Ch:52

Wudu Palace

Jade wandered towards the Ruyi Pavilion with a tea and snacks tray in her hand, when Prince Jīnyú abruptly appeared in front of her, she sighed in relief looking down at the tea tray which was safe from colliding, "You are stepping into danger zone," Prince Jīnyú warned picking a cream puff from the tray and biting it.

"Sorry?" Jade furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"Ahead lies a dangerous woman she's mad and angry right now, if you want to be safe from her fury, I'll advise you to turn around and leave," Jīnyú explained picking the tea cup and sipping it with a frown before adding sugar in it, "Master and her weird fondness for bitter things," he mumbled munching on another cream puff to wash away the bitter taste of the tea.

"Why is Master angry?" Jade asked peeping over to see Water Master grumbling under her breath while pacing around the Ruyi Pavilion.

"You see Master hates it when things don't go as she wants them to, and she just returned from someplace I don't know where but her plan didn't work and now she's going to be upset and grumpy about it," Jīnyú answered taking another sip of the tea while leaning against the column so he was out of sight from furious eyes.

"Well, it can't be helped if it didn't work; she can't control everything," Jade said indifferently.

"That's what every sane person thinks, Master is different," he replied eyeing the strawberries, Jade handed him one, "She doesn't like it when things don't go exactly how she planned them to, she's a certified pessimist who believes that lightning is going to ignore all the much taller things than her and fall right on her head if she leaves the Palace during rain."

"But lightning falls on the tallest object," Jade pointed out.

"Try explaining that to her, her five-foot-one-inch self who refuses to believe in this simple fact," Jīnyú said, humming at the sweetness of the strawberry.

"Why didn't she make another plan if this one didn't work?" Jade questioned puzzled.

"Oh, you did not," Jīnyú shook his head, "Master makes a hundred backup plans for every unpredictable circumstance, but all her plans number one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve, nothing worked."

"So what?"

"Miss maid, Master is a fuming ball of fire when her plans don't work out, she'll burn you if you go anywhere near her, I have experience of four years if you want to save your life, don't approach her," Jīnyú advises taking two cream puffs in his hand and a bunch of strawberries in the other as he walked away, "Don't approach, I repeat," he added from a distance as Jade frowned in worry.

She stared at ShuîYuê from a distance, wondering why her Master was so bitter; why couldn't ShuîYuê be all happy and kind like Wind Master? Jade didn't know, and from Prince Jīnyú's advice, Jade didn't want to be the outlet for Water Master's wrath, so turning around, she walked away hurriedly.

Underground Black Market, West Territory

Salty and fishy smell accompanied Water Master as she walked through the busy streets of the black market, the wafty scent of the ocean engulfed her senses as she entered the old shop, girls were once again polishing sea shells and whispering among themselves, pushing open the black door she entered the room receiving bows and greetings, settling herself on the divan she sighed loudly, JinJong walked in sensing the upset mood of his Master.

"Good afternoon, Master; we got a few ships in our command," he informed them in hopes of easing her pissed-off mood.

"Did you find out what I told you to?" She questioned ignoring the information he had provided earlier.

JinJong was quiet as he glanced around the room. ShuîYuê lifted her fingers, and the rest of the people swiftly exited the room, "Speak," she gestured, propping her head with her palm.

"Master, it was Senior official Wu Yu, I tracked back the writing and the Royal seal on the letter, it was stolen from the Emperor's study for a short while after making use of it, Prince Jīnyú would have figured if it was a duplicate seal so they used the original one," he began nervously.

"What pawn of his did this?" ShuîYuê inquired, her eyes set on the wooden floor,
Her voice was devoid of any emotion. JinJong could sense she was annoyed and angry earlier, but now he was even more worried.

"A junior of his, it was delivered to Wudu Palace by an innocent guard who did not know such a thing," He answered.

Water Master leaned back in her seat, a smirk on her lips as her eyes glinted with revenge, "I heard Senior official Wu Yu has his lovely cousin delivering a cargo tonight at Capital City's port," JinJong did not like where this was going.

"He has been arrogantly boasting about the money and jewels his cousin is sending him as a gift, let's humble him a little," she began locking eyes with JinJong who gulped, "Shen Wang, I want his ship tonight, commandeered by the pirate himself, Wu Yu needs to learn not to mess with us," she added spinning her dagger.

