《I will absolutely cultivate》


 Prolouge: Cheng Rui Wei

    Formerly known Sheila ****, now as Cheng Rui Wei, 3rd Wife of the Great General that gained the nickname of "God of War"! Dou Chang You!

    I''m currently half-sitting on my bed, with my back leaning on the pillows, I stared listlessly on my feet which is covered by a thick blanket.

    ''...'' my ''memories'' flashed through my eyes as if I had died. Skimming all those memories together, I did not notice the events on my surroundings.

    While I was in a daze, several people seemed to have already come and go inside the room.

    I rapidly blinked my eyes, and slightly shook my head. On the corner of my eyes, I noticed the hem of the Maids uniform, I could not help but shift my gaze on her direction.

    Our eyes met.

    The emotions currently swirling within my eyes could only be described with one words, despair.

    The Maid hastily lowered her head, I do not know if she was creeped out or scared.

    "3-3rd M-madam." She called out nervously, then knelt on the ground.

    "T, this servant deserves to be punished!"

    ''Ah, so she was afraid that her stare might have offended me.'' Pregnant woman are a handful afterall.

    "*sigh* You can retire." I tiredly said as I rubbed my swollen stomach.

    The maid bowed before leaving the room.

    ---

    I lifted my hands, and water particles started to condense. I guided the condensed water towards the basin next to me.

    That''s right, the world I''m currently in is not Earth.

    This world, is a fantasy world where swords and magic are common. Where one could cultivate to be an immortal! Magical treasures and Magical devices could be used by infusing one''s Qi. Magical Beasts exist, half-beasts and varied races which do not exist on Earth roam freely on this underdeveloped world!

    If this was a normal situation, I would have been jumping for joy, after all as a hardcore fan of fantasy stories (especially chinese novels) I''ve always imagined about such situations.

    I could take it if I was reincarnated as a baby! Even being a man, beast or devil is fine (probably)! But! But!

    Why did it have to be a pregnant woman?!!

    I mournfully laid on my bed, as I cursed whoever is responsible for this shit.

    *sigh*

    ''I wasn''t even married on my last life, hey!''

    There are only handful things that could put me at ease, first, is this body having a Deity-like appearance, Second, is that I have the extremely rare Water Body Constitution.

    The Water Body Constitution is extremely rare within this world, while most people who had the Water Body Constitution stopped cultivating due to the lack of knowledge towards the constitution and as the years passed, they have discovered that the people who have the Water Body Constitution could cure fatal injuries and counter poisons and diseases was marked ''useless'' in front of a person who has the Water Body Constitution.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    As we all know, by weight, the average human adult male has approximately 60%water on their body, while adult females have around 50%.

    While there''s me who could freely control water qi. By Water Qi, I meant every matter that could be liquefied is almost under my control.

    I closed my eyes, and feel the little guy on my stomach. I willed the water qi around me and guided it towards the little guy instead of cultivating my skills.

    I''m cultivating the little guy.

    As long as there is water I can live, and water is basically everywhere.

    Well, I''m almost immortal, I won''t die from sickness or old age. (What am I, a jellyfish?!)

    "Aaaaiiissh-- When will this end?" I said, the damn parasitic human flesh just hurry up and get outta my stomach so I can roam in this fantasy world!!

    Though I''m not as cold-hearted as to actually abort this child, afterall I still came from a peaceful world.

    The identity of this body is the 6th daughter of Duke Cheng, she was given to General Dou as a ''reward''. General Dou liked Cheng Rui Wei''s pretty and docile look, and even more her body, so almost every night General Dou would visit Cheng Rui Wei and the result is this. General Dou was infamous of how unskilled he was when it came to women.

    So even if the previous Cheng Rui Wei was favored, she didn''t like it the least bit, as she was handled roughly by General Dou. The main wife Lou Fui Rong is also pregnant and is close to giving birth, the 2nd concubine Skyne Lily is 4 months pregnant, in short, all of General Dou''s wives are pregnant showing how energetic he is.

    I continue to nourish the little guy in my stomach until hurried footstep resounded outside the room.

    The door was hurriedly opened and a man came in.

    General Dou Chang You, possesing a long black hair, that was casually tied behind his head, with healthy tanned skin, sword-like brows, and unyielding eyes. Also possesing the pressure of the General which he barely suppressed in front of me.

    He came onto my bed and sat down at the bedside, he intently looked at me, and I gave him a lifeless look.

    "Does it hurt somewhere? Are you sad?" He asked.

    Congratulations!! I have now confirmed it with my own lifeless eyes, he is an utter idiot.

    I shook my head at his idiotic question.

    "Then, what is it? The servants said that you were always staring blankly this past few week. Just what happened?" He asked, his brows furrowed he was clearly displeased than worried.

    "Nothing. Just thinking of names..." I said as I gave a small smile, hiding my lifeless look.

    "Hmm.... I see it''s really hard huh?" He said nodding in understatement. Like hell, you really understand anything, you goddamn beast!!

    Ah, I forgot to tell you, this guy is stupidly honest and the loyal dog of the Emperor. I could proudly say that if the current Emperor told him to hand over his 3 wives he''ll definitely do so.

    "Hmm... How about Thunder Lou?" He said, looking intently at me.

    "No, I want to personally name my child. General Dou, I heard that the Luluon Kingdom have been quite reckless? You must be tired, you should take this chance to rest." I put my small slender hands, on his rough big hands putting a small smile.

    His eyes revealed a lustful look, I smirked at that. All of his women are pregnant so if he wants to do it, he has to visit a brothel but since the Luluon Kingdom have been running rampant Generals, especially this idiotic beast Dou, have to be extra careful.

    His eyes that were full of lust, looked at my breast, then looked at my swollen stomach, he couldn''t help but sigh. He stretched his neck and pecked my lips, my eyes widened at his sudden movements.

    "See how I''ll deal with you..." He said as he stood up. He licked his lips and looked at me lustfully. I smiled seductively, then pursed my lips.

    "Rui Wei, is waiting ~~" I jokingly said, with a hint of mischievousness. I could faintly see something standing up between his legs before he hurriedly left.

    "Puuhh--- Hahahaha!!" I merrily laughed at General Dou''s suffering, he will probably call a prostitute then get scolded by the Emperor.

    I continued to laugh until a maid came and disrupted me.

    "Madam, the dinner meal is ready." She bowed at me.

    "Not eating. I''m going to sleep." I said as I closed my eyes, not bothering to look at the maid.

    ***

    The first thing General Dou did, was hurriedly going inside Madam Cheng''s Residence with an ashen face and lightning speed, but hurriedly went out with flushed face. The servants who saw this could not help but be dumbstruck, this is the first time that this happened.

    Dou Chang You, 28 years old. His military merits are uncountable as he is the one to rush forward when there are enemy or problems within the country. A Great General that everyone admires, except for his lustful personality.

    Dou Chang You really did call a prostitute as Rui Wei predicted.

 Chapter 1: In a pinch.

    I slept comfortably, woke up blissfully, ate my fill, nourished the little guy in my stomach and from time to time I''d ask some books and scrolls to study this world''s history, geography, culture and some necessary information.

    This cycle continued for some days-- as of today, the news about the first wife Lou Fui Rong giving birth is spreading like a virus from the maids mouth. I wanted to take a look at what she''ll be like after giving birth, or how high her scream would be.

    I called on for my maid, and proceed to go to Madam Lou''s Residence.

    When I arrived at her residence the servants were all running in and out, a muffled scream could be heard inside. It seems like its a not a steady birth. General Dou was already here walking back and forth at the side. Skyne Lily who just arrived, looked at General Dou''s panicked appearance and her face turned bitter.

    Lily is a 16 year old girl with a snow like skin, cherry like lips but stubborn eyes, she is also quite competitive but she hasn''t gone as far as poisoning someone nor pushing. She willingly married General Dou, unlike me.

    While thinking this, Madam Lou''s piercing cries startled me. My face pales as I could somehow feel her pain, my hand reflexively hold my swollen stomach--- W-will I also have a hard time giving birth?

    "AAAAAAAAaaaaaH!!" Her cries of agony resounded through the whole residence, the nearby servants halted their task for a moment and looked towards Madam Lou''s residence, shaking their heads they goes back on their tasks. General Dou stopped pacing back and forth, and stared at the closed door with a worried face. While Lily clutched her stomach with a pale face.

    ''Ah, I feel you....''

    "Uwaaa- Aaaaah" the cries of a baby finally resounded, replacing Madam Lou''s piercing cries. Hearing this General Dou couldn''t help but storm in, I followed him inside. As soon as I entered, the most eye catching thing was the lady on the pool of blood. Fui Rong was unconscious jade like face was deathly pale and her blood flowed nonstop...The female doctor also noticed it and shouted. She handed the baby on a disciple, then quickly went towards Fui Rong.

    "Master, Madam Skyne, and Madam Cheng please do pardon, but Madam Lou is in critical condition!!"The Female doctor Lola quickly said, as she immediately started chanting in front of Lou Fui Rong.

    A quick-witted disciple of Doctor Lola pushed the three of us outside while coaxing General Dou, saying some things to ease the mood.

    "General Dou, please do not worry although Master said that Madam Lou is in critical condition, It''s just a piece of cake for Master Lola." The disciple said, as she closed the doors.

    "Hmm... well, giving birth is really not an easy thing." Lily murmured as she look at me, I reflexively hold my stomach and frown.

    Mofo! how could it be easy to give birth?!! And hey!! you''re also close at giving birth!!

    I looked back at Lily with an expressionless face. She then ignored me and looked back at the door, General Dou has still this worry stricken face of his.

    Woah~~ Don''t tell me this guy is really in love with Fui Rong? No, no, no way.... afterall he still touched other woman, if you truly and honestly love someone you would feel guilty doing other deeds.

    I could faintly hear Doctor Lola''s hurried voice, and her disciples hurried footsteps.

    After one hour....

    Uuh.... Dafuq? I''m also pregnant you know? And just one month before giving birth, it''s bad for me to stand too much, and this maid on my side is as silent as rock? Is this maid''s brain made out of peas? Ugh... guess I have to pardon myself--If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "General Dou." I softly called out, but he did not reply, I shook my head and looked towards Lily, who has a blank expression.

    "Lily, I''m going first, Doctor Lola said standing too much is bad for a pregnant woman." I smiled and turned, I then started to leave not waiting for her reply.

    I don''t really care if anyone dies here, not like there''s any attachment. Whilst walking, I met quite a few of doctor Lola''s disciple running here and there.

    Well, losing that much blood, of course, it''ll be critical-

    Oiya? I wonder what they do when people lose too much blood. Since there is no blood transfer here.

    I guess it''s either blood nourishment medicines or a diet that increases blood.

    After some time, I finally reached my Manor, I quickly sit on my bed, looking at my maid whose head is lowered.

    My back, my hips, and my legs, all hurt like hell. Where is the effect of regenerative body of a Water Mage?!

    I circulated the Qi around my body and started a breathing exercise. As I stabilized my body, I started to talk to the maid,

    "Hmmm... Do you know your mistake?" I caressed my stomach.

    *thud* the maid knelt, her forehead touching the floor.

    "M-madam--"

    "So? What is it?" I coldly looked at her with a raised brow.

    "Madam Lou did not die." The maid said in a whisper.

    Pfft-- I almost choked on my own saliva on the maid''s words.

    "What''d you say?!" I shouted while my eyes almost popped out of my socket, where did this idiotic maid got the idea that I wanted Madam Lou dead?

    The maid also looked at me with a baffled expression.

    I put my hands on my face, shaking my head left and right.... haaaa..

    How could I overlook the fact that, wives and concubines would continuously fight for their husband''s affection? Especially in a case like this, the people here have low cultivation level, and they seem to have no intention of walking the path of immortal.

    So their train of thought is narrowed down. In this maid''s case, she must have thought that getting rid of the 1st wife and her possible ''son'' would lessen the danger for me, as I would have less people to compete the attention of General Dou.

    "So Fui Rong''s-- hemorrhage was your doing?" I managed to calm my face, but my voice betrayed me, as I produced a disappointing sigh.

    "E-eh... yes.. I thought that since she was in her weakest state we should get rid of her since she is the highest threat on 3rd Madam''s--" the maid started to explain.

    I once again sighed loudly, startling the maid, she bowed her head deeper.

    "How?"

    "I-I mixed t-the flower blood ''Estae'' on one of her nourishment soup... If 3rd Madam is anxious someone one''ll will find out, please don''t worry, usually the flower blood ''Estae'' is also used as nourishment but if you put it in a cold place for 3 days, drip out it''s juice, boil it, then preserve it for a week, it''ll definitely have a reverse effect which you would bleed out much more than normal. This method was used to bleed out the poison out of people, but if used on a pregnant woman it''ll be completely different." the maid was nervous at first but soon gained confidence on her speech.

    "That''s... utterly idiotic, ha." I coldly replied.

    "Eh?" the maid jolted as she looked at me with disbelief.

    "Where did you get the idea that I want to spill blood?..." I looked at her with my brows raised.

    "B-but--" The maid was now sweating as she did not know what to say.

    "Oh-- I think I know where you''re coming from-- Next time-- no, there won''t be a next time, okay?" I look at her one more then waved my hand.

    "Tomorrow morning, I want my bath to be prepared when I wake up... You''re dismissed."

    "Y-yes! This servant thanks 3rd Madam for her benevolence."She bowed three times then quietly left.

    ----

    While I was mindlessly guiding the Water Qi through my veins, a sudden thought struck me.

    I''ve always been thinking that being a Water Mage is the most powerful, while this world thinks that being one is the most unfortunate thing that can happen to a person. Is it because of the difference in world?

    No. I clearly know from the original''s memories that the reason why being a water mage is the most unfortunate thing is because--

    It is the most hardest element to cultivate, there are only a handful of people who actually cultivate the water element--

    Although, other water body types tried to cultivate it, they were stuck at the 3rd level and had a hard time breaking through. While most water body types Mages have a prolonged life, it was still not enough to break through the 4th level.

    I crease my brows at this thought--

    Afterall I... I have been only controlling water Qi and have never actually knew about the levels... It is quite shameful to admit it but-- Even now, I don''t know what level I''m in...

    I have been properly reading books about cultivation, but there were only a handful of water type cultivation methods... And most of them only mentioned about healing methods.

    Now, I''m in a pinch....

 Chapter 2: Ice

    Aiyah--

    I should probably ask my maid---What was her name again...?

    *sigh*

    I just berated her, dismissed her and all, It''ll be awkward.. at least for me.

    I should just cultivate on my own, for now. *sniff*

    Kuuh... I reincarnated... but here I am, stuck in a pregnant body, and I don''t even know the ranking system of Water Mages when, I''m one. Even after reincarnating, life sucks, huh...

    No, no, no... Having a second chance is already a-- supposedly happy event-- *sigh*

    I shook the depressing thoughts, and started to play with the water Qi around me. Hmm? I wonder if the other water mages could also see the water Qi?

    Oh, I can only see the water Qi and nothing else, they float around everywhere. I think this should be normal, probably. Is this supposed to be my cheat?

    I played with the water while thinking of the possible cultivation methods, creating different water figures on mid-air... When I suddenly remembered a certain thing--

    "Ah!!" Due to my sudden realization, I lost control of the water, it splashed down on the floor, creating a mess on the floor, but I could not care--

    "How could I not think of that?! Argg---"

    I almost ripped my hair due to the frustration, but it was quickly replaced by my excitement. That''s right... Water could be turn into ice, and I could use that as an offensive skill..

    Ooh!! I wonder if I could make like a thousand icicles then use it as an attack, or I could just condense a water below them, then freeze it into a huge icicle!!

    Although I have never heard of a water mage turning into an Ice Mage, but--- trying won''t hurt right? No, I think it should be possible! It''s just that, people in this world might have never think of that possibility!

    "Kukuku---" My mouth curved up into a malicious smile, as I slowly controlled the water on floor, it floated in front of me. I shaped it into a small dagger, which quickly froze. The Ice shaped dagger fell on my hand... I caressed the cold Ice shaped dagger on my hand, slowly making out of it''s shape, not only was it completely the same in my imagination it also didn''t melt, lest I commanded so.

    I placed my hand on my forehead, and--

    "Kukukuku--- Kuahahahahahhahahah!!" started to laugh maniacally... As expected of me!

    "!!!" A series of steps sounded outside my room.

    ''Did I not say that you are dismissed?!!?!'' I think I just had a little heart attack, the maid which I just dismissed opened the door, I quickly hid the Ice dagger under my pillow. Yes, I have yet to leave my bed~

    "Madam?" The maid looked at me with a puzzled look.

    "Did I not dismissed you?" I irratedly asked her, my brows raised... I had a small heart attack, you know?!The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "M-madam, I think you forgot it, but you haven''t eaten your dinner yet..." The maid looked on the floor and nervously said.

    "Oh, is that so?" it''s not like I''m being forgetful or anything, it''s just that, as a water mage I don''t feel hunger, I let the water Qi flow through my veins and I would not feel weak nor hungry. But-- eating is my pleasure~

    "I won''t be going to the dining room, just bring the food here."

    "Yes." She respectfully replied and left.

    *phew* she finally left--

    My smile grew wider and wider, as I pick the Ice Dagger. I melted it and re-shaped it into different kind of things.

    Ring, shoes, bow, arrow, long-sword, dart, and even into a ice gadgets... Just that it was only sculptures-- kuu!

    I looked at the Ice shaped tablet on my hands...

    *sigh*

    I miss my gadgets--- I wonder who of my siblings get to inheret it-- those lucky assholes.

    Ugh-- should stop thinking of those things, but--

    Jokes on them, they can only imagine themselves controlling water and freezing things whilst I''m doing it now, and I''ll soon roam this fantasay world!

    I resolutely said to myself.

    --

    Wu Sona, born as a commoner, but due to some twist of events, she came out as an Earth Mage. She was an expetional earth mage, breaking through the 4th Rank at the age 16, a steward in General Dou''s Manor coincidentally took notice of her abilities, she was then recruited as a female bodyguard in General Dou''s Manor.

    Unfortunately, she soon met a bottle neck and she was stuck at the peak of 4th rank. As days passed her usefulness in the manor lessened, as the General''s Manor recruited more talented expert as bodyguards, Wu Sona was demoted as maid.

    Luckily Cheng Rui Wei came, which has an extremely delicate body, as if wind could blow her away. Cheng Rui Wei came with a few dowry maids which has only a cultivation level on 3rd rank. Seeing this, the steward then assigned Wu Sona as Cheng Rui Wei''s maid.

    Cheng Rui Wei the 3rd Madam wasn''t that hard to serve, she wasn''t hot headed, unreasonable, nor a pampered young lady. She was like a white lotus, pure, and untained of the worldly matters.

    That was Wu Sona''s view toward the 3rd Madam. Cheng Rui Wei liked to stare at lotus pond out of the window, she would normally pass her time like that, sometimes reading a book, sometimes just blankly looking on space, she was like a doll, emotionless.

    Wu Sona admired and pity this young lady, with such beauty, she would have at least marry into royalty but she was a water mage... And looking at the pitiable Water Qi that she emits, she''s only a rank 1 water mage...

    General Dou never neglected the 3rd Madam, more like he seemed to take a liking to 3rd Madam, since the time 3rf madam officially entered the Manor, General Dou never failed to visit the 3rd Madam''s quarter.

    As the personal maid and body guard of Rui Wei, helping Rui Wei fulfill her daily necceseties is part of her job. And every morning, cleaning up after General Dou''s and 3rd Madam''s love nest, was quite a tedious job. And while helping Rui Wei on the bath, she can''t help but see the love marks on Rui Wei''s body. But the 3rd Madam paid no heed on it, as if it was the norm, while washing Rui Wei''s body, Sona can''t help but blush....

    3 months after the 3rd Madam entered the Manor, she started to show signs of pregnancy, well after that almost every night visit of General Dou how can she not?

    The 3rd Madam continued with her daily routine, as if being pregnant was not anything to be celebrated. Months passed, and the 3rd Madam continued to be emotionless, until one day.

    Chen Rui Wei had a really high fever, she was bedridden for a whole week not even able to leave her bed, all of her maids was in panic, they even knelt outside the 1st wife''s Manor just to seek help for the female doctor Lola. She prescribe some medicine and left, after a day Rui Wei''s complexion got a lot better, and then on noon she woke up.

    But something was off, the emotionless eyes of Rui Wei, gave a chill on Sona''s heart. No, this isn''t the 3rd Madam that she know, is what she first thought. But there was no solid evidence, it was just her pure instinct shouting at her. Those cold limpid eyes, full of disappointment, she couldn''t help, but feel inferior, guilty and scared... She felt she was the cause of disappointment of this beauty before her, she was scared that she might get fired, and she was guilty that she couldn''t help her in any way...

    After Rui Wei woke up from her high fever, she would frequently sigh and look outside, she looked like an angel with broken wings--

    Her eyes were always full of disappointment as if the world itself cannot appease her.

 Chapter 3: The concerned maid.

    Wu Sona made her resolve... That she must at least do something for the 3rd Madam, Cheng Rui Wei.

    Wu Sona asked for an advice, from a Palace Maid which she befriended by chance.

    The Palace Maid said that the 3rd Madam was probably just anxious because the 1st wife was about to give birth, and if the 1st wife''s child came out to be a son, then it''ll be disastrous for the 3rd Madam''s position, and there''s also the 2nd wife Skyne Lily who is a year younger than the 3rd Madam--

    The Palace Maid said so many things that it made her head spin, in the end the Palace Maid ''kindly'' advised her that she should just get rid of the 3rd Madam''s source of anxiousness (the 1st wife) ....

    At first Wu Sona hesitated, afterall killing an innocent person is a bit too much for her-- but seeing Rui Wei''s series of big sighs and her eyes full of disappointment, she finally made her decision.

    She first planned on what to use against the 1st wife. Afterall there are many experts lurking around the manor, and she as one Rui Wei''s personal maid, represents Rui Wei.

    She can''t assassinate, her cultivation is far too weak, and she doesn''t the have money to hire an assassin. She also can''t use poison, Doctor Lola is a revered doctor which came from the Heavenly Hands Sect.

    She just can''t take the risk... It must be done perfectly. That''s when she remembered the Blood Flower, this was popularly used as a blood nourishment.

    But back on her hometown, it has another use;A reverse effect. Instead of nourishing your blood, it will instead make you bleed, it was used on people who were bitten by poisonous creatures. This method was only passed down on their hometown.

    She thoroughly thought of her plans, even going as far as using her military merits just to go out and get the Blood Flower, it is better to not trust anyone, than exposing herself due to carelessness.

    As a worker from the General''s Manor, the General sometimes bring them on expeditions. And if they properly execute their job, they can earn military merits, the military merits has may uses, but is it extremely hard to gain.

    But in the end-- the 3rd Madam got mad at her... Wu Sona just didn''t understand it... The Palace Maid clearly said that the 3rd Madam might even reward her-- just where did she go wrong?

    Wu Sona pondered about what Rui Wei said....

    "I just want to live peacefully inside the Manor...." Remembering her words, Sona can''t help but frown.... Then Madam, why are you always looking outside? Your face distressed, your eyes disappointed, your mouth continuously letting out a sigh...

    Wu Sona soon reached the kitchen while spacing out, she then pinched her cheeks--

    "3rd Madam is really weird.." She mumbled under her breath.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    --

    After she conveyed the 3rd madam''s message, 3 other more maids accompanied her to deliver the food to Rui Wei''s room.

    Wu Sona and the three, carried one tray each.

    "Hey, Sona-- why did the 3rd Madam get angry to you?" Lulu, the girl beside Sona, curiously asked, her face full of confusion, just what did Sona do to make that emotionless lady angry?

    "Ah, now that you mention it, 3rd Madam really did get angry!" The girl with a fiery red hair said, she is Sena, a 3rd rank Fire Mage also a kitchen Maid. She and Turi a girl with blonde hair, walked behind Sona and Lulu.

    "Eeh-- the 3rd Madam? Madam Cheng?" Turi dubiously asked, the 3rd Madam she knew was an emotionless beauty. This gossip instantly caught the three''s attention... What could possibly invoke an emotion to their 3rd Madam who was an emotionless beauty?

    Hearing all the questions, Sona can''t help but blush in shame and guilt... How could she possibly say that she tried to kill the 1st Madam?!

    But she only did it because the 3rd Madam was acting weird--

    She only wanted to help the 3rd Madam and nothing more...

    But-- remembering the 3rd Madam''s strict look towards her-- she could only shake her head and say...

    "Ah-- that, I just- ah... I tripped and the jar I was carrying almost fell on her belly--" Wu Sona lied, her face held a helpless expression...

    "Ooh, is that so--" Lulu, quickly lost interest, Sona''s words made sense.. No matter how emotionless the 3rd Madam could be, she would at least have a paternal love towards her child-- or she would cherishing the child for her position.

    "Pfff-- Sona, you were actually a klutz? Hahaha~" Sena teased, as she continued to laugh.

    "Oh..." Turi the one lagging behind, nodded in acknowledgement.

    No one doubted Sona, as they knew her as an honest and straightforward person.

    ***

    I sat up on my bed as I waited for the maids to bring the food.

    Oiya-- did the little guy on my stomach just kicked?

    "Excited to get out? yeah, me too... Just hurry up and get out of my stomach so I can roam this fantasy world~" I whispered on my stomach, like an idiot.

    I rubbed my big stomach and sighed-- Just one more month.....

    As I was thinking about that, I hear the oncoming steps of the maids--

    ''Hmm..? Only 3 maids? There should be four maids, though..... usually there are four maids carrying my foods, each one carrying a tray.''

    ''That''s weird, was my diet changed? Why wasn''t I informed. I closed my eyes and quietly listen to their footsteps as they got close to my room.''

    "!!!" Four! There are four of them! Rui Wei was shocked, the last one''s footsteps was so faint that she could barely hear it, if it wasn''t for the water Qi on her body, then Rui Wei definitely would not notice her. Every step of an individual sounds like a rippling water to her.

    Rui Wei could feel the Water Qi, the 75% water on her. She could see the Water Qi, and she recognizes the maid as a moving bundle of water Qi.

    *Door Opens*

    "Please excuse us." The four maids simultaneously bowed, Lulu the Earth Mage stepped forward and waved her hand, the red ring on her hand shone, and a round table with chairs aligned appeared. They then proceeded to place the dishes on their respective places.

    While the maids were busy on arranging the food, one could only see Rui Wei''s small red lips slightly open.

    Heavens!! A spatial ring! This was her first time personally seeing one, although she have seen it on the Original''s memory, she can''t help but be amazed of it.

    Although the red spatial ring has the smallest capacity of storing, which is only a (5x5) square room, it is still enviable!!

    Why is it that a Maid has a spatial ring and she a Noble Lady does not have one?! *ahem* It seems like she would have a good talk with the steward tomorrow morning. As she was busy looking at the storage ring, her eyes suddenly shifted to the small figure busily arranging the food. Rui Wei, looked at the small figure carefully.

    Everything the little girl do, produces the smallest sound-- Rui Wei could only think of one thing.

    This little maid. She is a Wind Mage.

 Chapter 4: Lets have a good talk

    A Wind Mage! Wind Mage are very rare-- in the past 10 thousand years, there had been only 10 known Wind Mages, 4 who ascended and 5 who are at 8th rank and above-- the other one wasn''t still publicly known--

    Wind Mages are highly valued. Even the Royal Family would humble themselves in front of a Wind Mage, the Wind Mage has the highest potential of cultivating, and they rarely ever encounter a bottleneck, the lowest level that a Wind Mage could achieve is 9th rank, until the Saint rank.

    Wind Mages were revered and envied, they all have high cultivation they only lack in the defense. Wind mages focuses on their attacks and escaping techniques.

    Rui Wei couldn''t help but think to herself-- why would a Wind Mage be willing to serve a person?

    The little girl invoked the bored pregnant transmigrator''s interest. Rui Wei quietly listed the little girl''s face on the back of her mind-- An interesting target!

    It''ll be better that Rui Wei look into this little girl''s origin, than later knowing that this little girl is actually a spy sent by the Emperor to watch over the General Dou''s Manor. Although, Rui Wei don''t really use any of her skill, and let her days pass peacefully, being a bit extra careful doesn''t hurt.

    "3rd Madam, please enjoy." The four finished arranging the food, they all lined up in the corner, ready to serve me anytime.

    I slowly tasted the food, savoring it''s taste.

    ''Delicious!'' Rui Wei''s eating speed rose up as she quickly, and elegantly stuff the food on her mouth and chew it quietly. The three maids were quite astonished at Rui Wei''s eating speed, while her personal maid which tried to kill Madam Lou had a smug look on her face as if saying ''I know my Madam well.'' Unfortunately, Rui Wei still do not know her name.

    After Rui Wei finished eating, they also quickly clean everything and left. Rui Wei''s dowry maid then entered carrying a water basin,they helped her wash Rui Wei''s hand and change into sleeping wear, which is a 3 layer white gown.

    After that, they respectfully bowed and left. Instead of sleeping, Rui Wei actually just lay on her bed and guide the water Qi through her veins and sometimes, guiding it towards the little guy on her stomach.

    --

    The sun rose, and so did Rui Wei. She didn''t wait for her maids to wake her up, as she casually drape a pink robe over her night wear which is a three layered dress.

    Rui Wei opened the door and surprisingly, a maid was already there (it was the one who tried to kill the 1st wife). This time Rui Wei scrutinized the maid in front of her, she has a healthy tanned skin, her face smooth, she has a slightly pursed lips, and a neutral eyes, her hair was neatly tied in a pony tail.

    Rui Wei remembered that she did order this maid to prepare her bath before she woke up, Rui Wei tilted her head, as she almost forgot about it. Her mind was full of thoughts to get her own spacial ring.

    "Madam, your bath has been prepared." The maid respectfully said as she extended her hand.

    "Oh, is that so." Rui Wei took her extended hand and walked outside the room-- She drape a black cloth on Rui Wei, as it was quite chilly, and the bathroom is quite far from my room.

    "What''s your name?" Rui Wei asked in a neutral tone.

    "Eh?!" After she heard Rui Wei''s question, she froze and looked back at her, her face full of disbelief, but she soon regained her composure and sadly replied.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    "This one is called Wu Sona...." She dejectedly said with her head bowed.

    As Rui Wei and entourage walked on the hall. Wu Sona would sneak a glance at Rui Wei, then shift her gaze away.

    ''Aiyah, Sona your gaze is hurting this lady here, it''s not my fault that I can''t remember your name, It''s just I don''t want any attachments to people of this place, ok? This lady is just staying here for a short period of time.'' Rui Wei internally shook her head.

    -- Spirit Hot Spring, this was specially crafted after General Dou won a war with rebels. The Emperor especially invited several famed crafters to create this Hotspring.

    Rui Wei''s sky blue hair scattered on the hot spring adorned with the White petals of White rose, making it look dream like. The girl stared at her own reflection in the water, big watery eyes, small pointed nose, small cherry like lips, milky white skin, with a slightly red cheeks.

    All in all, cute!

    "Haaaaa--- Spirit Hot springs are the best~" This spirit hot spring has the purest Water Qi, that Rui Wei have absorbed ever since transmigrating over.

    Rui Wei blankly stared at the mist. She started to control the mist and found that she have no difficulties on doing so.

    Then she condensed the mist on her hands and tried to solidify it into ice. The mist started to take form and freeze, it slowly froze into a butterfly. Creating Ice from mist took more time than Rui Wei expected, she creased her brows.

    ''Meh, I''ll just stick to my other techniques.''

    --

    After 3 minutes I got up and left the hotspring... In fact, pregnant woman should not bath in a since there are risk.. For normal pregnant woman. I''m a water mage, what could the risk be? I even absorbed the pure water qi.

    As soon as Sona saw me, she quickly put the robe on me, and the other maids which I think Sona called; helped me dry my hair and get dressed. They simply tied the half-top of my hair into braids, and let the half-down, freely flow down on my knees.

    Now then, let''s set off to find that stinky steward, and have a good talk. The quicker I get my own spatial ring, the better. I also need it when I roam this world~

    Lii is the Steward of General Dou''s Manor, he is managing the financial affairs of the whole manor, until the 1st wife Madam Lou gets into a good shape. Lii is General Dou''s bestfriend, a comrade in arms, but 5 years ago (or so the rumors go around) Lii was seriously wounded and cannot go into wars anymore, so General Dou offered Lii the steward position since Lii has quite a good brain.

    "Um.. Madam Cheng-- about that...." Lii sat opposite of me, his expression quite troubled. I quietly sip my tea-- Guuh... bitter!

    I endured the bitterness on my mouth. It is well known that I have a sweet tooth, why did the maids give me a tea?!

    After I swallowed the bitter tea, I gave steward Lii a smile that did not reach my eyes.

    "Was my request a bit too much, I wonder~"

    "No-- Madam Cheng it''s just that-- we only have the Yellow spatial ring.. So why not just wait until we get our hands on a blue one?" Steward Lii, said.

    "I want the yellow one now. And just a send a word to my father, he should at least get me an Indigo spatial ring." My Father the prime minister should have the power to get his hands on an Indigo Spatial Ring.

    Spatial rings are ranked into Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. In short in a rainbow manner, the Violet Spatial ring is indeed rare but still obtainable. The Indigo Spatial ring is quite common on noble houses, I bet ny fatger has one, as it''s usually used by the head of the house.

    I happily left Steward Lii''s room, looking at my left hand, I satisfactorily smiled at the Yellow ring on my thumb. The yellow spatial ring has a (40x40) square room, although quite small, it''s still satisfying to own one!

    ---

    The days passed quite painfully, my contraction appeared. I, who almost never left her room, am now really stuck.

    Until true labor, came-- The differences of contraction and labor are not that far, but the pain is almost the same.

    I''m crying-- this is why... Uuuh.

    "DOCTOR LOLA!! QUICKLY CALL DOCTOR LOLA!!" Sona shouted in panic, she was holding a basin of water, she sat on the side of the bed, and wiped Rui Wei''s sweat.

    The maids constant hurried footstep could be heard inside-out of the room. The door was left open, Sona clutched my hand--

    "3rd Madam, they have already called for Doctor Lola, please don''t worry." Sona was more anxious than me-- seeing her panicked reaction, and her hair that was neatly tied in a bun, is now slightly falling, several baby hairs were sticking on her sweaty face.

    "Ahahahahah! No worries, no worries~ I''m the one giving birth." Rui Wei who is supposedly emotionless actually laughed in a situation where people would start getting nervous.

    Rui Wei''s face contracted as she felt an immense pain.

    "Aaaaaaaaaaaah!!" Rui Wei screamed, scaring Sona that she almost jumped, but Sona''s hands were clutched by Rui Wei, Sona almost cried in pain at Rui Wei''s grip on her hand.

 Chapter 5: Ruzi

    "Aaaaaaaaaaaah!!" Rui Wei''s scream resounded through the whole manor, clearly louder than Fui Rong''s scream, the other maids seeing Sona''s hands turning white from Rui Wei''s grip.

    No one dared to get closer.

    Her scream sent shivers to the people who heard it. Outside her Manor, one could only see Doctor Lola''s panicked figure, once she heard the scream, her pace immediately accelerated. Behind her were a bunch of disciples who carried her things.

    "Contraction? should be finished... Labor? Condition? has your water broke?" Doctor Lola,continuously asked, as her figure immediately got a hold of Rui Wei''s wrist. She then pressed her finger on it, feeling the beat of her pulse.

    "Prepare the blanket and the hot water basin-- Her water is about to break." Doctor Lola quickly said as she snatched a towel on a disciple near her, she wiped Rui Wei''s sweat, then started chanting--

    As she finished chanting, a magic circle appeared on Rui Wei''s bed. The runes on the magic circle rotated, and Rui Wei''s deathly pale complexion lessened a bit. Doctor Lola quickly untied Rui Wei''s silk belt, and unceremoniously flipped over her dress, peeking over her lower half. But Rui Wei, couldn''t care less, as the immense pain she is feeling is just unbearable for her.

    "A bit more, and her water will break-- Where are the blankets?! Align yourselves properly!! Where is the brewed medicine?! It should be finished by now!! The one holding the towels, get here!!"

    The Cheng Residence was in a chaos, one can only hear a high pitched scream and hurried steps of Doctor Lola''s disciples, and the Maids.

    "PUSH!! JUST A BIT MORE!! I CAN ALREADY SEE THE HEAD!!" Doctor Lola, shouted at the top of her lungs, she said this while holding Rui Wei''s legs, as if her legs weren''t wide enough.

    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAh!! j��2-?1>???$Tf��:��j!!" Rui Wei shouted words that could not be deciphered, she pushed it like hell and it still won''t come out-- She could faintly hear her bones creaking--

    ''MOFU!! ISN''T THIS THE SAME AS DYING?!''

    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaargh!!!" Soon Rui Wei''s shrill scream turned into a battle like shout, her deathly white face was full large beads of sweats, the bed was soon full of blood as a small figure finally came out of Rui Wei''s womanly part.

    "JUST A BIT MORE!!! PUUUUUSH!!!" The Cheng Manor was filled with Rui Wei''s shrill scream and Doctor Lola''s thundering shout.

    "UWAaaaaah-- Aaaaah!!" Finally a baby''s cry resounded the room, Rui Wei heavily breathed a sigh of relief. Rui Wei unconsciously ungripped Sona''s hand which left a hand print.

    *haaah* *haaah*

    Rui Wei''s blue hair sticking on her face, her chest huffing and puffing, catching up at her own breath...Sona quickly wiped Rui Wei''s bead size sweat.

    ''MoFu finally!! This lady here is almost dead!''

    "Congratulations, Madam Cheng it''s a boy." Doctor Lola''s voice interrupted Rui Wei''s thought.

    I looked over Doctor Lola, who was washing my bloodied baby, after she washed the baby in a bucket of hot water, a disciple quickly handed over a towel. Doctor Lola then bundled the baby and gave it to me--Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    "Madam Cheng, look-- he inherited your hair..." She said as she handed me the baby,

    I, with full effort receive the baby, I tugged the towel slightly and looked at the baby--

    ''Uwahhh-- looks like a peeled potato-- no, I mean cute--''

    As Doctor Lola said, the baby inherited my blue hair, he has a milky white skin, and normal baby blush on his chubby cheeks.

    "Madam Cheng, have you thought of this child''s name? Or will you wait for Master to name him?" Unknown to me steward Lii was already at the door.

    ''Eh-- Name-- that''s right name!! I completely forgot about that! Name-- name, name-- I absolutely can''t have that idiot name this kid, I''m the one who suffered on carrying this baby ya'' know?!''

    "Dou Ruzi." I smilingly looked at the baby, the baby met my eyes and giggled.

    "Oh, I''ll tell Master when he gets back-- and please do pardon his absence, the war between the Luluon Kingdom and our kingdom, have been quite intense, as the Luluon Kingdom are going all out this time." Steward Lii apologetically said, but his voice carried a faint worry.

    How could he not? He was afterall injured in a war that rendered his left hand useless-- and his legs left with a frightening scar, after steward Lii confirmed that I have decide on the baby''s name he did not stay anymore and left.

    --

    Doctor Lola left me with a bunch of nourishment fruits and medicines, that she even have to take back some.

    As Doctor Lola left, I weakly stood up with the help of Sona, my dowry maids has long taken Ruzi to his room.

    "Sona, help me get clean..." My voice lacked the usual coldness on it, as it only contained fatigue.

    ''For pete''s sake, with all the blood down there and my body which is covered in sweat, it''s just too uncomfortable! If this people would just leave me alone and let me use the Water Qi to cleanse myself-- that''s impossible though.''

    Sona helped me clean my body and change into fresh clothes, after I get back to my room, it was already blood free, with no single stain left. As soon as I lay on the bed, a maid opened the door carrying a crying baby

    "Madam, young master won''t stop crying-- we did everything, but he still didn''t stop, the Senior Maid also said, that a new born child should always be at the mother''s side. Even Madam Lou''s child is always on her side..." The maid quickly said as she passed me the crying Ruzi, who immediately stopped crying and instead cuddle on my arms. Seeing this, the maid bowed and left in a lightning speed.

    ''Does she hate babies that much??!''

    I gently placed Ruzi on my side, and slowly drift on my dreams....

    --

    I barely had any sleep when--

    "Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!AAAAAaaaaaaaaaaah!" A piercing cry woke me up, I coldly look at the flailing figure by my side.

    ''Babies-- the ultimate horror for mothers, but nor for me''

    I gently placed my hand on him and started to guide the Water Qi, entering his body... As the Water Qi entered his body, he stopped flailing and started to fall asleep...

