(Lian Li POV)

I surveyed the scene before me.

What used to be a proud and tall manor for the Xi Family is now nothing but burnt rubble.

A crowd had gathered to watch the city's law enforcers sift through the rubble, trying and failing to look for survivors.

"Quite thorough, aren't you?" I whispered.

"Ufufufu~ I'll take that as a compliment~" Manami giggled beside me.

We left the scene quietly, no one even suspecting that the cause of this incident was standing right beside me.

"So what are your plans today?" I asked offhandedly. "Master gave us the week off to do our things and I haven't the faintest idea on what to do."

Manami smiled at me, "Ara? I remember someone who was panicking at the news, asking if Master didn't want her anymore?"

I felt my cheeks flushed, "Ugh… I… I overreacted ok? Don't pretend you didn't panic a little when he said that too!"

Manami chuckled, "Oh, not really. Because I would stay by Master's side no matter what~ Even if he deems me unnecessary, I will look after Master from a distance if I have to~ Ufufufu~"

Mmm… That's Manami for you I suppose, but I really want Master to continue pampering me...

"But to answer your question, I'll be going shopping with my cute Kiyomi. What about you, Lian Li?"

I shrugged, "I thought of going to visit the people at the Church, but Eris, Diao Chan and Cai hong are already going there so there's nothing much for me to do."

"Oh? Why don't you take Master's advice then? Just relax and take it easy today? Want to join us?"

I shook my head, "It's ok, you can have your little bonding time with your little sister. I'll just take a walk around the city. Feels like forever since I've been here on my own."

"Ufufufu~ Alright. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call us~"

"Yes, yes. Now go enjoy yourself."

My fox sister gave a wave before leaving, humming a soft tune as she went to find her sister in high spirits.

I let out a long sigh.

Somehow, I already feel drained when I know that I wouldn't get to see Master today.

Master is truly too benevolent. Even when we insisted that we were fine with continuing to stay by his side and train ourselves, Master was worried for our health and still gave us this time off for ourselves.

I had initially entertained the idea of just hanging around the Sect for this week long break that Master gave us, but decided against it since Master might mistake my action for ingrat.i.tude.

Going the opposite direction of where Manami had went, I strolled along the main street to see what changed while I had been away.

Even though I have lived in this city for a long time, I did not have the chance to truly experience it.

Most of my knowledge about the city stemmed from my time as a squatter, so the Jin city I was familiar with was limited to its darker sides.

Ask me what are the best routes to get from one side of the city to the other without encountering any guards, I can guide you there with my eyes closed and even tell you which shops are the best to steal from on the way there.

Ask me what are the most popular and trendy places to be inside the city and all you get is silence from me.

I even know which homes in the n.o.ble district have the least amount of security and which ones best to steal from, but if you were to ask me who they were and what they were known for, I would draw a blank.

It was extremely fortunate that I was familiar with Jin city's Auction House when Master needed a guide to it that day, it was one of the syndicate's hideouts after all.

Well, the past is the past, no point for me to dwell on it.

I'm now back in this city with a purse full of gold and power beyond what I deserve to wield, both of them granted to me by my most beloved Master.

Without much of a destination in mind, I just strolled down the street, occasionally looking at the displays of certain shops that caught my eye.

But what baffled me slightly was how the shopkeepers kept on touting their wares to me as though I was some n.o.ble lady.

"My lady! Won't you take a look at my wares? It'll be worth your time, I guarantee it!"

"The young missus over there! Could I interest you in some of these trinkets? They're quite popular with the young ladies now!"

"n.o.ble mistress! I have new stock just arrived from the famed craftsmens of the Artisan Guild! Do take a look! You won't regret it!"

They even answered my queries with extreme politeness, not even minding the slightest that I did not purchase anything from them.

Even a fruit shop owner I remembered from my slum dwelling days was extremely nice to me. He probably doesn't remember the time where he chased me off with a stick when he caught me stealing one of his apples.

The bruises I got from him had long since been healed by Master but it was still a surreal feeling to see him bowing so respectfully when I approached him to purchase an apple for myself.

How curious… I wonder what could be the cause of this?

Could this be a Technique that Master casted on me to protect me? That must be it!

Ah~~  To think Master went so far for me! This Lian Li is unworthy!

Ehehehe~ Master truly is the best!

Perhaps I should go and peruse some of those clothing stores? Especially the ones that are offering  those really risque clothings? Mmm~ I wonder if Master would like me in those?

I remember Diao Chan mentioning something about costume play with Master, maybe I should try that too?

Or maybe… I could get one for Master as well?

Oh~ Just imagining Master in a really revealing nightgown as he pulls me into his room to hold me in his embrace… Then he'll slowly slip it off and guide my hand towards him…

Oh my, oh my, oh my! Ehehehe~

Then I will also be wearing something like--

"Eh?! Is that you, Lian Li?!" A distasteful voice brought me out from my day dream.

I furrowed my brows as my fantasy was ruined, turning around to see which imbecile dared to disrupt my fantasy.

The last person I thought I would ever see again was standing in front of me.

It was the sc.u.m son who had a.s.saulted me all those years ago, dressed in a black cloak with strange markings all over his limbs.