"But Master, Capital City's port is heavily guarded. If we sink his ship there, we'll be in trouble if traced," JinJong expressed worried.

"He tried to mess with Jīnyú, and we are not sinking that ship, we'll sink the crew of it, I have seen quite some piranhas surrounding the far end of the port, one dead body in the sea and they'll come swimming to finish our work for us," ShuîYuê told scratching the wooden table with her dagger.

"Tonight, I'll be waiting; there is no room for error; remember that JinJong," she said at last before putting her dagger in its scabbard and leaving.

JinJong walked over to the table and stared at it, squinting his eyes he saw the drawing of a ship and another ship approaching it, next to it was a box with lines and then a cross at the end, 'Master is going to get in trouble, she's attacking from the left side of the port, Shen Wang's ship is going down,' he thought exiting the dark room.

West Chambers, Wudu Palace

Jade entered the Water Master's study with a tray of dinner. Wind Master had not visited today and Prince Jīnyú had his dinner in his room, saying he didn't want to get scolded unnecessarily. Jade didn't want to be the one to bring dinner to the Water Master's room, but for others, especially Souxin, she was a scapegoat.

Souxin didn't want to be on the receiving end of her Master's wrath, so she had ordered Jade to do the dangerous task; West chambers were a lion's den when Water Master was pissed, and Jade was walking right into her own funereal.

Her hands were trembling as she gripped the tray tightly, she quietly stood in the first room and before the entrance of the study to find no flower vases smashed onto the floor, the room was as it had been, pristine and neat, creeping inside she placed the tray on a table before peeking from the entrance of the scroll room, Water Master was nowhere in sight.

"M- Master?" She called nervously, gripping her fingers; sometime later, Water Master emerged from her living room with a questioning look, "I- I brought dinner," she mumbled carefully.

"Oh, thanks," ShuîYuê said before sitting down as Jade placed the bowls in front of her nervously, "Did Jīnyú eat?" She questioned, looking at Jade, who was setting the dinner plates in front of her.

"Yes," Jade answered hurriedly.

"Corn rice with buttered potatoes," ShuîYuê stated, staring at the bowl and plate in front of her; she looked up at Jade, who appeared to be confused, "What's wrong?"

Jade blinked her eyes, startled slightly; she had expected her Master to be angry and fuming, but Water Master was the exact opposite; she seemed to be in a good mood as well, "N- nothing," she stuttered, clutching her skirt tighter.

ShuîYuê frowned for a few seconds not convinced by Jade's answer before she ignored the maid and took a bite of the crispy buttered potatoes, humming at the lovely taste she ate some corn rice, and it was delicious, warm rice with corn alongside crispy potatoes sautéed in butter with black pepper, one of ShuîYuê's favourite dish.

"I won't be working on scrolls tonight, so don't bring me any tea at midnight," she informed Jade.

"Master is not working tonight?" Jade asked curiously, smiling as Water Master nodded her head, "A break?"

"Not exactly, but I am putting my duties as a Heavenly official on hold; I have some personal things to finish first," ShuîYuê answered, feeling giddy with the lovely, delicious food.

"I see, Would you like something to eat if you get hungry later?" Jade questioned, noticing how her Master had fine table manners; not a grain of rice had fallen on the table or near the bowl.

Wind Master often spoke a lot and then ate for a while before speaking again, Prince Jīnyú was a slightly messy eater, especially with dishes including oils or sauces. Water Master was mostly focused on food while listening to Wind Master and Prince Jīnyú's gossip, putting her unwanted opinions in between sometimes.

"No need, I'll be sleeping early," ShuîYuê told airily.

"Shall I draw a bath?" Jade asked carefully, she wasn't tasked with Water Master's needs other than tea, stocking papers, changing flower vases, tidying her study and occasionally preparing a bath, she preferred the occasional task the most as she got to spend her time adding flower petals and incense burners near the bathing tub, something she enjoyed other than switching wilted flowers with fresh ones every day.

"No," ShuîYuê responded finishing her dinner, Jade's happiness dulled down at her Master's words, "Thank you for bringing me dinner, I am going to bed in a while, you may leave," she added standing up, Jade collected the empty bowl and plate in the tray, gave a bow to her Master before she left with an upset face.