    I simply made him sleep, and also nourishing his body... After guiding the Water Qi on his body for a period of time..

    That should be enough--

    I was gonna sleep when I remembered, that absorbing the Water Qi around me should help me  feel more refreshed.

    I entered a semi-conscious state which I unconsciously guide the Water Qi on my body--

    As I closed my eyes, all I could see was the blue floating dots on the surroundings, and a small bundle of water qi on my side.

    ''That should be Ruzi.''

    ''Hmm?!''

    On the ceiling, there is also a bundle of Water Qi, it didn''t move, Rui Wei observed the Bundle of Water Qi on the ceiling--

    ''By the vague shape-- it should be a man... is it an assassin?''

    Rui Wei readied herself.... If the figure try to make a move on them-- she''ll freeze the Water Qi on his body.

    One hour has passed, the figure on the roof is staying-still.

    ''Should I just freeze this guy?''

    *swish*

    The figure immediately disappeared without a trace, but on Rui Wei''s semi conscious view, all the water qi around the figure''s former place, were already starting freeze.

    ''Hmmp!! Either he felt cold and mistook it for having his instincts tell him to run, or he was observing me and Ruzi.... ''

    After this-- I''ll definitely find whoever that figure is-- I afterall have memorized his figure.

    Ahh-- leaving now... would be quite complicated-- considering that the war is still on fire, they might come in a conclusion that the Luluon kingdom have kidnapped me, the Great General''s 3rd wife and the Prime Minister''s daughter-- It would be a huge slap on them... And-- the biggest problem is--

    I stared at the baby beside me.

    ''What to do with this?''

 Chapter 6: The Horror

    ''I guess I should watch him grow up first.''

    I lied back to the bed and got back to my semi-conscious state.

    Rui Wei can immediately freeze the condensed water. But freezing the Water Qi itself takes time.... The spy who was even watching over them was able to escape from her grasp.

    Rui Wei spent the night cultivating.

    In the middle of the night, she unknowingly had a successful breakthrough, followed by another one--

    Her second breakthrough attracted the Water Qi like a magnet, she felt the immense amount of Water Qi gather around her.

    When the Water Qi continuously entered her, it started to rotate around her, making the room freezing cold.

    ''Is this a disruption in water Qi?! What''s happening?'' Rui Wei was confused with the sudden increase of Water Qi.

    -

    Rui Wei''s previous breakthrough were nothing to mention, it did not attract this kind of amount of Water Qi, but she did indeed felt refreshed-- she always thought that she was just imagining things. She did not feel an increase of power like what the other cultivators feel when they breakthrough, so Rui Wei does not know what is happening.

    Rui Wei, is laying on her bed looking like she is on a deep sleep, the baby on her left side is also sleeping peacefully.

    Her beautiful face suddenly frowned-- as if she encountered a problem...

    The Water Qi was abnormally circling around her, making the room drop the temperature--

    ''This...''

    The baby, feeling uncomfortable woke up on his blissful sleep and broke the silence of the night with his piercing cry.

    "UWAAAAaaaaaah!!! Aaaaaaaaah! Waaaaah!!"

    Rui Wei''s concentration was disrupted, and she was suddenly cut off in her semi-conscious state.

    The Water Qi stopped rotating and slowly floated in a random manner.

    Her eyes snapped open, as she tasted a metal like liquid and then--

    "Bleurgh--" she puked a mouthful of blood.

    The white sheets were immediately saturated with her blood, Ruzi was still crying and flailing on her side.

    ''Fuck-- Qi Backlash!!... That should be a supposedly breakthrough... But--''

    I looked at the crying Ruzi at my side, and could only sigh...

    ''Ugh, next time I need to cultivate in a more secluded place.''

    Rui Wei sighed, she extended her hands and gently caressed his forehead, a light enveloped him making him fall asleep.

    Rui Wei stood up and cleaned the blood on the sheets.

    After that Rui Wei gently put her hands in her chest, feeling her beating heart. She slowly and surely guided the water qi inside her, healing her damaged internal organs--

    Rui Wei indulge herself on healing her internal injuries, Rui Wei kneaded her injuries patiently--The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Ruzi''s peaceful breathing, was the only thing that could be heard inside the room, as Rui Wei has already managed to master a breathing technique which helps her hide the sound of her breath.

    ---

    3rd Madam Residence;

    A gentle knock resounded the silent room.

    "Madam Cheng-- your breakfast has been prepared, shall I bring the food here?"

    Hearing the voice, Rui Wei stopped her meditation, she got up the bed and opened the door, what welcomed her was a maid with dark-green hair paired with a dull brown eyes, her hair neatly tied in a bun.

    "Where''s Sona?" Rui Wei curiously asked.

    "Ah-- Ah, about that Madam-- unfortunately, Sona caught a cold, afraid that she''ll infect you... She asked me to replace her for the time being..." The maid nervously said...

    ''I guess my cold monotonous voice is back, huh.''

    ''And-- did my grip hurt that much?''

    "Oh, I see... Just bring the food here." After saying that, She turned her back and go back inside the room. Ruzi was already awake, he was curiously looking all over the place, once he saw Rui Wei he happily squeaked.

    Rui Wei picked up the baby.

    "ohoh~ You little demon, causing your mother so much pain-- And still looking so cute and innocent..." Just thinking how many things happened in a single night, Rui Wei could;t help but feel a heartache on failure of breaking through.

    Rui Wei playfully bit Ruzi''s plentiful cheeks.

    "Hmmm-- If you don''t grow up fast... It''ll be a pity..." She whispered.

    ''I''ll have to at least find a capable person to rear him.''

    The maid came back with the food, she laid out everything on the table.

    Rui Wei stood up and started eating.

    As soon as Rui Wei finished eating, she noticed that the maid seemed to be hesitating to say something.

    "Do you have something to speak of?" Rui Wei glanced at the maid as she washed her hands on the basin.

    "Madam, is it not time to breast feed young master?" The maid curiously asked.

    Rui Wei''s hands stopped moving, as she slowly lifted her head and stare at the maid.

    "B-breast feed?" Rui Wei asked with eyes full of fear.

    "Eh? Yes...." The maid answered quite confused of Rui Wei''s reaction.

    ''Mofu!! In reincarnation stories they always complain at how much their pride have been trampled! But-- what about me?! My pride will be trampled again and again while feeling an immense pain!''

    Remembering how her sister always complained at breastfeeding, Rui Wei couldn''t help but shiver-- at that time she always joked her sister.. But now that she was about to do it-

    ''No, no, no, no way!!''

    I looked at the maid and asked with full of eyes hope.

    "Aren''t there some commoners willing to breastfeed a baby? Go and hire some!" Rui Wei quickly said.

    "E-eh? B-but Madam... Doctor Lola said that you need to do it, as your body will provide the necessary nutrients for young master.... And having someone else breastfeed young master isn''t the least bit recommendable."

    ''Done-- I''m done.''

    "O-oh... Y-you''re dismissed..." I spiritedly said as I unwillingly sat on the bed, and put Ruzi beside me.

    Rui Wei looked very unwilling, she racked her brains for ideas to avoid breastfeeding Ruzi...

    ''That''s right!!''

    ''Water Qi!! That''s right!! Nutrients you say, what are those nutrients compared to Water Qi?''

    Rui Wei hopefully put her index finger on Ruzi''s stomach--

    She led the water qi inside Ruzi, he immediately quieted and started showing signs of falling asleep.

    Rui Wei have been guiding the external Qi from outside to Ruzi''s dantian, but as of now, Rui Wei gave her own Qi to Ruzi.

    ---

    The days passed peacefully on the General''s Manor, until the news of General Dou being seriously injured in the war reached the manor.

    The Manor was in a chaotic state. Madam Lou, became restless and sent her servants in and out to deliver a message. They were trying to communicate with the General but unfortunately they were not able to get even a single reply. The King personally sent a letter that they have already invited an elder from a certain sect, and the people in the Manor should be reassured.

    Skyne Lily became sick from worry, and her condition worsened by day. Her paternal family worried about her, sending many nourishing medicines, and foods, but Lily refused them all. Even now, her father is requesting an audience to her, every single day a servant from her paternal family would request Lily to see her father---

    But Lily locked herself on her room, refusing to leave.

    Madam Lou, even let Lily''s father in-- but Lily still stubbornly kept herself inside her room.

    ''Too childish-- If I must say....'' Rui Wei thought as she listened to Sona blabber the events within the mansion.

    Rui Wei peacefully sat on a expensive chair, she calmly flipped the book on her hands, beside her is Sona who is watching over Ruzi inside a crib.

    Rui Wei is probably the only person within this Mansion who is not affected with General Dou''s news.

    ---

    After the hectic day, the night soon fell.

    It was creepily silent at night specially at the 3rd Madam''s Residence; Cheng Manor.

    From the Cheng Manor, a shadow flashed and disappeared.

    The figure quietly and sneakily moved towards the wall, which it climb on.

    The figure did everything quickly and cleanly, that if anyone saw it, they might think that they were just hallucinating.

    The black figure jumped out, then once again dashed, completely disappearing on the dark night--

 Chapter 7: Lost

    Night.

    Inside The General''s Manor; The moonlight illuminated the place, the whole Manor was creepily silent, that if a needle was dropped it would be clearly heard.

    The 3rd Madam''s residence; Cheng manor

    Inside Rui Wei''s room;

    Rui Wei was lying on her bed, her face showed tranquility, whereas the usual little figure on her side is nowhere to be found.

    Rui Wei has persuaded Delia, Ruzi''s wet nurse to separate Ruzi from her whenever she sleeps.

    As to prevent any interruptions on her future breakthroughs.

    Cultivating at night has the great benefits for Water Mages, which has not been discovered due to the scarcity of Water Mages who actually cultivates.

    Rui Wei could differentiate the Water Qi into 3 different colors, light blue, Blue, and dark blue.

    The one she absorbs are the pale blue light, the Water Qi that the world provides.

    The blue water qi appears on Mists, condensed water, or any water sources.

    The Dark blue appears on things like, mud, soup, blood, or any kinds of liquid which is contaminated or mixed with other elements.

    ---

    In the middle of the night, I peacefully lied on my bed. My body greedily absorbing the rich Water Qi within the perimeters.

    "..." I felt a presence approach the manor. And soon a figure sneakily placed itself within the roof.

    ''Wow, he actually have the guts to come back....'' My eyes twitched at the spy''s guts to come back.

    ''Well, time for me make a move, huh.''

    It was the same figure which I almost freezed-- but escaped.

    ''Now then...''

    I controlled the water from the fake lake outside, slowly turning it into a mist, It slowly rose up reaching the roof.

    The mist enveloped the whole Cheng residence.

    ''Let''s scare him a little bit....'' I controlled the water on lake to to produce a dripping sound.

    *Drip*

    *Drip*

    The person stayed on the roof just like last time.

    ''Hmm.....Freezing him a little would do the trick, probably.''

    I stopped absorbing the Water Qi, and focused on freezing the Water Qi inside his back...

    *Thud*

    He suddenly jumped down, it produce a small sound that is barely noticeable.

    ''Oiya?''

    I only froze a little bit of Water Qi on his back and he already gave up... tch.

    I got down my bed, and changed my clothes in a casual clothes, I casted my self-taught Water illusion spell on my whole body.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    My figure vividly changed into a young man''s, and my face looked so normal that if you threw me in a crowd you would have a hard time finding me.

    The spell is still imperfect but quite good, the spell only works within a certain distance from me, once someone gets closer to me, they''ll vividly see through illusion... I''m still practicing the skill.

    ''Well, time for me to move!''

    Since it is night, there was no source of light other than the moonlight.

    But from my sight, I can see the more concentrated water qi floating around. A bundle of dark water qi, dashed on the roof of my manor towards the wall.

    ''There he is!''

    He quickly run over the wall and jumped, I followed his figure (more like the bundle of dark blue Water Qi).

    As he jumped out of the wall which is 4 times over my height, I also jumped over by using water as my support.

    He would occasionally look at my direction, which I would conceal my self within the shadows.

    The moonlight illuminated the street, it;s light peeking over the alleyway, one could barely see anything inside the alleys-- I''m wondering how that guy found his way.

    I can only vaguely see the structure of the alleys, and I''m mainly just following the path that the gutsy assassin takes.

    *shii*

    A mud clone suddenly run onto another direction.

    Trying to shake me off by using a clone technique?

    Unfortunately, such tricks have no effect on me-- that clone completely lacked water qi that a normal human should have.

    My prey stopped in an corner and waited if I would chase after his clone..

    I dashed over the roof above him, watching him, what he is about to do--

    *sigh*

    He breathed a sigh of relief and lowered his guard.

    ''Oiya-- did he seriously think that I already stopped my pursuit.''

    He relaxed his body, completely letting his guard down, he flicked his hands and his cloths changed into a commoners cloth.

    ''Fast!''

    I looked more closely and saw a blue light dimly flickering on his index finger.

    ''Blue space ring-- His Master must be quite generous as to bestow a servant with a blue ring.''

    Following him went quite well, as the guy has his guard down--

    He left the alleyway, casually going inside an inn. The inn keeper paid no mind on the man returning in the middle of the night, rather he became elated when he saw him.

    "Ah-- hey, uncle how was tonight? Who did you pick..?" The Innkeeper which is a middle aged man, showed a vulgar expression as he asked the man.

    "Eheheh~ tsk, Mister you should have come with me! Seya''s body was so soft! Her waist was like a dancing snake! Her moans were just--" The man showed a satisfied expression as he continued to describe his nonexistent intimate relationship to a prostitute or so I assume.

    The two chatted for at least 10 mins, laughing and talking about the nonexistent experience of the man.

    After that, the man went towards the second room where his room is, and secluded himself. His vulgar expression completely gone, instead his face showed contempt.

    He sat on the chair, and bring out a pen and paper from his ring.

    He started to write a letter, I tried to estimate what he is writing by the water qi on the ink.

    Ink also have a little tiny bit of water qi, so looking carefully---

    ''Ah-- that''s my name...''

    -- Rui Wei, the Prime minister''s daughter have given birth to a son--- This one failed to clean her, as I felt a chill and retreated.... Tonight was the same, I presume that some force is protecting her. --

    ''Heeeh''

    While he was busy writing, small spikes made of ice were stalled in air behind him.

    He rolled the paper, and put it in a carrier pigeon. Before he could release the pigeon--

    *Stab*

    "?!?"

    Before he could understand what happened to him, the ice spike already went through his throat, the other spikes also piercing at his vital parts. His blood were frozen by Rui Wei before leaving his wounds.

    I enveloped the pigeon on the water, then making it sleep.

    *Clank*

    *Clank*

    Some frozen blood fell on the floor, while the other connected to his body.

    I got down from my position, and went to take a closer look.

    His face was full of shock and confusion.

    It looked quite brutal-- but,

    I continued to freeze his whole body....

    ''Uwah-- this is more harder than I thought.''

    As I continue to freeze his whole body I could feel my energy slipping out of me.

    "Haaa...."

    I stored his frozen body inside my storage ring, and the carrier pigeon. I then cleaned all of the parts where I stood or stayed.

    I jumped out of the window from the second floor of the inn, I safely landed, and agilely dashed back to the alley...

    As I was going through the alleyways, the structures all seems to be the same....

    ''A--re? Ehh? Where was the way back?''

    One must know that Rui Wei as a noble lady, and one with a Water Body, she has never went out alone, nor in foot outside.... she has always travel by means of a sedan chair or carriage.

    A figure continuously run around the same alleyways again and again. It then stopped in a specific place-- It was Rui Wei.

    Although Rui Wei has read a whole bunch of books about this worlds geography, small details like the alleyways of the commoners street will always be neglected.

    I closed my eyes, and did my best to recall the way back.

 Chapter 8: Plans

    *Huff* *Huff*

    Rui Wei stood in front of the large walls of the General''s Manor.

    ''Finally... This lady have already memorized the pathways within the alley nest to this Manor! If anyone asked me to draw a map outta my memory of that alley, I would draw it and smack it on their face!''

    Rui Wei, jumped over the walls using water as support and quickly dashed back to her manor.

    Rui Wei groggily slump on her bed, just to stand upagain... Changing her clothes and not forgetting to dispel the spell. Then sleep on her bed.

    ---

    I have only slept for 4 hours, when a maid to came running inside my room, holding a brawling Ruzi.

    "Aaaaaaawwaaaa waaaaaa!!"

    I looked at the source of the noise, seeing the maid standing with a helpless face, I have already cursed the maid''s 9 generation of family.

    ''Why the hell did you even apply as a wet nurse?!''

    I sat up on my bed, Ruzi noticing the movement curiously looked, seeing it was me he stopped crying, and extended his small flubby hands towards my direction.

    "Aaa uuuh--- aaaa" Seeing this the maid let out a sigh of relief.

    She really can''t be blamed, Ruzi has in fact been crying for more than 4 hours, she already did everything, she even performed some Magical skills that fascinate babies, forget about crying, kids would stubbornly ask her to repeat her magic trick... Which is some showy magic circles and other arts that have no use in battles.

    The maid quickly handed Ruzi over, then retreating to the side with her head bowed.

    Rui Wei, took Ruzi in her arms. Looking at his deep blue eyes...

    ''Uwah--- He even inherited my blue eyes....''

    *Giggles*

    Rui Wei rubbed her cheeks against Ruzi, he then cutely laughed and clung in Rui Wei''s clothes.

    Seeing Ruzi smile made Rui Wei unconsciously smile back. Rui Wei once again laid back to her, this time with Ruzi on her side...

    ----

    Time passed and in a blink of an eye, two months have passed.

    My nightly activity have continued, the assassin which have tried to kill me was in fact sent by the opposing party which is the Luluon kingdom. And Madam Lou was also attacked by assassins, but the people of the General Manor quickly dealt with it and even capture the assassin, not even a bit of the happenings was leaked outside.

    As expected of the people serving the so-called God of War.

    The question is--

    If there are assassins sent by the Luluon Kingdom to dispose of General Dou''s 1st wife, did they not think that the same thing might apply on me nor Lily?Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    Well...

    Lou Fui Rong has 6th rank Martial artists and 5th rank mages as her bodyguards. And Steward Lii increased the bodyguards assigned after the attack.

    Skyne Lily has 5th rank martial artists and Mages as her bodyguards, most of her bodyguards were sent by her paternal family, and a small part of them from the General''s Manor. Her bodyguards have also increased, but the fact that she haven''t step out of her room and eat less and less haven''t change at all.

    While I on the other hand, only have the measly Sona who is on the peak 4th rank, she is the strongest person on my side.... as most people on my side have only entered the early 4th rank, and below, be it on martial artists nor Mages....

    So here''s a Fun Fact; Steward Lii have purposely given me people who have the lowest cultivation level inside this Manor. My bodyguards and the guards assigned on my Residence have not been changed nor did they increase; even if there is a high chance that the enemy shall send assassins to kill me and Ruzi, Steward Lii did not increase my bodyguards nor people on my side have the ability to protect me from the assassins.

    Steward Lii, is one of people from the Palace.

    Well, General Dou and Steward Lii are both serving the Emperor....

    And this supposedly wise Emperor has given him an order to eliminate me, and see if Ruzi have the ability to cultivate, if he doesn''t; they must also dispose of him. The reason being the Prime Minister which is my Father; might control General Dou through me or Ruzi. General Dou was in fact alive and kicking they just spread the rumor that he is heavily injured to fool the Luluon Kingdom which is quite effective, and he is not aware of the Emperor''s plan of disposing me and Ruzi, but I doubt that he''ll care...

    The Emperor uses his subject''s family, loved ones and many more things to tie the people he founds useful within his kingdom.

    The examples is Lulu the Ice Mage, she was once valued and highly praised by the Emperor, but she met a bottleneck and is stuck at the middle of 5th rank, although her prowess is not in anyway inferior... her usefulness in a war has greatly decreased due to General Dou''s exceptionally trained soldiers which are now fighting with the Luluon Kingdom and is on the winning side. Now, why is this Ice Mage stuck here as a mere kitchen maid, if Ice Mages were rare?

    Simply because the Emperor holds Lulu''s family as hostage, if Lulu dares to leave the Kingdom her whole family will be massacred, quite a common case in a Monarch-Subject relationship.

    There''s also the Wind Mage Turi, she has a twin which is a martial artist; who is participating in the war. Turi as a rare wind mage should in fact find a large influential sect and have that sect save her brother, just... her brother have been brainwashed by the Emperor so she has no choice but to meekly serve as a maid as of now.

    I say, their talents are greatly wasted here... If they enter large influential sect , like the Phoenix Sect, Heavens Sword Sect, Culiao Sect and many many more... they will definitely be greatly valued due to their talents... Lulu, even though she''s stuck at mid 5th rank, can just take a pill to advance in ranks, afterall an Ice Mage is hard to find.

    Just the sad truth is, before they could leave the kingdom, the Emperor would already know their motives. And their families would be in danger.

    Investigating things just fuels my desire to leave this place ... But then looking at Ruzi, I can only shake my head, procrastinate things ''till Ruzi can at least walk properly...

    ---

    Almost a year has passed...

    Skyne Lily in the end gave birth to a not-so-healthy baby girl... Lily after giving birth has been in comma ''till now, Doctor Lola is doing her best to maintain Lily''s weak breath. Her baby has been temporarily adopted by Madam Lou.

    The war between the two kingdoms has temporarily stopped... But General Dou, has not even once set foot on the General''s Manor, I think that they just they stopped but still fought secretly...

    I didn''t have the time to investigate the reason, as I am busy preparing for my false death..

    That''s right, I will stage mine and Ruzi''s false death..

    Ruzi has started to wobbly walk into places and will not fail to cry whenever he realize that he has been separated from me.

    One more thing, the Maid Wu Sona is, for some unknown reason; is worshiping me... Her worshiping gaze is hurting this lady here.

    I sat on the makeshift couch on my garden, Sona made this by shaping the ground in couch then putting layers upon layers of soft fabrics.

    Ruzi is busy playing with the maids, while I am reading a book from the Dila Kingdom. Well I look like I am engrossed in reading the book, when I''m just planning on how I should make my false death more realistic.

    I have already collected the necessary information and things to create my false death... I want to make it look like a very natural death, as I don''t want the overly anxious Emperor to investigate my death.

 Chapter 9: Faking Death

    I have originally planned on a fake assassination, then creating a clay body to fake; mine and Ruzi''s body... But, steward Lii had received an order from the Emperor to quickly exterminate me, leaving Ruzi behind to test his aptitude before finalizing whether they should keep Ruzi or dispose him.

    Steward Lii have already planned my death. He plans to kill me a minute before General Dou comes back, then pinning the blame on the Luluon kingdom, I doubt that the Oh-so-Great-but-idiotic-General will immediately believe him... Fanning General Dou''s anger towards the Luluon Kingdom, so he will kill the enemy without a shred of mercy... Really, knocking two birds with one stone, or so he thinks.

    Plotting against this lady here? Hello~ you don''t know that I watch your every move...

    You think that this lady here would just silently slip out? Come on, now...

    My mouth unconsciously formed an arc, I used the book to hide my smile that will surely sent shivers to anyone who''ll see....

    ***2 months passed***

    3rd Madam''s Residence; Cheng Manor

    A cheerful laugh of a baby resounded through the room.

    Ruzi joyfully ran after a cat made out of ice, whenever he falls or stumble on his short legs, Rui Wei would support him back on feet using water. Strangely there were no one inside the room besides the two of them... Even Sona who sticks to Rui Wei like a glue is nowhere to be found.

    Rui Wei is quietly reading her book, sitting comfortably in a chair, while controlling the water to support Ruzi who was running around the room. As she was about to flip onto the next page, her hand stopped in mid-air.

    ''They''re here!''

    Rui Wei stood, flipping her hands and storing the book inside her Spatial ring, she quickly picked Ruzi then jumped onto the window where a makeshift pond is, controlling the water then concealing their figure inside the pond.

    Rui Wei inside the pond sent out a sliver of her consciousness to start the formation that she set up inside the room, several talismans floated in mid-air and shot out on her previous location, creating a figure.. The figure was an exact copy of Rui Wei-- except if you look closely. like very closely.. The Rui Wei figure is not breathing.

    This is a technique that Rui Wei copied from the Earth Mages, this technique contained her sweat and blood, she''ve put too much effort on it that she almost forgot what her name was.

    The figure just sat on the chair, holding a book on it''s hands...

    *swiish*

    Four figures jumped on Rui Wei''s ceiling, they observed Rui Wei (the figure) first then looked around the room as if they were trying to find something-- after a while, they have confirmed that Rui Wei was alone.

    They then simultaneously formed a hand sign and chanted.... as they chanted, A red magical circle enveloped the whole Cheng Residence... The red magical circle only stayed for a short while, then immediately disappearing without a trace, after performing the formation, the four quickly left.

    Minutes quietly passed until--

    *fwiiish*

    The Cheng residence was suddenly set ablaze. It started from where the makeshift figure of Rui Wei is, then quickly spreading through the whole residence.

    Only minutes have passed when the whole residence was swallowed by an enormous fire.

    ----

    The whole General Manor was bustling with the servants running here and there. 2 months ago, a letter from the palace came; informing; That General Dou has suppressed the Luluon kingdom along with his fellow brothers, after General Dou finishes receiving his merits, he will finally be able to go home.

    Their master the Great General is finally coming home.

    And that special day is today!

    Due to the busyness there was actually a shortage of servants, even the bodyguards had to leave their post and help... The 3rd Madam even voluntarily lent her servants to the main Residence, decorating the whole place and preparing things...

    General Dou is finally coming home, it is joyful event, if not for their 2nd Madam being in a coma. Today was a supposedly joyful event for the whole manor---

    Until a huge fire swallowed the Cheng Residence inside General Dou''s Manor...

    "Hurry up!!! Hurry up!! The fire is spreading!" Servants after servants run towards the Cheng residence, completely disregarding their original works. When the servants arrived the Cheng residence, half of was already burned down, the rofs and foundations ceaselessly falling.. The crackling sound of the wood burning resounded out...

    A general manor being burned down by a fire....If this got out it''ll definitely cause a huge ruckus; afterall it is a General''s Manor and General Dou''s residence at that....

    Who in this kingdom doesn''t know how strict a Genral''s Manor is? Specially the Manor that the Great General Dou resides.

    How could it possibly caught fire by itself? How could the servants who are all 3rd rank and above; martial Artists and Mages be clumsy?

    This is clearly a provocation on the kingdom.

    The huge fire lasted over 4 hours, it was so huge that it almost burned down the whole Cheng Residence, all the servants were at lost.... They had a hard time putting out such a huge fire... And almost only ashes were left--

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Several Servants were injured, thankfully no one died.... But the trendemous problem is--

    The 3rd Madam and the 2nd young Master is missing---

    The Servants were all frantically shouting the two''s name, especially Sona, who lifted burned woods one after another, she didn''t pay attention to her hands that is full of burnt blisters, she lifted a huge block of wood that is still steaming hot.

    Losing her rationality she lifted the steaming hot remnants of the Cheng residence, she could actually just use her Qi to lift the burning wood like the other servants..

    *pssssh*

    The sounds of her hand being burnt resounded, a servant next to her couldn''t take it anymore and grabbed her hand, the huge block of hot steaming wood fell.

    *blam*

    The burnt ashes scattered, as the wood fell.

    "Stop it! Your just hurting yourself--"

    "M-madam Cheng... I need to find them.... Madam Cheng has a weak physique and the young master is barely a year old! I need to find them! What if they have been buried here? What could the 3rd Madam do? She''s a water mage!! And the 2nd young master is with her!! Isn''t it our fault that we weren''t by their side?! What if--" Sona was desperately shouting at the maid, her bloddied hands grabbed the maid''s shoulder, her eyes were ceaselessly pouring tears.

    Steward Lii, who only came after the fire has died down frowned at the frantically shouting Sona.

    "Stop that childish act! Be rational, quickly form the formation!! Those who are 4th rank come here, the 3rd ranks go help the injured!! The 5th rank and above, tightly guard the 1st and 2nd madam! All of 3rd Madam''s servants align yourselves according to yoir ranks!! " Steward Lii''s commanding voice echoed out as he give out his order, his aura as an veteran General could be seen, his figure stood straight

    The servants immediately run and aligned themselves according respective ranks, as Steward Lii ordered.

    Wu Sona was dragged by her fellow maids in a corner as they tried to calm her down.

    --

    Dou Chang You, after almost 2 years, he is finally able to get home. That Minister Cheng''s daughter should have given birth, thinking back at how that little girl dared to tease him,his smile grew wider.

    As he rode on his majestic black horse, he saw a big dark smoke coming from his Manor''s direction.

    Seeing this, his smile disappeared, instead a livid expression was stuck on his face.

    "Ready yourselves!" He shouted at his companions as he led the way to his Manor.

    The group of General Dou''s Horse galloped, leaving dust along the way.

    They quickly arrived at the Manor, General Dou ordered his companion to surround the whole Manor, as he quickly came in.

    Seeing the busy servants, he immediately run towards the source of the smoke, along the way he asked some quick-witted servant of the current events.

    "3-3rd Madam''s residence was set fire in, the culprit hasn''t been caught yet....." The servant meekly replied while trying to keep up with general Dou.

    "Lii!! Lii!! Where''s Lii?!What happened here?!" General Dou''s thundering voice echoed through the whole manor, his big strides strong and firm, quickly reaching the place where the big smoke came from..

    Dou Chang You, seeing the burned residence which is just now a pile of ashes, his expression turned viciously dark, his hand touching the hilt of the sword on his waist.

    "Who?" General Dou stretched out this one word, that is full of killing intent suffocating the people around him. He was ready to kill whoever dared to do this in his Manor.

    "Chang You, calm down, I''ve already sent people to search for the culprit. They will surely catch it. Believe in your people." Steward Lii patted General Dou''s shoulder as he led him away from the scene.

    ---

    Before the fire started to spread I changed my location... And the closest one to me is the Skyne residence, where the comatised Lily is currently stuck...

    I sat on Skyne''s Manor, disgustingly looking at the Steward....

    ''I have never seen such a disgusting person in my 2 whoooooole life!''

    ''Uwah-- What''dya mean by catch the culprit? you gonna catch yourself?''

    Although he is disgusting, I should still thank him, he helped me by burning down my Manor... Minimizing my effort... It''s just--

    I looked at Sona who was weeping in the corner, as if her whole family died, the other maids were trying their best to console her.

    ''Ah-- This is why I didn''t want to get close to anyone....''

    I sighed, as I ruffled Ruzi''s hair. Ruzi have been curiously watching the peole below, sometimes pointing and then clumsily saying one words each.

    "Mama, Fwire, wate, house." Ruzi clumsily said, as he pointed at our Manor which has been burnt to ashes.

    "Aha~ YOU JUST SAID FOUR WORDS CONTINUOUSLY!! my Ruzi is so smart!!" I hugged Ruzi and showered him with kisses.

    I stopped kissing Ruzi and put him down, he once again busied himself with the water which I control in different shapes.

    Ah, thats right... After Steward Lii tells a story to General Dou, he should start to search for my body... Even though it was a ridiculously enormous fire, he know too well that, that kind of fire isn''t sufficient enough to burn a Water Mage... He won''t necessarily find it suspicious if he can''t find any remains of Ruzi... Afterall those four should report that I was alone when they burned down the place...

 Chapter 10: Saving Lily

    I''ll have to create a make-shift kidnapping of Ruzi-- or spread a rumor outside at how some stranger carried Ruzi when the whole manor was busy.

    Yeah, that''s a good idea... I should just perform a little act of Ruzi being kidnapped, then passing the rumors around...Though that would only fan General Dou''s anger.

    I was about to go down and start to maneuver my plans, when a painful groan reached my ear...

    ''h--aaa-- aaaah---" the voice was trembling and gasping for breath.

    I frowned and looked below the roof, I flinched at the horrendous sight that I saw...

    ''Holy shit--- what is that?!''

    The bundle of water qi-- more like the bundle of black goo figure, laid on Lily''s bed.

    ''Shiiiiit, don''t tell me that''s Lily?''

    I picked up Ruzi and jumped down from my position, entering the Skyne Manor through the window. Lily laid on her bed, Doctor Lola who is supposedly doing her best to maintain Lily''s health is nowhere to be found..

    I looked at Lily without my Qi Vision---

    Her face is deathly pale, she is having a difficulty in breathing and her clothes is soaked with her sweats... Atleast she looks like a human... I once again; looked at her in my Qi Vision.

    ''Yuck--- it''s like a dark goo moving up and down.. Plain disgusting...''

    ''Lily is barely breathing... Within 3 days... No, just 39 hours or so, then she''ll die...''

    I looked outside. Haaa, if I try to save her it''ll take more than 7 hours.

    ''Let''s just let Ruzi make the decision'' I hold out my two hands.

    "Ruzi, left or right?" I waved both of my hands, Ruzi''s big limpid eyes intently looked at my hands, he even put his small hands on his chin...

    ''Cute!! Ruzi is just too cute!! I want to hug him'' I suppress my urge to hug my Ruzi... I need to quickly decide or else, that steward might find several flaws on my death...

    While I was lost in thought... Ruzi hit my right hand.... Oh.

    "Haa... You''re quite lucky... Ever since I first met you I''ve got no good impression towards you. But, since our fate has crossed, I guess ca''t leave you dying... Huh." I said as I slowly walked towards Lily, who have a puzzled look on her face.

    "W-what do you mean by that?" After saying this sentence she grasped for breath, I didn''t bother to answer her as I approached her bed and gently placed my right hand on her dantian.

    I used the most common skill of a water mage, ''Cleansing'' it is normally used to cleanse a mortals body so they could cultivate with more ease, but I''ve modified it so it can also detoxify their body.

    I guided the water accordingly, eliminating the horrendous black liquid inside her body...

    As I was detoxifying the poison out of her body, she fell asleep; maybe due to fatigue or she could finally relax.... Her pale face gradually returned it''s color.

    I also controlled water besides me to keep Ruzi company.

    After almost one hour I finally got rid of the black liquid out of her body, her water qi is now normal... But, I still have to heal her injured internal organs... Healing her internal organs was quite easy, as I already did it on my body.

    ''Hoho~ I''m a fast learner!!''

    After healing Lily, I immediately took Ruzi and left... not looking back at Lily. I have confidence that she will keep quiet at today''s event, she is after all someone who doesn''t like to admit that she needed anyone''s help.

    And she doesn''t believe in superstition, surely when she wakes up, my death would already be the topic of the whole capital.

    --

    I changed my face, body, clothes and gender... I looked at the Ice Wall I''ve created; it reflected a young man on his 20''s with red fiery head, strict eyes, and bushy brows, he''s build lean and tall, on his hands is a year or two old baby with a dark brown hair, and blue eyes, a common features in this world. Indeed, it is me and Ruzi, my illusion is almost perfect...

    The only default is the time limit. I still can''t maintain it for too long... After changing our appearance. I walked down the streets and casually entered an inn.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    I have already prepared my lodging in the neighborhood, yes, it is literally just next to the General''s Manor, afterall there is a saying that the most dangerous place is also the safest place is it not?

    Shihu Inn, it is a middle class inn; not too flamboyant nor unpleasant, it''s rank is playing in the middle. I entered the Shihu inn, people looked at me and Ruzi then seeing that I''m just a normal lad, they quickly got back to their work. I walked straight to the Inn keeper..

    "How much is one week?" I asked, the inkeeper didn''t even try to hide his boredom as he didn''t even look at me.

    "1 silver and 50 copper coins" He boredly and even yawned.

    Ah, yes the currency here is 1:100 but there are also bank notes here, you can exchange it according to your desire.

    "Then we''ll stay a week..." I have prepared a purse as I only have a yellow and indigo spatial ring, and such things as spatial rings are considered as treasures by the commoner... It is afterall weird for someone with a spatial ring to appear in such a low place like this, (yes this is considered lowclass by the nobles, of course) and it would be troublesome if I would be tracked down due some rumors right?

    I gave the exact amount to the innkeeper, the innkeeper gave me the key and called an attendant to lead me to my room.

    After getting inside my room, Ruzi immediately run towards the window side, which he couldn''t reach. I quickly picked him up again, we both looked down and watched the people pass by. I played with Ruzi for a bit and settle down inside the inn. Designing the whole room as if it was my own... Replacing the white sheets with the high class fabric, replacing the stiff bed and so on...

    I also created a formation as to prevent any unforeseen events.

    I left the room with a communication talisman, which I spent large amount of money to finally lay my hands on it, the talisman is two pairs of paper whereas if any of the paper is ripped the other would disintegrate; albeit, If some force tries to forcefully enter the room, the talisman will rip and the talisman with me will disintegrate alerting me.

    ---

    I quickly reached the General''s Manor, It''s only a road away. I changed my clothes in a maids clothes and my appearance in one of the maid''s.

    I confidently walked inside the General''s Manor, no one doubted me, and just continued doing their jobs.

    The Manor''s tensions have skyrocketed, General Dou''s anger is nothing to be taken lightly. Although he doesn''t unreasonably abuse or kill servants, just being stared by the Great General who killed thousands of enemies is almost the same as the Grim Reaper greeting you.

    I mingled with the servants which is in charge of cleaning the mess on the formerly Cheng Residence.

    "Hey! You!" As I was about to go the-formerly-Cheng-Residence a senior maid called me.

    "Yes?" I tilted my head, trying my best to look puzzled. This Senior Maid isn''t the least bit close with this maid''s Identity. The senior maid beckoned me to come with her, she brought me into the maid''s quarter, entering the room, it is quite a decent size room and a nice design. One of the bed is occupied by Sona.

    "You, what''s your name?" The senior maid asked me.

    "It''s Shin Lue..."

    "Oh right, Shin Lue, you entered the Manor the same day as Wu Sona right? Do you perhaps know her home?" She asked me as she pointed towards Sona.

    "This..." I hesitantly looked at Sona who was lying on the bed, her eyes were swelling due to crying... I do know where her home is located at, as I''ve investigated people''s backgrounds when I''m bored at cultivating... But-- I''ve procrastinated my plans too much. That Steward Lii might have started to inspect the Cheng Residence trying to find any ''remains''.

    "Ah, If you don''t know then it''s fine... We''ll just wait Sona to wake up. 3rd Madam''s death and 2nd young master''s disappearance have been quite a shock to her." The senior maid disappointingly shook her head, and sent me back on my post. I peeked my head and made sure that no one is looking as I immediately made my way through the burnt down Cheng Residence.

    I blended with the servants and started to clean the mess... They all used the minimum of their strength, controlling the dust and cleaning the place, then placing the remains of the large foundation of the former Cheng Residence.

 Chapter 11: The rumors

    I immitated the servants,I blended within the servants naturally as if I worked with them for years.

    After some time, I made sure that no one is paying attention to me, I slipped in the talisman and send it to where my room was formerly located. This talisman will create an illusion, it is one of the water mages signature move, though you would need to be 5th rank or above to properly perform it, but in my case I''ve found a shortcut which is sealing the Qi into a talisman, everyday I would spend half a day to insert Water Qi on it, it took me months to insert the required Qi.

    After I successfully slipped the talisman, I waited for it to be activated.

    *blop*

    In my Qi Vision (which Water Qi is the only thing I see) the talisman boomed out the abundant water Qi. Now, if someone were to look at it, there is one thing that would cross their mind ''a water mage died by being burned, quite sadistic''.

    Yes, it is sadistic, as a Water Mage, the Fire Qi would first evaporate the Water Qi inside the Water Mages body which would cause them to feel as if their insides are being burned, and not only that but they wouldn''t lose consciousness, feeling the hellish pain until their heart are finally burned out.

    I continued to clean with other servants, and waited for Steward Lii. I didn''t wait for long as Steward Lii immediately came, and as I expected he directly walked towards my former room. He stood there for about 10 mins, then as if not satisfied, he surveyed his surroundings carefully, afraid to miss the slighest detail.

    He called out on one of the servants.

    "When did you last see the 2nd young master?" He asked with furrowed brows.

    "This servant has last seen the 2nd young master with the 3rd Madam... I''m afraid that..." The servant uneasily looked over the pile of burned down residence.

    "Enough, go back to your work." Steward Lii after asking some questions to the servants, he finally left.

    ''Oh... The rumors.. Tsk, I still need to pass it around..''

    I queitly sneaked out and left the General''s Manor, then dispelling the sleeping art that I casted on Shin Lue, I placed her back on her quarter.

    ---

    On a certain bar, a young man with a ruffled hair, ate and talked at the same time, the food was splattering everywhere as he chewed and talked.

    "Hahahah!! You found the right person sir!" He said as he put a moutful food inside his mouth, only chewing it 3-4 times then swallowing the food.

