This chapter was hard, had a block after the first three paragraphs. Not as much romance here as I wanted, but setting up for the big change Feng Jui is going to have and it is due to her birthmark next chapter. Prepare for some push and pull romantically too. Dijun, prepare to be tortured and learn what you've been missing. Stay tuned! (apologies for any spelling/grammer errors)

Ten miles

Ch 7

"Again!" Dong Hua stated voice raised. He'd been pushing Feng Jui for days, each time she fell short of moving the object. Though he was pushing her, he needed to put some distance between them. The more he pushed her, the further level of anxiety that rose in Siming.

Finally frustrated, Feng Jui snapped and turned on her teacher. "I am trying!" Her wide eyes darted from side to side quickly as she searched for the right words. "Why are you being so difficult?" Her chest burned with anger she'd seldom felt. Even her tears threatened to fill her eyes.

Dijun just barely shook his head as if disappointed at her. He noticed the way her brows drew downward. This is the only way, he thought with the straight detached face that was his accustomed look. That night they'd returned, he'd grown restless. He'd awakened and desired to see her. It had taken him well into the next day to build any sort of resolve against her. On a roll, Dijun stonewalled her the next few days. Each time she left, he found himself smiling at her attempts to placate him for the situation she'd caused.

And to her credit, Feng Jui tried to make amends for displeasing him. She'd served tea rather than the maid, she'd organized his scrolls, refilled his ink and cleaned his brush. Each day she brought fresh flowers into his study, and in the evening, she'd even cooked for him. This didn't go unnoticed by Siming who kept telling her she was trying too hard. She simply would reply that 'one should amend for their wrongs'.

She'd given him some of the extras she'd cooked along with candy. They both grew bored and began to spend hours discussing fate, the stars, and humans. She was not allowed to leave, so he'd set up a pillow outside where she relaxed in her fox form. Dong Hua had found them resting several times like this and returned to his study body tense with unease. That brought them to today.

Siming kept his head bowed in his book and took notes even after Feng Jui's outburst. Dijun appeared to be angered at both of them but remained aloof none the less. He hadn't even attempted simple conversation or pleasantries. The occasional half-hidden smile that he'd given Feng Jui in the past was missing. Feng Jui seemed to be putting in even more effort than normal, but he was relentless. Two days later she stopped bothering feeling that she'd done enough.

"Try harder," he returned. Both of his hands went to his back as he stared and waited. When she attempted to leave, he held her still in a binding spell. To both their surprise, Feng Jui struggled...then simply disappeared.

"Huh," Siming said when it got quiet and looked over. "That's new."

Dijun turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow, but Siming went back to finish his notes. "I don't know why I bother. She won't move the object, but she can move herself." he raised his right hand and wiggled his fingers as if magically creating an effect.

Siming thought, she's tried so hard to please you. Now you're angry at her and push her away. He continued, you are acting like the others. Teachers are strict, but they do show some sentiments to their disciples and followers. He'd tried to console her earlier but noticed Dijun watching them. Between the three, it had been awkward all day and that look was something Siming felt uneasy with. It was a peculiar look that he'd never seen before when he thought back and analyzed Dijun's face.

The expression was short; As soon as it appeared, it'd gone as if it were a figment of his imagination. He seldom ever showed any interest before. Siming sat up straighter and sighed. He wasn't sure what was going on in his lord's mind, however, Feng Jui had been in his mind all day.

He thought back to seeing her in the lake last time...it hadn't been until then he'd noticed what he'd been feeling around her. At some point, he'd developed a soft spot for her that was not purely lustful, but more than sister-brother in nature. Even now, all he desired was to comfort her. It was her playful innocent nature, her ease to anger, but her inner strength and determination that really did it. She was a gloriously beautiful red fox. He'd never seen her so run down before. she would be a wonderful wife, but it was not something she wanted.

Dijun listened but stopped moving when he'd heard Siming's thoughts.

#

"That rascal", she vehemently vented. "Served him right," she said and pointed her finger at nothing as if giving the air a piece of her mind. Feng Jui drew back after a moment and blinked a few times in rapid succession. There was a brief pause, and then she realized she must have looked like a mad woman. Around her, no one was there, but she kept turning her face to make sure no one saw that. Her head bowed, and she played with the ends of her long hair all the while she pouted and mumbled. The way he'd tied her up like some rabid animal had hurt. She let her shoulders sway from side to side.

"This world is so archaic it pains me to no end." She sat down in the field she'd landed in. No doubt people would sense her presence here, but she needed time away from others.

Before she'd realized it, her form melted into that of a fox, and her paws ran swiftly onto the ground. The cool earth, the dew on the grass, and the fresh air stirred a sense of pure happiness through her tiny body. Even the rays of the sun warmed her coat and made it shine in the daylight. She perched herself on a log ahead and let the breeze ruffle through her red fur and closed her eyes. All thoughts of Dijun fled as she felt the freedom of this place. Her tongue hung out of her mouth as she panted and looked at the gorgeous scenes around her. The smell of grass, peaches, and something else drifted in through her nose.