Water Master pulled on her black robes, covering her face as she tied the strings of her boots, "Piracy sounds even more wonderful in the darkness of night," she said to herself, leaving Wudu Palace sneakily.

Left sea of Capital City's port

JinJong paced in Shen Wang's ship, all his men ready for Water Master's arrival, it was a few hours after midnight, and Senior official Wu Yu's cargo would be passing the area soon, JinJong slammed his palm against the column of the foremast.

"Careful, JinJong, don't go around slamming your hands on my ship!" The captain growled from the quarter deck, his hands resting against the helm lazily.

JinJong shot him a glare before huffing loudly, "Go check why Master isn't here yet!" He barked at a man carrying some boxes, who scurried away to look for the reason for Water Master's delay in arrival.

"She's probably busy making another plan," the captain supplied helpfully from his position.

JinJong turned to him, "Shut your mouth and focus on your task!" He snapped before he noticed a figure walking towards himself; he descended the stairs quickly, rushing towards the foremast, "Master, you are finally here," he sighed.

"Pull the anchor," Water Master ordered leaning against the deck as she stared out at the open sea.

"GET YOUR CRAMMY HANDS TO PULL THE ANCHOR! COME ON YOU BULL HEADS!" The Captain barked orders at his crew as he steered the ship.

JinJong stood a little further away from his Master, "Their ship will cross ours on the way to the main port," he informed glancing at the crew running around.

"Good," she stated, staring at the stars. Open sea at midnight was a different experience, and ShuîYuê would give anything to permanently live on a ship.

"Master, it's Capital City's port; this is too risky; we'll be in big trouble if caught-" JinJong shut his mouth when ShuîYuê shot him a glare.

"Do as I say; the rest leave it to me," she said before walking away; JinJong sighed, shaking his head.

The Capitan smiled with his silver yellowish teeth as Water Master approached him, "Welcome aboard, my beloved ship missed you along with her Captain," he greeted, turning to Water Master, whose eyes were wandering all over his ship before settling on the Captain.

"Captain Shen, good to see you again," she spoke her hands behind her back as her eyes stared at the helm.

"Master, how is my younger brother? It's been a few months since I last saw him," Captain Shen questioned curiously.

"He's looting some other areas. I haven't met him either, but we can hope he's doing well instead of getting drunk on wine," she answered, circling the helm.

Captain Shen smiled, "Why don't you steer the ship while I take a quick trip to my quarters and back?" He offered, Water Master's eyes sparkled at the offer.

"Sure," she said her fingers tracing the curves of the beautifully carved helm.

"Keep it facing south and then turn right at the island," Captain Shen instructed before walking away.

ShuîYuê smiled stupidly as her hands gripped the handles, 'Hah! Pirate ShuîYuê on the hunt,' she thought feeling proud and a lack of cap. Shen Wang would never give her his cap, she made an annoyed face at the thought before standing straight and looking up at the night sky.

Shen Wang returned fifteen minutes later to find Water Master struggling immensely to steer the helm, "Master, a ship's helm is not so easily moved; it requires a lot of strength; let me help you," he spoke, turning the ship towards the right direction as the island approached.

ShuîYuê crossed her arms, annoyed with the helm, "Don't be so crossed, Master; you go enjoy a walk on my beloved ship; let the Captain take charge," he added as Water Master walked away.

JinJong stood near the starboard, sighing loudly, "JinJong why are you so worried?" She asked curiously.

"Master looting ships passing through our territory is fine, but from the main port? This is serving ourselves on a silver platter to the dungeons," he expressed his worries.

"Main port is going to be on fire while we loot that ship, don't worry," she assured walking away.

JinJong stared at her retracting figure speechless, "Master really walks ten steps ahead and thinks a hundred steps ahead," he mumbled to himself.

A boy from the crow's nest shouted, "Ship in sight!"

"GET YOUR BEAUTIES READY BOYS! WE ARE LOOTING THAT SHIP!" their Captain ordered, steering the ship right in front of the other ship, which turned away to avoid crashing into it as they were hidden behind a tall mountain.

"TAKE OVER YOU LAZY BASTARDS!" He shouted, unsheathing his sword; JinJong prepared his double-edged sword as the crew jumped over the other ship with ropes.