    "Hurry up, we don''t have all day here." The man in front of him, is wearing a commoner''s cloth but it looked neat and clean without a slightest dirt, from time to time his eyes would flash with disgust, but he would quickly hide it.

    In some twist of fate, Rui Wei disguised herself as the ruffian boy who supposedly saw the kidnapping of Dou Manor''s 2nd young master. Of course this kid isn''t a made up identity, this kid''s identity is a thief, he would go around the market and accidentally bump on people.This kid metRui Wei while she was avoiding people. Rui wei was avoiding people because she didn''t Ruzi to be uncomfortable, but this kid thought that Rui Wei was avoiding people because she have a large sum of money on her. So this kid timed himself, and hid in an alley then bumping over them. Due to this guy, Ruzi almost fell down.

    Teaching him a lesson this way is like taking down two birds with one stone, Rui Wei saves time as she doesn''t have to find the kid that she investigated prior to this.As this dude in front of her would do it on her stead.

    "Did you hear? Did you hear? The 2nd young master of the Dou manor have been kidnapped??" Rui Wei would start a conversation with the person closest to her then ''secretly'' telling the person the kidnapping event of the Dou Manor''s 2nd young master.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Then if they ask for evidences he would angrily stomp his feet and yell.

    "It''s true! I even saw it!"

    --

    Rui Wei has 7 witness''s including her disguise now, of course the kidnapping scene are all illusions, those 6 witnesses are not necessarily innocent, they are all the gossipers within this city, they boast about how not a single rumor has escaped their ears.

    That''s why Rui Wei purposely gathered them and had them to ''accidentally'' witness the kidnapping event of Dou Manor''s 2nd young master.

    The rumor have spread like a wildfire, with Rui Wei''s disguise leading the rumor. She would go on every bar, restaurant and every crowded place.

    Of course, as to not arouse suspicion Rui Wei would extort people, like what the person she disguised herself as, usually do. (The guy who tried to steal things from her)

    Rui Wei have prepared for Steward Lii''s people that were sent to investigate where the rumors came from, but she didn''t expect Steward Lii to personally come, and start to invistigate...

    And she actually bumped into him...

    That''s right the man in front of Rui Wei (who is in disguise) is Steward Lii also in disguise.

    Rui Wei swallowed another mouthful of food then chugged down the juice.

    "Puaaah!! Well okay sir!" The young man with ruffled hair, wiped the left over juice on his mouth then leaned over Steward Lii, even looking around him, looking like an absolutely suspicious person.

    Steward Lii smiled stiffly at the young man''s vulgar action.

    "Sir... Promise me you won''t tell anyone, okay?" He said in his lowest voice. then cautiously looked at his surrounding, seeing that no one ''seemed'' to pay attention he began to tell the story.

    "It''s like this...." the young lad exaggeratedly started the story.

    "Psszh! The man in black suddenly jumped down Great General Dou''s wall! On his hands was the 2nd young master!! I''m sure of it! The child''s color of hair was blue, who within this whole Kingdom has the hair of color blue? It''s only the 3rd Madam and 2nd Young Master of the General''s household! After the man cladded in black jumped out he immediately disappeared! He must be at the 7th rank!" the young lad''s voice got louder and louder as he enthusiastically tell the story.

    The people around them lowered their voice, listening carefully at the young lad''s exaggerated story.

    In their mind this is not the least bit exaggerated. Sending a 7th rank mage or martial artist to kidnap General Dou''s 2nd son is just right, if they sent even a person at the peak of 6th rank then they are underestimating the Dou Manor.

    Steward Lii frowns became deeper and deeper. His eyes flashed with murderous intent, that Rui Wei almost wanted to jump out of her sit and escape.

    Rui Wei was about to continue her story when Steward Lii cut him off.

    "I got it..." Steward Lii didn''t wait for Rui Wei to reply, he instead just handed a pouch to Rui Wei, and left.

    Rui Wei of course needed to continue the act, she had to finish the food in front of her. Rui Wei looked at dozen of food in front of her, she could feel that her stomach is about to explode.

    Ah.. She have already extorted-- I mean she is already full.. Even if she is a big eater, she can''t possibly continue to eat all of this.

    "Hahaha!!" Rui Wei suddenly laughed loudly and stood.

    "Fellow brothers since I hit the jackpot today, and considering that I''m not stingy. l''ll share my happiness!" Rui Wei shouted as she ordered booze for everyone on the bar, the people on the bar cheered, while the bar was on chaos, Rui Wei gave one gold coin to the owner, then quickly left.

    Rui Wei dashed in a corner, and immediately puked.

    *bleurgh*

    *bleurgh*

    "Ugh... I''ve never eaten this much, to the point that I really puked...." Rui Wei wiped the foul smell on her mouth, then cleansed herself with water.

    Rui Wei looked at the sky, it was already dark.

    She changed her appearance. Then left the place.

    --

    At the Bar that Rui Wei just left.

    The people continued to drink booze and eat, their number one topic is the death of General Dou''s 3rd wife and the ''disappearance'' of his 2nd son.

    "But seriously.... Who have the guts do this kind of thing to the Great General Dou''s Wife and son...." A young man wearing a commoners cloth said, as he chugged his booze.

    *slap*

    "Idiot!! Who else could it be but the people of Luluon Kingdom!!" another youth beside him hit him, as he angrily slammed the table

    "Really, those cowards!! They can''t win against General Dou, so they killed his wife and kidnapped his son! Truly despicable!!" A middle aged man butted in, and angrily slam the table.

    "Those spineless cowards!!" Someone shouted, then the whole crowd in the bar followed.

    They violently stomped and slammed the table their mouths raining curses as if the one who got cheated was them.

    -

    It took only one night for the rumors of Madam Cheng''s death and her son''s ''disappearance'' to spread through the whole capital.

    The rumors continued to circulate inside the Kingdom... In a nights time almosteveryresident of the Kingdomwere awareof the events regarding the death of their great General''s wife and his son''s ''disappearance''.

 Chapter 12: Sona

    Qinli Palace.

    The Qinli Kingdom is a 6th rank kingdom under the wing of Shuilu Empire.

    Inside the King''s room, a man knelt on the floor.

    It was steward Lii.

    "Find whoever is responsible onthe kidnapping event of Chang You''s 2nd son. *We don''t mind even if you have to use a 9th rank martial artist. *We need to find what kind of mice dares to sneakily do things right under*Our nose." The King''s voice echoed through the room. Steward Lii, just silently knelt on the floor not saying anything.

    A/n: *, I used *we/us/our because the king''s voice represent''s the whole kingdom.

    "Understood." He curtsied and was about leave the room. When the King started talking again.

    "After this war... I will fulfill my promise." The King said with voice full of certainty, it was the word of Fergard Lyne, not the King''s.

    Lii''s mouth curved upwards as he leave the room.

    ***

    Shihu Inn, room #07.

    The sun shone brightly. The bustling and lively town of Qinli Kingdom, started their work. On theTure Town lays the Great General''s manor.

    Rui Wei sat beside the window, her hands supporting her chin. Watching the people as they pass by.

    ''Hmm... Things have been quite smooth. It''s going way too well. Even though I Investigated the enemy''s background, personality and personal hobbies just so my plans would go smootly... I still don''t feel satisfied.''

    I put my arms behind my head, I rocked my chair and slowly dozed off.

    I peeked behind me, looking at Ruzi who is trying his hard to freeze the water inside the cup. Ruzi is sitting on a babystool which I requested to a certain craftsman. The sit is made of a fragrant wood, which I put layers upon layers of cottons, so Ruzi would be comfortable. Quite an extravagant seat for a baby if I may say so...

    Ruzi at the age of 1 year and 2 months has started to cultivate... I once gave him normal toys, he threw it away and didn''t look at it for a second time. He just focused on trying to freeze the water.

    Because of his attitude. I once doubted that he''s a reincarnated person or someone who transmigrated after some months, either from the earth or another multi universe.... Either way, in my point of view there''s nothing impossible, now, that I even transmigrated here.''

    ''I speaked in different languages in front of him, but Ruzi just stared at me for a second, then goes back to freezing the water.

    I''ve reached into many conclusions but in the end, just dropped it. Since he''s my child now, even if he is a reincarnator who is formerly a god or whatsoever, he needs to listen to me or he''ll get a spank in the booty.

    While I was leisurely wasting time-- no, I mean, waiting for Steward Lii''s people,to add my finishing touch, so I could leave this kingdom.

    From the crowds I recognized a familiar figure. Her whole person emitted a depressed aura, that even the people who passed by her were also affected.

    It was Sona.

    ''If I''m not wrong, she''ll be sent back to her home?''

    ''Although, she was plotted against, she is also one of the weakest servant inside the Manor. Clearly, Steward Lii purposely gave me the weakest servants, albeit when he starts to take action; it''ll be a lot easier and after my death, he would have an excuse to fire them. He would even look quite the benevolent person, as the servant failed their duty to protect their master and is punishable by death.''

    ''Woah... I thought he only gave me the weakest servants so he could kill me easily, but to think he wanted to kill 2 birds with one stone... ''The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Ah!! I suddenly thought of an idea.

    I got off the chair and picked up Ruzi.

    "MAMA!" Ruzi pouted at me who suddenly picked him up, the cup of water which was starting freeze, immediately became water again. I ignored Ruzi''s complaint as I bought him in front of the window.

    "Ruzi look, do you know that big sister over there?" I pointed Sona''s figure, which Ruzi quickly saw.

    "Hmm!" Ruzi nodded his head when he saw Sona.

    "Do you want to play with her again?"

    "Oh!" Ruzi once again nodded his head, but he was still pouting.

    Hiring Sona, who is very loyal to me for unknown reasons. I have investigated her background.... She have 3 brothers and 4 sisters, who are all married, her parents are just living leisurely inside the mansion that Sona created with her hard-earned money, also all of dowries of her siblings came from Sona''s pocket. In short, Sona is the pillar of the family. But right now her family have tried to improve themselves and have been quite successful in business, In short Sona doesn''t have to do anything, as her family will surely welcome her back with warm open hands. Her hobbies are martial arts, magic, and swordmanship... she is a person of Jianghu.

    Her Martial Arts stopped at the 2nd Rank and she only knows a few techniques, her swordmanship is even worse as she only know the basic arts, and her magic doesn''t seem to improve as until now she is stuck at the peak of 4th rank... The real problem lays at Sona''s Qi Veins...

    Her veins is full ofimpurities. That''s why she can''t advance in rank, If I cleanse the impurity on her veins and gain her trust-- she, uh... she''s already blindly following me,though.

    I watched Sona''s figure disappear within the crowd. Ruzi innocently waved his hands at the direction where Sona went.

    "Ruzi, I will go out for a while, ok?" I put him down on his sit. Ruzi didn''t even bother to reply as he once again focused on the cup of water in front of him. I changed my appearance into a handsome young lad, with a blood red hair.

    I activated the formation inside the room, and left.

    ***

    Serena Street; Wu Residence

    Wu Residence, was built just a few years ago, they own several small humble shops. People generally have good impressions towards them, due to their honest personalities.

    "Aiyah... Sona don''t be like that, look around you, this is all the fruit of your hard-work, so what if you lost your job? it''s not like it''s the end of the world. Now, now, eat." A lady on her 40''s pushed several plates in front of the dejected Sona.

    "Ha... This child, what will this old lady do to you?" It was Sona''s Mother, Shien. She worriedly looked at her daughter. She really owe this daughter of her''s too much... When Sona was a still a kid, she couldn''t buy her fancy clothings, when Sona took interest in martial arts, she couldn''t bring herself to waste money on cultivation books... And even now, her daughter is already 17 but she is yet to be married.

    Shien was about to say something, but seeing Sona is not paying attention, she just sighed and left.

    Sona blankly looked at the space.

    She greatly regret leaving them.... But, who started the fire? Is it an insider?

    Sona''s eyes flashed with killing intent.

    She must at least exact revenge for the Madam.... Shall she report this to the minister?

    ****

    I was walking towards Sona''s house, which is just a street away.

    After walking for almost an hour I could finally see the residence with a big wooden placate, writen "Wu Residence".

    I stood in front of it for a second before a steward came to me.

    "Does Young noble have any business inside the Wu Manor?" The steward politely asked.

    "Oh, I heard a woman named Wu Sona lives here?"

    "Yes, she is the 3rd lady of this house, do you want me to call the 3rd lady?"

    "Then, I''ll have to bother you."

    The steward lead me inside the Wu Residence.

    I sat in the waiting room for about 5 minutes before I heard a series of hurried footsteps, Sona''s mother came in, behind her is Sona.

    --

    "Young Noble, this one apologize, if I this one made you wait." Shien immediately respectfully said. She once again curtsied and left.

    Sona looked at the young noble. He have a long lustrous, blood red hair, tied in a pony tail, smooth jade like face, small slanted eyes, paired with thin butterfly-like eyelids, and thick brows, he have a tall but thin structure, his body emits a noble aura. Anyone who saw him will immediately think that he is a noble.

    Sona furrowed her brows. She doesn''t know this young man, although he have good looks. Sona doesn''t have a good impression towards him, as almost all of the young masters she met are all lecherous perverts or seeking out information.

    Sona curtisied at the young noble and asked:

    "Young noble, this one is called Wu Sona, may I know what is the Young Noble''s business with this one?"

    Their Wu residence, is still a commoner residence, although they have several humble shops, they still can''t afford to buy a title for their house. And every single person on their family thinks that it is just a waste of money to buy a title. So she still have to be respecful towards this unknown Young Master.

    The steward, Shien, and Sona, labeled The young man as a Noble by themselves and didn''t ask his origins. Nobles usually flaunts their background so there was no need to ask. But this time it was different.

    The young man looked at Sona, seizing her up, and then he clapped his hands.

    The young noble handed a paper to Sona.

    "This...?" Sona looked at the Young Noble with puzzled face.

    "Read that, and think about it carefully." The young noble then stood, quickly leaving the room; not waiting for Sona to reply.

    Sona looked at the disappearing figure of the Young Noble. She slowly opened the paper, inside, there was a letter.

    That would later change Sona''s whole life.

 Chapter 13: Cleaning up, before leaving

    Sona stared at the paper in her hands.

    It''s just reading it, right? That Young Noble couldn''t have possibly given me some kind of dangerous talisman. I''m not worth such talismans.

    Talismans could be used by anyone who could cultivate Qi, they could also create talismans corresponding their ranks. But there are only a handful of people who actually create a High ranked talismans

    Sona circulated her Qi around her body, creating a barrier around her. She slowly opened the paper.

    *phew*

    It was a normal paper, Sona then proceeded to fully spread the paper, and started to read it.

    Sona''s face changed from doubt, hope, and excitement...

    The letter in fact only had few paragraphs.

    Cheng Rui Wei is alive. My lady, considered that since you were quite loyal to her, has sent me to recruit you as her personal maid.

    It''s up to you whether you believe me or not.

    After reading this, please burn it.

    Come to the Shihu Inn, if you do believe me.

    ***

    After leaving the Wu Residence, I casually walked down the streets. And started to track down the bastards that works under the Palace, more precisely, the king''s ultimate pawns. The shadows.

    The King''s Shadows, they were an individual which the King trained on his early teens, they are also the reason why the current King has ascended to the throne. They were an important pawn for the King. The King''s Shadows only consisted of 500 shadows which have constantly decreased due to the war, there are now approximately 300 and below.

    ''This lady have been in their care, so I at least have to give them a gift, before leaving right?''

    While walking, I switched to my Qi vision. The streets were full of people, I scanned the figures of the people, and I soon found my targets.

    My mouth curved upwards. From my calculations, they should be back from gathering information regarding Prince Flam, the current King''s brother. There were signs of the Prince, rebelling against the current King. So, as the paranoid King he is, he immediately sent out people to investigate it.

    And surely, if his shadows doesn''t come back, or they do comebaack, but carrying a large injury... The paranoid King would immediately form a plan to take care of his brother.

    Well, I''m not a person who involves innocent people, though I doubt that Prince is innocent. I have sent a warning letter to that Prince, it''s up to him, whether he believes it or not. But, I did attached a certain sigil to the letter that I sent, though.

    I rubbed both of my hands, as I could feel my blood boil.

    Time to put my new skills on actions!

    I walked towards an alley, and used an illusion skill. I have improved my Illusion skills, since it played a vital role on my plans, like impersonating someone.

    I gathered the Qi on the tip of my foot and jumped. I followed the King''s shadows, there were four of them. A scholarly youth, a commoner, a Noble inside his carriage, and a street vendor. They all blended with their surroundings. No one would even think that a normal looking youth, commoner, vendor, and a Noble that you can''t even see, would be the King''s Shadow, right?

    --

    I walked over their side and took a glance. Normal, they looked normal in any angle. They even suppressed their Qi...

    These four Shadows are a group, they would first sort out the information, in their meeting place, before reporting to the King. I continued to walk towards their meeting place, completely surpassing them.

    I reached their meeting place. I made myself look like I''m at home, and even make myself a warm cup of milk tea.

    At how I knew their meetings place''s location, it is because I did a proper investigation.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ****

    The four shadows, number 76 (Sevix), 77(Ven), 78(Veight) and 79(Vein). After they got the necessary information, they quickly pulled back, and met at the Luson Town.

    Sevix was the one who reached their meeting place first. As Sevix opened the door, he immediately saw a red-haired youth, enjoying a cup of tea. Sevix immediately reacted, he threw several daggers towards the the red-haired youth.

    The youth was too relaxed and didn''t notice the oncoming danger... Sevix''s mouth curved upwards. but he soon realized that he was wrong.

    What happened next, shocked Sevix. A wall of ice was formed, more precisely, Sevix''s dagger was caught in the ice, and the ice continued to crawl and caught Sevix''s feet. That is when Sevix realized that the whole room was quite moist.

    "Who sent you?!" Sevix, who was out of choice angrily yelled towards the red-haired youth. The red-haired youth just smiled at the pitiful Sevix.

    "That doesn''t matter, does it?" The youth continued to enjoy the tea.

    Sevix fiercely glared at the youth. He must at least inform the other three. He slowly reached out towards his pocket--

    *stab*

    "Ugh-- " Sevix''s hand was pierced by an icicle, that is not all, he could even feel the cold creeping from the stabbed icicle. It was as if the cold wanted to freeze him.

    "You don''t want your fellow Shadows to accompany you?" The youth finally put down the cup of tea and looked at Sevix.

    ''How could this youth know about the Shadows existence?! The King''s Shadow is only known by a handful of people, even Prince Flam isn''t aware of our existence. More importantly is the person behind him... To hire an expert Ice Mage.... The King must know this!'' Sevix''s eyes flashed with urgency.

    The youth laughed at the panicked expression of Sevix.

    "No need to panic, It''s not like, I would kill you." The red hair youth refilled his cup and once again started to drink.

    The room was deathly silent until a creaking sound was heard. Three figures emerge, it was the three shadows, Ven, Veight and Vein. Seeing the situation, the three exchanged glances and immediately formed a formation, but before they could execute the formation--

    "Ugh--"

    "Kuah!"

    "Aah!"

    Their feet were impaled by an icicle... Their injuries froze along their foots and the floor.

    "Wha---"

    "Bastard..."

    "Kuuh.."

    The three looked at the red-haired youth with eyes full of killing intent. If looks could kill, the red-haired youth would have died a thousand times.

    "Now, everyone''s here." The youth stood up, he waved his hands, the door swung and shut itself.

    The youth circled around Sevix who was deathly pale, even though Sevix tried to lessen the cold, by countering it with his Qi, the cold just seemed like an impenetrable wall.

    The distance between Sevix and the three Shadows were only 7 meters at most. The red-haired youth raised two of his finger.

    "You all have two choices." the youth smilingly looked at the Shadows...

    "Bastard, like hell we''re gonna lis--" The youth flicked his hands, and an icicle flew towards Vein. The youth''s face was grim, his face was cold as the room, and sharp...

    "KUagh!" an icicle pierced his left shoulder.

    "Don''t interrupt me when I''m talking." He coldly said the four felt the cold room, decrease its temperature again.

    "One, you all are going to report to King according to my instructions." The youth joyfully said.

    Veight, who was about to shout out of anger, managed to hold himself, as he looked towards Vein.

    "the second?" Vein asked, his breath was ragged and his face was deathly pale.

    "Two, I''m gonna put all of you in a half-dead state, in short, a coma, you all will be deemed as a cripple for the rest of your lives." The youth''s voice seemed to become colder and colder.

    "You all have a stick of an incense to decide." The youth flipped his hands, an incense burner came out of the youth''s hand, he then proceeded to light up an incense stick. The youth once again sat back on the chair, his eyes throwing a mocking look at the four.

    The four shadows exchanged looks. After a minute, they nodded at each other, Sevix who was in front, fixedly looked at the youth.

    "We choose the first choice..."

    "Wise choice!" The youth clapped his hands and pulled out a paper talisman.

    "Wha!" The four stared at youth''s paper talisman. It was a unique paper talisman, they have never seen this kind of paper talisman, they as a Shadows have almost seen all kinds of paper talismans, but this one is--

    The paper was almost transparent, it has a normal size, and emits the aura of a 7th rank mage.

    "Eh? You couldn''t have possibly thought that I would just send you guys back? Hahaha!! You guys must be joking, I''m not that naive." The youth looked at the four shadows with contempt. The youth then, unceremoniously stuck the paper talismans on their foreheads, the talisman actually evaporated on their foreheads.

    The youth pulled out a scroll. He then left it on the chair that he previously sat.

    "Then, let''s meet again when it''s time!" The youth left just like that, the four was almost angered to death.

    ''How does that red-haired youth think that we could move with this ice holding us back?!''

    When they were cursing out loud, the Ice as if it could hear them, actually started to rapidly evaporate freeing themselves. The four exchange looks. Sivex gulped as he dragged his injured body and nervously reached out the scroll.

    The three gathered around Sivex as they all read the content of the scroll.

    ''Hahaha, what an idiotic Shadows.'' that was the first line of the scroll, the four almost spit out a mouthful of blood due to anger.

    ''By now, I should have shamed your asses ''till your great aunt''s tomb, right?... If you try anything funny and actually dare to disobey my instruction; remember the talisman which I inserted on each of you? It''ll explode.'' After reading the second paragraph, they felt a chill run down their spine, although the ice has now dispersed....

    They have never felt as threatened as much as now, even when the King was infuriated because of their failed mission, they didn''t feel as threatened as they are now...

    ''I only have simple instructions. Some of you will have to go back, looking severely injured, report to the King that Prince Flam has almost caught you, Prince Flam has allied himself with the Luluon Kingdom. That''s it, may we never meet again.''

    After they finished reading the scroll they burned it down. Amazingly, the injuries they received were nowhere to be seen. Now they have to injure themselves.... They have really met a terrifying monster today.

    The four left their meeting place, and made their way back to the Palace, as to what they are going to report. That is up for later.

 Chapter 14: The borderline

    Rui Wei was sitting on the bed, her long azure hair was braided, her Icy gaze looked at the girl in front of her, on her lap was Ruzi who was also looking at Sona.

    The atmosphere was tense.

    Sona stood in front of Rui Wei, like a statue. Her face was struck with disbelief, awe, and respect.

    She couldn''t believe that Rui Wei was still alive. She was in awe that Rui Wei; despite being a water mage, managed to escape that fire along with Ruzi. And she respected Rui Wei, when she learned that she couldn''t see Rui Wei''s cultivation anymore...

    Clearly, approximately 1 year ago... Young mistress, was only a ranked 1 mage... A complete beginner.... But now, Young Mistress has actually higher cultivation than her... Isn''t her Young Mistress actually a genius? Who said that water mages were wastes?

    She just stared at Rui Wei for a uncomfortably long time.

    "Ahem." Rui Wei faked a cough, snapping her back to reality.

    "Take a sit." Rui Wei pointed the seat behind Sona. Her gaze was stuck on Rui Wei as she sat.

    "How--?" Before Sona could even say anything Rui Wei cut her off.

    "I will tell you when it''s time...." Rui Wei avoided the topic, looking at the window with a melancholy look. Sona bowed down, acknowledging Rui Wei''s small lie.

    Rui Wei looked at the girl sitting in front of her.

    ''Oi, aren''t you way too easy to convince?! Where''s the twist?! Shouldn''t you at least ask the reason why?!'' Rui Wei couldn''t help but sigh at Sona''s loyalty. It was really hard to understand as to why Sona is loyal to her...

    Rui Wei just passed the scroll to Sona, as to finish her business. Sona received the scroll with a puzzled face, but after she finished reading the scroll, her face displayed a serious look.

    --

    "Young Mistress, travelling on the Dragonsvein Kingdom is a bit...." Sona worriedly looked at me.

    She''s probably worried that Ruzi who is still child, would be uncomfortable the whole time. And there''s also the chance on running with the bandits although the chances are low, it''s still quite worrying as there is no clear information about the bandits cultivation levels and numbers.

    The Dragonsvein Kingdom''s first monarch was a very lucky asshole who encountered an severely injured dragon, who was in it''s death bed... The Dragonsvein Kingdom first monarch slayed the injured dragon with difficulty, although the Dragon was on it''s deathbed, it was still a mighty dragon who was above all the races... Compared to the dragonsvein first monarch who was back then, a mere low saint ranked magician, the Dragon had still the strength to fight back.

    After slaying the Dragon, The first monarch refined the Dragon''s Blood and drank it. The first Monarch of the dragonsvein kingdom, had his Qi Vein evolve into a vein comparable to a dragon, In short the dragonsvein kingdom''s first Monarch was really lucky asshole, after his Qi vein evolved, he of course, had a continuous breakthrough. It was the peak of his life, in mere 50 years, the first monarch built a kingdom.

    But, hundred years ago, that lucky asshole-- I mean, first monarch suddenly disappeared. There were all kinds of rumor floating around as to why the first monarch disappeared, but the most believable rumor is.... The first monarch of the dragonsvein was disposed by a dragon. The dragon was of course related to the dragon who he slayed. I heard that Dragon also lived on Galle Mountain peak.

    On the path towards the Dragonsvein kingdom, we''ll have to cross the Galle Mountain peak. That is why Sona is quite worried about the trip.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    "Oh, about that, don''t worry. I have my ways." My mouth curved upwards, as I fixedly looked at Sona. She stared at me, and nodded her head in acknowledgement.

    ''I say, aren''t you way too easy to convince?!''

    Well, after leaving the General''s Manor along with my child unharmed. It is quite understandable that she believes that I have my ways. Still! Little lady, what do you even see me as.

    ***

    Early in the morning. We left the Shihu Inn, buying a luxurious carriage. After buying the carriage we immediately set out to leave the Qin Kingdom''s Capital.

    I was uncomfortably sitting on the carriage when one of my talisman froze, followed by three more.

    All in all four paper talisman froze.

    Oh... Too bad, in the end they choose loyalty over their lives. Boring.

    The talismans which just froze are the pairs of talismans which I inserted on the Shadows head. The King is probably scared shitless now, and he would frantically try to find whoever is behind his Shadows death... After that talisman activates, the Shadows would have been froze alive, slowly freezing their internal organ until they turn into an ice sculpture.

    --

    After 3 days we finally reached the borderline of Qin Kingdom, the Smaol village.

    I jumped off the carriage and stretched my body.

    "Mama!" Ruzi peeked at the window of the carriage, his dark red hair, which I dyed, shone with luster, his eyes were pure like a white sheet of paper. Ruzi waved his hands towards me.

    ''Ohoh... My son will definitely grow to be a lady killer, huh.''

    --

    We settled in an inn. I plan to stay on this village for at least a month. I''ll have to create a bunch of paper talisman, and also raise Sona''s cultivation level. And since this is the border line the mountain is quite close by. In mountains, low ranked magical beasts usually lives, if any high ranked are spotted the nearest Kingdom will immediately sent an expedition to deal with it. I plan on trying ny skills on those low ranked magical beasts.

    Inside the room, Sona arranged our necessities while I was reading an martial technique of an Earth Practitioner. After reading the content I threw it towards Sona, who perfectly caught it.

    "Young mistress?" Sona looked at me with furrowed brows.

    "It''s yours." I lazily said as I rest my back on the couch.

    "Eh? But I--" Sona was about to deny it before she saw the title of the book.

    *Earth Mages manual*

    "It''s yours, I have no use in any Earth Mages manual." I said, snapping Sona back to reality. Sona looked at me with grateful eyes and--

    "Thank you!" Sona sincerely bowed to me.

    --

    Night..

    I looked at the small sleeping figure on my side, I rubbed Ruzi''s head, before going out.

    Now then. I leave the Inn and made my way to the nearest mountain.

    ''Hmm,hmm. It''s scary. It feels like a ghost could jump out at any moment. Magical Beasts are fine, but ghosts are not.''

    I casually walked around the forest until I reached the middle of it. I have already reached the middle of the forest and there''s still no sign of any beast, even the lowest level of beasts are nowhere to be seen. Night time should be their most active times. Villagers are even complaining at how they couldn''t sleep due to the beasts howls.

    Then why haven''t I met any beasts yet?

    Oh?

    Suddenly an immense pressure pressed down on me. I looked towards the direction where the Qi is slightly shaking.

    ''6th rank, Cloud Leopard?!'' I feel like my heart just stopped...

    I stood on my place and stared at the Cloud Leopard. It''s injured!

    *rustle*

    Approximately 50 meters away on my right is a 6th rank; Wind Deer...

    Seriously? Why didn''t I pick up their movements before?

    I throw that question at the back of my head as I started to back off, and abort the plan on testing my skills.

    But, as if the two heard, they clashed, and rebutted each others skill, which coincidentally--

    Why the hell is it making it''s way towards me?!

    My face paled as I concentrated qi on my feet and dodge the 6th rank wind deer''s ''Air Blade'', several centimeters of my hair were cut. The hell?!

    I jumped again, and crouched down on the nearest tree, hiding my small figure and enshrouding my self with Qi, to hide my presence.

    The Cloud leopard growled at the Wind Deer, showing off his sharp razor-like teeths. The Wind Deer just continued to measure the Cloud Leopard, it''s eyes were red. The Wind Deer''s abdomen is injured.

    The two continued to measure each other, until the Cloud Leopard howled a fighting howl then dashed towards the Wind Deer.

    The Wind Deer sent out several Wind Blades, the Leopard counter-attacked by slashing it. The Leopard''s momentum stoppe, but the Wind Deer''s attack isn''t finished yet, as it sent out a surprise attack.

    *shiiiii*

    *Bam*

    The Cloud Leopard flew, breaking many trees on process. After the last attack the Wind Deer, didn''t bother to check whether the Cloud Leopard was dead or alive. It quickly dashed away from the scene...

    I concentrated on the direction of the Leopard. After a long while, the Leopard''s body twitched.

    Run.

    I also dashed off, completely aborting my plans.

    Who said that 3rd rank beasts and below are the only one which lives here?

    Why hasn''t the kingdom sent an expedition to dispose these two beast.

    I cursed the Kingdom as I run towards outside the forest.

    ***

    After wasting my time on the damned forest, I had no choice but to go back to the inn to make new paper talismans

 Chapter 15: The Borderline II

    <ul>

    <li></li>

    </ul>

    2nd Night. **Kingdom''s borderline, Smaol Village.

    Minor Beast Forest.

    Inside the Minor Beast Forest, a figure stood majestically standing on the center. It''s eyes radiated with an unparalleled arrogance, as if holding the whole world in contempt.

    It was actually just Rui Wei, looking at the damages that the two 6th rank beasts incurred on the Minor Beast Forest.

    -- (back to Rui Wei)

    I stare at the broken trees, and the dry bloods which splintered everywhere. Some trees were perfectly cut into three stripes, while the some parts of the grounds were slightly deformed...

    But....the fight between 6th rank beasts are surprisingly... not that disastrous? I imagined at least half of the mountain to be blown up, or large craters here and there. But there were only broken trees, large scratches from their wind blades and slight bumps on the ground, due to their mass being too big.

    ''Ah, now that I think about it, they only used one magic attack, Wind Blade. They were wind type beasts afterall.. But, even on beasts cultivating two elements is rare.''

    This morning there was a ruckus due to the fierce fight between the 6th rank monsters. As the malicious roars sent shivers to the townspeople, and the cries of the 6th rank Cloud Leopard as it conceded were all clearly transmitted down the mountain. Unfortunately, the cowardly villagers made several excuses, and alliviated themselves, saying that it was a normal occurrence for fights to break out, and beasts roaring would be heard almost daily.

    ---

    The Cloud Leopard''s body was nowhere to be found. As expected. It wasn''t dead.

    Although the Wind Deer indeed dealt a fatal blow to the Cloud Leopard, that Cloud Leopard''s body had a fast regeneration speed visible on my eyes. That was why I ran before it could gain it''s strength to trample me, a mere mortal on 4th rank.

    Well, now that the two bosses are slowly recuperating on their bases. I will take this chance to test my strength! Or so I say... But.

    Sweeping my eyes on the forest, Spirit Beasts were still hiding deep in the forest. There are no guarantee that only two 6th rank beasts reside here, there might be a higher ranked beasts deep on the forest.

    ----

    I aimlessly walked inside the forest, entrailled by the beautiful atmosphere, No.

    It''s creepy as fuck! The thick leaves of tree''s were blocking most of the moonlight, so it''s really dark, paired with the rustling sounds of the dried leaves, and the crunching sound everytime I take a step.

    I took a deep breath and concentrated the Qi--

    *Fwiiish* *Fwiiish*

    I released multiple small daggers made out of Ice, and targeted the tree which is several meters away from me.

    *thunk* * clank* *thunk**thunk*

    All of the condensed Ice Dagger hit the targeted tree without fail. I flipped my fingers, calling upon the daggers which were made of ice.

    After gaining my confidence back, I caressed the cold daggers on my hand.

    And spread my spiritual sense. My senses immediately caught 3 targets a 2nd rank Wild boar, Fire Rabbit, and a poisonous snake. Ha... Finally, either brave or naive beasts were willing to come out.

    I stretched my hands and focused the Qi on my feet. While dashing through the woods, I adjusted my eyes and gripped the daggers on my hand as I prepared to throw it on the Wild boar.

    ''There!'' I quickly thow the dagger enhanced with my Qi.

    ''Kiiii---''

    "Eeeeak!" The boar managed to spout a squeal but soon fell down and convulsed, after a moment it stopped moving.

    I waited a few minutes before getting closer to the corpse. After confirming that the boar is dead, I took out the dagger and started to skin it--Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ''Why the hell is it so hard?'' I enhanced the dagger with Qi-- and..

    ''Kriiik---''

    The boar''s skin totally ripped apart.

    "Humu-- I have no self control..." I already knew that I have little self-control on my strength-- I thought this thing was already in the past, As I''ve been fluently controlling the water Qi ever since I transmigrated.

    Ah, let me explain. There are 3 ways to cultivate, and that is Absorbing the natural Qi, tempering one''s body, and the devil''s way, that have a quite weird requirement to cultivate.

    People who focus on tempering their body are called Martial Artists.

    Absorbing the Elemental Qi and controlling it one''s will, they are ranked by the spell that they could use. These people are called Mages.

    Supposedly it is really hard for a mage to control the elemental Qi, that is quite weird as I''ve been controlling it with ease. Am I perhaps a genius?!

    And there''s the forbidden arts which is absorbing the Dark Qi. The requirements for cultivating the dark arts is, either succumb yourself to sinful things, or simply know what true hatred is.

    **

    The full moon illuminated the Minor Mountain Beasts, making it look like an ethereal place, A shadow of a lady slowly walked out from the trees, her azure hair fluttered as she take a step.

    The temperature immediately went down, leaving a trail of frosty atmosphere.

    I took a deep breath as I continue to chant inside my head.

    ''I''ve practiced this... It''s only a few meters-- Even If I fall there won''t be any serious injuries--'' I gathered all my courage and jumped down the cliff.

    ''AAAAAAAhh!!'' internal screaming

    Water Qi surrounded my body like a shield, and I also guided water on my feet to strengthen it, in case of an unexpected event where I''ll fail.

    ''fuuuu''

    As my heart was beating fast, and the Qi within my feet were already dense enough to support a fall, my body lightly descended on the ground. After feeling the ground on my feet, I couldn;t help but smille foolishly, that was scary.

    ''Hahahahhah!!'' At this time I really wanted to shout loudly and laugh at the same time! This is what you call a Fantasy world!! Fufu--- Fuhahahha!!

    The skill that I have just used right now is called ''Wind Feather'' it is a skill used by the Air mages, that was why I was so damn nervous earlier, I wasn''t sure if that skill would really work, although I''ve practiced it before.

    The ''Air Feather'' mechanism''s worked just the same, using the Qi to lighten up one''s weight, making the person using it seem weightless. Then your falling body would naturally slow down it''s momentum.

    I spent almost the whole night on the forest and only came back on the inn when the Sun has started to rise.

    ***

    I put both of my hands on my face. After Waking up, more like, after I came back, Aunt Eshma had timely knocked on the door inviting me to a breakfast. I didn''t refuse the offer since it''d be quite rude if I did so, and here I naively thought that having connections wouldn''t be so bad.

    Really me? What kind of benefits would you get in a connection towards a villager who''s a completely normal mortal?!

    "Ah, that''s right, Wu Lei come here don''t be shy..." The middle aged woman beckoned Wu Lei, her daughter to come on over our sit.

    The middle-aged woman is Eshma, and she is trying to pair me to her daughter Wu Lei. I looked at the Wu Lei youth, she is around 16-17, and her mother Eshma was greatly worried because Wu Lei hadn''t showed any interest on the opposite sex, before I showed up.

    A/n: Rui wei is curentlty disguised as a red haired youth.

    "M, Mother!!" Wu Lei embarrassingly called out to her mother as she refused to come closer to us.

    Eshma thinks that I''m some kind of traveler and Sona is just my servant. Ah, I have also hid Ruzi when we came here. Wouldn''t it be quite suspicious since the 2nd young Master of the Dou Manor just disappeared, then suddenly a child the same age as the missing young master suddenly shows up in the borderline? And if they tracked our carriage they''ll immediately know that we came from the capital. It''ll definitely light the fire of suspicion to the heart of that King. Oh, and the search for Ruzi is still ongoing, from what I know, Steward Li is personally leading the group to find Ruzi''s whereabouts.

    "....."

    "Ara, ra... This child." Eshma have this kind aunty-next door atmoshpere around her, when in fact, she''s just interested on my looks. I specially picked this face and structure because it was quite common on the capital, but I had a tad bit of a miscalculation-- Most people on the countryside are a bit lacking.... Not just in cultivation levels, but also in looks!

    "Aunt Eshma, I still have to make preparations for my upcoming travel, so please excuse me... " I smiled a little, and Aunt Eshma actually blushed along with the Wu Lei girl....

    My goodness... Aunt-- You''re already... A bit too old, yeah? I could feel a cold sweat trickle down on my back, and I swiftly left the mother-daughter pair before they could reply to restrain me.

    --

    ''Fuu... That was annoying.''

    I entered the room, and saw Ruzi who is struggling on holding a spoon. His small hands trembled as he tried his best to put the spoon on his mouth, beside him Sona is at loss at what to do, her hand shifted her and there, trying to support Ruzi.

    "Pff-- Sona what are you doing?" I said as I came closer.

    "Ah-- Young Mist-- Master! Young Master Ruzi wanted to learn how to hold a spoon but--" Sona didn''t need to explain anything, as she just pointed Ruzi who''s stubbornly holding the spoon. Ruzi looked like he was fighting a life and death battle, as he push the spoon on his mouth.

    After putting the food on his mouth he looked at Sona, then he saw me who is behind Sona. I wave my hand, whereas Ruzi excitedly throw the spoon and quickly crawl towards me.

    ''Kyaaah! Ruzi, are you perhaps the epitome of cuteness!'' I could feel that the stress that the mother-daughter pair gave me completely disappear. Haa-- I don''t really find kids that cute, especially back on my former life, kids were kind of my mortal enemy-- but Ruzi is an exception.

    I thought as I kissed Ruzi''s chubby cheeks.

    --

 Chapter 16: Visitors

    I''m currently standing at the inn''s roof while carrying Ruzi, I activated the mirage spell to hide us from the people''s eyes. I looked down at the people below, as they busied themselves at making the Villager look more presentable and all. They have been occupied at making the village look presentable in front of the nobility, today is their deadline, as the Cui Clan''s younger generation will arrive.

    The Cui Clan is an  intermediate Clan from the capital, a completely normal Clan with normal Clan members licking the boots of the higher ups, plotting against each other and with some elders eyeing the position of the head. I remember that one time that they tried to make connections with the people from the Dou Manor but were strictly sent away by Steward Li.

