Capítulo 9: ~ He who watches the world with closed eyes - V ~
Xi Ken was... astoundingly beautiful. I had no other words to describe him. His face cuts were soft, like a doll, and his chin was sharp, yet rather complimenting his gentle bearing.
Those soft lips, and pale skin, gave my heart a trip, almost making me gape. I had never thought that real life people could have such pretty lips, even the commercials back on earth couldn't manage to showcase such exotic sighting.
Not to forget that pale skin and slender form, the tall height as he stood straight like some Royal Prince.
He was the epitome of Grace, elegance and artistry.
His mannerism of walking alone could overpower an entire council, the aura dominating yet unassuming. I was very sure of my deduction because that man was currently enacting my theory as he made his appearance in the Main Sect Hall, without any bother in the slightest, he had simply walked in.
The early morning light falling on him from the cupola, distracting those present into a humble silence.
There was Rai Xo and Adam by my side, as they held me on my knees, while their old sadistic looking master sat at the front seat flanked by four council men on each side.
These people didn't use chairs, but cushioned seats stuck to the floor. So if someone was to stand, it was obvious their presence would be felt. And Xi Ken was mounting on those high and mighty feels at present.
"Ink Master Xi Ken," the master bowed his head with a slight nod, "I am ashamed to have kept you for so long, hopefully your kindness would bestow me some leniency."
"Hm," was all Xi Ken said, as his robes fluttered with each step he took, each one moderate, falling with measured strides.
My eyes widened a bit when I saw how different the robes Xi Ken wore appeared to be. They weren't simple cotton or linen, they were silk, the sleeves wide and embroidered half way, so that one could actually make out his slender hands. There were several layers of robes he wore, each some shade of black, but the outer robes were translucent white. There was even a black sash belt tied at the waist, over shadowed by the translucent layer of outer robes.
If a Royal king was to appear from ancient China, he would have been jealous right now. For the stitching and detailed lace added with the pleaded under skirt, was slightly showing from the parting of the robes at the side, and that was what made it even more exquisite.
I tried to see what he wore on his feet, like I was now sure that the stranger I talked so rudely to wasn't just a simple person. But to my utter surprise, the peeking toes from beneath his skirt, as he walked was an answer enough that he as well wore no footwear.
Wasn't wearing footwear related to ranking in society? Wouldn't that mean Xi Ken was a lower rank?
But oddly enough I couldn't fit him into that category, even if straight facts were presented to me right now on rock tablets.
"Master Rao Za," Rai Xo called for his master, somewhat edgy.
"Speak, Rai," the master gave the order.
Rai Xo bowed in a show of gratitude, "I am wondering why Ink Master Xi Ken would be invited into the internal matter of our sect, the revered master doesn't needs to tire himself with such insignificant affairs."
"I was also wishing to know why the revered master would join us upon his free will," the master spoke, directly asking Xi Ken his doubts, stroking his long beard in wonder.
Xi Ken did not look bothered, "I am also here for I need to attend the same matter as you," he stated, his voice heavy and the air around him static, "will Master Rao Za permit such interference?"
The master looked even more confused, "I would not stop you, Xi Ken, my position holds no obstruction against you, but... one might ponder upon the reason you might have to present such a request. Since from my student's perspective, the young man over there is accused of energy manipulation and identity snatching. Performing dark arts, or even sheltering evil, is considered a grave sin in our sect, as you are aware."
"I am," Xi Ken acknowledged, "and that might be the reason why I am taking over his reign from you. I am aware that your sect destroys any form of evil, but he has potential, and I desire to explore it."
An emotion of shock floated over the master's face, which even his other council men projected. Their show of bewilderment confusing me. Were they angry by his statement or were they impressed. Any reasoning I came up with, did not suit well with their expressions.
"I can't believe it."
I heard Rai Xo whisper, as he kept staring at Xi Ken with absolute disbelief. The only question was why though, it was as if they were not used to the situation they were presented with.
"I-Ink master Xi Ken," Rao Za stuttered like a fool, and it seemed like it was his first time losing his composure, "You have... never taken in a disciple before, but you show preference to a sinner?"
"He hasn't sinned yet," Xi Ken stated, stopping at front of the master, standing tall and facing down his opposition, "turning evil to light, I have considered it carefully, please be kind Master Rao Za."
"The real Raven must have been devoured by him, we need him for further questioning."
Xi Ken nodded, "You have the right, but you also do not know if the real Raven is dead, have you tried searching for him?"
The master looked displeased, "Revered Ink master, I know what you are saying, but we cannot let go of the suspect, you also do not have proof that he hasn't sinned."
"Then shall we try seeking the answer right now?" Xi Ken demanded, a small smile on his face. "Because even I could feel the pure white energy racing through his veins."
The master bowed his head with a slight disappointment, "If you are so adamant, I cannot refuse you, so giving you face is the least I can do."
"I am not trying to assert my power here, I am simply stating the truth, his soul is innocent."
The master gave up then, stroking his beard to suppress any emotion he might show outwardly. "Then I will be stepping back, the revered Ink Master can hold me on that."
"I also do not want word to get out about his skills," Xi Ken hummed in satisfaction, "I want your word on it."
Rao Za agreed without much thought, "We would keep it under wraps, although would you be willing to take in a man who is... inked?"
A pause.
"My own ink would replace the previous one."
Now the shock was so loud, I felt nauseous with the stares and glares sent my way.
'I am innocent, don't look at me like that!' I screamed inside, but did not dare to voice it out loud for everyone to hear.
"Xi Ken," the master whispered with a grave seriousness when the shock started to seep in, "I advice as a humble underling, to discard such notion. You have made a great name for yourself, to actually keep an... inked 'slave' under your wing, that would tarnish your reputation."
Xi Ken frowned, "He is not a slave, and nor a Work Partner, please refrain from suggesting anything else."
The cold reply really made me tremble, even if I stood so far, the reverb from the voice alone was terrifying.
So seeing Master Zao Za pale with fright, I wasn't surprised in the least.
"Pardon me pardon me Ink master Xi Ken, I.. I spoke immaturely."
"Then keep your word, no information is to be leaked, or there will be severe consequences," Xi Ken warned as Rai Xo and Adam immediately let me go, stepping back with strange expressions on their faces. Even the council men looked aghast with what they concluded in their minds.
I wanted to know what was so astounding, but as soon as I was released, Xi Ken came to stand in front of me, like a wall of authority. "We are leaving."
And just those three words made my heart stutter.
I gulped, wondering whether it was the right decision to go along with his choices.
Because he had his eyes veiled under a black silk blindfold, exhibiting a strange habit. He did not seem blind to me with how confidently he walked, but I also couldn't be sure.
It was for the first time I met someone this odd. He who watched the world with closed eyes, how reliable was he?
But... thinking it through, the people who had brought me to this situation, were the most blinded ones I had ever met, they had not once asked about the other Raven, not even demanding me to get him back. They were more like scums than pure sect.
The other Raven must have been truly pitiable.
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
forever_fiction
forever_fiction Coming up next...
~ The ebony wood rests by his side ~
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder