Chapter 9 - 6: The master and the beast

I didn't realize it at that time but it was quite fortunate that I chose to use the school crystal. When I exploded it my Black Dragon's Maw consumed it and any remaining energies inside it. It wasn't much but there were still years worth of soul force lingering inside it from testing. It were those energies that clouded the crystals when more people used the same one.

As a result I felt my soul realm pulse and crack, ready to shed the shell of 3-star Silver and advance to 4-star. A little more cultivation tonight and I will be one step closer to pulverizing Shen Fei and f.u.c.k.i.n.g Shen Xiu. Speaking of that last part, I need to make preparations since you can't exactly sneak in living toys in the institute dorms. This calls for some real estate shopping with some 'Nie Li'-ing on the side. But I will have time for that later. Hmm, maybe I'll also ask director Yang to help me get some good property near the Winged Dragon courtyard. Though this will be for when I return from the Du household I'm visiting tomorrow with Du Ze.

The next day I was at the library with Nie Li, reading our acceptance letter to the Genius Class. What's more both of us, as well as Du Ze and Lu Piao were to receive special privileges beyond this, the most important of which was that we would get a high calibre personal master of at least Black Gold rank. Even Ye Mo would be offered the opportunity to train us. Hmph, more like one of us would teach him. I bet he would he would cutoff a finger to grasp how to cultivate the Power of Law. Ning'er and Ziyun declined a master though as they both had plenty of resources to help them progress, and two excellent teachers on the side (Nie Li and yours truly).

It didn't take long for the rest of the crew to come join us, each one brandishing their own letters. Smiling to them, I put mine in my ring.

"Will you two also get private tutors?" Du Ze asked softly, more of a conversation opener than an actual question since it was written in all our letters who will be receiving one.

Nie Li and I nodded before I continued "It was to be expected. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to it. The master is sure to be nosy about the secret of our group and I wouldn't trust them so easily. With the exception of Ye Mo, the City Lord and his entourage, there is no way to know for sure who is in the Sacred Family's sleeve." Ancient Chinese garments had wide sleeves with pockets inside.

Du Ze nodded "Regardless, I doubt anyone can teach anything even half as useful as you and Nie Li did."

I felt my cheeks heat up at the praise but I waved it off "Then again, borrowing some of the master's influence would be beneficial, especially that geezer Ye Mo's."

"Long Wan!" Ziyun struck her foot down with enough force to cause the floor to creak "You've done this before! What is it that you have against my grandfather?" She huffed, arms crossing in front of her budding mammaries.

My eyebrow rose in curious defiance. To be completely honest, most of my disrespect came from the fact that he was the leading authority in Glory City, and I hated authority that wasn't my own. Tough there were also other reasons ..

"Where is he now?" I asked. Best way to face off against accusations is with questions. Never fully expose your own thoughts but try to make your opponent question theirs.

Her eyes widened in surprise "He's outside the City walls, killing demon beasts that could threaten us."

False. By now he should be exploring the relatively safe Nether Realm "So you've seen him bring back materials from the dead beasts each time? I mean, the bones, hair and skin of beasts strong enough to need his intervention are very valuable so he must have a wealth of them each time. Those could be used to make a lot of armor for the city's demon spiritualists, helping to save lives."

She looked at me with surprise but kept her mouth shut. My guess is that he either never brought back any materials or the Snow Wind family hoarded them instead of equipping the warriors.

"Let me change the question: Why is he, the only Legend rank expert this city has, not in the city protecting it? Or why isn't he training an apprentice?" In Nie Li's passed life the city was swarmed by a hundred million demon beast hoard led by Legend rank beasts. Ye Mo took little to no steps to ensure that the future generations would protect the city, only enjoying his retirement by exploring outside the city and leaving Ziyun's father, Ye Zzong (pronounced as the 'zz' in pizza) as City Lord. He could've at least taken note of a few talented individuals like Ning'er, Lanruo or Linjian and, with his knowledge and finances, could've easily had them raise their strength even faster.

Ziyun started stuttering a bit "G-grandfather's activities outside of the city are too dangerous. An apprentice w-would be too much at risk." Doubt filled her voice as my words probably bit into her harder than she expected. A.d.u.l.ts are complicated and not fun at all Ziyun, you really need to learn how to stick by your convictions more fervently if you wish to grow up.

My hand motioned to her, palm up "You just made my point. The city's only Legend rank should stay close to it at all times, at least until another Legend rank is born. If I'm not mistaken, he gained the position of City Lord when he was already 1-star Legend. Don't you think he's gone a little too far by leaving your father to care not only for guarding the city but also for the administration? When would Ye Zzong find time to properly cultivate?"

'He's a hypocrite.' Is what I wanted to say the most. What I hated him the most for was that he left Ziyun alone in a big house while knowing how lonely it would be.

Ziyun leaned forward towards me "That's lord father's duty! He took on the responsibilities willingly."

I tilted my head "This discussion wasn't about the City Lord, but about your esteemed grandfather."

"You!" she huffed, cheeks getting flush from anger and her eyes wetting a little.

Raising my hands in surrender I sighed "Fine. Perhaps I don't know the entire story so I am in the wrong!"

"You are?" both Lu Piao as well as Wei Nan said in surprised unison.

Shrugging I pointed to my left where a smiling Nie Li had crushed a pen in his hand. Pretty much the same reaction I would have if he'd done the same to Ning'er...

The City Lord's little girl growled cutely at him "Nie Li, you stay out of this!"

The redhead mirrored my actions and raised his hands in surrender while looking away and pouting.

Ziyun huffed twice to gain control of her emotions "Long Wan, I know my grandfather isn't perfect but he is doing a lot of good for Glory City!" she said, her tone much more m.a.t.u.r.e now

I nodded "I'm not denying that. Nor am I saying he doesn't deserve your love and trust. All that I'm saying is that he's yet to do something that actually earns my respect. Putting their life on the line for the helpless is something that every demon spiritualist worth their own good name will eventually go through and he has yet to make any significant contribution to Glory City. Even the hunting grounds was originally the institute principal's idea. Being Legend rank is special for this city but it's not enough to gain respect, maybe only admiration. His own true legacy is yet to be seen..."

Even Ziyun reluctantly nodded. Seems she wasn't as stubborn as I thought. What really annoyed her I suspect was my delinquent tone when talking about her grandfather. Now that it was shown that there was no hatred behind it she seems to have warmed up to my reasoning.

"While I deeply admire lord Ye Mo, I can't fault Long Wan's thoughts..." Came a supporting voice from Du Ze "Truthfully, I too have yet to hear of any of his accomplishments other than his breaking through to Legend rank. Though that doesn't imply respect directly, I do recognize his authority."

Ziyun just hummed in acknowledgement before turning to me "I had the impression that you hated my grandfather. Glad to see that it isn't the case. I do agree that respecting someone just for their inborn talent isn't something anyone should do." Hmm, where did this come from? I'm thinking it has something to do with her adopted older brother...

We couldn't continue our discussions as Lu Ye appeared from behind a bookshelf. "Ah, there you are. Long Wan and Du Ze. Please follow me, your new teachers are waiting for you." He said and made a gesture to follow him with his hand. "Nie Li and Lu Piao, your teachers are on errands outside the city and will send for you when they return."

They both nodded and we bid our farewells, after which Du Ze and I followed the teacher.

"Um, teacher, may I ask who our honorable masters will be?" Du Ze asked politely and even I raised a curious eyebrow.

Lu Ye smiled "Your master will be Sir Gong Liangshu. As for Long Wan's, apologies but I'm not at a liberty to tell." he said, a little amus.e.m.e.nt seeping through his teeth.

My curiosity was peaked and so was my annoyance. I hated people making plans about me without involving me and I hated secrets involving me. But there was little I could do about it now, though I will complain to big sis Yang Xin later. Considering what I planned for the future of Glory City, that expert better be good otherwise there will be hell to pay… Also, I turned to Du Ze "I heard about him. He is one of the top ten experts in the city. A 3-star Black Gold spiritualist that integrated with a Blood Crocodile." I told him and his jaw fell open. He was not expecting a top level expert as a personal teacher.

"Blood Alligator." Lu Ye corrected.