    Three days ago, a letter arrived at the village head''s house, the letter was from the Cui Clan, informing the whole Smaol village of the arrival of the Cui Clan''s younger generation, the letter stated that if the younger generation ''supposed'' did have a good stay on this borderline. Then the Cui Clan wouldn''t be stingy, and they would reward the whole village with appropriate reward. I doubt they''d do that, though.

    --

    I''ve also sent Sona to take a look at the people that the Cui Clan sent to train on the Minor Beast Forest, if they really are just some arrogant midgets and some half-ass escort then, I won''t have to do a thing. But if perhaps, some kind of person wanted to really train, then I''ll have to avoid them.

    From afar I could vaguely make out of Sona''s figure, she blended quite well within the busy crowds, she didn''t stood out and just walked casually towards the inn.

    I made my way down the window, swift and agile, not making a single sound, even closing the window on my back. As soon as I landed,  Ruzi immediately jumped down and run towards the bed.

    Sona opened the door, seeing me she slightly bowed, she then closed the door.

    "Master, the one aboard the carriage are, Cui Miao, Cui Leng, Cui Shi Li,  Cui Mi Li, and Cui Zi Zi their guards are the 6th elder and 7th elder."

    "Hoo~ Is that so." hearing the names of the members of the Cui Clan, my smile couldn''t get any wider, these guys could be said that they are below the average on their clan, with their only backbone are their parents. These kids are narrowminded through and through. In short they won''t be a problem, if it was some sort of smart-ass arrogant kid then they would try to get close to me by waving their Family backgrounds.

    "Young Miss-- May I ask a question?"

    "Hmm? Ah, yeah~"

    "Should we not move out as soon as possible as to avoid getting involved with people from the capital?" Sona curiously asked, one had just to know how calculating Steward Li, is. Although Stewad Li was the one who bought Sona in the Dou Manor, Sona was one who distinguish the right from wrong and wasn''t easily swayed by money.

    "Ah-- you may not know it, but these guys are absolute trash, although the rumors say that they are fair, right, and ally of justice etc. They are scumbags who uses their Clan''s name to commit crimes~ But.... I''m quite curious at that kid Cui Leng, he''s the current head''s favorite grandson, although he have some few screw looses on his head, he''s got potential in cultivating, it was quite a sight y''know? Just that.. Why would the headmaster send over his grandson with some half ass guard?" My mouth formed a calculative smile, as I started to calculate the possibilities.

    "Eh? Half-ass.... but Young Miss, the 6th and 7th elder of the Cui Clan has reached the peak of 6th level of Mortal realm-- Ah-- Young Miss, this may be rude, but can I ask what rank are you?"The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "Oh, me? Well-- We''ll have to wait until we get our hands on a Measuring Crystal." I shrugged my shoulders.

    Measuring Crystals are the one used in measuring a mage''s rank. You''ll have to attack the Crystal then the Crystal would show different kinds of color depending on your rank. In short you can totally manipulate it in a test. There are too many loopholes, right?

    Measuring Crystals are afterall mainly used by commoners, nobles and royalty''s use a Temple to measure their strength, affinity and levels. There are 8 temples within this continent which was built by 3 Emperor Ranked cultivator.

    _______

    After being deliberately bombarded by the mother and daughter pair, Aunt Eshma and her daughter Wu Lie., and it seems like they even invited some girls from the neighborhood to pester me. Girl''s are really scary when they want to get noticed by someone they like, right? I know it myself and experience. So, I''ve decided to just stay inside the room and accompany Ruzi. Since I''ve also collected the information about the villagers.

    I collected the information on each individual to ensure that none of them are a spy that''s currently on search of Ruzi. Well, there are some spies but none of them are targeting Ruzi.

    ''Uhum.. What bullshit is this?'' I can''t help but frown at the shitty book that I''m reading, this was one of the popular book on this Village, the story is about a Man''s journey as he achieved wealth and fame and earned the heart of 7 beautiful ladies, then they became 3 wives and 4 concubines that lived  harmony because they loved the man so deeply and they didn''t want to see the man aggrieve, and so they lived happily ever after.

    ''What are you saying?! There is no woman that is willing to share their hus--'' While thinking this, I suddenly remember the article that I''ve read on internet, a man. husband of 6, or was it 7 wives? He even had 3 child per wife. Where have I read it again?

    While I was deep in thought on Polygamy, my ears picked up the noise outside the village.

    "Oooh! As expected of the Cui Clan!"

    "Awesome!! A 3rd rank Fire Rabbit!"

    "Oh, look at their blades! Isn''t that an enhanced magic sword?! Awesome!"

    People continued to shout excitedly. Ruzi''s face frowned deeply and his face distorted, I activated a sound proof spell around the room, Isolating us from the sound outside. Ah, Ruzi is right now having his afternoon-nap he should sleep well so he grows up in a tall handsome young lad!

    Ruzi''s face relaxed as he continue his sleep.

    I opened the window and looked outside, the kids from the Cui Family are around 14-15 years old. So they really enjoy flaunting their mini-wealth, why did I say mini-wealth? Any person from the capital at least own an enhanced weapon, it''s really cheap on the capital, since any mage could basically enhance a weapon.

    That kid''s Enhanced Sword is only at 3rd Mortal realm. Too low! Even if you''re a scumbag member of the Cui Clan shouldn''t you atleast own a 6th rank Mortal Realm weapon? Since the elder beside you is at the 6th Mortal Realm. After looking at them for a minute I quickly got bored.

    I''ll just cultivate.

    --- Days passed peacefully, no I deliberately made so that it would be peaceful. Until a certain Merchant came.

    ***

    Merchant Xu looked at the arrogant kids and he couldn''t help but sigh.

    ''Aii- Those are kids from an influential family, but look at their attitude.''

    Merchant Xu is a travelling merchant who coincidentally stopped at the Smaol Village to restock food, supplies and other resources needed for his travel.

    "Uncle Xu, it''s your turn" Hearing the voice, uncle Xu looked in front of him, the youngster facing him, carried an scholarly aura, he looked dignified and at the same time unapproachable. But his alluring smile contracted that, it was as if he is a fire leading the mayflies.

    ''Ah... This is what you call a true noble'' Uncle Xu thought, but quickly shifted his gaze down on the chess board.

    "Guh--- wha--" Uncle Xu looked at the chessboard with wide eyes, then looked back at the youth in front of him.

    "Gah-- I lost, I lost..." Uncle Xu waved his hands, and sighed as he reclined on his sit.

    Although he was not an expert in chess, he was still recognized by the mass of people.. And to think this youngster in front of him would finish him in three moves... Really...

    ''Hai. I must be getting old, huh.''  He shook his head as a bitter smile flashed across his face.

    "Uhn, Uncle Xu, are you really leaving tomorrow?" The red-haired youth suddenly asked. Uncle Xu looked at the youth with a perplexed expression, but by passed it.

    "Yeah.. What? What is it kid, you''ll miss this uncle?" Uncle Xu joked the red-haired youth.

    "......" The youth''s face flashed with an incredible disgust as if he just got a bunch of maggots forced onto his mouth.

    "W-what, I was just joking,! I don''t swing that way! What part of me looks like I swing that way?! I''ve got concubines and kids on my own y''know?! And no way in hell will I lay my eyes on kids!" Uncle Xu, realizing what was on the other party''s mind quickly tried to explain himself.

 Chapter 17: To Dragonsvein Kingdom I

    "....." Rui Wei looked at Uncle Xu suspiciously.

    ''Don''t reincarnated people usually have an infatuated demonically beautiful but cold blooded killer on their side?!!? Or an extremely powerful being with an unparalleled looks??!'' Rui Wei thought to herself, ''Those Novels sure are misleading!''

    "Ahem, as you said, I will be leaving tomorrow." Unlce Xu changed the subject as he saw that justifying himself made him more suspicious.

    ''I just intended to tease him a bit and it actually backfired!'' Uncle Xu felt so wronged that he wanted to cry.

    "O-oh... I see, your destination is?" The youth asked.

    "Oh, it''s the Dragonsvein Kingdom. The Dragonsvein Kingdom ismy hometown, I just had a business trip here on Qin Kingdom... But, Qin Kingdom had been quite strict these past few months it actually took me a whole month before I could go out! And I could only export such a little merchandise." Uncle Xu looked at the three carriages outside, normally when he goes on a business trip he would buy atleast 10 carriages worth of merchandise.

    "Ahaha... Well, the war between the Qin Kingdom and Lunalodor was quite a brutal afterall. I heard they even manage to kill General Dou''s 3rd Wife while his 2nd son is missing."

    "I also heard about it, but to think they would go as far as breaking the rules of war. They did nothing but tarnish their reputation." His face darkened as he heard the Lunalodor''s shameless act.

    "Uncle Xu, may I ask if perhaps you still have some space in your carriage?"

    "Hmm? Well there''s a lot of space actually but it won''t be for free, if you''re a martial artist or a mage, I can give you a discount." Uncle Xu''s face suddenly changed into one of a business-like face. Rui Wei had no thoughts of free loading on the carriage since she actually has money on her hands.

    "Hmm-- how much it is per person?"

    The two of them talk back and forth about the price until Uncle Xu came to know that Sona is a peak 3rd class mage, that is when he agreed to let them ride for free. Rui Wei''s eyes were opened that 3rd rank mages were actually valued this much, just how powerful was the Dou Manor was? Almost all of the servants inside the Dou Manor were 3rd ranked mages and above!

    Rui Wei''s brows furrowed, 3rd mages were actually valued this much?

    --

    Early in the morning, Merchant Xu''s Group was preparing to leave the Smaol Village.

    Sona was inside the carriage with Ruzi, while Rui Wei''s figure can''t be seen.

    Sona was fiddling around with the talisman that Rui Wei gave her. This was a sound talisman that Rui Wei created, Sona doesn''t know at how Rui Wei got her hands on this valuable talisman, but to give it to a mere servant like her, her Miss is really something.

    ''Tear this talismam to activate it, that way you can contact me.'' That was Rui Wei''s instruction before she left. Sona doesn''t know where her Miss went but she firmly believes that her Miss would be back before the time.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    "Oi, Miss, is your young master not here yet?"

    "Pardon us, Uncle Xu, but my young master will be here shortly." Sona said with certainty.

    "Oh, it''s fine we''re not in a rush or something, I was just curious.."Merchant Xu answered with a smile, then left to instruct his servants.

    Sona looked at Merchant Xu''s figure, and anxiousness spread on her heart.

    ''Ah, Young Miss, where are you?!''

    ***

    Insidethe Minor Beast forest--

    A young man jumped trees after trees, fast and agile. His red hair shined with luster as they danced with the wind---

    *Graaaaaa*

    ''Godfucking damnit! How''d I end up like this?!''

    "Oi! You two, get your asses here!" I shouted as I blocked the attack of the Fire Boar which is heading towards them. I call it Fire boar, because it looks like a goddamn boar with it''s fur burning, and eyes ferociously glinting with blood.

    *psssssss*

    Sounds of ice quickly evaporating sounded out.

    "T-thanks..." The two''s face was deathly pale, as they realized that they just narrowly avoided death.

    "Stop dawdling around and run!!!" I once again reminded them, as I cast spells after spells.

    The surrounding air was vibrating as Fire and Ice clashed, the Master-Servant pair ran as fast as they could, while I continued to shoot out spells to cover them up.

    "Tsk, This is quite tiresome." If these Master and Servant Pair wasn''t here, I would have jumped towards the beast and killed it in one stroke.

    I pulled out one of the talismans that I prepared before, also making sure that the Master Servant pair didn''t see me pulling out the talisman.

    *Swiiiiish*

    Throwing it towards the beasts, I compressed the water Qi on my hand--

    I then dashed towards the beast,slamming my hands on his face.

    *Baaaaaaaaam*

    The beasts were thrown 7 meters away, breaking several trees on the process, I dashed towards his large build. But before I freeze it completely,

    I looked behind me as I could not feel those two''s presence anymore, I widened my perception a bit more and...I immediately found them.

    "There they are."

    I shifted my attention back to the barely breathing beast.Taking a deep breath, I placed my hand on beastsbody which is covered with blood. His blood started to crystalized, as I freeze his whole body.

    The talisman that I threw to him earlier was simplycreated bycompressing the water Qi inside, once activatedthe Water Qi would burst out like a bomb, damadging anything within the distance of 5 meters. While the enemy would be physically injured, the water Qi would also linger around their body for a limited timegiving me the chance to freeze them in a speed visible to the eyes.

    Since the living body has now turned into a carcass, the Spatial ring would not resist it anymore. I waved my handand the huge carcass disappeared.

    --

    "Haa, haa--"

    "7th Elder, don''t you think that we should call ourpeople tohelp that red-haired youth?" Cui Leng said between his ragged breath.

    "What are you saying young master?! Even if we called for more people right now, we would just be hindering that Master, can''t you see his bearings?! he had the air of an expert!! He had probably let us run first as he saw as hindrance!"

    "I-is that so?" Cui Leng looked at the 7th Elder with disbelief, but it was so fast that the 7th elder did not notice it.

    ''That red-haired youth was clearly having a hard time fighting the beast!'' Cui Leng said at the back of his mind, but his face showed that he completely believed the 7th elder''s words.

    "ha... Anyways, young master, it was really dangerous of you to wander around the forest at such time, If that Expert didn''t come in time, not only me but also you, Young Master, would have met one''s end!"

    "Yes, I''ll be sure to remember this." Cui Leng cupped his fist together, showing that he took the elder''s words to heart. But in an angle that the 7th Elder could not see, Cui Lengs face was full of disappointment and disgust.

    "After we get back on the main house, we should persuade the expert to come with us, asto pay his good deed, and while were at it, we should probably invite him to be the guest of our house..." The7th Elder''s head was already turningas how he should persuade the expert to side them.Not only would their Cui Clan get an additional strength, the head might also pardon his lax attitudetowards the young master!

 Chapter 18: To Dragonsvein Kingdom II

    "Before we go back to the main house, we should first persuade that expert to come along with us, and on the way back, we''ll somehow invite him to be the guest of our house..." The 7th Elder started to plan for his grand ''scheme''. With that kind of expert siding with them, not only would their Cui Clan get an additional strength, the Chief might even pardon his lax attitude towards the young master!

    A/n* The 7th elder''s words here meant by guest is: "The expert would only lend a hand if a foreign force attacked the Cui Clan, but will not move a finger if it is internal struggle."

    ''What a perfect plan!'' The 7th elder praised himself.

    He looked back at his young master who was vacantly looking back at him.

    "Young Master?" the 7th elder called out.

    "T-t-the red haired youth--" Cui Leng suddenly started trembling as his finger pointed behind the 7th elder''s back.

    The 7th elder looked behind him, but before he could fully turn his neck, his body plopped down on the ground.

    *Thud*

    "W-wha--" Cui Leng unconsciously took 3 steps back. His gazed was fixed at the youth.

    ''It had not been an hour yet, but the red haired youth already caught up with them? This is impossible... That was a fourth ranked beast, ah!

    Don''t tell me that this expert is a 5th rank mage or possibly higher?!''

    ''But what'' is his purpose for taking down the 7th elder? Was he offended by 7th elder''s words?''

    Then he truly is now in a bad position!

    Cui Leng stood still at his spot, his face flashing with complicated emotions.

    "Yo." The youth waved his hands in a friendly manner, but this did not make Cui Leng''s anxious heart calm down.

    "W-what do you want?!"

    "Ah, I was just curious at your unique Martial technique."

    Hearing Rui Wei''s words, Cui Leng''s anxious face suddenly turned grave.

    He coldly stared at the Red haired youth in front of him, as if he wanted to bore a hole out of his face.

    "Who sent you?!" Cui Leng''s face turned ferocious, as his qi started flowing in a certain flow and took a stance.

    "Hmmm?" The Youth''s brows furrowed, as his friendly face disappeared without a trace, his eyes were so cold that the surroundings started to form a layer of ice.

    Cui Leng felt a tremendous pressure bearing down on him.

    His feet sunk a bit, while his breath shortened.

    "N-no matter what--" Cui Leng was stubborn at keeping his ''secret'' from the red haired youth, who was probably sent by the filthy bastards that wants his life.

    "Haaaa... Can you at least let a person finish their sentence, first?" The red haired youth sighed, looking at Cui Leng with disappointment.

    "You really think so highly of your Cui Clan don''t  you? If they have so much money to waste on a grand assassin like this, then your Cui Clan shouldn''t have meekly bowed their heads towards the Gu Clan, don''t you think so? Hiring a 4th ranked mage, just to kill some runaway brat, hahahahah!" The red haired youth snorted as he insulted the Cui Clan.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "Although it is quite obvious that your family members are eyeing the Chief position like hungry tigers, that doesn''t mean that they are doing it mindlessly." The red haired youth finished his sentence, his figure blinked and appeared right in front of Cui Leng''s face.

    He slid his fingers on Cui Leng''s cheeks then, forcefully lifted his chin.

    The red haired youth''s eyes shone with amusement.

    "Heeee, to think that I''d  meet Shuifei''s disciple here." His lips hooked up, while his eyes were full of amusement.

    He flicked his fingers and a piece of paper and brush appeared, he took his time slowly writing something on the paper, then sticking it on Cui Leng''s forehead. After making contact with his skin, the paper talisman simply disappeared without a trace, Cui Leng felt a cold prickle on his forehead.

    "What did you put on me?!?" Cui Leng shouted through his gritted teeth.

    "Don''t worry, even I, don''t want to offend Shufei. It was just some greetings for him. " The red haired youth laughed as he disappeared in Cui Leng''s view.

    ---

    *Rui Wei*

    I quickly left Cui Leng after I put the talisman on him.

    Craaaaaap. To think that he was actually Shufei''s disciple!

    I remember that oldman saying something like,

    "Youths this day just don''t have what it takes."

    Shufei is an oldman that I acquainted while I was doing some things outside the Dou Manor.  He saw through my disguise, and he was quite intrigue at my technique.

    We drank a few cups of wine, and talked for a bit.

    He was the kind of person that would use any means to get what he likes, he doesn''t even listen to any Kingdoms nor Clans, just going around the Jianghu to make trouble. But there is one thing for sure, which is, he is overly protective to things he takes fancy, be it Objects, People, Beasts nor places.

    I scratched my head, as I ransacked my head for a back-up plan, might he hate my gift (the talisman).

    ---

    Early in the morning, lines of carriage were paraded at the front of a small inn.

    A middle aged oldman, walked by the 3rd carriage, slightly tapping the window.

    "Young lady, Isn''t your Young Master taking a bit too long?"

    Instead of replying, Sona just smiled back.

    "Mister Xu, did you really want to see me that much?" From behind, a Red haired youth appeared, tapping Merchant Xu''s shoulder, then giving him an incredulous look.

    "W-wha--- This kid!!" Merchant Xu was surprised for a second, but seeing it was that Red Haired Youth, he just laughed back.

    "Hurry up and get inside! We''re leaving!" Merchant Xu reminded them, as he made his way back to his carriage.

    "Damn brat making a fool out of me. So what if you win on the chess match before-- tch!" Merchant Xu grumbled as he left, his mouth unconsciously curved upwards.

    ---

    "Haaaa.... The Kingdom, has really been busy that they now neglect the borderlines, huh?" Rui Wei grumbled as she went inside the carriage.

    Ruzi who was sleeping the whole time opened his eyes and jumped towards Rui Wei.

    "Mama!" He said excitedly.

    "Oho~" Rui Wei as if rejuvenated hugged back Ruzi.

    "Milady, the King was extremely furious after we left,  I heard that he decapitated rows of ministers even going as far as killing up to their 3rd generations, my family had sent me a letter for their plans on travelling to another Kingdom." Sona had a grim look on her face as she said this.

    "Hmmm, well after doing that, it''s already no surprise. He''s actually being lenient here, by sparing the other 6 generations of those ministers." Rui Wei replied, while still rubbing Ruzi''s hair.

    "Sona, how is your cultivation progress?"

    "I have been thoroughly enlightened, I think it is just a matter of time for me to breakthrough!" Sona replied excitedly, After 3 years, she can finally break her bottleneck!

    "Hmmm, that''s good then." Rui Weird replied, a smile hanging on her mouth.

    ----

    The journey will take 2 weeks or more. Our group, were put in the 2nd carriage just behind Uncle Xu''s carriage.

    Uncle Xu''s bodyguard were 4th rank martial artist and a 3rd rank mage. The mercenaries were either 3rd rank martial artists or below.

    The sky had turned dark, and it was time for me to train--

    My enhanced senses have picked up several men who have been following us. They are what I conclude a bandit is--

    But looking more closely, they don''t seem be one, they''re clothes weren''t ragged and their Qi were flowing in a certain manner, they are absolutely a mage. What kind of idiot would pick being bandit as a profession when you''re a valued mage!?

    I beckoned Sona to lend her ears to me.

    "Sona, relay the message to Merchant Xu, that some suspicious men have been following us, better have scouts to spread and tighten the guard on the merchandise--"

    "Yes." Sona bowed slightly and left the carriage, I followed the suspicious men''s actions.

    Oiya? oi, oi... They actually turned around!

    Was I being overly sensitive?

    I hold back Sona, using my Qi.

    Sona reflexively countered-attack with her Qi, unfortunately my rank was higher than, rendering her helpless.

    "Sona, there''s no need to report, it seems like I was wrong." I sent her a mental message

    --

    "Milady, your Qi have improved by another rank?" Sona asked me with an amazed look on her face.

    "Huh? I haven''t broke through any bottle neck, yet." I replied to Sona, as I kept my eyes on the suspicious group of mages.

 Chapter 19: Arriving at the Dragonsvein Kingdom.

    The group of mages were going farther and farther away from our group.

    I closed my eyes and sat in a lotus position, summoning five talismans and start to use it to support my spell, on the corner of the carriage was Sona who has her jaw almost droppping on the floor. On the other corner of the carriage was Ruzi, who is fast asleep on his smalll make shift bed.

    Looking more closely, like real close, The group of mages were actually from the nearby Sect?

    The Heavenly Palm Sect, with it''s history dating back to thousands of years ago, their reputation not something to be triffled with, they even have several Mortal Empires under their domain. Although it could not compare to Ancient Sects like the Four Ancient sects like Phoenix Sect, White Tiger, Blue Dragon, and Qilin Sect, they still have their own ways to climb to the top and survive the countless wars and harassment on the Jianghu.

    The Heavenly Palm Sect holdsa yearly assessment of their disciples, sending them outside the Sect and giving them their respective tests based on their cultivation levels.

    This time a group of Heavenly Palm Sect disciples are tasked upon to catch a 5th rank beast to advance as a core disciple, any group who are able to catch one will be automatically promoted as a core disciples. The Heavenly palm sect has sent out 5 teams consisting of 4th rank cultivators

    The group that Rui Wei has detected were this group.

    These group are the last to reach their Quota.

    "Shu Miao, which Elder do you think will pick me? My cultivation progress has been quite smooth too!" A boy who looked to be 13-14 years asked the girl beside him, the girl gave him a glance and harrumphed.

    "With your stupid face, it''ll be already good if Elder Fu doesn''t take fancy of you." The Shu Miao girl answered.

    "Ahh! How cruel!" The boy said this as he touched his face.

    ''En, Do i really look that stupid?'' He mumbled.

    "Pfft--"

    "Hahahhaha!"

    "We can hear you, stupid!"

    "Lui, jokes aside, have you picked your main fighting skill, yet? Earlier when you delivered that blow on the Blazing Tiger, it had not killed it as planned, if Pon hadn''t reacted in time, you would have melted long ago." Jun, said with a serious face.

    "Ahahha... I did, I did. It''s just that I don''t think that it was that hard to decipher. I''m having a hard time interpreting the skill... But I''m sure that once an elder guides me, my skills would be peerless under the heaven!" The Lui kid said confidently, making the other three laugh again.

    "Ahahahha! Peerless under the heaven he says!" Pon slapped Lui''s back then proceed to laugh.

    "What, it''s not like it''s impossible." Lui pouted.

    ---

    ''Disciples of the Heavenly Palm sect, huh.''

    After awhile, I opened my eyes, then with a wave of my hands I retrieved all of the talismans.

    I had just momentarily severed my consciousness from my body, athough i can only do it for a short period of time, it is good for observation, since you can completely hide your presence and aura, even if they had opened their Spiritual Eyes.

    I who have spent quite of an effort to eavesdrop on the suspicious group mages, even using those precious talismans... In the end the result was a bit of disappointment, to think that I neglected some minor details, and even confuse those brats as bandits, It would have been troublesome if I hadn''t realize it earlier and let Sona report to Merchant Xu..Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    "Y-young M-miss...That, that, that was---" Before Sona could finish her stuttered words.

    "Ssshh..." I put my forefinger on my lips, and pointed at Ruzi. Although she won''t necessarily wake Ruzi up, I just want to avoid explaining, as she was already admiring me too much.

    Just my cultivation progress was enough for her to worship me, what if she knew I could also use skills above my cultivation level?

    ----

    2 weeks passed by quite quickly, it was a good thing that Ruzi did not make any fuss, being contained on the carriage for so long.

    We are right now on the Queue to enter the Dragonsvein Kingdom, Merchant Xu has long since got down the carriage to talk to the guards, and giving out his identification card. After that we were finally able to go inside the Dragonsvein Kingdom.

    "Merchant Xu! Good thing no bandits this time, yeah?" I went to Merchant Xu and casually tapped his back, while grinning.

    "Well, yeah, considering that I have fewer merchandise this time. It was not that much of a surprise. "Merchant Xu pointed his 10 carriages that he consider few, I raise my brows and just smiled.

    "Young Lad, do you already have plans here?" Merchant Xu asked.

    "Ahahaha, please don''t joke around Merchant Xu, you know that this our first time here." I replied.

    "Ha?! It''s your frst time visiting Dragonsvein Kingdom?! You seem to know some things around here so I thought you came here quite often..." Merchant Xu frowned as he looked at me.

    "I heard it from a friend, so I decided to come here." I defended myself.

    "Why is Merchant Xu asking if I have plans? Do you plan bringing me to your home, to offer me this and that---" I leaned to Merchant Xu''s ears and whispered.

    "Gaaah!! What the hell!" Merchant Xu backed away from me, his face pale.

    "Ahahahahha, it was just joke, no need to be serious. We are new here so we don''t really know the place, I heard from my friend that the Hena Inn was quite good?" I asked Merchant Xu, changing the subject.

    "Ah, It was really unfortunate, but that Hena Inn shut down just some time ago." A random passerby replied to our conversation, he had his hair tied in a ponytail, his skin quite rough, and on his hands were a basket full of colorful mushrooms

    Are those even edible?

    "Eh?! They shut down? Why? They had a quite good income, too." Merchant Xu asked the passerby.

    "Aish, you know the General''s Son, that prodigal son, Sun Xiao? He visited the Hena Inn and took a liking to Lu Rei the girl working on it, and as we all know the Owner of that Inn treats Lu Rei as his own daughter so he firmly refused even after being beaten up. It was a good thing that Sun Xiao''s friend suddenly came and took him away. After that incident the Owner quickly closed the Inn and left the city with Lu Rei. I don''t know where they went, as they hastily left the place, even though Owner Han was still injured." The man said while sighing, after saying that he left.

    Merchant Xu seemed to be in a quite deep thought as he just stood there.

    "Young Lad, I think it would be better if you stay at the Cheng Inn, although it''s quite expensive there, you''ll be safer there, especially when you''re with you''re travelling with your brother and maid." Merchant Xu looked at me with a serious expression, then pointed at Sona who was carrying Ruzi.

    "Thanking Merchant Xu for the advice, we''ll considerit."

    After that we changed some pleasantries, then bid farewell to each other.

    ---

    Dragonsvein Kingdom; Imperial Capital; Cheng Inn

    2 youth and a little kid got out of a carriage. The first youth to come down, wore a black brocade robe, his overall appearancewas clean and neat, while his face had a cold look on his face. The second youth was assissting a little kid, who seems to be 5 years old or below, the second youth was wearing a dark blue robe.

    This group were Rui Wei.

    Rui Wei looked at the galant manor in front of her, there are even guards outside.

    ''I doubt that this is some kind of Inn, but the huge sign ''Cheng Inn'' washed my doubts away. ''

    Rui Wei after asking some locals, Found out that Cheng Inn was a high class Inn where Nobles and even someof the Imperial Faimly members stays. But as Merchant Xu said, it is dangerous to stay at some Inns, specially since this Dragonsvein Kingdom is filled with cultivators. Even if she sets up some protective talisman on the room that they''ll stay at, she isn''t confident that the barrier she set would be able to hold up if some cultivator were to fight.

    She had tried to check some Inns that she have planned on staying at. But most of them have cultivators staying at those inns, although they were hiding their Qi quite well, but within Rui Wei''s Eyes they were as clear as the sky.

    A/n: Now you know, she has a cheat, if this one is considered a cheat. Lol

    Rui Wei originally wanted to look at several more Inns, but looking at Ruzi who has been dozing off, she didn''thave the choice to be that picky.

    Rui Wei confidently entered the Inn, The guards on the side just took a side glance at Rui Wei, after a glance they did not bother to look at her again as they just stood at their post like statues.

 Cultivation Ranks

    Here are the Cultivation Ranks

    Mortal Realm- has 6 levels which have THREE MINOR stages, respectively called, LOWER, MIDDLE, and HIGHER. e.i. Lower Mortal, Mortal, Higher Mortal.

    After achieving the peak 6th level on Mortal Realm, you now have to break through the 7th level, where you''ll gain the title ''Knight''

    Knight- has three levels 7th, 8th, and 9th. After this, you''ll have to break on the next level which is ''Noble''

    Noble rank- is a turning point in every cultivator''s life. In noble rank, you would start to form a core inside your stomach, which would later determine your future.

    *when martial artists reach the noble rank they can also start to use the elements, before this, martial artists usually use charms or talismans to produce a spell similar to mages.

    Emperor- has three minor stage which is extremely hard to advance, Low, Middle, and High.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    God- also has three levels, same with Emperor level, just that you''ll receive a lightning tribulation, ridding you your mortal flesh, changing it to a transcendent one.

    Sovereign- Low, Middle, and High. Peak level on what humans have achieved, there had been only one mortal who has reached this level.

    ---

    8 MAIN elements

    1. Wind                                 5.Lightning

    2. Fire                                  6. Wood

    3. Water                                7. Light

    4. Earth                                 8. Darkness

 Chapter 20: The Seed of Trouble

    After stepping inside, Rui Wei was quite astonished, the inside was incredibly beautiful and organised. And looking at the servants, they all have cultivation ranks!Most of the servants were 2nd ranked at most.

    Rui Wei went to the receptionist, the Receptionist gave her out a detailed information about their rooms and the perks.

    "This one humbly asks if Young Master will stay for a week?" The lady smiled brightly as she asked.

    "A month." Rui Wei shortly replied.

    "E-eh.. A month, r-right away, Young Master." The receptionist was surprised at Rui Wei''s statement but she soon regained her calm, as she calculated the cost.

    This Cheng Inn as a High ranked Inn, of course, has expensive charges and a place for nobles to sometimes carry out the deeds that could not be publicised. So hearing that this unknown youth would be staying here for a month had the receptionist stunned.

    "It''ll be 500 golds." The receptionist smiled brightly that it almost blinded Rui Wei. Some servants who were passing by curiously looked at Rui Wei.

    Rui Wei did not pay any attention to the servants who was looking at her weirdly, as she just tapped the table and a small bag appeared.

    "Keep the change." Rui Wei said, as she pointed at a servant and haughtily ordered him to lead them to their room.

    ----

    After counting the money inside the bag the Receptionist could not help but jump in happiness.

    There were 543 gold coins inside!

    And as the young master before said, ''Keep the change.'' she could not help but shed tears of happiness, after this she might even quit her work and just live her life!

    The yearly income of one family is only around 3 gold coins and some silvers. But now she quickly received 43 gold coins without really doing anything, she wasn''t even involved in some scheme of those nobles! Ah, it was a really lucky day!

    ----

    After spending some time within this Cheng Inn, I have alreadygathered the necessary information, so that I could live quietly, The people here on the Dragonsvein Kingdom were quite low ranked compared to the people of the Qin Kingdom. Their sound proof spell does not even work on me, as I could still clearly hear their conversations, despite being miles away.

    What kind of shitty spell is that, huh?!

    Although most people have cultivation level, their ranks are at most 2nd-3rd rank, there were only a handful of peoplethat reached 4th rank and above, and most of them are people of the Nobility and Royalty.

    I sipped my milk tea while listening to their conversations. In front of me is Ruzi who have already reached the 2nd rank as an Ice mage.

    That''s right, Ruzi have broken through the 1st rank last night, and have reached the 2nd rank. Last night the whole room almost turned into a whole chunk of ice,the beds and the interior design of the Inn were almost reduced to dust, and some of my talismans were even damaged. Due to Ruzi''s lack of control on his Qi. I had to find objects similar to this Inn and replace them.

    I feel like, I should be extremely astonished at Ruzi''s cultivation speed, but how could I? When I myself has an astonishing cultivation speed.

    Now that I think about it, Sona''s rank has also been stabilized. And I think it is now the right time to break into the Temple of the Dragonsvein Kingdom.

    There are 8 temples within this continent which were built by 3 Emperor Ranked cultivator. This is mostly used by the Imperial Family Members, Nobilities and Ancient Sects. And one of that very temple is located here, namely Dragon Temple.This was our original goal here, anyway.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    As I was pondering over our trip to thetemple---

    ''Heh, This Junior is quite honored for an Elder to use great measures just to spy over this lowly one''s conversation.'' I choked on my milk tea and coughed for a moment.

    My brows knotted in a frown as Ilooked towards the first floor.

    ''7th rank?!'' I almost dropped my cup at the discovery.

    Have he discovered my location?!

    I quickly released five talismans and sat in a lotus position, immediately going on the first floor.

    But seeing the man''s disturbed look on his face, my heart relaxed.

    Perhaps he couldn''t discern my location due to the countless talismans that were set up in the room,

    The man was the convoy from the Heavenly Palm Sect, Li Mo, he was sent here to deepen the ''connections'' within the two allied Force, The Dragonsvein Kingdom, and Heavenly Palm Sect. Beside him was the Prime Minister''s 6th Daughter, Gu Xiao Li.

    From their conversations before, he and this Xiao Li just met a few days ago. But this Xiao Li, if I''m right, is engaged with the 3rd Prince? What''s she doing here, flirting?

    "This Junior, asks elder to confirm this Junior''s doubts.'' Even after a long time of silence, no one answered him.

    ""Why should I""

    Xiao Li, also frowned as she looked at every corner of the room.

    While the two were continuously scanning the whole room with their eyes and Qi... the culprit is actually just right in front of them.

    Silence reigned over the room, but it only added the tension within the two youth''s heart.

    The room was eerily silent that one would be able to hear clearly if a needle was dropped.

    ''This one---'' As the youth was about to say something, I cut him off.

    ''It was not my intention to eavesdrop-- My apologies young ones, If I have startled you.'' My voice sounded ethereal, as if it came from another world, echoing everywhere around the room, but it was neither loud nor soft. Making Li Mo''s frown deeper, while also alerting Xiao Li.

    Both of their eyes flashed with dangerous light, I could see that the Xiao Li girl has started to rotate her Qi, about to release a skill.

    ''*sigh* I won''t bother the two of you anymore and worry not. As I''m not interested in a mortal''s issue.'' As I''ve said that I immediately went back to my body.

    I quickly added several more talismans on the room, even going as far as drawing scriptures around the wall, as to make sure that the Li Mo dude won''t even feel any shred of my presence.

    --

    "Li Mo... What should we do... If that expert just now was a spy that the 3rd Prince sent, then both of us are doomed." Xiao Li muttered under her breath.

    Although she said this, she was also thinking of many possibilities and plans to encounter if ever that was the 3rd Prince''s spy.

    "No, that, I won''t let that happen." Li Mo said, his face cold.

    *describe his face, as he held that expert in contempt*

    "I will request some reinforcements from the sect. Xiao Li, I will leave first." Li Mo glanced at her, as he disappeared in the thin air.

    Xiao Li who was now all alone in the room just stood at her spot. Then caressing the ring on her forefinger.

    "To think, that I a, a Gold ranked assassin from the 21st century would be spied upon without my knowledge! I shouldn''t really take this world, lightly, huh." Xaio Li muttered under her breath, while her eyes emited a strong sense of bloodlust.

    --

    From the 2nd floor, Rui Wei who was teaching Ruzi constructive ways to use a talisman. Suddenly stopped her movements, her face was pale but also smiling, although it looked uglier than crying.

    ''A transmigrated individual from the 21st century, and an assassin at that!''

    And from that bloodlust alone, it could be confirmed that is indeed an assassin right there.

    ''I definitely don''t want to get associated with them... Especially with that assassin who gets spied upon.."

    Rui Wei as one who would love to avoid trouble, of course, she''ll stay away with an MC material like that girl. Just from the conversations that Xiao Li exchanged with that Li Mo dude, she already had trouble after trouble, and she met Li Mo while on the run from the 3rd Prince''s force. It now makes sense how she is sneakilymeeting Li Mo here at the Cheng Inn.

    As I''ve had my head running on theconversation that the two had exchanged. Ruzi suddenly threw an ice on me.

    "Thunk." A sound metal hitting a metal rang out.

    ''Huh?'' I clearly felt that something tapped my forehead, looking at Ruzi who just ''attacked'' me with his Ice Qi, he once again ''attacked'' me with his Qi.

    *thunk**thunk* *thunk**thunk*

    Several Ice Qi was thrown on my face.

    "That''s enough." I stretched his cheeks lightly. Seriously, kids. As I berated Ruzi, he just shifted his attention to the talisman before him, randomly scribbling down on it.

    ''Have I entered the 5th rank?'' If not, then what was the sound that my face produced when Ruzi attacked me? Although Ruzi is just a kid, he''s rank as a 2nd rank Ice mage is nothing be trifled, against.

    As I''ve said before when he stepped on the 2nd rank, the things around the Inn were broken and several talismans was also damaged. One has to know that my talismans are comparable to a 7th rank skill. That proof was enough to show how powerful Ruzi is, right now.

    Aaaah, I''m really uncertain about this things, no matter how much books I''ve read from this world I still cannot fully decipher the ranking system!

    --

    It is actually not Rui Wei''s fault for having a hard time discerning her level, as after all, her Bodily constitution is rare within this world, only having traces of handful of people actually cultivating the Water Element.

 Chapter 21: The Dragon Temple

    Dragon Temple; Dragonsvein Kingdom''s Imperial Palace.

    This Dragon Temple was built alongside the Imperial Palace of the Dragonsvein Kingdom, although the founder of the Dragonsvein Kingdom was just a lucky asshole, who had received a Pie from heaven. His strength was still ranked 5th amongst the previous generation.

    The 3 Emperor Ranked Cultivators built this temple after they received some pills from the very founder of the Dragonsvein Kingdom.

    The actual goal of the Emperor ranked cultivators were just to show off, but who would actually think that those respected, revered immortals would have such thoughts? The three of them were at the pinnacle that the Mortal''s have ever reached, since the Ancient Times. The 3 Emperor ranked cultivators were good friends and liked to compete with each other, and these 8 Temples were also one of their competition.

    The Mortal Cultivators have blindly made assumptions that the 3 Emperor ranked cultivators wanted the later generations to have guides on the path of cultivation. Thinking that the 3 Emperor Ranked cultivators put effort for the Mortal Cultivators left them in tears, which is why the legends of the 3 Emperor Ranked Cultivators resound in any corner of the Mortal Plane up to till now.

    ---

    The Dragon Temple''s defense is actually above the Imperial Palace''s, not because they do not want anyone to use the Measuring Device within it, but because there are also treasures within this Temple, the Dragon Temple is not only used for Measuring one''s strength but it also contains the cultivation skill books that the 3 Emperor Ranked Cultivators have left there. Many Rulers of the Dragonsvein Kingdom had planned to move this particular library but alas, it''s built-in protective scriptures were beyond their power.

    --

    Rui Wei along with Ruzi and Sona have successfully passed through this supposedly, impenetrableTemple.

    It was actually extremely simple. The Dragon Temple have guards going around in a certain manner, while there was also overseer who was watching from afar. Rui Wei created clouds and made it look like it was a natural phenomenon, She camouflage within the rain, blurring the eyes of the people, and putting up a huge Ice Mirror for illusions. And so within this rain, Rui Wei who was carrying Ruzi and Sona, easily went through the Dragon Temple.

