were the only persons there.

As the siblings approached Fan Hua revealed her green eyes to greet Xuan Yi and then went back to contemplating. Taking his seat Xuan Yi, sat in the lotus position and after putting away his bag he fell into contemplation as well.

Mou Lin had tasked his students with studying Qi. Watching it and familiarizing themselves with it. This he referred to as contemplation. And as time went by the class slowly filled up and Mou Lin entered sometime after everyone else.

By then everyone was doing their own thing. The Hou siblings and Lou Jian were studying the chants together. While Seung do was studying them alone. Ming Xie was having a late breakfast.

Xuan Yu and Tan Cui were asleep. Dai Tian and Xuan Yi were familiarizing themselves with hand signs. While Fan Hui was going through a movement routine.

The day passed with Mou Lin watching over them and guiding them when they needed it or sometimes lecturing on Qi related topics.

When the lunch spell chimed, some stayed and some left. While Xuan Yi was wondering what to do, he realized he was being stared at. Looking up he noticed Fan Hua was staring at him. Though she hadn't said anything to him. She was obviously waiting for him.

Quickly he grabbed his stuff and went after Fan Hua who had already gone ahead.

Though the Class 1-A building had a salon with exclusive attendants, comfortable seating, on-hand chefs and fresh meals. As the weather wasn't too bad yet. Fan Hua and Xuan Yi opted to eat outside.

"Look it's Fan Hua and Xuan Yi."

"Is it just me or have they been together a lot recently?"

There were students who were already out and having their lunch on the lawn that was to either side of the walkway. And as Xuan Yi and Fan Hua walked by there was no shortage of gossip.

"Look its, the Princess of the Medicine Hall. For an outsider's brat, she really stands out, huh?"

"So, what if her grandpa was an outsider the Fans have been good to Qing Ruo. In fact, when I was little, I had to have some of my bone marrow removed. Before it could be restored. Back then I experienced the worst pain, I ever felt.

After the procedure was over. I was still in immense pain, but no one bothered with me. Until my Princess came, she comforted me until I fell asleep and even spoon fed me soup."

"That arrogant looking brat?"

"Call her princess. And yea she's the one who's behind all the after-care stuff that the Medicine Hall has been doing lately. She's amazing."

"She's still a brat though. Short and flat in every regard."

This wasn't the first time Xuan Yi had heard people talking about such or calling Fan Hua a princess. He thought she was amazing compared to him and did want to ask about it, but he wasn't sure if they were friends yet.

So, he merely followed that small, slow-walking back as his ears reported bits and pieces of gossip or conversation.

"I heard that Instructor Mou Lin used to be called the Red Storm of Death."

"Ugh, did you see that Xuan Yu? That arrogant bastard pisses me off."

"I heard there's a new shop in the Upper Mortal Ring let's check it out after class."

"Did you hear about Ming Xie from Class 1-A? I heard they found the last boy she ate passed out behind the school. He said he didn't have a drop of strength after."

"If only I could be in Class 1-A. Then I wouldn't have to be around those Mortal Family dogs."

"Why did he have to be by the fountain? Thanks to him I can't even eat in my favorite spot."

Xuan Yi wasn't interested in the mundane things that were being said around him. In fact, he would prefer not to hear any of it. But he didn't know how to stop it.

And as if she heard his thoughts Fan Hua stopped and turned toward Xuan Yi making him stop as well.

"You take in a lot of chatter, huh?"

Seeing Xuan Yi's troubled expression she continued.

"Maybe it's a sensitivity talent. Though if you feel like your being overloaded by it. Or just find it troublesome. I read it can help to put your whole focus into a certain thing. Why not try it? Focus on something, like me?"

And so, Xuan Yi did. He focused on her taking in her details. The neatly, combed, pulled-back, yellow hair. Her arched eyebrows and upturned eyes. The rippling green eyes that were reflecting him.

The thin upturned nose and its tiny movement with each of her deep and steady breaths. Her small lips that seemed to be in a perpetual pout. Her bangs tucked behind her ears that fell to her shoulders.

Then to her neat and clean grey robes, with slightly long sleeves that hid her hands.

But even after all that there was still a host of chatter filling his ears. So, he focused on her eyes and stared into them. Slowly, drowning out the world until it was just them. Then he felt he couldn't just hear her breathing but even her heart. And his world comprised of her.

