《Sovereign of the Eight Realms》 - Prologue - ¡°No! Please stop, if you do this only chaos will follow!¡± An old man¡¯s pleading voice could be heard in thevastness of the first realm after what could be said to have been an exhausting and drawn-out battle that destroyed countless planets and stars. ¡°It¡¯s my win, give up Yu Cai, embrace your fate and die for me!¡±A young manyelled in the vast expanse while defyingthunder rumbled all around. While rejoicing in victory at the battered state of his opponent, the young man lazily lifted his arm and shot a yellow beam of energy from his index and middle fingers towards his defeated opponent. Reality shook and molded itself as the beam pierce the chest of the hopeless man named Yu Cai. Then, while watching the tribulation lightning strike the lifeless body of his opponent, the young man shook with a maddening laughter in a staccato that grew into reddened eyes and streamingtears.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. After confirming several times that Yu Cai was indeed dead and that the whole scene was not a figment of his imagination, he recalled the ancient words that needed to be said after he defeated the old bastard. So in a now extinctlanguage of the eight and final realm, he proclaimed. ¡°I, The Evil God, reclaim the Eight Realms as the one and true Sovereign!¡± He had been ready to say this words, even after millions of years waiting to say the seemingly innocent phrase he had been indeed ready. He had embarked in this crazy quest to fulfill his promise of revenge and conquest he made to his dead loved ones, he could only endure the mockery, the pain, and the tortureas he rose all the way to the top. Andnow held the key to a highestpossible stage, a stage that as a child he could only dream about.To dominate everything under the heavens and become the Sovereign of the Eight Realms. Chapter 1 - Death & Unexpected When I was a kid I dreamed of having one of the best VR machines money could buy, but as a poor boy, my wish never came true as my parents broke their backs just to put food on the table. While growing up technology advanced at lightning speeds and at the same time so did video games. As such, proper consoles where needed to truly experience life-like graphics and mechanics. I still remember the first real kind of VR to appear. They were called the oculus r*ft and they were sleek and neat, nothing like the ones they invented in the late nineties, but they still caused nausea and even dizziness. By the year 2034 everyone had an immersive capsule at home to dabble in VR and experience multiple life''s. Now, on 2061, after so many years filled with endless struggles, I am able to not only have the latest generation VR capsule, but I own one of the biggest companies in the world that deal in fully immersive dives. And so, as I die slowly in this highly advanced hospital made by my company in the very bed I designed, I reminisce about my past wishes to revolutionize the industry. How the wish of the little boy that loved to create games and dabble in what he could scrap from the newest kind of technologies lead to him in the future, as a middle-aged man, to discover true reincarnation. Anyone that had died got a second chance, my invention did not discriminate between the old or young, black or white, what mattered was that as long you were willing, you would never die as your consciousness was uploaded to the ¡®NET-Realm¡¯. That is why even though my end is near I can still smile and go forward.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°Are you ready Mr. Mathew?¡± Looking towards the skinny doctor to my left I slowly nod in acknowledgment. ¡°Is there anything you need before I turn the consciousness dematerialized and use the solution?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Smiling, I once again nod silently in consent towards the white-robed doctor. He approaches with his bony hands towards my IV drop and injects a nano-technology solution developed by my own company, making my head feel heavy and sleepy. I accommodate myself as the cables connected all around my body bother me in the slightest of ways and I wait for the end, my last breath as a living being. Consciousness fading I hear my only daughter¡¯s last words. ¡°D-Daddy, please be safe and have a good last dive, I-I love you...¡± ¡°Y-yes...¡± I reply through ragged breaths, pained to realize my little girl sobbing next to me. "I-I''m sorry for not being there as much as I would h-have liked to be." Just as I am struggling to hear any other sounds, my consciousness fades and I immerse myself in darkness, for a moment forgetting who I am or what I was doing. But then, like a tidal wave it all comes back to me, my youth, my accomplishments, my company and most important of all, my family. Having realized the true importance of family to late. Years of research and hard-fought developments in the field, millions invested to make it all work and lastly, an almost Godly power to change fate as one does not go to heaven nor hell, but to a new and completely innovative realm, the ¡®Net-realm¡¯, where everyone becomes immortal. Then, in the darkness I hear it, my true last hope to remain alive even if made out of zeroes and ones. ¡°Wellcome Mathew...¡± My eyes widen in surprise, as I do not recognize the androgynous voice. ¡°...to the Cultivation Realm.¡± My brain freezes and I can only think of one thing to say. ¡°What the fuck!?¡± Chapter 2 - Meeting the Dao ¡°No...no-no-no-no, this isn¡¯t happening!¡± I panic as I go through all the information stored in my consciousness and once again come to the same conclusion, there are no programs called Cultivation Realm inside the ¡®Net-realm¡¯. The ¡®Net-realm¡¯ is supposed to be a place where one finds peace, not worrying if heaven or hell exists, but still being able to understand new things and have an immortal consciousness. Just like playing an RPG, one becomes an avatar in the first person and lives a luxurious or personalized life while being in contact with other deceased people. No poverty, no illness and most important of all true freedom. Of course, there are the more exotic people who choose to live in a fantasy world or even self-designed worlds. But I have never heard of this Cultivation Realm nor had I installed any program with such name on my dematerializator. ¡°Please, don¡¯t be scared.¡± I am startled out of my confusing thoughts by the same voice that greeted me. I try to communicate with the program through basic commands. ¡°...who are you?¡± ¡°I am sorry Mathew, but I am not a who. I am the Dao, abstract in nature and heavenly in profoundness.¡± ¡®Dao? Like the Chinese concept of enlightenment? This makes no sense...¡¯ through musings I recall what little I know about the said subject. ¡°Are you a program? A new type of AI that someone mistakenly implanted in my dematerializator?¡± I can only think of tampering with my machinery and I shudder to think who of my closest friends had the cold-bloodedness to commit such crime. ¡°I am not a program, nor am I a figment of your imagination Mathew.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Suddenly the feeling of gravity leaves me and I am magically transported into a white room filled with emptiness. I look down and realize I do not have a body, but I still feel myself float in the unknown space. ¡°Turn around please.¡± Again the monotone androgynous voice. I do as she asks, turning around to find thousands of specks of light floating as if in a shallow current. ¡°Sorry it took so long for us to actually meet, but Qi is hard to collect in this realm and as I am made of laws cultivating is even harder for something as abstract as me.¡± Swaying closer to me I feel a sensation of boundless knowledge and understandings wash over and I unknowingly move even closer. ¡°Well, let me get to the point then as my energy is scarce and your soul form won¡¯t last much longer in your current state. I am ''the'' Dao, I have no needs nor feelings but there is something that I cannot let happen and that is the destruction of the eight realms. The problem lies with the one who created everything, the all-powerful Sovereign of the eight realms who has been gone for a long time now and so, as he disappeared without a trace, a new Sovereign as risen, but this one doesn''t have the eight realms totally under his control. Luckily he only has two, that after he took control are now called the devils-born realms. The ones he actually controls are filled with evil cultivators and monsters, to which make the great Ying and Yang of all existence go unbalanced and bad karma is issued towards people who do not deserve it, thus hindering their reincarnations. And this is where you come into play, you are going to be the person who returns balance to the Ying and Yang states in the entirety of the eight realms and hopefully slay the new and tyrannical Sovereign.¡± Every last piece of information said to this point made my head spin as I tried to follow the ridiculous story of realms and sovereigns. ¡®Someone must have really dabbled with my program. Shit, fuck!¡¯ I rage uncontrollably inside as the situation is truly ridiculous. ¡°So...what you¡¯re saying is that I am to become a typical Y*n Che in this new reality, but why me?¡± I, in my childhood, had read my fair share of classical Xianxia novels, like C*iling D*agon and ISSTH. But throughout my life, I had never played any Chinese based fantasy MMORPGs for VR, let alone use one as my final resting place. ¡°I do not know who Y*n Che is and I can''t tell you right now the choice of picking you for this quest. But alas our time here is limited by the amount of Qi I have left, so let me finish talking.¡± Chapter 3 - My circumstances ¡°Whatever, just keep going.¡± I say through gritted teeth. ¡°...As I was saying before you rudely interrupted me. You¡¯re not going to become a puppet, nor even a blessed being as I am not, a God or a Governor but the conglomerate of the Law¡¯s that exist inside everything.¡± Having resigned myself to this new program, I processed the information given to me in the fastest way possible and listen intently to what the cold androgynous voice was telling me. ¡®There might be some useful information to be used in overwriting this program by a brute-force attack. If there was only a console or a terminal...¡¯ I put the scheme in the back of my mind and continue to listen. ¡°What I can do is give you understanding and knowledge about the Dao and what it actually entails to be an old soul in a new body. Old souls are more mature, absorbing more information and understanding the Dao more deeply than younger ones, so please remember this. There are countless worlds, some filled with devils and others with deities, but they all have one thing in common, cultivation. There are countless paths to cultivation too, some are based on killing, therefore giving birth to devil cultivators. Others are born from kindness and altruism, those give birth to deities. Lastly, there are the neutral cultivation paths were karma is not weighted the same way for those born of good and bad. In the midst of all this, there are eight realms that go from the lowest to the highest, and inside those realms, there are countless planets where cultivators gather. But right now, in your current state, you only need to know about the three minor realms and your new planet inside that one minor realm. They are the Shi, the Ni and lastly the Wu realm, these are the minor realms and they all work in different ways. The Shi realm or the last on the list and the actual realm where you come from. Well, specifically planet Earth inside the vast Shi realm. The Ni realm, this realm, and the Shi realm are actually filled with only Yang energy making it impossible for anyone to cultivate at the moment and if this continues it will eventually lead to the dissipation of the Dao, or in other words, the Law¡¯s that everything and everyone abides to, eventually making it so that people become lawless beasts. It is in the Ni realm that the new Sovereign resides batteling other immortals for the control of the 8 realms.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. And finally the Wu Realm, this one still has both Ying and Yang energy making it possible to cultivate any method you want, but in turn, you can¡¯t actually advance as fast as in the higher realms because of the corrupting influence of the other two lower realms exercise over the Wu Realm, making Qi scarce and unrefined. Now, the actual planet inside the Wu realm you will be placed on is called Feng. It is ranked first among the 3.421 habitable planets inside the Wu realm and it is the best planet I can place you in, as I said, due to my low amounts of Qi.¡± Nodding with my non-existent head, I ponder about the person with the abilities to write such a story. When I first created my company I had recruited a lot of good programmers and designers, but the true heroes that got us the real revenues were the writers, true storytellers can make mediocre graphics and mechanics go to another level. ¡°Well, to wrap our conversation up and let you go once and for all to the Wu realm. I have some advice for you. First, don''t be too scared when you wake up and the memories of the previous host rush through you. Control your breathing and do not under any circumstances leave yourself open to any attacks. Second, be careful and do not get too lenient just because you have a new lease on life. Because in a cultivating world, if you are weak, you are the meat but if you are strong, you eat the meat. Remember to cultivate dutifully and get strong. And thirdly, I have one gift for you and that is the best thing I can give you right now by bending some of the laws. Due to studying your background, I know about the things you call games and how much you''re familiar with them, so I''m giving you a Personal Status. How it works and its hidden secrets will be up to you to figure out.¡± Not having the time to even formulate my questions about the whole ordeal, Dao launches a ray of multicolored beams towards me and I feel myself dissolve in pain and anguish. All that I could think of was of the impossibility of the situation. ¡®in the ¡°Net-realm¡± there is no actual pain, well in terms of scales, being hit by a truck translates to a small pinch in the nipples. So how come I am feeling pain?¡¯ Many calculations go through my head as I think about the possibilities of my reality at the moment. ¡®This fucking hurts!! How is it possible to feel such amount of pain. Unless...this is actually real and not a Virtual Reality. That would explain the pain and the complex feelings I''ve had while speaking with the Dao, that feeling of knowledge and enlightenment.¡¯ As pain and confusion cruises through whatever I am in my current state, I try to scream, but nothing comes out from my mouth as I start zooming out of the white room and watch a myriad of stars pass me by at impossible speeds. Everything seems to twist and turn just like a roller-coaster from hell and I barely maintain focus as things keep blurring faster and faster until everything stops. And when I mean everything I truly do mean absolutely everything. Like the infinite fields of shining stars that I see or the amount of vacuum and void space surrounding me. Incredulous by a sight I cannot fully understand I remain motionless until a pull reminding me of gravity but not quite like it starts to take me towards what it seems like a planet. The biggest planet I¡¯ve ever seen, even bigger than those shown in those remarkably old documentaries with Neil D*gr*sse Tyson. But all I can see is a blur, so much so, that when I start to enter the atmosphere the feeling is so intense that I simply pass out and I am forced into the darkness. Chapter 4 - New world & First fight? I am rudely awoken by something that smells bad, something rotten like french cheese or the sock I used as a teen for my nightly activities. Slowly opening my eyes what greets me is a thick and dense forest. Magnificent colors and sounds can be heard as I stand up with an arm on the moisty and spongy floor. Looking around this new world that is truly beautiful, but on the other hand very smelly, I try to get up as I think that such contrast would ruin my life in this new world as a cultivator. ¡®What the hell, does cultivating makes someone smell like shit? this never popped up on the novels I¡¯ve read.'' Sighing I look at the spongy floor and realize that what I thought to be fertile soil, is¡­ Well, fertilized soil instead. ¡®Hugh, disgusting, so that''s where the smell came from.¡¯ Tasting something rancid I can only rage inside as to not attract unwanted attention. ¡®No! it''s in my mouth as well as my ears.¡¯ Not daring to move a lot as to avoid puking over myself and worsening my situation I realize the actual color of the excrement is purple and shudder. ''Great, not only is this whole mess actually real but I even get the worse deal possible by being transported directly into Barn*y the Dinosaur''s break time, but first I need to get out of here, and then I can curse the Dao and my fate all I want.'' I think while trying to get rid of the crusty layers in my hands. While looking around, everything seems quiet and well until another head-splitting headache crushes my skull in such manner that I feel like I am being slowly scalped. ¡®Two headaches in the same day? the Dao said something about this one didn''t it.¡¯ The pain was on the same level as when I transitioned to this world through the myriad of stars but it was much more real. As if now that I had an actual head, it was compensating for the vague and misty feelings I had with the first one. It takes a while for the pain to subside, but when it does I understood who this body belonged to, what I was doing in the middle of the forest and most important of all, why I was laying in the huge pile of excrement. ¡®This idiot was gathering fruits from the top of the threes when something that is called a demonic beast took a shit on the roots? While leaving the beast actually hit the three with its bulky body he was on and unbalanced his footing making him crash into the pile of shit head-on. Then to top it all of, he fainted and fucking asphyxiated on the shit? What the actual fuck!¡¯This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Unable to believe such bad luck I shook my head in sympathy for the one known as Li Xiao Nu, he was a drunk and a gambler but did not deserve to go out the way he did. ¡®Now that I have his memories, I should try to understand where I am just so I can reach civilization as quickly as possible.¡¯ Having ascertained my goals I started to concentrate on backtracking the path Li Xiao Nu used after leaving his sect and entering the wilderness. As I pass certain places while being alert to the scary rustles on the shrubs and strange animalistic noises, I mostly stumble with beautiful plants and fruits that make my mouth water. ''It is not that I was a botanist in my previous life, but the flowers on this planet are scary...'' I say while looking at the reds and blacks the flowers that I encounter display, remembering that on Earth some plants had flashy colors to warn predators of their poisonous nature. After traveling for about two hours, I walked by a tall tree and I notice a crimson colored flower tainted with yellows down to its stalk, it''s shaping at the top round and plump blowing alluring scents towards me. Like hypnotized by its beauty I approached the flower and realized it was annexed to the base of the tall tree. Just when I was about to inspect the flower, out of the corner of my eye I see a shadow approach me at high speeds. I lift my head towards the cup of the tree and all I saw was greenery and bark. Then from the small amounts of memories of the original owner about this particular type of flower, I could tell It was carnivorous and what¡¯s more, symbiotic. It¡¯s partner lurked around waiting for pray to be hypnotized and then it attacked from the top. What I couldn''t gather from the memories was the type of demonic beast that formed the symbiosis with the flower. But I knew that something like a monkey was lurking there due to my new found sharp eyesight and augmented hearing. Never having felt this kind of warm energy, I could tell that this body''s power was beyond any normal human. Even before I knew how to use my body properly I could tell that if I focused on that wonderful, warm feeling that was leisurely cruising through my body, I could gather it in the middle of my chest in what so many protagonists on Xianxia novels called Dantian, and through some techniques I could use its power. Concentrating I try to find the memories of how Qi techniques work to defend myself from the monkey beast, but unfortunately, my mental fortitude was too low and concentrating in the exact specific set of memories out of Li Xiao''s head was impossible in this situation due to fear. Feeling myself being analyzed like a piece of meat, I desperately point a finger in madness towards the three tops recalling what a Xianxia main character would normally do and yell in a haughty manner hoping to scare the beast away. ¡°Cross I Li Xiao Nu¡¯s path, you¡¯re seeking death!