    Sona who was tagging behind Rui Wei, had many questions inside her head, and she was barely refraining herself from asking Rui Wei. Early this morning her Young Miss, had suddenly said that they were going to the Dragon Temple, confusing Sona. The Dragon Temple''s Aptitude test will be next week, so as of now, the Dragon Temple still strictly prohibits anyone from entering, even the King himself has to inform the 6 pillar elders first before entering the Dragon Temple.

    The Dragon Temple''s aptitude test is held once every 5 years, the Aptitude test lasts for a whole month, giving almost everyone on the Dragonsvein Kingdom a chance to enter the Dragon Temple, at least once in their lives.

    Sona was looking everywhere nervously, their journey here has been way too smooth. Which is why she was anxious, the hallway was way too clean.

    "We''re here." Rui Wei''s voice sounded out on Sona''s head.

    Sona looked ahead and saw one huge boulder on the side that has engraved scriptures on it on it, besides the boulder, there was a small circle that was drawn on the floor.

    The boulder was the device that would show the result, while the circle is where you stand while the temple would measure the Qi within your body.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Rui Wei put down Ruzi, which she was carrying all along.

    Ruzi was fast asleep, completely unaware of the current events.

    Rui Wei went and stepped inside the circle, as soon as she stepped inside, the circle started glowing. The magical circle scanned her body up and down, soon the boulder also started to glow.

    Elements: Water, Ice

    Mortal Realm, 5th rank peak!

    "Eeee--" before Sona could scream her mouth was sealed.

    "Shhh." Putting her finger on her lips, Rui Wei beckoned Sona to come closer.

    Sona nervously stepped inside the circle.

    Element: Earth

    Mortal Realm, 4th rank, mid

    After Sona was done, Rui Wei then proceeds to put the sleeping Ruzi on the circle.

    Element: Ice, Water, Thunder

    Mortal Realm, 2nd rank, low

    Rui Wei''s eyes twitched seeing the ''thunder'' element.

    Dou Chang You''s words suddenly appeared on Rui Wei''s head

    "How about, Thunder Lou?"

    She could remember that General Dou''s Element was thunder. Although General Dou mostly focused on tempering his body.

    "T,three element..." Sona''s voice was as weak as a mouse, as her face was full of disbelief. This was the first time that she saw a legendary dual element, and now to think that the young Mistress that she has been trying to ''protect'' was actually a legendary dual element cultivator, while her young master was an almost non-existence, 3 element cultivator!

    Now it actually makes sense how her young mistress could escape that Steward Li''s grasp!

    While the two of them were lost in their thoughts.

    An unexpected situation was about to unfold, even beyond on Rui Wei''s calculation.

    *

    Outside the Dragon Temple, two figures could be seen flashing from time to time. One figure was strong and masculine, while the other one was small and petite.

    These two figures are Gu Xiao Li and the Ninth Prince.

    Gu Xiao Li, after Li Mo left the Kingdom and went to the Heavenly Palm Sect. Gu Xiao Li decided that she cannot just stay on the Cheng Inn forever, so after she broke through and achieved the 4th rank, she finally showed up in the capital after being gone for a whole week. She went inside the Gu Manor as if nothing important had ever happened, her father who saw was furious to the point he had wanted to kill her at the mere sight. He confronted Gu Xiao Li and had wanted her to apologize to the 3rd prince, as he still wanted to remain good relationship with the 3rd prince. Also threatening her to kick out of the Manor and erase her name from the Genealogy Book.

    Of course, Xiao Li being the arrogant being she is refused to do so and have said:

    "I only came here to sever my ties with a disgusting creature like you!" After she said this, she did not wait for her father, as she snatched Genealogy Book of the Gu Family on her father''s hand, and personally erased her own name!

    After doing this, she heroically left the Manor with the Ninth Prince. Leaving the house she has nowhere to go, whereas the Ninth Prince gifted her with a new Manor. The Ninth Prince, of course, accompanied her to the new house asking her this and that. When Xiao Li mentioned how she broke through and reached the 4th rank, despite only cultivating for some months, had the Ninth Prince stunned. The Ninth Prince had asked what elements Xiao Li was currently cultivating, unfortunately, Xiao Li has not started cultivating any elements yet, as she has focused on tempering her body.

    So as the spoiling prince he is, they decided to go to the Dragon Temple to look at Gu Xiao Li''s Elemental Affinity, so that she could also start cultivating the elemental Qi.

    *

    Rui Wei who have finished on distinguishing their ranks and elements went deeper on the Dragon Temple. The Dragonsvein Kingdom do not have control over the mechanism of the Dragon Temple, which is a cause of their silent protest towards the 3 Emperor Ranked cultivator who built this Temple. The Library of the Dragon Temple contained numerous martial skill that was deemed rare, as they are all cultivation copies of the 3 Emperor Ranked Cultivators, one can only say that these 3 Emperor Ranked Cultivators were really generous even leaving behind some copies of their Cultivation Methods that they have collected within their whole lifetimes.

    The Library has a built-in protective-scripture which has the defense of 3 Emperor Ranked Cultivators combined. The Protective spell actually only protects the library from ill-intents or attacks that would destroy/damage the Library. Generally, anyone could have come and go inside this so-called library, which is why the Dragonveins Kingdom have limited the people who could enter the very Dragon Temple.

    The structure of the library was quite exotic, as the shelves were floating from here and there, on the side, there were some crystal balls. The crystal balls were flickering with different lights, giving out a stunning sight.

 Chapter 22: Sonas Weapon

    The Crystal Ball''s purpose was to help the cultivator find the skill book suitable for their Cultivation Path.

    Without hesitation Rui Wei went and put Ruzi''s palm on the crystal ball, it shone with bright lights, as 3 floating shelf came down on their location.

    The shelves had symbols of Water, Ice and thunder engraved on them, the shelf with water engravings had only a handful of books on it. Rui Wei handed Ruzi over Sona, who''s jaw was about to touch the floor.

    She then collected all the books in one swift movement, after that, she also put her palm, whereas one book shelf came down, containing only 3 books on it. Her eyes twitched, as disappointment flashed on her eyes.

    ''What kind of unfair treatment is this? Ruzi got at least more than 10 skill books! Hey!''

    Complaints aside, Rui Wei took the crystal ball and had Sona''s Palm on it, 3 book shelves came down, all having Earth symbol engraving on it. Rui Wei once again, collected all the books on her spatial ring, in one swift movement.

    ---

    With this I have fulfilled my goals at the Dragonsvein Kingdom. But my dissatisfaction towards the number of skill books that I''ve got, is extremely hard to suppress.

    This Dragon Temple has still that one last place, where the 3 Emperor ranked Cultivators, threw some of their spoils of war that they deemed useless.

    All of the Items there are artifacts that have been cultivated for a long time, but in the eyes of those Emperor Ranked Cultivators it is indeed a mere waste, trash and simply useless for them.

    "Sona, we''ll be going on the underground treasury, or more like the Dragon Temple''s weaponry." After saying this she was already walking towards the Underground Weaponry.

    "Y,young Miss... I think this is going a bit too far... What we did just now was already considered a crime punishable by death... If our deeds were come to light, then the whole Dragonsvein Kingdom would take action, and considering that they have large connections within sects and some infamous practitioners, we would have a hard time running away from them." While running after Rui Wei, Sona quickly replied within a breath.

    The Underground Weaponry''s location was only known to certain people, even some Royalties do not even know the existence of Underground Weaponry. As to how Rui Wei knew it, she simply heard it from Gu Xiao Li and Li Mo.

    "Sona... we''re already here though." Rui Wei said as she tapped the wall, the wall shone, as 4 magical circles appeared and intertwined, stairs leading downstairs appeared.

    Rui Wei then proceed to go down.

    The way downstairs were actually bright, due to the countless shining scriptures that were embedded on almost everywhere.

    "Young Mistress... Really." Sona could only sigh as she followed behind Rui Wei.

    The room this time was at least 3-4 times larger than the rooms before, it looked more like an Museum as each Weapon was entrapped within the wall, the weapons were all protected by a translucent barrier

    "If you want to get the weapon, you only have to simply break the barrier~" A voice suddenly sounded out, echoing on the large and spacious place. Rui Wei took a look at one of the weapons, the weapon was a long sword,it was emitting a green light,the hilt of sword had a coiling snake around it, biting the blade.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Rui Wei stretched out her hand and a chilling long sword, similar to the sword before her, manifested.

    *Clank!*

    The sound of metal coliding with each other echoed out on the Weaponry. Sona silently watched how Rui Wei manifested the sword, if she isn''t wrong there is a similar spell that Rui Wei used.

    Rui Wei continued to hit the barrier, when an annoying voice suddenly echoed out.

    *Clank!* *Clank!* *Clank!*

    "Don''t bite more than you can chew, Haha" it sarcastically said, as the barrier on the long sword shone and seemed to have added another layer of barrier.

    Rui Wei''s eyes twitched as she dissolved the Long Sword that was made of Ice. She went closer to the barrier and, started dispell the scriptures. The Qi that was used to create the scriptures were easily erased by Rui Wei, as the scriptures disappears, the barrier also lost it''s radiance, flickering for some time and completely losing it''s previous light. She have discovered a few things about scriptures, while she was experimenting on it.

    And this was also the first time that she have tried it, but Rui Wei had confidence that iw will work because her theory was quite reasonable and she have a good contol over her Qi.

    Now Rui Wei who was quite annoyed at the voice continued to take the several more items on the display.

    While Rui Wei was busy fiddling with the scriptures, Sona was mesmerized by a certain weapon.

    It was a scythe, despite Sona''s honest attitude, Sona had been a mercenary on the General Manor, she have seen countless people die, whether it be the innocent or the sinful.

    This scythe reminds her of the days that she have been eating blades as breakfast.(1)

    A/n: In constant danger.

    The days where she had to kill without blinking an eye or else her corpse would the one lying down. She have also used scythe as her main weapons back then, specially the 3rd rank Soul Harvester Scythe that she personally received from her Division Captain. Sona unconsciously wanted to feel her shoulders whereas a huge scar resided, but she realised that she was carrying Ruzi.

    Sona then shook her head, and turned around to look for Rui Wei, only to be surprised as Rui Wei''s face was just beside.

    "Uwaaa!" surprised at Rui Wei''s actions, she stumbled back some paces.

    "......." Rui Wei''s face had a deadpan look, while looking at the complex scripture, that was surrounding the scythe.

    "This one''s quite complex, huh.... HA?! 7th rank?!" Rui Wei stuck her palm on the barrier and looked at the scythes structure, it''s color was dust grey, looking unappealing and boring. But with one look, one could feel their neck feeling cold, as if something just went around their necks.

    Hearing what Rui Wei said, Sona was also stunned.

    7th rank?! Why did she not feel it? She have been looking at the scythe for quite a long time. Although she admits that she have low sensitivity towards this things... She just couldn''t believe that it was a 7th rank weapon.

    Rui Wei successfully took the scythe.

    "Ho~ Sona, aren''t you actually quite lucky! This one have it''s own consciousness, that legendary spirit artifact! I''m just quite dubious at why those 3 Emperor threw such thing?" Rui Wei said as she used Qi to take the sleeping Ruzi and throw the scythe towards Sona.

    As Sona was about to catch it, the scythe actually turned into crimson-red, as it slashed towards Sona.

    Rui Wei immediately took Ruzi who was still in mid-air, then threw 6 talismans towards the scythe.

    *Fwiiiish*

    Dust and Mist from Rui Wei''s freezing talisman were mixed together, momentarily hiding the scythe.

    The scythe was trapped inside the ice-block.

    "Foolish humans! You actually dare to do this to me?!" A shril voice echoed out, as the Ice block started to crack, the crack spread like spider webs--

    But before it could completely break free, Rui Wei simply added several more layers of ice.

    "W-what!! Stop!" As the scythe was shouting Rui Wei continued to add layers of Ice.

    "Sona, are you familiar with the words, ''Soul Bind Contract''?"

    "Yes, they are normally used when forcing a beast in a contract. Once the beast''s soul have been successfully caught, they''re souls are binded to a certain talisman." Sona replied with a grim tone, she have seen quite a few of those low ranked beast that are under the ''Soul Bind Contract''. They were usually used as Canon Fodder or in missions with 90% of death rate, when a low ranked beast survives a mission they are still killed by the soldiers as a source of food.

    Of course she have only seen low ranked beasts under the ''Soul Bind Contract'' afterall low ranked cultivators who posses this certain talismans were already hard to come by.

    Rui Wei took out a talisman, the talisman was dyed in red, as if it was dipped in fresh blood. She then unceremoniously threw it towards the Scythe, then another one to Sona.

    Sona caught the talisman, then flipped it.

    "Young Mistress! This! Only dark cultivators posses this!" Sona nervously clutched the crimson red talisman, as she looked towards Rui Wei.

 Chapter 23: Sonas Weapon (2)

    "Young Mistress! This! Only dark cultivators posses the Talisman of ''Soul Bind Contract'' !!"

    Rui Wei, turned a deaf ear to Sona''s question...

    ''Dark Cultivators Path?!'' Rui Wei almost choked, she modified this skill from the normal binding skill that martial artists use. And simply wrote it on the talisman!

    "This is not, in fact, a Dark Cultivators Talisman... It is simply made out of blood, but it does not use any gruesome technique just to cultivate/create this. While making this, I have used a drop of blood and the Samsara Binding Technique as a guide. This talisman''s method is different from the normal ''Soul Binding Contract''---" Rui Wei explained to Sona whilst binding the scythe artifact.

    "AaaaaaaaAaaaah!!" Rui Wei''s perfect explanation were interrupted by the shrill scream of the scythe artifact.

    Rui Wei had sweats forming on her forehead, the scythe artifact''s cultivation rank is higher than her. So she could only bind the artifact''s soul with the help of several more talismans hovering beside her.

    Several Paper Talisman''s were circling on Rui Wei''s Figure, as she continued to pour her Qi on the ''Soul Binding'' talisman. The Paper Talisman''s are bursting out with rich Water Qi that is being absorbed by Rui Wei.

    Sona''s eyes stared fixedly at Rui Wei''s Figure. Her eyes flashing with mixed emotions.

    Although Rui Wei have tactfully explained that ''Soul Binding'' skill that she is using, is one that have been modified. Sona still have doubts in her heart, but she firmly believes that Rui Wei is not someone who could cultivate such an atrocious and inhuman skill...

    "AaaaaaAaaaaahhh!!!" The Scythe Artifact''s scream resounded through the whole room, sending shivers on Sona''s back.

    While Ruzi is comfortably sleeping under Rui Wei''s soundproof spell.

    "....." Sona averted her gaze towards the situation as she faced the wall, muttering a buddha scripture under her breath.

    The scream of the Scythe Artifact simply made her remember the times when they were late in subjugating bandits, they arrived at the burning village, almost half of the villagers lay dead on the ground, cries, pleas and curses were mixed.

    This was also one of the reason as to why Sona''s cultivation was stuck, her heart is way too soft and easily swayed. With a slight act, her heart would soften.

    ---

    Surprisingly, the scythe artifact''s soul did not last for long, as after an stick of incense, the scream have stopped, and the talisman on Sona''s hand shone, the symbol of a scythe appearing.

    Rui Wei who was drenched in sweat, sat in the hard floor.

    Rui Wei waved her hand, her sweats dissolved into mist, she stood up looking fresh.

    "One must harden one''s resolve when walking the path of cultivation." Rui Wei said.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Sona''s shoulders twitched as she clearly knew what Rui Wei meant.

    "With your current resolve, I''m afraid that you will

    once again be stuck on your cultivation path."

    "...Yes." Sona replied.

    ---

    They both walked out of the treasury, while Sona is mindlessly walking behind Rui Wei. lost in her own thoughts.

    Rui Wei suddenly stopped on her tracks, as her brows twitched.

    ''Wha-- What the hell are they doing here?!''

    Her talisman outside have just been destroyed.

    Before entering the Dragon Temple, Rui Wei have took some measures and put a simple Eye Talisman on the Dragon Temple''s entrance, the Talisman could detect the heat from the human body, similar to a sensor.

    ''Crap...'' Rui Wei looked at the sleeping Ruzi on her arms then glanced over at Sona.

    Especially that 9th Prince, his cultivation speed is nothing to laugh at, at the young age of 21 he have reached the 6th Rank of Mortal Realm, Then breaking through his bottleneck at the age of 23 and officially entering the realm of ''Knight''!

    Her Qi has almost been depleted on binding the Scythe Artifact''s soul.

    Although Rui Wei have a stock of talismans on her spatial ring, and she have the confidence to escape with a bit of difficulty.

    If she were to meet someone like that, it definitely wouldn''t end up good.

    It was just the most inconvenient time for her right now.

    This Dragon Temple have only one way to enter and leave, and that was the Dragon Temple''s gate, where her talisman have been crushed to pieces.

    ''He should only be aware that someone have successfully entered the Dragon Temple, but with no specific lead, whether the one who entered is a group or an individual. Now then, what should I do?''

    Rui Wei took out several talismans such as, Clone Talisman, Mist Talisman and Mute Talisman etc.

    The Talisman''s have same sizes, texture and color, with the only difference being the symbols written on them.

    "Hey, Sona. What rank is your stealth skill at?" Rui Wei asked Sona who was still on daze.

    "Eh..? ah, I''ve stepped on the ''Shadow Merge'' some time ago." Sona answered.

    The Stealth Skill, is one of the basic skill that martial artist cultivates, it has 3 stages which are respectively ranked, Wind Step, Shadow Merge, and Phantom Walk. Most Martial Artists only cultivate their stealth skill on Wind Step, as further cultivation is just a waste of time for them. They would rather cultivate on a skill which increases their strength.

    Achieving Wind Step, you''ll be able to walk and move in swift movements which produces the most minimal sounds.

    Shadow Merge, having one''s presence completely merge within the surroundings, hiding one''s presence.

    While reaching the Shadow Merge, you can be considered as a high ranked assassin.

    "Shadow Merge? That''s good!" Rui Wei happily said as she handed a Mist and Clone talisman on Sona.

    "Just a moment ago, the Talisman that I''ve planted outside was destroyed, and I don''t think that the 9th Prince would be so kind to let us leave alive. I will try to divert the 9th Prince''s attention while you activate the talismans. This one''s a Clone Talisman, and Mist." She instructed Sona.

    "The 9th Prince?! If I''m not wrong he should be the one that was recruited by the Heavenly Palm as a Core Disciple, just what is he doing here?" Sona muttered under her breath.

    "Probably accompanying someone special for him?" Rui Wei snickered as she ripped one paper talisman, her figure started to blur, making out an hazy figure of a Palace Guard.

    "That heinous, inhuman, and cold-blooded 9th Prince, accompany someone!? You must be joking, Young Mistress, Although he has demonic beauty, incredibly talented, and an Imperial Prince at that, only a handful of people have tried to offer a marriage on him--" Sona snorted.

    "We''ll wait them at the hall leading to the library." Rui Wei said, cutting of Sona''s sarcastic remarks towards the 9th Prince.

    "Yes." Sona''s eyes turned seriousas she activated her Qi, and positioned her body.

    This time, she must apply her skills properly.

    Sona threw her previous thoughts at the back of her mind, as she focused on utilizing the Stealth skill.

    ''Use the internal strength as the foundation, put a layer of Qi on the feet, slow my breathing to match the atmosphere, blend my slow breathing with the Qi.''

    ''And, wrap around a layer of Qi towards the Young Master, so he would not fall.''

    Ruzi who was sleeping peacefully, smiled as he further burrowed his face on Sona''s back.

    While Rui Wei''s figure threw talismans here and there.

 Chapter 24: Fight

    With the Ninth Prince''s lead,  the two of them smoothly entered the Dragon Temple.

    "Despite the rumor of the Dragon Temple being infiltratable, it have been a smooth journey." Gu Xiao Li sarcastically said as she gave a sidelong glance towards the Ninth Prince.

    "Are you sure, it is not because of this King?" The Ninth Prince hugged Xiao Li behind her back, as he propped his chin over her shoulders. He have a slight smile on his face, the moonlight further illuminating his perfect jade like skin, whle his long lashes fluttered as he blinked.

    Gu Xiao Li seeing his face up so close, couldn''t help but feel her face burning up.

    ''Damn this Enchantress!''

    "Hmmp, even I could go through it all alone." She pushed out the Ninth Prince''s face, Trying to ignore her beating heart she entered the Dragon Temple. ,

    ''What the hell am I thinking?'' Gu Xiao Li thought to herself.

    As the Ninth Prince made sure that have Gu Xiao Li entered, his eyes turned cold, he waved his hand, sending out a sliver of qi towards the corner door of the Dragon temple.

    ''Ssss''

    A Paper Talisman that was neatly sliced into two, slowly fall down. Soon turning into dust.

    His eyes flashed with a dangerous glint, his mouth slightly curving upwards as a demonically beautiful smile appeared on his enchanting face.

    "Who could be so courageous as to ruin this King''s date?" The Ninth Prince, snickered as he followed behind Gu Xiao Li.

    ---

    As the two walked on the long hall way, the ninth Prince explained several machinations of the Dragon Temple towards Gu Xiao Li, not missing a single detail out.

    "Here we are." As the Ninth Prince said that, the huge boulder appeared on the two''s sight.

    Gu Xiao Li went forward and stepped on the circle.

    <table>

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td>Element:</td>

    <td> Thunder, Wood</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Thunder & Wood</td>

    <td>Mortal Realm,1st rank, low</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Internal Energy</td>

    <td>4th rank, peak</td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    ''Dual Element!'' The ninth prince''s eyes contracted as he fixedly stared at the glowing words on the boulder.

    "Thunder and wood? That doesn''t suit me at all, Fire and Light would have been good." Gu Xiao Lu sighed as she went towards the flabbergasted Ninth Prince. The Ninth Prince snapped back to reality, then following behind Gu Xiao Li, he smiled broadly, his face showing a submissive look, as he said:

    "As expected of the girl that this King took fancy, to actually turn out as a Dual Elemental Cultivator."

    "Is it something amazing?" Gu Xiao Li raised her brows towards the Ninth Prince words.

    Gu Xiao Li have been way too busy dealing with the people around her, specially her Paternal home and that 3rd Prince who still haven''t given up on catching her. And she also only followed the guide of the ''Ring'' that had made her transmigrate onto this world to cultivate. So she did not have the general knowledge regarding the elements.

    "It''s not simply being amazing, it''s all about one''s affinity and latent talent." The Ninth Prince sighed, even he, an extremely talented individual, cannot cultivate other elements that he doesn''t have affinity to. He could not feel the other flow of elemental Qi, other than the Element that he has affinity on.

    --

    "Now, now, let''s pick a book befitting your elements." The Ninth Prince suddenly took Gu Xiao Li small hands, as he pulled her towards the Library--Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    As they were walking,

    On the corner of the hall, a shadow suddenly appeared, throwing several daggers towards them.

    "!!" The Ninth Prince was first to react as he took Gu Xiao Li on his arms and dodged the dagger.

    The Shadow did not stop there, as he immediately ran towards them, he shook his hands and a sword appeared.

    ''Howling Strike!''

    The Ninth Prince face turned cold, his joyful expression disappeared without a trace. He waved his hand and several blades flew towards the Shadow.

    *Clang* *Clang* *Clang* *Clang*

    Metal colliding with each other echoed out on the room, as the Shadow successfully deflected  the  Blades--

    Soon the Shadow''s figure became more clear-- He''s body was large and muscular, his figure easily reaching over 2 meters.

    ''How could he have hidden himself with that build!? And I actually did not sense him at all?'' Gu Xiao Li was shocked, as she could only watch the fight on the side.

    Of course the fight did not stop for even a second.

    The Ninth Prince continued to test the Person wearing a Palace Guard''s uniform. He sent several half-assed attacks, simply throwing some Blade-qi towards the enemy.

    The Palace Guard seemed to run out of Patience as he rushed forward with the intention to kill the 9th Prince, the 9th Prince narrowed his eyes, his hands flashed a hand-seal as Lightning flashed out of nowhere, targeting the Palace guard.

    *Crackle*

    *Crackle*

    *Crackle*

    The Lightning descended on the floor, amazingly, the Lightning did not leave any damage on the floor. As the smoke dissipated- -

    The Palace Guard was nowhere to be found.

    "......" The Ninth Prince sent out his Spiritual sense as he scanned the whole Dragon Temple only to discover that the whole Measuring room have been plastered with Qi.

    "Good, good, good...! To think that there is someone who has such big guts to ruin this King''s Date." The Ninth Prince''s brows tightened in a knot, while a small smile crept on his face, his eyes flashing with a rare tinge of anger.

    The Talismans were obviously planted beforehand, meaning that there were people who planned to ruin his Date. As the Ninth Prince was about to explain to Xiao Li the current circumstances-- Thick mist suddenly rolled out from who knows where.

    Gu Xaio Li''s face sank, as she have grasped their current situation.

    Someone have trapped them!

    And they have been successful!

    ---

    As Rui Wei successfully diverted the two''s attention, she also started to rip apart a mass of Mist Talismans. Rui Wei''s breathing was ragged as she leaned over the wall.

    ''Ugh, although the Ninth Prince''s attacked using basic Skills, Qi Blades. It contained ferocious killing intent, and layers of Qi''s that actually crawled straight to my internal organs, ignoring my Defense Qi! That sure was crafty... '' Rui Wei cursed the Ninth Prince, as her mouth leaked with blood.

    The ripped talisman produced thick mist, filling the whole place in a thick Mist. As soon the place was completely filled with mist, Sona''s figure slowly crept towards the exit--

    But as Sona''s figure was about to reach the door.

    The door was forcefully opened from outside, Sona quickly reacted and jumped sideways, then hid herself within the shadows.

    From the door, a voluptuous, alluring, and tempting figure of a woman appeared, as her back was facing the moon, the moonlight further illuminated her already alluring body, increasing her charm.

    This woman is one of the few that have initiated marriage with the Ninth Prince, the 1st daughter of the Xian Clan, Xian Shen Ruo. Earlier she have received an anonymous letter that said:

    "The Ninth Prince took the slut to the Dragon Temple without the 6 Pillar Elders Permission."

    She did not even had second thoughts of whoever sent the letter to her. As she immediately flew over the Dragon Temple, perhaps it was due to her confidence that no one would have the guts to pull tricks with her within the Dragonsvein Kingdom, as that would mean that they would be creating a friction with her Xian Clan.

    But looking at the thick amount of mist in front of her, she could not help but frown.

    She then waved her arms, trying to disperse the mist. Her frown deepened as she discovered that her Qi was being suppressed inside the Dragon Temple.

    *Bang*

    The Door suddenly locked at it''s own, scaring Shen Ruo.

    Was she really lured here by someone?!

    Impossible!

    Her face contorted at the thought, she flicked her fingers as she summoned her contracted beast.

    6th rank beast, Hell Butterfly!

    The butterfly was twice the size of her, it simply flopped it''s wings several times and the mist completely disappeared. Revealing the spacious room of the Measuring Device.

    --

    Outside the Dragon Temple.

    *phew*

    "Good thing, that woman was way too focused on looking for the Ninth Prince..." Rui Wei said while running alongside Sona.

    "Young Mistress! That was a marvelous plan!" Sona''s face was plastered with incredible joy

    "Sona, here''s a tip, whenever you''re going to do something reckless, you must at least have several back up plans!" Rui Wei laughed as she ran with her body on the verge of collapse.

    Although Rui Wei had a smile plastered on her face, she was already crying in pain inside. Everytime she takes a step her internal injuries were flaring up, furthermore she was running.

    Hoping to ease the pain she is also guiding Water Qi inside her dantian, but alas, the injuries were not light.

    "Y, young mistress, there''s a blood leaking down your mouth... Are you really okay?" Sona asked with a worried expression.

 Chapter 25: Sonas distress

    <hr>

    ''Do I look fine to you?'' Rui Wei felt like she wanted to smack Sona right at this moment. But then looking at Sona, she was genuinely worried. So Rui Wei could only sigh in reply.

    ''For now, we should rush back to the Inn...'' Rui Wei''s internal injuries were serious if it is not treated in a short period of time, it could affect her cultivation progress on the future.

    Two shadows blurred, it was as if a phantom have passed by, sending chills on people who have seen a glimpse.

    ----

    The two were about to enter the Library when Shen Ruo''s voice travelled to their ears.

    "What is the meaning of this?!" Shen Ruo gritted her teeth, as murderous aura emited from her body.

    "Xian Shen Ruo? This King should be the one asking you. What are you doing here at the Dragon Temple. Is your Xian Clan''s sight too far sighted that they are now overlooking the Dragonsvein Kingdom?" The Ninth Prince coldly said as he pushed back Xiao Li on his back.

    Seeing that small gesture made Shen Ruo''s blood boil in anger. What right did that bitch have!? To actually steal the man that she have set her eyes on!

    "Hmmp! Shen Ruo have received the 6 Pillar Elders'' approval!" Shen Ruo flicked her fingers as a paper appeared in front of her, the paper had a seal on it, it was a Coiling Dragon that was pierced by a magnificent sword.

    The Ninth Prince''s brows twitched, but he managed to remain his tranquil expression, but he was already boiling with anger inside.

    At such a short moment of notice, the 6 pillar elders have given their approval towards the Xian Clan?! Just what are the 6 pillar elders planning?!

    The Dragon Temple contain various treasures that could throw the whole Jianghu in Chaos! But they actually gave permission to some trivial miss like Shen Ruo?! Have the 6 pillar elders gone mad?!

    This was really too fishy. The Ninth Prince head started to calculate the odds of the 6 Pillar elders and ways to deal with them.

    ---

    After successfully going back to the Cheng Inn, Rui Wei immediately entered a mediative state and left everything for Sona to handle.

    Sona also didn''t dilly daily, cleaning the whole room in one swift movement and preparing Ruzi''s bed, then tucking him inside. After making sure that Ruzi was in no way uncomfortable, she started to move according to Rui Wei''s instructions.

    Sona stood at the very center of the room, then threw several talismans on the wall, she used her Qi to activate them to strengthen the already solid defense of the room. Rui Wei have told her that she may be immobile for a good 3 weeks, she was not sure how long it would actually take but her guess was 3 weeks, also knowing that Rui Wei exhanged blows with a cultivator which is 3 ranks higher than her,it was already a miracle that she came out alive.

    Each ranks are actually seperated like heaven and earth, everytime one''s break through a rank, it is not simply doubling one''s strength, example, Ten 5th rank cultivators would still be at disadvantage when facing a 6th ranked cultivator.

    Sona really did admire this young mistress of hers. Today she have learned that the two masters that she was serving are actually heaven defying, Multi Elemental Cultivators, her resolve on cultivating soared up as she put her 202% on deciphering the cultivation book that her young mistress gave her.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    --

    The next day, Ruzi woke up with his bedide missing the warmth that always wrapped him, he first groggily groped his way on the large bed, but he still did not felt Rui Wei''s body, his large misty eyes flew up as he immediately run down and anxiously looked around the room, continuously calling out for Rui Wei.

    This was of course the first time that he woke up with that familiar figure missing by his side. Ruzi was still afterall 2 years and a half, so he naturally sought out the person that gave most warmth to him.

    "Mama? Mama, Mama, Mama?" Ruzi circled around the room but could not find Rui Wei. He tottered around the room, his mouth pouted and his eyes started getting moist.

    "Ah, Young Master, you were awake? Young Mistress went out for a while. She told me to accompany you for a while." Sona opened the door and saw Ruzi''s pitiful figure, she couldn''t help but feel her heart ache--

    Ruzi''s height has barely reached Sona''s thigh, with his big lovable eyes he stared at Sona, his brows knit in a frown, while his mouth looked like it was naturally pouting.

    He was about to throw a tantrum and cry out loud but remembered that his mother has said to follow this person when she is gone, Ruzi only pouted as he took Sona''s hands.

    "Where''s my mother?" Ruzi once again asked.

    While traveling towards the Dragonsvein Kingdom, Rui Wei was amused with Ruzi''s nonstop talk so he had already polished his speech and he now rarely talked clumsily.

    Sona then started to feel a cold sweat trickling down her back.

    ''Young Mistress, you haven''t left any explanation for the young master, ah!''

    "Young Mistress was called by her mother, your grandmother! She said that she will be away for a while but will absolutely come back!" Sona said encouragingly, but she also took a glance on the corner. Her Young Miss was just on the corner with invisibility talisman hiding her.

    Of course, it also had a sound-proof talisman, she had originally wanted a secluded place where the Water Qi is more concentrated, but with her injuries, she, of course, did not have the leisure to find one, nor to travel anywhere.

    If Ruzi were to persist then Sona would have to advance to the next plan, and disguise herself as Rui Wei to ease the Young Master''s anxiousness.

    It was a good thing that the young master was truly understanding as he obediently nodded. Sona stared at Ruzi''s small figure that looked like an abandoned puppy, she stretched out her hand and ruffled his hair.

    "Do not worry Young Master, Your Mother will definitely come back!" She smilingly said, as she led Ruzi to the Dining Room.

    ---

    10 days have passed Ruzi was suprisingly obedient and followed Sona''s every words, and their daily lives were pretty peaceful, but the Imperial Capital of the Dragonsvein Kingdom was different as it was thrown into chaos. The 6 pillar elders were accused of joining hands with the Xian Clan to start a coup, the Emperor himself have went down to smooth the problem, even the Heavenly Palm Sect have sent some of their bigshots to assist the Dragonsvein Kingdom.

    And all of this matter could all be connected to a single person, Gu Xiao Li!

    Gu Xiao Li''s ''brave'' actions have been selling like hotcakes on the Imperial Capital, right now there was no one who didn''t know of Gu Xiao Li''s actions!

    After offending the 3rd prince she went missing and after going home, she simply erased her own name on the Gu Family''s Genealogy book! She has offended a disciple from the Heavenly Disciple Sect but actually managed to gain protection from a disciple of the same sect and that person is not a nobody, but a Chosen One on the Sect, Li Mo! There''s also the Ninth Prince who was rumored to be cold-blooded, inhuman and indifferent to all things, sticking around Gu Xiao Li and spoiling her to no ends! Who doesn''t like cheesy stories like this?

    Almost all of the noble young ladies were jealous at Gu XIao Li''s luck at men!

    But right now, it doesn''t seem so good since the Xian Clan was also offended, they are now set on catching Gu XIao Li, even the Ninth Prince couldn''t do much as the Xian Clan elders were extremely furious, set on catching Gu XIao Li, they already threw their faces on the air.

    --

    Sona was meditating in a corner while Ruzi was playing with water, he frozed, melt then reshaped the Ice again and again, he was engrossed on his plaything. The whole room was quite as the splashing of water and the constant freezing sound was the only thing that could be heard.

    It was at this time, that the whole room suddenly shook.

    *Bam* *Bam*

    *rumble*

    The Defense shook, but it showed no signs of crumbling. Sona''s eyes snapped open, as she looked towards the ceiling, she used Qi on her eyes to see the situation outside and saw 3 figures clashing, it was Gu Xiao Li, the Xian Clan''s Elder Xian Mu Cao, and the 3rd prince.

    Seeing that the people outside were just ''passing'' by, Sona lost all interest and once again meditates. On the other hand, Ruzi was extremely curious, but he did not understand what was happening so he could only look around curiously, fascinatedat the current situation, he even jumped a few times and squealed with delight.

 Chapter 26: Must Handle

    Sona once again opened hereyes,and looked weirdly towardsRuzi..

    ''Eh... Do kids normally react like this?''

    Ruzifound the whole situation amusing, the place was moving. So he moved here and there jumping in delight.

    She was about to calmRuziwhen,Ruziactually suddenly condensed a small sword and valiantly swung it around, then the room once again trembled.

    it was a good thing that the whole interior of the Cheng Inn had protectiverunesover them, else this Cheng Inn would have fallen on the first blow from ''that'' cultivator.

    Really, as expected of the Inn that her Young Mistress have chosen.

    Sona stood up and checked the protective mechanism inside their room. There were broken talismans falling around here and there, the defense was weakening and the sounds were becoming clear and crisp.

    ''They''re not gone yet?!'' Sona had veins popping on her head, normally cultivators would first go to an isolated space before actually exchanging blows, whether they''re low ranked or high ranked cultivators!

    Afterallno ruler would want to see their territories being thrashed around by cultivators who are randomly fighting. It was also a wonder as to why theDragonsveinKingdom''s troops haven''t stopped the fight yet.

    Sonahashonestly wanted to cultivate quietly so she could properly ''protect'' her young mistress next time. This time, the scythe talisman suddenly trembled as it shouted.

    ''Extreme hatred! what kind of in-depth hatred is that?! Have someone''s family been thoroughly shamed then sent to the River of Sphynx buck naked?'' The scythe''s voice asked excitedly, hatred means vengeance and vengeance meant bloodshed!!

    Of course, the scythe thirsted for a bloody fight, hehasbeen stored on the Underground Armament for too long, way too long! Back when hehadfirst gained his consciousness he waas bathedonthe blood of hundreds ofthousandscreatures, hispreciousowner spared none, be itmortals, cultivators, beasts, demons, etc. But one day his owner lost to an individual far greater than him, and then hehasbeen stored on a spatial ring and before he knew, he wasstuckin the armament.

    He wanted to personally go out and challenge the cultivators fighting outside, but unfortunately, his soul is sealed with this servant! He could''ve accepted it when the one who sealed his soul used him, but he was actually given away so carelessly! How could the scythe casually accept this treatment?

    ''Hey! Little Girl hurry and go outside! What are you hesitating for? Now that I the Heaven-defying scythe is in your hands, is there anything to be afraid of?!

    Of course, Sona only ignored the scythe, as she used her spiritual eyes to look at the transpiring events outside. Sona focused on watching the events outside, she did not notice the overly excitedRuzisending icicles flying on the room, targeting the falling talisman.

    "GU XIAO LI! YOU WILL NOT LEAVE THIS PLACE ALIVE!" The Xian Elder shouted, his Qiburstout as he used his ultimate skill, the secret skill of the Xian Clan

    Heaven Burning Soul; Scorching Slash!

    Gu Xiao Li looked at the incoming attack and could only smile bitterly, she has already exhausted every means to escape from Elder Xian''s grasp, right now her Qi was already next to nothing, her breath ragged, body exhausted, only the protective silk armor that the Ninth Prince gave her was her last hope, if it holds up she''ll live, if not then she''ll die...

    She hasn''t been in this world for long and she was already about to die? Wasn''t this quite ironic?

    The heat reached her face and she couldn''t help but close her eyes while her feet did not give up and continued to run. But at this moment a familiar figure suddenly entered her vision, he hugged her small and petite body, then took her out of danger.

    *BAM* *BAM*

    Booming sounds echoed out, dust and smoke flew around, temporarily covering the scene.

    When the smoke dispersed almost half of the Cheng Inn was destroyed. Weirdly there were only signs of burning but the flames did not last long on the Cheng Inn''s interior as if the Inn wasn''t made out of wood.

    The scene was long deserted as people didn''t want to getinvolvedin fights between experts.

    "Hmmp!" The Ninth Prince finally arrived, his appearance was slightly off. His usually smooth jade-likefacewas slightly pale, and his eyes hada tingeof red, radiating with ferocious killing intent.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Elder Xian, please do not make this scene any bigger. You have lost so much face already." The two alliance, theDragonsveinKingdom''s force, and the Heavenly Palm Sect finally arrived at the scene to control the situation.

    It would have been fine if Elder Xian has bought Gu Xiao Li outside and fought it out, but he actually used tricky methods and did not finish Gu Xiao Li nor dragged her outside the Kingdom to make her suffer, they have already caused so much damage within the Imperial Capital.

    The Emperor seeing all the mess, couldn''t help but feel his heart beingpricked... All of this would be deducted on the Royal Treasury, ah! His mind reeled of methods to use against the Xian Clan, he needs to get a large compensation from them!

    The Emperor looked towards the Xian Elder, they have already been accused of joining hands with the 6 pillar elders and they still dared to act so brazenly? It seems like they really do not put theDragonsveinKingdom on their eyes, ah!

    The Emperor who was already sullen at the damage that his territoryhastaken, sealed the Xian Elder without another word. Then looking at his 9th and 3rd Son he could only sigh and say:

    "9th, 3rd and that girlfollowUs to theImperial Palace!" The Emperor said, he then whispered something to his Imperial Guard on his side, then left the scene with Xian Elderonhis custody. The guard flew down and assisted the 3rd Prince to leave the place.

    --

    While flying back to the Imperial Palace the Emperor''s eyes narrowed down as he sent a spiritual message on Cao Xi, an elder from the Heavenly Palm Sect.

