Chapter 131: As it should

Chapter 131: As it should

Pete herded Chance and Bella over to the dining room table and practically pushed them into their chairs. He hustled into the kitchen and started to pull ingredients out of the ice box.

I wasnt expecting any company so soon or I would have had something ready, Pete said with an embarrassed laugh. The thunk of a knife on a cutting board accompanied his words as he chopped up a vegetable reminiscent of a green onion.

Its completely fine, Chance said. We didnt really warn you. To be honest, I dont think either of us thought wed be back in Gleam today. Its been a pretty hectic few days.

I can imagine. Pete scraped the onions to the side and looked over the counter at them. You both feel stronger. Considerably so. Did you become Knight Ranked?

We did, Bella confirmed.

Youve formed your Center, then. Pete gave them an approving nod. Well done, both of you. It can take a very long time for young cultivators to come to understand their Essence enough to create a Center.

Is that the little ball of energy thats in my chest, behind my solar plexus? Chance asked.

Its not just energy. Its a physical manifestation of your Essence, and its the next step in your road to becoming a truly powerful being. Pete poured water into a pot and set it on the stove, then set about chopping up a variety of vegetables and seasoned meats. First comes the Gate. It efficiently converts the energy of your surroundings into your Essence. The Center is a storage. Theres only so much power a mortal body can hold, so your strength is fairly limited until you can form a Center to contain the excess.

I can see auras as well, now. Is that because my body is just holding more Essence so Im more attuned to it or something like that?

Precisely. Pete beamed and set the lid on his pot. With the aid of his staff, he walked over to their table and pulled a chair out to sit down. He lowered himself and laid the staff against the wall. Knight Rank is the core of the Shikari. Most cultivators in our ranks are Knights. Youve really come quite a ways in just a few meagre months.

The threat of death is a great motivator, Bella said, only half joking.

Petes lips pressed tight. Yes, I can imagine. If you can share, what happened that day you were forced to flee?

A cultivator I used to know in my past showed up in Gleam, Bella said. Chance could tell that she was choosing her words carefully not to avoid giving her own secrets away, but to make sure she didnt accidentally tread on his own territory. Considering how Yamish was, Chance was pretty sure Bella was making the right call.

A single cultivator? Thats why there were assassins coming after you?

A very powerful one, Bella said. I dont actually know how powerful he was, but he was well above a Rank 6. He made the Shikari send assassins after me, Chance, and Yeo, but all he ever wanted was to go after me. Chance and Yeo just got caught up because they were my friends.

What a vile wretch of a man. Those with power should defend the weak, not attack them. Petes eyes narrowed with fury. How did you manage to slip the lasso of someone that powerful?

Luck, mostly, Bella admitted, sending an amused glance in Chances direction. For a while, it didnt look like he was onto us. The Shikari were searching, but we traveled until we got to the Dancing Cloud sect.

You joined a sect? Petes eyebrows rose. Bold, if someone was actively chasing you.

That was why we figured it could work, Chance put in. Nobody looks under their own nose, and there werent going to be any Shikari in the area. It kind of did work, for a bit.

For a bit? Pete chuckled. All things work until they dont.

Thats fine. Well just stay out of the public eye for a while, Chance said.

Both Pete and Bella stared at him. Chance blinked. What? What did I say?

Youre good at a lot of things, Bella said gently. But you are horrible at not sticking your nose in places it doesnt belong.

Chance opened his mouth, then closed it again. He cleared his throat and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Okay, fair point. It doesnt matter to me, though. If people want to spread rumors, they can.

Thats more along the lines that I was thinking. Bella looked to Pete and gave him a small smile. Ive never cared about what others thought about me. Everyone of relevance knows the truth. Idiots will always have something to harp about.

Bah. There you go, making me look like a grumpy codger rather than a mentor. Pete shook a finger at Bella, then walked over to the table so he could reclaim his staff. Maybe you should be teaching me, eh?

They all laughed, and Chance wouldnt have traded the feeling for the world. It felt good to finally be able to let his guard down. Hed come to think of the Whiteheart house as home. It was almost perfect.

There was just one thing missing.

The smile on his lips faded slightly and Bella spotted it a moment before Pete did.

Is something wrong? Bella asked.

Im fine. I was thinking about how much Id missed this, Chance said. Its just that its too bad Yeo isnt here. I dont know where he went, and I dont know if he heard the information that we arent being hunted anymore. Hes probably been really lonely.

I get the feeling he probably loved every second of it. Bella scrunched her nose. This would have fit into his whole become famous scheme, wouldnt it?

Chance chuckled. Yeah, it probably would have. Still, though. Do you think Jade found him? I hope hes alright.

Theres no way that insufferable prick went down easily. We probably drew all the attention from the Shikari, Bella said with a dismissive wave. She was doing an impressive job of pretending not to care, but after all the time that Chance had spent around her, he recognized the subtle creases in her forehead and cheeks that revealed her true thoughts.

Bella was just as worried about Yeo as he was she just didnt want to admit it.

As Chance opened his mouth, there was a loud thud. They all spun toward the door as it flew open to reveal Yeo. He had several new scars on his skin and looked thinner than he had when theyd last met, but even if his entire body had been replaced, Chance would have recognized the cocky grin on his face.

Hows that for a dramatic entrance? I heard you talking about me, Yeo said, cackling at the looks on their faces. The man of the hour has returned. I will accept your tearful greetings now. Ill have you know that I was standing around out there for almost an hour waiting for someone to mention me.

For several moments, nobody spoke. Then Bella spun, grabbing a loaf of bread from the counter, and flinging it at his head. It bounced off and Yeo caught it, taking a large bite.

That finally broke the shock. Chance shook his head and laughed as Pete rushed over to Yeo, letting loose a mixture of annoyed curses and questions as to how hed been.

Now everything is really as it should be.