Maiden Of The Splitting Moon

"Zhao Liqiu, what do you mean by this?" Shao Huang looked at Liqiu's carriage. Looking past You Qian, he asked her directly.

"Like my guard has said, the marriage is broken off. There is no need to invite me in, I have come just to say this. You Qian, let's go." As quickly as they came, the walked away, leaving Shao Jin in shock from the rejection.

"After all I've done, you reject me? Why?!" he chased after the carriage out into the streets, "How can you break it off with me? It was your father who agreed, are you going to against his wishes?!"

The carriage stopped and Liqiu got out of it, staring face to face with him, "You do not have to worry about our family anymore. Naturally I will discuss with my father about these things. As for why, well I have no need for your help anymore. It has been an honor meeting you but I must go now."

After saying her piece, she left with her guards. Ming Yue and Xuan Yin were watching from the crowds, they would only interfere if Shao Jin were to do something drastic. But how could he? Liqiu's carriage had brought about many onlookers who saw the whole affair happening. They began whispering each other, some even snickered at his predicament.

He was angry, furious that she would come to humiliate him.

"Please wait!", a figure came out of the estate and stopped in front of the carriage. It was Shao Huang's father, Shao Jin.

"If my son has done anything to upset you, I'm sure we can at least talk it out" he said. On the outside he seemed quite amiable but inside he was furious because he did not know what was going on.

"Oh my son, my dear son, why do you cause me so much trouble? Did you think it would be smart to not tell me these things?" he thought. Now he had to clean up this new mess.

But Liqiu did not bother to listen and continued to leave. There was nothing they could do to convince her to come back. However, Shao Jin could not restrain himself any longer and attacked Liqiu. The sudden attack caught everyone by surprise but his body was forced to the ground in an instant. Ming Yue had moved, pinning him to the ground. He struggled to get back up, only able to shift his head. He recognized her, both surprised and angry.

"Why are you here?" he hissed.

"Miss Ming Yue is my benefactor, not only did she save me from certain death but promised to assist our family as well. I do not believe that you have done anything of a similar caliber as her" Liqiu looked at him, "I am sorry Shao Huang, perhaps there will be another chance to talk."

"What can she do? How can one person turn around your situation?!" he yelled out, circling his energy, flames covered his body as he pushed off Ming Yue.

"Shao Huang! Stop!" Shao Jin yelled out, attempting to stop him.

As Shao Huang attacked Liqiu, a saber flew from the sky as a giant ape followed suit. With its giant hand out, the ape smacked him to the ground.

"Young Master Shao, I do not think that it is a very good idea to use such dangerous techniques in the public", a figure emerged from the masses, walking towards them.

"It's Lord Tang Guang!"

Recognizing him, everyone knelt in front of him in respect. He was the Emperor's blood brother, someone akin to royalty.

Shao Jin walked up to him and bowed, "The Shao Patriarch, Shao Jin pays his respects Lord Guang."

"Ah, Patriarch Shao, it would be best if you could discipline your son. If not, I could discipline him in your stead", he spoke with a pleasant tone but the feeling he exuded was anything but.

"Hou Huang, let him go", the ape that had pinned Shao Huang loosened its grip and threw him towards Shao Jin.

"Y-ye-yes Lord Guang! I will do my best!" Shao Jin stuttered as he grabbed his son as quickly retreated into his home.

Watching the two disappear, Tang Guang turned around and faced Ming Yue.

"I was wondering what the commotion was, I did not think you would take part in this" he said, "Anyways, let us walk to Four Seasons then. Your friends may come as well."

Everyone was surprised to find him speaking to Ming Yue. After all, he was of the same status as royalty and this unknown girl was speaking to him on almost equal terms. Along with Xuan Yin, Liqiu, and her guards, everyone walked with him on foot, following him on the carriage would be disrespectful. It was quite a spectacle to see on the streets, even more so than what had transpired in front of the Shao Estate.

On the way there, Tang Guang had made light conversation with everyone, quite a different image from before. He did not seem to put on a facade or act like royalty, he seemed like any normal person. Looking carefully, this middle-aged man wasn't even dressed in any flashy clothing, wearing simple robes and pants. He asked questions about their day, any interesting stories, and such. He was a very amiable man and everyone, especially Liqiu's guards felt much more comfortable with him. Xuan Yin was the least bothered with his presence and spent most of the time playing with Hou Huang, the Thunderfire Ape.

They stopped at a little restaurant, a signboard to the left of the entrance said "Four Seasons." It was very quaint and had three floors. Everything was well-kept and clean. The group was led up to the third floor where only Tang Guang and the other three entered. Liqiu's guards stood outside to watch for any dangers, and Hou Huang returned to his master's residence.

After ordering a few dishes, Everyone ate and conversed quite happily.

"I cannot thank you enough for killing Tong Ku", he said to Ming Yue, "He was a horrible man who has eluded us for the past ten years. I don't know how you did it but you have rid us of a demon."

"Well, she had help from me!" Xuan Yin chattered on about their adventures in Mist Valley and their fight with the Lord of Torment.

Both Liqiu and Ming Yue merely ate and listened, sometimes nodding to show that they were still paying attention.

At the end of it all, Tang Guang gave her an interesting proposal, "Would you like to join me as my protege? or enter one of the Demon Brigades?"

Liqiu gasped at this question, To become the successor of the Jade Dragon Pavilions or join one of the 48 Demon Brigades was the dream of many people, both commoners and nobles. Now Ming Yue was given a chance for either, perhaps even both. Contrary to what she thought would happen, Ming Yue did not take much time contemplating this question before giving an answer.

"I thank you for the offer but I rather enjoy exploring and wandering the lands. I will have to turn down your offer", she spoke without faltering.

Tang Guang was not very surprised by this answer, "Yin Shu and Meng Zhao have told me that you would not accept it. I won't force but just know that our doors are open."

He felt somewhat disappointed that she did not accept the proposal. Her talent was above average and her mentality was quite good. Furthermore, she had a very keen battle sense, having been able to contend with Earth Cultivators. Not many could compare to her. But even if she rejected him now, it could always change in the future.

Their meeting did not last very long and everyone said their farewell.

Tang Guang gave her a gift, a sort of talisman, "This talisman can only be used once. Doing so, it will teleport you away in a random direction by a hundred kilometers. Good luck in your endeavors."

She thanked him and left with the others.

"Are you sure you want to let her go, my lord?" a figure appeared out of thin air, standing by Tang Guang.

"It's quite alright, as long as she is on our side. That is all I can hope for. News of a possible war with the other continents is quite frightening. I may not be alive when it happens, so preparations should be made."

"I see."

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