    "Have someone investigate the one residing on the 2nd floor of the Cheng Inn." The Emperor said, but he did not expect for Cao Xi to go himself.

    "Hahhahaha! Please, Brother Long, I''d rather do this menial task thanwatcha ''drama''" Cao Xi sarcastically said, the disciples behind them snickered slightly while the guards hadhardtime controlling their anger towards the Heavenly Palm Sect''s people. After dropping that sentence, Elder Cao flew back towards the Cheng Inn.

    The Emperor could only laugh bitterly at the situation, hehasoverlooked through all of his sons so they would not be easily be swayed by beauties, ah! But looking at that Gu Xiao Li girl, she wasn''t even that good, from his perspective, Xian''s eldestmiss'' facial features and bodily curves were more satisfying to the eyes, while that Gu Xiao Li looked extremely normal when he once applied pressure on her to test her. Her breathing became ragged due to the pressure, so her nose holes expanded for quick breathing and it looked extremely ugly so he stopped.

    One must know that the Emperor has indulged himself inan aesthetic mannerin every way so he didn''t like looking at things that could not be appreciated.

    ---

    Seeing the situation handled quite smoothly, Sona stopped watching them and stood planning to repair the damages on the barrier. Right now only their room took the smallest damage on the whole Cheng Inn, even the ''special'' rooms that those ''group'' have rented receiveda rather hugedamage.

    "Fuaaaaaaaaaaahm!"Ruzisuddenly shouted his Qi Blades cutting through one of the paper talismans, Sona''s lips twitched as she forced herself to calm down.

    The legendary cultivators who cultivate more than one element truly are terrifying, ah!

    Sona was fully aware how those talismans could handle the blows earlier, but this young master of her''s who is only at 2nd rank actually destroyed one while playing!

    ''Young Mistress, what if the Young Master destroys the talisman? Should I even punish him? But I''m only a servant!'' Sona felt her head aching as she just ignoredRuzi, she distances herself toRuziand started at the very corner of the room.

    ''Good thing that the Young Mistresshaveleft me with mass amounts of defensive talismans...Waittalismans? Just where did Young Mistress acquire this much of talismans? There''s no way that she created this whole bunch... right?'' Sona''s mind reeled, as she looked towards the talisman.

    Her young mistresshavementioned that she modified the Soul Binding talisman... Modified? A talisman?

    Sona''s head started to trickle down with sweat, that''s impossible, right? She said in her head. For Sona''s information, it was absolutely impossible for one person to amass such high-quality talisman by oneself, even if Rui Wei were to sell her bunch of Dowries it would still be impossible for her to buy this much. Then did she really create it? That also seemed impossible as she only started cultivating approximately 2 years ago... And with her current rank, her Qi would still be lacking to create such heap of Talismans....

    As Sona indulge herself in deep thought,Ruzialso indulge in his own play turning the whole room into a freezer--

    "Cold!" Sona snapped back to reality, looking around the room it seemed like it snowed for a whole day!

    "Ah, young master please stop that--" Sona made her way towardsRuzi.

    "Eeeeh~"Ruzibrought down his hands and stopped producing bone piercing Ice Qis, hepoutedat Sona.

    "Please don''t be like that." She said as she started to clean the room.

    "Boooh!"Ruziran down towards the bed to play with the talismans that Rui Wei left for him. The Talisman looked a plain old lucky charm, but onceRuziinserted his Qi, the talisman shone and showed displayed different kinds of Magical Beasts.

    Sona was busying herself on cleaning the mess thatRuzicreated, whileRuziwas busy watching the talisman.

    The talisman that Rui Wei created for Ruzi is similar to a 3d hologram that showed varied Magical Beasts, the Talisman played and showed the strength and weaknesses of the Magical Beasts. These beasts were what Rui Wei have previously encountered on her ''Practice'' sessions.

    --

    "Ha, to think that 9th kid will end up like that... It''s really a pity." Elder Cao originally wanted to take the 9th Prince as his Succeeding Disciple, but looking at how the Ninth Prince was attached to a mortal he couldn''t help but sigh with regret.

    He flew down the Cheng Inn and unceremoniously made his way on the 2nd floor.

    "Wha-- What the hell? What''s with this layers of defensive mechanism?!" Elder Cao''s face twitched at the defense of a certain room, even their sect don''t have this much of defensive layer, hey!

    Elder Cao scrutinizes the defensive mechanism in front of him, but the more he looked the more he was shocked! The Defense mechanism was made by interweaving a bunch of talismans, creating a small formation but a solid defense.

    Who would waste their time on layers upon layers of defense when they can just create an array formation for a more solid Defense?

 Chapter 27: Elder Cao

    Elder Cao''s eyes shone with a mysterious light as he extended his right hand towards the door, he started to circulate his Qi, to check the current defense mechanism in front of him.

    *crackle* *fwiiiish*

    Thunder suddenly crawled out of the formation and attacked him!

    Elder Cao was caught off guard, the lightning crawled on his body. If not for his clothes being enhanced, who knows what that attack would do?

    "What has just happened?" Elder Cao murmured under his breath. Even if he was concentrated on something, he should''ve at least felt the incoming attack especially if it contained any malicious intent.

    His brows furrowed as he found the defense mechanism in front of him really strange, really, really strange.

    --

    Inside the room. Ruzi was standing just right before the door, his face flashing with a cold light. On his hands, lightning was crawling.

    He was the one who sent out the attack!

    His face did not contain a slight bit of innocence that he usually portrayed. It was as if it was another person!

    "Auh..." Ruzi suddenly tumbled back, his face suddenly turned back to the innocent one, as he looked at the door, tilted his head left to right, with a confused face he ran back to the inner room.

    Sona feeling the disturbance on the formation has sharpened her senses, and she happens to see the whole thing.

    ''As expected of a multi-element cultivator!'' Sona''s eyes sparkled as she watched Ruzi release a lightning technique which struck Elder Cao.

    ''This.... That person.... His cultivation level!'' Sona who finally looked deeper at their ''guest'' noticed the situation, and immediately poured out the remaining talismans and performed the hand seals.

    The talismans flew on the already talisman packed wall, adding another layer of defense. The wall flickered with light, as it finished the mechanism.

    ---

    "Another layer? Do they multiply by time?" Elder Cao''s face twitched, as he found this weird defense mechanism.

    Annoyed, Elder Cao took a stance and attacked the door.

    *Heavenly Palm; First Fist! Earth-Shattering Fist!!*

    *Fuuuu.......*

    Sounds of force disappearing sounded out.

    D, did his attack just got absorbed?!!

    Even if that was only the first move of Heavenly Palm, it was still maneuvered by him! A 9th rank cultivator! He only put his 70% on that attack for fear of completely destroying the whole Cheng Inn, but who would''ve thought that it would actually be absorbed jus like that?!

    Elder Cao''s jaw''s almost touched the floor... How should he react to this absurd situation?

    Elder Cao was left flabbergasted, he stood rooted to his spot.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ---

    "Why is he not leaving yet?" Rui Wei commented as she chomped down another piece of Tea Manju.

    The Tea Manju was a popular sweet from the Capital.

    She was supposed to be on a closed-door cultivation to tend her internal injuries. But here she was, continuously chomping down the small mountain of food beside her.

    Before her closed door cultivation, she have given her word to Sona that she will be in a closed-door cultivation for more than 3 weeks.

    Even if Rui Wei took half a year on her closed door cultivation it would have been completely normal as she is tending an injury she received from a clash with a cultivator several ranks above her!

    But after the 5th day of her closed door cultivation, she have realized that her natural regeneration ability have increased several folds!

    In only a week her injuries were already fully healed!! In fact, when she checked her body using her qi, she found out that her internal organs were toughened up, it was as if she has broken through a level.

    Rui Wei clearly knew how serious her internal injuries were. Even Rui Wei herself was shocked at her recovery rate!

    "Gah. This dude is really persistent!" Rui Wei stuffed another manju on her mouth.

    ''Should I knock him out real quick?'' Rui Wei''s patience was already running out, and so is the small mountain of food beside her.

    --

    The Cheng Inn received only small damages due to the raw materials used and the defensive barrier.

    And now, the staff who was cleaning the debris saw the suspicious actions of Elder Cao.

    Elder Cao has long known the arrival of the cleaner, so he only waved his hand and aJade Seal flew out in front of the cleaner.

    "H, Heavenly Palm Sect?!!!" The Cleaner''s voice faltered as he immediately bowed down, not daring to look at Elder Cao''s figure.

    Elder Cao was too busy on coming up with a solution to get through the defensive mechanism that he almost did not bother with the cleaner.

    The little cleaner peeked at Elder Cao''s figure, debating whether he should leave or stay rooted on his spot.

    Thinking about all the work he still has to do, the Little Cleaner brave himself and tried to leave.

    "Who is staying in this room?" Elder Cao''s suddenly asked.

    The little cleaner''s face suddenly turned ashen, as his face became devoid of blood.

    ''Senior, the Cheng Inn keeps that information as confidential!'' Is what the little cleaner wanted to say, but how can he? The one asking him was a person from the Heavenly Palm Sect, ah!

    What if they found his little existence as an annoyance and wipes out their Cheng Inn?! How should he deal with this?! The Seniors and the Manager did not mention anything about the Heavenly Palm Sects people!!

    The little cleaner trembled as his back was soaked in sweats.

    "I, its... It''s a, a- aaaAaah!" A youth wearing a lotus blue robe appeared out of nowhere, tapping the little cleaner''s shoulder. Almost scaring the little cleaner''s soul away.

    The little cleaner''s knees went soft as he slumped on the floor, trembling.

    "This humble one resides in that room, May I ask what business the Heavenly Palm Sect have with a Junior like me?" The youth smiled as he ''politely'' asked Elder Cao.

    Elder Cao''s face could not hide it''s shock.

    ''When did this youth arrive?!'' Elder Cao''s eyes flashed with a glint of admiration, he faked a cough to hide it.

    *cough* *cough*

    ''As the one residing a room with such a strange defense mechanism, it should be normal for him to have a certain degree of ability....''

    The youth suddenly threw a small object towards Elder Cao.

    Elder Cao''s face turned rigid as his Qi burst forward to catch the flying object towards him.

    "This?" Elder Cao''s face twitched as he looks at youth with a probing look. The thing that Elder Cao caught was a medicine.

    "Ah, Senior that''s a pill. The alchemist said that it can alleviate one''s cough, I can guarantee it''s effectiveness!" The youth''s face was plastered with a kind smile, as if he was a kind and concerned neighbor giving out medicine for free.

    Elder Cao barely managed to restrain himself, one slip of move and he might kill this youth!

    Elder Cao took a deep breath before waving his hands and say:

    "I''m Cao Yun Zuo, an elder of the Heavenly Palm Sect."

    "This one is called Chu Yu, just a curious youth traveling here and there with his siblings." The youth answered casually while talking he also dragged the unconscious body of the little cleaner to the side.

    "Hmmm.... A curious youth traveling with siblings, huh?" Elder Cao took a peek on the door behind him then back at the youth wearing a lotus blue coat.

    "Well, if Senior is really interested ln this one''s place then how could I not invite the respected Senior into this one''s humble place?" The youth''s face was plastered with a smile as he walked past Elder Cao, and made his way towards the door.

    As the youth reached out to the door, Elder Cao''s surrounding seemed to play in a slow motion, his whole attention focused on the youth''s action.

 Chapter 28: An acquaintance

    The youth opened the door without any obstruction, simply sliding the door as if no barriers existed. Elder Cao''s Qi spread out, looking for the current state of the defense mechanism.

    "Senior. That''s rude of you." The youth''s cold voice sounded out as Elder Cao''s Qi got interrupted.

    The youth''s face was dark as he stared fixedly at him. Elder Cao couldn''t help but feel his throat dry, and his back cold.

    Elder Cao coughed, hiding away his embarrassment.

    "This way please." The youth''s cold face melted away, as it was replaced with a cheerful smile.

    ''If my signal suddenly disappears immediately call back up from the sect, I will try to negotiate and invite this lad over. If it does not go well, I will personally report this to the Sect Master.'' Elder Cao sent a spiritual message at his companion outside.

    The youth sent him a sideway glance, his mouth slightly twitching, but it was too fast for Elder Cao didn''t have the time to see it.

    ---

    The two sat in the opposite of each other, the fragrance of the tea wafted around the room, seemingly calm yet the storm is actually brewing inside.

    Elder Cao closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, he took a sip at the tea, smoothing out his dried throat.

    An automatic position of Core Elder? Who wouldn''t be tempted?

    There are even others who would spend their whole lives inside the Heavenly Palm Sect but never achieves the position of an elder!

    "My offer is actually quite generous if I must say so, don''t you think so too, Young lad... Or should I say, Young Lady?" The Elder''s face was full of amusement, the moment he said so.

    It isn''t particularly shocking for him to see through Rui Wei''s illusion as he is ranked above her.

    "Well, well... It really is a generous offer. It is too generous that this one can''t help but doubt esteemed Elder''s words." The youth replied, his hands were over his head, looking completely relaxed.

    Elder Cao shook his head.

    "Well, this junior shall think over the Esteemed Elder''s words... If Esteemed Elder is willing to wait?" The youth chuckled as he stood up, picking up the empty cups, he left the room to get another set of tea.

    "Elder... This is my territory please do not just go ahead doing as you please. This is the 2nd warning already." The Youth sarcastically said as he put down the teacups.

    "........."

    His Spiritual Sense was blocked!

    ''J, just what kind of monster I''m actually facing?!'' Elder Cao''s forehead trickled down with sweat.

    He could not help but look at towards the tea that the youth have offered to him. Elder Cao could not help but be nervous.

    "Ah, worry not. I''m not so lowly to use such cowardly schemes such as poisoning. " The youth said, his face full of innocence.

    "Though I doubt you''d believe me." The youth added.

    ''!!!'' Every hair on Elder Cao''s body stood at its end.

    "W,well. I was just hoping that our Heavenly Palm Sect would be able to recruit an outstanding disciple like you." Elder Cao once again coughed to hide his fear.

    Elder Cao stood up in a dignified manner, turning his back on the youth, he said:

    "The Heavenly Palm Sect has only one location, which is the Huan Celestial Mountain. I see that you are busy traveling with your ''siblings''. Just remember that the Heavenly Palm Sect will always welcome you with open arms.." Elder Cao flicked his sleeve and a wooden plank appeared, it hovered in the air for some time and slowly landed on the table.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Elder Cao did not wait for the youth''s reply, quickly making his way out of the room.

    ---

    "Young Lady, who was that?" Sona who has been hiding, along with Ruzi came out.

    "Who was that?" Ruzi curiously looked towards the door as he also asked.

    Rui Wei instead of answering any of the questions rushed up towards Ruzi and scooped him up in her arms.

    "AAAAAAAaaaaaH! That was exhausting!" Rui Wei complained as she rubbed her cheeks towards Ruzi.

    "AaAA! " Ruzi feeling wronged flailed in Rui Wei''s arms

    "Eeeh? Do you hate this appearance? It''s quite good looking if I must say so?" Rui Wei changed her form back to the original.

    Rui Wei let go of Ruzi, she flicked hre hands, and a massive pile of varied foods appeared.

    "Aaaaaah!" Ruzi jumped towards in the small mountain food in excitement, but Rui Wei caught him mid-air.

    "Nah-ah, that''s for eating." Rui Wei pulled back Ruzi.

    Rui Wei cleaned the table with a flick of her hand, and settled down Ruzi, she then beckoned Sona to seat across.

    "That was the Elder from the Heavenly Palm Sect, Elder Cao, he stands at the highest seat as the Outer Sect Elder. it''s not that much of a threat." Rui Wei leisurely said as she propped another fruit on her mouth, on the side Ruzi''s cheeks were full, but his hands did not stop on scooping another mouthful of sweets.

    Sona had her head down, as she tried to comprehend her Young Lady''s words. From a normal 4th rank cultivator''s view, Outer Sect Elders are really not a threat but if that elder reports to the higher up then that''s the problem.

    "Ah, I destroyed his sound talisman and gave him a gift~" Rui Wei let out a sly grin.

    Seeing this, Sona strangely felt relieved.

    ***

    Sona had wanted to polish her skills as she further realized how huge the gap there is between her and Rui Wei. She had a hard time persuading Rui Wei to agree, But after much persuasion, Sona had finally got Rui Wei''s permission.

    Still, Rui Wei couldn''t help but say a few words,

    "If you feel like it''s dangerous immediately fall back and send a sliver of your Qi on this talisman. In every move you make, you must make sure that no one is following, there are many unexpected situations that could happen anytime, just be careful." Rui Wei said as she pats Sona''s shoulder.

    Sona didn''t know how to react.

    ''Young Lady, I know you are worried and I should be grateful for that, but I was a mercenary at the Dou Manor, that DOU MANOR, young lady...''

    A/n: If you do remember, the Dou Manor was dreaded for its monstrous force

    Sona could only smile and agree on Rui Wei''s words.

    And so, Rui Wei was bored, she has ventured the whole Imperial Capital of the Dragonsvein Kingdom within the past weeks, she is now quite familiar with the place. So she has decided to visit a certain place with Ruzi.

    Rui Wei stood up and stretched her body,

    "Now then, shall we go out and have some fun too?" Rui Wei''s mouth curled up as she looked at Ruzi.

    --

    One slim figure of a young man and a toddler walked out of a carriage, it sure was a strange sight, as no servants accompanied the two. Appearance wise, the two looked like some sort of young master from some Noble Clan, so the lack of servants was confusing.

    "Matriarch, there is some weird youth with a toddler carrying the clan''s Jade Token!!!" A servant ran towards the Main House and shouted along the way.

    The servant was covered with sweat, short in a breath and his face was pale, on his hands was a Jade Token, the Zu Clan''s symbol was aesthetically carved on it.

    "Let them in." The reply was short, but it lacked any emotions.

    "Eh? Ah.. Y, yes!" The servant was dumbstruck at the Matriarch reply, but as a servant in the Main House he quickly recovered his wits and ran back to the gate.

    "T, the.. The Matriarch had given their permission to let them in..." The Servant urgently said as he pulled the Guard that was trying to intimidate the two kids.

    The slim youth smiled, with the toddler on his hands, he walked passed the baffled servants. Walking his way towards the Main House in a familiar manner.

    "W-what?!" The musclehead guard still couldn''t believe what has just transpired.

    "Sssh! The Matriarch herself has said so! Do you think I would be foolish enough to carelessly use the Matriarch''s name just to let some unknown people get into the Clan?!" The Servant rebutted to the musclehead guard.

    "W,well...." The Guard could only scratch his head, as he diverted his gaze.

    --

    "That was so cruel, Zu Zu, you didn''t even come and welcome me in the entrance~" The slim youth''s body blurred as a hazy figure of a young lady appeared.

    "Tch..." The Matriarch replied with irritation.

    "Well, well, please calm down." Rui Wei giggled at the Zu Matriarch''s reaction.

    "Of course, I would not want to end up like that Xian Clan." She replied with face filled sneer.

    "Oh please, I already told you that, I was in no way involved in that incident." Rui Wei half-heartedly justified herself.

    Ruzi who is unfamiliar with the place, have been looking in wonder around the room ever since they stepped inside.

    "Oho~ I wonder about that?" The Matriarch propped her chins on her hands, staring at Rui Wei.

    "Well, please do not blindly accuse me. I''m not really that kind of person. By the way. this is my son. didn''t you said that---" Rui Wei was halfway introducing Ruzi when the Zu Patriarch slammed the table and interrupted her speech

    "Son?!" The Zu Clan Patriarch could not believe what Rui Wei had just said.

    If this kid who looked no more than 3 years old is her son, then doesn''t that mean that this lad in front of her is actually--

    "Woah, woah, please don''t get your imagination go wild." Rui Wei frantically waved her hands in front of the Zu Patriarch.

 Chapter 29: Zu Clans Matriarch

    "You... How many millenniums have you actually lived?" The Zu Clan Matriarch asked as she stared at Rui Wei''s face waiting for a change on her face.

    "Who knows? I stopped counting after 5,000." Rui Wei nonchalantly said, her eyes were also looking back to Zu Matriarch.

    "..." The Zu Matriarch has seen how Rui Wei could change her tone of voice, appearance and even her very personality. So a matter of lying without blinking is completely natural for her, with this train of thought, Zu Matriarch could only sigh.

    ----

    To understand the current situation one must first go back in 3 days time.

    Rui Wei after spending her expenses on the materials for the talismans, the food that she has taken fancy on, and buying the expensive furniture that Ruzi destroyed. Her money has dramatically decreased, that even she couldn''t believe it.

    ''I was such a spendthrift?!'' After looking at the storage ring, Rui Wei couldn''t help but have thoughts on the Imperial Family''s Treasure.

    ''No, no, no. That''s way too troublesome. And there is 89.9% chance of meeting those troublesome kids there!'' Rui Wei erased that thought.

    A/n: She''s referring to the transmigrated assassin, the 9th prince and that convoy from Heavenly Palm Sect.

    In the end, her last choice was the Auction House, after all, If you''re in a Fantasy World this was the best way to earn a large sum of money without too much trouble, right...?

    Rui Wei made her way towards the largest Auction House, the Murong Auction House. The Murong Auction House has the backing of the Imperial Family which is why their business has been smooth.

    Walking down the streets Rui Wei blended with the crowds.

    From time to time Rui Wei would notice blurred shadows, appearing and disappearing.

    ''Uwahh, the sun hasn''t even set and these guys are already active?!''

    Rui Wei is just walking down the streets and the things that she witnessed is already enough for the Imperial Family and Large Clans to drool over. With this kind of information at hand, Rui Wei''s thoughts also drifted on going to some assassin guild and sell information. Although she would have to trouble herself to make an act, just so those crafty foxes would believe her source of information.

    ----

    After changing her appearance she went and rented a noble carriage. The carriage she rented was quite expensive but it was necessary for her image, as she is attending a large Auction House that is backed by the Imperial Family.

    Rui Wei''s current appearance is a middle-aged man.

    Time passed quickly as the carriage stopped at the Murong Auction House. Rui Wei left the carriage and smoothly entered the Auction House before she stepped into the Auction House her brows furrowed as her smile became stiff.

    Everyone inside the Auction House was familiar with each other, as the people who could enter the Murong Auction House are the Large Power House house of the Dragonsvein Kingdom. And she as a new person would, without doubt, garner their attention.

    Her steps halted as she changed her direction. She entered through the back of the Auction House and met with the person she has talked beforehand.

    "Welcome Master Liu, we do hope that Master Liu enjoy the stay here in our Murong Auction House!" The servant cheerfully said, after saying that he bowed deeply and left.

    Rui Wei has bought her own Private space within the Murong Auction House. The Murong Auction house is a three storeylarge estate, and those at the higher rooms shows their influence, the room that Rui Wei bought was only at the 2nd floor which could be considered so-so within the circles of the higher ups.

    --

    The Auction progressed, but no items had caught Rui Wei''s eyes so far. The Items auctioned were mostly Items from another country, and there hadn''t been a Jianghu Item auctioned yet.

    A/n: I know that people who read a lot of Chinese novels understand the meaning of ''Jianghu'' but just let me explain again. Jianghu - Is used to describe people whose lives practically revolves with Martial Arts. In this novel, it is used to categorize the people who cultivate their body, mind, and spirit. "Martial Artist" or "Magicians"

    "And to our next item! I''m sure that everyone here would be thrilled to know what Item our Murong House has gotten hold of!" The man excitedly said.

    The guests couldn''t help but whisper among themselves.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "What do you think is it?"

    "Pssh! They''ve probably just some ancient portrait or whatever."

    "Maybe they got something from the Jianghu?"

    "That kind of possibility is too low! When had the Murong house last auctioned a Jianghu item?! 4 years ago?!"

    All kinds of comments fleeted around, their whisper were going out of control as they debated amongst each other.

    The host coughed several times, but to no avail, the guests were to be too engrossed to their debates. The host didn''t wait for the guests to quiet down as he flicked his sleeves and the previous dim lights shut down.

    3 paper talismans flew on the stage, the lights were all focused on it.

    "A 4th-grade talisman!!" The host shouted the talisman was respectively aligned, the ''Wind Torrent'' ''Scorching Bloom'' and ''Wind Feather''.

    Silence reigned over the whole Auction house, as the ample amount of Qi was visible in their (the Cultivators) spiritual eyes.

    "A fourth grade?!"

    "Are you serious?.... The Murong House got actually something interesting!"

    "When had the Murong House make a connection with Taoists?!"

    "Hurry up and start the bid!" Some guests got agitated and shouted towards the host, waving around their numbers, and some crafty guests have ordered their servants to leave and retrieve the additional money.

    "The starting price is--20,000 gold coins each!"

    "30,000 gold coins!"

    "33,100 gold coins!"

    "50,000!!!"

    "80,000!!"

    The bid got higher and higher, but no one wanted to lose at each other. It was a fourth-grade talisman, ah!

    A fourth-grade talisman was extremely rare in the Dragonsvein Kingdom, especially since most cultivators here focuses on cultivating their own body. To most cultivators making talismans are just a waste of time, resources, and energy.

    Putting Qi on talismans requires great concentration, some would take days just to create one, and after that, they would be too tired make another one. That''s why for most low ranked cultivators such ''high-ranked'' talismans are as rare a phoenix''s feather!

    Rui Wei on the other side was completely calm, she stretched her limbs while yawning ''til a watermelon could fit.

    --

    "It was our Murong House''s Honor to auction esteemed Master''s Items!" The old man was full of smiles as he handed several bags of gold to Rui Wei.

    Rui Wei remained her cool facade as she simply waved her hands and the sack of golds disappeared.

    After the ruckus she created, she calmly received her money, while the servant on the side was looking at her with eyes full of respect.

    ''This is a person who could casually sell three 4th grade talisman!'' The old man watched as the middle ages man''s figure disappered.

    ---

    After leaving the Murong House, Rui Wei noticed that several groups of Martial Artists and Magicians were following after her. Being bored as she is, she couldn''t resist playing along with them.

    ''Hahaha! Be grateful you lot, this lady over here just happen to have a spare time!'' Rui Wei''s lips curled up, as Qi gathered up on her feet. Rui Wei played with the group of people following her, making them run in circles.

    After playing with them over and over again, the one following her finally realized that they were being toyed with.

    ''Run in different directions! We''ve been tricked!'' The presumed leader gave out his order, as he himself went and run towards a random direction.

    "What? It''s finished?" Rui Wei scratched her cheeks.

    "I still have three days spare~" She said as she ran after the presumed leader.

    ''Hmm..? That skill-- Isn''t that the Zu Clans trademark? Oi, oi... Can''t you be more obvious?!'' Rui Wei wanted to slap theman, the situation has been reversed and he didn''t even think that using the skill that he was most familiar with, would actually reveal his identity just like that!

    If the spy knows that his identity has been revealed in the most simplistic manner, he would probably kill himself by banging his head on the wall!

    Rui Wei shook her head as she stopped her pursuit and walked towards the direction of the Zu Clan. The Zu Clan is one of the most influential Clans within the Dragonsvein Kingdom, they have just held a tournament which emphasized showing off their might, which is why Rui Wei immediately recognize the skill used by the spy.

    Strollingthrough the bustling streets to the Zu Clan, it seemed like she just entered some kind of danger zone, the alleyways were completely clear as no one dared to casually walk around close the Zu Clan''s District.

    Rui Wei looked up towards the wall which reached over 10 ft. tall. Instead of jumping over nor calling for the guards to have an audience with some important elder or even the Clan head, but Rui Wei just stood there. She raised her fist, the Qi immediately gathered on her hands, she then placed her palms on the wall.

    The Qi rapidly traveled through the wall like a web, the defense mechanism reacted and the Clan Head who was having a nap jolted.

    And so the two met.

    --

    "May I ask for esteemed Master''s name?" The Zu Matriarch respectfully bowed her head towards Rui Wei.

    "I''m Cheng."

    "Hmm~ See, you could''ve just asked, why the need to follow me around like some kind of pesky mosquitoes?" Rui Wei dramatically tilted her head towards the row of Spies that had been summoned by Zu Matriarch.

    "Aiyaaah~ The spies of Zu Clan are reaaaally ''capable'' that this old one had to use some of my old techniques." Rui Wei teased, but the faces of those people changed into different kinds of shade, from dark, red and to white.

    They were angry at Rui Wei, embarrassed at their incompetence and afraid of the punishment that shall befall them later on.

    The Zu Matraiach saw how Rui Wei just toyed around with her prided disciples and couldn''t help but feel offended. She couldn''t see the cultivation level of this person surnamed Cheng, so his cultivation level is probably 5th rank and above, to think that such an esteemed person would lower himself and bully the weak!

    "You incompetent pigs! What are you still dilly-dallying for?! Go to the training grounds and polish your deoterating skills!!" Zu Matriarch slammed the tables and fiercely shouted at the spies. Hearing this, the spies ran away faster than the wind, afraid that the Zu Matriarch change her thought and send them to the Black Manor (Punishment District).

    "This one deeply apologize on behalf of this one''s lowly disciples, they are still young and lacks manner, I hope esteemed Master would be magmatic and forgive the foolish ones." The Zu Matriarch slightly bowed her head, as she sincerely ''apologized'' to Rui Wei.

    "Of course, I''ll let the matter slide~ I''m such a magnanimous Senior, after all." Rui Wei''s sarcastically said.

    Zu Matriarch could only nod her head obediently as she waited for the servants to bring certain ''item'' as compensation for the trouble they created.

    After giving that ''Item'' Zu Matriarch was confident that this senior in front of her wouldn''t pursue the matter any longer.

 Chapter 30: The Play

    Zu Matriarch, Zu Shu was a genius cultivator who rose with her own hard work. From a young age, she had great passion towards martial arts and pursued it as if her whole life depended on it. With her family''s background she was given the best of resources and shone brilliantly, and that was when she saw the cruelty inside her Clan. Her fellow Martial brother and Sisters were killed mercilessly, their body was mutilated, some were beheaded, some were ''disgraced'' before being killed, she could only wail at their long Cold body. Her household had schemed against her own fellow martial practitioner so that her position would be unshakable.

    Zu Matriarch could feel her head throbbing as she had wanted to finish this trouble in one swift move, she planned to bribe Rui Wei so she wouldn''t pursue the matter anymore. Their Zu Clan''s internal affair much needed her attention so she just couldn''t care less as to what kind of expert was in front of her.

    But Rui Wei had informed her an information that she couldn''t ignore. Rui Wei provided her the information of the 1st, 2nd and 4th households movements that had escaped her eyes.

    Although Zu Clan Matriarch did not want to believe Rui Wei''s words, after personally checking it herself, she was astonished. All of the information that Rui Wei provided were real!

    There was only one thought inside the Zu Clan''s Matriarch head.

    ''Are all experts really this bored, that they would randomly stalk people!?''

    After that, the Zu Clan Matriarch could finally relax as with the information that Rui Wei had provided, she had the Clan''s internal affairs within palms. With Rui Wei''s information Zu Matriarch could plan ten steps ahead of her Clan, she then proceeded to block the plans of the other household and had them focus on cultivating. The Zu Clan Matriarch hated Internal Affairs as the young geniuses would be the cannon fodder for this kind of things.

    And so after that, Rui Wei got comfortable inside the Zu Clan and visited frequently in the past few days.

    *

    After Rui Wei discussed the preparations for the Birthday Celebration of Ruzi and Zu Shu''s Grandson, Rui Wei stood up and bid her a goodbye.

    "Well that was the main purpose of my visit~ I still have some business to finish so I''ll be going now." Rui Wei said, as she casually picked up the dazed Ruzi.

    Rui Wei''s figure blinked as she disappeared from the room. The door was closed, and so is the window.

    Within the Zu Matriarch, Zu Shu''s head, Rui Wei''s image had just been placed higher. That kind of high-level Martial Skill just confirmed her doubts that Rui Wei is really a practitioner of 5th rank and above.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    A/n: Zu Matriarch is not a mage, she is a martial practitioner. If you are confused about their differences just comment down.

    ---

    Xian Clan; Vermillion Manor (the main manor/ the headquarters)

    Inside the Vermillion Manor, one could see an old man sittingon the highest seat, he coldly swept his eyes on the people below.

    On each sidewerethe Clan elders, and the Clan''s direct lineage. Onthe very middle, anoldmanand ayounglady was on their knees.

    In one glance you could see that theoldmanwas froman influentialfamily, as his bearings and his clothing was exceptional, but the burnt parts of his clothes had taken off some of his elegance. Contrary to theoldmanthe young lady beside him was wrapped in a full spiritualarmor,as if she was out to fight someone.

    "4th elder, have you been so bored that you''ll fight against a cultivator way below your level? Tarnishing our Clan''s name, I''m sure 4th Elder is aware of one''s punishment." The Clan Head is extremely furious, he had only been away for a week! And this already happened!

    If he had not finished his task earlier and visited the Imperial Palace to give out some gifts, what would have happened to his daughter?!

    In the Clan Head''s eyes, everyoneelse cango and die, as long as his daughter is safe and sound.

    He then looked at his daughter, his cold eyes slightly warming up. But remembering his daughter''s action, he could only sigh in disappointment.

    "Shen''er... Go to theMapplePavillion and reflect on your actions." The Clan Head had spoiled rotten his first daughter Xian Shen Ruo.

    Even though in his heart, he was clearly aware that the root of this problem is his Daughter Xian Shen Ruo, he still couldn''t bear to actually punish her. Andinstead, he felt bad for being an incompetent father, that could not even get the man of dreams of his Daughter.

    Hearing this, Xian Shen Ruo harrumphed as she left the hall.

    "Patriarch!!" As soon as Shen Ruo left the room, all of the elders bowed and the atmosphere turned from bad to worst.

    "What have you all been doing while I was gone?!" The Clan Head''s thunderous voice echoed through the room, the nearby animals run out of fear.

    Everyone knows that their patriarch spoiled the first miss, which is why they supported the first miss'' actions.

    The Vermillion Clan is in a total mess. The Clan head was a doting father while the Clan elders feared the Clan Head. Afterall, the Clan head is one of the greatpowerhousesof theDragon veinKingdom! An 8th rank Martial Practitioner!!

    And so the Clan Head''s rant started. The Clan elders could only bow in submission, but indifferent angles, some crafty elders had already formed their scheme to manipulate the Clan Head.

    *

    After leaving the Zu Clan, Rui Wei made her way towards the Lotus Restaurant. This restaurant was built just some decades ago, their main dish was a spiritual Lotus, which needed to be cultivated with spiritual powerthencooked in the most complex manner.

    They were currently sitting the second floor close to the stairs. This time, Rui Wei had not rented a private room to eat, as she was waiting for a good show.

    Ruzi was sitting in Rui Wei''s lap, as Rui Wei fed Ruzi the soup. But from time to time Rui Wei would look towards the entrance to the Restaurant. Soon a scholarly man entered, he scanned the room first, and his eyes landed on Rui Wei. After seeing Rui Wei, he made his way towards the second floor.

 Chapter 31: Amusing

    He casually sat in front of Rui Wei.

    "This one is called Xu Long." After the man sat down, he bowed his head slightly and introduced himself.

    Xu Long is one of Matriarch Zu''s disciple outside the Clan. Matriarch Zu adopted him when she was out on an expedition, Xu Long back then did not have a name and was just a random beggar on the street, but after Zu Matriarch discovered him, he was like a phoenix who soared from the ash. His gratefulness towards Matriarch Zu cannot match anyone, which is why he is trusted by Matriarch Zu.

    Rui Wei nodded in acknowledgment, then pointed the other plate of the soup towards him. Xu Long''s brows twitched slightly.

    No matter who this lady is in front of him, the Matriarch did not explain, he does not have a single idea as to who this lady was, but the Matriarch have told him to act respectfully towards this person all the time, even after receiving the ''that''.

    But who knows what this lady has in her mind?

    Xu Long could not help but sigh in his heart as he bowed his head, and thanked Rui Wei for her ''benevolence''.

    Xu Long picked the spoon and scooped up the still warm lotus soup, rumors had it that one scoop of the lotus soup could boost ones Qi Veins while devouring a whole bowl could help one cleanse the impurity within one''s body. He slowly lifted the spoon and put it into his mouth, soon the taste of slightly warm lotus soup engulfedhis whole mouth, the soup was tasteless but as soon as it made contact with his tongue it gave an inexplainable warm feeling which spread within his whole body. After ''tasting'' the Lotus Soup once, Xu Long couldn''t help but speed up eating the soup.

    Rui Wei seeing this couldn''t help but have her brows twitch, this Xu Long, when he entered the room, he acted elegant in all aspect and now he looked like some random kid on the street who knows no manner, even Ruzi looked at Xu Long with a scrunched up face.

    After finishing the Lotus Soup in one swift movement, Xu Long regained back his elegant posture, coughing slightly he said:

    "Pardon this one''s insolence, it had been a long day for this one." Xu Long said as he tried his best to hide his embarrassment.

    "It''s fine. Since we will be waiting for a bit more time before the show begins." Rui Wei once again scoops up a spoonful of Lotus Soup and fed it to Ruzi.

    "..." Xu Long was dumbstruck, was he not supposed to receive that ''Item''? Is this lady making things difficult for him purposely?

    Why are they going to watch a show?

    Looking around the surroundings there were no stages here, bards nor storyteller. Then that could only mean that something will soon happen.

    Xu Long''s heart couldn''t help but feel uneasy.

    Is this lady a potential threat to the Zu Clan? The one question that has been bothering Xu Long has once again turned up.

    As Xu Long was lost in thought, he heard some cluster on the first floor of the restaurant which brought him back to reality.

    Xu Long was currently sitting literally next to the stairs, the first floor was in a full view from his spot.

    He saw a Young Lady from a noble household and--

    ''Hmm? Is that not Gu Xiao Li? The one who suddenly popped out of knowhere, a so-called genius of the Dragonsvein Kingdom? There were also rumors about her being a God''s Chosen.'' Xu Long''s eyes flickered as he recalled the rumors that have been circulating around the Capital for the past few weeks.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The rumors goes as, the 3rd Prince cruelly rejected the Arrange Marriage he had with the 6th Young Lady from the Gu Family, whereas the 6th Lady from the Gu Family was so devastated hearing the news, that she attempted suicide by banging her head on the wall, after that it seemed like a miracle have shone upon this certain 6th lady from the Gu Family. As the 9th Prince seemed to have taken a liking to her.

    The 6th Lady from the Gu Family turned out to be a genius regarding cultivation, as she suddenly gained insight on Martial Path and had leaped through several ranks from her cultivation! And rumors had it that she is also a dual Elementalist! Unfortunately, it turns out that the Gu Family had mistreated her when she still hasn''t awakened her prowess, lest why would she erase her own name within her Family''s Genealogy book?

    The people were able to confirm their doubts with the 9th Prince, as the 9th Prince came running to Gu Xiao Li after she left her Family even offering her the Manor which the Emperor had bestowed!

    Then the 1st lady from the Xian Family Enters, the one who has been foolishly running after the 9th Prince since they were kids. Everyone had already expected the Xian Lady to take action, as the 1st Lady from the Xian Family had never hidden her feelings towards the 9th Prince, but no one could find fault with that as the 1st Lady from the Xian Family is on par with 9th Prince regarding Cultivation and Skills except their personalities seem to just clash a bit. The Xian Lady asked an Elder from her Clan to take action on Gu Xiao Li, but the 9th and 3rd Prince had interfered which confused the mass.

    After the incident involving the Gu Xiao Li Lady and the 3rd and 9th Prince, the Xian Clan had stopped their tyrannical actions and the 1st lady of the Xian Family has also entered a Secluded Cultivation.

    No one knew what had the Emperor done to calm his tyrannical subjects and the people below could only shudder at their imaginations.

    --

    The Lotus Restaurant only offered few dishes which are all extremely expensive due to their ingredients being all rare, while their dishes could boost the Cultivator''s cultivation level, Internal Qi''s etc.

    On the first floor of the Lotus Restaurant. Gu Xiao Li stood straight to her ground as she faced off the 3rd lady from the Fe Clan. Amazingly beside Gu Xiao Li, the figure of the so ever elegant 9th Prince was missing. These days it was quite a rare sight to see Gu Xiao Li being alone, as the 9th Prince simply tagged along with her, they displayed their attention to the public.

    "The Young Lady over there is Fe An Ning, 3rd legitimate Miss of the Fe Family. The other one is the currently oh-so-famous Gu Xiao Li, that I doubt you don''t recognize." Rui Wei said as cleans up Ruiz''s face with a cloth. Ruzi hastily stood up on Rui Wei''s legs as he also peeked down,his attention was piqued by the growing commotion below.

