Book 5: Chapter 47: Catching Up

Book 5: Chapter 47: Catching Up

Sen briefly brooded about the missed opportunity to deal with Zixin but decided it was something he could put off for at least one more day. Based on what Lo Meifeng had told him, the guy had been coming around on an almost daily basis.

Is that why the formations are active? asked Sen in a flash of realization.

It is, said Lo Meifeng, her expression going dark. I keep hoping hell get the message.

Im a little surprised that you havent killed him, noted Sen, standing up and walking over to the stove.

He started pulling ingredients out and rummaging around for pots and pans.

Ive thought about it, but the sects here dont like it when unaffiliated cultivators start murdering each other. I dont have a nascent soul sect matriarch lusting after me to keep the rank and file at bay.

Sen shot Lo Meifeng a dirty look. She isnt lusting after me.

Yeah. Sure, she isnt.

After a little more fruitless searching, Sen gave Lo Meifeng an exasperated look. Dont you ever cook anything?

She blinked at him a few times and said, No. Have you ever seen me cook anything?

Sen thought back. Now that she said it, he couldnt really remember her ever cooking anything more complicated than some basic rice. Even that was only occasionally and usually only half edible. Shaking his head, Sen started pulling out the pots and pans he used to cook in camp. There wasnt anything wrong with them, but theyd been chosen more for their durability than their quality. Still, hed cooked a lot of pretty good food in them, so he just went to work.

You really should get some pots and pans. Even if you dont cook, you know that I do.

Well now that I know you arent dead, Ill think about it, she snapped in a waspish tone.

Sen winced. I guess had that coming.

Youve got a lot more than that coming.

Well, maybe just save it up until after I finish cooking.

She looked from him to the piles of food hed pulled out and nodded. I suppose I dont want to distract you if youre cooking.

So, what have you been doing if youre not problem-solving for Master Feng?

Sen focused on chopping vegetables for a time before he looked over his shoulder at the silent Lo Meifeng. If he didnt know better, hed have thought that she looked almost sheepish. She noticed him looking at her and straightened up in her chair. She got an almost defiant look on her face.

Ive been focusing on my cultivation.

Oh, said Sen, a little surprised. Good for you.

No need to sound so surprised.

It just never seemed like a high priority for you.

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Sen didnt have a good answer to any of that, so he tried redirecting. So, tell me more about your cultivation efforts. Are they paying off?

Lo Meifeng sighed. I spent too much time around you. Watching you advance every other week made me feel like I was falling behind. It turns out, its still a slow process for everyone who isnt you. Even doing it here.

I usually need to go find a restaurant to get a real meal. Not that I have to eat that often, but its still nice to have someone cook for me here.

Couldnt you hire someone for that? I mean, I left money for that.

I cant stand the idea of some stranger being here all the time.

You stayed in inns all the time, objected Sen.

Yeah, but you know there are going to be strangers there. You also know youre going to leave. I live here. Its different.

Sen mulled that over before shrugging. Its your home. You should be comfortable.

So, what are you doing here? I am happy to see you, but I have been wondering.

I wanted to pass along a message to Master Feng, Uncle Kho, and Auntie Caihong. I figured you were my best bet for pulling that off. Then, its off to see the stupid turtle.

Youre going back to that beach?

Thats the plan, said Sen, before scooping a bit more food into his mouth.

Does that seem wise? I mean, its not like it worked out all that great for you last time.

I have it on good authority that not going back will be worse than just going. If I decide to go, I can at least control the timing.

Yeah, but should you go when youre this angry about it? asked Lo Meifeng.

Sen hadnt even realized that he was scowling. He made a conscious effort to smooth his features.

I dont know. Maybe not. But I dont want a divine turtle showing up to have a chat when Im in the middle of some crisis.

Are you planning a crisis?

Does it matter if Im not planning on one?

I suppose it doesnt. One will just show up to find you if you dont find it first, said Lo Meifeng.

That does seem to be the pattern. Im crisis-free at present, though. While its not ideal in terms of how angry I am, its the best time to do it. I dont think Im going to be any less angry at that turtle in a year or five. So, why put it off?

As long as youre sure, said Lo Meifeng. Are you planning on seeing any of your royal friends while youre here?

Sen shook his head almost violently. That seems like a decidedly bad idea. Especially if Chan Yu Ming is still around. I'm not here for a fight with anyone. Well, except maybe with that Zixin guy. I might need to fight with him if he insists on being an idiot.

I have to be honest. This all feels kind of surreal. Youre making sensible choices. Actively avoiding unnecessary fights. Are you feeling well, Sen?

Oh, ha, ha. Youre living the quiet life. Are you feeling well?

Lo Meifeng let out a musical laugh. Thats a fair point.

Sen went to ask a question when he heard a sound he very much didnt want to hear from outside. Lo Meifeng frowned at him before she cocked her head to one side.

Whats the noise? she asked.

Unless I miss my guess, said Sen with a sigh, its that crisis I wasnt planning on having.