《Attaining Tao from the Beast Taming Universe》


 It Sucks!

    The clouds run and wind chases as if a creditor chases a debtor. The entire sky sketches hue of black and gray, which sets off a very bleak picture against the backdrop of biting cold and intermittent sounds of winter scorpion-flies.


    It¡¯s depressing. It¡¯s the same weather and there¡¯s another death.


    In a small house with two rooms and a lobby, stood a small eight-year-old boy. He has paper-thin arms and legs, with chisel cut chin and cheek bones, protruding neck bones and shallow skin.


    Even though he looks malnourished, his eyes seem exceptionally clear and he exudes an elegance and superiority that looks brings irony to personification.


    Looking at the arm length life in his hands, Zi Yang remembered his mother¡¯s last words.


    ¡°Yang¡¯er, I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t stay. Believe in yourself and don¡¯t feel guilty¡­... Everything will work out. Be brave, take care of your and your brother¡¯s health and remember¡­... Auntie Jing promised three favors to me. Don¡¯t use them unless absolutely necessary. Remember! Take care. Be brave, son. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Even though he has an adult soul, Zi Yang¡¯s emotions are in a mess. He traversed through time and space to this world eight years ago.


    During an expedition to search for alleged fossils along with his doctoral professor, his feet slipped and he fell back from a mound onto the fossil bones. The fossil bones, assumingly of a dinosaur type animal, pierced into his spine and he bid farewell to his life.


    Just when he thought he died, he woke up in his mother¡¯s amniotic fluids with no sense of direction and another blob of meat next to him. He remembers snatching bulk of the nutrients from his brother¡¯s share in the womb.


    Due to insufficient nutrients, it was difficult to maintain his brother¡¯s life during delivery and his mother made the decision to sacrifice her beast taming space and all remaining energy to supply nutrients to womb.


    Her beast partners also did not object to sacrificing their energies and lives. Had Auntie Jing not ensured their lives; they would have died as early as then.


    Subsequent years had not been easy for the family. For a single mother, she had to maintain eight more years of pregnancy while earning a living and taking care of body crippled Zi Yang.


    Yes, Zi Yang¡¯s not sure if it is metaphysical or real. His spine after rebirth still hurts and its feels stuffy. It¡¯s like carrying a mountain on his back. For this reason, he¡¯s been unable to walk until his fifth year, and it still takes laboriously long time and effort to do daily activities.


    Snapping out of the memories, Zi Yang carried his brother, whom his mother named Zi Ming, to his beast shop store front. There are the remaining beasts of her mother and his only reliance now.


    ¡°Zi Yang, you should rest here tonight. We will figure out other things tomorrow. Don¡¯t worry, I will take care of the little one with you.¡±


    Speaking is black and white furry creature, the national treasure of China, a Panda. She¡¯s Mama Mei, mother¡¯s only remaining beast now. She was also appointed as Zi Yang and Zi Ming''s godmother by their mother before her death. Zi Yang could hardly hold back upon hearing these words. He fell on the floor hard. Fortunately, Mama Mei reacted in time and took over the baby.


    Next morning, Zi Yang washed up and decided to plan how to live from now on. Anyhow, he was also a doctoral student ¨C can¡¯t he even plan his life until adulthood?Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    In two hours, Zi Yang had a frustrating answer ¨C It¡¯s difficult.


    Damn, it¡¯s broken. He¡¯s crippled, unable to feel spiritual qi due to his mountain carrying spine. Finances are a mess.


    There¡¯s only a storefront with few sellable beasts ¨C five small pandas, fortunately contains a pair; a couple of water frogs and some Euterpe berries which can be used as beast food. There also some intermitted bamboos and some rose daisies whose dew can provide a calming effect when drunk as tea.


    Zi Ming¡¯s body is also inherently deficient. It¡¯s will take loads of gold to make up for innate deficiency. Hello, eight years and little one could not make for the loss of origin in the womb. Is he incompetent or what?


    Damn, what are you thinking? You¡¯re the one who snatched the nutrients in the first place, remember? Yeah, right. Alright. What to do? What to do?


    Right, ask Mama Mei. Maybe, she knows. He did as he thought, ¡°Mama Mei, how did mom earn money for our expenses? Our income seems insufficient for food?¡±


    Mama Mei had just finished breastfeeding Zi Ming. She came in to the shop counter with him and replied in a silvery voice, ¡°Yi Nuo would take us to collect herbs and other resources from the pine forest hills to the east of the town. Sometimes, we would encounter special materials and special eggs too.¡±


    Speaking of eggs, Zi Yang remembered the two beast eggs his mother had frozen using Tianxian company¡¯s frozen capsule technology. Those are eggs that his mother left for them to contract with. Well, that¡¯s if he ever becomes a beast master that is.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry Zi Yang, Mei believes you will definitely become a beast master.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mama Mei. Should we also take go to the pine forest hills next Sunday?¡±


    Mama Mei agreed. Pine forest hills are known for the pine trees and nutritious nuts. There are no significant danger and it is renewable resource jointly managed by City Management and Beast Master Association. Citizens need to provide past of the gain to the officials and the rest belong to themselves.


    The next few days were spent cleaning up the house, and making some small plans.


    Like deciding to give up on school, and enroll for state provided citizen awareness classes. It was better to prepare books at home, and look for safety instructions and the know-how of the world at state-run evening school.


    Like preparing for alternate means of gaining strength. In the dangerous world of beast taming, even with all the regulations ¨C strength comes first. If the two brothers were to live well, we need strength.


    Considering inability to feel spirit qi, Zi Yang decided to develop blood qi martial arts. Anyway, he was also a doctoral student and he¡¯d read tons of material on martial arts in novels and ancient cultural text books. Could he not find a way out?


    ¡°Wait, how does it sound like a jinx? Never mind, I am overthinking. Why are things so miserable for me?¡±


    Zi Yang took a deep breath to console himself. How good would it be to have transmigrated into a rich household with a few maids. His family would be alright then. He could have a happy family in at least one life. It¡¯s certainly not for his own comfort and fantasies ¨C well, alright, a little bit.


    Unfortunately, it seems novels do make sense. Reincarnation is a skill and it seems I am not so skilled at it. He himself couldn¡¯t remember how many times his defense line has been broken this week.


    Sometimes he still can¡¯t believe that he would travel to a world of spirituality where anything can evolve into spirits and become beast contacts.


    This is true for animals, plants, vegetation, and even landscapes such as mountains and rivers.


    There are gundams who fire lasers like Darth Vader, huge animals who can cause hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, weapons who generate spirits and freely poke without users, and, natural spirits such as thunder elves who are born of thunder and roast entire areas with electric discharge.


    This is a world of strength, progression, evolution, struggle and survival.


    For a weak creatures like Zi Yang and Zi Ming, curling up in a corner under the protection of the state may seem feasible but leaving one¡¯s fate in others¡¯ hand buries hidden dangers. As the ancients said, born in adversity, died in comfort.


    Without strength, it sucks!

 Evil Leafed Hat Trut

    The next morning, Mama Mei and the two Zi brothers walked to the east exit of the city when they were stopped by the patrolling officer of the local beast regiment.


    Beast regiment is the law enforcement bureau of the country and each province and state have its own subsidiaries of the central beast regiment office.


    It turns out that either a soldier level registered beast or a 16-year-old legal age adult needs to apply for permission to go resource hunting in the wild.


    Zi Yang had no choice but to explain, ¡°Officer, Mama Mei is registered with the office but she¡¯s been recently injured because of the backlash of breaking contracts with my mother after her death. That¡¯s why she¡¯s currently at extraordinary strength level.¡±


    Knowing Zi Yang¡¯s family condition, the officer was sympathetic and applied for instructions from his superiors. After status checks and identity confirmations, the party was allowed out.


    Mama Mei carried Zi Ming on her back in a homemade baby carrier. The boy looked like malnourished mouse with crumpled skin around cheeks and big almond eyes.


    He seemed to have a unique spirituality and did not cry unless for food and poop.


    Yeah, that¡¯s my brother alright. Sensible as me.


    Somehow, Zi Yang was proud.


    So much so that pulling his body to walk about 10 miles from the city to the hills did not seem like an extra cumbersome today.


    Pine forest hills is mostly filled with straight pine trees and some plant type beasts such as vines and vegetation, and some herbivores.


    However, Zi Yang has heard rumors that in the depth of the hills, there are some primeval beasts.


    Primeval beasts are those who reject beast control contracts and have a higher degree of animalism. They would mostly not friendly to human beings and care for their own environment.


    The reason that association allows a 16-year-old who might have just contracted beasts and only allows soldier level uncontracted beasts to lead humans in the wild, is that they are worried that some beasts might not have completely accepted human civilization and would resort to animalism in the wild.


    The first three levels of beast control allow a beast and a beast master to build emotional sustenance and which, provides the beast master association with a certain level of credibility about the beasts going out without their beast masters.


    Soon, Zi Yang and party arrived at the foothills and started collecting resources.


    Along with him were some other people from the city, mostly novices and some elderly or middle-aged men.


    ¡°Weather¡¯s quite breezy today, I hope we make a full harvest today¡±, said a middle-aged uncle.


    ¡°Yeah, my grandson loved the pine nuts I picked two weeks ago and he¡¯s been asking for more. The little squirrel always fills his mouth with it, ha ha ha¡±.


    In the conversation, someone caught site of Zi Yang and party and asked, ¡°Boy, why¡¯re coming with a newborn and a panda mother? Are you doing alright?¡±


    Sure enough, society still has warmth. There are nice people.


    ¡°¡­ If not, do you want to sell your panda. Grown spirit beast food has high demand and could fetch you a hefty sum.¡±


    Ah this. A slap in the face so soon.


    I¡¯m sure he¡¯s the only degenerate among them.


    ¡°Yeah, you could try sending the baby panda along too. I¡¯ll pay more. My grandson could use a playmate.¡±


    This grandpa, don¡¯t you think your eyes are weary. That¡¯s a human baby not a panda baby!


    Zi Yang quickly replied. ¡°Thank you, uncles, but no need¡±, and quickly urged Mama Mei to hurry up.


    This group may seem incidental but could there really be such dimwits who couldn¡¯t guess why an eight-year-old would come with a panda instead of an adult to collect resources?


    Alas, sure enough, times change and world may change; but people won¡¯t. There will be scum everywhere.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Soon after separation, Mama Mei found a beast who could provide resources. But it did not bring Zi Yang any joy.


    It¡¯s a leafed hat truts. It looks like a small section of trunk with two roots condensed into ropes as legs at the bottom and the leaves above the lead woven into a hat. It¡¯s a very special plant-type beast who refused human contracts and prefers to live in forests collecting resources and pruning leaves, branches etc. In short, it is a snobbish and stubborn gardener.


    It¡¯s elusive and attacks with spiked thorns if people try to damage it¡¯s cared trees and vegetation.


    It is also a known trader for plant-type resources in a certain area, only that it is cunning and charges more than a black capitalist ever could.


    Zi Yang knows about this beast because he has seen this in Auntie Jing¡¯s Garden once. He¡¯s a piece of work. He gave him a leaf and when he thought it was a gift, he cut his palm with a swing of his branch and sucked in a lot of blood.


    He has never since gone to that garden again. Now he¡¯s seen this evildoer again, he has to be careful.


    ¡°Mama Mei, be careful with them. They¡¯re snobbish, greedy and bloodsucking creatures.¡±


    Before Mama Mei could speak, the little evildoer started screeching and a couple of his friends came over.


    ¡°Is it calling backups? Mama Mei, let¡¯s flee.¡±


    Zi Yang immediately grabbed Mama Mei¡¯s hand and wanted to flee, but Mama Mei did not move.


    In her unique soothing voice, she said, ¡°Zi Yang, fret not. It¡¯s not calling backup for attacking you. It¡¯s just complaining that you disparaged his gentlemanly character and called his friends to judge.¡±


    ¡°What? They also have a community? What do they want now?¡±


    ¡°They said to apologize otherwise they would never trade with you again.¡±


    ¡°Oh, lets go Mama Mei. We could collect other resources and besides¡­.¡±


    What brought a sudden stop to Zi Yang¡¯s would was dozens of space rings and the resources these leafed hat truts put out.


    Even though he couldn¡¯t recognize almost all of them, he could feel huge vitality in these wood type resources.


    All he could sigh this time was that a beast was richer and more well-educated that he was.


    Sure enough, wealth and education are the key to success no matter which world. Even lowest ranked truts can do better than humans in this spirit rich environment.


    In front of a plausible source of income and the huge vitality that could make up for his younger brother¡¯s health; what else could he do but bow?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. leafed hat trut ¨C I mistook you for an evil beast. The shade covered your face so I couldn¡¯t see your handsome face. That evil beast who sucked my blood two blood red branches and hideous fangs on his mouth. His head was green, so I thought he was a leafed hat trut. Now that I think about it, maybe it¡¯s because his wife was fed up with him so he gave him greenery over his head.¡±


    As soon as said this and had compiled a flattering sentence, a deafening screech rang out. Zi Yang shivered. This sounds exactly like Aunt Jing¡¯s garden¡¯s trut.


    ¡°See it¡¯s like the shout of that beast, how could it compare it with your beautiful voice. It¡¯s like the sound of nature.¡±


    All the leafed hat truts gather in a circle and started discussion.


    Meanwhile, in a corner where the group were not paying attention, a cold faced woman had hard time controlling her twitching eyes and the trut on shoulder. She could only put it in her beast taming space and watch the boy¡¯s next performance.


    After a while, Mama Mei said, ¡°Zi Yang, I didn¡¯t know you could flatter so well.¡±


    ¡°What can I do, Mama Mei. I hope they buy it so we could have some ease.¡±


    The first leafed hat trut waked out, took of his hat ¨C two ends of which were connected with his head and gave a gentlemanly salute. Zi Yang never expected this trut seemed quite civilized, nevertheless, he was not late in reciprocating in placing his hand on his heart and bowing.


    Mama Mei timely translated, ¡°We have never met kindred who could see our handsomeness and the beauty of our voice. We would like to continue trading with you. What do you want to trade?¡±


    After speaking, Mama Mei took over from here, ¡°If possible, we would like a sapling of Euterpe berries and a young peashooter¡¯s peas.¡±


    After the discussion and agreement to pay a carton of bamboo shoots and two jars of honey baked lentils tomorrow in exchange for goods, the group separated. While separating, Zi Yang bowed to the first leafed hat and asked, ¡°Sir, could you tell me what was that exuded a huge vitality?¡±


    The recipient to the bow, the leafed hat answered and showed a leaf. Mama Mei again dutifully translated, ¡°Zi Yang, this is leaf from the ancient tree of life. He said that a senior trut traded with them. This leaf makes them comfortable.¡±


    Damn, this leaf is exactly like that given by that trut. Could it be that the trur gave something good? No, he has to go back and check that leaf. His mother threw that leaf in the frozen capsule upon learning that he brought it back from Aunt Jing¡¯s house.


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    Then, his party collected some other raw materials such as water-raised bluegrass, honey sap from queen bee¡¯s hive, rose daises, some pine nuts, and a sheep horn left over from someone¡¯s hunting trip near a tree.


    Back at home, the baby whose presence could hardly be felt immediately cried rivers.


    As I said, my brother ¨C sensible. Did not make any trouble during the trip.


    Damn, it¡¯s only been a few days. Why am I so proud? Am I going to become an Itachi to a Sasuke?


    Hmm¡­... something worth thinking about.


    Well, that aside. Zi Yang gained a lot today ¨C got a berries sapling today, and young peas who could possibly produce a peashooter plant, so that¡¯s a long-term source of earning. Also got an ancient life tree¡¯s leaf, if I could find that senior trut who traded, it would be even better.


    Wait a minute, exact same leaves, senior trut, same city¡­... isn¡¯t that senior trut, the evil leafed hat trut across the street? Damn.