¡± Truth be told I was scared silly, fearing that the creature would pounce on top of me and began to feast on my newly acquired body. But the memories I regained from this Li Nu¡¯s character demonstrated that almost every living being in the forest was normal, and only a handful of animals, ever gained a core to train and become a demonic beast. To encounter a demonic beast out of so many faunae, I could only blame my bad luck. ************************* So there I was, in the middle of nowhere pointing my finger towards a tree, covered in shit and knees trembling out of fear while still having the thick skin to act haughty as if I ruled the whole wilderness. ¡®Sigh¡­ This is going to be a long journey to the peak of cultivation.¡¯ Chapter 5 - The Yue sect river The monkey-like creature moved once again atop the tree and I instinctively took a step back towards an unassumingly small rock and tripped, falling on my butt. Throughout my fairly illustrious career in my past life I was a technology giant and as such, I had dealt with my fair share of backstabbing, falsehood and even threats to my life but I never had so much fear towards the unknown as in this particular moment. Deflated from any bravado I clumsily got up and ran as fast as I could, immediately feeling the low rumble of the Qi circulating through my body giving me superhuman speed. While feeling the wind hit my face like a treacherous mistress whip, I don''t look back to see if the demonic beast was chasing after me. Not being able to shake the feeling of someone calling me a coward somewhere in the multiverse, I dodged the thick vines and treacherous rocks scattered around the forest floor. After running for twenty minutes straight and having deemed the distance of safe, I made my way towards a clearing while jogging and I felt safer to see a more open space surround me. ******************* Now safe in my new found refuge but lost to the path Li Xiao Nu used before, I slumped in the shallow grass hoping no predator was around to disturb my well-deserved rest. Closing my eyes due to fatigue I pondered for a little while and decided that the best course of action would be to wait for any signs of civilization. Quickly opening my eyes I roll in the grass and observe my surrounding carefully after I clearly heard a sound coming from behind me. What previously were animalistic sounds, were gone now and what replaced them were something like a river background noise. Resting in the grass, I felt refreshed after my Qi made two complete circulations, so I slowly got up, face filled with hope to find a bathing place to get rid of all the murk my body had gathered and what accumulated in my once white robes. Half an hour later of walking, what seemed like a river, was in fact, a big crystalline river flowing with enough space from one shore to the other to let two small vessels go through. Noticing that the river was calm I carelessly jumped inside without considering anything other than to get myself cleaned.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The current of the river was indeed mild, so once inside I stripped of any items and clothing I had and threw them to the shore welcoming a much-needed bath, albeit a freezing cold one. While bathing I allowed myself a break from the constant awareness that I had installed since coming to this planet and thought about the daughter I left behind on earth and how she had put up with my childish demeanor even after I turned old and gray. When she was little I had just started to build my company and left everything related to her education and other details to her mother. Even after my wife tragically died on account of a disease, a few years before my invention, my little girl never went against me, always polite and well mannered. Truth be told I hated most of our encounters because of her resemblance to her mother and how it made me feel. It was only in my late years after she joined my company as a developer, that we had formed any kind of familial bond. While immersed in saddening thoughts, I hadn¡¯t noticed the footsteps approaching the margin of the river. Quickly turning in the direction of the sound, I glanced at the other side of the river and what I saw was a red-faced girl. She was wearing a long and blue hanfu that suited very well her pale and beautiful face. In her seemingly fragile hand''s I could see that there was a basket filled with clothes. I, not knowing what to do while she gazed at my naked form wide-eyed and trembling lips, just stood in place waiting for any reaction she could have. ¡°Kyaaaaaa!¡± The woman of about sixteen years of age, knees giving out she screamed at the top her lungs while snapping out of her confusion. ¡°Help Senior Sisters! There¡¯s a perverted male in the river taking a bath!¡± Just as I was about to get out of the water and run for it, the young girl screamed towards some unknown point in the distance and I heard quick steps approaching the river bank. Face darkening I thought of the implications of being caught by the woman in the river swimming naked while not moving at all, even though I was just as embarrassed as her. ''Shit, if other come and see me acting like a pervert I might just die.'' Then out of nowhere, one girl became five and leading them was an even more beautiful girl, her stoic demeanor and fairy-like face that seemed in her late twenties screamed a no-nonsense personality, while through her eyes I could see something that I instinctively recognized, killing intent. Through her small lips, impossible decibels were reached when her words came out. ¡°Who dares act impudently knowing this is the Yue sect river, where we wash our undergarments!¡± Caught by surprise from the accusation I could only defend myself with a brilliant and sure win one-liner. ¡°Say what?¡± Chapter 6 - The Status Interface Turning my body around before my little friend¡¯s energic shape is discovered I mumble between my lips in an almost silent prayer. ¡°I am sorry, I was lost and dirty so I had to take a bath. I didn¡¯t know it was the Yue¡¯s sect river.¡± Lifting my body to stand on the shore showing myself in all my glory, I quickly dress while hearing some very painful remarks. ¡°By the god¡¯s, so shameful!¡± ¡°Do not look sisters, or you might become blind.¡± ¡°It¡¯s so small, does it even work?¡± Almost crying at the last remark I turn around to face the ladies who came to deliver punishment while awkwardly bowing my head and cupping my hands, just like I saw the original Li do in my newfound memories. ¡°I am Li Xiao Nu and I was gathering fruit for my monthly sect quest when I encountered a Qi beast and had to flea thus losing my bearings around the forest. For this transgression, I am truly sorry, Elder sisters.¡± Quickly bringing up the reason for the previousLi marauding around the forest like an idiot I try to calm down the ferocious women with an half-decent excuse. ¡°You think we don¡¯t know to which Sect those robes belong to, I know you and your friend past transgressions too. Do you think we''re blind? Perverts, the whole Heavenly Fire¡¯s Sect is filled with perverted men who try to steal glances at our underwear!¡± At this point, unable to form a single world, images flash through my mind were the real Li Xiao and his buddies escape the sect to come here to this very river and drool at the women washing their undergarments. ''Fuck, did he really go around the forest of the Yue sect to steal glances at women''s underwear? Even after knowing that he was a drunk and a gambler I didn''t think of him as a stupid man, but now... This is going to be troublesome, she has already judged me as guilty. I can only bluff my way out of this mess.¡¯ Coughing, I place my left hand behind my back while my right hand is placed on my chin. Adopting a wise old man stance I beganto blabber about nonsense to see if I could swindle the young women. ¡°Fairies, it is true that this lowly Li Xiao has always admired your beauty, but most of all what I admire is your true understanding of the Dao and not your underwear.¡± Nodding my head in a sagely manner I continue to spew the empty words. ¡°It would be sad to say we, of the Heavenly fire¡¯s Sect, come here just so we could watch the beautiful manner of how you perform menial tasks, but as the Heavens may have it, even such simple tasks performed by senior sisters lead us lowly and inferior disciples to great heights in understanding the Dao!¡± ¡®Ha-ah! They seem taken back and red-faced by my smooth words.'' I think while making a pause in my tiring and monotonous speech. ''These little girls must now feel embarrassed after calling me a pervert!¡¯ Looking towards the incredulous and red faces around me, I feel that my lies at sufficiently well crafted to- ¡°Y-You dare lie to me, I Yue Chen was never gullible. To have such thick skin as to make up these preposterous stories! You''re seeking death!¡± My face turns grim at the words spoken by the leader, called Yue Chen. I dart my eyes from side to side looking for an easy escape but come to the conclusion that it is hopeless as I previously saw their frightening speedthat I could not follow with my eyes at all. Racking my brain for a solution, I remember the parting words spoken by the Dao. If those were true, then I still had an ace up my sleeve. ''There¡¯s the status that can maybe help me right now, God I hope this works and I can actually summon the status window.¡¯ So just like in a game, I call out for the interface.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡®Status activate¡­Hugh, I sound like a Power R*nger.¡¯
Status
Name: Li Xiao Nu/Mathew brown
Race: Human
Age: 17 Level: 9
Strenght: 13 Stamina: 15
Dexterity: 16 Wisdom: 14
Intelligence: 16 Charisma: 20
Fame: -16 Luck: N/A
Qi Realm: Qi condensation of the 2nd realm
Special Body type: N/A Dao Understanding/s: Comprehension of the Fire Dao (0.05%)
Martial Techniques: Bronze Fist (Max); Bronze Chop (Max); Bronze kicks (Max); Half-Step Mirror Movement (Intermediate).
Qi Circulation Techniques: Low Qi fireball fist (Beginner).
Element Affinities: Fire (7%)
Traits
Gambler
Heavy Drinker
Titles
The one who died covered in foolishness
Dao¡¯s Chosen Champion.
¡®What shitty stats that Li had when he died.'' Shaking my head I sight and think about the worst of the bunch. ''Out of all of them, fame is the shittiest of them all.'' ''What am I, a wanted criminal?!¡¯ Stupidified by the trash status widow my face reddens in embarrassment at the realization that I am truly not worth mentioning to this beautiesdue to how weak I am. ¡®If these Yue sect girls kill me no one would mourn the loss of a gambler and alcoholic, this incident would probably be sweep under the rug. But doesn''t that mean I''m done for?'' I feel my knees wobble in resignation as I realize my cruel fate, in a ditch effort I browse through the useless Martial Techniques and Qi Circulation Techniques. Not finding anything that could help me in the immediate term to gain strength that is above at least10 levelsabove me, I start to analyze my other stats, especially on the insulting title. ¡®What the fuck is Died covered in foolishness?¡¯ Suddenly another window appears with the information of the Title.
The one who died covered in foolishness
Description:
The one who holds this title has died covered by his enemies execrations, shaming himself for the rest of eternity. Gains: -10 Fame; +10 Charisma
Reading the description I almost choked on a lump of blood rising through my throat. ''How could there be a title like this?'' The more I read the title the more I cursed the previous Li. ''The one who doomed me right from the start was Li Xiao Nu how ironic.'' Feeling down at thereduction of fame,I look at the last title in my possession pondering if I should read the description, ultimately my curiosity won and I inspect the description of the title given to me by the Dao.
Dao''s Chosen Champion
Description
Risen from the dead, thus slapping every dead immortal in the face. After haven been chosen as the Dao¡¯s Champion you gain: + 40 Stamina; +40 Strenght; +40 Dexterity; +40 Intelligence; +40 Wisdom
As I reeled in my confusing luck status, I realized that there was a new forming tab. This one, however, wassilver and not bright blue.
Due to receivinga title through the Dao you have gained:+ 40 Stamina; +40 Strenght; +40 Dexterity; +40 Intelligence; +40 Wisdom. Calculating changes...
''Huh? What is this silver window, what is it calculating anyways?''
Calculation 1% Time Remaining: 1d; 2h; 30m
Chapter 7 - Chasing a miracle Watching the Silvery colored text in front of my eyes I wonder why this message didn¡¯t appear before I was in this predicament. Quickly dismissing the window it disappears in front of me giving place to discomfort, I lift my eyes hoping my exchange with the status was quick enough that the girls didn''t notice anything. ¡°What are you mumbling to yourself, pervert!?¡± With a sour face, I try to ignore the women surrounding me while I pray for a miracle, but not seeing any changes in my body nor my QI, I quickly think of a solution. ¡°Look,¡± I say while pointing towards somewhere in the distance. ¡°It¡¯s Mt. Tai!¡± Waiting for the surprised reactions and turning of heads I back away slowly, but the head-turning never happens as the young girls look at me with even deeper frowns as if looking at an idiot. ¡°Haaaa? You think of us as countryside girls? You¡¯re courting death!¡± ¡°You really have no shame! Despicable, he¡¯s a pervert and a misogynist!¡± ¡°Lets end this, come now and accept your fate!¡± Turning around not waiting to be beaten up by the angry ladies I ran for the densest part of the forest while using the most of my Qi hoping to reach it, but as I ran I could clearly hear them getting closer to me by the second.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Feeling the soft grime beneath my feet, the air splitting my hair apart and the small beads of sweat concentrating on my forehead and back, I focus on using my Qi to the utmost, realizing I am almost in the forest my escape route is quickly closed by a sudden earth spike and without it stabs me in my shoulder. Due to the impact, I am unable to move as I am pierced through and through. An agonized scream leaves my lips when my brain finally catches up to the actual stab. I see blood pour towards the floor in big amounts forming a puddle of fresh blood. ¡®W-what-what is t-this pain, it hurts like hell!'' Never having experienced any pain like this, I behave like a little girl. Almost every xianxia protagonist seems made out of stone, In contrast, I seem made out of tofu. Tears stream down my eyes as they approach me from behind, but the pain is all I can focus on as I instinctively try to back out of the earthen spike. Greeting my teeth in anguish while I slowly back away I hear a voice in close to my left ear. ¡°Disgraceful to the last moment Li Xiao Nu.¡± And after saying this I feel my body grow cold, abnormally cold. Looking down at myself I realize I am being encased in a thick layer of ice, losing my mobility I stand in place like a sitting duck. My touch with reality weavers and I try to come to accept my fate. Even if my death took place a couple of hours after my arrival, I am still happy to have gotten a second chance. ¡®Cold, so cold...¡¯ Regret, for thinking of this world as easy and forgiving, for my childish personality that led me to this moment and most of all, I regret not being able to ever see my daughter again. Thinking of my daughter the last flash of defiance appears in my eyes. ¡°I-I am...sorry.¡± Then I see everything turn dark, a lonesome feeling wells inside of me as I understand this time rebirth isn''t an option. Chapter 8 - Yao Chen & Changes With a sharp breath of air I open my eyes in confusion to an unknown ceiling recognizing that this has happened a lot lately, I try to move but my body that feels heavy for whatever reason and the only reaction I can muster is to move my body slightly. ¡°Li Nu, do not move or you will open your stitches again!¡± ¡®Li Nu, who is it? Does he know me?¡¯ Questions fill my mind with the last things I remember, flashing in rapid succession to form a clear picture of the whole mess I created with the Yue clan fairies. Shaking my head, I try to speak but my throat feels completely dry and hoarse. So I slowly look around the room. It''s honestly just a basic room, small with almost no furniture to speak off, piled with dust and scary looking spider-webs in the corners. But all in all, it gave a safer feeling than the killer forest that at every corner something scary would happen, making me flee at the speed of light. Slowly using my neck I lift my head up from the uncomfortable pillow and what greets me is a familiar face. Familiar not to me but to the real owner of this body. Wide-eyed in surprise to see the mildly fat face of Yao Chen, I smile at the mother hen of the outer sect disciples. He looks back at me with reddened and beady eyes while his boul cut hair seems disorganized as if he had not slept in days. ¡°Li, please listen to me, don''t get up yet.¡± Getting up from the fragile wooden chair, Yao approaches the uncomfortable bed that I am laying upon and places a gentle hand on my other non-injured shoulder. Feeling a little better I try to speak again and this time actual sound comes out of my mouth. ¡°Y-yao...water.¡± ¡°Yes, yes right away.¡± Turning to grab a wooden bowl he places it towards my lips and I greedily drink the soothing and fresh water. ¡°Man, I thought of you dead, thankfully Senior Brother Yi was out completing a Sect request and had to brush the borders of the Yue sect. What did you do to the Heavenly fairies Li? Did you insult their ancestors?¡± Frowning I recall how the women had ganged up on me and tried to commit murder in cold blood, ¡®If this senior Yi was not around I would most probably have died. Those bitches simply took it too far, just because they caught me inside their river and inside their sect¡¯s territory they could have been less resentful.¡¯Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Not being able to shake the feeling of rage I grab the wooden bowl from Yao Chen''s hands and drink the rest of the water in a full gulp. ¡°What happened to me, I thought I was dead after an earth spike had pierced through my shoulder.¡± With a sour look on his face, Yao explained. ¡°Li from what Senior Yi spoke on the hall, you were frozen to an earthen spike and left to die with hypothermia, it was lucky that Senior came looking for blood mist fruits and saw you bizarrely impaled near the limits of the Yue sects territory. He then carried you in his magic treasure, delivering you to the common hall. Seeing who was injured they called for me to treat your wounds and I did so for the last six days.¡± ¡®Six days, I was unconscious for that long? If I ever see any of those little girls again I will make them bleed.¡¯ Nodding in gratitude I return the now empty bowl and try to get up from my horizontal position, the first time vertical in almost a week makes my head spin, but I persevere through sheer will. Having risen while Yao to assist me I notice that my body seems strange. Flexing my arm that is free from the stitches I notice that my hand seems lighter yet heavier than before as if I had a very strong metal but also lightweight inside. Getting up from the bed despite Yao¡¯s protests I move my feet a couple of steps forwards while recalling the updates on my status. Willing the popup messages that I instinctively know to have stored up along my coma, I gaze intensely at multiple warnings about my physical state. Paying no regards to any of the warning messages I focus solely on the silvery notification informing me about the end of the loading screen.
