Chapter 22: Superiority

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    Living in the branch sect proves to be a curious experience for Liu Jin.

    While its size cannot compare to the main branch, Liu Jin has never lived there. Someone like him is not even allowed into the main house. Liu Jin has always lived in the floor above the family clinic. Thus, the guest room Liu Jin is given by the branch sect is far more luxurious than he is used to. It is a large, spacious room with ornate furniture and a comfortable bed with soft bedsheets. For Liu Jin, sleeping in such a large, comfortable bed is a new and pleasing experience.

    Every day, upon waking up and leaving his room, Liu Jin is immediately attended by servants. They ask what he would like to eat and bring it to him. Liu Jin soon finds he can go the kitchens, and the cooks there will scramble to follow his orders. When he walks through the halls, the people in his way nod at him with respect. Some even bow. Many do not even dare to meet his eyes.

    Then there are those who try too hard.

    Brother Liu, you are looking strong today.

    Brother Liu, it would be my honor if you were to exchange tips with me.

    Brother Liu, is there anything this one can do for you? If you need help, do not hesitate to ask.

    One disciple even told him he knew a place where they could go meet girls. Liu Jin just needed to say the word, and he would take him there. Liu Jin still isnt quite sure why that disciple thought it would be a good idea to offer that sort of thing to a ten-year-old, but the disciple was completely serious about it.

    Liu Jin sighs. Things are progressing exactly as Xiao Nan said they would.

    After their meeting with Xiao Ding was over, Liu Jin managed to talk with Xiao Nan. Liu Jin asked why Xiao Nan had placed him in such an uncomfortable position, and why he had said the things he did after the fight.

    Xiao Nans reply had been shockingly simple.

    Had I allowed Little Brother to say what he wanted to say, Little Brother would have tried to make them feel better about themselves. However, there was no need to protect Xiao Dings pride. He and his son chose to shame themselves. It is only natural for them to experience the consequences of their actions. I know Little Brother is always trying to be courteous, but there are times when the courteous answer is not the right one. Little Brother is used to being in a position of inferiority. However, right now, we are in a position of superiority. It would be good of you to think just what that entails during the following weeks.

    A position of superiority.

    Xiao Nan had not been joking. It is plain to see in how everyone acts around him. In New Moon Town, Liu Jin is not the son of a simple doctor. He is not someone stuck in the Inner Realm. In New Moon Town, Liu Jin is a disciple of the main branch who is at a level of cultivation superior to disciples even four years his senior.

    It is a very odd feeling. Liu Jin cannot deny he has sometimes wanted power and respect but having them fall on him so suddenly is definitely awkward. In the end, Liu Jin ends up spending most of his time inside his room under the pretense of meditating. It is better than dealing with all the people outside.

    Showing the difference between them, Xiao Nan has no such problems. Authority wraps around the older boy like a cloak. He speaks, and people listen. He walks, and everyone steps out of the way. By the time the first day is over, a procession is already following his every step. They hang on to his every word and cater to his every whim. Among the group of people that have taken to following Xiao Nan around are a few female disciples.

    Ah, those girls? Xiao Nan had said when Liu Jin asked him about it. They are hoping I will take them to my bed. The stupid ones hope to be my wife. The ones with a little sense have their sights set on being a mistress. Well, thats only to be expected, but I have no intention of doing either of those things. By the way, I dont think anyone will try this with Little Brother but do remember you are still too young for those sorts of things. No inviting girls to your room until youre old and rich enough to take responsibility.

    Most unfortunately, Xiao Nan said that to Liu Jin while the latter was drinking from a pleasantly hot cup of tea. As it turned out, pleasantly hot tea was not so pleasant when it fell on your clothes.

    Just remembering the event is enough to make Liu Jin shake his head. The child carefully looks around after the fact. Once he is sure there are no people nearby, Liu Jin allows himself to relax and continues walking. It is early in the morning. Save for the servants, most people are still not up yet. It is one of the best times of the day to walk around without being disturbed.

    Unlike Xiao Nan, Liu Jin has a hard time bearing the spotlight. It is easier for him if he stays meditating in his room most of the day and only goes out when there are not many people around or when it is required of him. Anything more is just suffocating.

    Yet his father never once tried to show him off. Looking back on it, the banquet was set up to give him as little spotlight as possible. Xiao Ding had lavished one son with praises and arranged for him to show off in front of Xiao Nan. However, this one he shunted to a dark corner. He might as well have banned him from the banquet.

    Your father did not mention he had a second son, Liu Jin says. Why?

    Xiao Heng looks away awkwardly. Ah that is nothing important, Brother Liu. Xiao Dong has always been fathers favorite. It is not something worth wasting Brother Lius time on.

    Liu Jin purses his lips. There is something about this that feels familiar enough to bother him. He is just not sure how to approach the subject with the proper tact. Social skills have never been his forte. Then Liu Jin remembers Xiao Nans words and realizes he does not need tact right now. He has something better.

    A position of superiority.

    Brother Heng, tell me something. I am an honored guest in this place, right? Liu Jin asks, pointing to himself.

    That is so, Brother Liu. That is something that does not even need saying. You are an honored guest from the Main Branch. This Xiao Heng affirms that.

    So, if I told you to carry this tea kettle for me, you would do it, right?

    Xiao Heng looks nervous but nods. That is so, Brother Liu. If it is your request, this Xiao Heng will move Heaven and Earth to see your needs met.

    And if I told you to go to the kitchens and fetch some food for me, you would do it, would you not?

    That is so, Brother Liu, Xiao Heng answers respectfully. Your time here is precious. If this Xiao Heng can remove needless distractions for you, then this Xiao Heng will do so.

    Then why, if I am so important, do you think you can dictate what is and isn''t worth wasting my time on?

    Silence.

    Liu Jin stares at Xiao Heng, waiting for an answer.

    Xiao Heng stares back, open-mouthed. He does not have a clue how to reply. Satisfied with this, Liu Jin nods to himself and holds the plate of steamed buns out for him.

    Please, carry this, Brother Heng, Liu Jin says.

    Xiao Heng immediately obeys.

    I only wanted tea, but the cooks insisted I take the steamed buns with me. There are far too many for me to finish by myself, Liu Jin explains a little nervously. He clenches a fist under his sleeve and continues. You will come to my room and help me finish them. You can tell me about you and Branch Master Ding there.

    With that, Liu Jin starts walking.

    Xiao Heng follows after him.

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