 Curiosity Killed The Cat

    After coming to senses, the first thing Zi Yang did was confirm the leaf that was put into the frozen capsule and then search the void net for more details on how to use this leaf from the ancient tree of life.


    Void net is the Internet in this world but better. It is a virtual world where the one¡¯s spirit can enter, and do all things one can do in real lives. Trading, Shopping, Hunting, Simulating, Fighting, Learning ¨C you name it.


    There are also various forums on where various knowledge points are discussed. Zi Yang logged into his commonly visited forum and search for ancient life tree related posts.


    In a few seconds, the search result displayed 29753 results. Looking for verified posts, Zi Yang focused on the one by a potion master from provincial college.


    ¡°The oozing vitality of the leaf should best be utilized for curing diseases and to use it to enhance the body¡¯s innate origin would underachieve the purpose as these leaves can only heal and not make up for deficiencies. Nevertheless, the relief provided is considerable too. I would suggest using extraordinary level resources of water and fire attribute together with the leaf and balance it properties together to make a body lotion or cream for daily use.¡±


    It is a good idea to make a lotion. If he could massage Zi Ming with the lotion every day with it, it would surely help. Just a small hiccup though¡­. Insufficient money.


    Extraordinary resources cost a hefty sum. Consider selling Euterpe berries to make this money¡­. selling 6 small packs every day to different customers, i.e. a full pack at 600 ancient dollars; selling for about 14 days would be enough to but one extraordinary material.


    Then considering growth cycle of the berries, catalyst energy stones to speed up progress and availability of customers¡­.


    A conservative estimate of two and a half months should be enough to get this started.


    Alright, goal set.


    Next day, Mama Mei went to trade with the truts and Zi Yang started with his daily routine of cleaning the store, selling products and studying relevant knowledge at night.


    He has joined the third batch of evening classes at his district¡¯s i.e. Mawsynram district¡¯s citizen awareness school.


    One would think that such awareness schools should not have been necessary considering the entire beast monitoring society has been stabilized for hundreds of years. That¡¯s far from the truth.


    Moreover, because everyone has gotten used to strength, beasts and evolution, very few people would care to pay attention to explain the dangers of society to people at the lower end of the stratum in society.


    To survive in a strength-respecting society, weak people must have the conscious of weak people and know how to survive.


    Zi Yang started making tight schedules to ensure he can make enough money while not missing out on the important classes.


    While Zi Yang was contemplating life plans for next few months, in a house on the opposite street; a woman covered in an ethereal aura was constantly drawing mysterious symbols in the air, every time a symbol was drawn, different phenomena happened.


    Sometimes, a spark, a drop, a sun, a flower etc. were visible until they were dissolved into a liquid along with some glittering stones on the side.


    On the other side of the room were another woman who had followed Zi Yang and the leafed hat trut. The only difference was they stood as still as a stone, maybe for the fear of disturbing the work or purely for the sake of embodying the captivating image of the ethereal woman.


    The woman who was seemed to exist in multiple dimensions, had deep black eyes that seemed to contain the entire universe yet seem void. The eyebrows add a contrasting sense of a mellow and kindness to the solemn eyes.


    Her smile seems to contain the nectar of a hundred flowers, bring joy and peace. and a small mole to the left of her slender nose strangely harmonizes ethereal and peaceful, mysterious and clarity of her nature.


    If only seen once, people may doubt is she was an illusion or a beautiful fantasy.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    After the woman finished the potion, she fed it to a haggard golden toad and looked at the corner, ¡°Dark Void, how is the boy dealing with the recent affairs?¡±


    The woman in the corner came out of her reverie, but before she could give an effective reply, the trut jumped from her arms onto a table, screamed and screeched.


    Dark Void followed and explained the events and asked her doubts, ¡°Void Empress, even if you owed his mother a favor, it has been repaid when you saved their lives eight years ago. Why do you have to owe three more favors and then monitor his life while staying here?¡±


    Void Empress flicked her hair, walked to the garden and placed the trut on a tree. She then turned, ¡°I want to confirm something. But before that, I must check his character and way of life. If it doesn¡¯t work, it would be meaningless to check. So, I owed him three favors, to see how and when he uses them.¡±


    ¡°If he used them well and his character passes, what happens then?¡±


    ¡°Well, in that case, I may accept him as my disciple.¡±


    Dark Void was shocked. Void Empress has not accepted disciples even after several years of her coronation.


    Many people from well-known families and geniuses from all major cities tried but all failed!


    But the empress chose to stay in third-tier Jade cloud city for nearly 10 years to evaluate and accept a disciple. A disciple who could not even sense qi!


    Dark Void couldn¡¯t imagine how many people would be gasp if they learn of the circumstances here.


    Dark Void couldn¡¯t help but persuade, ¡°Void Empress, Zi Yang is a rated case of qi sensing deficiency. He can¡¯t become a beast master or any other professional.¡±


    Void Empress paused for a moment before replying, ¡°Pay attention to him and keep monitoring. You can send an attendant to pretend to be his caregiver and monitor more accurately.¡±


    ¡°Yes empress¡±, replied Dark Void and quickly withdrew. She knew that she would not be able to get the answer today.


    Qi sensing deficiency, huh?


    After a while, only a sigh was heard from the room and the void empress couldn¡¯t help but recall that night eight years ago.


    When Yi Nuo gave birth to Zi Yang, neither the mother¡¯s nor child¡¯s condition was good.


    Yi Nuo was carrying another life and doctor said its life essence is insufficient and was in danger.


    Even with her help, Yi Nuo had to disperse her beast taming space and cancel her contracts to transfer that energy to the fetus and freeze for eight years.


    She originally planned to leave after repaying the bonus but the doctor reminded that the newborn Zi Yang hadn¡¯t cried and breathes feebly.


    Void Empress still remembers when she tried to supply spirit qi to the fetus, the feedback she got from the little one¡¯s body was jolting!


    She sensed disgust coming from the little one¡¯s body.


    She knows that feeling.


    The feeling when a noble dignified emperor feels disgusted when an eunuch feeds his bad food.


    She felt slighted.


    She, Jing Huan, is the void empress who created her virtual empire in the void and connected the entire Donghuang ancient country through spiritual waves.


    She singlehandedly connected all cities and created a virtual world but her spirit qi was disgusted by a newborn!


    Having tried multiple times with doctors¡¯ healing pets and even her auxiliary pet¡¯s healing, all of them had no effect on him and all the qi was rejected by his body.


    It was only after nearly four hours that Zi Yang opened his eyes that doctors breathed a sigh of relief and more of an accomplishment of having saved a person with qi sensing deficiency syndrome.


    A body which rejects qi!


    It is a rare case in the world when someone is inherently unable to accept qi and could only become a normal person throughout his life.


    But the void empress knew. It¡¯s not that the boy rejects absorbing qi.


    Instead, his body seems to be throwing out the spirit qi in the outside would that everyone absorbs as garbage.


    This is what Jing Huan was curious about at first.


    What was the feeling of nobility when she tried to channel spirit qi and was rejected?


    What kind of qi would he absorb if not the spirit qi?


    As time went by, she saw the boy grow up, struggle to roll, crawl, stand or sit.


    She grew more curious.


    She thought it would be despairing to a 5-year-old, but the body had clear eyes with not self-pity in them ¨C only guilt for his mother and brother.


    A 6-year-old boy cared tried his best to relieve his mother of burdens and did house work with a dragging body and acted lively when his mother went home.


    All that happened made Jing Huan feel it would be good to have a sensible kid as her own. But she couldn¡¯t adopt.


    Because she knew that the boy would never be the same towards any other mother.


    So, she decided to be a master.


    That¡¯s how curiosity killed the cat.

 A Man鈥檚 Got to Try

    Zi Yang opened the store at 7:30 a.m. as usual today.


    Supporting his body with his elbow on the counter, he felt particularly tired today. But also, a little expecting.


    It could be that this day represented something.


    Past few days that he had spent working out details after his mother¡¯s demise, on money, life, strength and his brother¡¯s recovery.


    Today he was going to implement many first steps.


    With that thought in mind, he cleaned the store and put the energy stones in soil surrounding Euterpe berries sapling.


    Collected the fresh dew from the rose daisies, put the bamboo shoots next to the sleeping panda cubs and went to his own little cub ¨C Zi Ming.


    Ah boy, and also cleaned his diaper.


    There is one thing that worries Zi Ming a lot. Even though Mama Mei takes care of Zi Ming round the clock, Zi Ming is not very active.


    He is worried that this might also be a sequela of origin deficiency. He is too quiet and sensible.


    Zi Yang took Zi Ming to the counter and waited for Mama Mei to arrive while checking out his favorite website nowadays ¨C bigbucks.


    This website is truly created by a soulmate. This website suggests ways to make money and connects with like-minded people. This is more of a support group than a website, ha-ha.


    Zi Ming was still sleeping, when a sound woke him up.


    I looked at the door and sure enough, a husky was almost at the door.


    ¡°Oh, Don, is Auntie coming so early this morning?¡±


    A plump middle-aged woman just happened to walk in and snorted softly, ¡°Good morning Yang¡¯er, let me check Auntie how you¡¯re doing today.¡±


    ¡°Ah no, auntie¡­.¡±


    But his rejection was in vain, as the woman suddenly turned into a flash incarnate and picked up both brother and examined their hands, legs and faces.


    She also summoned a peony flower fairy and cast a boost health skill. Flower fairies evolve from flowers and are cute little palm side beasts. Their skills vary and are very sought after.


    Auntie Lan has always been concerned about our health. She has a health recovery pet and sometimes helps at the local clinic.


    She was mother¡¯s friend and supported mum during her era long pregnancy.


    ¡°You look better now, Yang¡¯er. How about come three times everyday and help cast a spell? No, should I just leave peony here?¡±


    ¡°No Auntie, thank you. How¡¯s uncle? Still the same ¨C dew for tea?¡±, Zi Yang quickly changed subject while Zi Ming opened his eyes wide looking at the weird auntie who had grabbed him all over just now.


    ¡°Yes, Zi Yang and some berries to go too. Here¡¯s the money¡±


    ¡°No need, Auntie. You also know who sells daisies dew. I guess you¡¯re the only one buying it and at least let me repay at little.¡±, Zi yang quipped with his head lowered.


    His eyes were a little red. This Auntie has supported Zi yang a lot.


    Auntie Lan patted Zi Yang heavily and said, ¡°Nonsense, this is trade. How can it be without money? Take care. Oh, and bring Zi Ming by my house later, let my little one also get to know him.¡±


    With that said, Aunt Lan picked up the goods and left with the husky.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Zi Yang looked and found there were a lot of stuff dropped by the counter and on the counter, were two 100 ancient dollar bills. Obviously, Auntie overpaid 50 ancient dollars.


    Below the counter were all the baby essentials ¨C some common (diapers, common, wipes), some uncommon (elite celestial cow milk formula, Tianxin¡¯s latest baby oil) and some plain weird (baby clothes ¨C some frocks, pink bows, t-shirts and pants)


    I think Aunt Lan packed a part of her baby¡¯s essentials for Zi Ming. Zi yang remembered this favor.


    Mama Mei was also pleasantly surprised with the essentials. She had planned to buy all these later.


    Mama Mei then took Zi Ming to feed and change clothes. She planned to still breast feed until a few months and use milk powder as a snack. Baby oil would come in handy as well.


    He watched as Mama Mei handed the oil bottle to a panda cub and ordered him to massage the baby. A small panda¡¯s hands were also very soft and they were ideal to massage this fragile little fellow.


    That¡¯s how Mowgli grew up in the wild. Huh, kidding.


    Zi yang also served a few more customers with small packs of berries and it was already late in the afternoon. He had only sold four packs until now and time for evening classes is within a few hours.


    Stuffing a few meat rolls into his mouth and putting on a wind jacket, Zi Yang packed his bag with notebooks, stationary, and some packs of berries and other products.


    Then he strode out and called out a warning, ¡°Mama Mei, I¡¯m going out to market to see goods and then straight to the evening class. Do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°No, Zi Yang, I bought things yesterday while returning from the hills. Go, Be safe.¡±


    Picking up his bag, he headed straight to the hawker¡¯s market in fifth alleyway to the south of the town.


    He came to the street and looked for a good place to hawk for the goods. Looking around, there are shrewd uncles and greasy aunties. He also saw some acquaintances ¨C those who offered to buy Mama Mei to sell meat.


    Zi Yang had no fear of these people here. Within the town premises, if they make any moves ¨C town beast regiment will teach them how to be a human within seconds.


    Finally, Zi Yang sat next to an old woman. She looked like a kind lady.


    ¡°Grandma, can I sit here next to you? I have something to sell.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sure.¡±


    Short reply. Alright.


    Zi Yang spread a sheet, and put on the goods: two pack of berries, a sheep horn, water raised bluegrass, a small bottle of honey sap.


    ¡°Kid, how do you sell this honey?¡±, the grandma asked.


    ¡°80 ancient dollars, Grandma.¡±


    Zi Yang sold the honey bottle and starting hawking for other products like other hawkers.


    He picked up the packet of berries and targeted pet beasts who were walking around with their wealthy-looking owners.


    Following this tactic, he soon sold two packs of berries to a monkey and a chestnut-tailed minla. The owners were well-to-do and bought these berries as snacks. The remaining products were also sold for some loose change.


    In all, business here was done and Zi Yang wanted to hurry up and set off for the evening class.


    As soon as he passed through a firewood shop, his attention was attracted to the shop. The rainy days are still not fully over and sometimes, it does get a little chilly at night.


    The pandas are still young and Mama Mei had mentioned the need to renovate sleeping sheds in the backyard. Zi Ming is young too. Getting some firewood would not be bad.


    Zi Yang went in and bought a bundle of firewood and left his address to the shop to deliver it later in the evening.


    Out of the shop, he was seen carrying a withered wood. Zi Yang noticed this wood in the pile of firewood and felt it was different.


    This wood looks withered but he could feel electricity and some vitality like he had felt in the ancient leaf.


    Maybe it is the truck of a great tree like life tree or the ancient peach tree. It still has vitality even after thunder struck it. That¡¯s got to be something.


    It was a whim that Zi Yang had it singled out and brought it out with him. Anyway, if this branch can grow into a tree, it would help if it¡¯s leaves could be used for making the lotion for Zi Ming.


    Or, if this turned out to be thunder struck peach, maybe it can be made into a peach sword to counter undead beasts ¨C that might sell well too.


    Or, in Zi Yang¡¯s extreme fantasy, if a God Willow sprouts out from the tree ¨C it would be wonderful to have an Immortal king level path protector.


    She might also give out the original true solution scripture for cultivation.


    Ah, who am I kidding?


    Is this thing even remotely possible? Daydreaming has gone too far.


    It has got to be at least a whole tree for God Willow to recover!


    Well, never mind. Let¡¯s try.


    Anyway, all that¡¯s needed is some more care. That¡¯s all.


    Work or not, a man¡¯s got to try.

 Hold Fast Onto Dreams

    Coming back from the hawker¡¯s market and straight to awareness school in the district; it was already late evening.


    The winter scorpion-flies were still doing their job of buzzing in the ears and the wind had also slightly picked up its pace. Seems it was worried about arriving somewhere late too.


    After quickly arriving at the center, Zi Yang registered his attendance and went to take a seat.


    The classroom gave a musty feeling, possibly due to leaked rain and scant budget. The desk and chairs were placed at equal distances and the entire class was arranged in three rows.


    The back of the classroom was slightly raised as compared to the front, proving a better viewing angle to everyone who comes to study.


    The white board was conspicuously in the center of front wall and surrounding it were numerous charts, notices, diagrams made by center officials or some by students themselves.


