64 ...

On top of a certain mountain, a young man moved in a slow, but rhythmic motion. Every move of his was precise and calculated. He moved in a different form after every 12 seconds and taking another form would take precisely another 12 seconds.

He practiced in similar fashion for two hours before coming to stop. In this two hour, he took different stances and forms, without making a single mistake.

The young man smiled happily, "Finally! The First Layer of the One Nurturing Will, Success!"

After one month of hard training on the One Nurturing Will he learned many things. The best benefit from this technique comes when one cultivates to during the sunrise. It was exactly the time he was cultivating.

"Fuuu," Shen released a deep breath.

The techniques he received from his Absolute Upgrade only had layers and no Elementary andIntermediate stage. In simple terms, if he mastered the first layer, only then can he advance to the second layer.

On the first layer, he only had to match the outward movements and it didn't involve any qi movement, but after the perfection of the first layer, the rune evolved itself and took a more vivid human form. A thin strand of chaos qi circulated inside the rune, and similarly the form and stances moved every 12 seconds, along with the movements of Qi.

Shen was able to perfect the first layer so fast was mostly because of the bout of Enlightenment. If it wasn't for that he would have needed a long time to reach the second. By practicing One Nurturing Will his body went through further impurity cleansing and purifying his vitality at the same time. It also enhanced his Nature Qi, making it stronger and vigorous. At the same time, it nurtured his physique and he was on the peak of the second layer of Absolute Physique. As soon as his body forms a complete drop of Absolute Blood, he will officially enter the third layer of the Absolute Physique.

"Daddy!"

A cheerful voice sounded, breaking Shen's train of thought. When he lifted his head, he saw Yiye Jiange holding the hand of Luan Luan who was dressed like an angel and walking towards him. The sight of an extraordinarily refined goddess with a devastatingly pretty loli was so beautiful like a mist, making him dazzled and stunned.

At this moment, Shen noticed Yiye Jiange was heading toward his direction. The sky was already bright, so he decided to stop his morning training.

"I'm sorry, Master. I tried to stop her but she won't listen to me." Yiye Jiange said as she had a helpless look.

"What happened? Did you miss your home and your mom?" Shen worriedly said.

"Mom? Why don't I have a mom? I want a mom…" Luan Luan suddenly said noisily.

Shen and Yiye Jiange looked at each other, then looked at the little girl whose eyes were filled with the radiance of hope.

"Luan Luan, actually, your Auntie is your mom. Remember how happy she looked when she first saw you? She was scared that you wouldn't recognize her, so she said that she was your aunt. Don't you think that you look like her? She is the nicest and closest person to you." Shen couldn't bear to disappoint her hopeful eyes, so he could only make something up helplessly. Since Luan Luan was still young, she would believe whatever anyone said, so he could only lie to make her happy.

Yiye Jiange had a light smile as she watched Shen communicate with the little girl. She was happy. Maybe it was because she knew the soul-deep loneliness from not having parents or relatives, but she didn't want the little girl to feel this way again.

To make sure that the little girl believed it, Yiye Jiange nodded her head and said that it was true. When the little girl happily called "dad" and "mom", Yiye Jiange's face turned scarlet. Shen looked at and hugged a happy Luan Luan. The sight was so beautiful it could make one suffocate. They combined together happily, heavenly, beautifully, and perfectly.

"That's right! Let's return to Skysword Peak. Since I'm here, let's eat something delicious with everyone. Besides, I'm yet to meet with them. They should have a lot to complain, haha..."

"I'll call the Icesnow Crane. It's best to not call Master's bird. I'll seek out the guardian beast and let him know." Yiye Jiange said as she called the Icesnow Crane.

Shen had a weird expression on his face when Yiye Jiange said the word 'Mater's bird'. But seeing the normal expression on Yiye Jiange's face, he assumed she didn't know what she said.

"Alright, Let's do that." Shen didn't store the bird inside the Immortal Realm last day, he let it out. While there was plenty amount of space inside the Mortal Realm, he thought it was good to let it have outside air.

The Icesnow Crane landed in front of them as Shen and Yiye Jiange jumped on top of it with Luan Luan. The Cloud Mist Peak was separated from Skysword peak and one can only go there by flying or with the help of flying beasts. Shen realized he didn't give Yiye Jiange any complete techniques and only instructed her so far, so he decided to give her a valuable technique.

"Jiange, I remember I didn't give you any proper technique. Come close, I'll impart you with a valuable technique of mine."

Yiye Jiange wanted to reject her but Shen already closed in the non-existent distance between them and leaned his forehead against her. Yiye Jiange was surprised what was happening, but she couldn't back away either. Her head was grabbed by his strong strong pair of hands. What's more even their nose touched.

Yiye Jiange's heartbeat increased at a furious rate. She can't be blamed for that either. Anyone would feel the same way, especially not to mention that she was sent to cloud nine by him just a few hours ago. Only now did she notice that her master looked different from before. He was now taller and looked especially charming. He looked so handsome that alone caused her breath to quicken, and his serious face made her heart flutter further.

"Close your eyes," Shen's voice sounded to her ears. Her strength left her body, it was as if she could only obey his voice and nothing else.