Shen Wang limped towards Water Master, who was standing behind JinJong, "Master, please rest in my cabin for now; you don't want to spoil your mood with gruesome bodies."

"I'd rather watch all of Wu Yu's men being ravished by piranhas; we did sacrifice some sick cattle to lure them here," Water Master replied, crossing her arms as men from the other ship jumped into their ship.

"Master, stay here," JinJong said spinning his sword in his hold as he and the Captain got into a fight with the men of Wu Yu.

ShuîYuê yawned for the fifth time as she blinked her eyes rapidly to stay awake, Wu Yu's men were in huge numbers and their ship was twice the size of Shen Wang's ship, hence the more number of men it roofed, a man with a sword in hand noticed a person standing idly over the quarter-deck, leaning against the helm ad they watched the fight from above, he climbed the stairs keeping his body flat against the wood.

'This must be the boss,' he thought to himself, raising his sword and running towards the black-robed person whose back was turned to him.

JinJong slashed the neck of the man he was fighting, and another one thrusted their sword towards him. He dodged, noticing a man approaching his Master, a sway raised over his head.

"MASTER!" He screamed. ShuîYuê turned around to find a sword raised and just about to slice her when the man wielding the sword fell back, hitting his back against the foremast as a silver sphere glimmered around Water Master; ShuîYuê clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"I am sleepy, you know," she said, descending the stairs.

"Master, don't come down!" JinJong shouted dodging and attacking two men at the same time.

"If I don't move around, I am going to fall asleep," she said, dodging an attack before impaling her dagger into a man's side who was sneakily trying to attack the captain.

"Wow, Master is down with us," Captain Shen smiled throwing over a man into the sea, his screams echoing loudly as the piranhas tore at his flesh, the group of men fighting Shen Wang's crew looked at each other with worry, "Want me to throw you down or you'll jump off yourselves?" Shen Wang asked politely leaning his weight on the hilt of his upright sword.

"Let's take a bunch of them back; we'll feed them to our dogs," Water Master said, stabbing her dagger into a man's throat, his blood-splattered Water Master's covered face and black robes.

"I see why you wear darker robes so much," Shen Wang commented with a grin as he pulled his sword out from a man's body after stabbing him thrice.

"Doesn't stain," Water Master stated simply as she looked around the mess of Shen Wang's ship, "JinJong, get to work!" She ordered tiptoeing to the stern as bodies of dead men surrounded Shen Wang's once-clean ship.

She stared at the piranhas who were enjoying a feast; waving her finger, the waves crashed gently against the hull, pulling the dead bodies of the crew closer to the piranhas. ShuîYuê's fingers danced around and the waves followed.

Shen Wang's crew had thrown all the dead bodies of Wu Yu's men into the sea, some of them were already showing bones as waves crashed against the ship, rocking it to sleep like a mother, and the beautiful melody of the sea humming a lullaby, ShuîYuê closed her eyes as her body swayed along with the motion of the ship, sleep engulfed her eyes.

"Master! Master!" JinJong called loudly, ShuîYuê stirred a little before standing up straight, 'Did Master fall asleep just now?' JinJong wondered, "We have looted all the goods, and Shen Wang's second mate is commandeering Wu Yu's ship," he added.

"Good job, give Shen Wang his share, and the rest keep it safely; drop me off at West territory port," she responded, walking away.

JinJong leaned against the starboard. He didn't know much about his Master, but he wondered why such a caring person was so ruthless; why would a person rescue young girls from a ship and bring them to West territory, saying they were trafficking young girls to sell them?

She could have left them anywhere instead of bringing them to JinJong and ordering him to take care of them, giving them a place to live and work, they were good at earning money, but the same person killed others without any emotions.

JinJong saw the blank expression on his Master's face plenty of times when she saw others being killed, it was like there was no humanity or kindness left in her but when she did so many other things JinJong wondered if that humanity and kindness had ever left, his Master was confusing, sometimes she would stop to feed some puppies and kittens in the street while other times she would stab people without a care.

JinJong didn't want to think of his Master's actions too much. She was not good, but she wasn't bad either.

Wudu Palace

Water Master entered her room in the hours of early morning; shutting the door behind her, she took off the veil covering her face and threw it inside her cupboard before grabbing some clothes and leaving for her bathroom.