    All in all, Zi Yang had a feeling of going to third-rate university building which was later used for primary class students. Yes, that¡¯s the only story which could justify the ambience of the class.


    His classmates were from all age groups ¨C kids his age, teenagers, and adults.


    Zi Yang sat next to a teenager and asked, ¡°Hello, I am Zi Yang. I didn¡¯t see you the last time I came in. Are you new?¡±


    The teenager replied, ¡°Hi Zi Yang, my name is Jian Guo. Yes, I am attending for the first time today. What will the teacher teach here?¡±


    Zi Yang detailed on what teacher usually teaches, which is self-protection from commonly found beasts in the town, some methods to exercise, and more opportunities to become an attendant of a professional in society.


    While the two were chatting, Teacher He had already stood on the podium and started lecturing, ¡°Today we will talk about how to distinguish if a beast master is dangerous and or a potential hazard to you.


    When humans started contracting the beasts, they can contract them through soul contracts which means that the beasts¡¯ souls are directly linked to the souls of the beast masters.


    While this enables them to understand each other better, it also influences one another a lot. For example, a bloodthirsty mammoth may influence its master to have episodes of bloodthirst, or a dream tapir may cause his master to go delirious because of the excessive nightmares.


    While a direct contract can speed up promotion, if not handled properly ¨C the beasts and beast masters are all dangers in their own right.¡±


    The history of the continent has been that the earliest contractors used to have soul contracts and only after developing a more civilized system did, the populace switched to beast space contracts.


    In the earliest days when humans were raised by beasts as blood food, the human population had to be more united in front to deal with beasts so the side effects were discounted then.


    Now, the geopolitical situation is largely stabilized so, the people who still contract through soul are either those who did not awaken their beast spaces and are desperate to become beast masters, or those who are confident in their ability or prefer upgrade speed.


    ¡°Most of these beast masters can easily go paranoid. So, the best way to identify them is if they can summon their beasts. If they can, then it is largely alright.


    If not, but their beasts are stored in space beads or other space equipment ¨C you should beware.¡±


    An uncle raised a question, ¡°Isn¡¯t it possible that a beast master could have a second beast in space bracelet or maybe he¡¯s going to sell or buy a beast.¡±


    Teacher He bridged his nose, pulled up the glasses and replied seriously, ¡°True. Very possible. But when we are weak and with no means to identify, we should be cautious.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    An easy way to solve this problem would be to buy a mobile phone set from Tianxin or Novak and other companies which are equipped with appraisal methods for beasts and beast masters.


    But as we all know that such technological products are more expensive than an elite beast egg.¡±


    Having said that, he continued explaining.


    The world of beast masters is where everyone pursues strength. It is good, but if strength is not properly grasped ¨C it brings repercussions as well.


    A lot of paranoid beast masters, and primitive beasts group up to seek benefits regardless of the moral confines of dharma and Artha.


    Underworld existed even on Earth. Imagine, how can underworld organizations not exist in a world favored by strength?


    Seeing that the topic seemed a bit heavy for younger kids and teenagers, Teacher He brought a twist and suggested, ¡°Another interesting way to be relatively safer without strength in the society is to associate oneself with official organizations or with professionals.


    Why do you think your parents, or some of the elderly and uncles here have a lot of contact with their beast master neighbors, or curry favor with the beast regiment officers?


    It¡¯s simple ¨C to seek warmth. To seek safety.


    For the younger ones, you could try becoming an attendant to a professional. Like we have attendants in city lords and other government offices, or, you could choose to be an attendant for auxiliary professionals.


    There are helpers for doctors in City Hospital, there¡¯s a potion master in Meng¡¯s potion shop in third street from the left. There are also Confucian scholars in all four high schools in the city.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m working as an apprentice for Master Meng. He suggested that I visit and learn practical knowledge from the school here which is not taught in high schools¡±, Jian Guo quipped in a hushed voice to Zi Yang.


    Zi Yang started chatting and found that this brother Jian Guo is working as an apprentice in order to secure a second chance at beast space awakening at the beast masters association.


    He has some talent in potion making, Master Meng promised to accept his as his apprentice when he passes first star potion master exam and he is close to making it.


    Zi Yang congratulated and added him on void net contacts. He is also making the body lotion for Zi Ming on advice of a provincial potion master. Maybe Jian Guo could help him.


    Before that, we can maintain a good contact.


    ¡°Finally, you should remember to identify which area you could be good at through void net simulation experience rooms and get back together next week to discuss more on this.¡±


    With that, Teacher He packed up and walked out of the class.


    Jian Guo was quite talkative, not quite like most adults who sound condescending when talking to children.


    Zi Yang had a nice time listening to the class, and he also thought seriously about learning potion making.


    It should be similar to high school chemistry experiments, only more intricate maybe. Anyway, since we might have to make various potion for Zi Ming¡¯s use ¨C he might as well learn well.


    This might come in handy to improve his social standing. Just potion making also requires use of spiritual qi, so he might need to use Mama Mei¡¯s help in doing this.


    Whoosh.


    Thought interrupted by a gust of chilling wind. Zi Yang shivered, tightened his wind jacket and rushed towards his home.


    ¡°Bye, brother Jian. I¡¯ll contact you on net¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡±


    Both separated to their respected destinations.


    At home, Zi Yang had a hot bath after a busy day and then, played with Zi Ming for a bit.


    Zi Ming smiled but was still pretty quiet.


    Zi Yang was heartbroken.


    He initially thought his brother was smart and sensible so he¡¯d be quiet enough. He felt proud of that.


    Now, he looks carefully and understands that the baby might be sensible but its more because he¡¯s always tired and hibernating to maintain energy.


    Zi Yang discussed with Mama Mei and decided to monitor his condition and have a check-up with the doctor again sometime later.


    A regular treatment in initial years might be crucial.


    After sorting this out, Zi Yang took out the branch and planted it into a potted plant by Zi Ming¡¯s bedside.


    I mean God Willow has to be close with the human cub to develop affection, shouldn¡¯t it. Shi Hao was able to get close this way, there¡¯s no reason my Ming¡¯er couldn¡¯t get it done.


    Looking at this way, Zi Yang still cannot let go of his fantasies.


    Well, who can blame him? Transmigrating is one of the biggest fantasies and he¡¯s seen names of some mythological beasts in the void net forums. So, if these could exist ¨C why couldn¡¯t another Willow God?


    Don¡¯t they say ¨C Hold fast onto dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.

 First Step to Recovery

    Golden crows rise and jade rabbits fall, chilled winds have blown goodbyes and mountains dews springs gush out, with a last yawn at the fleeting moonlight, flowers open their dreary eyes. Spring has come.


    Yes, Zi Yang was equally happy after the passage of the winter season.


    First winters are challenging for the newborns and one can imagine the challenge if the newborn is congenitally weak in the first place.


    Zi Yang¡¯s plan to buy resources for the body lotion took a back seat as Zi Ming needed urgent care from the doctor to stabilize his health in the winters.


    Looking at the health report summary, Zi Yang finally has a numerical idea on how far he the road ahead is.


    ----------------------------------


    [Patient Name]: Zi Ming


    [Age]: 1 months 5 days


    [Diagnosis]: Congenital origin deficiency


    [Details]:


    [Bones]: Soft bones with slower nurturing rate than a normal baby by 3x.


    [Muscles]: Weaker than normal babies by 4x.


    [Blood Circulation]: Low White blood cells, lower RBCs and platelets by 4x.


    [Respiration]: Lung capacity is insufficient for his body by 1.2x.


    [Digestive]: Digestion ability is good and faintly better than healthy babies.


    [Urinary]: No problem here.


    [Lymphatic]: Lymphatic system follows other internal organs and is correspondingly weak.


    [Summary]: 71.3% overall deficiency compared with a healthy baby. Hope for treatment comes from a good digestive system.


    --------------------------------------------------


    It took Zi Yang another half a month from the anticipated time to scrape the money together for a purchasing the two water and fire resources.


    With hope, Zi Yang checked the stores on Void Net and looked for the resources within the budget.


    He habitually opened bigbucks website then, went to his local forum and typed in, ¡°Hi, I am looking for an extraordinary level water and fire type resources for potion making. Can you suggest which ones are best for a novice?¡±


    Comments rolled in as soon as I posted it:


    ¡°A novice and playing with extraordinary materials right away. Bro, quite confident, are we?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, practice with mortal level resources first, what if you fail.¡±


    ¡°I have a tinder of earth and a drop of holy spring water. They¡¯re both good for your purpose.¡±


    ¡°What perfect? Even if it¡¯s waste, don¡¯t fool customers here. Tinder of earth is earth and fire dual attribute, even if it is more fire. He wants pure fire.¡±


    I explained that I have potion apprentice to help me. It was then everyone took it seriously.


    One shopkeeper, a lady, suggested, ¡°I have both resources but they¡¯re not general type resources. They can be used for evolution but chances of using it perfectly are slim as they¡¯re both a little unstable. But I can sell at the cost of general type plus another 1000 bucks each. Do you want to check out?¡±


    Sure. Checking it out doesn¡¯t cost money. Zi Yang agreed.


    The lady, net named ¨C cat got me candy ¨C sent two pictures:


    [Phoenix Tail Feather]: It was taken from a phoenix¡¯s tail during nirvana and is tinged with nirvana fire. Due to nirvana¡¯s do-or-die characteristics, it is in unstable condition and needs a soothing agent to calm it down.


    [Sword-tinged Water crystal grass]: Ideal water-based resources, but tinged with an unknown sword intent. Using it for any purpose requires this sword intent to be neutralized or perfectly synced.


    Sure enough. There is a problem, most people don¡¯t like adulterated materials for potion making, as anything can go wrong during the process and material will be wasted.


    But heck, this is like a discount of about 50-75%, moreover lotion making is nothing complicated. It can even be said to be Level -10 potion. If it can be said to be potion, at all.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    It is a rich people body lotion after all.


    Anyway, Zi Yang agreed and the shopkeeper sent the products right away via courier.


    Worth noting is that the courier here if space jelly that apparently splits and fulfills hundreds of orders at one time.


    The entire Royal Speed transportation is based on this one beast while some other beasts occasionally assist.


    Zi Yang ordered products at a normal pace, so they would come after all the pending orders are cleared. Usually, it takes a day at most, so he was expecting the orders tomorrow.


    Meanwhile, Zi Yang called Jian Guo for assistance at his house. In case, he busted this job.


    Next day, Zi Yang and Jian Guo together prepared the lotion.


    Mama Mei was by the side to help with spirit qi circulation.


    Zi Yang took a pot and put phoenix tail feather on one side and the water crystal grass on the other. Jian Guo held the ancient life tree¡¯s leaf and circulated his little qi to make sure the heat on the put is ideal.


    Mama Mei used her spirit qi to stir the two elements of fire and water in the pot to collide and balance.


    When it reached at the apex delicate balance where it could break the Tai chi flow and go unbalanced, Jian Guo expertly pushed the leaf at the center of the collision.


    The leaf was instantly torn apart by the collision but the water and fire elements were also balanced and shortly disappeared.


    Jian Guo asked Mama Mei to continue stirring specially on the water side to wear down the sword intent.


    After a while, an off-white-colored liquid was left in the pot. It was then set out to cool.


    ¡°Wow, this was unique method of potion making. Where did you know to do this?¡±, Jian Guo asked in amazement.


    He usually works with precise calculations and under his teacher¡¯s guidance. It was his first time working such a trick.


    ¡°Oh, this is from a provincial potion maker¡¯s comment on the void net. Anyway, thanks for coming today.¡±, Zi Yang followed.


    ¡°No problem. Let me know how well it works. If it works well, I¡¯ll suggest teacher Meng to sell some too. I¡¯ll recommend you¡±


    Jian Guo has already made up his mind to recommend this kid. Even though it looked like he did nothing but put two resources on the left and the right. He maintained the overall process and his calmness diluted the tension.


    He was exactly like a conductor, managing micro details and timings for everyone to get things right.


    Zi Yang softly thanked and they parted ways after having lunch at the house.


    The lotion had just cooled down and Zi Yang was going to take Zi Ming and the lotion with him to Auntie Lan¡¯s house.


    Even though the lotion is made, Zi Yang was not sure if the sword intent has been diluted. In case of any issue, Aunt Lan¡¯s peony flower fairy can cast a health boost.


    Moreover, this potion is mad of such precious materials. He also wanted to repay some of the favor by sharing some with Aunt Lan¡¯s daughter.


    Then, Zi Yang, Zi Ming and Mama Mei all headed to Aunt Lan¡¯s house together.


    These days, he''s been thinking of getting one more person for house help. Now for example, the baby pandas at home are all alone.


    At Aunt Lan¡¯s house, Aunt Lan was pleasantly surprised when Zi Yang visited.


    ¡°Yang¡¯er, you finally visited. Your Aunt Lan drove me mad this winter asking why you had never visited when she reminded so many times.¡±, said Uncle Bai, Aunt Lan¡¯s husband.


    ¡°Ah, Bai Tu, Yang¡¯er wanted to prepare some lotion for both Zi Ming and Bai Lian. He¡¯s embarrassed to only ask of you, and not return.¡±, Mama Mei replied in her unique soothing voice.


    Aunt Lan immediately jumped when she heard this, ¡°Really, what Mei Li is true. Yang¡¯er, what nonsense. When Yi Nuo was there, she helped me a lot. This boy¡­¡±


    Aunt Lan couldn¡¯t help and started crying.


    Zi Yang was at a loss throughout the whole process. How could a simple visit evolve into this.


    Ah. What a sin.


    ¡°Uncle¡±, he could only seek Uncle Bai¡¯s help now.


    Uncle Bai quickly understood, and said, ¡°By the way, you didn¡¯t come without the daises dew water. Did you? My tea¡¯s running out.¡±


    Sure enough. A husband knows his wife best.


    As soon as this came out, Aunt Lan jumped again and shouted wildly, ¡°Bai Tu, how shameless are you to request a gift from your nephew. My dad told me not to marry this lazy pig.¡±


    Uncle Bai winked and showed an aggrieved expression of ¡°I had to listen to scolding because of you.¡±


    Zi Yang also knows his uncle well, and calmly betrayed him and said, ¡°Auntie said right. Uncle should come and get it on his own. I came for Bai Lian ah, and Auntie check the lotion and see how it works.¡±


    Mama Mei stood aside and watched the circus of one woman hopping and dancing to the tune of two men ¨C young and old. Who said only beasts do circus?


    Aunt Lan brought Bai Lian out and then placed the two little ones together.


    Bai Lian was a cute little doll, with big eyes and puffed cheeks. Zi Ming looked better than before but still looked extremely malnourished in comparison.


    Both babies were meeting for the first time, so they both showed curious expressions. Bai Lian put Zi Ming¡¯s ear in her mouth and started chewing.


    The whole family laughed.


    After a while, Auntie Lan verified the lotion with her peony flower fairy. Don¡¯t think that flower fairy can only cast the health skill but not appraisal.


    Because it¡¯s true. They can¡¯t do appraisal but any health-related beast can tell by instinct anything is harmful to a certain person or not.


    With the go-ahead, Aunt Lan applied and massaged Zi Ming and Bai Lian with the lotion.


    While massaging she replied, ¡°This works well. The slight tingling on my finger is simulating my cells to be more active. It is actively destroying dead cells and simulating more cells to divide and strengthen. The rest I am not very sure about, but they''re comfortable little mouths should mean good.¡±


    Zi Yang was thankful it worked.


    First step to recovery taken today.

 Relentless Child

    ¡°That¡¯s great, Auntie.¡±


    Zi Yang was truly relieved. This was a 18K ancient dollars investment after all. An effort of over three months.


    What he has think about now is how to get more ancient tree leaves from the leafed hat trut in Aunt Jing¡¯s Garden. If I could save another 12000 bucks, why waste it?


