Chapter 318 - Situation (1/2)
The three high nobles covered the northern, southern, and the Eastern portion of the city while the City Lord's mansion and the headquarters of various institutes were constructed on the Western portion of the city. The ease of accessing the upper echelons of the institutes that cater to the needs of the city made most of the leaders of the middle-level aristocracies and the high nobles build the mansion of their main family here while the sites of their branches were spread across the entirety of Glory City.
In the Sacred Family's main estate that only housed the direct family members of the current patriarch— Shen Hong— a curvaceous woman with her flaming red hair worn in a large bun walked through the long corridor. Her gait was practical and seductive. Taking the left, the woman entered a spacious hall. On a grandeur throne sat an old man. White hair, wrinkled skin, and features on his face. In front of him knelt a blue-haired youth. It was Shen Yue, Shen Xiu's nephew, and the old man's— Shen Hong's— son.
”Greetings, elder brother.” Shen Xiu lowered her head and paid her respects. Her fiery personality was completely hidden away and her eyes were dull enough to resemble a corpse.
”Has Ye Han returned?”
Shen Hong kept his gaze on his son. A genius he created after going through many women in his life. In terms of martial spirits, Shen Yue's Three-headed nine-tails demon fox was a monster that even surpassed Shen Hong's Phantom Fox in raw might.
”Ye Han is still venturing into the Star Dou forest. His arrival does not seem imminent.”
”Hmm,” Shen Hong nodded as he changed his direction of inquiry, ”How goes Shen Yue's education?”
A slight splendor returned to Shen Xiu's eyes as she gazed at Shen Yue with warmth, ”He will be taking up the Genius class after this semester. He will also be allowed to venture into the Star Dou forest alongside the principal to chose a spirit ring for himself.”
”Hmm...” Shen Hong finally moved his gaze from Shen Yue to Shen Xiu. His eyes scanned Shen Xiu from top to bottom as her heart clenched internally, Droplets of sweat escaped through her forehead as Shen Hong spoke darkly, ”Who allowed you to wear the clothes outside the wardrobe I prepared for you?”
With a gulp, Shen Xiu opened her mouth, ”Brother- I—”
”And... is that Shen Yue's mother's hairpin? I don't want you wearing any unnecessary accessories. This is your final warning.”
Shen Hong spoke faintly yet a tremendous wave of energy barraged Shen Xiu's body.
”Shen Yue, I will be secluding myself for some time now. I expect satisfactory results from you.”
Turning his head, Shen Hong pointed out Shen Xiu, ”And I expect the Snow Wind Family to issue a letter to ask your hand in the marriage for Ye Han. You only have a year.”
Shen Yue's and Shen Xiu's bodies trembled as they nodded.
***
”Papa! What are these clothes doing in my room!”
The door to the Huyan Family's patriarch's office was slammed open as Huyan Lanrou stuttered in with garments in her hands and a huge pout on her face. With righteous indignation, she threw the clothes towards the burly man on the other side of the table and pointed at him, ”These are way too plain!”
Huyan Xiong, the angry girl's father, sighed and rubbed his forehead as he saw multiple clothes sprawled on his table. His designs were nowhere to be seen.
”But Rou'er, these designs are the best one the family came up with after years. More than half of the city wear our clothes... and you always choose that pervert's design.”
The man's tone was laced in helplessness as he collected the clothes from his desk and folded them neatly.
”Are you calling me a pervert, Papa?!”
Lanrou exclaimed with an astonished expression and eyes that could burst into tears within moments.
”No, no, no! Of course, not!”
Huyan Xiong sweated as Lanrou pouted and turned on her heels, ”I will buy my own clothes, hmph!”
***
”Aw, shi—”
A large fist sent a porcupine-armored middle-aged man stumbling backward before he crashed into the adjacent wall as the crowd grew wild.
”She did it again! Korra, the Berserk Bear, defeated the Rank 32 Pin Master while being a Rank 13 Spirit Master!
That's a record people!”
The crowd cheers grew louder. This was one of the underground rings established by the Divine Family to provide entertainment to those who could afford the price. Since the construction was on the papers and the fighters came into the ring voluntarily to earn their living, the Divine Family's fight club grew more prominent.
Under the wave of cheers, Korra reverted to her human form. Her forearms punctured and even her fists were mutilated. A long gash on her back kept the blood flowing as Korra panted and slowly made her way out of the ring.