She filled the tub with cold water and placed her clothes on a folding screen before removing her blood-stained black clothes and putting them in a bucket of water, she wrung them before dropping the bundle in the laundry basket, entering her bath she shivered at the cold temperature, the weather was still warm but bathing in the early morning with cold water wasn't exactly what Water Master would prefer.

ShuîYuê leaned against the backrest of the tub and stared at her wooden ceiling, carving flowers carved into the meticulous work of a carpenter.

Washing absentmindedly she got out of the tub and hurriedly wrapped her towel before going behind the dressing screen to change, she walked out patting a towel over her head as she dried her hair, birds were twittering and the sun was rising slowly, she stood up and placed her towel to dry before checking her appearance in the mirror.

"No scratches, no bruises, and no cuts, good," she rambled to herself as she pushed up her sleeves to check properly since she was lost in her thoughts while cleaning herself.

"Good, no injuries, I should go to bed Jun Wu will summon officials in the late morning, I burnt their entire main port he must have received the news by now," she took a step forward and felt a tug on her waist, looking down she noticed the strings of her inner robe twisted, unknotting her inner robe she found its threads twisted around her waist chain.

ShuîYuê clicked her tongue in annoyance as she broke the thread and carefully pulled it out of her chain, "I swear this chain is always getting stuck in my clothes all the time," Water Master grumbled under her breath as she stared at the chain.

"Why did Mom have to gift it to me? If it wasn't a present from her, I wouldn't be wearing it," she rambled to herself as she pulled out other threads of different colours from her waist chain and checked if any more threads were caught in it.

Her eyes stopped at the mark on the side of her waist, her fingers traced the mark before she turned her body to face the mirror, "Ugly, beyond ugly, and this sliver chain makes it even more visible," she shook her head knotting the strings of her inner robe properly before she placed her hands on the dressing table and leaned her face close to the mirror, turning it side to side she smirked.

"Don't blame yourself, Yìfēi's best friend. It's not entirely your fault even though it is, but I won't blame you for this; you are this way for a good reason, and nothing will change it," she sighed, shaking her head.

"Nor will your scar disappear nor will your pathetic feelings, it's a mark or a gift," she chuckled at her words, "Definitely a fine gift, a reminder of her foolishness, don't hate the chain your mother gifted you the very next day you received this wonderful gift, it's not her fault, your body is just ugly and no amount of jewels can change that, keep that in mind, alright," she added looking at her face staring back at her with, the same hatred that stirred in her heart.

Central Palace, Jun Wu's study

Jun Wu slammed his hand on the table, Senior officials immediately went to their knees, "May His Majesty calm his anger," first-ranked senior officials spoke in unison.

Jun Wu gestured for them to stand up; ShuîYuê grunted as she stood up; Yìfēi shot her a questioning look, which Water Master ignored, "Main port burnt to ashes! Senior official Wu Yu's cargo was stolen! What is happening in my empire?" Jun Wu questioned furiously, his voice echoing around his study.

The Crown Prince entered his father's study, hearing him questioning what was happening in his empire, he was informed about the main port being burnt and Senior official Wu Yu's cargo stolen.

"Father," GuānYû bowed his head as Jun Wu sat down on his seat, his hands turning to fists as he glared at his useless officials, "Have some chamomile tea," GuānYû placed a warm cup of chamomile tea on his father's table, officials sighed in relief, no one could get their Emperor to calm down except for the Crown Prince.

Jun Wu huffed in annoyance before picking up the cup and taking a sip, The Crown Prince stepped back as he glanced at the fifteen Senior officials and the four elemental masters, "Father, Main port has been investigated, the fire was caused due by an oil lamp breaking and the wine barrels catching fire," Crown Prince reported.

Emperor leaned back in his seat, "What about Wu Yu's ship?" He inquired, finishing the tea; senior official Wu Yu nodded his head furiously, desperate to know as well.

GuānYû pressed his lips in a firm line, "No trace," he said after a while.

Jun Wu slammed the cup on the desk in fury, "A ship! The size of this room gets looted, all of its crew is nowhere to be found, the ship is missing, it's like it disappeared in the span of a night!" Jun Wu spat tapping his foot.