    ¡°Yang¡¯er, we should leave soon. It will get late and the five babies (pandas) might have woken up by now.¡±, Mama Mei quipped by the side.


    Aunt Lan agreed, ¡°Mei Li¡¯s right, it¡¯s a hassle when you¡¯re out on some work and have part of your mind always worrying about your baby at home.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t there daycare centers around here?¡±, Zi Yang asked casually.


    ¡°There are but you know, services are usually more costly and it is difficult for general populace to afford that.¡±


    A light bulb immediately went on in Zi Yang¡¯s head.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we set it up?¡±, Zi Yang asked with bright eyes.


    Everyone was confused with my question.


    ¡°A daycare center. Let¡¯s have it setup in the backyard of my house.¡±


    I stuttered, conceived and explained the idea at the same time.


    A daycare center ¡­ sort of a cooperative, where different moms work on different days or hours on salary or some hired house help; while everyone pays for maintenance.


    Zi Yang and Aunt Lan would prepare minimum infrastructure investment to maintain majority share, and rest could be taken by the mothers in proportion of help.


    Uncle Bai and Aunt Lan were dumbfounded with this idea.


    In the society where people cooperate with their beasts as partners to take on major endeavors, they hardly ever talk about cooperatives between common people ¨C they would usually either have their beasts help or hire a house help!


    Cooperatives are rarely seen.


    ¡°It is said that it takes a village to take a village to raise a child. Aunt Lan, let¡¯s build that village.¡±, Zi Yang was completely excited at the thought of another income source.


    ¡°Slow down there, boss. There are a lot of things to consider such as good employees, safety nets. It¡¯s no joke.¡±, Uncle Bai woke us up.


    ¡°Yes, but everyone will discuss it together. The community members and new mothers can serve as sounding boards¡±.


    Uncle Bai looked dubious. He suddenly asked


    ¡°You know cooperatives and big words like sound boards. Are you really an eight-year-old kid?¡±


    This question almost made Zi Yang jump on his tail.


    Thankfully, Aunt Lan slapped him on the back of his head again, ¡°If not, is he some old monster pretending to be?¡±


    Damn, both husband and wife are a bit sensitive. It¡¯s dangerous.


    ¡°ha-ha uncle, I¡¯m looking for income sources quite a lot these days so this idea occurred to me. And, uncle you should also more thesaurus for words. Your vocabulary is not rich.¡±


    Zi Yang also phrased a sentence and shot back.


    Then, started Bai house daily soap opera:


    ¡°He¡¯s right. My dad told me back then¡­.¡±


    ¡°What your dada, my mom also said¡­.¡±


    ¡°What did your mom say, dare you say¡­.¡±


    K.O. Aunt Lan Wins.


    Meanwhile, Mama Mei took the initiative to break the fight and picked up Zi Ming.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Lan Yun, we have to go now. Think about what Zi Yang said. We¡¯ll talk later. It¡¯s getting late.¡±


    Then, Bai Lian started crying and looking at Zi Ming as we left.


    Next few days, Aunt Lan would frequently discuss the preliminary details at the store at every morning visit.


    Next few days, Zi Yang spent regular days ¨C selling products, studying at night classes and massaging Zi Ming.


    Next few days, Mama Mei is still going to Pine hill forests for some new products and helping with the house.


    Next few days, few more aunts came to the store and discussed the panda cuddle day care center.


    Yes, Panda cuddle is the name decided for the center.


    Other than that, the saplings for berries have grown a lot with the help of energy stones, but the thunder marked wood he picked up from the firewood store did not show any promise.


    Another very important thing Zi Yang did was to collect common beasts¡¯ blood from void net.


    He is going to try again if Auntie Jing¡¯s bloodthirsty and evil leafed hat trut would once again give an ancient leaf tree in exchange for blood.


    That morning, after selling the berries packs and rose daisies dews¡¯, Zi Yang took his fishing rod and packed the bag full of blood packs of different animals.


    He came to a tall tree just outside Aunt Jing¡¯s house and next to the garden. Knocked on the tree, talked and confirmed this tree is not a spiritual beast.


    Then, Zi Yang started climbing the tree with difficulty.


    With a few scratches on his arms and legs, and few more holes in his clothes, Zi Yang finally climbed a reasonable height to see the trut sleeping on an orange-reddish tree which looked a bit like an osmanthus tree he¡¯s seen in movies.


    Zi Yang chose this time because he¡¯s never seen Auntie Jing out of the house in the early morning ever. So, she is most likely sleeping.


    After all, Zi Yang was a little guilty. Exchanging products in exchange for blood is not a good thing ¨C after all, it is not a good thing to encourage a beast¡¯s bloodthirstiness.


    But thinking that he would not have any money for buying an extra wood resource for the lotion again, Zi Yang had to wrong Aunt Jing a little.


    ¡°Mom said Aunt Jing is powerful, so she should be able to deal with it.


    And its¡¯ not like the beast blood is particularly powerful, it only a common beasts¡¯ blood ¨C so how serious could the sequela be when he¡¯s already bloodthirsty for human blood?¡±


    Zi Yang comforted himself in low voice.


    What Zi Yang did not know was everything he¡¯s done from walking stealthily to the tree, his way of kicking and checking spirituality of the tree, his effort and resolve in climbing the tree despite short breaths and body heaviness, and his soliloquy ¨C were also seen and heard by two people in the house.


    ¡°Dark Void, what is this child doing and talking about now?¡±


    But, one of them were a little confused. Yes, Void Empress was confused about all the bloodthirstiness talk and early morning tree climbing.


    Dark Void was so ashamed that she dug her toe nails in the ground and even wanted to get in herself.


    After all, the leafed hat trut, though not contracted was trained by her, so it could be considered her beast.


    She then whispered the story of how the trut sucked some blood from Zi Yang a few years ago under effect of her trial drug, and after coming to its senses ¨C it gave an ancient tree¡¯s leaf to him.


    Then she reminded her of the encounter in the forest the other day. Zi Yang most likely wants a life tree¡¯s leaf again.


    Sure enough, Zi Yang had already found a position and taken his fishing rod. He opened the bag pack and took out a small packet of blood.


    After tying the packed to the hook, he swung the rod about seven times before hitting the leafed hat trut on his head.


    The trut screamed reflexively and woke up some young birds and insects. Zi Yang reflexively swung the packet onto its mouth again.


    What if Auntie woke up again? How could we do business?


    The trut was at a loss until a drop of pig blood seeped into his mouth. He slapped the packet away and then noticed Zi Yang on the tree not far away following the hook and the wire.


    ¡°Idiot trut, don¡¯t you know illegal transactions like this need to be quiet.¡±


    Zi Yang reprimanded righteously before the trut could screech anymore, bring the shocked trut to reflexively cover its mouth.


    ¡°Good, come close to the tree. See I brought new products today.¡±


    Zi Yang was thinking that those low-grade mafia movies in pervious life were of some use after all. He had gained momentum and should be able to swindle, ah, exchange the leaf from this stupid trut.


    Next, the two in audience watched as the trut initially declined taking the blood packets of a pig, cow, camel, snake, eagle etc.


    And Zi Yang holding the trut back by various ridiculous reasons ¨C emotional card of waking up early for benefit, ratting out his money seeking behavior of selling household products without permission to Aunt Jing and reporting to beast regiment of a bloodthirsty monster¡­


    Void Empress was even more speechless when she saw the performance of one beast and one human.


    The early morning comedy show was a bit quirky.


    Dark Void also has several black lines on her forehead.


    Engrossed as they were in this amusing performance, they thought the show should finally be over when the trut shook his head firmly once again.


    Void Empress has just wanted Dark Void to hand over the life tree¡¯ leaves to Zi Yang later when she saw that he has already taken out a notebook and pencil.


    What is going to pull now?


    Isn¡¯t this child relentless?

 An Itachi to a Sasuke

    The clock was already ticking close to 9 a.m. and Aunt Jing would wake up any time.


    Zi Yang was anxious now. Could it be this trut wanted his blood again? No, he couldn¡¯t.


    This body is miserable as it is. It certainly could not tolerate the addiction of another leech.


    So, Zi Yang¡¯s brain hole started spinning again and he soon took out a book and pen, and squeezed his scratched thigh discreetly to squeeze out a few tears.


    ¡°Okay, I spent so much effort for our past friendship but you don¡¯t know my effort, right? Come here, let me explain to you the importance if this blood.¡±


    Zi Yang can swear he has never squeezed out his brain except when fooling his master¡¯s professor to give him three more days of extension, and well once in second of doctorate in the last life and no more.


    He took the trut by his hand, made him sit on another tree branch ¨C why not his shoulders where the trut was originally going to jump, you ask?


    What if he sucked more blood? He¡¯s weak as it is.


    While drawing on paper, he explained, ¡°Well, see camel head, snake neck, eagle claws, cow ears and pig¡¯s¡­. ah¡­ reproduction, yes. See what does this show?¡±


    The trut looked at the image and saw a crudely but recognizable dragon. His chia seed like eyes rounded with shock.


    What is this human saying? A dragon is made of different beast parts?


    He hadn¡¯t heard of that!


    Seeing the shock in his eyes, Zi Yang nodded contentedly and said, ¡°See no one told you right, imagine if you can transform into a wood dragon and soar into nine skies. How happy do you think Aunt Jing would be?¡±


    The trut nodded repeatedly. But then shook his head and gestured that he didn¡¯t have to exchange the leaf with him now that he knew. He could buy it himself.


    Even though Zi Yang did not speak the language, he understood that this naturally evil trut wanted to take advantage of him and refused after knowing the secret.


    ¡°Oh, do you how to prepare the potion for the evolution and what ratio to mix to get dragon gene?¡±


    The trut¡¯s hat drooped and after much negotiation he agreed to share the leaf.


    But Zi Yang wasn¡¯t having it now. Now, he¡¯s fooled the trut so much and was going to offer a fake potion formula.


    Aunt Jing will definitely be angry.


    With that, there would be no chance to exchange anything from this trut anymore, so he was going to squeeze him out.


    Anyway, he¡¯s already offended. Could it be Auntie Jing would fight him over this?


    ¡°Well, if Auntie Jing really comes¡­ No Aunt Jing is kind of royal type lady. Mom also said she doesn¡¯t care about almost all things. Then, she would definitely not come after me. But just I case, give this trut some good food to appease his emotions¡­ Okay.¡±


    A monologue again and Zi Yang shook his head again.


    ¡°This is a top-secret information; how can I give it to you for one tree leaf. You have to pay more.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Empress, are you sure you want to see more? This kid is a bit of a swindler. Why don¡¯t we go back to the Void Palace¡±, Dark Void had black lines hung on her forehead and they were getting darker as time passed.


    If a real fortune telling swindler looked, he might yell ¨C ¡°Bad luck¡±


    Void Empress did not answer that. She walked back to the room and came out with her own unique void bracelet which connects everything on the void net.


    Dark Void was quite surprised to see this. To connect on the void net for a powerful individual like the Void Empress, spiritual thoughts are enough.


    To connect using her unique authority bracelet meant that it¡¯s a confidential message. After a moment of having done her business, the Void Empress replied again:


    ¡°Dark Void, train that trut hard for me. I don¡¯t want to see the plateau of emptiness pawned by hm again.¡±


    A flat tone with emphasis on ¡®hard¡¯ and a hyperbole ¨C Dark Void understood that the empress was both embarrassed and amused by this combination of man and beast.


    She looked back and saw that the trut had handed over four ancient tree leaves and a bottle of holy spring water. And he still has his lips curved up as if proud of his negotiation skills.


    Zi Yang handed over the fake potion formula he made and the all the blood packets in a bigger container and trotted away with his exchange products.


    Both parties were visibly satisfied with the exchange ¨C at least for now.


    The happiness exuded from the leafed hat trut made Dark Void pause and not break his fantasy. Let the fantasy continue a little longer, she thought with some sympathy.


    She then spread spiritual thoughts to check her void mail and was not surprised to see an encrypted email a few seconds ago.


    But the title of the email surprised her.


    She opened the email which read:


    [Title]: Hypothesis of a scientific gene modification and recombination to create and evolve beasts metaphysically.


    [Content]:


    Madame Dark Void,


    We were pleasantly surprised to have received an email from Void Empress herself on suggesting a research study on checking if genes of different beasts could be combined to create or evolve other animals.


    In particular, her example of a dragon having different parts resembling different beasts was intriguing. She commented that she gained this inspiration from a young prodigy named Zi Yang and recommended him to be the second author of the study.


    Could you connect us with him? We would like be in contact if there he has any more ideas.


    Please expect detailed for study, team, and material expenses in the next few days.


    In your service,


    Tian Kuo


    CEO, Tinaxin Tech.


    ---------------------------


    Dark Void was speechless.


    So, you took a swindler¡¯s bickering and made it into a research project as an answer?


    Just what do you like about this boy so much that you extended efforts into making a seemingly false statement into a truth?


    Tianxin technology is the biggest tech company with all kinds of weirdos with different types of iron parts. Now that they have project proposal by the Void Empress herself, there would definitely be a result out of it!


    Good results at that.


    Just need to see how many years it would take.


    On the other side, Zi Yang tried squeezing the ancient leaves and the holy spring water bottle in the frozen capsule. Ultimately, due to lack of space after having two eggs stuffed in, he had to remove the bottle of water and keep it aside.


    Now, he would only need to spend some money buying the fire-based resources ¨C water-based resources are sorted for now.


    The only concern is that now Zi Yang has incurred another debt from the leafed hat trut.


    Even though it looks like that Zi Yang was pretty chilled while swindling resources for his benefit ¨C he has always been clear on who has helped him and whom he owed favors to.


    Both in previous and this life, Zi Yang hated owing favors. He would always find an opportunity to pay it back so as not to be entangled in all sorts of affairs.


    Especially in a fantasy setting world like he is in now, owed favors can be deadly in time. Thinking of this, Zi Yang took out his notebook and jot down the leafed hat trut¡¯s name below Aunt Lan¡¯s.


    Also mentioned the four leaves and one bottle of holy spring water that he ¡°willingly¡± gave and he owed favor.


    Well, owing favors is owing favors. He will never admit that he swindled it out of him.


    If anything, to repay the trut¡¯s excessive love (to reduce resentment), Zi yang decided to pay him back some more.


    Looking at his brother¡¯s peaceful smile while napping, Zi Yang felt the morning drama was worth it.


    He had not had a family in his previous life and his mother left early in this one; so he had never had any really understood the emotions of a family even though he could imitate some of the them.


    Only with Zi Ming¡¯s presence could Zi Yang feel a touch of human warmth now.


    He could now totally understand why Itachi, chose to save one life, at the expense of an entire clan.


    If given the same choice in this world, I¡¯m sure I¡¯d do that too.


    Be an Itachi to a Sasuke.

 Job Market Is Really Competitve Now

    Sitting by the hearth, Void Empress seemed to be enjoying her mortal life once again. By her side, the golden toad croaked and spit out a purple mass which was quickly stuffed into a jade bottle by Dark Void.


    The toad looked much better than a year ago, but still looked a little lazy ¨C not sure because of the injury or is he was being just winter lazy.


    ¡°Has he come?¡±


    Weighing her words in gold ¨C Internally musing, Dark Void still replied immediately, ¡°Yes, he¡¯s in the city already. Will be here any time.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s prudent¡±, the empress said seemingly abruptly.


    ¡°That¡¯s paranoid, empress¡±, Dark Void quipped.


    ¡°Better safe than sorry. Being paranoid for safety is good for the weak.¡±


    Both of them became quiet after that, and remembered their many failed attempts this year.


    Since the spring of the year, Zi Yang together with Aunt Lan convinced many aunties to agree to set up the panda cuddle daycare center where babies and pandas play together and there would be dedicated people to provide care.


    Both the Empress and Dark Void thought, it would be good to some of our own people in.