I shrugged. From my memories, compared to a Dragon Bloodline from the Draconic Ruins realm, it would be like the difference between a handbag and a dump truck. Not really important enough to care…

We passed through the hallway and moved through the combat area. When we were walking through the middle part of the arena Lu Ye stopped and turned towards me "Your teacher will arrive shortly. Please wait for him here." he said and motioned to Du Ze to follow, who did so after nodding fair well to me.

Wait for him here?! What the hell was I supposed to do, count the ants? Oh well, I could do with some cultivation. My soul force broke through 4-star Silver last night and should stabilize my soul realm. The Void God part of my Heavenly Void Dragon God technique allowed me increased willpower, which translated to a more innate stability to my realm but some fine tuning was still due.

I sat down in a seiza as opposed to a lotus position, Long Wan's natural flexibility allowing me to get away with it. Had I had my legs from Earth, I would be having cramps on top of cramps. However, this position allowed me to respond to any attack much faster than from any other sitting position. At least that's what I read in a manga (HSDK).

Chanting the first verse of the Heavenly Void Dragon God technique my soul realm started rotating and the turbulent nature of a fresh breakthrough started calming down, all the time absorbing the surrounding soul force and Power of Law like an insatiable vacuum.

It didn't take long for me to feel a disturbance at the edge of my void sense. Suddenly that disturbance shot off like a lightning bolt heading straight towards me. I ducked and rolled a split second before it made contact and threw a knife I had summoned from ring.

The intruder caught it and pushed me to the ground with the knife pressed against the s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e skin of my throat.

"You're dead." The figure said with a blank voice.

I smirked as the knife edge was instantly eaten away courtesy of my void mass, making the attacker flinch for a bit. This was an opening I needed as I wrapped some tendrils around his legs and pulled him towards me. Before he could fall on me I teleported behind him and buried my knee into his spine while pulling him by the hair with my left arm. Meanwhile my right had formed into a sharp and deadly void spiral not unlike the one I made Shen Yue piss himself with. I pressed this at the base of his skull and drew a little blood.

Being Nie Li's punching bag for all this time taught me a few tricks. Comparatively, this guy might as well had written his plan on the walls.

The man was silent for a while before chuckling "Nice moves. You pass!" He said before exploding his soul force outwards and blowing me away. I rolled in the air and landed on my feet like a cat. Did I mention how nice it is to have a body that moves how your mind wants it to?

The man got up and dusted himself before turning to me. That's when I finally got a good look at him and my jaw hit the ground "Sir Ye Shuo?!" I said with surprise "Wait! You were testing me?"

"You catch on fast." He said with a grandfatherly smile. Well f.u.c.k.i.n.g duh! Even Nie Li wouldn't be left alive if Ye Shuo went for the kill, much less me. Maybe if I was Gold rank I would stand a chance but 3-star Silver may just as well be 3-star Shitver.

"So, I guess sir Ye Shuo is the one I was waiting for." I said, surprise washing away my annoyance.

"Mhmm..." He smiled, though there was something deep hidden behind it. "I am happy to not have wasted time explaining things."

I shrugged. This was pretty normal in this world and I had lived though crazier shit than this. Still though, to have the top spymaster of Glory City as my personal teacher is something I didn't quite expect.

"Good, good." he hummed "The less time I have to waste explaining, the more time you will have to learn what I teach."

That was a point I couldn't argue with. Then again, it did bring some curiosity to my mind "What will you be teaching me?"

"What would you like to learn?" he asked, his eyebrow raised as if analyzing me.

I cupped my chin in thought. He couldn't teach me anything regarding cultivation that I didn't already know and he sure as hell couldn't match up to Nie Li in the martial arts domain. "Well, some fencing and swordplay would be nice." I wanted to learn some sword moves. While a spear would've been advantageous, a sword was more of a symbol in this world and knowing how to carry one often meant the difference between a fighter and an amateur.

He nodded "That can be arranged. What else?" Ye Shuo hummed, a little amused at my answers.

Let's see, what should be this guy's field of expertise? Of course! "It would be most useful to me to learn some evasion and intelligence gathering." Basically some GTFO tactics and spying.

Ye Shuo showed a surprised expression "Wouldn't you rather learn some advanced cultivation techniques or some other martial arts?" he said, once again amus.e.m.e.nt escaping his otherwise monotone voice.

Shaking my head I responded seriously "With all due respect, I don't believe there is anything you can teach in that regard that can surpass what I already can do."

He frowned "Such arrogance. Confidence is admirable but letting it get to your head will get you killed." he said, a little soul force escaping outwards. It seems he took it as an insult. Well, to be fair, whenever people say 'with all due respect' it usually means 'kiss my ass'.

Sighing, I raised my hands to placate him "As you know I am already Silver rank so that means my cultivation is already at it's peak. Not only that, I have also begun harnessing the Power of Law."

Even for the top spy of the city, this was too much to take as his carefully guarded expression dropped momentarily as his jaw hit became unhinged "Y-you know about the Power of Law?!" As a high level expert under Ye Mo and Ye Zzong, as well as the chief intelligence officer, there was no way he didn't know about the Power of Law. "Which Law?"

"Darkness and Space-Time. But I also have knowledge about the Laws of Light, Fire, Primal Chaos and Lightning." I admitted, listing off Laws by raising a finger for each.

Ye Shuo shook his head slowly, muttering something along the lines of 'This brat is incredible…'. He then went over to a nearby wall and rested his back on it "How many people know this?" he said, his face turning to what will be known from now on as business mode.

I sat down lotus style on the ground "Not very many, and all of them are people I'd trust with my life." My gaze rose up to meet his "And that includes you now too shifu!"

He looked at me with surprise in his eyes before bursting out in a hearty laugh. When he calmed down he looked at me and smirked "You're quick to trust. That's quite dangerous." he chided.

I shook my head "On the contrary. If I didn't know you, I wouldn't trust you as far as I could throw you. But you are the person the City Lord as well as Lord Ye Mo trusts with the most dangerous knowledge of Glory City. At the same time you protected me and my friends from the Sacred Family all this time." it was the only explanation in the novel as well as this timeline as to why the Sacred Family didn't act and eliminate Nie Li and I during our sleep. The answer was that this expert was observing their every move with his men in order to guard us. Since all Gold and Black-Gold ranks in the city were well known, it meant that the Sacred Family were limited to using only their Silver ranks, otherwise they would attract the attention of the Snow-Wind family.

Once again, Ye Shuo broke into a healthy laugh "You're good! How do you know all that?" he asked, his tone sounding friendly enough but he was analyzing my every breath.

I shrugged "I have my ways. It wouldn't be much fun if I told you outright, would it? Besides, if you thought I was a threat we wouldn't be having this friendly conversation right now."

Ye Shuo knowingly laughed "Yep, right on both accounts!" he answered with a smirk.

"Gee, thanks shifu!" I replied with my own sarcastic tone.

The man turned serious once again "Still, I must ask. What are your motivations?" His tone was grave and his body, although still leaning on the wall, had tensed and was ready to kill. It all hinged on my answer.

"To protect my family and friends, together with their families. Then have a dozen or more grandkids to give me gray hairs and outlive Lord Ye Mo in age."

He looked at me with cold eyes for a few agonizing seconds. Soon enough though they softened to a grandfatherly gaze and he nodded "Mhm… That's quite a goal. I'll do all I can to help you succeed."

Now I was the one surprised "Wait! You believe me?!". That was so corny I had a hard time believing myself even though I knew it was the truth. Well, the most important part of it anyway.

Ye Shuo smirked "I wouldn't be much of an intelligence officer if I couldn't tell truth and lie from some brat that still stinks of his mother's milk."

You old fart. Just you wait another few months! I'll turn those words back at you then!

He stretched "It's getting late and I have to get back to my duties. We'll meet here in two weeks, so you better be ready. Oh and go buy yourself a decent sword. I know you can afford it." he crossed his arms in front of his c.h.e.s.t.

I cupped my hands and bowed "Yes shifu!" When I rose he was gone like some kind of ninja. Maybe this whole student-apprentice thing won't be too bad afterall. Hmm.. A decent sword. Well, there was the Thunder God's Meteorite Sword but that was Nie Li's to be. Besides, in two years that sword will merge with Nie Li's soul realm and since we share one now I guess that sword will be mine as well eventually. There were also the Soul Katars from the Heavenly Marks treasury but I didn't fancy raiding my friend's family vault.