Changes to Qi and Dantian has been applied. + 40 Stamina; +40 Strenght; +40 Dexterity; +40 Intelligence; +40 Wisdom. Have been assimilated. Due to connection to the Dao, changes can be made to the body Warning: the process will be painful Would you like to proceed? Y/N
I look at the reasonwhy my body felt strange, all the points that had been allocated made my Qi and Dantianto be modified,withstanding all the massive status changes. I look at the last option to modify my body with glee as it meant yet another boost in strength. But quickly let my greed die, as the idea of doing the actual change in Yao Chen''s room is not pleasant. ''For many years, Yao Chen has been Li Xiao''s best friend, but I do not trust him fully yet. Better do it in my own room.'' Saving the silver notification in the corner of my vision I walk up to Yao Chen feeling overwhelmingly happy. Placing a hand on his shoulder while smiling I face the wall and walk a couple of steps towards it,suddenly knocking back my arm in a fluid motion, I let my Qi run through mydantian all over my body and let a fist fly. Chapter 9 - Newfound Power What initially I think to be a punch with some force applied to it, soon becomes one hell of a surprise as the air around my fist flows forward with almost no wind resistance. After my arm reaches it¡¯s fullest extension I hear my fist make a whip-like noise and the air compression leaves at high speed towards the wall of the little shack. With an incredulous look, I watch as the wall in front of me is opened with a hole created solely by the sonic boom that came out of my fist. I turn around to watch Yao¡¯s reaction, but the only thing I can focus on is his dead fish eyes and his quivering lip. Turning to look me with a fairly fast movement for a person of his weight, he grabs my neck and squeezes while muttering. ¡°You ungrateful bastard. First, last weekend you lost at mahjong and asked me for a loan, then the following day you had the nerve to ask me for even more money. I was going to let it go because of the quest you were supposed to be doing, but instead, I had to take care of you and even after all of this you have the nerve of poking a hole wide enough for a child to go through in my wall?¡± Unable to breathe I see my face turn blue in the reflection of Yao¡¯s eyes, I try to open my mouth to defend myself but only a squeal comes out. After having experienced how cruel and gruesome death is like, fear installs itself in my body and I blindly throw a punch in desperation at Yao''s face. I feel my knuckles collide with the chubby face and he is sent flying towards the other exterior wall, he easily breaks the thin wooden plank with his body. Trying to maintain a standing position, I head towards him in a hurry while heavily gasping for air.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. But before I can reach his body through the dust and debris, I see Yao emerge while blood flows from his eyes while he makes an exasperated face. ¡°I-i am sorry Yao, I didn¡¯t mean to use so much strength.¡± Face distorting in a maddening laugh Yao can only slowly get up while resentment substitutes his previously dead fish eyes. ¡°Li Xiao Nu, I curse you and your family for eight generation, even after all I¡¯ve done for you, you¡¯ve only repaid me with continuous face slapping over the years, I thought we were friends but I was never more wrong about anything!¡± ¡°Wait, Yao Chen, let¡¯s not fight anymore, please. I¡¯m heavily injured and didn¡¯t measure my strength right so please bear with me.¡± ¡°Out! Get out of my shack!¡± Shacking my head and standing my ground I forcefully say. ¡°Please Yao, reconsider, you¡¯re my only friend in the Heavenly Fire Sect and without you, I will be dead in a week!¡± Yao Chen who is an outer Sect disciple and a loser just like me gives me a snort of disdain while looking haughtily at me and says. ¡°Look at you, you¡¯re trash even here among the trash. Senior Yi should have let you die in the forest. Be gone, I do not want to see you nor hear from you henceforth.¡± Realizing that he is to mad to be persuaded I concede. ¡°Very well, if that is how you feel, I won''t pester you again.¡± Lowering my head in defeat I leave the shack that looks as if it¡¯s about to collapse and head for my own little shack forwards down the mountain while I try not to plummet to my own death in the narrow corridors of the rocky path. Feeling the Qi circulate through me I realize that the amount is twice as larger than before, and not only so, it is purer. Not by much, but compared to the muddy river filled with debris from before, now it feels like just muddy water. Chapter 10 - Upgrades & Plan As I reach the stairs I start to walk downwards, sighing internally, I think of how much my life in this sect is going to become a living hell. In this Heavenly Fire¡¯s Sect, those who do not contribute in any way, don''t even get to eat. ''Agh, enough of this self-pity bullshit, even after losing Yao Chen as a friend I gained so much strength from those attributes, let¡¯s see how my gains look like.'' Lifting my head from my slouching position I say internally. ''Status!¡¯
Status
Name: Li Xiao Nu/Mathew brown
Race: Human
Age: 17 Level: 19
Strenght: 53 Stamina: 55
Dexterity: 56 Wisdom: 54
Intelligence: 56 Charisma: 20
Fame: -16 Luck: N/A
Qi Realm: Qi condensation of the 9th realm
Special Body type: N/A (Upgrade pending) Dao Understanding/s: Comprehension of the Fire Dao (0.05%)
Martial Techniques: Bronze Fist (Max); Bronze Chop (Max); Bronze kicks (Max); Half-Step Mirror Movement (Intermediate).
Qi Circulation Techniques: Low Qi fireball fist (Beginner).
Element Affinities: Fire (7.8%)
Traits
Gambler
Heavy Drinker
Titles
The one who died covered in foolishnessThis story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Dao¡¯s Chosen Champion.
¡®This kind of progress on my status is just cheating, I went up 10 levels all of a sudden, my cultivation realm increased too. I need to get indoors soon so I can perform the body alteration.¡¯ Eagerness and happiness plastered all over my face I try to grasp the strength of my body while looking for any abnormalities, seeing none I next concentrate in my Qi realm. From what Li knew, Qi realms or cultivation realms are divided into the first stage that is Qi condensation, then Qi refining, Foundation establishment and lastly Core establishment. Sure that there were more stages, I think about the fragmented memories that I inherited, half the useful introduction about the cultivation world is lost in Li Xiao¡¯s memories. Hazy and blurry due to excessive drinking. Walking faster half frustrated half happy I reach the even smaller shack then the one Yue Chen owned, this one is located in the utmost border of the Outer Sect Disciples mountain that is on a precarious road by the small space in front of a steep ravine. For a person used to all kinds of luxuries like myself, this living arrangement was just simply not acceptable. ¡®I really need new living quarters but from what I can remember about the sect, to do that I need to rank up.¡¯ Searching deeply, the blurry memories of the previous Li Xiao Nu slowly resurface and I encounter the introduction to the sect made by an old man of the central pavilion about how the sect works. To Li Xiao who had a comfortable life as a mortal because of his background, that kind of information was useless at the time he joined the sect. But he soon realized the importance of all kinds of information regarding the cultivation world as he began training in the immortal ways, but unfortunately, he still behaved like a playboy and a drunk. Never taking cultivation seriously made his Dantian swell with murky Qi and further damaged his progress. I walk into the small shack and look around for a comfortable place to think. When I was still developing technology and groundbreaking inventions, people knew all about my oddities. How I would immerse myself in various things and not pay the world around me any attention. Of course with the years I became less self-centered and more relaxed around people, making everyone around me more comfortable. That is how I discovered that I didn¡¯t have to do everything by myself. Of course, here I would have to gain new friends and allies, but that came later. Finding an old chair and picking it up from the floor, I notice that the room hadn''t had much use as Li was always in either bar''s or in the red light district at the mortal city next to the Sect. I dust the chair and sit on it to ponder about what to do next while my mind wonders through all the things to be done. After what felt to be half an hour, my ideas are finally organized and I reach the conclusion of having my body upgraded first and then sort what kind of things can be done to move up on the sect¡¯s rank. Chapter 11 - Dao Body of the 5 Major truths Thinking twice about doing my upgrade while sitting in a fragile and old wooden chair, I place myself on the floor in a lotus position. Fearing for the unknown pain I slowly mutter the word ¡®Yes¡¯ while looking at the silver pop up.
Initiating Body alterations¡­ Plase wait¡­.
As I am hoping for the best, this doesn''t come true as I slowly start to feel tingles all around my body. Like an ich, I try to resist the urge to break my concentration and scratch myself all over my body. Eyes unfocusing at the rapidly increasing pain I realize that the silver screen has changed to an estimate of the time it will all take to upgrade.
Body alteration predicted finale: 1 days; 8 hours; 10 minutes; 25 seconds
Like an envoy from hell, I feel pain spasm through my body, like a fierce forest fire all of my limbs burn up to impossible degrees while I faintly hear bone crack. Not being able to pinpoint the cracking sound, all of my other senses except for the pain receptors in my brain are numbed. I avoid passing out by analyzing various aspects of this new world. Slowly coming to terms with the lack of technology and laws as the hour''s pass, I think about various philosophical aspects of my reluctance taking part in the killing done by every person. My sentimental side debates my logical side all throughout the time it takes to modify my body. ************************** Hours pass as I sit still and in pain, never getting used to it nor feeling any worse than what it already is. Gritting my teeth, I almost feel those crack too, but I keep my lotus stance for longer than I remember sitting still in one position. Battling my own mind as I try to see the process to the end, approximately nineteen hours after my bones became powder and reformed, I feel yet another type of pain. This time, while my bones have been broken and remodeled countless times I feel my muscles start doing the same. Muscles turn and expand just to contract in violent ways, making me almost lose my mind. When the bone pain began I immersed my thoughts in my own little world and time flew faster than what seemed to be. Einstein did say time was relative, and in this semi-conscious state of mind, I find that concentrating is really more difficult if the person is under extream stress. ************************** Not know how much time had passed I open my eyes only knowing that the pain has subsided to reflexive muscle ache. Just like muscle memory, pain can also become memorized and ingrained into the body, making movement extremely stiff and agonizing. Trying to get rid of the stiffness and sore muscles I wince at the phantom pains that cruise through my body. Putting my hand on the ground and pushing myself upwards I almost fall face first before I can properly equilibrate my body. Aiming my head towards the ground I see that my hand left a mark on the floor about the size of my palm. Quickly standing straight due to surprise my body whiplashes like a well-crafted whip. The sound that is made reminds me of a sonic boom and in surprise, I frantically search in the corner of my vision for any minimized windows. I see two of those silver status updates and in haste, I open them. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Body alteration has been successful¡­ New body type has been successful¡­ Calculating status changes...
Wondering what kind of body would give me the strength to become so fast as to cause a small sonic boom I patiently wait for the results of the calculations while tapping my feet as a stress output. Finally, a new window is made visible after waiting for almost twenty minutes.
New body type unlocked
Dao Body of the 5 Major truths Status changes:
Due to the body being formed by the Dao, previously locked affinities have been unlocked. Affinities unlocked: Water element; Earth element; Wood element; Steel element;
I dismiss the new window flabbergasted by the new affinities unlocked by the new body type and check my status.
Status
Name: Li Xiao Nu/Mathew brown
Race: Human
Age: 17 Level: 19
Strenght: 53 Stamina: 55
Dexterity: 56 Wisdom: 54
Intelligence: 56 Charisma: 20
Fame: -16 Luck: N/A
Qi Realm: Qi condensation of the 9th realm
Special Body type: Dao Body of the 5 Major truths Dao Understanding/s: Comprehension of the Fire Dao (0.05%)
Martial Techniques: Bronze Fist (Max); Bronze Chop (Max); Bronze kicks (Max); Half-Step Mirror Movement (Intermediate).
Qi Circulation Techniques: Low Qi fireball fist (Beginner).
Element Affinities: Water element (10%); Earth element (10%); Wood element (10%); Steel element (10%); Fire (27%).
Traits
Gambler
Heavy Drinker
Titles
The one who died covered in foolishness
Dao¡¯s Chosen Champion.
Out of all the changes I focus on the special body type and a full description appears in front of my eyes. Seeing the changes in the glimmering small light of the status update window I step backward and fall on the floor because of the wooden chair. The old chair not resisting my powerful new body collapses into splinters while I completely ignore it. ¡®Th-this is a cheat, it can¡¯t be real right?¡¯
Special Body type
Dao Body of the 5 Major truths Due to a new body type never before seen, a new cultivation path has been unlocked. This new body type has different levels of the common and known paths.
These are: Qi condensation; Qi refining; Dao Foundation; Dao understanding; Dao integration; True Daoist; Daoist false immortal; Daoist immortal; God immortal; True God; God sovereign; Sovereign of the Eight Realms.
