Mana 4 Chapter 22 (Patreon)

Sitting next to Wenxi, as casual as could be, was Kat. She had a veil covering her face, but there was no mistaking her bright red hair, nor the mirth in her eyes at my reaction. I pushed all my feelings down and relaxed my face as Wenxi was focusing on which plate to take.

“You can take more than one if you want.” I offered.

“Thank you. Then I’ll take these three.” Wenxi cut her indecision and snagged three plates, putting them on a stand next to her. “Can you join me for the meal?”

I almost declined, but curiosity got to me. I wanted to know what the hell Kat was doing with Wenxi, and so far I hadn’t gotten in trouble for following the requests of Wenxi at meals. “Of course. Though you haven’t introduced your guest.”

I moved the tray over to Kat so she could pick food while I waited. She was playing a dangerous game. But then again, that was Kat.

“This is Kat. She’s new in town. Try not to drool over her like all the other men. It’s so annoying. That’s why we had to put a guard out front. One new woman from a prestigious ancient family, who has their bloodline power, and it’s like the boys had never seen a lady before.” Wenxi was cute when she pouted.

But I was more caught by part of what she’d said about the bloodline. I’d assumed that everyone in an ancient family had their bloodline ability. But given the talks of trying to keep their bloodline strong, I should have realized it sooner. Wenxi might be Su family, but she didn’t have the power of their bloodline, or it was just too weak to express.

It all made sense now. That was why she’d put up with a lower family trash like Guo Ying. She didn’t have a bloodline, and that was the power she was missing to rise in her family.

A smirk came across my face, but I played into it. “Is that true? That’s quite impressive. Can I see the bloodline?” I worked to play the part of a naïve servant as I turned to Kat.

“It’s rude to ask that of somebody.” Wenxi corrected me. “But she showed the whole town when she got into it with the auction house.”

“My apologies.” I bowed slightly to Kat to hide the shock on my face. She showed her bloodline at the auction house? That would be just like Kat to work on her bloodline after I showed off mine on the mountain.

As I thought more about it, it all fell into place. It made complete sense for Kat to have done that. Showing off was a risky move, but it seemed to have paid off with all the attention. It had leant her credibility as some wandering miss from an ancient family. Nobody would doubt her. Not having seen the bloodline.

“No worries. I’d be happy to show him.” Kat patted Wenxi on the knee. “But first let’s eat, and I’d love to hear what you two have to discuss.” Kat moved and grabbed two plates before grabbing another two and placing them in front of me. “Let’s eat at equals.”

I could see Wenxi’s eyes going as wide as two little tea saucers. Kat had just declared me and her equal, something Wenxi hadn’t even thought to do in all our conversations.

“Thank you.” I took the two plates and set them out before me on a cushion as I crossed my legs and sat. “What can I help you two with?”

Wenxi grumbled something, and Kat nudged her. “Speak up like a lady.”

“I was hoping to tempt you away again, but it seems that I brought someone who caught your eye instead.” Wenxi took a piece of food and popped it in her mouth, biting and chewing a bit aggressively on it.

“Who, me?” Kat gasped.

“The moment you two met, I could practically see the connection between you. It’s almost like you were made for each other.” Wenxi sighed. “It seems that I might have been playing matchmaker rather than looking for a man myself.”

I gave Kat a funny look. What was she up to, and why?

“Oh, don’t be silly. This man isn’t someone I could tame, at least not on my own sister Wenxi. I told you I was sent here for something special, correct?”

Wenxi nodded and let Kat continue.

“Well, there’s a man here who will be not only an expert among experts one day, but his bloodline is so potent that he’s able to awaken latent potential in someone’s bloodline.” Kat said with a smirk.

Kat had a reason for what she did, but I was angry with her for sharing a secret of mine that was not meant to be shared outside our family.

The air in the room grew cold as I glared at my wife. She was walking a thin line, and I might just need to rein her in.

Wenxi choked on a piece of food and broke the tension before she was able to speak again. “You must be joking. There are all sorts of things people try to awaken their bloodlines, but they are just superstitions backed by desperation.”