That left only two places in mind. One would be my favorite shopkeeper but a good sword would take at least a month judging from my previous transactions. The other one would be the auction house, but I didn't know if there would be an auction in the next two weeks. Though from Long Wan's memories I knew that there was one every month as he always saw lots of nobles buzzing around the house at least that many times.

Regardless of the way I would get the sword, I could then ask Nie Li to inscribe some powerful inscription patterns on it.

Well, there were two people who can tell me if there would be any auction taking place anytime soon and I still had the itch to punch one of them. That left only one other and I teleported away intent on meeting that person.

After jumping from rooftop to rooftop I arrived at the Alchemist Association gate. The single guard at the gate stiffened a bit as it was evening and as such it was past their business hours. "Who's there?!" the guard ordered and I stepped forward.

"My name is Long Wan. I'm here to see big sis Yang Xin." I greeted with a friendly tone.

Hearing my name the guard bowed low "Ah, please forgive my tone young master Long Wan. Do go ahead!" he pushed the gate open and invited me in.

I slipped him a thousand coin card as I walked by "Thank you for your hard work. After work, go and enjoy some good drinks on my expense. If your wife complains tell her it was an order from me, haha."

"Thank you sir!" he cupped his hands and I continued past him to the inner buildings. I had visited Xin a few times to discuss both business as well as build a familial relation with her so I knew exactly where her accommodations were.

The night was quiet as I walked the path, though there were the occasional apprentice that greeted me as I made my way to Xin's courtyard. The sun had just shown the last ray of light as I stepped on the porch of her house when I heard water gently splash on the other side. I knocked twice.

"Who!?" I heard her call out accompanied by some more splashing.

"It's me big sis, Long Wan!" I answered kindly.

There was once again some sounds of water stirring "Ah, little brother Long Wan! Is it just you?"

"Yes." I answered.

"Okay, you can come in!" she called out warmly.

The door slid open and I entered before closing it back. "Big sis Yang Xin?" I called out as I couldn't see her anywhere in the hallway.

"In the back." she replied "Come here."

Not bothering to say anything I entered what I knew to be her private chambers. When I got there I was greeted by some steam floating in the air. As it cleared I could see a bathing area hidden by some semi-transparent curtains and the top of Yang Xin's alluring figure outlined in shadow behind it.

"Ah you should've told me you were bathing." I said as I turned around.

She giggled a bit "It's fine, it's fine." she said as she gently dragged some water over her slender arms. "Anyway little brother, to what do I owe the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of your visit? Business or pleasantries?"

I sat down on her couch overlooking her bath "A little of both. I've realized I've been a bit busy lately and haven't visited much. Since I also need some information I thought I would kill two birds with one stone and come see you. Do you happen to know when the next auction will be?"

A dainty hand rose from the water. From what the shadows showed she touched her chin with a finger and looked up "I remember one being four days from now. Why do you ask?"

Leaning back I enjoyed the shadow p.o.r.n a little bit more relaxed as I answered "Glory City has assigned sir Ye Shuo as my shifu and I will start learning swordplay from him. As such I was hoping I could find a good sword at the auction." There was no guarantee that one would be for sale but I decided to push my luck. It was the only option anyway other than stealing one of course. Waiting for one would take too long.

She clapped her hands together and splashed some bathwater "Ah, in that case let's go together. I will make the arrangements."

"I would love your company big sis. That is if I'm not imposing too much." I answered with gratitude.

Xin waved me off "I invited you so there is no issue of imposing." she said before rising up from the water, and though I couldn't see her, her hourglass figure was now in clear view as outlined by the candlelight. For a woman in her mid twenties she looked like her shape could give a wasp competition. Also, the damp skin combined with the cooling night temperature caused her n.i.p.p.l.es to harden right before my curtain obstructed eyes. I had to admit, she wasn't the only thing that was rising. "Little brother Long Wan, do me a favor and hand me my gown from the couch."

It was now that I noticed the fabric resting next to me. I picked it up and moved to deliver it when I saw the outline of my hand on the other side of it. This damn thing was semi see-through. Ah to hell with it!

I walked to Yang Xin's bath and parted the curtains just enough to slip the robe inside.

A few rustles and Xing stepped out wearing it while wiping her damp hair dry. What was even more unbearable was that she was going commando, and together with how the robe was clinging to her skin, it was giving me a clear understanding that she's the type that doesn't shave.

She struggled a bit with her long hair as she jostled back and forth, her t.i.t.s dancing like there was no tomorrow in front of my eyes. Dammit, I felt like I was ripping myself a new pocket in my pants. Due to my training schedule and all that had happened I didn't even have the energy to rub one out since I woke up as Long Wan. My balls were so blue that they were ready to grant me three wishes.

Sighing contently after removing what moisture she could from her long black locks she turnes to me, absolutely oblivious to what she had done to me so far "Sorry about that little bro, you came all this way to see me and I didn't welcome you, though I am happy that you visited." Finally she got a good look at me and her mouth flashed an 'O' before her eyes trailed down to see my sword ready to tear my trousers a new one. A mischievous smile appeared on her face "It seems I'm not the only one thay's happy here. Does little brother like what he sees?" She moved her hands behind her back and bounced a little, giving her balcony a small earthquake.

All blood drained from my top head and went to my lower as I nodded dumbly "Gorgeous…" I muttered like I was drunk.

Her cheeks became rosy and she took a few seductive steps, her h.i.p.s swaying like a bell during a storm. Her shapely moist fabric covered a.s.s was hypnotically drawing me in. Much too soon for my tastes though she reached her silk-lined bed and sat down on the edge. She tapped the side next to her with her palm "Come here and let's talk a bit little bro."

I followed those directions on autopilot and didn't even know when I found myself next to her. Yang Xin bent a little towards me "Little bro, since you like what you see, would you like a little touch?"

"Yang Xin.." I said a little dumbly, not trusting my words to come out. Damn hormones were making me drunk though I couldn't process this fact at this moment.

She took my hand in hers and placed it directly on her b.a.r.e b.r.e.a.s.t inside her gown "A-ah little touch won't make it fall OHff." she m.o.a.n.e.d a little as she placed my hand on it.

It was so warm and nice. Once again my body moved on it's own, bringing in the muscle memory I had from my experiences back on Earth into play as I did my best to cup her b.r.e.a.s.t, wrapping my fingers around it's fullness and squeezing softly. I then began massaging her tit, slowly rotating my hands around it's entire surface, starting off gently and modifying my grip based on her m.o.a.ns and shakes. Finally not neglecting to trap the little nub in between my fingers.

Yang Xin m.o.a.n.e.d loudly and shook violently, falling limply on me with ragged breath "Ah, L-Long Wan… work has been so f-frustrating these days. Won't you help big sis relax?" she cooed into my ear, her herby bath scent and warm breath hitting my every sense.

Ah f.u.c.k it! I pushed her down on her bed, her b.r.e.a.s.ts becoming uncovered as I gazed into her eyes for a bit before sinking down and locking her lips in mine. That night neither of us had any sleep…

I woke up later that morning having fallen asleep a little after sunrise. Being a Silver rank demon spiritualist I didn't need much sleep anyway. As I opened my eyes I took in Yang Xin's peaceful visage and I gently stood up and rested my left elbow on my knee while raking my other hand through my hair.

'What the hell have I done!' I thought to myself, more rhetorically than questioning. Damn, I swore to myself that I wouldn't regret anything in this world. Yet, here I was, not even a year in and I had already betrayed the girl I loved with another woman.

"Good morning. What's wrong?" Yang Xin called out to me. She probably saw my sorry state just now.

She was innocent and didn't deserve feeling like shit after loosing her first time to a sc.u.mbag like me. So I faked a smile and answered "Nothing, just... a bad dream... Go back to sleep." I said, as softly as I could manage.

Yang Xin looked at me for a moment and frowned before getting up from the bed, my own essence leaking a bit from her insides. "Get out!" She growled.

"Xin..." I called out in surprise, my mind shutting down in guilt.