¡®By the gods¡­¡¯ I say while clumsily getting up and inspecting the rest of the status changes. Chapter 12 - Yao Chens money secret Yao Chen''s P.O.V
After Li Xiao left, Yao Chen paced in a stressed manner around what he liked to call ¡®little abode¡¯. He knew that the house he was living on was nothing more than sticks and stones but he still considered that after so many years struggling there and training he had developed some sort of bond. Untill he had enough money to fix the shack he would have to sleep outside. ¡°That damn Li Xiao, when he entered the sect four years ago he was just a rich noble from a mortal family that wanted to dabble in cultivation for boosting his position and image in his clan. I, on the other hand, have been training towards a goal and I do not need distractions like him.¡± Having vented his frustrations, Yao Chen harrumphed and turned towards his door, walking the rocky path towards the Quest hall. ******************* Arriving at the Quest hall of the Heavenly Fire¡¯s Sect, he went straight towards the bulletin announcement board where he could see a bunch of quests lined around. Even if the Sect was filled with intolerable people it still beat living in the mortal world where the ¡®normal¡¯ people with no talent towards cultivation lived. ¡®Sigh, if this wasn¡¯t the only male sect around the Qian empire, I would have left already in search of a better sect with true cultivators.¡¯ Nodding his head in helplessness Yao selected one of the easiest quests that most of the students used to complete the monthly instalment to the sect. ¡°What, something interesting there?¡± Even before turning around Yao knew who it was, so with a smile, he cupped his hands and performed a friendly bow toward the white-haired old man that managed the Quest hall, while whispering he said. ¡°Yao Chen greets Sect hall master.¡± Nodding, in turn, the old man beckoned Yao to come closer with his wrinkled hand while darting his eyes and making sure no inner sect disciples eavesdropped on their conversation. ¡°Come here Xiao Chen, we haven¡¯t talked in a while.¡¯ Walking towards the Elder, Yao Chen remained respectful as he truly admired the old man. ¡°Elder, the tip about the midnight moon herb was very useful. I ended up meeting my quota and even sold the rest in the apothecary hall.¡± What he didn¡¯t say was that he still regretted having lent the extra money to Li Xiao Nu. Not every person in the sect acted in a haughty and hostile manner and the prime example was Elder Ming. This Elder just like Li Xiao had been a noble that wanted to become a cultivator and after he completed the final obligatory exam at twenty-five, return to his clan. Unfortunately, fate had other plans and his clan was exterminated by one of the five major powers in the Qian empire.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. While still in his twenties and realizing he couldn''t avenge his clan due to the lack of power he strived to become a pillar of the Sect and live comfortably as a Hall leader. ¡°I¡¯m glad my tip made you some profit, but this time I have something even better Xiao Chen. Put that quest down and come with me to have some tea while I explain to you the new path I encountered in the azure mountain next to the dragon forest.¡± ¡°If Elder says it¡¯s a good path, then I put my trust in Elder.¡± As they walked towards the familiar door that leads directly to the Elders own house he saw that the old man was slouching even more than normal. If he trusted the rumors going around the sect, then the old man was way past the two hundred year mark. Waking inside the spacious room, Yao was always surprised to see the only decoration that old Ming had was in his walls, as so he gazed at the old and new alike caligraphy paintings the old man himself had painted. ¡°The place I told you about is a bit far from the sect and you will take a while to return, but before a week you should be able to gain a small fortune collecting Azure crystals.¡± Snapping out of his daydreaming Yao looked at the old man and said. ¡°Azure crystals, Elder Ming, are you sure?¡± Quickly sitting in front of Ming in the worn out tea table, he waited for the old man to say something but the only reply that came was the rambunctious laugh of an old fox. ¡°So now you¡¯re interested in what I have to say?¡± With a wave of the hand, the old fox made a tea set appear while with another wave steam was visible from the cups. ¡°Please Elder, do not play with my emotions.¡± ¡°Well, the other day while I accompanied one of the Sect leaders in a hunt, I had to excuse myself from the gathered party so I could do my business. As I was searching a remote corner of the forest for a privet location I saw a good spot and headed there.¡± Nodding enthusiastically Yao Chen absorbed every word the old man said because it was this same old man that had given him the status of being the best outer Sect disciple. He would sometimes ask of Yao to search for material or even gift him good locations for the completion of quests. Elder Ming was too old to be running around doing any sort of quests so everytime he had been walking arround the forest he sent diferent disciples to the best locations he could find with his small divine sense. Of course, he didn¡¯t this out of the kindness of his heart but to split the loot 40/50 giving him enough to spend on ink and rice paper for his painting hobby or even buy minor body healing pill for when his body ached. ¡°Seeing a shrub that was attached to the azure mountain located in the outter forest I uzipped my-¡° ¡°Elder! Elder, please focus on the location.¡± Yao Chen said as he displayed a wary smile. ¡°Oh right, well anyways I was pulling my pants up when I noticed that the shrub had been covering a hole on the mountain. I¡¯m not as adventurous as I once were, but I still gathered some courage and entered the small cavity. As you know, all azure crystals are gathered in that big mountain, but the people who control the mining are our own Heavenly Fire¡¯s sect and the Yue sect.¡± Sighing, the old man took a sip to drown his bitter feelings and continued the story. ¡°Somehow the cave was not as dark as I would have expected so I kept going, when I reached the end what I saw took my breath away, in all my years of cultivation I had never seen an azure minor dragon¡¯s den but that hole led to one. The minor azure dragons feed themselves in the energy the azure stone releases, so if you find one the most probable outcome is to find azure stones!¡± At this point in the boring story of the old man, Yao was very interested. If he could get his hands in some azure stones and sell them to the old man he could get the Dantian cleansing pills that he much so needed after cultivating in some very strange and harmful techniques. Clasping his palms together with a greedy look on his face he asked Old Ming. ¡°Elder¡­where exactly is the cave located?¡± Chapter 13 - Books & Yi Shao Long After regaining composure at all the changes to my Qi and Body, I instantly knew that staying here in this sect would be dangerous, but after calming my nervous self I made a gamble by knowing that no-one from the upper echelons in the Sect would come looking for someone as weak as me, because all the people that could see through my cultivation level were at least at the Core formation establishment after having developed their divine sense. So with that in mind, I quickly formed a plan to fill the gaps in this worlds knowledge and headed to the forgotten library where not a lot of people headed to. Before the plan, I already had an idea of the sects layout, so when I headed up the mountain I wasn''t really surprised at how truly large this sect was. Walking with the sun shining in high noon I could see all the white-robed male disciples run around numbering in the hundreds while busily entering and leaving different pavilions. If Li''s memory wasn''t wrong, the library was located next to the treasure hall and from what little information Li Xiao had previously heard about that hall, I could tell that most of the treasures there were of low quality, but even so, most of the times the only ones allowed to enter would be inner sect disciples so I had no particular interest or will to go there. Closing in on the treasure pavilion I could see a lot of disciples talking loudly and making a ruckus over an artifact sale done by one of the inner disciples. Those young ¡®geniuses¡¯ of the inner sect almost never traded nor sold these kinds of things to anybody, so the ruckus was understandable as the inner sect disciples were keen on buying that type of things. ¡®I am almost at the level of an inner disciple, too bad the conditions for advancement weren¡¯t specified on the status window.¡¯ Shaking my head I continue to stroll past the hub of lively students that either ignored me or made hushed offensive remarks. Apparently, since the day I was bedridden, I became famous for the wrong reasons. Of course, the -16 fame status didn¡¯t help my cause in a favorable way. While musing to myself and ignoring the outside world I realize I had reached a small rundown brick building with a minuscule sing saying ¡®Librery¡¯ on the top. Making my way inside, I approached the front desk manned by a young looking man that had an indolent face while reading a very old book. Tapping lightly on the wooden desk with my knuckles I grabbed his attention and asked. ¡°Hi, I need some books regarding the Geography of the Qian Empire, An introduction to Alchemy and if you have one of the sect rules guidebooks that would be fantastic, thank you.¡± With a frown the youngster looked at me and putting his book to rest he said. ¡°For geography books look in the far west corner, they all have copies so feel free to request any of those to take to your own room. For the introductory guidebooks to the sect you should go and request one in the main pavilion if you have lost your¡¯s and as for the Alchemy introductory book, it can be bought in the Apothecary hall.¡± Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Lifting his book again the young man disregarded my presence as if I was never there in the first place. Without any hard feelings, I turned around to search throughout the scarce shelves and headed towards the west corner. Reaching the aforementioned shelf I browsed quickly through them and realize they were all good books, but ultimately I took the one with a leather cover and illustrative maps designed inside for better understanding of the surrounding landscape. Out of curiosity, I walk around to see if there are any books I would also like to take. Slowly pacing myself as to read every title I reach a shelve that to my surprise has a very interesting book. Reaching out with my hand to grab an old and worn-out black book I read the almost illegible title, ¡®Introduction to the Dao.¡¯ For however much of a wastrel the previous Li was, he still knew how to read and for that, I could only be grateful to his parents. ¡®I need this one, it might help me understand in a more in-depth manner what the Dao is all about, and even maybe get to form a plan to advance with my cultivation.¡¯ Not giving up on the search for more useful books I continue to slowly walk around the more far back shelves while lamenting the lack of interest in common knowledge and science in this world. ¡®Even if right now I can¡¯t do much, with my knowledge I should be able to at least create some gadgets that will make my life a bit easier to handle in this savage world.¡¯ With such thoughts in mind, I continue the search for useful information that can broaden my understandings of where this world stands. After some walking and browsing, I slowly reach a shelve that seems deserted with the exception of one book. Turning my head towards the counter I ask the young man if I could take the lonely book''s copy. ¡°This is the only book on history that we have but it does have a copy. If you¡¯re done please come to the front desk so I can give you the copies of all the books you''re carrying.¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks.¡± Watching him I realize that his sour mood is not from my own presence but because he seems this way towards any disturbance that may cut time in his readings. After browsing for about an hour I decided that the books I¡¯m taking are enough, for now, so I head to the desk and request the copies to read at the shack. Having fulfilled my little mission I head outside to the main road of the sect where most of the pavilions and halls of the Sect were located. Greeted by the afternoon sun I realize I hadn¡¯t eaten anything for a long time and the effects of the Qi fruits that the previous Li had eaten were wearing off and hunger started to make itself known. Counting my small amount of money I remember that in the pavilion, food with Qi properties that satiates hunger for about a week is sold for a reasonable price so I start to head there while dodging the afternoon rush. Making myself as invisible as possible with the copies of the books in my underarms, I almost slither to the cooling shade of the inside of the main pavilion hall. The grandiose building used to host the new recruits to the sect is filled with big lines of people waiting for their turns to do various things, so standing in the entrance I try to remember which ones of the queues is the one I need. ''Crap, Li Xiao didn''t come here often so now I''m in a predicament. I know the one directly in front of me is the inscription queue but the others ones don''t ring a bell.'' Deciding to try my luck with the one in front I head to the inscription queue and join the line of bored disciples. While I am preparing myself to read the book on Geography I feel my shoulder being tapped forcefully. Turning around to the person who rudely taped my shoulder with excessive force, I see a young and handsome man standing almost two heads above me. His facial features delicate like a woman with the exception of one thing, his sword like eyebrows. "You''re Li Xiao Nu, right? My name is Yi Shao Long, I was the one to bring you back to the sect that day." Chapter 14 - Thinking of the future Realizing that my face must have shown some sort of displeasure with the person in front of me, I hurriedly bow my head and clasp my hands in a greeting. ¡°Junior Brother Li greets Elder Brother Yi Shao Long.¡± Nodding his head while eying me I realize a lot of people in our immediate surrounding had been drawn by our conversation. With nothing to do other than being bored in a queue, the people around me were very interested in knowing if this was a fight or just plain bullying. After inspecting me for a few moments, Yi¡¯s expression turned confused and curious. ¡°Junio Brother, how is your condition, did your body get better?¡± Knowing that he had seen my injured shoulder, I understood immediately why he had asked the question. It wasn¡¯t normal that a person with an injured body to be walking around the sect lively only two weeks after the incident, even worse, with books under the same shoulder that he had injured. Quickly regaining composure I found the most believable lie and spewed it without remorse. I couldn''t tell him, a perfect stranger, the truth about the transformation I had suffered. ¡°Elder Brother, I had a medicinal pill from the apothecary pavilion on my living quarters so when I woke up I when there and took it. It was really fortunate that I had saved enough money to buy one as an insurance.¡± ¡°I see, I see, that is good, you don¡¯t seem as stupid as people make you out to be. You see I came here from the artifact auction just outside the treasure hall because my friend had told me that you had recovered to the point of putting books under your armpits. I just couldn''t believe it, but it''s good that you could afford those medicinal pills and that you save one for emergencies.¡± Trying very hard not to twist my face in a sour frown I thanked the heavens for my past life and the acting abilities I had gained over the years of dealing with all kinds of people. Letting the insults slide because the person in front of me was at least an experienced Foundation expert due to him being able to use flying treasures, I continued the uncomfortable conversation while the people around us are smirking and sneering at our conversation. ¡°Yes Elder Brother, I was fortunate enough to have received your kindness and on top Yao¡¯s help.¡± ¡°I wonder why even after you came here, you didn¡¯t even try to seek me out and thank me.¡± Yi¡¯s face suddenly turned from mild indifference to one of a sneer and mockery. ¡°Honestly I thought you wouldn¡¯t be able to keep your face straight after I insulted you, but it seems I was wrong. Truly wonderful that you are able to keep yourself busy even after I wasted my time bringing you back to the sect, only to know you were a wastrel that didn''t have anything to your name. So as you can see, what kind of compensation are you going to give me!?¡± Quickly realizing the mood change in Yi Shao Long¡¯s personality I could only look at him in absolute disgust, people from earth were liars and deceivers, some had tried many times to extort money from me. While they always had an underlining of greed in their eyes, this Yi was normal just a second ago only to change drastically in a flash. ¡°What, you thought I had saved you for free, what an innocent kid.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Looking around, Yi encouraged people to laugh at me and my supposed ¡®innocence¡¯ while taking my disgusted face as a confused and fearful one. ¡®This guy, I can understand he wants to be rewarded but even if I wanted to, I couldn¡¯t. I am too poor to even mention, my only possessions are the meager coins to eat and the clothes in my body. Even so, I need to think of something and fast.¡¯ Suddenly tilting my head in a confused and questioning angle, I raise my brows and open my mouth in surprise. ¡°Elder Brother, how could I a lowly person be able to give you anything that would benefit your cultivation. I am even ashamed to think such things. I am sorry, what you want from me is too much, I do not have pill nor money so please forgive me.¡± Shouting to the best of my abilities, the hall that was filled with noise suddenly turned quiet as every person that was not paying attention to our little discussion quickly turned their heads to look at us, whispering. The teachers, the ones that I was targeting with my loud voice looked at us in surprise while I changed my expression of confusion to one of fear. ¡°Y-you, what are you saying.¡± From everyone in the hall, the most surprised one was without a doubt Yi Shao Long as his former cocky demeanor dissipated and his eyes focused on the teachers that were frowning at my words. One of the most known rules in the Heavenly Fire¡¯s Sect was that extorsion was absolutely forbidden due to the sect¡¯s greed. Everyone knew that greed was the only motivation for the Elders of the Sect, being so, any extortion to the disciples independently from their status was forbidden because they were afraid that people wouldn''t turn in their monthly quotas. There was also the problem of face, they as cultivator representing the sect couldn''t allow people to extort each other and letting the Empire see them as a gathering of barbaric cultivators. Whispering Yi Shao Long said, ¡°You are pushing your luck Li Xiao Nu!¡± Looking at him with a fake surprised face I clasped my hands and bowed while saying. ¡°Elder Brother, I need to go eat, so if you excuse me.¡± Seeing that the teachers were approaching for a better look at our discussion I took advantage of Yi''s tied hands to leave. ¡°Y-you can¡¯t leave you bastard!¡± Turning slowly around I could not help but gloat at Yi¡¯s embarrassed face, of course, he would seek some form of revenge, but I was hoping to be far away from the sect by that time. ¡®I really need to leave this place and go explore this world, this place doesn''t have anything that I need besides basic common knowledge. If I just had more time to study those books in depth.¡¯ After leaving towards another division of the central pavilion hall and waiting in line at the Sects canteen I grabbing a low-grade hunger pill and finished my business there. Heading immediately towards the registry desk I ended up asking for a new guide to the sect rules. Getting everything done turned out to be quite the slow process reminding me of the long lines at the DMV or other government agencies on earth, where one could be expected to wait for hours to have their turn. So, as the sun settled down I decided to head towards the apothecary guild where I could buy the introduction to alchemy, but I was naive to think I could buy the book with the meager amount of money I had left after buying the satiating pill. I had left the pavilion late in the afternoon and explored the rest of the sect, ending up buying a pair of candles. With nothing else to do, I headed back into my little resting place and read the books I had borrowed for the rest of the cold night. Chapter 15 - Cheating Hafter having strained my eyes all night, the smell of morning dew reached my nose as I assimilated the various information that I had read. Sitting up from my uncomfortable position on the floor, I put the books on the shabby bed and sat on it. ¡®Whew, things in this world are really different, culture-wise, history wise and even physics are either too advanced or to retrograde.¡¯ From what I had learned, there were wars in this world but surprisingly they were mostly started by mortal people with no cultivation. But on the other hand, the ones that were started by cultivators didn¡¯t just make new kingdoms appear but also new Empires. Mixing both my newfound History and Geography knowledge together I now knew what this world looked like. Basically, this world had Two main continents each with ruling Empires, attached to those Empires were the Kingdoms that were ruled by ¡®Dukes¡¯ and these highborn nobles ruled over the semi-powerful immortals who in turn ruled the mortals. These cities where the mortals lived were called the warrant states and were ruled by powerful counts or vice-counts appointed by the Emperor. In the Quian Empire, the rulers were the Quian clan and they were the ones that unified the warrant states a long time ago. With Six Empires in total, the one bordering us is the Mio Empire and the one bordering the Mio Empire is the Che Empire. These big powerhouses were afraid of each other''s and so they maintained a status quo where they wouldn''t attack recklessly the borders making large-scale conflict very rare. Out of all the knowledge I had gathered, the most useful was without a doubt the book about the Dao. Basically, it instructed on the eight trigrams and sixty-four hexagrams and how those encompassed everything in the heavens and the earth. I already knew of such things due to my interest in the Wuxia genre when I was a child, where I spent a large amount of time studying Taoism. Even if both definitions of the Dao were similar, there were large differences as well, like in the Chinese Taoism the Dao/Tao is the path one takes to grasp everything into one big singularity, encompassing even life and death. Here, however, the Dao is every possible subject that can be pondered upon, thus making a person able to use the Dao in cultivation and expand their horizons in their fields of study. For example, the Dao of fire, if one becomes enlightened enough in fire techniques one will acquire better power and control over said flames. Back on earth, I had never fought nor was I a violent person. I always tried to be a nice person and throughout the years I thought that I had gained good karma. But it was all wrong, I was a spec of dust in the eight realms and the mentality here was very different from what I knew. So hence the necessities of a modern world man such as myself and the necessities of this world''s people clashed completely. I had first marveled at the magical powers that the people were able to display, but I soon acknowledged that having such powers would eventually make me use them on other people just to survive. Having pondered this much, I had a flash of inspiration more than a well-thought theory and mused to myself. ¡®If the Dao is every subject that can be quantified, then doesn''t that mean I can make a technology-related Dao? The firearts was a subject the previous Li was enlightened about, even if in a small amount, didn¡¯t it mean that I, with such deep knowledge of technology would be the apter to thread this path?¡¯ Testing my theory I closed my eyes and began pondering on what I had long ago learned in my childhood. Then after doing that, I began analyzing my inventions and how those affected the world and technology in general. And lastly, I contemplated the whole picture. My life as an inventor and pioneer on everything related to technology, how it changed my life and the lives of those around me. ¡®Everything I had done over the years on earth, my hard work, in the end, it was all for the future generations. When I started the company I wasn¡¯t married but deep down I knew would give away the whole of my empire to someone, someone I knew that would advance with my legacy towards the future.¡¯ Heartbrokenwhile remembering my daughter''s face I realize that my senses are slowly coming back to me after interrupting my concentration. Opening my eyes I saw that it was nightand hunger was permeating my stomach like a tinfoil sheet. ¡®How long have I been meditating,for the effects of the pill to have partially worn off?¡¯ Surprised by the changing weather I didn¡¯t notice the shining notification in my right eye corner. Quickly opening the notification, what I see warms my heart while I whisper almost inaudibly. "Thank you for the strength kiddo."
