Chapter 122 - The Song Of The Sirens

"Are you seeing those long beautiful gowns?"

At that question, Li Ming's eyes flew to the supernaturals who were present in the room.

"They were definitely made of fine high-quality materials. The design, the prints, everything is beautiful, comfortable, and eye-catching. The most amazing thing about all of this is that they have made these clothes on their own." 

Li Ming actually nodded her head because no matter what, even she was impressed. Of course, she noticed these things before too but it never came into her mind that the supernaturals had made all these things from scratch, no magical mansion, and no cheats.

"And then look at these snacks. Even they are delicious and mouth-watering and I can guarantee you that the dinner would surpass it and you would be left wanting more."

"Then there is that jewelry which is handmade by the sirens and the mermaids. Look at them, they already looked so unique and mysterious. I'm sure you can give this jewelry a last finishing touch and BOOM, they will become the love of the ladies of these Immortal Realms." 

As that person stopped after pointing out the fifth benefit, Li Ming immediately spoke up, "What's next?"

Her tone sounded a little bored and uninterested.

"You are seriously something, Win! Five, you can already open five different businesses, and each will be a hit but look at you, still not convinced." The person said with a huff.

"Next!"

Li Ming was sure not going to listen to any stupid complaints.

"You...! Fine! So, there's wine, dishes, clothes, jewelry, and food. Now, take a look around. The drapes that are hanging here, the beautiful and differently designed lanterns, their boots, the furniture, the aromatic candles, and all those statutes that are placed around here. Can you see how talented these people are? They have mastered these skills throughout the past years, even when there was no one to guide them. These things can boost your business in the market of the Cultivation world." That mysterious person pointed out all the things one by one, giving Li Ming enough time to process the information.

"You want me to take advantage of these people? How can I use them for my own benefits?" Li Ming asked with a frown.

Her question gifted her with a smirk from the mysterious person.

"I thought you are looking out for your own benefits here." There was a mocking edge in their tone.

With a serious tone the person continued, "But since I'm trying to convince you for this proposal, therefore I'll give you the ultimate reason for saying yes today."

Li Ming just silently waited for them to continue. She was completely clueless that the said 'Ultimate Reason' would actually make her say yes to the proposal.

"This place can be a perfect place to open an Academy. You have already hundreds of children whom you needed to train and prepare for a better future. What could be the best solution than an Academy? The sects of this world train the children in cultivation, martial arts, alchemy, weaponry, and scholarly. But what about those who don't want to pursue these fields? Shouldn't there be more options for the coming generations? You don't want to take advantage of these sups but in return for helping them, you can always ask them to work as the teachers and guardians of the Academy. You will train them in cultivation and the sups will train them in these skills."

Li Ming was deep in thoughts as she pondered on the new idea of the Academy. She indeed needed to find a place and people who can train the children in her absence. The idea of building the Academy in the Enchanted Magik Forest was really a great suggestion.

"Are you still having doubts?" That person asked Li Ming.

"I..." Li Ming wasn't sure how to reply. She actually could see the benefits of taking over the Sups and the Enchanted Magik Forest. But something was still making her a little suspicious about this entire situation.

Like she was stepping her foot in a trap.

"I'm going to leave now. I have already told you what I needed to and if you still are going to act like a stupid little girl, I can't do anything about it then." That person said as they emptied their glass full of wine.

Li Ming didn't reply, neither she looked up from her own glass of wine. Her mind was full of many possibilities, plans, and questions.

"Remember one thing, Win, you will need all of these people beside you when the right moment will come. They are an important part of your future and they have their own roles to play in it. Make your decision smartly."

And with those final words, the silhouette of that mysterious person disappeared from the cave.

Li Ming was about to throw the empty glass of wine on the floor in frustration when suddenly the area around her became lively once again.

A Gnome came towards her table and took the glass from her hand, filling it with the wine once again and replacing the empty plates of snacks with filled ones.

Were they trying to fill her up with the wine and those snacks so that she would be full by the time of dinner? 

Li Ming shook her head to get rid of the stupid thought. She needed to calm down before the supernaturals decided to propose the so-called deal.

The last words of that person were still ringing in her head, giving her a headache.

That's why she never liked to come across that person. The fact that they knew too much about her future, past, present, and literally about anything and everything, just made her want to stay away.

"Miss Li, there are some very talented people among us. If you will grant permission, may we start the entertainment show for this evening?" Aislinn asked after a few minutes.

Li Ming's eyes landed on the group of sirens who were preparing their musical instruments.

"Yeah, sure. I'll love it," Li Ming said as she smiled softly.

With a flick of her index and middle fingers of the right hand, an invisible energy passed through the area and covered every single one of the pixies, Snowy and Mallow.

She knew that the coming performance is a test. The sirens were known for their alluring voice which could take over the minds of the listener, taking complete control on their actions.

They were testing her to see if she would be able to save herself and her companions from the sirens' singing.

Li Ming almost used up to seventy percent of her energy in casting the most powerful protection that she could at the moment. 

The lights suddenly dimmed as the group of sirens took their position in the center of the area.

A few seconds later, the melodious tune of piano and zither filled the room.

Li Ming was surprised to see the musical instruments which looked exactly like the ones made by a professionalist.

The tune of the flute also joined the musical play, boosting it and making Li Ming's mind travel to the thoughts of the Second Demon Prince. She remembered the black jade flute with golden carving that he was carrying with him.

Her mind returned to the present when the first siren started singing.  

The others started joining the first one and soon, the group of sirens was singing a beautiful song. Their voice was so soothing and calming that the instant thought which crossed Li Ming's mind was to close her eyes and let go of all her thoughts, just to enjoy the song and the beautiful melody.

But Li Ming immediately shook her head to get rid of the temptation. Doing exactly that would be her biggest mistake. 

Her eyes traveled to the pixies, Snowy, and Mallow. They all looked perfect from outside but Li Ming could feel that the sirens were building their song which still needed to reach its peak note.

She opened the mind link between herself, Snowy, and Mallow.

"Don't pay too much attention to the song. The sirens are trying to lure you all into their trap. Pull up your mental shields." Li Ming immediately gave the order through the mind link and she felt the two furballs following her directions without any delay.

Now the pixies were left and unfortunately, Li Ming didn't share any mind links with any of them. This just made the pixies even more of an easy target.

And as soon as Li Ming saw the drowsiness in Fawn and Beck's eyes, she knew that she needed to take actions immediately.

Without any care, Li Ming settled down in a crossed leg (lotus position), her hands crossed together to form the lotus seal.

The sirens too increased their tone as their notes started getting higher and higher.

The first wave hit the cave as for the first time in thousands of years, both the magical and spiritual energy of the Enchanted Magik Forest felt a strong pull and both raced to reach the one who was behind that strong command.

Just when the sirens hit their highest note of the song, a bright golden light boomed through the room, throwing everyone out of their seats.

The lanterns dropped to the ground, shattering and leaving the area in darkness and complete silence.