Meeting his gaze with her own curiosity she watched as Xuan Yi's attention fell from the world around them to just her.

And as the two were having their "staring contest" there was now an immense amount of gossip around them. But neither Fan Hua or Xuan Yi paid attention to it and soon continued on their way.

Though their pace was slow. They quickly came upon a strange sight. Dai Tian was sitting alone by the fountain of Lord Ruo the First, eating by himself.

A place that was normally filled with life was now desolate. Only the youth with the face of an iron-blooded general remained. Radiating an aura of murder (sadness). One strong enough to make Fan Hua who was no stranger to bloody surgeries, flinch.

Xuan Yi stepped forward, but Fan Hua grabbed his robe immediately.

"What are you doing?"

"I was going to talk to him."

Though he was a bit surprised Xuan Yi gave a clear response as he turned to face Fan Hua, as she released her hand.

"Don't be stupid, can't you see how angry he is? The Dai and Tan Families are still a step above us. If you upset him further don't think he can't make things hard on you."

"But doesn't he look kind of lonely?"

"Huh?"

Fan Hua was momentarily stunned. Preventing her from stopping Xuan Yi.

As he walked over Dai Tian noticed him quickly and their eyes met. But to his surprise, Xuan Yi didn't flinch.

"Um, Dai Tian do you mind if we have lunch with you?"

"The pleasure would be mine."

Dai Tian's voice was polite, and he moved over to make space for Fan Hua and Xuan Yi. More of a show of accommodation than necessity.

Xuan Yi laid out his stuff and sat with a smile. While Fan Hua who had been hesitating heavily finally gave in and sat beside Xuan Yi.

"Dai Tian, why did you choose to eat here?"

Xuan Yi had seen people eat here before, so he sat down without thinking much. But he couldn't shake his fear, so he spoke out then continued in a conspiratorial whisper.

"Aren't you afraid of upsetting him?"

At first, Dai Tian and Fan Hua were confused. Then they noticed the shifty (obvious) glance that Xuan Yi was directing to the statue behind him. Fan Hua broke out into laughter and Dai Tian put on a fearsome (troubled) expression.

"Xuan Yi, the statue isn't alive."

"But when Big Brother and I first came here. Big Brother bowed to it and the statue nodded at us."

"I had not thought Xuan Yu had such a funny side to him."

Dai Tian remarked and fell into thought. Fan Hua who had her fill of laughing decided to enlighten Xuan Yi.

"On the first day, the Academy activates a formation that puts us under an illusion. Whoever was in charge must have played along with Xuan Yu to spook you."

"I believe it was Instructor Lin who was in charge that day."

Dai Tian added and from there the trio fell into conversation after conversation. And even though Dai Tian was fierce-faced. Both Fan Hua and Xuan Yi quickly realized he was polite, attentive and kind.

Unnoticed by these three was Xuan Yu who was passing by. Initially, he was a little shocked.

Xuan Yi was alone originally, he was the only First-Class Talent. And then there was no Class 1-A. Mou Lin was Xuan Yi's personal instructor in his academy days. Dai Tian, Tan Cui, and Fan Hua were with the other classes. With the other members of Class 1-A being unnoticeable.

Ultimately, Xuan Yu realized he didn't particularly care and shelved away these differences and went on his way.

"Tian, what happened to Tan Cui? Don't you two normally eat lunch together."

Over the course of their conversation. Xuan Yi and Dai Tian had managed to reach a first name basis. A fact that left Fan Hua envious.

"She and your brother have taken to seeking out the best sleeping spots. That reminds me, Yi, what kind of person is your Big Brother."

The question made Xuan Yi think for a bit.

"Recently Big Brother has been strange.

But in the past when we were little. He figured out the identity of the servant who had been stealing from our estate.

Then he went on to discover that it wasn't just an isolated incident. Rather there was a whole organization that had been stealing away items from the Major Family.

The whole time Big Brother was outing them I was right behind him. And I thought Big Brother is the coolest and wisest person ever. But Big Brother wasn't just wise and cool. He always turned back to make sure I was ok.

So, to me, Big Brother is the coolest, wisest and kindest person I know."

"Then it's a pity that he's only a Subpar Talent."