    Xu Long heard Rui Wei''s words and only ''hmmed'' in reply. His attention was completely focused below.

    Rui Wei held Ruzi''s small body properly as her eyes swept down the whole 1st floor a slight smile appeared on her small face.

    Rui Wei called a waitress to order for a set of ''Serene Lotus Tea'' but the waitress had her arms folded over her chest. Having face that says: "Watching a good show."

    "The Young Lady over there, can I please order a ''Lotus Tea''?" Rui Wei sent a Spiritual Message to the waitress as she seemed to be too engrossed watching the ''show'' below.

    "A-ah? Y, yes!" The waitress scampered away as she realized it was that ''Person''.

    ----

    Gu Xiao Li and the 3rd lady from the Fe Clan were bickering with each other. Of course, the 3rd lady form the Fe Clan was at the losing side, after all, what could a pampered unmarried lady fight against an experienced Assassin like Gu Xiao Li? It was not only a gap in experience, the gap between their skills, talent, and wits was just toolarge.

    Gu Xiao Li was used at poking fun at people''s emotions, especially her targets. The only one she met that she could not predict here was the 9th Prince.

    As the Fight with words grew more intense, the 3rd Lady from the Fe Family had a belly full of anger as her Qi churned and maneuvered a deadly technique from her Family.

    "Five Claw Strike; 1st Strike!" The 3rd Lady from the Fe Family moved in a swift manner as she decisively feigned an attack directed to Gu Xiao Li''s face, as her fist came closer to Gu Xiao Li''s it suddenly blurred and change it''s target onto GU Xia LI''s heart!

    *Bam*

    "Kyaaah!" The 3rd Lady from the Fe Family was welcomed by the air, her target was missing, and so she fell to the ground in a comical manner, flat face.

    One could only see Gu Xiao Li''s figure walk towards the 3rd Lady of the Fe Family and say:

    "What is this? Is the Fe Family this weak?" Gu Xiao Li snickered as she swept her eyes on the surroundings.

    According to her calculation, there must be a hidden expert with this 3rd Lady of the Fe Family lest, how could she have acted so arrogantly in front of her? Her cultivation process has been spread far and wide, so Gu Xiao Li assumed that everyone knew that she is a Dual Elemental, while her Body cultivation is currently at the 4th rank. While this 3rd lady from the Fe Family has recently entered the 3rd rank of Body Cultivation.

    If she was not courting death, then what was she doing?

 Chapter 32: Hide and Seek (1)

    "J-just now... W-was t-that--" Xu Long''s face is white as a sheet of paper, as if he had just seen a ghost. While his eyes intently looked at Gu Xiao Li''s figure.

    The skill that lass used just now--!

    "The Plum Blossom steps..." Rui Wei muttered as she sipped her ''Serene Lotus Tea''.

    The Plum Blossom''s Elegant dance was one of the Zu Clan''s secretive skill, only a handful of disciples knew that this kind of skill actually exists within the Zu Clan.

    The selection method of Zu Clan Matriarch was thorough and strict, one can count in hand the disciples who are practicing this mythical technique of theirs.

    He, Xu Long have once seen this technique when a certain Elder was practicing. And Xu Long, have curiously asked his Master, the Zu Clan''s Matriarch.

    "H. How come-- how did that lass know our Zu Clans technique?! I''ve never heard that Master has taken another disciple?" Xu Long slowly turned his head towards Rui Wei, as his face was full of disbelief.

    How did this lass acquire their Zu Clan''s secret technique?

    It was understandable that this lady in front of him also know about the existence of their secret technique ''Plum Blossom Step'' as the Zu Clan Matriarch seemed to trust her. The Zu Clan Matriarch have also reminded him countless of times to be courteous in front of this lady.

    But for the lass down there. Xu Long''s mind was in chaos. The two possibilities clashed inside his head, that lass could be Matriarch Xu''s newfound disciple, she might have found Gu Xiao Li''s talent high enough to let her cultivate the Plum Blossoms Elegant Dance.

    His Master, Zu Clan''s Matriarch had been always fond of going around places to find ''Talents''. Some ecamples were the outside disciples of Zu Clan Matriarch that even the Zu Clam weren''t aware of-- Xu Long is one of Zu Matriarch outside disciple.

    A/n: Wow, outside disciple seems so awkward. Do help me thinking some fitting words here.

    He could courteously ask that lass regarding the technique she used, But if she is not Zu Clan''s Matriarch, then he would not be so courteous.

    Hundreds of thoughts flashed through Xu Long''s mind, but what he worried the most was the possibility of a spy inside their Zu Clan.

    Their Zu Clan... Is there someone selling them out?

    While Rui Wei who saw this couldn''t help but almost laugh out loud. She tried to hide it by sipping her ''Lotus Tea'' while her other hand supported Ruzi. Despite Rui Wei actions, her figure still appeared refined and elegant. It was quite a strange sight, seeing a Lady sipping Tea in one hand, while supporting a toddler to another, but still exclude an elegant aura.

    ''To think that Matriarch Zu still doubts this guy who wholeheartedly thinks of the Zu Clan''s well being...''

    Prior to this, Rui Wei had two task coming here on Lotus Restaurant, the first one was to test Xu Long''s loyalty and the second one is---

    Rui Wei looked at Gu Xiao Li, more specifically on her left hand, where she wore a silver plain ring.

    Rui Wei tapped her fingers, within that moment a sliver of Qi flew towards Xu Long without him noticing.

    "Brother Xu, you seem to be in a deep thought so do pardon me if I have interrupted you. I have a humble task that needs Brother Xu''s help, you see." Rui Wei talked with Xu Long through spiritual.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    "En, This one is at your command." Xu Long who slightly recovered his senses replied, but his eyes were still glued at Gu Xiao Li.

    *

    On the first floor of the restaurant, the crowds were circling around Gu Xiao Li who was standing straight, and Fe An Ning who is being supported by the Fe Family''s servants.

    After waiting for some time, the expected Expert still did not come out, which made Gu Xiao Li quite perplexed.

    ''Oi. can''t you feel anything within this place?'' Gu XiaoLi spoke with the spirit inside the Ring.

    ''If there is something amiss here I would have felt it a long time ago! You''re simply overthinking again!'' The spirit inside the ring sarcastically replied at her. Her face frowned a bit, but it sooned remained it''s calm.

    On the side, Fe An Ning gritted her teeth. She was being supported by the Fe Family''s servants, Gu Xiao Li was ignoring her as if she was not even worth her attention. This made Fe An Ning''s anger once again flare up.

    "You...!" The servants beside Fe An Ning saw their young mistress was about to stir up trouble again, and some quit witted servants quickly held her back. Sealing her acupoint, Fe An Nings voice was sealed, the servants whispered Fe An Ning their Master''s reminders and Fe An Ning trembled before she reluctantly left with her servants. Gu Xiao Li who saw this lost her interest towards Fe An Ning, she then leisurely walked to a corner where the empty tables are, she then sat as if the commotion just now had nothing to do with her.

    She sat with her back straight showing off her confidence. She raised her hand and called over a Waiter.

    The waiter scampered off to get the things in order.

    While the people who saw that the farce was mostly done, they also lost their interest and went back to their respective seat, but from time to time, the people inside the Lotus restaurant would steal some looks towards Gu Xiao Li.

    Gu Xiao Li continued to eat despite the uncomfortable look coming from the people.

    Gu Xiao Li''s purpose on coming on this restaurant was to eat the famed ''Lotus Soup'' which the 9th Prince has greatly bragged to her. After eating the Lotus Soup, Gu Xiao Li, of course had no business on the restaurant anymore so she started to leave.

    Unexpectedly bjust after paying for the food, a scholarly man came to her. Gu Xiao Li scrutinized the man, he is wearing a dark green linen cloth, his hair was simple tied backwards, while his face looked so average that if he were thrown in the middle of street it would be hard to find him. The man did not carry any weapon beside him and he excluded a fairly good aura.

    "A, ah. Do pardon me if I came out suddenly but I''m a scholar and I hope that Miss Gu could share a tad bit of her story with me?" The Man stammered a little.

    ''A scholar?'' Gu Xiao Li listened to the man talk, but in the end, frowned.

    "I''m afraid I cannot do that." She then coldly turned down the scholar''s request. Afterall, sharing her story meant giving this lass the power over her name!

    The proclaimed scholar looked a bit dejected but did not pursue the matter anymore, he then just walked out of the shop.

    As Gu Xiao Li also left the restaurant, the ring on her hand vibrated, as a thundering voice rang out of her head.

    "YOU IDIOTIC GIRL!! RUN AFTER THAT MAN!! YOU A DISCIPLE OF MINE, THE ESTEEMED SAGE HAS JUST BEEN ROBBED?!!" The voice angrily shouted within Gu Xiao Li''s head, The spirit inside the ring, also couldn''t believe what had just happened, the man had simply come over and talked to her. And soon enough the scroll inside her sleeves was gone!!

    Of course the Primodial Beast; Jade Snake couldn''t admit that he had not also detected it and could only scold Gu Xiao Li.

    Gu Xiao Li knew the severity of the situation and immediately ran after the man, using her ''Falcon Eyes'' she marked the scholarly man.

    ''Falcon Eyes'' is an ancient technique that the Primordial Jade Snake inside her ring had taught her. This technique was one of the skills that were on the Ancient Era.

    "You foolish girl! How could you not notice that?! And it was not a simple item! It was the ''Heaven''s Spring Steps!!'' Oh Buddha, Oh Great Sovereign... How could I be contracted with someone like this?!"

    Gu Xiao Li''s face was dark as a pot''s. She could not refute the Jade Snake''s sarcastic comments to her. She had not put the manual inside her ring, and this happened...

    Good, good, good! To think that there''s someone who could freely sniff out in front of her like that!

    Her mouth curled up into a horrifying smile, her thick killing intent scared out the nearby animals, beasts, and low ranked cultivators.

    Xu Long who was being chased after, had his face is deathly pale, as he could hear his instincts shouting at him to run faster. He could only curse that his legs are not fast enough.

    That-- That Wei lady....! She scammed him! She clearly said that he only needs to distract Gu Xiao Li for a short time...!

    He did distract her for a second, but why is this Gu Xiao Li running after him as if he owes her millions of golds and haven''t pay up for who-knows-how-many-years?!

 Chapter 33: Hide and Seek (2)

    One figure runs and another chase. Most of the people within the Dragonsvein Kingdom are normal Martial practitioner of rank 1 while being a rank 2 Martial Practitioner will already give you privileges. Normal citizens could only feel a fast breeze brushing past against them while the Martial Practitioner could barely see the two running figures.

    The chase has been going on for more than one hour now, and the local guards have also been informed, it was an extremely rare sight of a lady fiercely running after a man.

    Unfortunately, the two''s running speed was too fast for the guards to follow.

    ''Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!'' Xu Long have almost used up his Qi. And he could only support himself using his advantage of experience within this place, he has also used several tricks to throw off this Gu Xiao Li, but no matter what he just couldn''t throw her off! It seems like she had put something on him!

    He has been waiting for Rui Wei''s orders. But the talisman that Rui Wei gave her beforehand had still not lit up!

    ''Guh! Should I ask for backup?'' Going by the rumors circulating around, Gu Xiao Li has recently entered the 4th rank and is a dual Elementalist.

    While Xu Long is merely a Body Cultivator, he had no talent regarding elements! Xu Long is a 4th rank Martial Artist if Gu Xiao Li was not a dual Elementalist he would have some advantages!

    Unbeknown for Xu Long, Gu Xiao Li had her patience ran out. Gu Xiao Li''s hands flickered as a silver needle came out.

    Looking more carefully, this silver needle is shining with violet luster. It is a poisoned needle, Gu Xiao Li initially did not want to use this, since this is only a prototype needle, the poison could also be seen.

    "Guaah!!" Xu Long suddenly felt an intense pain coming from his legs, the pain quickly traveled through his body which rendered him completely immobilized.

    "I can''t move!"

    His body flew over a few meters before rolling down the floor.

    ''Haa, Haa... Dirty bastard you almost had me there.'' Gu Xiao Li wiped the sweat from her forehead, she then slowly walked towards Xu Long.

    *Kicks*

    Gu Xiao Li flipped over Xu Long''s barely conscious body using her feet.

    "Where the hell is it?"

    Gu Xiao Li ravaged through Xu Long''s body, but could not find the manual--

    "His spatial bag!" Gu Xiao Li then connected her Qi to Xu Long''s Spatial Bag, and she then started to look for the manual.

    While she was busy looking at the Spatial bag. A figure had appeared right behind her--

    "Watch out!" The Ancient Jade snake spirit inside the ring shouted.

    *BAM*

    A Light of protective Qi shrouded Gu Xiao Li''s body, protecting her from the incoming force.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    "What...?" Gu Xiao Li jumped in shock as she looked back, only to see an empty space. She looked everywhere for the enemy, unfortunately, she could not find anything wrong with her surroundings.

    There was no fluctuation of Qi in the surroundings, it means that the enemy had simply used their physical speed to attack.

    "What had just happened?" Gu Xiao Li asked the Ancient Jade Snake, she is currently confused on the current situation, from within her enhanced senses, she could not sense anything strange within the surroundings, so she could only rely upon the Almighty Ancient Beast, the Jade Snake.

    ".... Run! Forget about the damned manual! Your life is at the stake here!" The Ancient Jad Snake urgently shouted.

    Hearing this, Gu Xiao Li''s was quite hesitant, after all that skill was a really good one! And she has already cultivated the first part of manual!

    "What?! Do you want to turn into a meat paste!? Even I have to admit that this opponent of yours is pretty formidable as I could not sense their presence! And that attack just now did not contain any hostility but if I did not protect you just then, you could have turned into dust with your current level!" The Jade Snake spoke quickly that it was almost as if he talked in fast forward.

    "..." Gu Xiao Li could only grumble and swear inside her mind. Her feet tapped the ground, then her body blurred and disappeared on the scene.

    Minutes after Gu Xiao Li''s figure is gone. The empty space beside the unconscious Xu Long started to distort, and soon Rui Wei''s form was revealed.

    "Ancient Beast, Snake Jade of the Heavenly Jade Palace?" Rui Wei muttered, scratching her cheeks she looks towards the direction where Gu Xiao Li run, on Rui Wei''s left hand she is holding an ancient looking book, and written on the page she is currently reading is;

    Calendar of Snake Scale, The year of 1000- 1100;

    "Snake Jade Head Master of Heavenly Jade Palace- In the year of Snake Scale 1090, he suddenly disappeared without a trace.

    "Lou Mu You- Jade Snake''s succeeding disciple rightfully claimed the position of Head Master inside the Heavenly Jad Palace."

    ''To think that her portable oldgrandpa would turn out to be a headmaster of some clan... That''s quite of a cheat you''ve got there hey!'' Rui Wei laughed bitterly as she waved her hands and kept the book on her spatial ring. Now looking at the battered up Xu Long, Rui Wei felt slightly guilty.

    "Ahaha..." Rui Wei laughed as she extended her arms and executed a healing spell.

    Her hands emitted a warm blue light, the light shone upon Xu Long''s unconscious body. Xu Long''s scrunched fave started to relax, as his injuries healed in a speed visible to the naked eyes.

    "Hmmm...?" Rui We''s brows locked together as she looked weirdly at Xu Long.

    The spell she just used is one of the water mages signature move: "HealingHands"

    It is named as such one had to use their hands to channel their Qi to the other party and heal them. There are multiple ways to heal someone but the methods of Water Mages are the most efficient.

    What confused Rui Wei is the Qi consumption of this spell, it used to consume at least 1/8 of the Qi on her dantian, which means she could only use it 8 times, but right now, she had only gathered a small amount of Qi on her surroundings. And the spell was successfully executed.

    "Oh..." Rui Wei''s train of thoughts was cut off as one of her talisman lit up.

    "Aiyah... It''s Ruzi again." Rui Wei chuckled as she set aside the mystery of her new ability. She picked up Xu Long''s body and dashed towards the direction of the Zu Clan.

    --

    The Zu Clan, Main House;

    Zu Shu, the Zu Matriarch hummed in a cheerful manner, as she fluently signed the paperwork in front of her. She is clearly in a good mood. She is really lucky this time, after all the trouble that she has been stressing over had been solved by its own, how could she not be happy?

    As she was happily humming, she felt a force approaching their Clan.

    "Hmm? That was quite fast." Zu Shu cleaned her table and kept her paperwork within her Spatial Ring. She snapped her finger and instruct the servants to bring two sets of tea.

    As the servants left the room, the door once again opened.

    "Oh..." The words that she was about to say was stuck in her throat as she looked with disbelief at the person who just arrived.

    "What''s with that face?" Rui Wei raised one of her brows.

    She threw Xu Long''s body on the floor in a nonchalant manner and sat to the opposite of Zu Shu.

    Xu Long''s face frowned as he felt the impact.

 Chapter 34: You Again?!

    Feeling the pain from the impact Xu Long woke up.

    ''Is that Lady Rui and Master?'' Xu Long looked at the two figure standing not too far from him, all he could see is a hazy azure figure, standing in a majestic and dignifies manner, although he could not see it clearly, he could feel that the person standing over there was not simple. The other one is sitting, an Indigo colored figure.

    "Oh, I suggest you call a servant to retrieve Xu Long first." Rui Wei glance over Xu Long who was having a difficulty in breathing. Although Rui Wei has mostly detoxified the poison on his body, Xu Long''s dantian was still on the state of recovery, while his Qi veins were previously corrupted by the poison which was then renewed by Rui Wei. Right now, Xu Long''s body is undergoing a series of change, he would have to be at least lay in the bed for the next few months.

    As soon as Rui Wei said that, a servant came in, the servant bowed respectfully to the two and carefully carried Xu Long''s body.

    "Oho, I see that your people are actually getting better!" Rui Wei chuckled.

    "Ahem, going back to our topic before--" Matriarch Zu, not wanting to further embarrass herself, faked a cough and changed the subject.

    "Oh that." Rui Wei sat down, propping her cheeks on her hands.

    "That Gu Lady is a martial genius, I was also shocked! One look at the martial skill and she could perfectly copy it. Although there are only a few people in the world who could do this, they are not as rare as a Phoenix feather." Rui Wei then began to tell Zu Matriarch the ''cheat'' capability of the transmigrated assassin from the 21st century.

    Zu Matriarch is also a Martial Genius in her own way, but she could do something as monstrous as copying a martial skill in one look. Martial Artists have to sometimes spend a lifetime of theirs to comprehend one skill but these talented geniuses would only need to take one glimpse and they could already execute the Martial Skill in its utmost ability! The Heavens really is biased, ah!

    Zu Matriarch hung her head low, giving out an understanding nod. As Rui Wei have said those geniuses are indeed rare but not as rare a Phoenix''s feathers, she, as the head of the Zu Clan and a someone hailed as a Martial Genius have also met that kind of Genius Martial Practitioner, it was then that Matriarch Zu woke up from her dream, with her current martial level and her speed on cultivating it was impossible for her to catch up with them.

    "Then, I''ll be on my way. If fate deems it necessary, let us meet again." Rui Wei stood up and left Matriarch Zu on her own thoughts.

    ---

    My figure blurred as I left the premises of the Zu Clan.

    ''Now then, I wonder how Ruzi is doing with his newfound toy?'' I wondered as I glided across the streets.

    After Li Mo, and that Elder Cao from Heavenly Palm Sect went back due to an unknown but ''urgent'' reason, another batch of new representatives were sent, the higher ups of the Dragonsvein Kingdom are currently busy fawning to the representatives of the Heavenly Palm Sect.

    One can see the drastic chain effect of Gu Xiao Li''s action! I sighed in my mind as I noticed that I have reached my destination--Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ''--?!!?'' I almost tripped over, if not for my reflexes I would have rolled on the floor right now.

    ''what the f*ck is Gu Xiao Li doing in front of our room!?'' I immediately entered the Inn not minding the surprised looks of the people inside.

    --

    Gu Xiao Li stood straight in front of the Door, her expression strange.

    ''What is with this Defense Mechanism?!'' Gu Xiao have been standing in front of this room baffled, she has not noticed that time has passed as she was too engrossed looking at the Defense Mechanism. The Primordial Beast, Jade Snake, was also stunned.

    The Jade Snake sent a sliver of his Qi to scrutinize the strange pattern of the Defense Mechanism in front of them. He has been saving his Qi for Thousands of Years and has only accumulated a pitiful amount of Qi compare to his previous body where the Essence of the world (Qi) would fluently make its way to his dantian. As soon as his sliver of Qi made contact with the door, he suddenly felt a backlash!

    ''What?'' The Jade Snake could not believe that his sliver of Qi would actually be absorbed! Not only was it absorbed, he has also received a backlash! The Ring that he was residing is one of a more ancient artifact left behind by the Immortals! Ths Ring has its own protective mechanism, it has protected the Jade Snake successfully for his whole life, if not for this Ring then the Jade Snake''s soul would have perished under the forbidden spell!

    "Young Lady, is something the matter?" A servant wearing a uniform of the Cheng Inn came close to Gu Xiao Li, the servant smiled at her.

    "Ah, no..." Gu Xiao Li was shocked in her heart as she did not notice the servant''s presence at all.

    ''Was I too distracted?'' Gu Xiao Li thought as she started to walk away.

    ''That girl is not simple, I could not sense her presence, even now.'' The Jade Snake spoke.

    ''Eh? What do you mean by that?'' she looked back at the servant behind her and her goosebumps rose. The servant is standing on her spot as she kindly smiled at her, but now that she paid attention to that girl, she had no presence. It was as if the thing she''s seeing right now is a mere illusion.

    ''This Cheng Inn is really not simple, not only was there one cultivator who could escape my senses, even a mere sevant-- '' Gu Xiao hastily left, while listening to the Jade Snake rattle.

    Seeing the two figures ran again Rui Wei couldn''t help but think;

    ''I really need to get out of this place. That Gu Xiao Li just brings too much trouble, not only will her distinct aura effect Ruzi, Ruzi might even become one of her suitors!''

    ---

    "Ruzi~" I entered the room and called Ruzi, he is currently busy playing with the new toy I got for him, but as soon as soon he saw me, he put it down and ran.

    Seeing Ruzi running towards me as soon as he saw me, my mood immediately brightened.

    "Ruzi, you..." I looked at Ruzi with delight.

    "You''ve got a flabby stomach!!" I shook Ruzi''s small protruding stomach, Ruzi laughed loudly as he tried to get away from me, unfortunately for his small build, he was easily scooped up by me.

    Despite being a cultivator, Ruzi is becoming fat!

    "Gaaah!"I weaken my hug and Ruzi immediately ran away hiding inside the blanket.

    ''Ahahha-- Again?!'' I immediately rose as I felt Gu Xiao Li''s presence again.

    ''Didn''t she just ran away a couple minutes?! Doesn''t she have anything better to do?!''

    This time she is disguised as one of the servants of Cheng Inn.

    ''Oi, oi... This Cheng Inn, wasn''t this supposed to have an extremely high security?!'' I looked at the talismans and decided to just ignore that person. I rose up from my seat and walked over the table.

    Using my Qi, I cleaned out the table. Then lay out the map, we are currently in the Capital of the Dragonsvein Kingdom-

    As we have finished our task here, our next destination is...?

    I crossed out the Dragonsvein Kingdom. Then looked at the nearby Kingdoms; There are the Hou Kingdom, Ju Kingdom, Li Kingdom, and the Shen Kingdom.

    The Hou Kingdom is a 2 weeks journey from here, rules are not too strict and have been staying neutral with the surrounding Kingdoms.

    Ju Kingdom is a month away from here, they are allied with the Li Kingdom, and is at each other necks with the Shen Kingdom.

    The Shen Kingdom is a powerful and independent Kingdom that has been aggressive for the past few decades, they have already conquered 2 Kingdoms and is allied with large Clan, the Mu Clan. The Mu Clan has some history of a few hundreds of years which is pretty amazing as it originated from a small water back clan.

 34.5 : Training

    After Rui Wei has given Sona permission to train, she did not immediately go out of the Capital and instead visited the Raven''s House Her young mistress had said that she would gain nothing from Raven''s House, Sona had thought that Rui Wei was advising her from Rui Wei''s perspective and taking into account the gap of strength between them, she had thought that the Raven;s house would be suitable for her warm up.

    The Raven''s House is the largest crime syndicate in the Dragonsvein Kingdom, they have existed from the very start, building a solid foundation inside the Dragonsvein Kingdom, of course, most Princes of the Dragonsvein Kingdom uses the Raven''s house to do their dirty jobs.

    The Raven''s house owns an underground Martial Arena called ''Abyssal Feather'' where they host a competition between ''Martial Artists''.

    Abyssal Feather; fighters lounge.

    On the backstage where the fighters are located before their fight, there was a short person clad in a dark-brown cloak, this person had only opened their mouth when they had registered their number, the short cloaked person slightly lifted the cloak and his eyes flashed with the desire to win! This person was none other than Sona!

    "Winner, Old Liu!" from the backstage one could hear the announcers voice, and the cheers of audiences voices echoing.

    "Now then, on the next round! On the Red side, we have a newcomer, one who is surnamed So!" Once the announcer finished his sentence, Sona started to enter the Arena. The Audience curiously looked at the newcomer and couldn''t help but heatedly debate as to what kind of Martial Artist this newcomer is.

    "Heh, with that short stature he must be specialized in daggers and stuff right? After all, how would he expect to reach his opponent in time?"

    "It could be a lance, a long sword, whip etc. for all we know."

    "Yup, there are a lot of other long-distance weapons other than daggers, which are more convenient,"

    The Audiences debated on themselves, but unknown to them, the person clad in the cloak, could hear them clearly, and Sona could not help but scoff at the audience''s narrow views on Martial Arts.

    "On the Blue side, we have a veteran fighter ''Leopard Mo''!" Finishing his sentence the announcer leaped out of the stage and stood at the side of the audience. While the new Martial Artist entered the stage.

    ''Leopard Mo'' jumped in the air and rotated three times before landing on the stage, five steps away from his opponent, looking at the body difference, one could not help but pity Sona, as she barely reached Leopard Mo''s shoulders.

    ''Too flashy.'' Sona held Leopard Mo''s move in disdain.

    *Gong*

    The gong was hit, indicated that the fight had started. But the two Martial Artist did not move an inch, they were sizing each other.

    "Hey--" Leopard Mo was about to say something but his words were cut off as the figure in front of him disappeared, Sona moved and intended to attack Leopard Mo''s head to knock him out, unfortunately, Leopard Mo reacted in time as he immediately blocked the incoming attack with his arms.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    *Bam*

    Leopard Mo''s large stature flew several meters before coming to a stop, this greatly shocked the Audiences.

    "Ohhh!!!" Most of the Audiences were impressed by Sona''s physical strength.

    "This Martial Artist is not simple!" while some Audiences interest was immediately piqued. One should know that many commoners on the Dragonsvein Kingdom did not have a cultivation Level and could be barely called a Martial Artists, while most people only had a cultivation level of 1-4, which is held in contempt within the cultivation world. From, the spectators, it was rare for them to see a person like Sona, who did not have protruding muscles like the normal Martial Artist, but still held enormous strength.

    "You''re good," Sona said in a low voice, as she took a stance. Sona praised Leopard Mo, as she knew that this man in front of her did not even have any cultivation level. He had only tempered hismortal body and did not touch his dantian which stored the spirit Qi.

    Leopard Mo was known for his great speed, but as Martial Artist who did not have a rank, he was nothing in front of Sona.

    Earlier, Leopard Mo still wanted to go easy on his opponent as he was afraid that he might kill him, although Leopard Mo is a veteran fighter inside the Arena he had never unnecessarily delivered a finishing blow on his opponent and simply defeated them.

    But looking at the current situation he was quite baffled, with his opponent''s small stature.

    How did he deliver such an attack?!

    The arm that Leopard Mo used to block, was throbbing in pain, it felt like he was hit by a metal!

    Sona did not wait for Leopard Mo to recover his senses as she once again jumped towards him.

    *fwiiish*

    *thud*

    This time, her speed was much faster than Leopard Mo, he did not even know what had hit him as he blacked out. Leopard Mo''s large stature fell down, and the small figure clad in a cloak stood on his fallen body.

    "OOOOHHH!!!"

    "AMAZING!!"

    "GO, NOVICE!"

    The audiences were pumped up at the sight of impossible, for them, it should have been impossible for such a person with a small stature to beat someone much larger than them in a fair fight.

    ''Hmp.'' Sona, was disappointed. She had thought that the Martial Artists here would at least have a skill or two, but this one had only barely blocked her attack.

    ''I should not have come here, and directly went to the borderline.'' In the end, she had to finish the battle as conceding would scratch her pride as a previous mercenary.

    Sona finished her fights in a blow or two, which garnered much support from the audience, and from here, she had earned absurd titles from the spectators, such as ''Reaper'' or ''Asura''.

    *

    The borderline of the Dragonsvein Kingdom is the ''Fu Village'' which is pretty much abandoned, only a few people live in this village and most of them are criminals or outcasts from the capital. Of course, people who live here are strong, their daily lives contain of eating blades (aka, in constant danger).

    Since this place is a place where only criminals lives, the Kingdom did not also waste their resources on it, as they let it be. Which is why the magical beasts from the forests come down from time to time to wreck havoc on this small village. There were no Ranked cultivatorswho are charitable enough to fend off these magical beasts so the villagers could only hide.

    Sona looked at her surroundings, the village- no, it would be more fitting if this was called a Ruined Village. The houses were all torn apart, and only small portions were left, there were remains of abandon objects littered everywhere, one could see that the items were left some years ago.

    *ROOOOOAAAAR*

    A roar of a beast echoed. Sona immediately made her way to the source of the roar.

    ''If I''m not wrong, it''s a Wild Boar.''

    As Sona neared the source of the roar, she felt that something was off. The beast''s roar was weakening. At first, the roar was fierce and aggressive, but now it was soft and low, as if--

    "..." Sona was dumbstruck at the scene that is being displayed in front of her.

    Two wild boars were roaring unceasingly. One boar on the top and one below.

    They were mating.

    "SIZZLING PORK!" Sona''s eyes twitches, she clenched her teeth as she threw a punch on the male boar, the two boars flew out of impact.

    Sona''s hands moved at a lightning speed as she cast a fire spell.

    A/n: although Sona''s affinity is Earth, that does not necessarily mean that she cannot use fire element.

    Sona finished roasting the two wild boars and she couldn''t help but touch her head as she mumbled.

    ''What is wrong with today?''

 Chapter 35: Onto the Jianghu!

    Heavenly Palm Sect 3rd Valley

    Inside the Heavenly Palm Sect, there are 11 Valleys which are owned by the Highest ranking elders respectively, while the remaining Valley''s are used by the Core Disciples. In the 3rd Valley, a handful of Mansions stood in a chronological order, on the very top of the Valley stood the most eye-catching Mansion, outside of it were Two Koi Fishes that were made in the most refined manner! Looking more closely one could the carvings on the walls, it was crafted in the most exquisite manner.

    Inside this Valley, one could see a man kneeling on the ground while another man sat on the highest seat.

    "--- and that person haughtily rejected my offer." The one kneeling on the ground finished his story, he looked up towards his master. He intently watched his master''s face, afraid that he might miss a slight change of his expression.

    "Put your hands on the scroll and start the story all over again." His Master flicked his hands, a scroll appeared in mid-air, which then made it''s towards Elder Cao.

    Elder Cao''s face couldn''t help but twitch.

    Does his Master not trust him?

    Okay, he does exaggerate sometimes, but did he really have to pull out a treasure like the Hu''s Scroll?

    The Hu''s Scroll was an artifact invented by the Hu Clan, it is akin to a lie detector in modern times, except the fact that the Hu Scroll would link the story out of your memories, which would then replay out of the scroll.

    "In theDragonsveinKingdom, I have met a mysterious youth that was either rank above me or carries a treasure that could his rank..." Faced with the Hu Scroll, Elder Cao did not have any choice buttotell the truth.

    He had exaggerated his earlier story, hoping that his Master would get offended by that mysterious youth''s action! But, alas, his Master was too much of a pacifist!

    "Hmm... " His Master answered,

    "This Youth''s divinity... I cannot see it." His Master said in almost a whisper, but once it entered Elder Cao''s ears it was like a thunder inside his head!

    Eh?! His Master could not read the youth''s divinity?! Not even a peek?! His Master was well known within the world-- I mean within the experts'' circle as a Master of Divinity!

    He could even take a peak of the Previous Martial Emperor''s divinity!!

    Elder Cao could feel his intestine turn green!

    A/n: Inchineseproverbsthis ^Intestinesturning Green from Regret (���Ӷ������� ch��ngzi d��u hu�� q��ng le). Meaning: to be completely consumed with regret; Note: The idea is that intestines supposedly turn green in a decomposing body, so this idiom is about figuratively ��dying from regret��

    Ah! Why did he not persuade that youth to enter their Heavenly Palm Sect!HEcould have knelt and begged the youth to enter the Sect!!

    Elder Cao''s face contracted, and with a heart full of regret he left the hall. There only one thing Elder Cao''s head right now, and that was to go back to theDragonsveinKingdom and bring that youth into their no matter the cost!!

    After Elder Cao left. Hu Mozi could not help but smile,

    Alas, it was the time for them, the old ones to retreat and make a path for the new generation!

    ---

    Dragonvein King; Capital

    In the Cheng Inn.

    I crossed out theDragonsveinKingdom. Then looked at the nearby Kingdoms; There are the Hou Kingdom, Ju Kingdom, Li Kingdom, and the Shen Kingdom.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    The Hou Kingdom is a 2 weeks journey from here, rules are not too strict and have been staying neutral with the surrounding Kingdoms.

    The Ju Kingdom is a month away from here, they are allied with the Li Kingdom, and is at each other necks with the Shen Kingdom.

    The Shen Kingdom is a powerful and independent Kingdom that has been pretty aggressive for the past few decades, they have already conquered 2 Kingdoms and is allied with large Clan, the Mu Clan, it has some history of a few hundreds of years which is pretty amazing as it originated from a smallwaterbackclan.

    I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes.

    From here on out, I have to make sure not to involve myself to those likes of Gu Xiao Li, this time there were already several High ranked cultivators who had set their eyes on me, further rousing some unwanted trouble---

    "Hmm? She''s back?" I stood up from my chair and stared at the familiar figure that was within the crowd.

    With my eyes, the density of Water Qi inside one''s body is the thing that I use to differentiate people, after all with the vision I''m seeing, I cannot tell apart their faces.

    But, for Sona to be back this Early...

    "I guess we''ll go to the Hou Kingdom after all?" I could use a spell formation to ease the traveling. Now that I know my current level, I can now use large-scale spells without the fear of emptying my Dantian.

    A/n: Some of you may already know. But, well, I have never explained it clearly. For one to start cultivating, one must absorb the natural essence of the world which is called ''QI'', the absorbed natural essence refines the mortal body while making its way through thedantian, which is located in one''s lower belly. Cultivator''s store the Qi and use this to strengthen their body. This method or way immortality is againstthe Heaven''slaw which is why one must go through the ''Heavenly Tribulation'' before ascending to the Heavens.

    -

    After Sona made her way back, we immediately left the Kingdom.

    Of course this time we have to buy our own carriages.

    Have I mentioned that it was inevitable to avoid the People of Heavenly Palm Sect while traveling?

    This is path is afterall close to the Heavenly Palm Sect.

    This past 2 days I have indeed seen several people from the Heavenly Palm Sect flying here and there, I have even seen that Elder Cao who was obsessed with our Defense Mechanism!

    But this time, I do not know what has our carriage done, but we were actually stopped by a disciple from teh Heaveny Palm Sect.

    And it isn''t just some normal disciple, but it''s actually Li Mo the Convoy of the Heavenly Palm Sect. He was back then with Gu Xiao Li, but after he almost caught me eavesdropping on their conversation he has gone back to the Heavenly Palm Sect to request something on his Master.

    ''He probably babbled nonsense to his Master, like he met some kind of Expert inside theDragonsveinKingdom, and the Sect needs to pay more attention theDragonsveinKingdom''s movements etc. or requesting an item for his sweet lady (Gu Xiao Li).

    Li Mo''s figure was flying through the clouds using his sword artifact, but he actually came down and stopped us! What did my carriage even do to you?! I''m traveling on the land here, hey!

    "..." After being stopped, of course, we had to at least say a few words with him, I gestured Sona to stay on the carriage and immediately cast an illusory on myself.

    Li Mowas wearing the Robe of the Heavenly Palm Sects inner disciples. Which excluded a faint lighting around him, enhancing his overall looks.

    Li Mo stopped the traveling carriage and stared intently inside. Rui Wei''s clone a.k.a the driver does not have any ability to talk yet, so it only stared at Li Mo. After a few seconds, a middl-aged man came out of the carriage. He was wearing a high-quality robe from the Dragonsvein Kingdom, he seemed to be a normal traveler except they do not seem to have any luggage on them which looked extremely weird.

    "What can this humble do for esteemed one?" I politely bowed and stared at the ground as I asked,

    "You... You seem familiar." He crinkled his brows as he intently stared at my head.

    ''Stop it, I look like a goddamn middle-aged man now! What kind of cringes are you bringing?!''

    "No, this one has a face that could be found anywhere so I doubt esteemed one has mistaken?" The middle-aged old man cautiously said, but soon his body quivered, he hastily bowed his head lower and said:

    "I-- I, this lowly one did not mean--" The old man stuttered and hadhavea hard time finding the right words.

    "That''s enough, I was just casually looking." Seeing theoldmanwho is almost scared to death,Li Mowaved his hand and dismissed him.

    It''s just a mortal after all, how could they affect him?

    Li Moonce again took out his Sword Artifact and flew to the destination of theDragonsveinKingdom.

    I looked at the fleeting figure and my lips hooked up.

    ''You better not meet me again!'' I gotinsidethe carriage and let the clone handle the horse.

    "Young Lady, why did the Heavenly Palm Sect hinder us?" Sona curiously asked as she could not make sense of such a powerful figure having connections with our disguise.

    No matter how one looks at it outside, the carriage that is currently traveling, is one of those rich merchants.

    "Hmm... I guess you could say that it is a cultivators'' sense honed by life and death situation, unfortunately, he met me." My lips hooked up as my contempt was clearly shown within my face.

    Sona seemed to fell into a deep contemplation as she did not reply to my words.

 Chapter 36: The Road Ahead

    It had been almost a week after we have left the premises of theDragonsveinKingdom.

    Our carriage is neatly parked by the side, the horses are being tended by Sona.

    While Ruzi is playing at the riverbank, in one look he seemed to be just mindlessly kicking and punching in the air.

    But in fact, those kicks and punches of his, have the weight of around 100-200 kg, really, a monstrous feat.

    He is currently practicing the bodily martial art of''Emperor Nuo Rui''s 1st Style of Killing Arts''.

    I have personally looked through the manual and found nothing wrong with it, in fact, I felt that the fighting style was fit for Ruzi.

    Even though it is a killing art, I''m not afraid that Ruzi would get his head big nor would he transform into a mania-killing bastard, afterallI''m here to guide him, I look forward to the day that his name would resound through the Jianghu.

    Just thinking about it makes my heart swell with pride. Hoho, I''m raising a Heaven-Shaking Man!

    --

    Seeing that Ruzi and Sona were doing just fine, I finally relaxed my mind.

    I walk towards a tree and sat down. I slowly enter a meditative state. Although my physical body seemed to be at rest, I could still observe the movements of my surroundings within the range of 500 meters radius. this is one of the perks with high Qi sensitivity.

    As I see that the atmosphere was just right, I relaxed my mind and focused on Soul Techniques. This Soul Technique as the name suggests is an attack that mainly uses one soul to attack. This particular technique is one of the countless books that I obtained from the Dragon Temple.

    ---

    After immersing myselfonthe technique for who knew how long, I fully took my attention on the surroundings I almost wanted to immediately withdraw!

    Ah. why do I have to see such thing?!

    No, it is not a horrifying mangled body of a human nor beast, there is no blood at all. What I had simply witnessed is an abandoned Disciple, from the looks of it, he was beaten up and was left in this forest to die. His robe indicates that he is an unimportant outer Disciple of that overly famous Xi Sect, that Xi Sect is more than a mountain away from here! Thinking here, he really is abandoned to die, is he not?

    And Ruzi, who had gotten bored of playing on the water had just to wander around that area! Actually bumping onto that disciple!! Ah!

    I immediately spread my Qi, and found Sona chasing after a 4th rank beast! She was probably getting ready for dinner, thinking that Ruzi was safe as I was just around the corner!

