The Void Ring: A Wuxia Series by Konstantin Zaitsev

Author:Konstantin Zaitsev [Zaitsev, Konstantin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

A Deal

“I suppose your Scorpion will be here soon?” From the tone of his voice, Fen didn’t seem to think much of his little brother’s beloved.

We were sitting in a small garden in the courtyard of a fortress designed to contain the demonic threat. The soldiers and servants were clearly wary of Fen and his unusual appearance, and showed him the utmost deference, fulfilling his every wish on the spot.

As it turned out, the fortress was located in a valley overlooking the five main exits from Hell, each of which was protected by many warding seals and talismans. To be on the safe side, one of the ancient emperors ordered a fortress to be built here. Over time, the positions of the defenders became a sinecure, although they were originally designed to test courage and fighting skills. A thousand imperial guards were always on duty to repel any potential invasion, and one of the highest officials of the Ghost Slayer sect ensured that no filth tainted the souls of the soldiers. The commanders of the fortresses were usually appointed from among the youngest children of the great clans so that they could gain leadership experience in a place where everything ran like clockwork and their mistakes wouldn’t have catastrophic consequences. The Boar clan had been unlucky today, running into Kwan and Fen. They got out of the encounter alive, but they’d have to pay a hefty price to the Ghost Slayers for that to remain so.

Kwan and Fen’s sect possessed amazing power and influence and didn’t hesitate to use it for their own benefit. Due to their long-standing ties with the Temples, they could veto the presence of any individual in the fortress, even if they were from the golden branch of a great clan. For the Boars, that meant a stain on their name that could never be removed.

“She will. Along with her sister. Been a while since you’ve seen her last, hasn’t it?”

Ignoring any decency, Fen began to swear like a sailor.

“Him, too? Is there anyone in the Jade Empire who likes Kumiho? Just what did she do to piss off so many people?”

“Why does that... that... that woman think that her presence here is required?” Fen asked, just barely managing to restrain himself from using a combination of several obscene words. I couldn’t help but wonder what Kumiho did to annoy him so much.

“Because he is here.” Kwan pointed at me with his cup of tea and took a small sip. “What a lovely blend. Do I taste peach blossom?”

“Sogo Kwan!” Fen’s voice rang out with unrestrained anger, ready to be unleashed on anyone who would be stupid enough to provoke him. “Stop playing games with me!”

I was surprised to find myself wincing at his breach of etiquette. It was funny how much our environment affected us. Until now, I never took a chance to notice just how much my way of thinking was influenced by all the rules that had been hammered into my head since I came here.

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