    Void Empress; for the sake of helping the little boy and Dark Void, because she might need to connect with further ramblings on gene optimization from the initiator of the research!


    The internal agent could do both things seamlessly.


    Dark Void arranged for multiple people to be interviewed as a daycare employee but they all failed.


    The reasons were all sorts of genuine, bizarre, careful and even ridiculous points.


    She sent a total of 62 candidates in shifts. Some failed the so-called personality test where in the answer to two seemingly same questions framed differently should be the same to check authenticity.


    Even Dark Void had to admit, the questionnaire invented by Zi Yang could eliminate most of the careless and deceitful people. One needed to be firm in choices and the choices also need to be manageable in work settings.


    This was the second time Dark Void¡¯s training was questioned. That too, by the same person who overturned her training results last time.


    The only difference was that the last time was a beast (leafed hat trut), and this time were humans (void attendants).


    What was worse was yet to come.


    Some of the candidates¡¯ shoes, clothes and even handkerchiefs were recognized as being expensive by some of the neighborhood aunties.


    All hell broke loose after that.


    Why would someone who could afford rich clothes or accessories come to join a cooperative center?


    Vigilant, Zi Yang and all the aunties teamed up to micro-scan every candidate and even some of her attendants who had passed were re-evaluated and dismissed.


    Reasons being,


    ¡°She sits like a lady¡±,


    ¡°He bows!¡±,


    ¡°No one speaks so softly in a rainy town where there¡¯s so much noise.¡±,


    ¡°Her hair looks colored and trimmed¡±,


    ¡°His hands are like a marshmallow¡±


    ¡°Her raised eyebrows look like she¡¯s a proud little princess.¡±


    And a lot more!


    The training she had provided to train well-groomed attendants and the habits she ingrained in them was now a criterion on how to weed out the ¡°odd rich ones.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Even the aunties were amazed how Zi Yang would quickly find the odd ones out.


    Zi Yang couldn¡¯t tell them that every poor college student needs to understand this to avoid getting on the bad side of a rich heir whose mood suddenly flipped.


    Moreover, Zi Yang got extremely vigilant when he saw so many people trying to get the job. He couldn¡¯t understand what these rich kids were playing.


    But his sixth sense told him, he couldn¡¯t let them in.


    Never.


    So then¡­


    Some who passed couldn¡¯t hold baby properly.


    Some who did, did not place the hand properly.


    Those who did, looked nervous while walking with a baby in hand and a bag in another.


    Some stepped with the left leg and did not keep proper distance with the right one, which could risk dropping the baby.


    In short, in the end Zi Yang was almost paranoid ¨C driving away everyone.


    He even paused the recruitment after discussing it with all the neighborhood aunties ¨C deciding that the aunties would take care of the babies until other employees all gathered.


    Now, their daycare center was missing one manager and one caregiver. Zi Yang would be the accountant and another old lady and her daughter-in law were hired for part-time cleaning and caregiving.


    Both of them could help with the caregiving job as well and get extra pay.


    The reason that pissed Dark Void the most was that she was also rejected by Zi Yang and the reason and the conversation after she left her flabbergasted.


    Seeing Dark Void still sulking, Void Empress also made a rare joke ¨C ¡°come on, don¡¯t always give a sense of alienation. What if the babies cry?¡±


    Then laughed herself.


    Dark Void was so pissed. Both their emotions have been roller coaster rides since they came this small Jade Cloud City.


    Dark Void remembered that she spent two months after the recruitment had passed into camouflaging herself extremely well and perfectly became like the locals in all clothes, accessories, body language. She also carefully reviewed all the tests.


    In the last recruitment, she passed the personality consistency tests. She also nailed the interviews and everything went well.


    Finally, Zi Yang smiled and said, ¡°This is looking great. Thank you. We will call you.¡±


    Dark Void thought that at last, she could succeed even if none of the attendants got through.


    She stepped out of the room and walked across the street. Soon, she had slid back to wall next to the discussion and heard the comments to verify if this was finally done.


    And lo and behold.


    Here comes Zi Yang tearing her apart like none other.


    ¡°This one also doesn¡¯t work¡±.


    ¡°Why? She¡¯s lovely and perfect by all standards?¡±, quipped an aunt with mole next to her eye.


    ¡°Yes, she seems fairly educated as well. Can help with accounting and groceries as well¡±


    An uncle who was a single dad said.


    Others also applauded.


    Zi Yang quieted everyone down and said, ¡°Aunties, Uncles, that¡¯s the point. Is there anyone so perfect in all our lives?¡±


    Zi Yang then pointed to the uncles and aunties and said,


    ¡°Auntie, you like painting your hair color a little purplish after seeing the pop star do it.¡±


    ¡°Uncle, you unconsciously change you accent in official situations.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Lan, Aunt Ying and Aunt Jo also buys duplicates of famous brands and dress up well¡±


    ¡°But that woman wore all local products, perfectly aligned and trimmed. They suit so well. Who has such fashion sense even with local clothes? They¡¯re simply perfect.


    The hair is like locals and even her language accent matches exactly. That¡¯s the problem.


    No can be perfect. That¡¯s the problem.


    And didn¡¯t you see, even though she was hospitable.


    She avoided contact slightly when Aunt Jo led into the room. Even though she immediately held hands and laughed saying she was startled, she has a kind of superior aura.


    She is so alienated in her aura; I even doubt if the babies would cry if they saw her close.


    She''s approaching The mouth of a green bamboo snake, the tail of a wasp has a needle; two kinds of freedom are available, but the most poisonous is the heart of a woman!¡±


    Everyone in the room laughed.


    ¡°Oh, Zi Yang ¨C don¡¯t speak bad behind others. But ha-ha-ha, she did seem a little uptight, didn¡¯t she? But what do you mean a woman''s heart is poisonous.¡±


    One auntie had already twisted his ears and others were gearing.


    The few uncles came to rescue, "come on, his meaning is we must be on guard against hidden agendas."


    ¡°Yes, since Zi Yang doesn¡¯t like her. Let her go.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we could recommend Jing Huan across the street to hire her. She could do that, both of them are alike.¡±


    Remembering the last sentence in the room that day, Dark Void whispered, ¡°Empress, don¡¯t forget they said we¡¯re both alike ¨C that means they said you¡¯re uptight too.¡±


    The laughter stopped immediately.


    "He also quoted a poisonous woman''s heart after me."


    The room fell into an eerie silence.


    Fortunately, Bai Ze came in through the door.


    ¡°Good morning, Empress Jing, Dark Void. It¡¯s quite cozy in here.¡±


    Both women answered:


    ¡°Morning Bai Ze¡±


    ¡°Morning Mystic Void. How many times have I told you to address the empress with her title?¡±


    Bai Ze joked immediately, ¡°Oh don¡¯t be so uptight, Dark Void. You can call me Bai Ze too. I prefer that.¡±


    The air that has just become jubilant due to a reunion became still again.


    Void Empress was the first to escape. She said in her calm tone, ¡°Dark Void, inform Bai Ze of the process and all details to take care of. Seems that they have hired Jo Catthy as the caregiver. Now only a manager is left for the job.¡±


    Now left in the room were Dark Void and Mystic Void.


    Dark Void had all these pent-up emotions and if it were not for a time constraint, she would have had a fight with this old cow.


    Then, she held back and took out a complete folder from her desk and threw it to the man.


    ¡°Here, study. Everything you want to understand is in here.¡±


    Then she strode out too.


    Baize read the document and went from surprise to emotion to sympathy and finally confusion.


    He could only sigh.


    Job market is really competitive now.

 Life Blooms

    Finally.


    Dec 2nd 2032.


    Last day of the interview for the panda cuddle daycare center,


    The license to operate is ready. Uncle Bai Tu helped out a lot with that.


    If the center can¡¯t find a manager today, Zi Yang has already thought of taking on additional job along with the accountant¡¯s and owner¡¯s job.


    Bai Ze also arrived at the center with other candidates, only two more ¨C one young man recommended by Jian Guo and another was a middle-aged uncle from the supermarket.


    Apparently, he was a good manager there and quit to have some more time to himself.


    He¡¯s the most hopeful for this job.


    Bai Ze looked like an old man in decent clothes and even some branded clothes. So, interviewers i.e. all uncles and aunties had already ruled him out.


    Dark Void who was observing in secret was also fuming. This idiot did not read the document properly and did not prepare well. It¡¯s over. How was she going to give an explanation to the Void Empress now?


    Soon, the other interviews were over and only Bai Ze was left.


    Aunt Jo called his name. There was no reply from outside the room. She went out to check and found that a sheep like or cow-like creature was playing in the backyard with the babies ¨C pandas and the human alike.


    The creature looked majestic, so she cried out loud. Other hurried out of the room and Uncle Bai Tu identified,


    ¡°Oh my god, that¡¯s a Bai Ze. The auspicious beast who¡¯s as famous as a dragon.¡±


    Hearing the sound, Bai Ze also put down the kids and strode out and shapeshifted into a man while walking.


    Zi Yang swears that he wanted to yell ¨C ¡°Animagus¡± and ¡°Magic¡± in a heartbeat.


    Fortunately, he resisted.


    Instead, he asked Aunt Jo, ¡°Is he the candidate named Bai Ze? It was really a Baize. I thought it was just a name.¡±


    ¡°Why kid, are you discriminating against beasts? I¡¯m a law abiding and recognized auspicious beast. Be careful, I¡¯ll complain to the mayor about you.¡±


    Zi Yang¡¯s tongue twisted for a moment and sharp pain hit him.


    Dark Void felt a strange sense of comfort when she saw Zi Yang¡¯s distorted face. Then she realized that this kid is the interviewer and Baize is picking a fight.


    It¡¯s over now. Totally over.


    However, to her surprise, Zi Yang did not cancel the interview but took everyone in the room and said, ¡°No, we don¡¯t discriminate. Mama Mei is an important part of the center. You should be high in cultivation considering that you can switch to a human body. Why interview here?¡±


    Baize was curiously looking at the room and at the boy when he heard this question. In fact, he was very curious about this kid who could withhold the Void Empress for 9 years and possible for another decade until he becomes a beast master.


    Upon hearing the question, Baize was casual.


    He replied, ¡°I was hurt by a curse a few years ago and it is healed now. It would take another nine or ten months to recover my lost strength by then. This place looks good with kids and all. Looks lively place to finish recovering.¡±


    Aunt Lan was frighted after hearing about the curse, ¡°Are your enemies still around? What if they come here.¡±


    The concerns were genuine.


    Baize was still casual, ¡°I wasn¡¯t hurt by ana enemy. I came across a cursed tomb relic which hurt me. Fortunately, contact period was small, so I hibernated in the mountains and waited for my heavenly luck to wear down the curse.¡±


    The room was quiet now.


    First this old man looks hell-a-chilled. No worries and blatantly flaunting his strength and luck in a room full of people who had neither.


    Almost all uncles and aunties here were at extraordinary level strength. And to shapeshift into a human, at least soldier strength is required.


    Zi Yang was also the most unaffected. He had this inexplicable confidence that he would live a good life even if he was unable to absorb spirit qi.


    He maintained his awe of strength as necessary but was never afraid or worshipped strong people in the society like others.


    This looks inconsistent with a child with no support and a very dysfunctional body. This ignited Baize¡¯s curiosity further.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    He could understand why the Empress was curious about this unique boy.


    He could even feel an inexplicable nobility coming from his bones, as if anything and everything is worthless to him in its entirety.


    So much so, Baize was a little dumbfounded. His beast senses are impeccably accurate. If he senses this, this is most likely true.


    It seems that this boy hides some incredible secret.


    ¡°So, your strength is way over the limit for the job and we wouldn¡¯t be able to pay you much. Do you still want it?¡±, Zi Yang asked cautiously.


    ¡°Sure. When do I start?¡±, Baize exclaimed.


    Let¡¯s sign the contract in a week. We will fix all details by then.


    ¡°Where are you staying, meanwhile? Mountains?¡±, Zi Yang asked.


    ¡°What? You think I¡¯m some wild beast? Of course, I¡¯m staying in Maysynram Blu Hotel. The spa there is good.¡±


    Then he winked and left the flabbergasted audience behind while he strode away.


    Aunt Ying blushed slightly at the old man¡¯ wink. Her husband nudged her lightly reminding that he was still in the room.


    ¡°He¡¯s nice and is good with the kids.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he was careful when dropping them even when Jo shouted her lungs out.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I was scared¡±, Aunt Jo squealed.


    ¡°Yes, even though he would only stay for 9-10 months. It¡¯s enough for now. We¡¯ll hire again later.¡±


    ¡°And his strength can also provide an extra insurance to the place.¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Yang¡¯er?¡±


    Zi Yang also agreed. He felt good after seeing this old man and not just because of the luck halo.


    He felt a kind of dependable aura on him.


    So, everyone agreed.


    Zi Yang proposed to draft the contract.


    No one in the room took him a kid after spending a year with him managing business and recruiting. They all acknowledge his intellect. Still, Uncle Bai Tu would help if necessary.


    After dismissing everyone, Zi Yang signed in on the void net and purchased two highest grade void contracts.


    Even though Baize old man never mentioned his strength, Zi Yang assumed the highest he could and bought the best contract that can restrict anyone whose strength is below the void empress.


    He bankrupted himself to buy this contract.


    Reason why Zi Yang was so cautious was because he had a slightly crooked idea in his mind and had to be foolproof. His instincts told him that doing so was right for his survival.


    Then, he started typing the content that should be printed in the contract on the void net.


    ----------------------


    The Employment Contract Agreement (hereinafter refered to as the ¡°Agreement¡±) is entered into on December 9, 2024 (the ¡°Effective Date¡±), by and between Zi Yang, with an address of H/19, First street, Panda Cuddle Daycare Center, Mawsynram town, Jade Cloud City (hereinafter referred to as ¡®employer¡¯) and Bai Ze, an auspicious beast with citizen ID: VE-AB-PE-00001/02 (hereinafter referred to as ¡®employee¡¯) (collectively referred to as the ¡°Parties¡±.


    Responsibilities:


    During employment, the employee would perform the following duties:


    <ol>


    <li>Take care of overall center and operations.</li>


    <li>Help take care of babies when necessary.</li>


    </ol>


    Pay and Compensation:


    The parties agree that the employee would be entitled to share half of the income amount from the employer¡¯s income share or a minimum guaranteed amount of 100,000 Ancient country dollars; whichever is more.


    Benefits:


    Both parties agree that the employee would show up once every week for first six months and once every month thereafter. The rest could be construed as non-working days.


    Constraints:


    <ol>


    <li>Employee guarantees to have no ill-will towards the employer, his brother, his acquaintances, property and his city during or after the contract period expires.</li>


    <li>Employee is required to identify himself as employer¡¯s brother, Zi Ming¡¯s godfather during the period of employment and the employer as ¡®Young Master¡¯ while outsiders are present.</li>


    <li>Should the employer stay beyond his suggested time period of 9.0 months, he is considered to have agreed to both conditions as set for life.</li>


    </ol>


    Term of Employment:


    The employment of 9.0 months starting from Dec 9 2024 is hereby agreed by both parties.


    Notice:


    Any conflict in regards with the agreement would be resolved on Void Net by assigned arbitrators.


    Signed:


    Bai Ze


    Zi Yang


    ---------------------------------------


    Zi Yang first couriered a draft on blank paper to the Mawsynram Blu Hotel for Bai Ze to view and asked him to come on 9 Dec for his signing and closing off.


    He also attached a note to the ¡®Constraints¡¯ header ¨C ¡°So that the neighbors don¡¯t look down on us brothers¡± with smiley emoji.


    Then, he immediately replaced 9.0 from ¡®terms of employment¡¯ to 90; and printed both contracts ¨C one copy for each the employee and the employer.


    Finally, he summoned his courage and went to Aunt Jing¡¯s house in the afternoon.