"I said GET OUT!" she yelled again, this time using soul force to blast me back. "If you're going to regret last night then do it on your own since I'm not good enough for you!"

The hell?! "No, that's not it!" I answered in a panic, not understanding why she would think that way.

"Then tell me what it is!" She yelled back, before sitting back on the bed a little ways from me "Please, just tell me..." Tears began spilling from her eyes and I jumped forward to embrace her. Thankfully she didn't fight me off and sank into my c.h.e.s.t.

I sighed "Last night was electric. It was the best night of all my lifetimes so far and I would give my soul away to experience that magic again." I began, the right words eluding me at this moment.

She sniffled a bit before looking into my eyes, her own widening at what she saw "It's true..." She gasped "Then why do you regret it?"

I shook my head "That's just it. I don't. It's just that..." Pausing to gather my words I let everything out "You don't know this but... I already have two lovers besides you."

Her eyes widened but then she smiled warmly "Is that it? You got me worried just for that?!" She all but screamed in my face but the relief on her face was beaming "Strong men will naturally attract more women. If they're willing to share with each other they can learn to live with me as well." she stated matter-of-factly. I really needed to get it into my skull that I transmigrated to this kind of a society. My monogamous upbringing from back on Earth is really an alien concept here. If you can afford it you can have as many wives as you wanted. Some were known to have over ten.

Chuckling, I also shook my head to clear my thoughts "The first one has a little fear of abandonment but is slowly growing into this whole idea. The other one wouldn't have a problem even if I had a hundred wives."

She giggled a bit "Then there's no problem, is there?"

The guilty feeling washed over me yet again and I felt myself stiffen "There is… I promised them some things, and giving my word means the world to me. To the first one I promised that she will be my first wife." I stated, voice trembling with disgust at myself.

Yang Xin's mouth dropped into an 'O' sign before she giggled "If that's all then she can still be your first wife. I waited over ten years for marriage, waiting a couple more wouldn't matter. "

I felt my soul break apart "You don't deserve this…" I began.

Yang Xin shrugged "Eh, I want my husband to be taller than me so you better grow up a little more." she waved me off while making a measuring gesture with her hand.

My eye twitched in annoyance. This little minx, she shouldn't have rubbed it in. My height is a s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e subject. I shook my head again, I'm getting off track here… "The other issue is that I promised the other one that she would b.a.r.e my first heir…" I said, once again pushing my problems onto her.

Yang Xin shrugged "I don't see the problem here either." she stated with a finger on her chin and a cute expression, as if she didn't understand my frustration.

"But…" I swallowed while looking at her womanhood. She followed my look and we both saw how my man-juice was slowly leaking out.

"Ah! My sheets!" she jumped up and off of it. She then yanked the covers off and saw the red-brown stain in the middle, the dried blood from the loss of her maidenhood. Anime tears flowed from her eyes "These were demon spirit moth silk…"

It would've been hilarious if my situation wasn't so serious "But…" again came my clucked response. I was starting to sound like a hen looking for a roost.

"Oh well.." Xin shrugged "Still worth it." She then looked at me and her expression softened. Turning around and walked to a nearby cupboard, all the time her a.s.s swayed e.r.o.t.i.cally with each step. As she bent down and gave me a full view of her puckered hole and leaking s.e.x I felt my pole go so stiff firemen could use it. She rummaged through it for a bit "Aha!" she called out before getting up and bringing a pill bottle with her. She took out two and swallowed them "There! Problem fixed."

"Wha?" came my very intelligent and refined response.

Yang Xin broke out into a warm laugh. She then pulled a chair and sat down on it in reverse while facing me, her legs spread open for me to see my white mix with her black. "There aren't many women alchemists in Glory City. In the entire association there are only about twenty apprentice females and all of them are from noble families. Most commoner women get harassed by Senior Apprentices or Masters so they quit before they get ahead. Anyways, since I'm the only Master level female alchemist I get asked by ladies to make certain pills that they normally wouldn't dare ask for from the men alchemists. As such I always have quite the cache stored away."

The rusty cogs inside my brain started creaking as my jaw dropped "Pregnancy prevention elixirs."

She smiled "Among others. Cures for illnesses concerning their lady parts, v.i.r.g.i.n.i.t.y simulators and pregnancy tonics are among other favorites. You can guess why they don't ask the men in this Association."

I facepalmed "Bunch of judgmental fogeys…" Crusty old farts that had no better thing to do with their lives then to judge how other women lived theirs.

Being so deep in thought I failed to notice Yang Xin get close to me until she touched my hand and woke me up from my musings "So everything okay now litt.. Dear?" she asked, catching herself at that last word.

A smile, a natural one overtook my face and I nodded "I still need to lay this out to Ning'er but yes everything is okay now. And thank you, love." Yang Xin's cheeks flushed red and she dove in for a kiss. A tug of war between our tongues later and we broke apart, a bridge of saliva still connecting us. We gazed in each other's eyes before she felt something stir the air and looked down to see mini-me standing up for attention. She then unceremoniously grabbed it, making a small hum escape my throat. "Love, please, I have to go. My friend will be waiting for me."

Xin put a finger to my lips "Hush, it won't take long. There's something I've always wanted to try…". She then knelt in front of me and took her t.i.t.s in her hands. You can imagine what happened next. If not, well… check the auxiliary volumes.

Ten minutes later I was ready to leave. I gave Xin one final peck on the lips and teleported away, leaving my ethereal shadow still winking at her. A few more minutes later I arrived at the academy and choose a place next to the carriages to wait for Du Ze.

What I wasn't expecting even though I should was for a feminine voice to call out to me "Long Wan!" she called out and I turned to see Ning'er walking briskly towards me. Even though my worries had been mostly washed away I still carried the guilt of last night's happenings. Ning'er however seemed to be lost in her own thoughts as she smiled at me before she presented something to me, a red jade. The symbol of a girl's love…

Tears fell down my cheek as I clutched the piece of jade, her voice sounding muffled in my ears. Panic overtook me and I turned before teleporting away, Ning'er calling my name once more being the last thing I had heard. The following minutes found me in the Hunting Grounds at the grave of the fallen Nighttime Direwolf, my breath ragged as I leaned on the very rock where I befriended the two living wolves.

"Gods-f.u.c.k.i.n.g-dammit!" I yelled and smashed my fist into the boulder, instantly turning part of it into gravel "I have power! I have money! I have looks!" I kept pounding more rock into sand. I had everything that I used in the past as an excuse for my lack of self confidence. "Then why?! Why am I such a f.u.c.k.i.n.g pathetic wretch!?"

I continued smashing everything around, the red jade still in my hand and cutting into it making blood splatter everywhere. Finally, a tree as thick as me was cut down by my knuckles when I felt a hand on my back. Spinning on my heel, I grabbed the one who dared sneak up on me by the throat and prepared to feed them their own teeth when my heart stopped beating. It was Ning'er!

My fingers instantly recoiled from her neck, though I could still see the imprint my blood left on it. The world went mute and I couldn't breathe anymore. Tensing instinctively I prepared to teleport away again when she grabbed on my wrist with all her strength "Long Wan, please! Don't run away from me! Tell me what's wrong!" she called out, tears running down her cheeks.

With my escape neutralized it was as if the bones in my legs melted and I collapsed like a deck of cards, my mind in absolute shock. I then drove forward, slamming my head into her upper c.h.e.s.t. Not hard mind you, just fast. I kept on muttering "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" over and over again.

I felt her stiffen a bit in surprise before she wrapped me in a protective embrace and let my mind reboot. It took a good ten eternities (though most people in a normal state of mind would call them minutes) for me to recover. With the tears dried up I just stood there feeling miserable as Ning'er took hold of my hand into hers.

"Long Wan, please. You're worrying me! Tell me what happened!" She asked lovingly, but it only stabbed my heart even more. Each time I gazed at her I could only see my face reflected in her eyes and it made me sick. She didn't deserve what I did.

No. She didn't. What she deserves is the truth. So I swallowed hard, feeling the sting of a dry throat being wet by saliva. That raking feeling like wet ground cracking under a hot sun. Still, it wouldn't stop me from telling her. And it was the truth that I told. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The entire wonderful experience with Yang Xin and the absolute trash I was.

