Tien Shin's Journey - Big Sis

Tien Shin had received a bit of coin to pass the time after he put that fat general in his place and fought back against his insults. He felt good about himself and was eager to go back to his favorite inn and brag about his achievements to Mei Lin.

He walked in like he owned the place and bellowed out, “Hey, Sis! The hero of the moment is back!”

A sharp and sudden pain washed over his head as a large ladle struck him over the head in reproach. Mei Lin, barely a few years older than Tien Shin, looked at him with an angry look and scolding attitude.

“You got some nerve walking in here spouting such nonsense! You’re disturbing the regulars! Shut your trap or I’ll shut it for you!” The comical scene of the “Smiling Dragon” cowering before the fury of the inn’s servant made the entire clientele laugh loudly.

“Ouch! Hey! Why’d you hit me? You could’ve just talked to me, you know,” the young man rubbed his head trying to ease his discomfort. “You keep acting like this and nobody’s gonna want to marry you…” Tien Shin’s comment was said teasingly, but this only made the girl stare at him with quiet fury which made the Heavenly Sword of Freedom feel very much afraid for his life!

“You said something…?” She asked, holding her ladle like a sword.

“J-Just jokin’! I didn’t say anything! I swear!” Sweating nervously, Tien Shin went to a corner and waited. Mei Lin had finally stopped burning holes on him with her eyes and turned towards the patrons with her usual good manners and grace.

After things quieted down a bit, Mei Lin was finally able to give her full attention to Tien Shin. Sitting down by his table, she let out a sigh of relief after such a busy night. The boy poured some of his own drink to her, which she greatly appreciated.

“It’s been quite busy around here, hasn’t it, Sis?” Tien Shin finally asked with concern in his eyes.

“Indeed it has…” The girl took a sip of the drink, grimaced at the ghastly taste of it, but that had a desired effect on her. “Ever since you and that volunteer army have been taking care of the rebels things are starting to return to normal, before this whole mess began.”

Tien Shin looked at Mei Lin with worry. He usually displayed arrogance and a cocky attitude. But when it came to Mei Lin, his childhood friend, he was serious… to some extent.

“We managed to beat a whole bunch of them earlier this week. The Boss and his brothers wanted us to take them down while the ‘big lords’ were preparing for the big fight. For what the Boss has been told, we’ll be moving out in a couple of days to form some sort of coalition army against them. And that’s a fight I’m not gonna miss!” Tien Shin smiled eagerly. Which immediately vanished when she saw the concern in Mei Lin’s face. “Sis, are you alright?”

“Xiao Long… I know how good you are. I know you’re strong and have this ‘big destiny’ you told me you have to fulfill. But please, don’t be so reckless this time.” Mei Lin’s eyes turned to look deeply into Tien Shin’s eyes. For a moment, the brave lad felt worried. “If what I heard is true, then Zhang Jiao, the leader of the Yellow Turbans, is some kind of sorcerer that can bend the world around him. How can swords fight against such a man?”

“Hey… relax! Nothing’s gonna happen to me! If he can move the ground, I’ll just fly high up in the air and hit him from above! If he can control the sky, I’ll slip under him and hit him from below.” Tien Shin tried to put up a brave front for her. He could feel the change in her breathing, hinting of her growing fear and concern. “Besides, I’m not alone this time. The Boss and his brothers are there with me too. We’ll be fine.”

Mei Lin grabbed his hands and gripped them tightly. He saw in her eyes that she was trying her best not to cry and appeal to his emotions. But, seeing her like this always affected him. Even if she tried to hide it, he could sense it.

“Xiao Long, please. Don’t be reckless. Listen to masters Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Follow their instructions and don’t go off on your own. Whatever you do, don’t fall for Zhang Fei’s provocations and charge carelessly.” She finally had to resort to her “sisterly advice” in order to compel him to act. “Do this for me, Xiao Long. Please…”

Caught between his arrogance and the pleas of his childhood friend, he had no choice but to bend his head in agreement.

“Alright, Mei Lin. I’ll listen to the Boss and Pops. I’ll ignore Uncle. I promise.” He held her hands firmly. The delicate hands of the servant girl were a clear contrast to the sword dancer’s calloused texture.

“Thank you, Xiao Long.” Mei Lin finally let out a soft sigh with a warm smile. Then she pulled Tien Shin closer to her, their faces barely an inch from touching. This made the boy blush, thinking she was about to kiss him! But the sudden arching of an eyebrow and steely look in her eyes made his blood chill. “You better keep that promise or I’ll start calling you the Heavenly Sword of Idiots and spread it across the entire realm!”

Tien Shin feared no man. Feared not death. Feared not Fate or the Heavens. But when Mei Lin warned him about breaking his promises… he felt afraid.