New Dao Path Unlocked
Techno DaoStolen novel; please report. Status changes:
Due to the newfound enlightenment in the Dao aspect of Technology, your potential has been unlocked. Effects: All technology-related artifacts/treasures are now able to be used. The more understanding of the Techno Dao the more control is gained on treasures/artifacts by theuser. Affinities unlocked: Techno element (70%) Status gains: +4 intelligence; +5 Wisdom
Happy about the new Dao path and all that it represented, an incredible thought flashed through my mind. ¡®Wait, so I can now use treasures and artifacts, and does a circuit based apparatus count as an artifact? But more important, doesn''t that mean I would be able to use treasures even before having a Foundation established? And if that is so, could I have a spirit sense even now if I pondered on the matter?¡¯ There were many unanswered questions, but If those thoughts were true, then I would have an unbelievable cheat where I could use things that wouldn''t be possible in my current Qi Realm. I would be just like a cheat character that unlocked powers before having the appropriate level. Feeling thankful towards the Dao body and its remarkable abilities, I could only think about reaching spirit sense even before it was logically possible. Still sitting on the floor, I tried to attune and at the same time understand what the spirit sense was through my previous Xianxia reading experiences. ¡®Spirit sense is a part of my soul that leaves my body to search my surroundings. So it should be something like looking inside of me and then trying to expand that feeling towards the outside.¡¯ ******************** In thesubsequent hours that followed my discovery, I could feel something inside of me, by trying to expand the feeling beyond my insides Iwas able to sense about 16 feet (5m) in all directions, but even if it was just a small amount, I was none the less ecstatic. Now aware that some time might have elapsed I carefully tried to sense my body for any stiffness due to immobility and found my limbs hard to move as if anchored to the very floor. After doing some light exercises to unstiffen my body I check my status in a hurried manner. ¡®Damn was I really out for long, well whatever let¡¯s just check the status.¡¯
Status
Name: Li Xiao Nu/Mathew brown
Race: Human
Age: 17 Level: 19
Strenght: 53 Stamina: 55
Dexterity: 56 Wisdom: 59
Intelligence: 60 Charisma: 20
Fame: -16 Luck: N/A
Qi Realm:Qi condensation of the 9th realm
Special Body type: Dao Body of the 5 Major truths Dao Understanding/s: Comprehension of the Fire Dao (0.05%); Comprehension of the Techno Dao (64%);
Martial Techniques: Bronze Fist (Max); Bronze Chop (Max); Bronze kicks (Max); Half-Step Mirror Movement (Intermediate).
Qi Circulation Techniques: Low Qi fireball fist (Beginner).
Element Affinities: Water element (10%); Earth element (10%); Wood element (10%); Steel element (10%); Fire (27%); Techno element (70%).
Traits
Gambler
Heavy Drinker
Titles
The one who died covered in foolishness
Dao¡¯s Chosen Champion.
Elated at my new attributes I realize that my Qi realm and level were still the same as before. Even so, I didn''t let it get me down and thought about a location for testing my new powers. Pondering for a few minutes I reached the most obvious and safe conclusion. ''As I thought, the outskirts of the forestare the best place and if I search long enough I can find a private spot to train.'' Having concluded the planning forthe training I head outside to the morning sun and Ileisurely stroll to the stairs where I unhurriedly start my descent. Halfway through I hear someone call me so I turn around and see a young boy in white robes. Noticing he was to far away for me to see his face clearly I put my guard up expecting him to be one of Yi Shiao Long''s goons or someone of similar backing. "...Brother...W-wait..." Looking in surprise I realize the identity of the running person, he was the kid that took care of Yao''s ''shack'' while he was away from the sect. Being one of the youngest outer disciples of the sect, the ten-year-old boy was winded by the time he came close to me, trembling muscles and sweat pouring down his forehead he said in a hurried manner. "B-Brother...H-he...hasn''t co-come back from his...trip." Raising an eyebrow I ask inquisitively. "Who hasn''t come back, Yao Chen?" Due to our obvious friendship, the boy knew that if something happened to Yao Chen he should come looking for the former Li. "He hasn''t come back from his trip to the a-azure mountain." "What, he went to the azure mountain?" "Y-yes Elder Brother Yao went there about a month ago whileyou were both fighting, I would have come sooner but he forbade me from contacting you, he was very adamant about it, but after knowing that the trip would only take two weeks at most I, of course, became preoccupied whenby the third week he hadn''t come back, so I hurriedly tried to contact you." "W-What!?" ''Doesn''t that mean I had been in meditation for almost a month?'' Kicking all surprised thoughts from my head I focused on what was infront of me. Knowing that the boy wouldn''t lie about such matters I took the situation to be real and dangerous. If Yao neededmy helpI would help him, not due to the former Li''s friendship with him but becauseI was indebted to him after I was injured. "Where is his exact location right now, what path he took and what was he searching for in the forest?" ''Damn didn''t Yao know that the Azure mountain was filled with protectors of both the Heavenly Fire Sect and the Yue Sect due to the Azure crystals?'' Chapter 16 - Repaying debt (1) Grabbing a hold of the kid''s shaky shoulders I try to calm him down by saying comforting words, we both know they were empty, but none the less they do the job of calming him and not just for him, but for me as well. As it turned out, after I was able to get more information, Yao had gone to the Azure mountain in some sort of secret quest for the sect and I felt the need to repay him for his deeds, so without further delay, I asked for general directions towards the place the kid thought Yao had gone and descended the Sect''s mountain entering the forest. Once again I was there, in the lush forest filled with perils. Treading lightly as to not draw unnecessary attention, I walked by the shaded threes while the humid and putrefactive smell of dying plants filled my nose. The more conscious I became of the forest, the more similarities I saw with the scarce Amazonian forests in Brasil. By the year 2043, the earth was almost devoid of naturally born plants and replaced by either gigantic industrial air purifiers or bionic manufactured plants, these both and other methods worked just fine but they would never be able to replace the splendor unfolding in front of my eyes. No much sun was seen beneath the tall trees and humidity ate away at my clothing, I became self-aware that this part of the forest was very different than the one I woke up in. Not only in the asphyxiating temperatures but also in the flora. ''While the other part of the forest to me felt like the woods this one feels more like a jungle. Shit, I really can''t take this noises, it sounds like a symphony from hell.'' For the most part, my stay in this new world had been spent in either a comatose state or in meditation. Tempering my personality or hardening my resolve would come from battle experience but until now I had none, except if one could count the ass-beating I received from the Yue Sect ladies. Still frustrated by the memory I continued to tread the jungle until my feet hurt. Knowing that tiring myself would only make the situation worse I activated the most useful skill I could use in this place. Muscles filling with Qi, power surging, welling inside of me like a tonic that made my whole body lighter and sharper, I took a step forward and the only way to describe this action was the word, ''Fast''. Faster and lighter than I had ever dreamed of being, soaring through the soft earth beneath my feet I advanced at impossible speeds through the forest while dodging vines, threes and other blocking objects. Marveling at this I try to remember the technique''s name and mentally take note to cultivate this one movement to perfection. ''Half-Step mirror movement, wasn''t that move the one I used to flee from the fairies? To change this much my speed and movements just by infusing purer Qi mixed with the Dao body, splendid!'' Running faster and faster while nothing hindering my advance, I transversed the forest in record times, at least for a Qi condensation realm practitioner. *************** Panting profusely after hours of endless running my body finally gave up and made me take a break. With my mind foggy and my body sore, I found a somewhat safe location to pass the night in. It wasn''t the sher*ton but it was semi-hidden and comfortable due to the dense vegetation surrounding me. Sitting cross-legged in the lotus position, I began to meditate and regain the lost Qi in my one day journey. Everything seemed fine until I felt my Dantian expand with excess Qi making me instinctively aware of what was happening. Suppressing my joyful demeanor I felt my crystal clear Qi accumulate into a bloated spherical mass. To my surprise, the sphere started rotating at high speeds and sucking everything in my Dantian''s Qi sea that the previous Li Xiao had formed when entering the Condensation stage. Turning without ever stopping, the sphere, or core as I remembered from one of the books I had read a long time ago back on Earth, was turning from crystal clear to various colors.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. In the mixture, I could clearly recognize the basic pallet of colors, but deep down if I looked closely I could also recognize beautiful kinds of purples and cherry red''s swirling to the core''s compass. There were other colors, an endless myriad forming a splendid sight that took my breath away. *************** (Narrative mode activate!) Time flowed without great concern, stars moved up above the sky alluring the Quian continent with their shine. The light touched every part of the continent, and in a forgotten sect near a big forest, stood a young man in a lotus position drinking tea with three others. "What do you mean he is not in his room!?" A young adult man yelled towards the three unassuming youths, attracting the attention inside the pagoda used as the sect''s bar and restaurant. Waving a frustrated hand in an apology, the man, who had delicate features that directly contrasting with his sword-like eyebrows said in a whispered tone. "I Yi Shao Long won''t let that Li escape my punishment, search his room to find clues to his location and if that bears no fruits then try that Yao Chen''s place, he said they were friends when I bought him back to the sect." One of the unassuming youths with a long face and crooked nose said in a hurry while eyes darting in fear. "Big brother Yi, that Yao Chen has been missing for a month after he went towards the forest alone, he left that young kid in charge. What''s his name...ah yes, Pan Ning! Anyhow big brother, he is easy prey and is only a child, so with a little bit of talking he should crack like a walnut." Taking his time while sipping his soothing tea Yi Shao Long said with a sneer. "Go get him, don''t come back unless you know Li''s location." Looking at each other the three youngsters swallowed hard. "What are you waiting for, go, now!" Doing what their master had told them to do the three hurriedly exited the pagoda and rushed towards the outer sect disciples living quarters. *************** (Back to normal) While concentrating on my core I feel an itch on my ears, but after reaching this far I stay still and continue to focus every part of my body into the breakthrough. Losing rotation inside my Dantian, the core that had sucked almost all the Qi I had, became clear to see. Standing alone in the middle of my Qi sea - now depleted - I understood that the transformation wasn''t over yet. After losing rotation completely and having consumed all my Qi sea, it began to rotate yet again, but this time clockwise. Even faster than before I felt my core trying to form something, alas not just one but six pillars were beginning to sprout inside my Dantian. Thin lines of Qi came out of the central multicolored sphere and formed small swirling tornados placed beneath the core. Each tornado displaying unique colors of their own design, watching them slowly solidify I realize the relationship the pillars have with my affinities. ''So that''s why they are blue colored, brown, green, silver, red and finally white. They all form my Dao pillars that are connected to my core but wait why did my cultivation leap so much from Qi condensation?'' Ignoring the answer for now as I could always try to find the solution in my status, I tried to speed up the process to the maximum of my abilities. *************** This time knowing that I should remain watchful in the back of my mind of the hours that I roughly spent cultivating, I notice that almost two days had passed since I began my core formation along with the pillars. Slowly opening my eyes, I immediately noticed the significant changes that had occurred to my body even before checking my status window. Looking at my unblemished hands once filled with wrinkles and later filled with youthful makings, they were all gone now, to the point that my skin displayed a porcelain-like color. ''So this is what it feels like to be a vampire, should I hide from the sun once it arises or will I sparkle like that one classical movie Twillig*t?'' Shaking my head from the distracting thoughts I feel the power surround me and with no shame, I throw a devastating Qi covered bronze fist towards a regular tree. What I see makes me gawk at the surroundings. Splinters fly everywhere as I cover my face to avoid any entering my eyes and I notice that not one but all the trees surrounding me in a 500m (546 yds) where all obliterated. I couldn''t help but wonder what would happen to a living creature if something this monstrous where to hit them. Not dilly-dallying any further I summon my status. "Status!" Chapter 17 - Repaying debt (2) Feeling both happy and anxious at my Qi realms rapid growth to the Dao Foundation, I noticed thatwhat I really felt that had changed was in actuality my body. After surpassing the bottleneck that had been bothering me for a while,I now had weapons that could be used against possible enemies.Even if I had never entered real life combat with anyone I still knew that a person that could grind all the trees around to splinters with just a low leveled technique, was far above the norm. So with all of that in mind I used my small divine sense to quickly search forthe most significant changes in my body and I come across an interesting fact,my Dantian no longer looked like the frail and clogged pathway from before, but instead, it seemed strong as a glacier river where Qi as pure as water ran effortlessly. ''So that is why I went from Qi Condensation to Dao Foundation so fast, I should have paid more attention to my Qi purity when I endedthe body transformation. From what I read, the Qi refining stage is when I take the Qi from my environment through my open gates or pores,slowly circulate it around my Dantian and wait until it completes a full cycle, thus ultimately refining the Qi. After the whole complex and tiring process was done, the Qi was then stored inthe Qi sea and from thereit would slowly congregate by small wisps after wisps until it formed into a circular shape that was generically called the Core. The whole process was painstakingly slow and grueling for normal cultivators, but thank godI ended up skipping one entire realm. Due to the braking and molding when I gained my new body, I unclogged my Dantian passages and cleared all impurities that my Qi sea had.The Dao Body of the 5 Major truths was really mysterious and boundless. How many affinities could one be enlightened in, were they all as easy as gaining the Techno element affinity or didsome become easier than others because of my own knowledge and understanding?'' Not having an answer to those questions yet, I closed my status window but not before noticing that my status points had all gone up somehow by +5, making now Intelligence my biggest attribute at 65. ************** I am awoken from my thoughtsto the natural sounds of the jungle, birds chirping and insects buzzing around me. While relaxed I try to yawn only to be cut short by an animalistic growl, the guttural sound not far but not close, as whatever was making the sound it was making it while slowly andsurreptitiously approaching my location. Quickly standing from mylotus position I leave my make-shift camp in a hurry while surrounded by thick vines and green shrubs that had hidden me well all through the night. Making a rushed exit was never a good idea if you didn''t know where your enemy was coming from. But having lived an entire life withoutthe necessity to escape gigantic monsters and scary people, this was in fact, a very promising plan to avoid conflict, at least in my mind. Trying to make as little noise as possible I activate my mirror movement and hope that it was the only thing necessary to avoid the predator creeping on me while I fled.