I calmed down at her response. Wenxi wasn’t buying it, thinking it to be like some old practitioner’s superstitious potion. “Yes, you must be joking. If that existed, everyone in the world would be after it.” I gave Kat a knowing look.

“All the girls certainly would. But if someone was able to do that, they must have a powerful bloodline of their own, no?” Kat asked me with a smirk. I hadn’t explained the complications of my bloodline or the sense I’d gotten that using the Pixiu bloodline would lead to my death. Still, I had eight others to choose from if I ever needed to use them.

“That man would be a lucky man indeed.” I smiled, pushing back. Kat needed to slow down.

Wenxi looked between us, lost. “I feel like there is something you both aren’t saying.”

“Just talking of interesting things that could be done.” Kat said, waving it off. “Besides, I wanted to meet the man you thought killed Guo Ying. He must have a bloodline to do that. I’m curious.”

“You told her?” I turned to Wenxi.

“Kat won’t tell anyone. She said the Ying family wronged hers a few generations ago and they still hold a grudge for it.”

That at least made sense to share as part of our plan. It would help to have a reason she would attack the Ying family directly or indirectly.

Kat nodded, her red hair bobbing. “Yes, I was quite upset when I learned the Ying family was behind the auction house. I went and demanded my money back. There’s no reason to support the enemy.”

I nodded, pleased with the groundwork she was laying.

It would seem Kat had been busy working her way into the city and the Ying family’s affairs, only to set herself up against them. Now all she needed was an excuse to more clearly attack and a strong backing.

I really needed to step up my work to push myself into the fifth ring. Kat had taken care of a lot of the work, but that big step belonged to me.

“I see. I’m also not a fan of the auction house, as you can imagine given this.” I dangled my cuff.

“And how did someone able to defeat Guo Ying get cuffed into slavery?” Kat asked with a gentle curiosity. “You aren’t some fifth rank immortal hiding before me, are you?”

I chuckled, “No. In the world I came from, there are no fifth rank immortals. We only progressed through to the fourth. They captured me upon arrival, while I was weakened, still getting used to this world’s gravity and mana.”

Kat made a distasteful face. “That’s unfortunate. If I had a technique I could share, I would. No doubt you want to continue to make strides in your cultivation.” She dramatically snapped her fingers and smiled as Wenxi’s eyes went wide.

“Yes, I’m sure you’d love that.” Wenxi smiled. “I might actually be able to get you such a technique, but I would need something from you. After all, even here, that sort of thing is very rare.”

Kat’s eyes twinkled. I knew she’d come here tonight to nudge me along. Kat was never very good at patience. But we’d be having some words in the evening when we met up in our shared soul space. I didn’t appreciate the ambush.

But I would use the opportunity she had presented.

“You know I have my pride, Wenxi.” I gave a heavy sigh. “But that is something I am interested enough in to consider.”

Wenxi sat bolt upright. “Of course. I’d hate to wound your pride, but if I were to offer something like this, I would want to see your strength for myself at the very least.”

I needed to start things rolling, but I didn’t need the fifth rank to take on the auction house. “Give me a few days. I’ll tell you when I plan on displaying my strength. My full strength.” I added. My Pixiu bloodline was off limits, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t use one of the others.

Wenxi nodded slowly. “I would very much like that. But onto simpler topics. Have you heard the news about the Ying family?”

That caught my attention. I hadn’t heard any mention as I’d been wandering around serving food. “No, everyone was too busy talking about two beautiful ladies showing up tonight. You both know that I’m going to be hated by every man in town after I spent the show with you two. They’ll assume things.”

Kat waved it off. “Let them think we had fantastic sex.” She smirked before moaning loudly and screaming. “Yes, right there! Oh, please!”

Wenxi blushed to the tip of her ears like a metal pot turning red hot. “What are you doing?”

“Having fun.” Kat said, shrugging as if it was a simple answer.