    The first thing he saw after entering the house was the last woman recognized as ¡°perfect¡± by everyone. Apparently, she¡¯s been hired by Aunt Jing.


    ¡°Hi, your name was¡­¡±


    Dark Void rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Ling Yi¡±


    That¡¯s her name. But she hardly uses it.


    ¡°Yes, Miss Ling¡±


    Dark Void was slightly happy after hearing him call her Miss. Although it is because of her persona she created during the interview, she is a Miss anyway and the Void Empress is an Auntie.


    ¡°Please come in¡±, Dark Void led him to the common room and served some snacks. Then she went to inform the empress who already knew Zi Yang was in the house.


    Zi Yang was a little nervous in front of Auntie Jing. First, he had swindled her beast and now he came to her to seek her help in swindling.


    Anyone would be a little afraid. Moreover, Aunt Jing¡¯s eyes were really piercing when she looked at him. She seemed to be always scrutinizing him which made Zi Yang uncomfortable all over.


    If not for the help required was urgent and he didn¡¯t know whom to ask; he would have never come here.


    ¡°Yes, Zi Yang. How are you doing now?¡±


    Void Empress had already sat opposite Zi Yang at some time.


    ¡°I am doing well. Thank you, Auntie. I had a favor to ask of you.¡±


    ¡®Oh, one of three owed favors?¡±


    ¡°Yes Auntie¡±, Zi Yang replied solemnly. Just his still babyish face coupled with the serious had the Void empress struggling to hold her smile.


    ¡°Okay, tell me.¡±


    ¡°Auntie, I want you to cast a confusing spell on 9 Dec on my house ¨C where everyone sees what they think they should see or have seen before.¡±


    The void empress was a little confused about this favor, but she didn¡¯t think much of it and agreed casually.


    Zi Yang breathed a sigh of relief when he heard her agree. He was a little confused if there was even as spell such as that or which beast could do it.


    Now that that''s done, Zi Yang went home and lay exhausted.


    He admired the new buds of the poplar tree which grew out of the thunderstruck wood he had bought.


    He was in beautiful mood today.


    He succeeded in blooming life out of the branch. And he had a feeling ¨C the job contract would also bring new life the two brothers.

 Simple Life

    Bai Ze was also cautious. He had read the file and knew that the boy named Zi Yang handled everything extremely cautiously and might contact him through the hotel. So, he really rented a room for a week and stayed in it.


    When he received the contract, Bai Ze finally heaved a sigh of relief. Even though he acted frivolously as per his plan and was sure of getting hired, the outcome had not been decided after all.


    Now that he had the draft contract in hand, Bai Ze went straight to the Void Empress to express mission accomplished.


    The terms mentioned in the contract were also generous. He could understand the point of not being ill-intentioned but why mention being a godfather to his little brother.


    Even to stop the neighbor¡¯s mouths, that¡¯s not necessary.


    But considering that its only required to be held for nine months. He doesn¡¯t see any big issues with that.


    Bai Ze returned at Void Empress¡¯ home and showed the contract.


    Dark Void had just finished explaining how the interview process went when Bai Ze handed a contract for them to see.


    Void Empress¡¯ reaction was the same as Bai Ze¡¯s.


    Only Dark Void looked like the contract was too good to be true. All holidays and only a few work days while shielding children in name of a godfather for a few months?


    If it were a few months ago, that¡¯s be fine.


    But now Dark Void has a psychological shadow of Zi Yang¡¯s actions. So, she started mobilizing her channels to see if she could find something.


    Another thing she couldn¡¯t fathom was that Bai ze got hired so easily.


    Bai Ze seemed to have seen her doubts, and said, ¡°the only thing I saw in the file was a boy trying hard to find someone genuine. He rejected all the people who seem to be coming with a purpose instinctively.


    So, I played myself. Just added in a bit of falsehood about a curse and strength recovery which is like adding a pinch of salt to a jug of wine.


    And he¡¯s already seen me being good with children. Everything checks out then.¡±


    A simple truth, but both the Void Empress and Dark Void couldn¡¯t put themselves in a young boy¡¯s shoes as well as Bai Ze did.


    While Bai Ze was explaining, Dark Void had already learned that Zi Yang bought the highest-level Void contracts.


    Considering Zi Yang¡¯s earlier request to cast a confusion spell, she sensed something off and once again mobilized her authority to check the content of the contract.


    Checking it twice and discovering a twist, she printed two copies and gave them to Mystic Void and the Void Empress.


    Both of them talking, were interrupted. They were confused why Dark Void printed the same contract.


    They also imagined with the caution of that kid; he¡¯d most likely get a void contract instead of a normal contract done.


    Being urged to read, they read and reacted simultaneously.


    Dark Void admired the reactions of the both of them.


    Void Empress showed an amused and slightly angered expression. Baize was plain awestruck.


    Then, Dark Void told Mystic Void about Zi Yang¡¯s first request for the favor.


    The trio was at a loss of how cunning this kid could get.


    This was a kid trying to squeeze the Void Empress¡¯ right hand man, her steward ¨C a king level powerhouse for 9 years through a contract fraud.


    ¡°Working for 9 years is still alright. I can understand he wants someone reliable and with considerable strength to accompany him until he¡¯s of age, but why ask me to his brother¡¯s godfather?¡±Stolen novel; please report.


    Baize was not offended that he was going to be tricked.


    First, the empress¡¯ orders were to stay until he¡¯s 16 years old. He would have stayed after the stipulated 9 months, citing some reason or the other.


    He was just concerned about the new bond all of a sudden. It is not even certain if that boy would be his young lord by becoming the empress¡¯ student.


    He was already being hooked onto the family. There¡¯s a precedent issue here.


    As an attendant, he could not establish relations before the empress makes her mind.


    ¡°He¡¯s prudent.¡±, the empress said again and paused before continuing, ¡°and shrewd.¡±


    Dark Void immediately asked, ¡°So he¡¯s swindling again. Even though he shared half of his income for almost no work and only showing up for one a month, which seems to be compensating¡­.¡±


    Baize also said, ¡°He¡¯s swindling but not for me to work for nine years. To be exact, he doesn¡¯t care if I work for him or not. Even if I violate all conditions from day one and never show up, he may still be happy.¡±


    The Void empress also smiled.


    ¡°He¡¯s swindling Baize¡¯s luck. In the last year, we¡¯ve seen how many absurd things he done for his brother.¡±


    Both Void empress and Dark Void remembered and Baize had also read the folder.


    He¡¯s made baby lotions with ancient tree leaf, starting from three element Taichi lotion to five elements cyclical lotion, from doctor reports to high grade medicinal supplements.


    The boy¡¯s earning to spending ratio was seriously skewed. He spent all the money like water for his brother and wasted lots of good ingredients.


    The five elements cyclical lotion that Zi Yang prepared could be used by 8¨C12-year-olds to lay a good foundation before it could all be absorbed, but it was in fact used for a one-year-old.


    The life was typical of a pauper elder and a wealthy younger.


    They reacted as well.


    ¡°He wants to tie me to Zi Ming as his godfather so that my luck could nourish his younger brother!¡±


    Baize exclaimed.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s you who said that you survived a curse by using your luck. Zi Yang also knows Baize is an auspicious beast so he believed your statement, however ridiculous, immediately. He wants to use your luck to fill in some deficit of his younger brother.¡±


    Void empress said annoyed.


    Both attendants showed wry smiles.


    ¡°In short, just go with the flow and proceed as business.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Empress¡±


    Both saluted and retired.


    And so, Baize spent two relaxing years at Zi Yang¡¯s home.


    ¡°Uncle Bai, help me pack the space fruits according to the order list. The pickup will be here in a while. I¡¯m off to the evening school, will be late in the evening. Mama Mei, Zi Ming, bye¡±


    Zi Ming wobbled out with the help of a walker, and sweetly said, ¡°bye bye broo boo¡±


    Zi Yang kissed him goodbye and left swiftly.


    Baize also packed the space fruits in a separate package and handed them to the courier.


    He was also quite surprised that Zi Yang could find a hollow poplar branch and revitalize it. It has recently started giving fruits.


    These fruits contain a hint of space law. Even though it¡¯s only a hint and fruits are pitifully small, it already ranks as an extraordinary level resource.


    If the tree is strengthened someday and bears a proper space law fruit; this alone is enough for this household to live a good life for eternity.


    Provided they can protect it. Baize had to deter some provincial overlords from setting their eyes on this courtyard.


    Even though things seem to be getting better with the money from daycare and space fruits, Zi Yang has still taken on additional jobs occasionally.


    Customer service at Meng¡¯s potion making in exchange for some time observing Master Meng¡¯s potion making¡­


    And, now he¡¯s an assistant to teacher He at the evening school ¨C helping him reorganize curriculum, checking assignments and other menial jobs.


    He remembered telling Zi Yang that every cultivation type helps one breakthrough and make one stronger, such as cultivating music which involved playing instruments and singing.


    The boy¡¯s been tilling for more money since then.


    He stubbornly gives half of the earned money every month to me, Baize thought, otherwise he¡¯d have enough now for teaching classes.


    In fact, Baize understood Zi Yang a lot better in the two years. He also saw the gratitude and guilt in his heart. Sharing half of the money is a method of lessening some guilt.


    Neither of them ever talked about the nine-month contract expiring. They just kept going.


    He even saw his little black notebook which records all favors ¨C paid and unpaid. The entry of an ¡°evil and gullible leafed hat trut¡± is amusing.


    Anyhow, Baize couldn¡¯t have been more satisfied with the child.


    He¡¯d be even more satisfied if his godson did not come specially to him every time and pee.


    ¡°Lady Mei, Zi Ming has peed again.¡±


    ¡°Oh Lord Bai, wait a minute.¡±


    Out came a young lady in cheongsam ¨C Mama Mei who nursed her injuries in these two years and returned to soldier level strength again.


    The life here is simple.

 Theres a Limit to Eating Melons

    The simple life continued for another six months.


    During this time, Zi Yang scraped some more money together through a part-time job at the supermarket as a cashier.


    Zi Ming has been getting pretty lively as well. He¡¯s able to speak as fluently as a baby could and can already form sentences.


    The massages for Zi Ming are still going on and Baize also secretly contributed some money and added some ingredients to the potions.


    Even though he¡¯s no potion maker, his experience allows him to correct the balance of the potion so as not to waste ingredients while allowing for optimized usage.


    The evidence that this worked is that the origin deficiency has reduced from 71.3% to 60.7%.


    Baize can guarantee this 0.3% improvement is due his optimization while saving at least 20% of Zi Yang¡¯s money.


    Zi Yang was elated when Baize explained this to him but Dark Void expressed contempt.


    Anyway, Baize also discussed with Dark Void about becoming his godson¡¯s music teacher and after repeated requests and much effort, he was finally able to secure a good teacher for his godson.


    Alas, how Baize wished he could share the joy with Zi Yang.


    But he could only let him waste a favor to the empress and request her to be a magic teacher.


    A gleam flashed through his eyes.


    Even though Baize recognized Zi Yang¡¯s character and also recognized Zi Ming as his godson; a favor from the Void Empress had too heavy a weight.


    This favor could earn Zi Yang at least a quarter of the ancient Donghuang country or, an opportunity to become a king ranked strongman.


    Frankly, both the attendants were a little frightened to learn that the empress casually owed three favors to an eight-year-old.


    If somehow Zi Yang learns of the empress¡¯ identity and asks for something beyond measures, that would do no good to the empress.


    Even if the possibility is small, as an attendant ¨C their job is to make sure no harm or no possibility of a harm befalls their master.


    After Zi Ming asks for a second favor, Baize will look for an opportunity to finish up the third one as well.


    Baize was imagining while walking to the park where the Lady Mei had taken the daycare kids for playing.


    Walking across the street, Baize was met with a horde of crowd eating melons.


    Baize had picked up a lot of common people habits, but he had to say the one he most enjoys, is still eating melons while looking at the play.


    If he had to phrase it, he would say this is the quintessential essence of our culture.


    It is a must have. It allows one to learn from others mistake and improve upon things.


    How beautiful.


    ¡°Ahhhh ahhhhh¡­.¡±


    His reverie was broken by heartbreaking sounds, and he watched as two kids were fighting with each other.


    Rather one kid was being beaten and it was his kid that was being beaten.


    Baize quickly turned into afterimages to separate the two and checked Zi Ming¡¯s injuries.


    The injuries were all superficial, some little wounds on elbows, knees and a little bleeding from the nose.


    Nothing much.


    Nothing much.


    Little ancestor. Zi Yang is going to eat him alive!


    He has seen how preciously Zi Ming is to Zi Yang. It is no exaggeration to say that Zi Yang¡¯s life revolves around this little snot.


    Looking around, Baize realized Lady Mei was busy handling other kids who were also all cries and snots.


    The two of the quickly cooperated to get all the kids out, and back to the daycare.


    The other kid¡¯s elder brother also came out and took his brother away. There is no right or wrong in a kid¡¯s fight.


    There can be no right or wrong.


    The melon eaters also dispersed and the everyone went their own ways.


    At home, Lady Mei barely calmed down the weeping little boy and fed him asleep with a glass of milk and a sweet lullaby.


    It was already close to dusk when Zi Yang came home.


    He looked around and only saw Uncle Bai and Mama Mei around. Both Baize and Mama Mei looked worried.


    His heart thumped.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    What happened to Zi Ming?


    Zi Yang ran like crazy.


    His shoes slipped and he hit the flood with his head on, tears welled up in his eyes.


    Regardless, Zi Yang stood up the fastest he¡¯s ever had with this heavy body of his, and ran the fastest he ever could and came to Zi Ming¡¯s room.


    Opened the door and he was already panting with tongue out, his dogs¡¯ eyes were popped too.


    The scene would look comical if it were not for his intense emotions.


    Seeing Zi Ming sleeping on the bed and a few bandages, he carefully picked him up and caressed him when Zi Ming woke up.


    Being held in his brother¡¯s arms, the tears that has dried welled up again as if discovering a new source.


    ¡°Zeee Ang, Ee hai hit me. He said my mom¡¯s dead. Woo¡­ he said boo-boo and I hit him¡­ he hit me twe (gesturing two fingers). Woo¡­ zeee aang, you fite him¡­ hit him woo¡­¡±


    Zi Ming is only around three and half now.


    He fell asleep again after crying.


    Contrary to Mama Mei and Uncle Bai¡¯s expectation, Zi Yang did not feel much anger towards the kid who fought Zi Ming.


    So, after repeatedly assuring the two, he heard the story and it was roughly the same as Zi Ming said.


    ¡°Uncle Bai, please help me find out the details of his elder brother. I think we should resolve our differences.¡±


    Baize immediately has an ominous premonition. His beast senses keenly sensed a hidden anger in Zi Yang at this moment.


    So, he didn¡¯t speak but rushed to get the details.


    In half an hour¡¯s time, the details recorded in a file lay in Zi Yang¡¯s hands.


    --------------


    [Name]: Yi Feng


    [Father]: Yi Xin


    [Father¡¯s Occupation]: Beast Regiment Officer


    [Younger brother]: Yi Hai


    [School]: Bright Jade Middle School


    [Class]: Gifted class, Beast Taming division


    ---------------


    What a Yi family! With ¡®righteousness¡¯ as their family character and names sounding all high and sanctimonious, their young one¡¯s bully people.


    Good.


    He¡¯s made his point.


    Tomorrow, he will let this Yi Feng show some color.


    When Zi Yang thrashed the folder onto the tabled, Baize heart thumped again.


    He guessed that this matter was far from over.


    Was he going to demand compensation from Ye Feng or badmouth him in front of his classmates or blackmail him.


    One can¡¯t blame Baize to think so lowly of Zi Yang.