Ning'er stood there listening quietly as her face went through a rainbow of emotions, finally stopping on what looked like to be anger. She let go of my hands as I finished my story and just stared at the ground for a couple of long agonizing moments.

Finally she let a palm fly in the air and smacked me in the face so hard I fell over. I didn't say anything since I more than deserved that as I got back to my kneeling position with a pathetic expression mirroring what I was feeling in my heart. Another slap sent me falling the other way. Still deserving. Hell, she could kill me right now and I would still feel it was justified.

She then grabbed my collar and raised her fist in the air making me close my eyes in reflex and wait for the pain. But it never came. Instead I felt something warm and soft on my lips. It tasted like cherries.

Shocked awake I opened my eyes to see Ning'er's face, millimeters away from my own and lips glued to mine. She kept the kiss in place as the tension drained from my body. My hands moved up and embraced her all on their own while her arms sn.a.k.e.d their way around my head.

Ning'er kept kissing me for a minute more before breaking apart, anger etched on her face "The first slap was for running away from me!" she growled, face red as a lobster's. This shocked me again but she continued "The second was for thinking so poorly of me. Did you think that I would leave the man I love just for something like this?". Finally the anger washed away to be replaced by a loving gaze "And the kiss was for loving me so much that it caused you this much pain." she cooed as she raised my bleeding hand, red jade still embedded halfway in my palm.

She gently took it out of the wound with me grimacing a bit from the sting, my senses now slowly returning to me. "Baby." she teased before producing a bandage from her ring and gently wrapping it around my hand.

"Ning'er… you…" I began, voice hoarse from the earlier trip to feelsland.

She shook her head "Hush." she chided "There!" she hummed as she finished wrapping my hand before looking at me "I honestly don't understand you sometimes. Then again, there aren't many people crazy enough to challenge the Sacred Family for my sake." her voice was somewhere between amused and loving. She then smiled "There's something I haven't told you either." She began and my heart sank. It couldn't be that she's been with a man before, could she? Naw… it couldn't be…

"You see, it's regarding the day we first talked about you having other wives than me. I had a talk with mother that evening." Her mother? There was no mention of her in the novel so I always guessed she was dead. Well that blows that out of the water. "She told me exactly what director Yang Xin told you. Specifically that strong men are bound to attract more women than just one. And that if a man like that still loves you then you know that love is truly worth it precisely because he has more to choose from. So, while I don't specifically like to share, I will accept as many wives as you want so long as you promise to keep loving me as you do now. Besides, having a big sis like Lanruo turned out to be wonderful so I'm starting to wonder what having director Yang Xin as one will be like."

By this time my brain had rebooted and I felt like crying again, though this time of joy. But it wouldn't do to sniffle a response now so I swallowed my tears and dried my eyes "Ning'er, I can't promise to love you like I do now." I told her and she got a dejected wet puppy look. I chuckled "Keeping my word is the way I want to live. And since my love grows for you every day, I would break that word if I promised to keep loving you like I do now. Which is why I promise to keep on loving you more and more as time passes, to beyond the end of all our lifetimes and even past the end of the world."

"Long Wan!" Ning'er cried, tears spilling down her smiling face. She lunged forward and kissed me again, this time dropping fully into the kiss. We let our mouths explore each other before we reluctantly broke apart.

I sighed "Ning'er, I truly don't deserve you. Please, for my heart to find peace, tell me you'll forgive me." That was an itch on my soul I needed her to scratch.

She shook her head "There is nothing to forgive so I can't lie and say I forgive you. My word is law." This cute little parrot. Though not exactly the words I -wanted- to hear, they were what I -needed- to hear and relief finally washed over me as I felt my soul realm pulse. Seems all this stress pushed me halfway to 5-star Silver.

Something did bother me though. "I do have to ask, how did you find me?"

Ning'er smiled and pointed towards the forest. "This place, it's near the place where we met so I just followed my heart. After that it wasn't hard to locate you by the sounds of absolute destruction you were making." She then pointed to the general area and it was now that I saw the war-zone I left behind. It was like a hurricane had passed by with trees being either uprooted or blasted into splinters, shattered rocks and deep craters. Ehehehe oops!

My lovely girl grabbed my cheeks and pecked my lips again "Kissing is so nice..." she hummed dreamily before locking eyes with me, her hands still having a firm hold on my head "You told me once to trust you and I did. My love and my life, I placed them all in your hands. Now, I ask you to never lose faith in me again."

"I give you my word that I will never stray down that path again." I replied, every fibre of my being agreeing with my words.

She nodded and kissed me again before smiling "You better or I will knock some sense into you again!" she continued and we shared a good laugh afterwards.

We parted with great difficulty , with her heading home and myself going to meet Du Ze. When I arrived at the school gate I saw him leaning against the wall. Greeting him with a raised hand I approached "Hi, did you wait long?"

He shook his head "Not really. I got here just half a dian ago." About twelve minutes ago, give or take. Du Ze was estimating here. "Shall we go?" he asked and I nodded. He then started walking towards the east.

"Du Ze, the carriages are the other way." I said while pointing a thumb behind me.

He stopped and turned around with a smile "Long Wan, you've helped my family more that anyone ever did. But we're still in a somewhat painful situation. I don't want my cousins to feel that I'm someone who stands higher than them." he answered with a slightly embarrassed expression.

Placing my palms on my h.i.p.s I raised an eyebrow at his statements "You don't have to hide who you are from others just because they will feel bad. Besides, you, myself, Nie Li and the rest of our brothers and sisters are destined for unimaginable heights. Prolonging the inevitable will just stir more resentment." We will become something akin to demigods in this world. What's spending a little money compared to that? "Come. We'll ride a carriage. My treat."

He didn't have time to neither agree nor protest as I dragged him by the arm and we boarded a horse-drawn cart. "Du Ze, what is your home like?" I asked to dispel the silence.

My brother hummed "It's nothing impressive. We are a small village of about three hundred souls living there. There is little farmland available and the soil is poor so my family subsisted by hunting in the forest and reusing what we could. However, due to brother Wan's help we managed to set up a few workshops in the area and now we are slowly recovering by trading crafts for food with the neighboring areas." he answered.

I nodded in understanding "You're close to 2-star Silver now aren't you? Soon enough you will be eligible for aristocracy and as such your family will become nobility. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about." With small exceptions, I would rather deepthroat a cactus than participate in socializing with nobility. Most of them were closed minded braggards and as such were boring as f.u.c.k.

Du Ze thanked me with new found confidence and we continued our journey in silence, occasionally snacking on a few things from our rings. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to process just what the f.u.c.k actually happened these last couple of days. First of all I lost my, uhh Long Wan's v.i.r.g.i.n.i.t.y to a woman who was thirteen years his senior. I gained said woman as a third concubine and potential wife. Not to mention I had a meltdown in front of my original love. Finally and most importantly Ning'er accepted her so easily.

Raking my hair I released a long sigh. I really needed to get used to how this world functioned. Some morals from Earth would only be a source of stress for me. This wasn't my old world but the Divine Continent. Here talking beasts as smart as men were dominant and, more importantly, it still functioned on values that would be considered ancient and somewhat barbaric on Earth.

This was the very definition of might makes right. Here it was normal for a twelve year old kid to bang a twenty-five year old and take her as his wife. It was also okay to have multiple lovers. Still though, I hoped this nagging guilt would diminish over time...

"Anything wrong?" Asked Du Ze with concern.

I turned to him and raised an eyebrow before turning back to the window "Love trouble. Nothing that I can't handle but still annoying in the end. Brother Ze, heed my advice and be careful with women." I continued and he chuckled a bit. You think I'm kidding? You'll see...

The journey continued with silence as our guest. To make it easier Du Ze chose to cultivate and I could feel the Law of Lightning starting to swirl around him. Meanwhile I took in the changing scenery, as this was all too new for me. Even in my previous life I never traveled much. This pristine world would be a treasure to visit if it were not for the high level beasts that hunted humans. Specifically those five left in by the beast sects of the Draconic Ruins realm and the beast spirit deities. The one that comes most to mind was the spirit god of ice, which also had the surname Long but also a forgettable given name. Hopefully I can convince Nie Li to give Ming Fei, the Nether spirit god the complete Myriad Dragonroars cultivation technique. Right now Ming Fei had just a part of it which would severely diminish his combat score. With this he should get the power to keep his promise and help protect the city.