“Well, now I have to sleep with one eye open. Thank you both. But what was the news about the Ying family?” I asked, wanting to get back on topic.

Wenxi did her best to calm herself. “They declared Guo Ying dead and are holding a funeral. After that, the Ying family patriarch will swear to hunt down Guo Ying’s killer. Their family line is gone after Guo Ying.”

“So, he has nothing to lose.” I interpreted. “Thanks for the warning.”

“Well, from this news, it seems that you have even more pressure. I look forward to your violence.” Kat licked her red lips, and for just a moment, her eyes shifted colors.

I narrowed my eyes at her. She was definitely going to get punished when I was able to get her alone, but based on her face, she was looking forward to it.

The curtains parted behind me, and Rachel walked in, startling me. I hadn't realized how long we must have been sitting there talking; clearly the show was done. Her face lit up in surprise when she saw me sitting and eating with the women, but she schooled her face shortly after.

“Welcome to the Pavilion ladies.” Rachel bowed. “Anything we can help you with tonight?”

“I’d like to buy a night with this gentleman.” Kat said it as if she was picking flowers. I nearly choked on my food.

But Rachel surprised me. “I’m sorry, but he isn’t available. You can pick from any of the others.” She bowed at the waist.

“Really?” Wenxi asked. “You won’t offer him to me for the night?”

Rachel hesitated. “Please don’t put any more pressure on me. I can’t change the rules.”

Wenxi and Kat both gave me appraising looks.

What did I know? This was the first I was hearing of me being unavailable.

“Then I better take my leave.” Kat stood, brushing herself off. “It would seem this pavilion lacks what I desire.” A smirk lingered on her lips as she assessed Rachel, no doubt picking up on the protective vibes she was giving off.

Wenxi jumped to her feet to follow Kat like a little sister. “Thank you for the show. We’ll be back another time, I’m sure.”

As soon as both of them departed, Rachel turned stiffly to me. “Are they your taste in women?”

“Apparently it doesn’t matter.” I stated dryly. I didn’t appreciate having someone decide for me. “Was that Madam Orchid’s ruling or your own?”

But Rachel wasn’t satisfied with my answer. “They have no feelings for you. I can tell you selling yourself brings no joy, only heartache.”

I almost laughed at her statement about a lack of feelings. If only she knew that one of them was my wife. But for now at least, she couldn’t know.

“I understand that you were just looking out for me. Thank you. Tomorrow we will spar. And Rachel, I’d like to be able to leave the pavilion sometime in the next two days. Is that possible?”

“Yes teacher.” Rachel snapped into our other relationship. “I already prepared; I was just waiting for you to be ready. Can I come with you?”

“What if I’m doing something gruesome?” I asked. My plan was to hit the auction house. I could go crush the auction house if I was swift, but it would be bloody.

“I don’t care.” Rachel blushed. “Maybe we could consider it training for me?”

A part of me wanted to treat her as a disciple, but another part of me wanted to discard her because she wasn’t like the rest of my women. They all had drive and strength, though not all martial, and they each brought something unique to our family. Rachel was great, but she hadn’t shown anything that brought her to the level of my current wives. I wasn’t sure they’d accept her, but for now, I’d continue working with her.

“Fine. Then no practice tomorrow morning. I want you to be sharp in the afternoon. Will you be ready by then?”

“Absolutely.” She nodded rapidly. “What are we doing?”

“Killing people, taking things.” I answered bluntly, watching for her reaction.

There was a hesitation in her for just a second before she let it out with a breath. “I’ll be there, teacher. Please, let me show you that I’ve learned to fight.”

Maybe she understood more than I gave her credit for. It would also seem that Wenxi had some competition.

“Of course. But this will test you, and it will be a real fight. You could get injured, although I’ll do my best to try to protect you.” I had to make sure she understood the risk of what we were about to do. If she couldn’t handle the mere idea, then she had no business participating in it.

“Understood. Uh… what should I bring?” Rachel asked.

“A weapon to start, and whatever you feel comfortable fighting in. This will be a real fight, with life and death on the line.”