    Ever since he knew him, he¡¯s seen him swindling, buttering up, read him of blackmailing the trut and all sorts of things.


    Fight? Zi Yang is pragmatic and knows his strengths well.


    Baize was assured that the boy knew his limits and wouldn¡¯t fight a fight he couldn¡¯t win.


    Next day, Zi Yang took Mama Mei and Zi Ming to the same playground and waited for the two brothers to play.


    From what he heard, the boy wasn¡¯t injured much ¨C just some scratches. So, he should come to play and his brother should follow.


    ¡°Zee Ang, u hit him tudei?¡±, Zi Ming was still imaging his brother taking revenge for him.


    ¡°Zi Ming¡±


    Seeing his brother look so serious, Zi Ming was a little frightened. Zi Yang has always smiled at him.


    Today was the first time he saw a different face, he habitually wanted to cry.


    But Zi Yang¡¯s voice stopped him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Yi Hai hit you, so only you can hit him back. Big ones can¡¯t bully small ones understand?¡±


    Mama Mei also pitched in, ¡°yes Ming¡¯er, you have to fight your own fight.¡±


    Zi Ming half understood. He understood that his brother won¡¯t fight for him. He did not know how he felt, but his ears drooped slightly.


    ¡°But big ones can bully big ones.¡±


    With that said, Zi Yang strode away to Yi Feng whom he has seen coming to the playground.


    Mama Mei reacted late and by the time she reacted, Zi Yang had already punched Yi Feng on his cheek.


    The melon eaters gathered again and the brawl started.


    Except that the more Zi Yang fought, the braver her became.


    Yi Feng is a regular and healthy eleven-year-old kid. He is older than Zi Yang by about three months, and is bulkier than Zi Yang by at least a quarter time.


    His father is in beast regiment so he exercises frequently too and has learned some basic body moves.


    Today Yi Feng did not know which lunatic attacked him as soon as he entered the park but he was sure that he was going to display all those moves and pound this guy onto the ground.


    Zi Yang was therefore miserable of course.


    The onlookers were stunned.


    They could not fathom why a feeble paper tiger would challenge a bull. Zi Yang¡¯s thin body did not help him much in the early stage, but he soon gained momentum.


    His skinny bones became worthy weapons to be used. He used his elbow to slam onto Yi Feng¡¯s shoulders and it sank right in.


    Then an upper cut to the chin and a knee to the stomach; while Yi Feng dodged the upper cut and blocked the knee with his arm lock.


    It hurt both sides.


    The melon eaters were completely immersed that no one thought to break the fight. Mama Mei couldn¡¯t leave Zi Ming alone in the crowd anymore and bringing him in to separate would be dangerous in case someone hit him by error.


    Zi Ming cried initially when he saw Zi Yang beaten up but now, he was only with twinkling little stars in his eyes.


    The match was heating up and the underdog revived and bit crazily.


    That¡¯s literally what happened. Fighting all along and not getting any advantages, Zi Yang started biting his hand had while hitting obliquely on his ribs.


    Yi Feng lifted him and threw him off.


    But Zi Yang bit off a small portion of his skin off his hand and blood flowed out.


    The two looked at each other and both ran each other to fight again when their fists were caught by two hands.


    One was of Yi Feng¡¯s father, whom some well-intentioned onlooker had called.


    Another was Bai Ze, who had followed in dark all along and wanted to see how Zi Yang would settle.


    ¡°Oh¡±, an onlooker express disappointment at this anti-climactic ending.


    The next moment, the whole crowd was looking at him.


    He was so embarrassed that he hurried out.


    ¡°Go on. The show¡¯s over. The town beast regiment is here¡±, Yi Feng¡¯s dad drove away the crowd by flashing his ID and then he came over.


    Seriously, there¡¯s a limit to eating melons. This crowd did not know their limits.

 Marital Relationships

    Under the neon lights of the playground, Yi Feng checked his son¡¯s injuries and was surprised to see heavy bruises, blood clots, bite marks and torn skin.


    He was even more surprised when he looked at Zi Yang¡¯s condition.


    Both eyes swollen, clothes torn, bruises on his rib-caged chest clearly seen, a broken bone in the left arm and a sprain in the leg. There was no blood outside, but he was more seriously injured than his own son.


    He could see that this boy was holding on by sheer determination.


    Admiration aside, he had to ask, ¡°Kid, what was so seriously wrong that you had to fight such a bloody battle?¡±


    While asking, he looked curiously at the guardian of this kid who hadn¡¯t said a word till now.


    Baize was also amazed. More like blown off.


    Only today did he know Zi Ming¡¯s weight to Zi Yang. He would rather bite of piece of flesh in exchange for serious injuries than let the perpetrator go.


    Zi Yang voice was a little muffled as his lower was puffed up in a while they started talking, ¡°He didn¡¯t teach his brother well, so I taught him today.¡±


    Yi Feng¡¯s dad, Yi Xin was at a loss when Baize communicated the entire story of how Yi Hai and Zi Ming had a brawl and Zi Yang took his elder brother out so as not to bully the weak.


    Baize was also organizing his words, so Yi Xin could clearly feel his perplexed emotions.


    Yi Feng, on the other hand, was confused now.


    So, you beat me up because of Yi Hai? Who should I got to reason? Oh, Yi Hai.


    Just in time to turn his head and saw Yi Hai looking at Zi Ming beside Mama Mei with his hands folded and saying, ¡°Your brother¡¯s so cool.¡±


    Zi Ming has his hands on his hips and nose turned to the sky.


    When he heard this, he quickly became vigilant and pushed him back saying, ¡°He¡¯s mine. You have your own.¡±


    The big ones stopped fighting; the small ones started again.


    Yi Feng felt a chill on his back, only to see Zi Yang staring at him again.


    He quickly shouted, ¡°Dad, stop their fighting.¡±


    Fortunately, Mama Mei intervened and stopped the fight soon after it began.


    No harm done.


    Except of course, a certain 10-year-old who had a psychological shadow of being beaten because of his brother.


    Baize processed everything and said, ¡°Young Master, we should go home now. Your injuries are serious.¡±


    Zi Yang did not say anything but just looked at Yi Feng as if he would eat him alive the next second.


    Then slowly moved away.


    After a while, sounds of howls came from the streets, ¡°Uncle Bai, not there, pick me up carefully ¨C ah ah ah I¡¯m dying. Zi Ming, you have to remember to live well¡­¡±


    Yi Xin and a crowd of onlooker were stunned at the sudden change of script.


    The street hero bawled like a market shrew.


    The contrast was too great.


    ¡°Then give that kid Yi Hai some color.¡±


    As soon as this came out, the crowd was silent again. How vengeful was this kid?


    Still missing a fight.


    What outrageous is the younger brother replied, ¡°yes brother. Don¡¯t worry¡±


    Then he also started crying ¡°brother¡¯s dying? Like mom?¡±


    Intermittent sounds of crying of injuries like a shrew and consoling his brother like a responsible adult made for an odd comedic ending of the drama tonight.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Yi Xin looked at his sons with sympathy.


    Both brothers are now on the radar of the Zi brothers.


    He now somewhat wanted his sons to follow the two brothers.


    Not because of the brawl but because he saw something different in the kid.


    He saw resilience to struggle, determination to hold on, viciousness to bite off a piece of meat, integrity to not bully the weak ones, and protectiveness of a closed one.


    He also saw the aura of a superior when the kid became quiet all of sudden and just kept looking at his son.


    He had seen that momentum on the captain of the beast regiment and the mayor once.


    His old Yi family branch is now withered and discarded by the capital.


    Following a wise master can at least provide some safety to his kids.


    Before that, he had to enquire some more details about the kid.


    Yi Xin was also a man of action.


    In the next week or so, he enquired everything there was to know from the neighborhood community and had a deeper understanding of the kid.


    Thus, on one fine morning while Zi Yang was still manning the counter ¨C lying behind the counter covered in plasters, Aunt Jo was busy looking after the kids and Mama Mei was looking for an eloping panda couple again; Yi Xin walked in with younger son, Yi Hai.


    Zi Yang did not expect for them to visit here, but seeing the peaceful uncle here made him want to respectfully ask, ¡°Uncle, do you need anything?¡±


    Yi Xin pointed to his son and said, ¡°Can I enroll him into the daycare center? You wouldn¡¯t mind because of the fight, would you?¡±


    Zi Yang was taken aback for a second but he did not refuse. He did not expect this uncle to be so candid and joke about it.


    Zi Yang also took it in sport, ¡°It¡¯s not like he had a death feud with the kid. The price for Zi Ming¡¯s injury was already paid by Yi Feng and besides, keeping him closer will allow Zi Ming study how to defeat him himself so, good.¡±


    Yi Feng also laughed. He liked this kid even more.


    That¡¯s how Yi Hai joined the daycare center.


    But in the evening when Yi Feng and Yi Xin came to pick him again, they discovered tiny teeth mark on his cheek and hands.


    They thought that he had a fight with Zi Ming again and asked him casually.


    Who knew the kid said, ¡°It was done by my wife¡±


    Accompanied by the sentence was, a little girl shouting, ¡°Daddy, he cheated on me. He became my man. Woo¡­ woo¡­¡±


    Yi Xin first spurted out the takeaway coffee he was drinking.


    Then he almost spurted a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°Your wife? Explain.¡±


    ¡°Cheat? Which bastard took advantage of my sweetheart?¡±


    Two voices seemed to overlap ¨C of Yi Xin¡¯s and Bai Tu¡¯s.


    Then Yi Hai and Bai Lian spent some time explaining, fighting and quibbling out some gibberish that anyone hardly understood.


    Thankfully, a worker explained the whole story to them.


    Turns out that when Bai Lian knew that this kid had beaten Zi Ming, she was furious because she thinks only wives can beat their men, no one else can do so.


    And the kid took seriously the joke that she was Zi Ming¡¯s wife. So, she claimed territory or authority and beat this kid again.


    Then, thinking of this the worked laughed again and said, this kid Yi Hai was also a master of trouble and argued that since only wives could beat their men and now that Bai Lian has beat him, so she was his wife not Zi Ming¡¯s.


    Considering that everyone said Zi Ming was safe and also because she was a little scared on Zi Yang, she did not dare to beat Zi Ming now and wanted to wait until they become older. Because older people can do what they want.


    But now Yi Hai took as Bai Lian¡¯s teeth mark as a marriage certificate.


    Everyone except Bai Tu was amused.


    He did not expect a yellow haired one had already come to grab his cabbage so soon.


    He glared at Yi Hai and said sternly to Yi Xin, ¡°even if you¡¯re in the beast regiment, your son can¡¯t casually recognize any wife.¡±


    Yi Xin was at a loss.


    He genuinely had a feeling that his life had gotten strangely off track after knowing these people.


    A brother-control lunatic was barely enough and here¡¯s coming another, a daughter-control ¨C that¡¯s the worst kind!


    Aunt Lan, kind as always, resolved the tense ambience. She twisted Uncle Bai¡¯s ear and reprimanded, ¡°How do you speak to a soldier? Speak properly or don¡¯t speak at all.¡±


    Uncle Bai immediately lost his macho and everyone seemed to see him transformed into a hopping rabbit.


    Huh.


    That¡¯s the only word that can describe the weirdness of this place.


    And somehow, his son has joined this group of weird people within one morning.


    He didn¡¯t know if this was a good or a bad thing.


    Looking at his son giggling while having his ear twisted by little girl Bai Lian who imitated his mother, Yi Xin simply felt tired.


    He missed his wife.


    He looked at Yi Feng for some comfort and thankfully, his son was not infected yet. He is even wondering if he should send him to work here part-time as he had previously decided.


    But then looking at Baize who was lying on the lawn chair in a happy mood; Yi Feng decided to stick to it.


    An auspicious beast stays here even after his contract ended. That¡¯s got to speak volumes.


    Baize felt someone thinking about him and soon figured ins and out through Yi Xin¡¯s behavior, expression, and attitude.


    He has to admit that there were still some people with a good vision even in this countryside.


    Another lively evening thus ended in a discussion on marital relationships.

 Purple Vomit!

    In the next few weeks as maple leaves were turning red, yellow flowers in the evening breezed, old cicadas were getting lazy; Mawsynram¡¯s untimely rain once again hit everyone.


    Mawsynram is such an odd little town. Even in the ongoing autumn, a rain could fall here. Many people suspect it is the town is weirdly surrounded by pine hills forests in the east, and another sporadic mountain range in the west that they town always traps and recycles some air currents.


    Zi Yang was baffled on how their science worked but he was sure that was not how. He suspected a lot of hot winds were generated by the wind-type beasts who were made to cohabitate with some genius in the north of the beast control research center.


    No one really wanted to work in his weather full of humidity and rain, so most people relaxed at their homes.


    As was Zi Yang.


    The doctors had said that he would take at least six weeks to heal his fracture and other injuries; but it has only been three and he¡¯s as good as new.


    After this injury, he also discovered that his body was a bit lighted. He had Uncle Bai from the center checked and learned that his body has become stronger and his bones more resilient.


    Now he could be sure that what pierced his spine before time travel and came here with him was none other than¡­. wait for it¡­. Saiyan Blood.


    It gets stronger after taking a beating.


    As for why it was stored in a dinosaur type fossil when a dragon would be more likely.


    Zi Yang did not know.


    Could it be that this Saiyan was a dragon?


    Humm¡­


    Anyway, Zi Yang had already decided to practice like Saiyan¡¯s do.


    By getting beat.


    Uncle Baize looked weird after listening to his request but he agreed as he explained his reasoning.


    Dark Void was also surprised after hearing this.


    Void Empress knew there was something special in his body, so she was not that surprised.  Dark Void knew that their empress might know something, if not the entire story.


    But considering that Zi Yang had to be beaten, Dark Void expressed her willingness to do so.


    Sometimes, a woman¡¯s heart can really be as narrow as a needle.


    So, at Baize¡¯s assurance that Miss Ling was a good instructor at both physical and musical arts, while his hand might get a little too heavy for a below mortal body like Zi Yang¡¯s ¨C Zi Yang requested a second favor and finally, paid for a beating for him and a piano lesson for Zi Ming.


    Good days pass soon and bad days wriggle.


    That¡¯s true, no matter which world you live in.


    Getting beaten, even though necessary, was not something Zi Yang enjoyed after all.


    He could only lie down and spend some more time on potion making theories and related knowledge when injured.


    Sometimes, Miss Ling would come to tease (enquire) him about how different genes in different animals could be combined.


    Sometimes, she would get so deep ¨C Zi Yang would wonder if she was just to tease or was, she some hidden mad scientist! Zi Yang would overclock her brain cells to give explanations just to shoo her off most of the times.


    He even secretly went o Aunt Jing¡¯s house once and indirectly expressed concern that her house help might be conducting some illegal beast experimentation. Sadly, all he got was a blank stare which made him embarrassed.


    He knew why Aunt Jing was looking at him like that.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Contrary to his experience, Zi Ming was having fun ¨C sometimes at Aunt Jing¡¯s house where he learned playing music and sometimes, at his friend¡¯s house where he, Bai Lian and Yi Hai would play together.


    It¡¯s been over four months now, and he feels the beatings don¡¯t help anymore. So, he requested that course stop.


    Today was the day he completely recovered from his last beating from Miss Ling three weeks ago. He was going to Aunt Jing¡¯s to pick up Zi Ming when he saw him walking smelling foul, black all over the body and shouting ¡°evil beast¡±.


    His heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°Could that trut have sucked his blood too? The addiction¡¯s too bad, huh?¡±, He murmured.


    Baize was nearby rolled his eyes.


    You¡¯re the one to speak.


    ¡°What happened Zi Ming? Did the leafed hat trut do something to you?¡±, Zi Yang asked while looking around to see if there was any blood dripping.


    He didn¡¯t find any.