"Search parties are looking for it, Father; they'll inform as soon as they find something," the Crown Prince consoled.

"Your Highness, my cousin had sent me expensive gemstones, they are all gone!" Senior official Wu Yu cried, "How will I answer to him?"

GuānYû descended from his father's seat which was higher than the floor level,
"Senior official Wu Yu, rest assured, we'll find those thieves."

"Your Highness but my loss? They were expensive gemstones worth a lot of gold," Senior official Wu Yu repeated his misery.

"I assure you we'll find what belongs to you," the Crown Prince assured.

"GuānYû, you look into this matter yourself, start with repairing the Main port, and in the meantime, we'll utilise our other territory ports," the Emperor ordered.

"Yes, Father," the Crown Prince bowed his head.

"Your Majesty, where will we import our mercury from?" Senior official An questioned.

Jun Wu furrowed his eyebrows, "The main port is destroyed; there is no option to import mercury from other ports; all of them are in opposite or adjacent directions of Heaven," Jun Wu spoke, tapping his fingers.

"West territory port is the closest to the Ming clan; we can use that," Senior official Jong informed.

Emperor nodded his head, "Right, Water Master?" ShuîYuê stepped forward, "Make sure your port is empty to harbour ships from the Ming clan the day they arrive," the Emperor said, leaning in his seat.

"I apologise, Your Majesty, but West territory port is not available," Water Master spoke, bowing her head.

"Why not?" Emperor asked,

"Our port was destroyed last year due to lightning striking it," She answered as Wu Yu began to sweat.

"So? It should be repaired by now," Jun Wu stated cocking his eyebrow.

"It should have been, but we didn't receive any funds for reconstruction, and the repair work from our own money is slow since trade is impossible," Water Master reported, glancing at Wu Yu.

"Why didn't you receive a fund? Wu Yu?" Senior official Wu Yu stepped forward wiping his forehead.

"Yes? Your Majesty," he bowed his head.

"West territory didn't receive a fund? Why?" Emperor questioned, all eyes turned to Wu Yu who gulped nervously under the Emperor's stare.

"I did sanction the fund; it has been provided; I don't know what nonsense Water Master is spewing," he responded, wiping his forehead.

Jun Wu averted his gaze from Wu Yu to Water Master, "We didn't receive the adequate amount of funds, Your Majesty," ShuîYuê put forth swiftly.

"Ling Wen?" The Emperor called, "Is West territory port as damaged as Water Master claims?"

Ling Wen bowed her head, "It is Your Majesty, Water Master has written twelve requests to the fund department and all of them have been rejected," she informed, Jun Wu's sharp eyes turned to Wu Yu. "Senior official Wu Yu sanctions all the funds of Heaven; he denied Water Master's fund requests based on a false claim for funds," she added.

"Are they false?" Jun Wu questioned Ling Wen as Wu Yu gulped nervously under the Emperor's gaze.

"No, Your Majesty, Water Master didn't request for a single coin more than required, and due to the delay of reconstruction, West territories business has been closed for more than eight months," Ling Wen informed,

Jun Wu narrowed his eyes at Wu Yu well aware of his old official's personality and love for bullying younger officials. Jun Wu turned a blind eye to the bullying since Wu Yu is an influential man, but one thing that Jun Wu didn't appreciate was a slow business. Hell had been progressing faster than anything, and Jun Wu couldn't afford to lose business for eight months from any part of Heaven.

"Ling Wen, grant the funding for West territory port and begin the construction as soon as possible, I don't want the Ming clan's ships to be late due to our official's carelessness," the Emperor ordered as he stood up and walked away.

"Elementals stay," the Crown Prince ordered as Senior officials began to leave the room.

Wu Yu passed by ShuîYuê who smiled at him, "Good day, Senior official," she wished as he glared at her before leaving.

"Elemental Masters, I need one of you to solve an urgent case in Long Town, who can go on this short notice?" Crown Prince questioned looking at them expectantly.

"I shall leave right away," Earth Master volunteered.

GuānYû smiled at her, "Thank you, Earth Master, Ling Wen shall inform you of anything you want to know, also I need a spare port functioning for searching Senior official Wu Yu's ship," ShuîYuê nudged Yìfēi forwards.

