SCULPTURED DESIRE

"Mistress"

The old lady turned and looked at the new arrival she was a woman of high status in the community, and her hair and dress didn't show that of the Western region. Rather, she was dressed like she was from An tribe.

The member lowered their heads in respect Xi Feng, aware of her status, chose not to bow before the elderly matriarch. Instead, she approached and took a seat beside the old lady, maintaining a respectful demeanor.

"You are the new leader of the Jade sect, I have heard," the old lady remarked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and authority.

She regarded Xi Feng for a moment, a flicker of mischief in her eyes. "My apologies, but I must confess, my respect does not extend to the formality of bowing. It seems old age has little room left for such courtesies," she added her words sharp yet laced with a hint of playful defiance.

The mistress poured her tea, which she acknowledged with a nod.

" The An tribe has been hoping you return home; an elder shouldn't stay away from home for so long," Xi Feng said, going straight to the point.

The old mistress only zip her tea in return.

"There isn't much for there; this place holds a lot of memories for me; I wish it to be my burial ground," she said.

Xi Feng looks around at the structure of the place. Indeed, the walls of the place must have been dear to her, and happy memories never fade away completely.

"I see," Xi Feng said. She pushed back her seat slightly, rising to her feet, we shall fulfill your last wish; I won't be a bother," Xi Feng said before walking out.

On getting to their awaiting carriage.

"You can't just leave her here we need her back at the sect," Roger said as soon as they came out of the building.

"We can't force her to cooperate with us, that her decision, anywhere need a new batch of younger elders, who aren't so entitled.

"What?!!! You can't just change tradition. An elder is replaced once dead, bringing in new elders from the younger generation. You are only brewing trouble among us.

Xi Feng stopped her back facing Roger

"I knew it a bad idea using someone inexperienced the become the jade master, well..."

Xi Feng pulled her dagger, which gave Roger a moment of surprise enough for Xi Feng to get hold of him with the help of Jin Long, who pinned Roger down.

"Let this be the first and last time you speak to me in such a way," Xi Feng said coldly, her voice dripping with disdain. With a swift movement, she used the tip of her dagger to gently lift his chin, forcing him to meet her piercing gaze.

"It seems you have little regard for your safety. If you possess such skills, tell me—why have you not been appointed as the jade master all these years?" Her eyes narrowed, challenging him with the weight of her words.

"I won't tolerate your foul words any longer if you continue," she warned, her voice firm and her gaze piercing.

Roger remained silent, his displeasure evident in the furrow of his brow. He had no fondness for her, but as the jade master, her authority was unassailable. Disrespecting her would be a grievous mistake.

They stepped into the carriage, the smell of worn leather and polished wood filling the air as the driver shifted the reins, guiding the horses to change their course.

"We will head to our base from here," Jin Long said, his tone matter-of-fact, casting a sidelong glance as he spoke. "The old ma'am has made her choice, and we can't force her to change it."

"Once everything is settled, we will return to An's immediately," Xi Feng added. The carriage jolted slightly as it picked up speed, the landscape rushing by outside, a blur of greens and browns mingling in the fading light.