It took two more hours but we finally reached the Du family lands and we unloaded ourselves off the bench. I really should invent some suspensions. My a.s.s would've been full of blisters from the bumpy ride had I not had a Silver rank constitution.

Looking around I saw nothing but a desolate area with some people occasionally walking by. The houses were in a sorry state and most of the residents having clothes made of patchwork, not unlike the ones I used to wear before introducing soap to Glory City. Now I felt really out of place wearing clothes worth their entire clan's food for a month. Oh well not my fault they're poor and I did help them so I shouldn't feel too guilty...

"Brother Wan, this way!" Du Ze waved and I followed, walking briskly along the dirt path until we reached a rather well maintained house. Du Ze pointed towards it "This is where the patriarch, Du Rong lives. I'll go pay my respects to him later."

We tried to move on towards his house when an elderly, almost sickly voice called out "Du Ze?"

Turning towards the sound I saw a hunched aged man supporting himself on a cane. He was wearing a simple worn down robe adorned with quite a lot patchwork. Next to him was a taller man somewhere in his forties. Both Du Ze and I walked towards them and they responded in kind.

"Father! Patriarch!" my brother greeted while cupping his hands. I just positioned myself half a step back as Du Ze was embraced by who I now knew was his father.

The man broke the hug and just kept his hands on Du Ze's shoulders "My boy, when did you return?" he greeted with a smile.

"Just now. I was on the way to our house when lord patriarch called out to me." my friend answered respectfully.

The elderly man slowly walked forward, with every one of his step being a seemingly great effort on his part. It was though to be respected that he had reached this age in this land. Not many in his situation would survive for such a long time. "Hello my dear boy." he stretched out his hand and ruffled Du Ze's hair.

Du Ze smiled and cupped his hands "Greetings to the patriarch! Is your health well?" More of a courteous greeting than actual concern.

The patriarch nodded "Mhm. It's been much easier on my heart since you've lessened our family's burden." the man chuckled and coughed a bit.

It was then that Du Ze pointed towards me "It's all due to brother Wan's help and kindness." he said with a smile. It was then that the duo noticed my presence.

Cupping my hands and bowing lightly to them I responded "This young one pays respect to his elders." Yech! This kind of talking left me feeling nauseous.

Both of them looked shocked at me being here but they immediately recovered. The younger of the two, Du Ze's father cupped his hands and bowed respectfully while the patriarch placed both palms on his walking stick and tilted his head forward before responding to my brother "Du Ze, you should've told us young master Long Wan is coming with you!" he wheezed out "We would've prepared a more fitting welcome."

Raising my arms in surrender I attempted to placate them "Me joining Du Ze on this trip was unplanned so there was no way to announce in due time. Besides, I'm not very fond of showy receptions. I may look like this now but I made my fortunes very recently. Past two months ago I was just a no-name orphan with nothing but the rags on my back to my name so this feels more natural to me."

The patriarch smiled "Very well. Still, it would be rude to at least not invite you over to serve a cup of wine. Our land is nearly useless for crops but is excellent for growing some of the best baiju herbs."

Did he say baiju? Booze!? Count me in! "I'll gladly accept If I'm not imposing." F.u.c.k that! I'll impose as much as I want if it means good liquor.

"Nonsense!" laughed Du Ze's father. "You've helped both my son as well as his family so much we would be hurt if you didn't make yourself at home here."

The patriarch nodded "Du Meng is correct. On behalf of the family, I, Du Rong welcome you on our lands. May they be open to you in perpetuity." he declared.

My eyes widened. To welcome me in perpetuity essentially meant they were unofficially adopting me. Even if the current patriarch died they couldn't deny me without going against their ancestors, which was a big no-no in this culture. I cupped my hands and bowed "My humblest thanks."

Du Rong placed a bony hand on my shoulders "It is we who must humbly thank you. Come to my house anytime and see what good hosts we of the Guardian family can be." Du can be roughly translated as 'to keep out', or guardian in this case.

I shook my head "Du Ze is my good little brother. How could I be idle when the family of my family is suffering?" In the future Du Ze will be staking his life for me and Nie Li so what I felt that this was too little for me to repay him.

The aged man laughed "In that case then you should call me grandpa as well." he said while ruffling my long hair "But I've kept you young'uns busy for too long so I'll leave you to your devices. Though before I go, I am curious to know as to how your studies are going." he hummed inquisitively.

Du Ze and I shared a look and a simultaneous nod before he began "I broke through 1-star Silver demon spiritualist a week ago and making fast progress towards 2-star. Long Wan is also Silver rank. Following the testing we were both accepted into the Genius Class in the Holy Orchid Institute."

Du Rong started coughing due to the sheer surprise. "Patriarch!" The father and son duo yelled at the same time and rushed to the elder's aid.

Me? I simply strode forward and waited for the man to finish coughing before summoning a Scarlet Body Enhancing pill and gently placing it in the elder's hands together with a flask of water.

"What's this?" Asked Du Rong, voice hoarse from the earlier fit.

Pushing his hand towards him I insisted he take it and the man complied. Instantly his complexion improved as his posture straightened a bit. "This!" He hummed, voice more powerful than ever before "I feel ten years younger. What is this?!" He asked in surprise, cautiously letting his cane fall to the ground as he stood up unsupported.

"That was a Scarlet Body Enhancing pill. Normally taken by fighters to increase their ranks, it has the effect of energizing the body and solidifying the bones." I answered, the man becoming even more shocked.

"How could...T-that pill was priceless!" Du Rong nearly screamed out.

Waving him off with a smile I produced a bottle filled with them "Not really priceless, just expensive. If grandpa is feeling guilty about consuming one then please have some more." I presented with both hands.

He stared at the bottle longingly before shaking his head "I can't. I've already benefited too much from your generosity." he continued and tried to move away but I was too fast for him as I placed the bottle in his hand.

Sharing a look with Du Ze, a prankster smile appeared mirrored on both our faces. Flashing our rings we each produced as many bottles of the pills as we could hold, courtesy of Nie Li of course "It's fine." I began.

"We have enough to share." Du Ze finished in sync with me. Seems a little of my personality was rubbing off on him.

Du Meng lovingly slapped Du Ze on the back of his head. Since his son was Silver ranked it probably felt like slapping cast iron so it most likely hurt him a lot more than it did Du Ze "You little brat, are you trying to kill patriarch with so much good news, haha?" he joked.

Du Rong also chuckled and turned to him "Du Meng, if the rest of the family kids turn out even a tenth as fine as your son I will be smiling even in my sleep." He then returned to us, or more specifically to Du Ze "You should go visit your mother now. It's not fair for only us men to see you." He finally looked at me "Will I be expecting you tomorrow?"

Raising an eyebrow I answered "Will I be expecting your best baiju grandpa?" I answered and he laughed before nodding. "Then I will come by just after sundown."

Du Rong nodded and we left after saying our greetings. We walked some more on the dirt path until we got to a modest looking home. Compared to the patriarch residence this one looked smaller and at the same time better. The walls look freshly painted and the roof looked new. Seems Du Meng spent some of my money sprucing up the place.

"Mother?" Du Ze called out "Are you home?" He said while pushing in the gate without hesitation. Halfway through the creaking I sensed something through my void sense and teleported to the other side of the gate just in time to pull a little girl of one, maybe two years old away from the high speed metal gate.

She happily chirped a little as I rolled away with her safely tucked in my c.h.e.s.t. "Du Ze be more attentive of your surroundings. You nearly hit this kid as you made your entrance."

Before Du Ze could answer we heard a womanly voice call out in our directions "Xiao Qi? Where are you, you little... Du Ze?!" The perplexed woman looked shocked at seeing my friend at the door.

"I'm home mother." Du Ze greeted kindly.

Her hands flew to her mouth as tears of joy wet her eyes "My son. My baby boy..." She hummed as she stepped forward with urgency in her step and grabbed his arms. "You're back! Oh my, you've changed so much. You seem so manly now." She dusted and kissed his cheeks.

"A lot of things happened these few months. But I've returned and have all the time to shed memories. Though, I hope you don't mind that I've invited a good friend of mine." Du Ze responded while gesturing to me.