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. I run as the minute''s pass and nothing happens, but the feeling of being chased never ceases to make itself present. As I make out my exit strategy, I realize that every bird had stopped singing while I was thinking, so I furiously circulated my Qi after the foreboding lack of noise and I tried to boost my speed to maximum levels and that I did. With wind cutting my face, eyes watering and ragged breathing I headed as fast as possible in a straight line while praying that whatever it was that stalked me, couldn''t catch up to my own speed. After constantly fleeing and making way towards the less shaded part of the jungle, I reached a dead end as I look in horror at the natural mossy stone wall in front of me that spans at least thirty meters high. Heart racing and cold sweat trickling down my spine, I turn around only to discover an indistinct form approaching from the shadowy jungle. Slowly it makes its body known to me, a gigantic mass of muscles and pelt that could put any man down to its knees and sobbing for their mothers. What my eyes saw in disbelief, was a panther, or at least something similar to one as this particular feline was the size of a tank but oddly enough didn''t make a sound until it opened it''s maw to show me its deathly teeth. Illuminated by the sun, what looked to be black fur was in actuality an array of colors that span from red to violet. Red eyes and shifting color pelt were scary enough to make my knees weak but what truly frightened me were its teeth, all big enough to be one of my fingers and sharp enough that made shark teeth look like butter knives. Slowly approaching me, its body went towards the ground to gain a bigger jumpmomentum to pounce on me, but I couldn''t help look at its paws. Big as my head its claws came out to announce the beginning of a death battle and my hands trembled with fear. And then, it happened. Fear, anxiety, tremors they all vanished without a trace only to be replaced by a tunneled vision before me. Fast as lightning, the beast descended towards me in an arched jumpthat I dodged just by a hair''s breadth. Crouching I let the panther-like animal go against the wall behind me and I watch as small pieces of rock crumble from the heavy impact. Quickly remembering my old habits of gaming while in the VR capsules, I detach myself from reality as if I was just my old avatar and quickly spin my right leg axis throwing a semy round-house kick to its shoulder. The full force of my bronze kick impacts and I notice that I did something that the rock was not able to, I most likely injured its muscle as the creature buckled down from my kick. Not wasting any time I approach the head and throw a bronze chop directed at the temple only to stopas its extended paw, bearing translucent claws was headed directly at my stomach. Feeling my robe being ripped but no major flesh wounds, we both retract while watching carefully for any openings that can be exploited. Because of the close call my nervous state is intensified as Irealize I had not used any elements in my attacks and that they would probably cause more damage than my bronze set of techniques if used. Cursing at my own stupidity after fearlessly trying to face the beast, I try to regain control of myself and leave the tunnel vision that was present during the first exchange. Luckily, my altered mind had been able to avoid and counter the beast but I realize how dangerous this was in actuality. In a game, a person respawned and continued their merry adventure, but here there was no respawn and certainly no second chances in this life and death scenario. Remembering the stark contrast between my online personality and my real personality I understand what I had done. I had done every move in my anonymous self that was not afraid of anything in the virtual world. ''Am Iso old that I can''t evendifferentiate what''s real and what''s not?'' Hands shaking again in mild fear, I resolutely form two fists and will my mana to form fireballs that cover all the way to my wrists. Red and yellow flames lick my arms and attire while I concentrate on the wild animal, preparing to launch my low fireball Qi fist that I had since coming to this world. It was a death battle, just me and the beast and unfortunately only one could remain alive in the end. Chapter 18 - Repaying debt (3) Looking at the animal in front of me, I notice a glimmer of intelligence in the feline''s eyes, albeit animalistic intelligence, it still was smart enough to cautiouslycircle around me due to my sudden combusting fists. Not wanting to lose an inch of terrain gained after the first exchange I slowly back away towards the rocky wall. Mossy smells wonder into my racing mind as I finally steel my feelings. Locking away fear, nervousness, worry, and all those feelings that would hinder me in my small yet important battle, I watch as the panther inches closer and closer with my every retreated step untilit''s right in front of me. Back against the wall, I wait for any movement from the Panthers side while the said beast is looking at me like I am some sort of steak. Blinking in surprise the unbelievable start''s to unfold before me. Very strong gusts of wind start to pick up and to my surprise, they don''t fade nor go on their merry way but congregate around the animal as if it had willed to be so. Showing its teeth to the gums and hair spiking I readied myself for what was to come. And one second later, all hell broke loose. The animal launched itself towards me at incredible speeds with its paws extended, while I, on the other hand, being somewhat prepared, ducked to the left side that was exposed and took full advantage of it. Striking my fist with all the fear and rage accumulated I tried to deliver a catastrophic end to the ribs of the beast. To my surprise, however, the animal twisted its body like a common household cat and only suffered minor burnings on its pelt. Looking in wonder at how it compressed itself to make its sides harder to strike I backed away quickly as it paws bounced off the wall and returned to the dirt-filled floor. Frowning I observed the lean movements as my face stung. ¡®Wait, why does my cheek sting so much?¡¯ Lifting my hand towards my right cheek what greeted me was a warm liquid, quickly glancing I saw that the liquid was in fact blood. ¡®Did it cut me while mid-air with its claws? Shit, now I have to be even more careful of those things if they can cut me even without touching me¡¯ Growling,it looked at me promising death and I repressed a fearful shiver. The whole situation to me seemed surreal, there I was in the middle of the forest trying to save someone as if I was a knight in shining armor only to be about to be eaten by a gigantic panther. ''I shouldn''t have come, what possessed me to think that I could save Yao? This whole situation is a mess and I should have known better, I''m not some kid, for God''s sake¡­I¡¯m an old man and I should be wiser, not a hotheaded and reckless teenager.'' Clenching my fists while the second long introspection lasted, I rekindled my hands while the Qi inside me swiveled in disarray due to my poor mental state. ''Ahhhh...To hell with it, if I die it will be ok too, I might not have had the best of life''s in terms of personal relationships but I still lived a fulfilling life.''This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ************* (Change of P.o.V: third person) Without thinking too much about it, Li closed in on the panther and with a twisted grin he launched himself while Qi boosted his speeds. The animal not expecting such an irrational action tried to dodge but Li was faster, much faster than before. As a Qi Core daemon beast, this human was easy prey as he was simply a newborn Core realm cultivator, but as he approached now, the beast felta long-forgotten fear of his youth. Seeing the beast holding still in place, Li let an internal sigh as he was glad, an animal that could be as fast as his opponent, was difficult to deal with as it required experience and a good eye to hand coordination, something he didn¡¯t have, at least for now. Forming a palm with his hand he extended it towards the animals runny snout to which the animal was glad, it avoided the necessity to have a drown out battle. Opening its maws to bite with all it had and at the same time sending Qi towards its paw to form a the wind-cuttingtechnique the panther bit at Li, but what it didn¡¯t realize was that this was Li¡¯s plan all along. Seeing that it took the bait, Li pivoted in a 360o maneuver, brought his right hand towards his left side of the neck and as he approached the side of the beasts temple he delivered a spinning and devastating flaming backhanded punch. He could only give credit to the many times he had watched people fight Muay Thai and MMA on the TV as a kid, and later on. The panther almost losing its senses couldn''t believe how fast it all had been, never in it¡¯s almost two hundred years of living had he suffered such a powerful blow nor had he fought a human like this. The human had shaken in fear and desperation, that is why he had given chase, not because he wanted to eat the newborn core that did him almost no good, but because he could smell the fear oozing out of him. Everything was going his way, the hunt, the no exit scenario and the growling to make him even more fearful. But then he started to have mood swings, it didn¡¯t understand why the human went from fearful to half madness and then again to fearful only to change to resolute. Scared the panther bit on Li¡¯s unused left arm before it could collapse, Li¡¯s response was immediate as he let out a pained cry while blood trickled down his side. The animal once again bit down with even more force just to stay awake after Li¡¯s blow and Li redied a simple bronze strike. Sensing more than seeing, the panther clawed at the humans Qi filled fist with his own razor wind attack. As they approached Li could only think of what outcome would come of it, only now realizing that the beast was able to use Qi techniques he prayed his right arm to be still in place after the exchange. *BOOOM* A thunderous sound was heard as they both collided with their own attacks. The beast went limply flying towards the shrubbery while Li went against a tall tree thatbent in a half crooked way due to the impact, both having lost their senses and presumably comatose. (End of P.o.V: Back to Li¡¯s pov) ************* As I woke in what seemed to be a never-ending pain, I looked towards the sky and to my surprise, it was already dark. Finding myself hurt in the forest and at night at that, made me worry, but what worried me the most was the panther. That imbecile of a beast had been willing to sacrifice itself just to take me down with it to the grave, but the truth that I tried to keep hidden was that I had enjoyed the battle, the rush andultimatelythe final stand that was fought in mereseconds. ¡®To me back on earth, every type ofphysicalviolence was good to watch, like MMA or Kickboxing. Why some peoplewereso keen to violence and madethemselvesavailable to be beaten, I didn''t understand. But now I understood.It was a total high! The rush of feeling alive while beating each other senselesswas amazing. ...The last exchange made my heart beat so fast.¡¯ With a sight due to the pain, I slowly and carefully lift my body from the ground and checked for any injuries. Looking at my hand that had collided with that fucking beasts paw I grimaced. Fingers twisted and broken, skin ripped and coagulated blood, painted a picture of a crippled hand that could never again be used. Panicking I tried to turn towards my left arm only to realize it had holes, big and deep holes that throbbed with pain, like a reminder ofmy own stupidity at the lack of protection in the last exchange. Slowly swaying towards where I had last seen the panther,I draggedmyself more than walkedas I reached the shrubs that it had hit, and whatI saw leftme with mixed feelings. Chapter 19 - Repaying debt (4) Looking at the torn body of the once beautiful panther I can¡¯t help but grimace at the gore displayed in front of me. Bones and limbs twisted in unhealthy ways as I scan for any signs that tell me if this creature will live or die. ¡°I thi-¡° Unable to help myself anymore, I regurgitate like a kid as I drop to my kneeswhile puking after spotting the thorn paw of the animal. I had never seen mingled body parts back on earth, sure broken bones or tore muscles like any person but never severe injuries like the ones the panther had. Diverting my eyes from the horrible spectacle, I try to only focus on the beasts slow gasps and chokes on what I presume to be blood. Lifting slowly lifting my torso with watery eyes, a myriad of feelings go through me as I try not to wince at my own pain. ¡°Even if I wanted to help yo-.¡± With shallow breaths that create small clouds of moisture, the panther focuses its hazy eyes on me. ''Help.'' "What the fuck!?" Confused and flabbergasted I look at the dying panther laying on the hard ground. ''No it can''t be, this is not happening. Daemon beasts in this world talk via telepathy or am I just going crazy?'' With a surprised face that says all about my disbelief, I speak to the animal. "I can''t help you, I don''t even know how to treat myself, so how could I treat you?" I shake my head still in disbelief at the absurdity of talking to an animal while saying. "You''re worse off than I am unless you have a miracle medicine I can''t help you." With a low growl of frustration the panther''s eyes harden as it says. ''I have plants, they be white and glow.'' While the effortis clearly exuded through the panther as it tried to make its thoughts clear, I winced at its pain while nailing my eyes to the ground unable to feel anything else than remorse. ''Heal me and then you. Deal?'' With a doubtful face, I tried to make sense of what I just heard. ''Could it be true, should I just trust it and go for it?'' ''Help now.'' "Argh...Ok, ok...Where are they, these miracle plants that you speak of?" As if thinking the same thing I had just a moment before, the beast face is filled with doubt and uncertainty. I patiently wait for the reply not wanting to waste something that from its reaction was very helpful and valuable. ''South-west, one-hour human run. Only if fast.'' I try to get up from myuncomfortable position whilegritting my teeth and enduring hellish pains in both my arms but ultimately favoring my left arm to help me as it had fewer injuries. Having hoisted myself upright I walk towards the forest while slowly re-enter it with a somber look in my eyes. Just as I was about to cross the trees and lose sight of the panther I shoot it a last meaningful glance hoping to distinguish any abnormalities in its behavior, but after straining my eyesight in the dark night and not finding anything I continue to walk. Before being injured, I was fairly confident in my own abilities to deal with whatever animals I would encounter in the forest, but after having run into the panther I wasn¡¯t so sure anymore. Above all the things I disliked about this new world, cruising through the wilderness in the middle of the night was at the top of the list and right behind were talking monsters. ''Are all of them able to speak with humans? I need to find more information about the wildlife and other subjects, unfortunately, the sect didn''t exactly provide the best information on their behavior.'' While slowly pacing myself with a busted hand and a torn arm I continue to walk with my senses on high alert, towards aforementioned south-west direction while struggling with the pitch darkness and uneven soil. ''Even if I don¡¯t have a book on wildlife I am glad I studied the book on geography, it''s making this much easier than just aimlessly going about in the forest.''Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ************* (Change of P.o.V: third person) Everybeing that the panther had ever encountered inside the forest hid from his majestic aura, even the bigger daemon beasts were afraid of its sharp claws and fast body. It only had encountered someone stronger here once and that was the most dangerous life form in the forest, an azure minor dragon. Although relatively small, they were dangerous because of their mist illusions and water techniques. Being the fastest in the dragon forest made him barely able to escape the azure¡¯s claws. But the human, he was different, almost as fast as him. It had taken everything left in its strength to look at the youngling and was instantly offended by its eyes. Eyes that showed pity, pity for an enemy and that infuriated the beast to no end. To be so soft-hearted towards an opponent... Raging inside the panther only wanted to rip apart the kid in two, to tear him to pieces. After the kid puked all over the floor a look of distress clear in his face the panther formulated a quick plan with high risks but higher rewards. If he couldn''t move, it would make the kid for him by manipulating his feelings, and if that didn''t work, he would use enticement. Concentrating in his rapidly fading Qi the panther used it to send a telepathic message to Li and by its surprised face, he made the panther confirmed that it had received it. After a brief exchange between the two about the medicinal plants he had managed to collect throughout his life, his plan bore fruit as the kid went on about to collect the much-needed medicine. As his back faded away into the dragon forest, the mind of the beast suddenly entered into a fear-induced turmoil as he thought about the possibility that the kid would simply leave to never again come back. The probability that he would return with the medicine was very low, but he still wanted to hope that the kid was somewhat honest. *********** Hours passed as the beast agonized from both the pain and worry over deal with the child, not wanting to think about betrayal. Although having somewhat developed sentience and thought process, the creature was still an animal at heart and could not entirely trust the human with the plants, even thinking of far-fetched scenarios where the kid came back with more people and tortured him. It waited in agony while circulating Qi throughits body just to stay awake but failing most of the times, losing consciousness in the process. Dark thoughts prevailed as the hours kept passing in flurried dazes. Finally, the animal heard noises coming from the conglomerate of trees that the human boy had left though and a shadow came into view. As it made itself known, the kid, wearing the same tattered clothes, appeared to be better than he had been before he had left.After it came within a few feet, the panther could now distinguish the kids left arm, and to its surprise, it had no blemishes from the biting marks while his once gruesome and twisted hand was only swoll as if he had punched a steel plate. The animal was both angry and happy at sight of the human boy. Angry that theboy had taken so long to get the plants while even using them without its permission, and ultimately happy that hehadn''t forgotten their deal. (End of P.o.V: Back to Li¡¯s pov) ************* Sighing I approach the wounded animal with caution because of its expression while half expecting it to jump at me in a maddened craze and half expecting it to lick my hand in gratitude. ''Truly a wild animal, no matter how much intelligence it shows it still oozing a dangerous aura .'' Not wanting to approach the creature more than necessary I deposit the white glowing herbs I had found in its home by its side. While I watch the animal try to eat the fragrant herbs, I think about the time I''ve wasted that I could have used to save Yao and how these setbacks had horrible timing. Between the slow pace in the jungle like forest, the breakthrough, fighting and consequently helping my enemy, it had all come at high costs, burning precious time that would be best usedin saving Yao Chen. ''If only this was back on earth, it was as simple as grabbing a heli-jet and flying off to pick someone up or search for missing people.'' As I had these thoughts about the amazing