"Concentrate," with his voice she felt foreign energy penetrating inside her, but she didn't have the power to reject this invasion. In a matter of seconds, the strands of energies took a transparent human form as it moved in a rhythmic fashion.

Shen was surprised by the development, he didn't think rune will change its form when he imparts with them with the technique. In Yiye Jiange's case, it changed from Golden color to crystal clear (transparent). Not only that, he could even feel the holy aura emanating from it! One Nurturing Will was a technique that can be only cultivated through the rune, there are no definite movements. So, someone without the rune cannot cultivate it.

Luan Luan looked at them with her crystal clear big eyes. She was a little pouty. As Shen moved away from Yiye Jiange, she said, "Daddy, do that with me, with me!"

"Of course, daddy won't leave Luan Luan out of the fun!" Shen lifted Luan Luan up and in the same way he gave her the One Nurturing Will.

Luan Luan was still unable to practice the technique as it needed one to enter their spiritual world. But he wasn't worried, with her exceptional talent and guidance from Yiye Jiange, it won't take long before she starts cultivating.

What surprised Shen was the rune that formed on Luan Luan's spiritual world. At first, it took a dragon form, only then it started to change into humanoid form. Not only that, but the rune also took almost the same shape and color. It only lacked the presence of the bronze hue in the golden rune.

While he didn't know the reason for such an occurrence, he didn't bother thinking about it.

"Jiange, are you feeling well? Was there any injury last night?" Shen suddenly asked.

"Yes," a smiled hanged on her rosy lips, "I also didn't find any hidden injury. It's all thanks to master's precaution."

"It's nothing much. If my cultivation was a little higher I would have been able to clear your meridian more easily. But the results are not bad... Why not get used to practicing with the One Nurturing Will? I'll help you get used to your power around afternoon. As for treating the sect leader, don't worry about it. It's far easier than clearing your meridian."

Yiye Jiange felt a huge burden was removed from her heart, "Thank you, master."

"Didn't I tell you to stop that." Shen flicked on her forehead.

Yiye Jiange made a dumbstruck look, how long was it someone actually flicked on her forehead? Maybe he was the first. Shen found this face of her innocent and celestial. So he gently placed a light kiss on her forehead.

"You look beautiful no matter what expression you make, but it was especially charming."

Yiye Jiange turned away, her face flushed red.

"Muu... Daddy..." Luan Luan had sulky expression.

"Haha, Luan Luan is the dearest so three for you." Shen gently kissed her two cheeks and forehead.

Luan Luan smiled blissfully as she innocently asked, "Daddy why does Mommy's scent feel so much similar to yours?"

"Ah? That's because... she is your mommy. Yes, that's why." Shen was surprised by her sudden question but it made sense. It was probably due to their interaction yesterday. But he didn't think it will be detected by the little Luan Luan.

Meanwhile, Luan Luan tilted her head. Is that how it works? She wondered.

"Master, we are here." Yiye Jiange couldn't bear the shame anymore and added in.

Shen nodded. The distance between the Misty Cloud Peak and Skysword Peak was not that much in the first place, and they already arrived a while ago. It's just the Iscsnow Crane was circling above the Skysword sect.

As Shen jumped off the Crane, a figure came out of the room at the same time. Shen glanced at the courtyard and helplessly sighed. Even though he was not present, this place has been taken care of properly. It was almost the time of the new year and everywhere is filled with snow. But the courtyard was completely cleaned.

"Youn— Shen, welcome back."

He didn't have to even look at the person and knew who the person was.

"I'm back, Gelou. Also sorry, something came up thus the delay... Still, you didn't have to take care of this place even in my absence." Shen sighed as he neared her and gave her a tight hug.

Mingyue Gelou silently felt his warmth as she gently said, "What are you saying? It's my duty."

"...I don't deserve such a wonderful woman like you." Shen truly felt that.

A woman like her should be loved by someone whose life will revolve around her. Not someone like him who will have an uncountable number of women. But even if he was given another chance, he would still take her as his.

"Please don't say such things. I wish to be with you as long as I live. Even if it's as your maid, I'll accept it gladly," her voice was as soft as it could be.

Shen didn't know what he was feeling at that time, but he definitely wanted to push her down at once. But just behind him was Luan Luan and Yiye Jiange, he definitely can't do that, at least now.

"Maid? You are my wife!" Shen declared softly.

Mingyue Gelou was obviously happy but she tried to argue, "Eh, but being maid has its own benefit. A maid can take care of you always. Like waking you up, preparing your bath, wash your back and even..."

"And even? Why stop?" Shen teased her as he inwardly shook his head. Just how much this woman loves him? He is not a kid anymore.

"...take care... of your... lust?" she finally moved her face from his chest and looked up, with an aggrieved face. She was surprised by Shen's brand new appearance. He looked more refined and attractive.

Shen saw her aggrieved and surprised expression, so he decided to stop here.

Yiye Jiange felt a little empty inside when Shen hugged Mingyue Gelou. Especially when their hug lasted more than a normal hug. She didn't know why she felt that way. She didn't love this young man whom she addressed as Master. But she held a strong sense of respect and adoration for him.