While he was greeting his mother I just stayed still and tickle cuddled the little angel in my arms. On the other hand the hazel eyed sprite had found it entertaining to play with one of my long bangs. "Greetings my lady! I would've been more courteous in my actions but I seem to have my hands full at the moment."

It was then that she noticed the toddler in my arms "Xiao Qi, there you were! Oh, this little grandchild of mine is such a troublemaker. Let me take her off your hands!"

As soon as she was lifted from my arms Xiao Qi broke out into a painful wail. Du Ze's mother had tried to calm her down but she just wouldn't stop. "Oh poor thing. Let me try."

I took her from the exhausted grandmother's hands and started rocking her while meowing like a cat. Imitating animals and entertaining kids were some of the few useless talents I had inherited from my life on Earth.

Xiao Qi stopped crying and started sniffling while looking at me with curiosity. That curiosity turned into cheerful laughter as I switched to neighing like a horse and bouncing her around like she was the main actress in a western flick.

"Oh my..." Du Ze's mother chimed "And she usually doesn't like strangers." She thought out loud more to herself.

I tickled Qi's round baby belly and turned to the woman "Well, maybe she knows in her heart that I'm Du Ze's sworn brother. In a way, that makes me her uncle, haha. Oh but where are my manners? I forgot to present myself. I am Long Wan." I said while bowing my head lightly. Xiao Qi saw this as an invite to grab my hair again, an action which I did not fight.

Du Ze's mother instantly went wide-eyed. "You're lord Long Wan?!" She said before turning sharply to Du Ze "Why didn't you tell us you will be bringing young master Long Wan with you?"

Yu-f.u.c.k.i.n.g-ck woman. Every time someone calls me lord or young master I get a slimy feeling and start seeing myself as a certain self-entitled major family major asshole. "It's fine, it's fine!" I tried placating quickly but it was difficult to gesticulate with the little kitten keeping my hands occupied. "Like I've informed grandpa Du Rong and uncle Du Ming, I come from humble origins. As a result I'm much more satisfied with a home cooked meal filled with love and a bottle of baiju than a feast and a parade."

Her eyes widened before they considerably softened "In that case come in, both of you. I'll feed you until you two can't walk anymore." She laughed and we joined her inside and sat down at the table.

"You shouldn't underestimate us auntie. We have some serious appetites." I scolded in jest. Meanwhile I was using my finger as a cat tail to tease Qi as she giggled while trying to grab it.

Meanwhile, auntie brought some cups and a bottle of the best looking booze I saw in a while. Remembering something from Long Wan's memories I summoned an ornate c.h.e.s.t the size of a bread basket from my ring and presented it forward to auntie "A gift for the kind host.". She took it from my hands and opened it to see it full of bills of the highest denomination. There were about one hundred fifty thousand demon spirit coins in there. The box was initially empty but I willed the cash from my ring inside it as I held it before handing it over "Do forgive the lack of imagination. I only knew about the trip since yesterday so I had no time to shop."

Auntie slammed the box shut and pushed it back to me "It's too much! Thank you but we couldn't possibly accept it!" she stammered in shock.

I refused to even look at the box as I smiled "A gift once given cannot be returned. I would be honored for you to accept it. If you feel bad, then consider it repayment for the hospitality." I said warmly "But enough of that. Let's see what brother Ze's village famous liquor tastes like!" I continued changing the subject as auntie reluctantly put the mini c.h.e.s.t away.

"Apologies brother Wan but I won't join you in drinking." Du Ze said with a good amount of hesitation. He didn't really like alcohol so I couldn't force him.

"In that case why don't you entertain your little niece here?" I said and slowly passed Xiao Qi to him. The little girl shot us a couple of surprised looks before she cooed and snuggled in Du Ze's arms. "Seems you have the magic touch as well brother."

Auntie Du poured me a cup and then helped herself to one "The stew is heating up now and will be ready in half a dian. Meanwhile son, please tell me how your studies are going." She ordered as she sipped some of her drink.

Du Ze nodded while cooing at his little niece "We had some trouble with a teacher from the Sacred family that kept insulting nobles. Luckily, circ.u.mstances made her quit after this year's exams."

Her expression soured "Du Ze, I hope you didn't get into trouble with the Sacred family..." A mother's job is to worry.

I sipped some baiju. Damn it was good booze "Du Ze is safe. It was another friend of ours, Nie Li as well as myself who drew their ire. Brother Ze has been left alone to his studies."

Auntie turned to me with a similar expression she showed her son. Before she could say anything I lifted a hand "It's alright. They can't touch me since I have the backing of both the Alchemists Association as well as the Divine Family. If that wasn't enough, one of our sworn sisters is the City Lord's own little girl."

"Oh my..." She hummed "Then I guess it's fine..." She admitted but her tone betrayed her concerns.

I chuckled "But enough with the bad memories. Du Ze, don't you have some good news for your mother?

Du Ze nodded again as auntie took some tentative sips, her hand still lightly shaking from the earlier information. "Yes. You see, myself as well as our close friends have been accepted into the institute Genius Class. What's more both of us here are Silver ranked demon spiritualists."

"Pfttttt!!!" A splash of distilled alcohol hit my face as auntie spit out the earlier sips of liquor.

We all blinked a few times comically while our minds rebooted. "Aaahh!!!" Auntie screamed realizing what she had done and frantically began searching for something. Finally she grabbed a nearby shirt and moved next to me and started wiping me off "I'm so sorry!" She admitted, urgency and fear evident in her shaky tone.

I exploded in laughter "It's fine, it's fine!" I consoled yet again before grabbing her hands and lightly pushing her away. "Shame for the alcohol tough."

This time auntie blinked a few times in shock before bursting out laughing. Even Qi started giggling loudly.

We continued making merry until a smell of burnt vegetables started ravaging our noses "My stew!" Auntie yelled and rushed to the kitchen.

"Does this happen often?" I asked Du Ze and he nodded with an embarrassed expression.

"Like any child I love and respect my parents but my mother is what my father likes to call a 'natural airhead'." He answered with a little hesitation.

"Oh." I nodded and sipped some more baiju. Damn good booze!

Auntie then came wheeling in a cart "The stew was saved. Lucky! Hope you're hungry boys."

She poured me a bowl and I waited for everyone to be served. As a side note, Qi didn't get a portion but had some fruit porridge. The meal tasted like garden vegetables mixed with venison. The unmistakably savory natural grown plants mixed well with the tough but flavored meat. It really was lucky that the food was overcooked since it gave more time for the meat to boil and thus become more tender. I remember from the novel that Du Ze's family often hunted in the woods for meat. You could really tell this from their choice in menu.

Xiao Qi stretched out her hands from her improvised baby seat on Du Ze's l.a.p indicating that she wanted to try some so I scooped up some juice and blew air on it to cool it down. The spoon then pretended to be an airplane as it landed into her waiting airport mouth. She smacked her lips a few times before shaking her head and returning to her porridge, all the time looking at my bowl like it had some malicious intent. Looks like she wasn't ready for a.d.u.l.t food yet.

Memories from Earth hit me again as a cloudy visage of a woman who I presume was my mother filled my mind. I remembered how she never truly forbid me from trying anything once and would often share it with me herself so I don't get tempted from other places. One time when I was young I noticed the little cup she was so happily enjoying sipping from and naturally I wanted some. And naturally she gave me a sip. It was coffee. No cream, black, concentrated, kettle brewed coffee. I never touched the stuff again until I was in university. On another point she did the same thing with beer and even now I don't fancy it that much, all bitter and bubbly. I'm more of a wine and spirits guy.

"You really know how to handle kids don't you." Auntie praised.

I took another sip of alcohol and shrugged. As a side note I was starting to feel tipsy and as such I should remember to cultivate a bit after finishing. It would purge my system of any bad substances meaning I would be up fresh as a daisy the next day. "The biggest mistake a.d.u.l.ts make when dealing with kids is to think that they don't understand how the world works. The truth is kids see it much better without the filter of our biased perceptions. They may not have all our knowledge but then again nobody knows everything. So the key is to never underestimate them."