She nodded to herself several times. “Understood. I won’t disappoint you.”

I clapped her on the shoulder. “Then get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Internally, I was grinning from ear to ear. I thrived in action. I was finally going to get to make some progress towards my goals in a more tangible way.

Heading back to my bunk, I began meditating to bring myself into my soul palace. I needed to talk with Kat to prepare.

It didn’t take long before I was standing up from the throne in my soul palace and marching out to find Kat.

Lumi jumped to her feet, still lounging by the fire, and came to my side. “What’s wrong?”

“Kat has been a bad girl.” I grumbled.

Her antics had pushed my goals behind my back. We hadn’t discussed the fight at the auction house, and I did not appreciate finding out about it through town gossip. And it had put me in an awkward position with Wenxi.

There was a strange mix of pride in her being so damn good at plotting, and a little frustrated at how she’d gone about it.

I fully intended to punish her, but I also knew she’d love every minute of it, relishing in it as a reward for lining up the tiles for me to knock down. It was a little messed up, but it worked for us. Kat’s little bit of crazy could drive me insane, but it also kept life fun and unpredictable.

I walked through the shared soul space quickly, moving with purpose towards Kat’s soul palace. There was no warning, no knocking. I barged right in.

Kat bolted upright, like a scared mouse, and tried to run. But I darted forward, catching the chain connected to her throat and pulling her back, slowly reeling her in.

“You’ve been bad, Kat.” I picked up the chains on her wrists and pulled her shoulders back, removing her ability to leverage her arms. “I think we need to have another lesson.”

She nodded rapidly, her eyes bright and happy and a smile on her face. Her words were part of the play. “No. I was a good girl. I set everything up for you.”

Lumi watched from the side with wide, confused eyes.

“Kat, we have a guest today. I don’t think she understands, so why don’t you tell her what we are doing?”

“No.” Kat struggled in my arms, and I had to pull her arms back tighter, pushing out her impressive chest in the process. I looped the chain around her throat, through her chest, and down between her legs in a flash before catching all three chains in one hand and sliding the other hand further up, tightening the chains.

“Kat, tell her the rules.” I applied a little more pressure.

She squirmed for a moment before she spoke in a panting breath. It had been a while since Kat and I had played together just us, and Kat was so excited as we started into it that she was starting to drip around the chain. “We are playing a game, Lumi. One that I like. But at any point during the game, I have three words I can say. The first one is fire. It means I want more, for him to burn me to ashes and remake me.” She looked dreamily over her shoulder.

“The second is life, for him to heal the last thing he did and ease up. And the third is water, to say he needs to put out the fire and comfort me.” Kat explained the rules of our little twisted game.

Lumi nodded slowly. “And the game is he’s going to…?”

“He’s going to torture the plans I made out of me. They were very good plans, husband. I think I want this one to be well worth it.” She bit her lip and wiggled in my tight grip. The manacles bit into her wrists and she gave a small squeal. “Fire, fire fire.”

“You can stay or you can go, Lumi. Nothing is wrong.” I tried to reassure her.

“What do I do if I stay?” She asked, looking between the two of us.

“Shock me.” Kat jumped on it. “Be his assistant and shock me a few times!”

A small current ran between Lumi’s fingers as she pressed it up against Kat’s stomach, eliciting a small hiss of pain from Kat that made a smile spread across her face. “Yes. Now time to play.”

“You’ll never get me to tell.” Kat struggled in the chains, pulling this way and that. “Never!”

It was strange. Knowing it was play, and that she enjoyed it, was the only thing that let me do this to my wife. I had no personal inclination to enjoy this, but she knew that. That’s why she had enjoyed frustrating me at dinner. She wanted to get me riled up so that I’d come to punish her. But I had to admit, there was something fun in bringing Kat pleasure, and she made sure I had my own enjoyment throughout.

AN: Yeah, Kat is a little crazy. Also, I'm not writing this sex scene out explicitly. It's a little much for me even if it is Kat's character.