commodities of my former planet, I watched mesmerized as the animal''s body started to twist and mingle back into place just like my body had when I found the seemingly magical plants. Although reaching the lair of the panther had been somewhat difficult because of its hidden location, the items themselves had been easy to locate inside the dark and humid cave. Footing turning out to be the only problem as I was injured and moss covered the cave''s floor made me ''dance'' in a weird way as I reached the back wall where I saw a nest of sorts made out of feathers. Right beneath the feathers, there were glowing herbs that gave a minimal glow to the cave. I had picked them up and inspected them with a curious look trying to find where the actual light came from. Awkwardly looking at the white petals I reached the conclusion that they had some sort ofbioluminescence to them and without hesitating, I ate two of the herbs raw and waited. The healing process took longer than expected as only after waiting for three hours I was almost one hundred percent healed. I could only marvel at this world''s magic as I backtracked my way towards the panther, only reaching him at dawn. Heavy tremors made me concentrate on the animal again as it tried to get up despite its paw''s swelling. Nervousness built up inside me as I slowly walked backways and away from the gigantic beast. "I''m leaving, y-you do your thing...and be good man..." ''don''t run, me no hurt you.'' Turning my body in the azure mountain''s direction, I leave any face I had behind as I quickly rush out of the dead-end, still feeling pain but nothing that could stop me from leaving the beast at high speeds. I had doubts about the sincerity of the animals words so I went ahead and excused myself from the volatile situation while worrying about Yao Chen. 19.5 - Basheeras point of view. Watching the kid leave, the panther now healed almost entirely from the injuries, censored itself for the pleading attitude it had while on the verge of death. Never had it been more humiliated and he would make sure to repay in kind. Slowly getting up, cracking and popping noises could be heard as it moved its massive frame, it made note of every small muscle sore, ache and pain, just to later he himself, inflict those on theaccursed youngster. Limping more than walking the beast smelled the air in search of the boy''s scent, rarely having its nose fail at the challenge to search for prey and when it did he would eventually find the elusive prey by sheer willpower and perseverance. He had wanted to speak to the boy, tell him to stay just to have a second match and eventually kill him but he knew that today was not going to be the day the human died, so he followed the human throughout the dense forest, always hiding and making sure it wasn''t seen. During the night the task was easy but when the sun shined it had to maintain a safe distance from him as to not draw unwanted attention. Just like this, a couple of days passed as the panther slowly but meticulously stalked its prey, waiting for a fated chance to attack, one second of distraction was all it needed. Just like it had hoped, the moment did come in the form of a sunny and humid day deeper in the dragon forest than he cared to be, because of the Azure mountain a few kilometers away. Just as he watched the boy stretchwhile looking at his now healed hands, it heard the noise before the human. ''Footsteps!'' The Pantherthought while looking towards the dense trees. It knew that from the sound, the footsteps would be human. Cursing for its bad luck to encounter even more dangerous humans that could gang up on him, the panther retreated to a more safer area where he blended perfectly with the surrounding, and he waited. It didn''t take long for the human to realize he wasn''t alone after they surrounded his make-shift camp on a rocky ground and badly masked. Out from the threes came four youngsters like the accursedone but with a much weaker cultivation. The panther sneered at their intimidation attempts and the weak bloodlust emitted by theone that looked like the leader. Had he not seen the four foundation establishment and Qi refiners making a move against a Core cultivator, the panther wouldn''t have believed it. ******************** They gestured and yelled while they cut off any exit for the accursed one - not that he needed one - as they still hadn''t noticed their difference in cultivation realm due to Li repressing his actual level. Tryingto pay more attention to the conversation in search of any useful information that he could exploit, he used the Qi sense-enhancingtechnique it had discovered when he was barely a cub to eavesdrop on the humans. "Li, damn you and your ancestors for not giving meany face even after I saved you, is this how you repay debts?" After the childishtantrum that was done by the leader of the group, the accursed one''s face distorted in an abnormal way and as if by magic his expression changed to that of an old man looking at innocent children. Everyone was taken aback by the mature demeanor exuding from the young looking man as he lifted his arm while a finger pointed to the heavens and said. "Yi Shao Long, I do not owe you a thing after you tried to extort me on the pavilion, so donot bother me as I do not have time for this childish play, go back to the sect and l will not pursue any form of bodily harm." "D-don''t screw with me, I am an inner disciple, a genius among trash like you and your friends. You do not get to lecture me on what I should or shouldn''t do!" First taken by surprise the face of the kid named Yi rapidly distorted into a sneer. "You are seeking death!" "How dare you speak to Elder brother Yi in that manner." "Elder, we should teach this kid a lesson!" A human child with the face of the horse incited even more wrath, threatening to make things physical. "Yes, yes we should!" At the three companions indignant words, Yi agreed that they should all beat ''Li'' the accursed one to a pulp. ''Ignorants, do they not understand? Li stronger!'' Flabbergasted by the lack of respect towards its mortal nemesis, the panther bubbling with rage couldn''t hold any longer and made itself known to everyone. He truly did not know why he had felt so insulted when the kids had slander Li, but he had felt its blood boil from it. ''Maybe me mad because them insult me when insult person acknowledge as rival?''The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Outrage gushed out from the feral animal as the kids simply stood still while the accursed one grimaced at his appearance. "A-an oblivion leopard!" "SHIT!" "Curse my luck!" Everyone except Li had a look of fright at seeing a Core realm daemon beast appear out of nowhere. It had to be said that Core realm beasts were rare, and Oblivion leopards even rarer as they were considered elusive hunters with high intellect. "You''re here? I thought we were going to leave for our separate ways and avoid each other from now on." With a frow, Li admonished the beast, but the beast did not care for that as it gaze was focused on the four youngsters. Seeing that they were shaking with fear and worry the panther harrumphed in delight and said to Li by its telepathic technique. ''They disrespect, I teach manners!'' "W-what? Look, I don''t know why you''re here or why you''re defending my honor, but I''m not a damsel in distress and you of all people should know it." With a low growl showing its canines the Oblivion Leopard indignantly said. ''You soft, by now them should have been dead. I am here because you can not die before we have rematch.'' The leopard not having lived with any humans, still could not talk in a proper manner but for the sheer bloodlust emanating from it, Li had a pretty good idea of the beasts intention. ''Now, I kill.'' Turning as fast as lightning, the leopard who was placed in between the two groups, pounced towards Yi Shao Long and his friends. Not wasting any time either Li also went forwards. "No!" Li shouted while releasing all of his aura creating small ripples in the air and shocking Yi''s group even further. To Yi the whole situation seemed unreal, how could trash like Li Xiao Nu who no one ever paid attention to could release a core establishment aura as if walking down the park. Didn''t that mean he was at least above the middle stage of the core formation? And even worse, didn''t he, Yi Shao Long sought death willingly by messing with a hidden expert? Even if that was all, he could probably grovel in the ground and ask for Li''s compassion. After all, he didn''t intend to kill Li but beat him until he understood his place, but now, there was a matured Oblivion Leopard headed its way with frightening speeds to kill him buton top of it both Li and the beast knew each other? *BOOOOOOOM* To his surprise and confusion, Yi didn''t see what had happenedbut on the other hand, the beast knew, he indeed knew very well the fear it had felt when Li had used those hard fists, no longer being mildly soft as in the previous battle, but true steeled fists. As the panther neared by seconds Li had suddenly appeared at his side and had thrown both fists with so much speed and power behind that the leopard had been sent flying towards a couple of trees, destroying them on the process. Dazed the panther had stood on its four legs to glare at Li while searching for injuries when it downed on the beast that no injuries were done. Confused by this, the animal once again checked itself for any cracked bone or torn muscle and once again came empty-handed. ''How?'' Li, who had up until now the face of a man who was fed up with the childish attitude of its grandsons finally eased his expression after seeing the panther''s confused face that tilted like a householdcat that had been tricked. "I used momentum you uselessly big cat. Instead of punching, I pushed you out of the way creating enough inertia that lifted you off your feet, but not enough momentum to seriously injure you upon impact." Chuckling at the previous thought, Li wondered if the ''big cat'' would also chase toys if he had any to make the test. Shaking his head, the once old man with a childish demeanor approached Yi''s group after delivering an explanation to the stunned animal and said while keeping an eye on any sudden movements from the panther. "You four should return to the sect and never speak of this to anyone, else this big cat will eat you guys whole for breakfast." "Y-yes Elder brother Li, I am sorry to have caused you any trouble so please spare us." Quickly nodding their heads and agreeing, Li couldn''t help but notice their pale demeanors and stained pants while they hastilygot up to leave. ******************** Having the children left, the two powerful core cultivators looked at each other while neither broke the silence in an awkward atmosphere. The silence ran deeply between the two as they didn''t fully trust the other in any way until finally, Li broke the standstill with a sarcastic remark. "If we''re to be here all day while looking at each other, couldn''t you just come with me? I''m in a bit of a hurry." ''You, very calm, I not like you, I want revenge for humiliation!'' Intrigued more than frightened Li couldn''t help but ask. "Can''t you just wait after I find my friend? We could just have our murder session then." With a mix of feelings, the animal faltered in its resolve. Having fought the human and even stalked it afterward the panther could no longer distinguish its hatred, having this become diluted along the way. Oblivion Leopards were a race that took pride very seriously, but what made them the number two predator in the dragon forest was not their thirst for blood but their survival instincts. Knowing when to back away and when to strike was the most prominent trait in their race, having that earned them the moniker ''Silent shadows''. On the other hand and oblivious to all these facts, Li made the proposition only to dissuade the beast from going for another bothersome round of who dies first. "So, what do you say? Call it a pause, and we sort our business later?" With what Li supposed to be a charming smile he once again questioned the animal. ''Ok, but I have rule. One, you do not go near human, second, you do business and we fight and third if you die after fight I eat friend of you.'' With a grimace on his face, Li agreed to the rules laid out by the panther while both still eyed suspiciously each other. "Say, I can''t keep referring to you with pronouns so I might as well name you." With a sneer on his face, Li saw the panther contort in disgust at the proposition. ''Me, not pet, me beast of the wild. I make people shake terror.'' "Whatever you say...Basheera." Smile widening at the name he thought up from one of the stories his mother had long ago told him, he saw how the panther made a move to claw at him. And thus began their journey to rescue Yao and eventually form an unbreakable bond. Bad news, but mostly good news (Not a chapter sorry). A big hello to my followers, I know I haven''t posted for a few days, and I know that the majority of you will probably not care about my circumstances but I feel like there are people reading my story that actually want to know what''s going on (not about me) about the delay. Truth is, I''ve been sick for about two weeks as I had mentioned in previous chapters and last weekend I had a really bad relapse. When I posted the last chapter on the 16, I did it in the hospital taking anti-infection and inflammatory IV''s. The thing is I''ve never been this sick. The type that I can''t get out of bed, but I reckon that after this weekend I will be better.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Don''t worry it''s not mortal (I hope, lol?)but between hospital appointments, medicine that makes me sleepy and other activities, I haven''t been able to write a full chapter and that''s the bad news. Now, the good news is that I have almost a complete chapter. I had one completed but I, unfortunately, didn''t save it and in my stupidity, I closed the damn word application losing a lot of it. The other good news is that the chapter will be long, at least two times longer than a normally long chapter that I post. The story will move into a more ''techno'' aspect after this next chapter making him what he was originally, a technology freak and not a muscle head. Thank you for your understanding, RC Chapter 20 - Repaying debt (5) Crouching on the tip of a ravine while hidden in some bushes, I sigh as Itake in the view of the giganticmountain in front of me.While I view the expansive green landscape before me, Basheera is watching for any guards. He had warned me about the security in the mountain and it seems to be true. Having watched thepeople down below for at least three hours, I noticed that the numberof guards is far inferior to the number of workers, but there are at least twenty guards and all have the aura of true experts. Ever since I started to travel with Basheera a couple of days ago, I learned a bit more in-depth about the mountain and how it all works thanks to the panther''s information. The basic of itis that the mountain is one of the rare places in the Qian empire where Azure crystals can be mined, these crystals are madefrom the concentrated Qi existing in the atmosphere that is used to feed the Azure dragon eggs. These Azure dragons are not true dragons but something like the fantasy wyverns from earth, and they gained their name because of their blue eyes and blue pair of wings while the rest ofits body is colored jade. What interested me the most was, of course,the Crystals mined here. One egg can produce up to two hundred crystals and one crystal can go for 5 gold coins which for the previous Li was a lot of money. Everyone covets these azure crystals because it can be used to expand the Qi pool and help the cultivation in leaps and bounds, especially for the Qi refining stage. Of course, all of this information was not free as I had topleadwith Basheera for it. ''Stubbornanimal and its pride, making me grovel for any information about the guards and workers.'' Shaking my head before I resent the things Basheera had me do for the information - like climbing a steep rock wall to get a special healing plant - I once again focus on finding an opening to search for Yao Chen. The only time the guards ease their watch is when dinner is served, or so the panther says so we wait for the sun to set and I start to meditate on the Daos to increase myunderstandings. AlthoughI had meditated for the last couple of days, no results had shown on my status, as no percentage of comprehension on the elemental Daos seemed to increase. I had used various methods to increase comprehension in the Daoof water, earth, wood, and steel but they all had failed and as such, I went from the excitementof grinding away at my status, to frustration over the whole ordeal. Having enough of it, I had tried to talk to Basheera about how one could increase the understanding of the Dao but all he gave me was a vague answer about enlightenmentand how it was a fickle mistress. ***************** As always, nothing happens while I meditate except for timegoing faster and as so, I start to make preparations to invade the camp. ''Well, an invasion is a strong word as I am going to actually stealthily approachthem, or try anyway.'' Looking at the sleeping panther next to me I slowly get up and say. "Its time, are you sure they let their guard down after dinner?" ''I live in forest for long time, I know because I have hunted here in past.'' "Well, ill just have to trust you then, right?" With a sarcastic remark, I signal for the start of our little incursion. "Let''s go then!" I follow Basheera out of our hiding spot and head towards the encampment. We try to make the less noise possible as even at night the guards are still alert to any movement. I watch from afar as two guards talk loudlywhile laughing about the goodprofit they had in the mines this month, while they survey their surroundings with an attentive gaze. Even if we tried to avoid the medieval-looking barracks that make up the camp were the miners and guards sleep, we couldn''t due to the positioning. The main barracks for the guards were positioned next to what the panther had called the ''vault'' and the complex was located around two hundred meters of the mine entrance, the vault was where they stored all the stones collected throughout the month, this was also heavily guarded by experts and formations that were at least at the Foundation establishment, only that at this time of the day, there were only two guards on standby. ***************** Looking at the guards and people strolling towards the barracks to call it a day, we paused