"Oh Wind Master, Thankyou, I'll have to trouble you with the case," Crown prince added, Yìfēi shot her best friend a glare who pretended to be blind, "Water Master, I need you to work on some information, let me just inform Earth Master about the Long Town case and I'll see you in my study," he added as Earth Master left with him.

Xiàn Fèng crossed his arms, as Yìfēi scanned her eyes over ShuîYuê's body,
"Senior officials, Wu Yu's ship just disappeared like that; the work of those thieves is remarkable, not a trace," Xiàn Fèng complimented as ShuîYuê smiled sheepishly; Yìfēi narrowed her eyes as they left Jun Wu's study.

When Xiàn Fèng was busy speaking to a fellow official, Yìfēi grabbed ShuîYuê's arm and took her to the side, "You Main port?" She asked in a whisper, her best friend simply smiled, "Are you mental!" Yìfēi looked around. Thankfully, no one was in hearing range, "Are you mental? Main port? Do you want to die?" Yìfēi asked in a hiss.

"Not now," Water Master answered airily only to get a smack to her shoulders,
"Oww!" She rubbed her shoulder pouting at Yìfēi.

"Seriously? Wu Yu of all people?" Wind Master questioned in bewilderment.

"He wasn't funding us," Water Master spoke in her defence.

"So what? You could have asked me for help!" Wind Master snapped in a whisper.

"Yìfēi, you know, I don't like to," Water Master replied.

"It's not like before; I know how things work after experience; you don't have to take care of me all the time; I can help you too," Wind Master muttered, glaring at her best friend.

"I know, but it's my job to spoil you with whatever you like, not the other way around," ShuîYuê said punching Yìfēi's shoulder playfully.

"You needed help; there's a difference; why didn't you tell me West territory was struggling?" Wind Master questioned upset.

"It was nothing I couldn't manage, and besides, you can go shopping. We got quite some money from those jewels," Water Master informed, smirking.

"You are coming along with me, I will buy as many dresses as I want, and Jīnyú's coming along, no ifs and buts," Yìfēi added as soon as ShuîYuê opened her mouth to protest.

Water Master sighed loudly, "Fine, now I got to go and stare at some scrolls," she said walking away as her knees hurt. "Damn, I shouldn't have jumped from that four-foot boundary; my knees are fucking cracking," she grumbled under her breath. Yìfēi stared at her retracting figure.

'Yìfēi look! I can make water spouts!' A younger ShuîYuê laughed as she showed her best friend a small water spout on her palm.

'That's so cool, YueYue, I bet you are gonna be the best water elemental ever,' a younger Yìfēi cheered her best friend.

'Then I will live in a Palace! And Yìfēi I'll call you too! We'll have a big swing in the garden and play all day!' A twelve-year-old ShuîYuê giggled as she splashed her best friend with water.

'I'll have my special place; only you and the injured are allowed, though, and we'll dress up in pretty clothes and marry princes!' A twelve-year-old Yìfēi daydreamed as her best friend laughed.

'What prince is gonna marry you? You are so dumb!' ShuîYuê laughed poking Yìfēi's shoulder.

Yìfēi swatted her best friend's hand away as she pouted, 'I'll marry a prince, you tell me who is gonna marry you?'

ShuîYuê thought about it for a while as she tapped her fingers on her chin, 'I don't know, but I am more excited about eating different dishes!' Yìfēi rolled her eyes as ShuîYuê made a larger water spout and showed it to her best friend.

Wind Master blinked her eyes shaking her head to dismiss her memories, 'I don't even remember properly how you used to be YueYue, how I wish you hadn't met her,' she thought as Xiàn Fèng called her over.

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Author's note duty on author: Important information author has renamed herself for the sake of the author's note, it's BunBun!!! It's Ash, but I like BunBun better than Ash

So let's get started, shall we? The chapter is almost 6k. I hope you didn't pass out reading it ( evil laughter).

That's all for now. I am listening to House of Memories by Panic at the disco, and I'm crazy but you like that by Eduardo, and now Anatomy is playing by too many artists I can't bother to type but it sounds damn cool!! that's what's playing on Spotify anyway

Word count: 5850, thank you for reading. Have a great day/ night. Take care and go for a walk 🚶‍♀️ 🚶‍♂️that's all. See you next week, bye-bye
~ from BunBun ( the bad bunny)