Peaches, she wondered.

OH! This is where Bai Qian had once lived. But why did I end up here? Had I been thinking of a place? No, she surmised. There was a rustling in the bush beside her when suddenly a white nine-tailed fox emerged cautiously from there. It was beautiful, and its pure white coat was extravagant. Wow, she thought and watched it carefully approach her. It seemed curious about her more than alarmed.

Oh no! she thought as she struggled with what to do. Feng Jui instantly panicked.

Her heart raced, Feng Jui immediately put up her guard and closed her mind so that the high god would not hear her thoughts. There were stories about how a nine-tailed foxes' blood could preserve a body. Mo Yuan... this must be Bai Qian! After what felt like an eternity, the white fox took its human form into that if the crowned princess.

Her tail went between her legs, and before the princes could utter a word, she felt herself lighten.

"Wait!" she heard a feminine voice yell behind her. Bai Qian could tell the tiny fox was fearful, but she never expected the wave of power surrounding her small red form to nearly explode.

Unable to stop it, the ball came to mind. Focus, Feng Jui! she told herself in a panic. That lighter feeling surrounded her in pure red heat.

Bai Qian reached out to the small fox, but its form dissipated before her leaving only a small decorated white ball behind. She knelt, picked it up, and examined it. "Who are you, little red fox. And where did you get a power like this?" She rolled the ball between her fingers and stared out into the field. This visit to Migu had certainly taken an unexpected twist.

#

Dijun finished reading Siming's notes for the day and raised a brow. He'd seemed...distracted. When he'd entered earlier for Feng Jui's lessons, he'd seen them talking quietly. There'd been a sharp jolt in his chest as a result, and he'd recovered before either of them had noticed his slip up. What was it that made him so drawn to the girl? Surely there'd been other beauties, but none of them had her zest for life, her fiery passion, and her innocence. How many beauties had come at him with their sneaky ways? He rolled his eyes at the thought.

He walked toward the platform he'd set up with the ball on it and pushed his long white hair aside. On the table was the box he kept the pair of them in. When he reached for it, he felt another jolt run through him, only this time it was panic. The ball disappeared, and a second later there was a crash and the platform gave way. A cloud of pink dress flashed before him. Instinctually, Dijun reached out and grabbed the girl mid-air, his foot slid backward as it braced them both. He bent his front knee forward to catch her legs as her body sat on the leg. When it all settled, their faces were mere inches apart.

Brown eyes met darker brown eyes, the stare continued a moment too long. Dong Hua felt his heart beat deeper-possibly harder than it had previously in his life. A wall if his hair circled outside of the arm holding her back. Even in battle, he'd never wavered as he did now.

Feng Jui felt her cheeks reddened, smelling his scent that reminded her of the forest. Tiny spots began to dance around her vision and the heat of her power surged.

"I hear this pose is all the rage, but how long will you sit in my lap?" a tiny smile crept on his face as he studied her. She brought both hands to her mouth to cover it and ducked down.

Feng Jui blinked several times, jolted back into awareness, and shook her head as she scurried off his lap. He languidly stood and corrected his robe, all while watching her dart far away. All she could do was stand there with her head bowed. Her nervousness caused another half-smile to curse the side of his lips. He really couldn't miss the chance to tease her.

"Nice of you to...," he looked at the broken platform, "...drop in. My, my," he shook his head and walked over to her, circling with both of his arms behind him, and his head raised high. "What have you been up to?"

She sighed and started. "why you-"

"You had to run," he continued with the bad jokes. "But I see the ball is gone." He gestured to it. He stopped walking around her and watched her as he waited for an explanation.

Her face fell, which surprised him to a degree. He wanted to use this time to probe her like he usually did after she used a large amount of power, only this time her mind was closed to him. He cocked his head as he watched her. He knew she often trembled around him because he was to be respected, but it never stopped her from giving him a piece of her mind.

Without hesitation, she added, "What's next, the balls in your court?" She pouted and turned her head away still looking down.

He chuckled quickly. If he said something outlandish, he could raise her ire. She really was trying to behave.

"Or is it I stand corrected?" she referred to his catching her. "The balls in someone's court by now," she whispered referring to actual court where Ye Hua and Bai Qian resided.

"You do know how to make an entrance, Feng Jui." He decided against making her angry, "Why were you afraid? Where did you go?"

She turned her head away more and closed her eyes tightly. She did this when she was mentally reprimanding herself. He thought it funny but also liked her transparency.

"I went to Qing Qiu." She raised her head quickly, "I ended up there, I didn't go on purpose!"

Dijun's face became stern, "Did you run into anyone?"

Her face dropped, and her eyes did also. After a moment she whispered, "Bai Qian but I didn't say or do anything. I got scared when I saw her, and I just dissipated and ended up here. I'm sorry Dong Hua!"

If she was here, the ball was there. It was unique, and knowing Bai Qian, she'd figure this out sooner or later. "Have you even listened to my warnings?"

