Wang Zen walked out of his room. The two guards stationed outside of his room stood attention.

“Hello.” Zen said, clasping his hands in greeting.

They both bowed to him.

“Shibi,” Zen called, and Shibi ran onto his shoulder before he closed his door and locked it .

It felt strange for him to be confronted with such security the first thing in the morning. He was making his way to the training field when he came across Ding Wu, walking with someone beside him.

“Ah, Master Wang, I was just making my way to you now.” Ding Wu said, bowing in greeting.

Zen bowed back. “Why were you looking for me.”

“I wanted to introduce you to Wei, here.” Ding Wu gestured to the man beside him.

Wei bowed and Zen clasped his hands in greeting. “Pleased to meet you,” Zen said. He looked at Ding Wu in confusion. “Though I don’t understand why you wanted to introduce us,”

“He will be your personal bodyguard.” Ding Wu said.

Zen sighed in annoyance at this. “Do I really need a bodyguard?” he said. “It’s bad enough that there are guards outside my room but now I have to deal with a bodyguard… uhm, no offense Wei.”

“None taken, Master Wang.” Wei said.

“I understand, Master Wang, it can be frustrating.” Ding Wu said. “But trust me, this is in your best interest.”

Zen did not look convinced.

“I can assure you, Master Wang,” Wei said, “I am very competent and I am willing to risk my life for you.”

Zen bowed to Wei. “Forgive my rudeness, Wei. I did not mean to question your ability, just as I am not used to having a bodyguard and I don’t think I really need one but I’ll accept you, anyways. I just need to speak to my mother.” Zen looked at Ding Wu. “I can speak to her, right?”

“Of course, Master Wang.” Ding Wu said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend. I’ll leave Wei with you.”

Zen made his way to his mother’s office. There Jao was walking in at the same time, he too had someone following him, dressed like Wei.

“Grandfather,” Zen bowed.

“Yes, boy.” Jao said, looking displeased. He gave Zen and Wei a brief glance before turning to his own bodyguard. “You, wait out here until I speak to my daughter about all this nonsense.”

“Yes, sir.” The man said as respectfully as he could.

Zen felt sorry for him. He turned to Wei. “Wei, please wait for me here, I too need to speak to my mother.”

“Yes, sir.” Wei said.

Zen gave him a smile and entered after his grandfather.

“Well, isn’t it my two favourite men,” Wang Lin smiled as Zen and Jao entered her office.

“LinLin, what is the meaning of this?” Jao said. “Why would you post a bodyguard for me?”

“Uh, you don’t like the personnel assigned to you?” Lin said. “I can easily get them changed.”

“I think grandfather is complaining more about the fact that there is personnel assigned to him, Mommy.” Zen said. “I have to agree. I don’t see why we have bodyguards at all.”

“You two agree on something?” she said in surprise. “That’s quite scary. I assure both of you, the bodyguards are to help protect you.”

““I don’t need protecting.”” Both Jao and Zen said at the same time.

Lin giggled at this. “You two are so in sync. Did you both wake up on the wrong side of the same bed?”

“This is no laughing matter, Daughter.” Jao said. “I understand the boy needing a bodyguard but I am a powerful cultivator.”

“I can handle myself in a fight too.” Zen said.

“I know,” Lin said, getting up to her feet. “I’ve seen you both in action and you’re both equally impressive.”

“Me…? Equal… to the boy?” Jao said in horror.

“The point is, we are dealing with a powerful enemy,” Lin said. “I checked on this guy. Hei, he has done what he claimed. He has defeated 2 City Lords and they were no slouches either, their power could rival mine. So trust me when I tell you he is very powerful. Also, very connected.” She walked to her window and looked out, letting the morning sun illuminate the worried look on her face. “With both City Lords, he did what he has done with us. He sent them a message, offering some ridiculous ultimatum and when they did not follow through, he somehow got into a position to fight them and destroy them and their families. Until we find out how he is doing this, I have to keep as many eyes on my loved ones as possible.” She looked at both of them and offered a sad smile. “So please, endure this inconvenience for me, for now.”

Zen’s resolve melted and so did his grandfather’s. They both bowed at Lin, as a sign of accepting her request.