    I couldn''t help but feel a pang regret on my chest. How could I actually immerse myself in my cultivation that I actually lowered my guard! I could not help but feel like crying but had no tears to cry out.

    Ruzi who has recently turned 3 years old, made his way towards the youth. His small body ran and jumped within the forest in an agile manner,Ruzi''sbody had a great foundation from the very beginning and his fast growth rate made him look like a kid around 5 years old.

    Ruzi circled around the youth, curiously seizing him up.

    While I was anxiously hiding in the shadows, ready to pounce on that disciple if he ever had an ounce of strength left within him that could potentially harm my Little Ruzi.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Ruzi then squatted down, he picks up a nearby twig, he used it to poke the half-dead abandoned disciple.

    "Ah! F---" Before he could finish his curse word, my Qi had already blocked his throat.

    I jumped out from my hiding place and stood behind Ruzi. Scooping up his little body, I lightly scolded him,

    "Why did you wander around by yourself?" I said in a disapproving manner.

    ''Don''t you know that you almost stepped on the path of a cannon fodder there?!'' I shouted inside my head.

    "I''m sorry~" Ruzi who was suddenly scooped up was shocked but as he felt my familiar aura, he immediately brightly laughed and apologized.

    I directed my gaze at the almost half-dead disciple. Looking at the tattered Outer Robes that he is wearing and his face that looks like a pig face from being swollen, and looking at his meridians that are currently blocked---

    ''Dude, why do I feel like I''m a Hidden Expert that goes and saves little mc''s who have yet awaken their prowess?! Am I perhaps their supposed hidden master, great benefactor or a cheat?!'' I thought as I extended my hands and healed his physical body.

    After healing the youth I immediately stood up and left with Ruzi. Healing this youth is all thanks to his Luck, after all I do not want Ruzi to become apathetic at such a young age.

    As to that youth, his Clan would probably pick him up later on, as to the war between the Xi Sect and that kid''s Clan, I don''t want to know. I have already extended my helping hand to that youth.

    ---

    After going back to our Carriage I immediately modified it and turned it into a shockproof one. Once inside we would not feel the vibration produced by strong collision outside.

    "Young Mistress, you really come up with the most brilliant ideas! But, why did you only install them now?" Sona curiously asked. We have after all (except Ruzi, since I had continuously provided him a barrier when he is inside a carriage) the torturous journey of transportation through the carriage.

    Can I say, that I actually only remembered this idea just some time ago?

    I replied her question with a dry laugh, before proceeding to bind the Magical Beast that Sona has recently caught. After binding the Magical Beast, I then replaced our horse with Magical Beast.

    I had thought that with our revised carriage we would certainly attract the attention of some eccentric cultivator.

    But days passed quietly and we were able to peacefully travel. In just one week we were able to arrive at the borderline of Hou Kingdom.

    We stopped at the secluded area to change our mount to a normal horse.

    "Sonagothe nearby village and purchase some horse," I said as I waved my hands and free the Magical Beast fromit''sbind. The Magical Beast feeling the restraint on him goinglooseimmediately fled back to the Mountain.

    "Yes." Sona slightly bowed down and disappeared.

    ''Oh.'' seeing at how Sona had performed the ''skill'' I had taught her I couldn''t help but smile, It seems like her training has finallyboresome fruit!

    I peeked at Ruzi''s figure inside the carriage, his small figure is peacefully sitting down in a lotus position. The Qi flowing smoothly on his meridians to hisdantian.

    ''Ah, it really is peaceful.'' I sighed and smiled, looking up towards the sky, I couldn''t help but anticipate for the adventure I had planned.

    ---

    After Sona changed bought the horse, we immediately set out and arrived at the Hou Kingdom.

    ''There shouldn''t be anymore Mc material here, right? I just met one in the last Kingdomafterall,'' As we near the Hou Kingdom the thought couldn''t help but flash in my head.

    At the borderline of the Hou Kingdom, we had to wait in a long line almost forming S curve from going back and forth, before actually stepping on the gates. I looked at the long lane and estimated that with our current situation it would already be lucky for us if we were able to get inside the Hou Kingdom in three days.

    We had no choice but to wait for three days before we were finally able to reach the gate and enter the Kingdom. In the Hou Kingdom, immigrates/tourist or anyone who did not come from the Hou Kingdom had to be scanned before having the liberty to enter their Kingdom, they will also give out a small crystal card which they refer to as an identity card.

    ''Psh! Isn''t this more like a tracking device?'' I said as I traced the sliver of Qi within my card. With this, the higher-ups of the Hou Kingdom can immediately track down anyone. I can''t help but admire the one who had thought of this Idea, it''s simply marvelous.

    Mind you, this Identity card is bound toit''sowner by blood and you cannot forcefully destroy it, or else an alarm will be sent to the Generals and you''ll be hunted down.

    --

    After getting inside the Kingdom, I immediately settled down on the nearest Inn and left the two, Sona and Ruzi.

    After leaving them I immediately went and bought a middle-class mansion within the district of nobles.I made a whole tour around the street and made sure that none of those dark horses* (Mc material) are nearby my place. I also wrote down a simple defensive mechanism inside the manor.

    The business days or processing of papers will take a week or 2 so I will have to be careful laying low.

    My cultivation level seems to be breaking through without my knowledge I feel like I could reach the Sovereign rank by just sleeping. I giggled at the thought.

 Chapter 37: A Peaceful day

    Rui Wei walked around the Imperial Capital, watching vigilantly for the Kingdom''s pets that might be lurking around.Sheavoided the watchful gazes of the shadows as she sneaked into the black market.

    The Black Market on this Kingdom is under the full control of the Imperial Family if one is vigilant enough, you would notice the pattern of the Black Market''s Guard. The Guards are called ''Lin Guards'', and they are the one responsible for handling everything inside the Black Market.

    In the Black Market, people would feel like that it is theplace where the law of Imperial Family can''t reach, all kinds of atrocious and inhuman handling are happening here, the most unscrupulous place. Unknown to them, the Law of their Kingdom has allowed for this kind of place to bloom. Afterall, where there is light, there is darkness, it is what the current Emperor of the Hou Kingdom firmly believes.

    Rui Wei''s disguise right now is one of a crooked old man, but with cultivation level of a Martial Artis in 6th rank, making an ''I''m a hidden expert'' aura lingers around her. Of course, that is only in the eyes of some experts. As Rui Wei walked around the Black Market, she could not help but frown her brows.

    ''Even the words exchanged between them are cautious, as if afraid that a single mistake would take their lives away.'' Rui Wei walked for another round and finally noticed that every member of this Black Market seemed to know a thing or two about the Imperial Families secrets. meaning that they weren''t as clueless as she thought they were. They were aware that the Hou Kingdom was controlling this Black Market.

    Rui Wei did not give up her pursuit of information, as she firmly believed that the Hou KIngdom must have their weaknesses. After half a day, Rui Wei finally gave up and went back to the inn.

    ''Ah , damn it. I''ll have to continue tomorrow.'' Rui Wei used her skill to the fullest, afraid that the Lin Guards'' might caught a whiff of her. Her entire being disappeared, as she exited the Balck Market.

    As Rui Wei made her way back to the Inn, she could not help but feel restless. The lack of information made her anxious.

    ''These past few years, It seems like my journeys were sailing to smoothly, in comparison right now.'' Back in the places, she stayed at, Rui Wei never lacked any kind of information, as she knew a lot of source information where she could dig up. And she would even pay utmost attention to the smallest detail, afraid that it might, later on, lead to her demise.

    ---

    Blue Incense Inn;

    The ''Blue Incense Inn''. Rui Wei has chosen was the closest Inn, the rooms were small and they had to make do with it for the moment.

    Inside the room, Sona and Ruzi both sat in a lotus position as the two were both immersed in meditation.

    ''Sigh, these two. Have they perhaps turned into cultivation maniacs?'' Rui Wei walked into the room and sat on the bedside, She crossed her legs, then propped her chin with one hand.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ''Hou Kingdom, Hou Kingdom...'' Rui Wei closed my eyes and tried to recall any information that she might have skipped.

    ''Hou Kingdom is rarely the subject of criticism, other than words of praise towards their prosperous country there really is nothing else to be taken note of?'' Rui Wei sighed as her gaze drifted to the ceiling.

    ''I have to familiarize myself with this place fast, lest how am I supposed to tour my kid when I know nothing about this place?'' In fact, Rui Wei was afraid that in a day that she is walking with Ruzi to buysoysauce* they might meet some crouching tiger and hidden dragons, which could endanger Ruzi.

    A/n: to buysoysauce< Lol, I really like this Chinese idiom, >> ���� (d�� ji��ng y��u �C getsoy sauce) has becomeChinese slangfor ��to mind one''s own business/to not be involved/to be disinterested.��

    Rui Wei touched her forehead and once again sighed.

    --

    Rui Wei took out a bunch of talismans, the talismans hovered around her. She closed her eyes and recalled the thousands of characters. Thesound talisman that Rui Wei has been able to produce was able to send messages with the distance of two mountains away. This kind of feat is already considered a heaven-defying ability, but Rui Wei is still unsatisfied, after all as someone who has enjoyed the luxury and convenience that the advanced technology on earth bought, how could Rui Wei be satisfied with this world''s dirt poor technology? No, it was even too much of an honor if there was anything similar of a technology here.

    Most tools and types of equipment here were created with the influence of QI.

    Most cultivators were selfish and only thinks for themselves, in this dog eats dog world, why would you create a tool or transportation that would convenience the others? Even if they were to create one, it was simply impossible for this tool to be mass produced or publicised at th very least one clan or force would manipulate it.

    Rui Wei focused on the characters of the talismans, her face callous, deciphering the thousands of characters. She wanted to know why there was a limit on the sound talisman and as to how she could expand the distance or all in all severe the limitation on it. If it she cannot decipher it, Rui Wei plans to kill a thousand-year-old python beast and use its core as something similar to satellite or it would be the heart of her new Wifi.

    As Rui Wei engrossed herself with her project she did not notice the time pass by.

    The three people inside the room were now all engrossed with respective ''works''.

    ---

    "Hmm..." Rui Wei looked at the light peeking on the window.

    "..." It was already afternoon! She did not even realize the time! Rui Wei hurriedly stood up,

    "uhh--" Ruzi suddenly tugged her cloth.

    "Ruzi!" Seeing the little guy acting cute, Rui Wei immediately bought up Ruzi and hugged him.

    "Where were you yesterday?" Ruzi tilted his head and blinked his two almond eyes.

    Ruzi did not see Rui Wei''s figure after he took a break in his meditation, after eating he went back and meditated again.

    "Ahaha, Don''t you think that this room is too small? Mama went outside and find someplace with bigger space, so we could practice some martial arts freely." Rui Wei walked towards the bed and sat down, putting Ruzi on her lap.

    "Arethereany Magical Beasts too?!" Ruzi excitedly asked, as his little body jump up and down.

    "Yes! Yes!" Rui Wei enthusiastically nodded her head, as she laughed heartily.

    "Humu! Mother, I want a Snow Leopard! It would be best if it was the 4th rank!" Ruzi said as his little body swayed left and right from happiness. His smile was simply contagious.

    ''4th rank Snow Leopard?'' Rui Wei''s lips couldn''t help but twitch, that thing was simply too rare, she has only encountered one through her journey, she does not even know where in this Kingdom can she find one, but in the end, RuiWei just laughed and said: "We''ll see. If your understanding on any of your Martial Arts makes a breakthrough, then I''ll think about it."

    "That''s a promise!" Ruzi said as he firmly locked his eyes with Rui Wei.

    "Yes, yes. It''s a promise!" RuiWei bent down and kissed Ruzi''s cheeks.

 Chapter 38: To get a Snow Leopard

    Rui Wei held a scroll, her face full of satisfactions.

    Afer waiting for a month, the Manor''s ownership was finally ''legally'' hers. Rui Wei had naively thought that her papers would be processed within two weeks, but after two weeks had passed her papers had still not arrived. Rui Wei then snooped around and found out that even the smallest land sold were thoroughly investigated which is why the process was taking so long.

    Rui Wei at first had tried to find some dealers who were smuggling lands around the Huon Kingdom, but after an investigation around the underground Market, Rui Wei was disappointed to discover that even the smallest movements within the Underground Market was reported to the Emperor. At this moment Rui Wei only had one thought.

    "Are you not tired reading memorials all day?! How can you still have time to read this kind of reports?!" Of course Rui Wei had also considered of actually buying smuggled lands for real, but unfortunately her rational mind won, so she had to patiently wait for the business process of a land.

    ''Why don''t I have a handsome man who gives mansions like cabbages by my side ?'' Rui Wei bitterly thought as she reminisced those Fantasy Transmigration novels that she''ve read. She had to process ton shit of papers, and she also had to confirm her ownership and identity many many many times.

    ===

    Imperial Capital, East Noble''s District, Cheng Manor;

    Rui Wei''s manor became the most isolated, as there was no sound to be heard coming from their manor, not even a single conversation would leak out, and even the strangest part, was there was only one maid.

    Every single thing inside the manor was done with magic. Cleaning the floor? No worries, let us use the paperman talismans to clean the whole place. We need fabrics? New Clothes? Foods? and other resources, worry not, there is a stockpile of it inside the Spatial Ring.

    At the Backyard of the Cheng Manor.

    Rui Wei stood before Sona and Ruzi.

    Sona and Ruzi were seated neatly like good students. Beside Rui Wei is a customized board that she created, on the board, the layout of the whole Huon Kingdom was shown. Starting from the Imperial palace, Noble Houses, shops, up to slums and small alleys and underground hideouts, etc.

    "Listen well, Sona, Ruzi. The Imperial Family of Huon Kingdom has avery good hold of their reigns, which is why, if you guys must make troubles you must be able to wipe your own asses!" Rui Wei dramatically said.

    "Yes!" Ruzi excitedly agreed, whether he understood Rui Wei''s words or not, his mother is always on the right.

    A/n: Ruzi is only 3 years old, okay?

    "Y, yes!" Sona, hesitantly agreed.

    ''Just what kind of troublemakers does Mistress think we are?!'' Sona silently thought.

    "Well, I''ll start by explaining the layout of the Imperial Palace first,"

    "Look carefully here, this is the Main Palace where the Imperial Family holds Imperial Banquets, in this place the birthday, return and ceremonies of the Imperials are held ---"Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "Over here is the Imperial Bath," Rui Wei tapped the space next to the Emperor''s Palace three times.

    "Make sure to never ever make a mistake on walking inside here, and be sure that the floor of this place is sturdy before stepping on it, rather just avoid this place." Rui Wei highlighted the Emperor''s Bath House.

    "Young lady is there a particular reason as to why we should avoid that place?""

    "Absolutely, because I don''t want to be in contact with the Imperial Family, and scenes of meeting them often happen in this place." Rui Wei replied.

    "That''s...." Sona''s face twitched,

    ''Exactly how would you be acquinted with the Imperial Family in such place?!''

    Unknown to Sona and Ruzi, this will only be the start of Rui Wei''s ridiculous hellish training.

    Rui Wei who came from earth have watched many action movies, anime, read too much fantasy novels, books, mangas, etc. And have played many action stimulation games. Hence, Rui Wei''s fighting strategies are all heavily influenced by watching, fantasy/action genre movies.

    Her common sense of training is to literally break a leg.

    --

    Rui Wei has promised Ruzi a lot of things.

    For example, a custom-made Martial Arts training hall, which she does not know where Ruzi got a gist of the place. The 4th rank snow leopard that Ruzi wants to keep. And some strange medicines that Rui Wei barely knows.

    There are also several tools that Ruzi mentioned, but Rui Wei has never heard of it. She does not know where Ruzi learned all these things but she guessed it was either from Sona or from one of the talismans she gave.

    Ruzi''s knowledge was terribly vast.

    ''Could there be a posibility that my son has been possessed? Or he might be actually a reincarnated person?'' Rui Wei knitted her brows.

    ''No, That''s impossible. I''ve watched Ruzi grow and he has only mentioned this weird stuffs recently.''

    Through her Qi, she pinned Ruzi''s location.

    Ruzi as always is sitting in a lotus position, his smooth round little face was very enticing, his curved eyelashes flutters like a butterfly ever so slightly, and paired with his small lips that make him look like he is pouting, Ruzi looked like a God favored child.

    ''An Angel. My son is an angel! No, No, I''m here to observe not to admire my child''s flawless facial features.''

    ''But, he is really engrossed with cultivating.'' Rui Wei knitted her brows. Whenever she went to gather information or test her skills she of course left Ruzi to Sona''s care, and Ruzi was back barely able to walk.

    Rui Wei expanded her concentrated and expanded her Qi, her Qi covered the whole Huo Kingdom as she searched through Sona''s whereabouts.

    Sona was looking around the market, she is gathering information with the Kingdom''s market prices under Rui Wei''s order.

    ''Oh, she''s actually doing a good job.'' Rui Wei praised as she saw that Sona was casually conversing with one of the locals.

    ''But, could there be a possibility that Sona is an old cultivator in disguise?'' Rui Wei then remembers how Sona was infatuated with the previous hosts Cold Beauty.

    ''Yup, it''s impossible.'' She nodded her head.

    ''In the first place why did I agree to get Ruzi the things he wanted? Where do I even get them?'' Rui Wei''s doubt with Ruzi flew in the River of Stynx.

    ----

    "Ruzi~" Rui Wei sweetly called Ruzi as she entered the training hall. Inside the training hall Ruzi was practicing the 3rd form of Thunder Fall.

    Ruzi is floating mid-air whilst strands of lightning is crackling around him in the form of sphere. Ruzi''s eyes shot wide open as he heard Rui Wei''s voice, his brows were knitted together as he looked weirdly at Rui Wei.

    "Oh--"

    ''Crapppp, I forgot to release my presence before entering--'' Ruzi looked utterly confused. As Rui Wei had cultivated Ruzi in her womb, Ruzi has a very sensitive senses, which makes him no different from a high ranked cultivator in terms of Qi sensation.

    Along the journey, Ruzi had always had a grasp on his surroundings, and Rui Wei who noticed this always made sure to let Ruzi know of her location. She didn''t hid her presence in front of Ruzi. Hence, resulting in Ruzi''s confusion right now.

    "..."

    "..."

    The two stared at each other.

    "Well, you do it like this." Rui Wei released her presence then proceeded to hid and release her presence. Ruzi''s cautious eyes flipped into an amazed eyes.

    He stared at Rui Wei with sparkling eyes, that screams ''TEACH ME!!!''

    "Ruzi, calm down now, we are going out to buy you a snow leopard cub." Rui Wei laughed softly as she crouched down and patted Ruzi''s head.

    "Didn''t you said you wanted a snow leopard?"

    "Hmm! The fourth ranked one!" Ruzi excitedly nodded his head.

 Chapter 39: How To Get In Trouble 101

    "Ruzi, calm down now, we are going out to buy you a snow leopard cub." Rui Wei laughed softly as she crouched down and patted Ruzi''s head.

    "Didn''t you said you wanted a snow leopard?"

    "Hmm! The fourth ranked one!" Ruzi excitedly nodded his head.

    "Haha, okay. Why don''t we get you dressed up so we can pick Ruzi''s pet?" Rui Wei said as she led Ruzi onto the closet.

    After dressing up, Rui Wei then proceeded to call her henchmen. Rui Wei has registered the Cheng Household as a middle ranked nobility. Her current identity is an adventurer or what they call as wanderers.

    She is under the supervision of three shadows who comes and goes weekly to check her movements. Today is one of the day that the shadows are busy. Since there is a bonquet to be held soon for the coming of age of the 3rd prince of the Huo Kingdom.

    ''Aha, no matter how tight your leash is, it won''t matter if your leash is short.'' Rui Wei mocked.

    The Emperor of the Huo Kingdom is an extreme perfectionist. All the shadows in training must pass a hell-like training that tortures the very being of your humanity, after passing the training the Emperor would then pick few shadows to serve under him. The rest are then disposed.

    The Imperial Family is constantly training shadows and manipulating them, distorting their world views so they can only look at the Emperor as the only man to be served.

    Rui Wei has always put a great attention within the movements of the shadows, as their movements represent the Emperor''s.

    By simply watching them, Rui Wei predicts the changes within the Imperial Family, and once a sliver possibility of war sparks Rui Wei will immediately leave this Kingdom.

    Rui Wei walked inside the carriage along with Ruzi.

    "Huh, Young Mistress?" Sona saw RuiWei and Ruzi getting into the carriage, the carriage was magnificent, with a large character ''Cheng'' written on the middle

    Sona was about to call out Rui Wei, when the wooden talisman on her pocket moved subtly.

    ''Sona, I will be walking Ruzi around the town. I give you the permission to use the puppets as you like, the defensive and illusion array are already activated. '' Rui Wei''s voice directly echoed inside Sona''s head.

    ''The puppets? Oh, the one''s that are used for fooling the shadows!'' Sona''s eyes flashed with excitement as she run inside the manor, she took out the wooden talisman, as she was about to put it on the front door she couldn''t help but stare at it.

    The wooden talisman was simple, it was rectangle, fitted to her hands, it is convenient to put in her pockets or for carrying since it is small and light. You can''t see the engravings written on it since Rui Wei used the Essence of Qi to write the engravings.

    This wooden talisman is Rui Wei''s version of walkie talkie, one could freely communicate with the other around the distance of two mountains away. According to Rui Wei this talisman that Sona is worshipping is not even worth a street food.

    ''It is really a wonder how Young Lady comes up with the most innovative ideas and still call them a trash.'' Sona walked inside the manor, she stopped at the center of the room, she took a deep breath and made a hand seal.

    Light soon shone from below, illuminatIng the room.

    The figures appeared in front of Sona. The figures were blurry and seemed unsteady.

    ''Huh? Did Young Lady forgot to shape them... Or is she possibly testing my capability?'' Sona thought for a second and decided that it is the latter.

    ''Okay, I gotta do my best as not to disappoint her!.'' Sona resolve herself as she readied to create the perfect puppets until her Qi runs dry!

    **

    At the Cheng Carriage.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Ruzi is sitting on Rui Wei''s lap. Rui Wei gently supported Ruzi''s chin with her left hand while her right hand is on Ruzi''s forehead.

    "Mama, what are you doing?" Ruzi curiously asked.

    "Shh, " Rui Wei channeled her Qi to Ruzi''s, she scanned his whole body.

    Soul transmigration was a pretty common site for Rui Wei so she couldn''t help but check Ruzi''s soul.

    ''It''s still the same as before.'' If a new soul replaced Ruzi''s soul, Rui Wei''s Qi woulf have been rejected. Ruzi and Rui Wei''s Qi were exactly the same.

    Rui Wei knotted her brows as she stretched RuI''s cheeks.

    "Ah, I forgot to shape the puppets." She suddenly remembered Sona.

    "Sona should be able to perform the handseals for the puppets by now, right?" Rui Wei laughed dryly.

    "Me!Me!I know the handseals for the puppets! But I still can''t put it to work. " Ruzi turned around excitedly. His voice drooped as he said the last sentence.

    "Pfft.Ahahaha!" Rui Wei laughed at Ruzi, how could he be thinking of performing a 4th rank skill.

    "You just need to practice more. " Rui Wei comforted.

    ---

    The Long Auction house is the most famous Auction House within the Huo Kingdom, it is managed by the Emperor''s cousin, Duke Huo Long. Which is only a false pretense since this Huo Long is one of the Emperor''s Shadows.

    Soon Rui Wei''s carriage reached the Long Auction House.

    The two entered the Auction House, they were welcomed by an attendant, the attendant led them to their private room at the 2nd floor.

    The Long Auction house is a three story tall building. Every floor represents the status of each person, the people on the1st floor are lower ranked nobles, on the 2nd are the middle and higher ranked nobles and at tge third floor, only the selected few Imperial Family Members are allowed to sit.

    On the 2nd floor, Nobles can bring their attendants or hire an attendant from the auction house to lift their numbers for them.

    Ruzi has been eyeing his surrounding ever since they have stepped out the carriage, but he sat still beside Rui Wei.

    "Ladies and Gentleman--" The host soon started the auction.

    "As our first item, I think everyone would be familiar with this--" The host gestured the people to bring the item out.

    The assistant bought out an square shaped item that was cladded in a black cloth.

    ''Huh?'' Rui Wei felt a bad premonition.

    ''What is it?'' She spread her Qi and scanned the whole auction house.

    "One of the rarest Magical Beast, Snow Leopard Cub!" The host pulled the black cloth and it revealed a cage. Inside the cage is a small Snow Leopard, It''s dark green eyes warily looking around, its fangs bared at the audience. Runes were running down it''s body, restricting it''s movements.

    "Oooh!" The audience clapped, as they stared at the Smow Leopard Cub.

    "As we all know, Snow Leopards are good at concealing, have a speed comparable to 5th rank Martial Artists, and they are guaranteed to reach the 6th rank once they reach adulthood!"

    "Now, I wonder who will be the lucky one to get this cub! The starting bid is 1,000 gold!" The host excitedly shouted.

    As soon as the Host finished his speech Rui Wei signed the attendant to lift her number.

    "1,100 gold" Someone from below shouted.

    The attendant looked back at her, Rui Wei gestured the attendant to do as she have instructed, the attendant seemed hesitant, but she still swallowed her saliva as she shouted.

    "10,000 gold!" The attendant raised Rui Wei''s number.

    Silence overtook the hall. Although the Snow Leopard was rare, it wasn''t worth that much, and there would more valuable items to be auctioned later on, why spend all your money on a cub?

    "10,000 gold, going once, twice, thrice! Sold!"

    As the host came to his sense he immediately finished his speech.

    The people below muttered to themselves as they shot glances at Rui Wei''s room at the 2nd floor.

    Rui Wei also focused her gaze on the seat below.

    ''The General of Huo Kingdom, Xie Ding. What does he need a Snow Leopard for?'' Rui Wei was perplexed.

    The General could have simply request the auctioneer to sell the Snow Leopard on him before the auction started, why trouble himself in bidding?

    As Rui Wei got what she wanted she immediately wanted to leave. She stood up and walked to the door, as she was about to open the door, she felt a powerful aura approaching.

    "Wtf?!" Rui Wei stopped on her tracks and sat down again, Ruzi also sat back beside Rui Wei.

    *Knock* *Knock*

    "May I speak with esteemed guest over here?" A low voice echoed out from outside.

    Rui Wei gestured the attendant to open the door.

    As the door opened, it revealed the figure of a man, one of the Emperor''s trusted aide General Xie Ding. He is cladded in whole black, with a saber on his side.

    "I apologize if I may be straight forward, but I ask you to give me the Snow Leopard." General Xie''s imposing manner scared the shit out of the attendant, she couldn''t stop herself from trembling.

    "Haha, now, now. Please don''t be like this." Rui Wei smiled, but her smile did not reach her eyes. The room''s temperature immediately went down several degrees.

    Ruzi''s eyes also turned dark as he stared at General Xie.

    General Xie frowned his brows, he stared at the young lady along with the child beside her, although they looked young the aura they are emitting was not something to be trifled with. The Emperor has mentioned that there were some children from other clans visiting their kingdom.

    ''Are they the one that His Majesty is saying? Knowing His Majesty, I''m sure he already has his own plans. But, the Snow Leopard cub...'' General Xie who has looked up to the Emperor cannot possibly thought that there will be a day that the Emperor would be outwitted.

    "Please take this token. Count this as me owing you a favor." General Xie took out his House Token, and bowed down his head.

    The House Token represents the whole Xie Clan, one can only think how valuable this token is.

    Rui Wei almost choked on her own saliva as she saw that the General bowed down his head.

    ''Oi, oi. I thought you were a war freak?'' Rui Wei''s lips twitched.

 Chapter 40: That Lady

    ''Oi, oi. I thought you were someone who would rather die than lower his head!?'' Rui Wei''s lips twitched.

    Ruzi''s small face is full of confusion, looking  back and forth between Rui Wei and General Xie.

    "General Xie is a well respected man who has served the kingdom for more than a decade now. This one respects the General, but may I know what does the Great General needs the Snow Leopard for?" Rui Wei''s eyes glinted with a suspicious light as she stared at General Xie.

    "That...." General Xie was stumped as he did not expect Rui Wei to still question him after he took out his House Token.  General Xie awkwardly took back his hanging hands that were holding the token.

    "We need the Snow Leopard Cub right now, but since the General has insisted then we can maybe hear out your reason." Rui Wei crossed her leg and carried Ruzi to sit on her lap, both of them looked lovable, if it was not for the bone-chilling aura that lingered around them.

    ''These kids! I''m a Great General who have gone through blood curdling wars, but here I''m being outdone by kids! What a situation.'' The General snorted, which earned Rui Wei''s brows to raise.

    "I have the Mother Snow Leopard with me, that Snow Leopard Cub is her child. I rescued the Mother  Snow Leopard when she was in the brink of death, the hunters left her to die in the wilderness, as they''ve already caught the cub. I have contracted the Mother Snow Leopard as my 2nd Contracted Beast and the Snow Leopard''s wish is to be reunited with her child." General Xie stated with a stoic face.

    "Aww, that''s so sad, huhu. But Hunters are not so dumb to let go a precious Female Snow Leopard." Rui Wei''s face flashed with amusement,

    "Or did General Xie think that I was dumb enough to believe that?"

    "This lady... What will it take for you to give me the cub?" General Xie was never used to beating around the bush, so as not to further prolong the conversation he just directly asked.

    Rui Wei glance at Ruzi and silently calculated the pros and cons of the situation.

    "May I ask the place where General Xie have rescued the Mother of the Snow Leopard Cub?"

    "The Mian Forest, It is near the territory of the Eastern Gate, That place is under the Mian Family''s supervision but I can get you a pass in that place." General Xie stated it in a matter of fact.

    "I can hand you the Snow Leopard Cub--- But you owe me three favours." Rui Wei said in a cold stoic voice which showed no signs of negotiation.

    General Xie was shocked, he was already willing to give his token earlier! She could''ve just stated that earlier! General Xie nodded his head in agreement as he handed his house token once again. Rui Wei accepted the token and kept it on her spacial ring.

    Rui Wei ran over the information that she and Sona compiled. They were not aware of the Snow Leopard residing on the Mian Forest. Rui Wei had simply assumed that the Snow Leopard cub came outside the Kingdom, she did not consider the possibility of a group of Snow Leopard living within the Kingdom due to it''s rarity and living condition to consider.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ''So is there some sort of accursed place inside the Mian Forest where the Snow leopards resides?'' One must know that Snow Leopards seeks the coldest place to reside to further advance their cultivation.

    ''According to General Xie''s story he have rescued the Snow Leopard''s mother, then if I''m not wrong there should be at least 3-4 group of Snow Leopard from the place where he rescued the Mother. Snow Leopard''s are prideful bunch but they tend to make a group to support each other.'' Rui Wei''s mind started reeling.

    She exchange pleasantries with General Xie.

    "Here, this is the token to receive the Snow Leopard Cub." Rui Wei passed her plate to the General. The plate is assigned to each guest, these plates are used to claim the items that the guest won over the Auction.

    "Thank you, Young Lady." General Xie simply bowed and left as he got what he wanted.

    Rui Wei watched that tall figure leave, her mouth curving in a mysterious smile.

    She then stood up and left the Auction House too.

    ---

    Rui Wei set up an illusion around her.

    "Ruzi, I''m sorry but we''ll have to make another trip to get your pet." Rui Wei said, she then proceeded to dash towards the Mian Forest.

    Ruzi watched with eyes full of fascination as they moved in a speed invisible to the naked eyes.

    With Rui Wei''s speed, it did not take long before they reached their destination. Rui Wei stood before the Mian Forest, her face flashed with amusement as she scrutinize the place.

    ''A barrier?'' Rui Wei raised her brows, she sent out a sliver of her Qi to test put the barier.

    ''This is barrier''s construction is pretty simple.'' After one attempt of probing, Rui Wei was able to figure out the barrier''s construction. She made her way to the entrance with no hindrance. As soon as Rui Wei entered the forest she condensed Knives from her qi, they hovered around her and Ruzi.

    "Mother! Can I also do this?" Ruzi pointed the knives hovering around them.

    "I''ll teach you later, let''s find you a good pet for now." Rui Wei answered Ruzi in an amused manner.

    "Hmm!" Ruzi nodded excitedly, then his eyes focused on the forest ahead.

    As they ventured deeper in the forest the temperature also dropped, but with their Attributes the two were not least affected in fact it is beneficial for them.

    "Ruzi, do you feel the Qi? Absorb as much as you can." Rui Wei instructed.

    "Yes!" Ruzi agreed, and started to absorb the Qi. Unlike Ruzi who had to manually absorb Qi, Rui Wei automatically attracts the Qi to her dantian especially if it is her attribute Qi, the Water Qi.

    Rui Wei slowed down their pace as she felt the presence of a large group of beasts.

    ''They really are congested in a group. And all of them are 3rd rank and above! The highest one is 6th rank?'' Rui Wei increased her speed, she settled down on the nearest branch of a tree, her steps were light as feather.

    Rui Wei flicked her hands and several talismans flew out in different directions.

    The 6th rank Leopard''s ears slightly twitched, it shifted it''s eyes and carefully looked on it''s surroundings.

    The talismans that Rui Wei sent slowly turned into water clones, they were the unfinished version which could be used for combat. They fully replicate a figure of a human, but it does not have a clear distinction between a man and a woman. The sole purpose of this Water Clones is to fight.

    Their fighting prowess limits up to 70% of Rui Wei''s strength, just one clone talisman takes up to 3 months for Rui Wei to create.

    "Ruzi, watch carefully." Rui Wei said, this was one of her greatest work ever since transmigrating over, aside from her talismans.

    Rui Wei secured her and Ruzi''s position on the tree. Rui Wei waited an hour to pass, making sure that there were no other beasts or individual within the vicinity before making her clones move.

    The group of Snow Leopards had long been off-guard. Only the higher ranked beast were the one who never dropped their guards down. Rui Wei manipulated the mist and doubled it, the Snow Leopards obviously loved this mist, as they lazily rolled and flipped on the ground specially the younger ones.

 Chapter 41: Is this the luck of a Protagonist?

    As Rui Wei manipulated the Mist, she noticed that one cub is being specially tended by a higher ranked Snow Leopard.

    She knitted her brows.

    "Ruzi, do you think you''ll like that one?" Rui Wei gently called Ruzi, pointing out the Snow Leopard Cub which is being cleaned by a higher ranked Snow Leopard.

    Ruzi stared at the cub for a second but quickly shook his head.

    "Then which one do you like?" Rui Wei specifically casted a spell to Ruzi''s eyes so he would be able to see across her Mist.

    "That one." Rui Wei looked at the direction which Ruzi''s hands pointed.

    Ruzi was pointing to a very small cub, it looked smaller than it''s peer and seem to be pretty isolated from the group. It obviously looked weak.

    "Okay, then we''ll get that one." Rui Wei smiled, she flicked her fingers and the clones moved.

    The clones silently moved towards the small cub, and with fluid movements they casted a spell to the cub, once it lost it''s consciousness, one of the clones jumped down to scoop up the cub.

    Clone 1 who succesfuly captured Rui Wei''s chosen cub immediately ran out of the mist, while clone 2 and 3 performed hand-seals and created a temporary illusions, to replace the cub that was being tended.

    The 4th swiftly caught the isolated little cub which Ruzi chose, Rui Wei did not need to perform another hand-seal as the Snow Leopards did not pay any heed to the particular cub

    In a second Rui Wei was able to kidnap two Snow Leopard cub. After the clones success, Rui Wei retreated farther within the mist, and completely disappeared within the Snow Leopard''s area.

    ---

    Rui Wei jumped trees upon trees, after making sure that the vicinity of the area was safe, she finally put Ruzi down.

    The clones following them also stopped and put down the unconscious cubs. Rui Wei flicked her fingers and the clones dispersed. Leaving the two unconscious cubs.

    Rui Wei stared at the two Snow Leopard Cub which she had taken.

    The contrasting appearance of the two couldn''t be ignored, one looked majestic and beautiful, while the other cub looked malnourished and sick. The Majestic looking Snow Leopard Cub''s eyes started to twitch and it soon opened it''s eyes, it''s deep ocean blue eyes stared at the two figures in front of it.

    *Peng*

    "What is this adorable creature?" Rui Wei no doubt just heard her heart thump. She wants to pet the little cub!

    Rui Wei have always been a sucker when it comes to furry animals, especially felines.

    Rui Wei immediately dashed forward and lifted the little cub. The little cub was not the least bit alarmed of the unknown creature in front of it, it merely tilted it''s head in confusion.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "Hnggg!" It''s too adorable! Rui Wei''s hands itched to bind the cub as her spiritual beast.

    "Hmpp!" Ruzi puckered his lips at his Mother''s reaction, he was clearly much cuter than that cub!

    He lightly stomped his feet and then sourly walked towards the smaller cub. He crouched in front of it and fixedly stared at it.

    "Pfft." Rui Wei couldn''t help but giggle at Ruzi''s response. She watched as Ruzi stand in front of the cub, as for the cub in her hands she''ll just keep it as their pet.

    "Ssssskkk!" As soon as the Cub opened it''s eyes, it jumped backwards, it''s blue eyes constricted at the unfamiliar figure in front of it, while all of it''s hair stood at it''s end.

    *Growls*

    The cub warily growled at Ruzi, it continued to step backwards. Ruzi watched the cub with glowing eyes, his eyes full of interest.

    Rui Wei gently put down the cub on her hands, as she watched Ruzi do his thing. On her side, the other little cub obediently stood beside her. It already knew who it has to follow.

    Rui Wei rubbed the spatial ring on her index finger, in a flash a book appeared on her hands. She flipped the book several times and stopped at a page which has an illustration of a Snow Leopard.

    Rui Wei skimmed over the Magical Beasts'' information.

    ''Hmm, so that means these little beasts would need my nourishment before they can actually be of use. Since Snow Leopards of  Intermediate Rank and below cannot create their own Ice Aura, they are weakened if they are to be subjected to outside heat.

    Ruzi continued to take a step closer to the wary cub, while the cub growled and stepped backwards. This continued until the cub was pushed to a tree, rendering him trapped by an unknown creature.

    Ruzi crouched down and stretched his little hands to pet down the cub.

    The cubs eyes glowed red, and angrily scowled.

    Rui Wei''s eyes constricted as she dashed forward and grabbed Ruzi.

    *GROWLS*

    Ice spikes grew from Ruzi''s previous spot, the cub kept growling angrily as it stared at the two unknown creatures.

    Rui Wei stood in awe as she stared at the ice spikes.

    "It can already cast spells?!" Rui Wei incredulously asked herself.

    She tightened her hold on Ruzi, as laughter escaped from her mouth.

    "Hahahaha! You really can''t judge a book by it''s cover! And hey, is this a luck of a protagonist?!" Rui Wei muttered, she fixed Ruzi''s position on her hold and stared fixedly at him.

    "Little one, do you know that we just hit the jackpot?" Rui Wei asked Ruzi.

    "Normal Snow Leopard Cubs do not have the capabilities to cast spells or manipulate the Qi. Except if the cubs had an ancient bloodline running through them. Cubs like this have already good foundation from the start and with no doubt it''d definitely grow into a heaven defying beast!" Rui Wei passionately explained.

    At first Rui Wei did not pay any attention to the isolated cub as she was merely picking a pet for Ruzi, she was not planning on having the cub as Ruzi''s contracted beast.

    Ruzi merely titled his head in confusion.

    "Hehe, Let''s just bind you to this little guy first." Rui Wei then walked towards the scared cub.

    But now, knowing that the cub is a special beast. An Ice Affinity beast and one with an ancient bloodline, she wouldn''t be able  to find a beast more suitable for Ruzi more than this cub!

    She flicked her finger and cold mist condensed, slowly relaxing the cub. The cub''s face soon turned into confusion, it tilted its head from left to right.

    It''s wariness of the creatures in front him disappeared. It was confused for the sudden disappearance of it''s apprehension.

    Rui Wei waved her hand and the ice spikes dispersed, she approached the cub and stopped two steps away from it.

    The cub stared at the two with it''s eyes full of curiosity.

    Rui Wei unceremoniously raised Ruzi''s right hand, then made a cut on his finger. The process was so quick that Ruzi did not even feel the pain, Rui Wei''s hands did not stop as she fixed the cut.

    Rui Wei took out talismans from the spatial ring, making a circular formation. The Talismans linked together, with the three being the center. Ruzi''s blood was inserted between the brows of the cub.

    The talismans shone as a link between the Cub and Ruzi was formed.