We finished our meal and continued exchanging stories until the sun completely set. I then retreated to the yard and chose a more intimate retreat near a peach tree. Sitting down I took a soul concentration pill and began chanting the Heavenly Void Dragon God technique under a beautiful starry sky.

My cultivation continued until the very asscrack of dawn, my mind now clear of any impurities, including alcohol. However, in order for said nasties to leave my body they had to do it through my sweat glands. As such, I began feeling the sticky sensation of moist clothes meeting unwashed skin. Taking a look around I noticed that there weren't any real private areas I could use as a makeshift bathroom.

This called for a trip to the local creek so lifting my a.s.s from the root that was my cultivation chair, I stretched before heading off towards the area where I saw running water when I arrived here with Du Ze, making sure to take in as much of the local scenery as I could.

The land of the Guardian family was rocky and poor, with steep hills and thick forests surrounding it at the edges. Even so, it still had that picturesque and quaint look, like a lost village in the mountains that was hidden from time.

Strolling though it was quiet and relaxing. The clear mountain air was refreshing every cell in my lung, though the state was seldom broken by the occasional livestock fart that the wind happened to blow in my direction at just the right time. It was making me feel quite at home since I spent a good portion of my summers and winters of my childhood back on Earth on my grandparents' farm. There was something magical about growing up in that clean and natural environment.

Soon though, the sounds of birds was accompanied by the tone of slow flowing water and, after rounding a small outcrop I finally got to the creek I saw yesterday.

Unfortunately I also happen to run into a group of seven kids about the same age as the current me which were gathered in a small circle. Inside the circle lay another boy as the group kept kicking him and throwing dirt in his face. He stood there in fetal position as blow after blow rained on him.

One of the attackers quickly noticed me "Hey! Get lost!" he yelled and I raised an eyebrow at his antics. Looking at him and thinking about my current level I reached the conclusion that I could knock him out with a lugie.

"Yeah, piss off! You didn't see anything here!" another brat backed him up.

I put my hands in my pockets and strode forward "But I do see something. I see seven cowards ganging up on someone."

"You!" The brat closest to me lunged forward, fist c.o.c.ked and ready to strike. Unfortunately for him I quickly lifted my foot so the only thing he hit was the sole of my shoe with his face.

"Bastard!" they yelled and got ready to attack.

Smirking, I exploded my soul force outwards and merged with the Nighttime Direwolf, growing half a body taller than them while a shadow of one hundred and fifty kilos of pure muscle glared down on them. "Correction." I hummed, my voice vibrating with a beastly baritone "I see seven dead brats."

Three of them instantly wet themselves, another three started crying while frozen in place while one actually fainted. "Karma is a bitch. One time you're the predator and the next time you're the prey." I grabbed the one that tried to hit me by the face and lifted his struggling form off the ground. "This is what feels like to be mistreated by someone or something stronger than you. Remember it well and stop being such p.u.s.s.y cowards."

Letting him go he crumbled to the floor before crawling away from me "As for the rest of you, scram!"

They bolted in every direction like rats on a sinking ship, taking their fainted with them. Relaxing and letting go of the transformation my body reverted back to it's natural state. Walking forward I approached the kicked boy who had taken to a sitting position. His hair was bowl cut and shaggy, and his clothes were a simple tattered robe that had numerous holes in different locations.

He then looked up at me, well at least I think he did, couldn't really tell as his bangs hid his eyes. "I didn't need help." he spoke, his voice pretty deep for a kid who just hit puberty but still boyish in it's essence. It was also very monotone, as if there was absolutely no emotion behind it.

Though his attitude ticked me off I wasn't really upset. He had his pride and I could accept that. Shrugging I simply replied "Never offered it. They attacked me and I defended myself."

"Bullshit." he called me out while grumbling.

Smiling, I replied "Would you prefer 'I saved you from having your bitch a.s.s handed to you in a handbasket'?"

The young teen stayed silent for a few seconds before turning his head away "Attacking others... Those bastards."

I burst into laughter hearing him and offered my hand "Name's Long Wan."

After looking at it with doubt for a few moments, he nodded and grabbed hold allowing me to pull him up. It was then I noticed that he was a good head taller than me, as well as scrawny as a stick due to malnourishment "Du Laohu." he presented himself . Hmm, Laohu meant Tiger. So the dragon saves the tiger, how corny. "Wait. Long Wan? As in 'the' Long Wan?"

I shrugged.

Laohu sighed "No wonder you could chase those bastards away." He looked at the ground in frustration.

"What was up with them anyway?" No point in pushing him further. Still though, it made me curious as to why they would gang up on him.

His fists balled and I could see the tremors overtaking him. Still though, his answer came in the same monotonous voice "The one who fainted, his mother was oiling her husband's green hat with my father." Ohhhh... Basically they were having an affair. "One night they met in secret at the edge of the village under a rock face. It had rained heavily the day before and a boulder slipped killing them both."

Tch, imm.a.t.u.r.e brats. "So he blames your family for the infidelities of his mother. I don't know what that counts as being: idiotic, cowardly or pathetic." Heart pain can make the best of us do foolish things but when we vent our pain onto the innocent all excuses fly out the window. "Have you told anyone else about this?"

He nodded. " I did but he is patriarch Du Rong's immediate kin so it only resulted in harder beatings." He looked away while holding his bruised arm.

Summoning a Nine Transformation Pill I tossed it in his mouth. As surprised as he was he swallowed it without hesitation, his wounds vanishing in moments. "What was that?" Laohu asked. If he was surprised, he definitely didn't show it.

My voice became grave and serious "A sample."

"Sample? Of what?" Again, his sounds were a perfect octave of simplicity.

"Power. Wealth. Fame. Take your pick." I smirked at him. He knew pain on a first name basis so I could work with him. Mold him, sharpen him and refine him into a perfect weapon. "I can teach you. Give you all of that. How would you like to step on those brats like they did to you? Or you could even leave this place for a better life and never return."

Laohu didn't make any sounds nor did his face betray his emotions. But his hands clenched so hard that you could hear his knuckles cracking under the pressure

"There is a catch though." I continued and got his attention. "You have to swear yourself to a life of protecting Glory City and it's values. That means it's safety, it's people and it's freedoms. Besides that, anything you do is up to you, so long as no innocent is hurt." I smiled "And if you break your oath, I'll kill you." I teleported away and reappeared behind him in the mutated Shadow Devil form. Tracing my poisonous needle on his cheek I hummed in an almost s.e.xy tone " And trust me, anything that happened to you until now will feel like a relaxing massage."

Ethereal smoke was left behind as I once again teleported in front of him in my normal state, arms crossed and waiting for an answer. He stood in silence for a good few seconds before stepping forward, an almost malefic smile plastered on his face. "By your terms… I swear on."

For the first time I could see his eyes under his bangs. One of them had a gray pupil with a long scar running down the middle of his forehead to just under the lower eyelid. That scar also had crisscrossing marks making it look like it'd been sutured with barbed wire.

"Then pay attention, this is your first lesson." I began to share with him the Yin-Yang Revolving technique, going slow and repeating it a few times before he managed to memorize it. He hadn't trained his soul force yet so his memory was quite average. I also flashed a ring and placed it in his hands "You have a couple dozen high level pills in there that you should use to build up your body and your cultivation. The ones that smell the strongest are the most powerful so leave those for after you've finished the weaker ones. There are also a few hundred thousand demon spirit coins in there so put some meat on those bones or you won't be of use to anyone. Keep all of this hidden until you've reached Silver rank so they won't try and steal them from you."

I then turned on my heel and began walking towards the creek while transporting all but my u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r in my own ring. "Wait." Laohu called out and I lazily turned my head towards him "Thank you." he called out in his monotonous voice while bowing deeply.

Waving him off I turned back and prepared to jump in the water "If you want to thank me then honor your vows and get stronger."

"Yes'sir." as I heard a rustle behind me. My void sense had gotten more s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e as time passed and I could 'feel see' with my minds eye now how he stuffed the ring in his pocket. He then also took off his clothes and hid them in some nearby tall grass and joined me on the creekbank.

I smirked at him and he looked at me with his wooden expression. Inhaling deeply and tensing our legs, we took a leap and landed in the water with a loud splash just as the sun finally showed the full of it's disk past the horizon.