Her trembling hands stopped, and she met his glance, "You are not being fair! You treated me like an animal. I know I made a mistake when I played the prank. I am trying to follow the rules, but you never let up. It's embarrassing enough to be in that situation."

He stepped into her space, "and you never listen." She backed up and he followed her step for step. "Imagine the worry you put your superiors in." Her back hit the wall and he bent toward her, "this is not fun and games."

Her cheeks heated and her breathing escalated. "Then why am I still here?"

He stepped back surprised by her frankness. If he stood close like that again, he'd want to kiss her. He turned his back toward her and lingered.

"I want to be where I belong but I can't because of whatever my father did. Why must I pay the price for what he's done? This place is miserable," she began to cry. "One wrong step and you are tied up like an animal and you want to talk about manners and drill me to move the object for a week. Well, I moved the object!" She pushed at his shoulders and he stepped forward with the momentum. "I hope it was worth the price we paid for it." She turned and stalked off after that.

He appeared before her, "You cannot keep running away."

"Watch me," she said and sidestepped him. Her response to him made her angrier. "I hate you."

He gently grabbed her arm as she stepped around him again, "you are too powerful to leave here. And you are not a child. If you leave, you'll become someone's wife."

"Is that all you have?" Her chest rose and fell, but she gave him the real reason, "you people only want me here so no one else can use me. How are any of you different?" She pulled her arm from his grasp. "If it's the last thing I do, I'm gone."

#

Siming hadn't meant to hear the argument, but their voices did carry. He bowed his head and knew the source of her anger. In the human realm, she'd been tied up several times. Once was an adult who wanted to sell her, another was by kids picking on her, and the others he didn't want to mention.

Dijun watched her go and regarded her. He knew Siming was near and probed his mind to hear what the other was thinking. After, he inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. She was never a simple girl.

"Siming," he called to the other immortal.

"I am here Lord," he said gratefully now that Dijun had finally called him. He raised up to view the elder.

He was being watched intensely and looked around.

"You have feelings for her, don't you?" He said his eyes looking almost...indignant. "You spend all your free time out there with her. Perhaps you want to take her to your room?"

Siming laughed nervously, "She is a generous girl." He bowed again. "This would not be appropriate."

Dijun looked away from him and walked generally noting that Siming hadn't said no directly. Siming trailed behind cautiously. "She does not want a husband."

In his mind, he remembered how Feng Jui's name had not appeared on the stone of incantations. "What do you think?"

Surprised flourished over Siming's face, "which part?"

Dijun turned, "she was very sensitive to what I did."

Siming nodded and inhaled, "in her mortal life, especially with it so recent, she was made to suffer greatly." He tried to put this in a most respectful manner as he could. "You treated her similar; in the way that she took it."

He turned slightly wide-eyed, "As I was bullying her?" He gave a quick chuckle. His smile waned and he looked distant.

"Lord," he began again. "It's been a long time since you've been to the mortal realm. You don't socialize much and most are quiet, distant, and respectful to you. There is much suffering there."

Dijun nodded quietly-absently. "I believe she will ascend again soon. Are you saying I am too far removed to understand her?"

"She needs a gentle hand, happiness, and freedom to thrive. She is a fox spirit in a perpetually large cage. Overall the situation is taking an effect. She will only grow in her resentment."

Dijun remembered the Phoenix and sighed. She'd told the animal he'd deserved to be free also.

Siming inhaled quickly and his face lit up. Dijun took all of this in and noticed he didn't share this enthusiasm. Of course, his junior noticed. "She will ascend? Lord, do you not want her to rise?" He was taken aback at the elder's disposition.

"She will leave," he said quietly. "Do you want her to leave?"

Siming smiled again, this time heartily, "master, I believe Feng Jui is a unique immortal. She'll surprise us all." He didn't add that he felt they were suffocating her. "She appeared in what was supposed to be her homeland. I don't think it is something that can be stopped if it is destiny."

Destiny, Dijun thought irritated. "Have you found anything on her powers, why it is red?"

Siming lost his smile and stared at his elder and felt trepidation. He didn't want to mention the connections he'd come across. Dijun looked at him after a pregnant silence. "It is said that often times, rare times, that two can share power if they are of the same wick (one and the same). In simple terms, her fated is or will be very powerful. They will share an emotional link and may know when the other is endangered. When close they will be drawn to passions. There are a few elders that possess this power. It will be one of them, as no one else is close to that level."

Dijun squinted his eyes a fraction, "you believe this is what is causing her rapid ascension?"

Siming nodded, and Dijun waved him off.

"I'll leave first," he said after bowing one last time.

At first, Dijun had felt a sense of relief, but now he was unsure what the feeling was he felt. His mind began to discern the many faces of those with the power that shown red when used. She wanted to leave, and he'd promised to stop her. Siming and he both felt the coming changes. If her fated was near, then it could be the reason she'd excelled. He wanted to be happy for her, but instead, he was unable to sleep. when he closed his eyes, all he could see were a pair of redden cheeks and lushes lips.