in the cover of a few bushes at the limits between the mines and barracks and whisper. "We''re here, but be careful there''s still candlelight everywhere and don''t forget that people at the foundation establishment have better eyesight than normal people." Barely seeing the panther nod at my side, I marvel at Basheera''s camouflage ability as we continue to stealthily but slowly approach the mines that are about one hundred meters in front of us. But as we neared our objective,right at our backs a commotion broke out. Struggling to continue and not look back at the agitated voices I push through to the entrance of the mine where all the workers had left to either eat or sleep. ''Funny humans, always fight over petty things...'' Stopping in my tracks, I allow myself to curiously turn my head to look at the pantherthat had fallen behind delighted at the confrontation. I looked towards the dimly lited sturdy building that doubled as a vault where three people had congregated. Two of them were having a heated exchange about the third person, who was laying on the floor unmoving and on a pool of his own blood. Strengtheningmy ears with Qi to hear the conversation, the first sound that greeted me was the rough and raspy voice of a man. "Shut up, Nie Ling...He asked for this the moment he entered the mining grounds!"If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The man''s voice faded into nothing after the explosive outburst while a new cool and refreshing voice said. "Han Shi, you are a hired guard, not one of the Warrant Judges that can beat people up." Both seemed to be like fire and water, arguing about an individual who had wandered around the mines and had got caught. "He came here to steal not from our sects but from the Empire, what do you think the Warrant Judge will do with him after he knows this fact? He will surely punish him into forced work here in these very mines, so a little punishment is obviously to be ensued." Having said this the man pointed towards the third person who was tall but also somewhat plump, with dark short hair and a white ro- ''Yao Chen!'' My spirit that had been calm until that moment suddenly turned into a raging storm at the sight of a mangled and bloodied Yao Chen. Mindlessly walking towards the entrance of the brown vault that exuded a blue hue, I prepare to attack the two guards, but before I even reach the one-hundred-meter mark, I was stopped by Basheera with a wind technique that made me lose my footing. Looking begrudgingly at my only ally in the whole azure mountain I said. "What are you doing? I have to save him, look at the blood on the ground, it might be fatal." ''You wait, they leave and we take the friend, ok?'' Shock cruises through my body as I process the first kind words I hear the animal say to me from the beginning of our journey. Basheera had been an all-around asshole the whole time we spent together and he had shown no kindness to me nor to any other living being. "I-I, why? I mean yes, right, we should wait and make a plan." ''Good, calmer is good.'' Inhaling and exhaling I calm my nerves and once again look at the young man laying on the floor at the two cultivators feet. ''I wonder why I''m doing all of this for him, he was Li''s friend, not my friend. Sure I have a debt to repay but that''s not all, right? I''m sure Nick would have some kind of fancy name for my mental state and he would go running to my daughter with whatever peaceful and soothing environment was the best for me in that particular week.'' A heavy feeling presses against my chest and I try to forget it, forget the reality of my life, the reality of never seeing the ones I love again and lastly the reality were I am nothing but a child with too much strength in a world where people kill for sport. Clenching both my teeth and fists, I slowly steel my resolve to save Yao no matter what it takes. I know that my behavior is classic projection, where I deny my own situation and place all my concerns and worries on to another more ''irrelevant'' subject, but even so, I can''t stop. ''We wait, search inside and retrieve friend...simple no?'' Looking at the smug smile that the panther was comically trying to mimic I place a hand over my mouth while trying to hold down a childish giggle but miserably fail. I quickly lift my head in horror and look for the two cultivators at the vault, only to notice both of them gone. Almost as if a six sense like sp*der-m*n to warn me, I sense someone approaching me from behind with repressed killing intent. Turning around as fast as I can, I watch as two breath-taking turquoise eyes look at me in the dark in what I assume to be hatred and rage. Quickly dodging the downward vertical slash of a silvery object, I jump backward while being alert for an attack from the other person who I had assumed to be the male guard. Having dodged the strike, the woman''s brow furrow as she looks at me with a piercing yet confusedgaze while twirling her sword into a defensive stance. Feeling for her aura with my spirit sense I notice that the girl is only at the late stage of the Foundation realm, which rules her out as a real threat to me. Looking out from the corners of my eyes I search for Basheera and before my eyes can see it, the sound of battle reaches my ears as I confirm that the man went to confront the panther. "Give up! We don''t want to fight anyone, I just want my friend." With a finger pointed at Yao and my eyes focused on the mesmerizing turquoise eyes, I slowly say to her. "You want the thief? impossible, once a person is caught stealing from us we make a report with the name, description and the crimes committed. That, in turn, goes to the nearest warrant city and they send a warrant judge to deal with the burglar!" The womaninforms me in blind rage as shestates the consequences of Yao Chen''s acts. "I don''t care, all I want is my friend back and you, a Foundation establishment like yourself won''t be able to stop me, to be honest." "Ridiculous what can a mere child like you do against so many of us in the barracks?" "Well..." Roughly calculating my power I start to circulate my Qi and prepare to use my mirror step technique while the girl with beautiful eyes looks in surprise at the change in atmosphere. With a sudden movement my body blurs and to her surprise, I appear behind her. Trying to control my strength like I had been practicing for the last two days in the forest I use a bronze kick that hits her on the side and sends her flying like a ragdoll through the floor. Panicking at the thought that I might have killed someone for the first time, I approach the unconscious girl using my spirit sense to check for any mortal wounds, but to my relief, she only had a broken arm and a couple of bruises. Turning to look at the other battle, I see Basheera fight a tall and muscular man with fiery red hair. The man was desperately trying to hit the panther with a mace-like weapon but unfortunately, every time it was about to hit, the panther dodged gracefully as if mocking the man, he even taunted with openings to his sides and head. "Stop playing, you dumb panther, there might be other people around." With a low growl of dissatisfaction from the panther, I watch as its speed increases tremendously catching the man off-guard and ending the battle swiftly with a full-on charge tohis chest. The man, barely able to breathe and unconscious too was about to be finished off by Basheera with a swipe of his claw when I intervened. "Don''t kill him! If attacking this man is bad enough that the empire would have me work as a slave, then killing him would be even worse, I fear we would both die." Looking at me as if I had forbidden him from eating the most majestic piece of meat he''d ever encounter, Basheera slowly lowered his massive paw and walked back towards me. ''We had agreement, no humans...you broke promise.'' Ignoring the childish remark I look at both of the unconscious guards that seemed like rich youngnobles and my thought were confirmed by searching their objects. Reaching down I take the beautifully crafter blue ring of the man and store it in my more than filthy robes. Turning my attention to the girl I notice that she only had a small pouch on her waist that I also took. Not willing to spend much more time around thebarracks I turn towards Yao Chen''s unconscious body while hurriedly walking towards it. Reaching Yao while checking for anybody in sight I say to the panther. "Look you should have known that running into people could be a possibility, we''re already wanted criminals for doing this, but if you kill someone they would probably come after us with even more intent to harm us. I mean, they would make me a slave but you, they would probably kill you in a hear-" Unable to finish my sentence I unexpectedly feel a heavystrike in the back of my head, staggering while I try not to fall to the ground, I immediatelylook back at the only one near me. What greets me is the behind of a big cat who is looking back at me in a mocking manner. In a faked rage, we throw insults at each other as we examine the vault-like structure in front of us. Big and sturdy, it raises ten meters into the air while the hue of the formations shines dimly on the candlelight. After a few minutes examining the vault and reaching the conclusion that breaking into it and steal its contents would bring more problems than knocking out two guards, I say to Basheera. "Help me carry Yao, you should put him on your back as it will be more easy to take him with us." After arguing with Basheera about his prideful self and his sacred back, we reach a compromise by allowing him to travel in his back as long as he was unconscious and so we attempted our escape. Chapter 21 - Escaping the Azure Mountain As we ran I kept glancing at my side to control Basheera and avoid that he ran away from me with Yao on his back. The animosity between us had been appeased to some extent, but I still felt that the panther had a chip on its shoulder that didn''t seem to go away for however we laughed or joked with each other. After we had run for a while along the hilled forest on to the other side of the mountain we had descended from, we started to hear a big commotion coming from the mines. Basheera and I traded a knowing glance in the darkness and hurried our feet to leave the area, meanwhile, I kept forming grim scenarios in my mind where I played Yao going to the Azure mountain, getting caught and being mistreated by the guards and every one of them being worse than the last. I didn''t know why, but I felt I was slowly morphing, changing, but it wasn''t physical but psychological. I hadn''t thought about it until now, but I was not the same person as the ''me'' that came here to this new world and I was starting to realize that in the small things. My desperate attempt to save Yao, my open mentality at having a gigantic panther as a companion and most of all my ever-changing feelings about this world. I was turning into my host or my implemented memories about Li were turning me into him, slowly but surely I was losing my individuality to become an entangled mess without a form and that scared me. Chills ran down my spine as I speed up my march as if running away from my thoughts and from my past, but the fearsome thoughts caught up to me no matter how much I ran. ''I need to calm down and focus on escaping, I can think about this dilemma later.'' Steading my breathing I continued to have a watchful eye on the panther while calming my spirit. ********* Out of radius and almost at the peak of the mountain I collapsed on the ground while heavily gasping for air. Looking at Basheera who was currently dropping an unconscious Yao Chen on the ground, I slowly recovered my stamina and while at the same time wishing for something to distract my weary mind. ''He sleeps, you recover some and we leave...'' "Yes, yes, hey...I-I hum thin-" ''Do not speak, they look for us and I am not interested in your words.'' Taken aback by the panther''s rudeness I steady my thoughts while small anger surfaces at the dry reply, but as quickly as my temper flared it deflated as I looked at Basheera''s frowned eyes. What surprised me was not the annoyed look but what wasbehind it, on top of annoyance the big beast was also feeling, worry for me? Shaking my head I lift myself up from my sitting position and head towards the dark and dense forest. As I was about to leave the two, I locked my feet on the ground and without turning back I said. "S-Sorry, I will go grab some firewood." And whispering I added. "Thank you."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ********* Everything went as expected, I tried to treat Yao with some medicine I had found while gathering wood but he didn''t wake up, and as so, we continued traveling for a couple of days until one afternoon while I was debating our next move with the stubborn big cat that only wanted to mindlessly flee, he woke up. Confused and hurt Yao had only one thing to say, and that was asking for food. Without even batting an eye Basheera went hunting while muttering about debts and being too friendly for his own good. Since that night our relationship had improved to a level where he rarely insisted about fighting and was more concerned about getting us out of the forest alive. While he hunted Yao Chen expressed his concern about Basheera and asked why I was there in the first place, but I shot down any questioning to only after we had eaten. After he returned with a small rabbit-like creature that had definitely mutated -or mated- with a rat, I used one of its very sharp and long claws to take the dirty grey pelt and rudimentary cut the meat to roast it. Having done everything in my power to make it eatable I presented the meat to Yao and he received it while eating it whole. After eating, the panther had left us, partially to hunt for itself and partially to give us some privacy, while I questioned the reckless decision of stealing from both the Yue sect and our former sect. Then he started to talk about how Elder Ming of the quest hall had given him a "secret" spot to mine Azure crystals, Yao had accepted without even thinking twice. The elder had previously made him offers and Yao Chen had taken full advantage of them earning him quite the loot. "So...what happened, Yao, why did you end up beaten half to death and imprisoned by the guards?" With a sorrowful face, Yao looked at me like a child that had been caught stealing cookies and said. "Brother Li, I traveled by foot and took my time to get to the mines. As I traveled I hid from any monster l-like y-your friend and continued my journey for about a week and a half until I reached my destination. What I didn''t know Brother was that there were too many guards, so much so, that I didn''t have the confidence to bypass them and reach the little cave Elder talked about. As I racked my brain for any openings on the clearing I dismissed my chances and was about to head back to the sect, when out of the corner of my eyes I saw a demon beast of the wolf kind, possibly a young blood moon wolf. T-This beast wasn''t big as a mature blood moon wolf but it was still at the foundation stage, so I panicked. Grabbing my dimensional sachel I tried to flee and I did so for about a week, but the beast was relentless and ended up cornering me while I hid in an old Bragrat nest. And so I waited. I had some extra food for emergencies and at the third week of my stay in the forest I went against all my instincts and left the cave while being chased. I knew I couldn''t go as far as to reach the sect so I headed to the mines where I was capturedwhile the wolf fleed from the powerful cultivator''s auras. Being captured I went through interrogation techniques that made me speak the truth about my intention, and the rest you already know I suppose." "I see..." Looking at my feet to hide my face from Yao, I responded in a half-hearted manner. Taking in the massive lack of luck that Yao Chen had while on his journey, I pondered on the simple story, to simple to be true but almost believable, almost. Basheera returned to the make-shift camp with a wolf in his massive jaws and I almost broke down in laughter at the coincidence. ''Not funny, my dinner, do not bother me or we fight...'' With the wolf on its mouth and then the addition of low feline like growls Yao shifted uncomfortably in his seat, cursing while whispering at his own luck and frightened at the surreal situation of his former best friend''s pet''?'' and his former friend own''s demeanor. Without resisting Yao finally asked me the much-awaited question. "So...I-I, I mean why did you save me, how did you save me and most importantly who is this oblivion leopard?" Chuckling at Yao''s words I prepared to fill him in on everything except for me not being the real Li. (NOT A CHAPTER) - Discontinuation of SotER - Apology and Reasons Hello everyone, its been a while and I know it. I will make this short and less bitter as possible as I do not want to waste your time. Simply put, Im ending this story. Sovereign of the Eight realms was a story that I had been working on for a while, always in the back burner of my lacking mind (and I say lacking in both prose AND imagination) while I had free time. Truth is, I come off as stiff in my writting, the fight scenes weren''t to my liking and the ending which culminated in an ''epic requiem'' of fighting for the control of the multiverse, wasn''t exactly developing at a good pace both for me, the author, and for you the readers. Every single aspect of my story was horrible and I of couse kept telling myself it was because I was new at this, and that I had no experience in writing stories or fiction and even worse, I haden''t attended collage. But all these reasonsings came crashing down like a glass tsunami when I read my story from front to back and critically analized the mess I had done with the plot.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. It is fair to critizise me and my aproach to writing, and it is also fair to be mad at the lack of resolve from my part - or not - (probably apathy from most of you) but please have in mind that I had fun while writing this small project and grew a lot as well, beyond that I even got a few pointers: For example, writing 20 chapter or more and then with a critical eye examine my work for errors and plot holes, and only then releasing my story. Or how important pacing is to a story, cliffhangers and other tools to keep you guys engaged. My story was bland compered to what I visualized in my mind and I will probably use everything I learned to write and apply on another story. Those are the main reasons why I''m dropping SotER, I''m truly sorry everyone, RC