Chapter 16: Discussion

Chapter 16: Discussion

You can cut the performance now, my dear grandson. Acting your age really isnt cute.

Auslens bright smile swiftly fell from his face as he rolled his eyes in annoyance at his dishonest grandfather.

Walking towards the large mirror that was leaning against the wall, Auslen raised his hands to his head, untying the black ribbon that was barely holding on to most of his hair. After removing the ribbon, the rest of it spilled around his shoulders and down to his waist in a disheveled mess.

He gazed at himself in the mirror appraisingly while he tried his best to fix his hair, a troublesome task that was almost exclusively left for Vincent to accomplish.

I think you need your elderly eyes checked, Grandfather.

Tobias stepped behind Auslens short figure playfully, observing his own handsome appearance in the mirror as he stroked his golden beard.

Watch who youre calling elderly, brat. Im still quite young!

Auslen refused to argue with the decrepit, old man who enjoyed acting as if he really was as young as he outwardly appeared.

According to what Auslen understood from his knowledge of the Rinaldi Family history, the young man behind him should be well over the age of 1,000 years-old. He was a walking, talking, ancient relic.

Ignoring his declaration, Auslen gave up on his aggravatingly long hair and lightly jumped into the large leather chair behind his desk.

Glancing at the white-cloaked man who was still staring at himself intensely in the mirror, Auslen spoke up, Im assuming you brought me here alone to shamelessly ask something of me?

Dragging his eyes away from the mirror, Tobias smiled brightly at Auslen, neither confirming nor denying.

Seeing his grandfather playing dumb, Auslen began to grow uneasy.

After remembering who the old man arrived to the Palace with, he jumped back out of the chair briskly, intending to make his way towards the door of the study in attempt to avoid what was surely coming.

But before he could even complete his first step, Tobias had appeared directly in front of him, his smiling expression now carrying hints of apology.

I need you to help me take care of little Nathan at the Five Profound Elements Sect. You know how he can be, and your aunt and uncle would lose it if anything bad happened to him.

Auslens eyebrows twitched uncontrollably for a brief moment. He breathed deeply to calm himself before slowly raising his head to look at his grandfather.

Auslen was very familiar with the man in front of him. Now that he had spoken his request, Auslen understood he had absolutely no way of safely getting out of it without doing as he asked.

This old man may usually act quite approachable, but Auslen knew from experience that he was a rather violent man who was not to be slighted.

However, Auslen refused to agree to his request so easily. He needed to gain at least something of value in return so that he could allow himself to feel internally appeased.

No. I don't have the time or energy to take care of that brat, as I already have my hands full taking care of myself. If you're so worried about your 'little Nathan', why are you allowing him to go to the Five Profound Elements Sect in the first place?

Tobias smiled knowingly before choosing to indulge his grandson.

I'm letting him go because I know you'll be there to keep him out of trouble! Although he lacks your exceptional talent and cannot condense a Heavenly Dao Path, it's still feasible for him to cultivate a Heaven Tier Cultivation Method. He's just somewhat immature for his age and a bit too willful. That's why I need you to monitor him."

Tobias casually leaned against the edge of the desk as he softly chuckled, saying, I am not asking you to do so for free. I know you best, Auslen. So feel free to tell me; what is it that you would like in return for fulfilling what I ask of you?

Although Auslen appreciated the mans quick acquiescence, he grew increasingly attentive to his grandfathers not-so-sudden request.

It was never so easy to get the man to agree to any sort of equal exchange, which divulged the importance the old man placed on this request of his. He wanted Auslen to take this very seriously.

Auslen lowered his head, thoughts sprinting as he quickly considered the possible dangers he would be facing and what he truly needed at this time. After a few moments, he raised his head to his grandfather once more.

I want information! Information that you consistently refuse to provide me with every time I ask. Don't think that I don't know what you truly want from me, Grandfather. However, I don't mind playing along, as long as the information that you relay is sufficient.

Tobias smile fell slightly as he stared deeply at Auslen.

Auslen refused to give in as he held his eye contact, enduring his grandfathers silent, but noticeably heavy oppression.

After a long, voiceless exchange, the corners of Tobias lips raised once again.

Three questions. I'll honestly answer three of your questions on whatever topic you would prefer. Choose wisely, Auslen.

What exactly is so significant about the number three to these people? First that Demon, now Grandfather? Cant I ask a few more?

After some thought, Auslen knew what his first question would be.

