The Devouring

James hesitated, debating whether to tell Mei about himself, but before he could even begin, she interrupted him with a playful grin.

"We'll talk later," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm sure you're here for the sect selection. Let's focus on that instead." as she returned to her chair.

James, who was curious about the selection process, nodded. The only thing he knew about it was what the stranger outside had told him earlier. He explained this to Mei, who listened attentively before smiling knowingly.

"Well," Mei began, leaning back in her chair, "the sect selection isn't happening tomorrow morning like people think. It's actually been delayed. They won't be arriving for another three or four days."

James blinked in surprise. "Why? What happened?"

Mei's expression turned slightly serious. "They had an accident on their way to Longshen City."

James frowned, wondering what kind of trouble the sect had encountered. Before he could dwell on it further, Mei interrupted his thoughts with a sly smirk.

"So, will you be entering the competition?"

James hesitated. He had seen plenty of martial arts tournaments in TV shows and movies, but this was real. This wasn't just a written exam where passing meant automatic entry into the sect. No, this was a battle, fighters testing their strength against each other.

Still, he nodded, though hesitantly.

Mei stared at him for a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter. She held her stomach, shaking her head as she laughed so loudly that even the guards outside could hear her amusement.

"You? Entering a martial arts competition? Without knowing how to fight?" Mei wiped fake tears from her eyes, still chuckling. "I can't even sense any Qi from you!"

James shot her a dull, irritated look, making Mei finally compose herself. She took a deep breath and smirked at him. "Alright, alright. If you're serious about this, how about joining the Li family and learning martial arts under us? But I warn you," her voice turned slightly more serious, "you have little time until the competition."

James fell into deep thought, weighing his options. Could he really become strong enough in just a few days? Did he even have a choice?

After a moment, he made his decision. "Alright, I'll do it."

Mei beamed at him. "Good! From now on, you're my guy, my warrior, my personal bodyguard." She laughed again, clearly amused by the idea. "I'll let my father know immediately."

She reached for a small bell on the table and rang it. Moments later, the large doors to the meeting hall opened, and a maid entered, bowing respectfully to the young mistress.

The maid had a modest appearance, neither strikingly beautiful nor unattractive. Her features were soft and pleasant, with a round face and calm, dark eyes that held a quiet patience. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a neat bun, with a few stray strands escaping near her ears. Dressed in plain white robes, she moved with practiced efficiency rather than grace and her posture upright, though the white robe did little to hide her full chest which was very big.

"Show James to the guest quarters," Mei ordered. "He'll be staying with the Li family from now on."

The maid bowed again. "Yes, Young Mistress."

Mei strolled past with an air of confidence, her every step exuding the grace and authority of someone who belonged in a place like this. The maid accompanying James immediately lowered her head in respect, bowing deeply as Mei passed. Though Mei had a playful demeanor, there was no mistaking the power she held within this household.

James glanced at the maid, who straightened up and continued leading him forward without hesitation.

As James followed the maid down the grand hallways of the Li family mansion, he let out a quiet sigh, his thoughts swirling. He still wasn't sure what he had just agreed to, but there was no turning back now. The polished wooden floors reflected the soft glow of lanterns, and intricate carvings decorated the walls, showcasing the wealth and history of the Li family.

James glanced back briefly before turning forward again. Whatever was ahead, he would have to face it head on.

The maid led James to his room, sliding the wooden door open to reveal a modest yet comfortable space. A neatly arranged bed sat against the wall, and beside it, a small table with a lit lantern cast a soft glow.

"This will be your room," she said calmly, stepping aside. Then, she gestured toward another door. "The bath is through there. You may use it at your leisure."

James nodded, taking in the space as the maid turned to him, bowing slightly. As she did, the movement caused her full chest to shift beneath her robes, making James quickly avert his eyes, a faint blush creeping onto his face.

"Rest well," she said softly while smirking slightly, before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

James let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, shaking his head. "Get it together," he muttered to himself.

He moved toward the bath, soaking in the warm water and letting the tension in his body melt away. The events of the day replayed in his mind, but for now, he pushed them aside, focusing on the quiet moment.

After cleaning up, he found a fresh set of white robes laid neatly on the bed. They fit him well, surprisingly comfortable.

Feeling exhaustion finally settle in, James climbed into bed, the soft sheets a welcome relief after days of traveling. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifted to everything that had happened so far. The sect selection, Mei, and the strange badge in his possession.

With a deep sigh, he closed his eyes. Whatever came next, he would face it tomorrow.

For now, sleep took him.