Shen acted smoothly as he took out a big table and couple of chairs. He moved fast and started cooking. In no time he prepared a variety of dishes made of black fishes, lobsters, and vegetables.

As he served the dishes on the table the main door opened and three figure came inside. They were none other than Wenren Wushuang and Su Rou, followed by Zhu Qing.

As both Wenren Wushuang and Su Rou spotted Shen, they wanted nothing more than interrogating him. But they were completely distracted by the fragrance of food. In the end, they decided to delay his punishment.

As everyone was enjoying their dinner, Shen suddenly asked, "Su Rou, why didn't go to return to your family for the new year?"

"...My family is having a dispute with the Lee family. I wished to return at once when I received the letter, but I was blocked by a protector sent to protect me..." Su Rou voice died down as she noticed Shen's serious face, "Don't worry, it's alright. The Lee family isn't strong in the first place. It should be an easy victory."

Seeing that Su Rou didn't seem like lying, Shen's face eased up a little, but he felt she hid something. He will make sure to get the answer out of him. Although he respects her secrets, in this case, he can't do that. If any mishaps fell to her family— even if he had no fault— he would feel the worst.

Shen felt he should say something to Zhu Qing but he found it awkward with Yiye Jiange and Wenren Wu-Shuang. He didn't even consider saying anything to Wenren Wushuang. Just her dissatisfied expression told him that any normal means won't work on her.

Shen finished his breakfast before anyone as he stood up, "Alright, enjoy your meals. I'll go and check on the sect master..."

It didn't take long for Shen to find Baili Jingwei. He was inside his own courtyard. He aged 10 years in just these two months. Still, his condition didn't deteriorate much due to Shen's first aid.

"Oh! Brother Shen, you have returned!" Baili Jingwei exclaimed as he saw Shen heading towards his way.

Shen felt little weird being called Brother by a fifty-plus-year-old man.

"As you can see... I didn't return empty-handed this time. Now I can heal your injury." Shen smiled.

Baili Jingwei suddenly made a serious expression, "Brother Shen, it's not that I'm underestimating you, but my injury is beyond any help."

Shen understood what he meant but stay firm on his statement. He didn't blame Baili Jingwei for thinking that. It was common knowledge in the world of nine continents, injury on dantian cannot be healed by any means.

"Since it won't harm you, you can take a chance. Don't you think?" Shen said nonchalantly.

Baili Jingwei thought for a moment before smiling, "Indeed..."

"Since we are here anyway, let's do it now. It shouldn't take long." Shen offered as Baili Jingwei guided him in his room.

"Please lie down on your back," Shen instructed.

Baili Jingwei was only wearing long pants as he heard Shen's instruction he complied.

Shen stared at his Dantian using Absolute Vision. Like his previous condition, his Dantian still stayed on the same "V" shape. Although he could circulate qi even in this condition, the speed was not even one hundredth. Compared to how much effort he had to exert for Yiye Jiange, this was like child's play.

Three Chaos color needle formed on Shen's hand. They were made of pure Absolute Qi. He pierced three needles in his dantian skillfully as he circulated the qi of Absolute Strengthening Technique in Baili Jingwei dantian.

The Absolute Qi moisturized Baili Jingwei's Dantian as it slowly started to change its form. Using the absolute qi he expanded the previously withered channels.

Recovering the body to its 'True' state, was the specialty of the Absolute Needle Technique. But such a thing was unnecessary and he only needed to heal his injury. Compared to healing, taking something to its true state was much harder, but definitely, it had special effects. Besides, he was not able to do such a feat, yet.

After about one hour, Shen completed the recovery of Baili Jingwei's Dantian.

Feeling the slight changes in his body, the expressions on his face was fascinating to behold – shock, immense joy, disbelief!

"Mysterious indeed, haha!" Baili Jingwei could feel that internally, his Dantian had already recovered back to its original state. Not only that, he even felt that his Dantian seemed more vigorous than before!

He talked with Yiye Jiange about Shen's origin many times but they could not come with any conclusion. He was like a mysterious being who came only to save them.

"Hahaha, Brother Shen, I didn't expect you to give me such a surprise. Not only did you heal me, you even made my Dantian more vigorous!" Baili Jingwei happily exclaimed he didn't even think such an injury could possibly be healed!

"It looks that way, but don't be deceived. You cannot circulate qi in your meridians for three days. Only after that can you do some light movements. You will return to your prime state after a week." Shen finished saying everything in one breath as he prepared to return.

"Brother Shen, you have done such a great favor to me." Baili Jingwei suddenly said.

"Don't be mistaken. I don't do things where I don't have gains. This time I'm only doing this for Jiange..."— Shen sighed —"Besides when you call me brother, you can't talk about favor."

"That girl is going through many things. I only hope you will be able to accept her."

"Don't worry. What do you think I'm here for?... Now then you should patiently recover. I still have many things to take care of." Shen bid farewell as he left Baili Jingwei.

'Yah, important and hard things... how do handle Shuangshuang again?' thought Shen, leaving Baili Jingwei in wonder about Shen's hard life.