Auslens childish voice spoke with as much seriousness as it could muster, Years ago, that Demon informed me that higher realms of cultivation contaminate the soul.

"Normally, I wouldnt place much stock into the words of a monster that was overtly plotting to consume me. However, during these past five years, I've seen far too many examples first-hand that seem to verify exactly what he had described, the foremost being my mother.

Don't misunderstand, she's very loving towards me and the rest of our family, however, her actions can sometimes be erratically violent towards others.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

That's not all. Father does that thing with his face where he refuses to show any modicum of emotion.

But one thing his grandfather said had given Auslen some flutters of hesitation.

What exactly did you mean when you said virtually' earlier? Am I completely safe from human cultivators or not?"

Tobias stared at Auslen silently in contemplation.

He smirked slightly before simply stating, As long as you don't catch the attention of the Sect Leader of the Five Profound Elements Sect, your Soul Force will remain hidden. That man doesn't apply, as he can no longer be considered human.

"Thats enough questions. Everything else you need to know about the Sect will be answered by your parents in due time.

Before Auslen could say anything else, Tobias held up his palm in interruption.

I have answered your three questions, Auslen. All that's left is for you to fulfill your end.

But I still have one more question left!

Actually, you have already asked four questions. And I, your beloved grandfather, graciously allowed you one extra.

Auslen tilted his head as he thought back to his previous questions. After remembering the sequence of events, he scowled in annoyance.

Those werent real questions! I was just seeking clarification for the previous two questions!

He grumbled silently to himself, knowing that there was no point in arguing with the old man.

Auslen, why have you never considered revealing your true personality to your parents?

Auslen stilled before looking up at his grandfather with somewhat wary emotions emerging within his heart.

Why would this old man bring this up now? Out of nowhere?

Although he was slightly suspicious of the mans intentions, he replied, Because there's no reason for them to know. My mother used to react quite poorly whenever I occasionally acted out of the normal bounds of a child. At this point, its better if I continue adjusting my perceived maturity over time as I age, as I have been."

Auslen shook his head slightly as he reconsidered his words.

He amended, Unfortunately, despite my intentions, that doesn't mean that they don't already know. Those two are not fools.

Tobias eye flickered imperceptibly as he asked, Why would you think so?

He explained, They may not have suspected anything before, but I'm nearly certain that my father has lately acquired some misgivings as to my displayed maturity, considering that he was the one who uncovered the strength of my Willpower.

"After researching the subject more myself, I now understand that there's simply no possible way an immature and nave child can have such a strong Willpower as I have, regardless of the reasons it came about. It's illogical.

He must have noticed the inconsistencies with my Willpower and my outwardly childish personality. Additionally, ever since it was revealed a month prior, hes been behaving somewhat vindictively towards me, in a not so subtle fashion.

Tobias snorted before bursting out in roaring laughter.

He snickered, Yeah, that sounds just like my son-in-law!

Although it took him a moment to contain his hysterics, he eventually managed to calm himself.

I understand. Alright, weve been talking long enough, so I'll leave you with a bit of advice. Be very wary of cultivators above Foundation Establishment in the Sect, and be skeptical of anyone who makes a conscious effort to get close to you and Nathan. Most of your fellow disciples will be marginally normal, however, others may not behave too dissimilar to that Demon you previously met.

As Auslen opened his mouth to ask for clarification, the image of the succulent filet he ate earlier flashed through his conscious mind.

After the brief moment silence it took for him to quickly connect the dots, Auslens face noticeably paled in disgust as he reached a disturbing conclusion.

Cannibalism?! Is that what he's getting at?

Seeing Auslens expression, Tobias was a good deal surprised at his quick comprehension.

I see that you've already understood my warning. But, how did you grasp it so quickly? Did your parents happen to feed you Demon flesh already?

At Auslens confirming nod, Tobias sighed in vexation at his grandsons prodigal lifestyle.

Without explaining anymore, he turned and walked towards the stone wall before reaching out to undo the Spell Formation.

Alright, you can leave now. Go and make friends with your cousin and stop ignoring him all the time. Ill be leaving him in your care during these next few months!

What? You want me to begin babysitting duty now?!

But before Auslen could protest, Tobias had kicked him flying through the door that had mysteriously opened by itself.

Observing Auslens small figure rapidly shooting down the hallway, Tobias waited several more moments before he shut the door once more. The Spell Formation he had just removed was suddenly back in place.

He turned his head to the opposite corner of the room and casually spoke.

You both can come out now.