YIn Zheng had cut his hair short. His face looked older, a little more confident and he wore simple commoner garb, however, he wore it as if it was the finest noble clothing.

Shibi leapt into his arms. “Shibi! Man, you’ve gotten bigger and I bet stronger too.”

“Shibi has!”

Zheng’s eyes widened. “You… You can speak too?” He looked at Zen. “Wow, Zen, you’ve really done a good job.”

“Not really,” Zen smiled, “It was all Shibi.”

Zheng smiled when he saw the brown clothing Zen wore. “You’re wearing the outfit I gave you the last time we parted ways?”

“Yeah,” Zen said. “It is the most comfortable clothes I’ve ever taken to combat.”

“Its warn out though, I should get you a new gi.”

“It would be appreciated.” Zen smiled brightly.

“I’m glad you are back.” Yin Zheng said. Shibi climbed to Zheng’s shoulder. “I heard you came back after your father died but you left before I could see you.”

“Oh!” Zen said.

The silence between both of them stretched. Both boys not knowing what to say. Both boys had lost their fathers in the same civil war.

“A lot of things have changed, huh?” Zen said.

Yin Zheng nodded, “A lot.”

“Oh, I need to get to the City Lord Mansion.” Zen said, suddenly remembering.

“Ah, yes, your mother has been injured.” Yin Zheng said. “I know a shortcut that will get you to the mansion quicker.”

“Then I will be in your hands,” Zen gave a short bow.

Zheng nodded. “Then follow me.”

Zheng began running and Zen followed him as best as he could. Zen was finding it hard to keep up, as Zheng was adding ki to his movement to run faster. Zheng noticed this and slowed down, allowing Zen to have an easier time in keeping up.

A few minutes later they stopped before a mansion. Zen marvelled at the size. The mansion before him was 3 times the size of his old and now empty family home. Zen approached the guards standing at the gate.

“Hello, I am here to see my mother.” Zen said to the guards.

“What does that have to do with us, Kid?” The guard said.

Zen and Zheng exchanged looks of confusion before Zen continued. “My mother is the City Lord.”

“Nice try, Punk.” The Guard said. “The City Lord’s son is all the way in Goixi Academy.”

“Yeah, so get your ugly, skew nose face out of here before we beat you up.” The other guard warned.

Zen sighed in annoyance. He looked around and lucky saw a familiar face. “Ding Wu! Ding Wu! Its me, Wang Zen!” Zen waved.

Ding Wu stopped and saw Zen. “Master Wang!” He said approaching the gate.

The two guards shared nervous looks between each other.

“How is mother? Is she okay?”

“Yes, she is.” Ding Wu said before looking at the two guards impatiently. “Well, what are you waiting for, open for Master Wang!”

““Yes, Sir!”” Both guards said before stepping aside and opening the gate.

Zen walked forward then stopped. He turned and looked at Zheng. “Thank you for leading me here.”

Zheng nodded. “What are friends for? When everything is okay, you, Shinji and I should hang out like the old days.”

Zen smiled and nodded before following into the mansion, the gates closing behind him.

Ding Wu easily navigated the huge mansion to an office. He opened the door to his mother, sitting at a desk with piles of paper. Wang Lin was in mid yawn as she was reading a document. She looked up and the tired expression instantly changed into one of joy when she saw Wang Zen.

“Zen Zen!” she beamed, getting up.

“Mother!” Zen ran into her arms. “I heard there was some kind of assassination attempt made on you.”

“Yeah, a bunch of commoners tried to ambush me.” Wang Lin said. “Nothing your old lady can’t handle. But this paper work,” she pointed at her desk of scrolls and documents, “it is enough to make me want to quit.”

“Ah, Wang Zen, you have returned.”

Zen turned to face his grandfather. “Grandfather,” he bowed, “Glad to see you are still here.”

“Of course,” he said walking to the desk where he placed a new document to the already growing pile. “Some of us have to stay here and be loyal and support Wang Lin.”

Zen held himself from clicking his tongue. “Yes, thank you grandfather.” He bowed again.

Wang Lin narrowed his eyes at Zen. “Something seems to be wrong.”

Zen looked at his mother. “How did you know?”

“You’re carrying yourself a little different. Shibi, who is mostly a freeloader seems to not want to climb on you and I am your mother, I know you best.”

“I was injured in a fight.” Zen said. “I don’t quite remember the details but it was back.”

“Ah, that explains why you are back.” Jao said. “You want us to help you with your healing.”

“Papa!” she said, looking at his father and Jao kept quiet. She turned back to her son, the look of annoyance that she had given her father now replaced by one worry for Zen, “What is wrong, son?”

Zen held his chest. “My diantian is broken.” He said. “I can’t use any ki abilities, or I lose power.”

“A broken diantian.” Jao’s eyes widened. “Only talented and specialised Wood Elementalists can repair that. It is going to be expensive.”

Zen hung his head in shame. “I am sorry to bring this…”

“Quiet!” Wang Lin said. “You are my son. It does not matter how expensive it is, we will heal you son.”

Zen bowed low to his mother, “Thank you mother, I am unworthy of your help.”

“How are we going to afford it?” Jao said.

“I don’t know, but we will, even if it means selling what little we still own.” Wang Lin said.