Chapter 131: Strength and Weakness

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    The Young Master of the Eternal Flame Clan must always present a dignified image. He must be mighty, brilliant, and without peer. The slightest show of weakness will only invite vultures to gather around him.

    It is not fair!

    Feng Hao is not yet ready to be held up to that standard.

    As much as he tries, Feng Hao is still very much a child, something that is on full display today as he angrily paces back and forth around the sparring room.

    Elder Brother... am I weak? Is that why this is happening?

    Feng Haos face is set on a mighty pout. Though they have yet to spar a single time, the child is already tired, his shoulders sagging inward and his head hung low.

    There are very few circumstances in which I would call Young Master weak, Liu Jin answers, hands folded behind his back. In fact, I dare say Young Master is stronger than over half the disciples in the Eternal Flame Clan.

    A conservative estimate, if anything. Even among Inner Disciples, those who surpass Feng Hao are not in the majority.

    Right? Right? The young child raises his head and eagerly grasps Liu Jins words, pointing and nodding. I am not weak! I do not need to be coddled! If one does not venture into the tigers den, one cannot snatch the tigers cub!

    Tiger cubs are best left in their den, Young Master.

    However, Feng Hao is not listening anymore. He walks with new momentum, nervous energy infused into his every movement. Dozens of thoughts play out across his face with crystal clarity.

    Elder Brother! His robes flutter as he suddenly turns on his heels. Is there any way you can convince my mother against this?

    Liu Jin does not answer right away.

    Instead, Liu Jin meets Feng Haos eagerness with silence and lets it drag on past the point of awkwardness. A cicada cries in the distance.

    Young Master, he says once Feng Haos hopeful smile falters and dies, just how much say do you think an Inner Disciple has over Lady Lings decisions?

    Not much?

    Not much, Liu Jin agrees. If Young Masters pleas cannot move Lady Ling, how could this one''s possibly do so?

    Feng Hao looks down.

    Oh.

    Besides, Young Master is making a mistake if he believes I disagree with Lady Lings orders.

    The look on Feng Haos face is perfectly betrayed.

    Elder Brother, why?

    Guilt worms inside Liu Jin, but logic wins out. Dangerous though Lady Ling may be, it is not fear that stops Liu Jin from speaking out against her. Far from it. Though Feng Hao is unhappy with his mothers choice, Liu Jin cannot say he disagrees with Lady Ling.

    But how to make Feng Hao understand that?

    Young Master, Liu Jin begins. The Eternal Flame Clan is undergoing an ordeal right now.

    Because of my father and uncle?

    Liu Jin nods.

    Quite. It is still not yet certain which of them will become the next Patriarch.

    Though from Liu Jins perspective, it is Lord Feng Gui who holds the advantage. The introduction of the Internal Force may have caused a bit of stir, but it hadnt managed to take away the impact of Lord Feng Shangs recent losses. The Trial. The Medical Pavilion. The Crimson Cloud Tournament. Even the pill-making contest during the feast. In their own ways, all those events have helped tilt the balance.

    The end, unfortunately, is not yet in sight.

    In that struggle, Young Master Feng Hao is undeniably crucial.

    Feng Hao is a testament to the power of Lord Feng Guis bloodline. A true prodigy child the likes of which even Xiao Nan cannot be compared to.

    When Liu Jin first met him, Feng Hao had been in the Third Level of the Nascent Realm.

    The Feng Hao that now stands before him has reached the Ninth Level of the Nascent Realm.

    Most people never leave the Nascent Realm. Feng Hao will do so before seeing nine springs. No one can deny Feng Hao is Lord Feng Guis biggest asset.

    Paradoxically, Feng Hao is also Lord Feng Guis biggest weakness.

    Drop.

    One after another, Feng Haos tears fall to the floor.

    Liu Jin immediately wraps him in a hug.

    Why, Elder Brother? He mumbles into Liu Jins chest as more tears fall. Why are things like that? Is being the undisputed strongest so important? Is that the only way to be at peace?

    Many years ago, was it not Xiao Nan who told him strength is what ultimately decides everything? Is he now to impart the same lesson to a boy younger than he was back then?

    Has that moment somehow arrived at his door already?

    Peace through strength, Liu Jin muses. The thought is not without merit, Young Master. The world is a dangerous place, and those without power are prey for those with it.

    That is a lesson Liu Jin learned the hard way in Eastern Port City. Whether he likes it or not, power is a requirement for peace. So long as people like Murong Bang exist, it is impossible for one to be at peace. There will always be people who can ruin everything in the span of a single night.

    Peace requires strength to be defended. However, its only that. Strength provides security. It creates the conditions to secure that which is already yours. Do not mistake it for the end goal. Please, Young Master, do not torment yourself. Your mother loves you. Do not turn a blind eye to it even if the situation is unfair. It is not your turn to think about being strong. It is not yet your turn to take that burden upon yourself.

    Then whose?

    Liu Jin smiles sadly.

    It is ours. Your father, your mother, even myself. We will secure peace for you. This I promise you.

    ~~~

    It takes many more assurances than that to calm down Feng Hao. The boy seems embarrassed by his outburst by the end of it, quickly excusing himself and retiring back to his room while Liu Jin goes to pay his respects to Lady Ling.

    That was well said.

    Liu Jin bows his head to Lady Ling, unsurprised she had been listening.

    I only sought to ease Young Masters burdens.

    Nevertheless, you have my thanks. There are certain things children will not believe if they come from their parents. Unfortunately, my dear bright child has reached that age far too quickly. Lady Lings fan moves to cover the lower half of her face. How vexing.

    I am sure Lady Ling has nothing to worry about.

    Your lie is appreciated, as is the fact that you did not mention the duties Elder Xue has assigned to you. The last thing I need is my son trying to volunteer to help.

    I would never allow Young Master to put himself into such a dangerous situation.

    Neither would I, yet that would not stop him from trying. Best if he has no impetus to do so at all. I am already aware of the task entrusted to you by Elder Xue. In light of your services, I shall give you five of my men. Use them as you see fit.

    Five people that would surely report everything he does to Lady Ling. However, this operation should have nothing Liu Jin cares to hide from her, certainly not enough to turn down her aid, which is part of the reason why he came here.

    My lady is most kind.

    ~~~

    As soon as Liu steps out of Lady Lings mansion, a sharp cry pierces the skies. He looks up as a massive shadow passes over him, drawing two large circles around the mansion before landing on the front yard.

    Soaring Feather, Liu Jin greets. I had wondered why your new perch was so big.

    Soaring Feather does not chirp. Not anymore.

    He has not yet reached its adult size, yet his body is already larger than a small elephant. His fluffy white feathers have fallen off and been replaced by beautiful black ones. His small feet have grown into massive talons that can easily tear through skin and bone. His beak is long, sharp, and overwhelmingly deadly.

    You have gotten fat.

    Scree!

    I joke, Liu Jin says, smiling at the birds outrage. You are very beautiful.

    Scree.

    Liu Jin glances to his right. Are you ready?

    Soaring Feather is not the only person who has been waiting for Liu Jin. Standing next to the guards, pale-faced and trembling, is the other person Liu Jin has recruited for this endeavor.

    Pan Qiu.

    ~~~