At Fan Hua's words, Xuan Yi's expression grew a little stifled. Noticing this, Dai Tian attempted to interject but the afternoon spell chimed. So, instead he placed a hand on Xuan Yi's shoulder, but Xuan Yi misunderstood the gesture.

Together the three packed up their stuff and walked down the path behind the fountain. Coming up on the large administrative building that was split into two. Passing this they came upon another split.

The left led to the cherry blossom grove which was a hotspot for eating lunch and was also where the academy held festivals. To the right was the schools' common pool that was currently not in use. Class 1-A had their own.

And straight ahead was the Field of Tempering, the Academy's large-scale training ground, that was currently empty. The other members of the Academy had yet to fully sense Qi. So, it was just Class 1-A who had evening classes.

And since they were the first of their class here. There was no one else there.

"Tian, do you know how to summon the target dummies."

Dai Tian shook his head and Fan Hua pulled out a scroll.

"Let's just leave it to Sir Lin. As a teacher, he should be the first one here anyway."

Shortly after sending her message. Her communication scroll flashed pink and she unrolled it and held it out.

An image of Mou Lin appeared and with a sign. He summoned the ten training dummies.

"You guys are early."

"Sir Lin is just late."

"Is 5 minutes behind really late?"

"One second behind is normally considered late."

"Oh, then since I am already late I guess it cannot be helped. I will be there in about 10 more minutes."

And with that the image disappeared, ending his conversation with Fan Hua.

"Sir Lin is way too easy going."

Fan Hua said as she rolled up the communication scroll. Realizing there was no one beside her. She turned and saw Dai Tian and Xuan Yi practicing together. And her irritation level rose. So, with a pout, she went off to train by herself.

Well, until Xuan Yi invited her over.

Later on, the other members showed up and finally, Mou Lin did as well.

Xuan Yu and Tan Cui slept shortly after arriving. While the other 8 practiced.

With the class over Xuan Yi and Fan Hua went to the Cherry Blossom Grove.

There were a vast amount of cherry blossom trees kept in full bloom by a spell. There was a vast amount of petal covered walkways and grassy clearings. It was divided into four quarters and in the center was a pond filled with pink fish.

The duo headed there, and a few people were feeding fish, others were eating together, napping, reading or just chatting.

As none of them were from a major family they prepared to give up their spot if either of the two asked. But Fan Hua picked an empty spot near the fish pond and the two sat there.

Xuan Yi had defaulted time and time again to listen to his surroundings. But every time he did he then went to focusing on Fan Hua.

And as they sat down by the fountain that's what he was doing. Her small features, her gestures all the way down to the small mole she had by her nails, on her index finger.

"Yi?"

"Fan Hua?"

Hearing Xuan Yi's response, the barely noticeable blush on Fan Hua turned into very noticeable frowning.

"Nothing."

And for the rest of that day, Xuan Yi could get nothing more than a short response from Fan Hua.

And at the end of the day as they both neared their carriages. Fan Hua in a completely irritated voice said;

"Farewell, Xuan Yu."

"See you tomorrow, Fan Hua, get better soon."

Fan Hua's pout only grew deeper. Because of all her short replies, Xuan Yi had ended up getting concerned. So, she explained it off as her not feeling well. But clearly, she was upset.

She didn't want to ask Xuan Yi to call her by her name. Because then it wouldn't have a meaning. She wanted him to do it naturally as he did with Dai Tian. But no matter how she hinted it, he didn't get it. So, she left with bitterness and a pout.

Hopping into his carriage Xuan Yi made his way home. Seeing the way, the carriages parted for his and Fan Hua's carriage made him recall an old conversation.

"Big brother, big brother look there all going zwoom!"

Xuan Yi had said as he moved his clasped hands apart. The first time Xuan Yu had taken him out. He had let him kneel in his lap and look out the window. And it was also one of the days that the Path of Ruo was packed with carriages. However, they all moved apart as the Xuan carriage approached.

"Its because they entrust the most important matters to us, as well as their very futures. So, our business, feelings and actions are deemed all more important than theirs."

Back then Xuan Yi hadn't understood what Xuan Yu was talking about. But no matter what kind of childish words or comments he made. Xuan Yu would give him a serious answer. But since the Qing Ruo Evaluation, they barely spoke, and Xuan Yi felt more and more distant from his brother.

"Big Brother, do you really hate me now? Over something, I can do nothing about. I thought-…"