    ¡°No Zi Yang, it¡¯s not a trut. It¡¯s a toad. I just fed him some snacks you gave me and you know what he did?¡±


    Zi Ming had hands on his hips and his chest heaved with anger with cute little puffs on his cheeks. Just the foul smell coming from him ruined the image of cute little baby.


    Even though Zi Ming looked much cuter now, Zi Yang couldn¡¯t stand the foul smell and asked, ¡°before that, did you fall somewhere? Why the smell?¡±


    He patted the air while saying that.


    Zi Ming flared up even more and said, ¡°it¡¯s that toad. It looked shiny so I liked it and gave some snacks and then it vomited purple vomit on me and then it turned into all black squishy little thing.¡±


    What? How does that sound so much like a fantasy marrow cleansing?


    Wait? Purple vomit? Shiny? Toad?


    Could it be?


    No way.


    No way.


    Can¡¯t be.


    He quickly stopped Zi Ming¡¯s whining.


    Yes, for the first time ¨C he felt Zi Ming was whining. He simply did not know heaven¡¯s gift.


    He simple grabbed him, threw him in the bathroom and said, ¡°Quick, bathe now in 15 minutes.¡±


    The he went uncle Baize and asked him to book an emergency appointment with Dr. Luo at the hospital now.


    In less than over half an hour, Zi Yang had Zi Ming¡¯s latest comparative report ¨C comparing today¡¯s emergency report to one done a week ago.


    Muscles seem to be recovering faster; bones were healthier and even the origin filled another 0.1%.


    He could be sure now.


    ¡°Brother, why are you acting so scary?¡±


    Zi Ming had never seen Zi Yang so excited. It scared him a little.


    Realizing this, Zi Yang forced down his excitement and said to both Uncle Baize and Zi Ming, ¡°let¡¯s go home.¡±


    Baize also did not understand Zi Yang¡¯s excitement.


    Even though he knew empress¡¯ golden toad would vomit a purple substance which is good for body recovery.


    It did not warrant such as heavy state of excitement from Zi Yang.


    This boy has already seen materials beyond what his peer could see and had Zi Ming consume them like taco beans.


    Could it be that there was something else in this purple substance? He had vaguely felt the desire for that and asked the empress about it.


    The empress replied that this was because she didn¡¯t know much except that this toad had eaten a purple-golden stone which mutated him.


    She only knew that the purple substance was good for health and can also be used as a cultivation resource.


    Baize thought that he had to discuss with Zi Yang on why he was so excited.


    Soon they came back home.


    At home, Zi Yang calmed down.


    He took Zi Ming and Baize in the room and at down quietly.


    Unconsciously, his expression became a little solemn.


    ¡°Zi Ming¡±


    ¡°Yes brother.¡±


    Zi Ming immediately sat up straight. Even though he was mischievous and called Zi Yang by his name all the time, he respected Zi Yang the most.


    When he saw Zi Yang becoming serious, he did not dare to joke.


    ¡°From now on, I will give you a very important mission¡±


    ¡°Mission?¡±, Zi Ming gulped.


    Zi Ming imagined lots of things in a few seconds. Zi Yang used to tell him all kinds of stories ever since he could remember and there were a lot of spy movies ¨C so he knew what a mission was.


    He didn¡¯t expect his brother to ask him to go on a mission. He was a little excited and well, a little nervous.


    ¡°Yes. You have to take all the precious food, and resources to Aunt Jing¡¯s house secretly. Uncle Bai will get you the resources.


    Uncle Bai, you can use all resources as you like ¨C buy extraordinary level, soldier level or even higher if money is enough and give them to Zi Ming¡­¡±


    Zi Yang said.


    ¡°Young master, what about Zi Ming¡¯s lotion and other supplementary products?¡±, Baize asked a little confusedly.


    ¡°They stop. From now on, all resources will be used by Zi Ming to feed that toad at Aunt Jing¡¯s house.¡±


    Both gasped when they heard that.


    They knew how much Zi Yang valued those resources. He would literally fight with anyone for his life for those resources which can help Zi Ming.


    To think that Zi Ming gave them to the toad. Baize thought: sure enough, there something different about that purple misty substance.


    Zi Ming thought: could it be that my brother doesn¡¯t love me, anymore?


    Who was Zi Yang?


    As a human of two lives, he guessed Baize¡¯s thought in a second. It was obvious behavior for anyone.


    As for Zi Ming¡¯s lost expression, he was a at loss of whether to laugh or cry.


    He flicked his forehead lightly and said, ¡°What are you thinking? Can brother love you less? Listen the full version. Don¡¯t interrupt.¡±


    ¡°You feed everything precious to the toad and then when he vomits the heav¡­ ah¡­ that purple substance, you go under it and take everything into your body. By hand, shoulder or mouth. Even if you have to get naked ¨C take all the purple substance into your body.¡±


    Finally finished speaking, Zi Ming immediately screamed in horror:


    ¡°Zi Yang, that¡¯s vomit. You¡¯re asking me to eat vomit. Ughh.¡±


    And then he vomited.


    Zi Yang was again at a loss at his antics.


    He couldn¡¯t tell the truth to Zi Ming, could he?


    He couldn¡¯t even reprimand him for calling that precious resource which people could be dying for, purple vomit!

 Heavenly Merit

    Same small room, with still lingering smell of vomit.


    Three people were sitting in, with serious expressions.


    ¡°Uncle Bai, first spray some more perfume. Remove the spell.¡±


    ¡°Damn, Zi Ming, can you listen to me first ¨C you started vomiting. Now, see the smell¡¯s nauseating.¡±


    ¡°Zi Yang, you asked me to eat vomit. Won¡¯t I vomit?¡±


    The brothers were having at it again.


    ¡°Okay, Zi Yang, Zi Ming. Stop first. Zi Ming, don¡¯t keep saying vomit again. Let¡¯s replace it with¡­¡± Bai stopped the quarreling.


    ¡°air¡±, Zi Yang offered.


    Baize narrowed his eyes.


    Purple air ¨C it sounds noble. Air could also mean qi ¨C Baize¡¯s doubts were becoming intense as time went by.


    ¡°Alright¡±, Zi Ming agreed and calmed down.


    Finally, Zi Yang explained patiently, ¡°Ming¡¯er, that purple air improved your body more than some precious resources. Even if it looks like vomit, it is incomparably precious.¡±


    Zi Ming still quibbled, ¡°but it¡¯s still vomit.¡±


    Zi Yang was exasperated. There is absolutely no winning against babies ¨C ¡°Okay, how will you agree to take all that purple air into your body?¡±


    ¡°You mean eat all the purple vomit.¡±


    Wow. The child is stubborn.


    Zi Yang was gritting his teeth now. ¡°Yes¡±


    Zi Ming also came to senses seeing that his brother was probably getting angry now.


    ¡°I will agree if you grant me a wish.¡±


    Zi Yang¡¯s heart melted again.


    Aww. A wish. But he didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Conditional. It can¡¯t be against your health. You can¡¯t miss yoga or running.¡±


    Zi Ming showed a disappointed expression but quickly perked up and showed a cunning smile, ¡°Okay. Everything else is good. One wish for one eating.¡±


    Zi Yang paused when he saw the cunning smile. Then he smiled sweetly as well and continued,


    ¡°Yes, all good. But one wish for 10 times¡±


    ¡°No, one wish for 2 times¡±


    ¡°No, one wish for 11 times¡±


    Zi Ming¡¯s little head was confused for a moment. He has seen his brother bargain. It goes high from one said and low on one side. His eyes widened.


    ¡°Zi Yang, you¡¯re doing it wrong. You should say 9 times now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why?¡±, Zi Yang asked.


    Zi Ming asked himself: yes, why? So, he will only get it after eleven times eating vomit and if Zi Yang increases again. No¡­ no¡­ no¡­ Zi Ming felt this was not good so he pulled the big guns and bawled his eyes out.


    As expected by Zi Ming, Zi Yang quickly consoled and said, ¡°Okay one time for one wish but I also one more condition. You should white clothes from now on when you go and only if the whole white cloth is black after eating vomit will you get the wish. Deal?¡±


    Zi Ming also knew his clothes became black from vomit and even his face was black. This condition doesn¡¯t matter.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    He will become black after the vomit anyway, so he happily agreed.


    Both brothers had a smile of successful conspiracy and they smiled each other like little foxes.


    Scanned and confirmed.


    Both of them are brothers. Baize saw as the brother argued over eating vomit to negotiating how much will be paid for it.


    Then cheated each other over it.


    They really are the most bizarre pair of brothers.


    ¡°Okay, let''s go out. Before that, Zi Ming and Uncle Bai ¨C no one will talk about his purple air outside with anyone. Don¡¯t talk. Don¡¯t talk. Don¡¯t talk. Remember important things are said thrice.¡±


    Zi Ming became serious once again. He quickly nodded. He did not the reason on why not to talk, but as long his brother says, he will do it.


    Don¡¯t talk about purple air. He got it.


    But Baize hesitated.


    Zi Yang sighed. Sure enough ¨C adults are complicated and are more curious about everyone¡¯s business.  But he trusted Uncle Bai enough in these two years to tell this to him.


    He waved to Zi Ming and said, ¡°Zi Ming, you go ahead and play with Yi Hai and Bai Lian in the center.¡±


    But Zi Ming had a new doubt, how could he leave?


    He asked, ¡°Zi Yang, why feed my resources to him? He will vomit after eating Aunt Jing¡¯s food too.¡±


    Baize was also confused.


    Zi Yang¡¯s creed was that if he could get something for free unintentionally, he would take it. Why the extra effort now?


    Seeing Zi Ming ask again, Zi Yang replied solemnly once again ¨C ¡°remember, you can¡¯t take the air he vomits after eating Aunt Jing¡¯s food. Only yours! Remember carefully. Or, rather, Uncle Bai, you accompany him to Aunt Jing¡¯s house from now on, and pay attention to this.¡±


    Seeing that nothing was left for him to do, Zi Ming hopped away.


    After Zi Ming left, Zi Yang said without needing Baize to start, ¡°Uncle Bai, I can tell you what I know but you have to ensure that you can¡¯t tell anyone about this. You need to sign on it.¡±


    ¡°That Serious?¡±


    Baize was surprised again.


    He didn¡¯t expect Zi Yang would ask him to sign on it.


    Zi Yang had never hidden his secrets from him ¨C be it the two beast eggs his mother froze or his money accounts, even his void net password would be often used by him to order goods for the center.


    ¡°Yes, that serious.¡±


    Baize also acted immediately and bought the highest-level void contract. He entered the details that he would not reveal the details discussed today to any one, signed and passed it onto Zi Yang.


    Zi Yang also signed.


    The contract them burned and disappeared in the void while both of them felt a binding force.


    Zi Yang dropped a bombshell, ¡°That purple vomit is most likely merit.¡±


    But to Baize¡¯s ear, it did not make any sense. He did not know what merit was.


    Seeing that Uncle Bai did not make any expression but still listening ¨C it could only mean that either Uncle knows about it or he is clueless about merit.


    He asked Uncle Bai, ¡°don¡¯t you know merit?¡±


    Uncle Bai showed a confused expression and said, ¡°young master, what is merit? Like rewards given in jobs for job well done?¡±


    Baize was not pretending. He was genuinely confused.


    Zi Yang thought Uncle Bai was confused about generalization, so said again, ¡°Heavenly merit¡±


    But Baize shook his head again.


    Confirming that Uncle Bai genuinely did not know, he became even more serious. He guessed that people in this world might not know about merit.


    Because merit is such a thing that even if people have never seen it with their own eyes, if it exists in a world, even common people would at least know stories about big men getting it, hence what the word means.


    But the arrow has been cast and there was no harm in telling him so he continued in a solemn note and convincingly thought of an excuse already.


    ¡°Uncle Bai, you should more ancient books¡­¡±


    Baize¡¯s mouth twitched.


    He had been observing Zi Yang closely for enough time now. How could he not know he was beginning to make up a source for his knowledge?


    It happened every time he told a story to Zi Ming.


    An ancient book. Read more.


    A street paddler. Listen more.


    A vintage movie. Observe more.


    He¡¯s heard all these lessons Zi Yang gave to Zi Ming.


    But none of his searches found any source ¨C whatsoever.


    He suspected and so did the empress that Zi Yang might be the reincarnation of some big man from another world.


    It had happened often that some beast masters¡¯ space evolves into their own worlds and breed different races.


    There have been many cases recorded aboriginals from a center affiliated world reincarnated using some means to become a human on the main planet for further progress.


    Zi Yang sighed and told the details based on his knowledge from online novels.


    ¡°In the ancient book, it is said that when heaven and earth were formed, their origin was still growing and still far from perfection.


    It would usually take an unusually long time for it to be perfect on its own or it may never become perfect at all.


    But as the earliest creatures grew on earth were beasts, some of them were mindless so they would destroy mountains, rivers etc. where ever they went.


    Heaven was so pissed.


    These beasts were delaying their perfection. They were harming it.


    But they couldn¡¯t do anything to the beasts directly after all. They could do it indirectly though.


    So, when there were fights and someone killed a mindless destroying beast, heaven and earth converted a strand of origin and bestowed that as a reward to that person.


    After use, that person discovered his cultivation increased. So, he killed more and gained a lot of these purple substance type air from the sky.


    He found that this substance can be used for increasing cultivation, strengthening body, increasing luck, and for anything possible.


    At a sufficient level, he senses heaven¡¯s intention and knew what it was.


    It would come whenever someone helped heaven and earth progress and move closer to perfection.


    This was a reward from heaven. So the man called it heavenly merit.¡±

 Knowing Too Much Is Not Good

    By the windowsill, Void Empress was lost in thought as she looked at the soon approaching winter.


    The air could be felt as it chilled and forced the trees to hug their clothes tightly against themselves.


    The room seemed to be still with the Void Empress sitting on her chair and Baize sitting opposite her.


    Only the notes of music played by Zi Ming from the music room caused slight ripples in the air molecules as they waved in synchrony.


    Baize remembered this tune. It was the tune Zi Yang would often hum when he¡¯s working alone on winter nights.


    I think Zi Ming might have heard him and remembered it. It was called Moonlight Sonata, a wonderful piece.


    Zi Yang said he didn¡¯t remember where he heard it but he liked it nonetheless.


    Baize was sure it was another excuse, but he didn¡¯t pay it much heed.


    They had already thought that he might be a reincarnation of an aboriginal from a certain self-evolving world left after the beast master¡¯s death and brought that culture into stories, and songs.


    The world was full of wonders, after all.


    But now it seemed, no.


    Heavenly merit, as it seemed is not something that could be known by anyone in the beast world. Even on their main planet, they had never heard of it.


    That means that this is beyond their cognition ¨C either another planet in the universe or from another universe altogether.


    Or a very slim possibility ¨C that he has a gift for knowing things from the universe.


    A miniscule possibility, but that wouldn¡¯t explain the special energy.


    Anyhow, Void Empress had already made a decision today.


    ¡°Mystic Void, no matter what, I like the boy. Protect him, keep his files as normal as other people. He¡¯s quirky and likes to come up with stories ¨C so stories they are. He¡¯s a young promising boy from ancient Donghuang country.¡±


    ¡°Understood¡±, Baize quickly noted. Void Empress used his title today so she surely meant business.


    ¡°What else did the Zi Yang say about the heavenly merit?¡±


    Void Empress believed this so easily because of the incident which forced her to stay here ten years ago.


    When her toad was breaking through king''s threshold, the thunder tribulation came.


    It was unexpected to have a tribulation when breaking through to the king level. To top is off, the tribulation was extremely destructive.


    She has seen five elements tribulation and a yin-yang tribulation on two special occasions, but the toad¡¯s tribulation was first purple then became black¡­ The force contained pure destructiveness.


    To protect her beast, Void Empress had to intervene in the tribulation which injured even her.


    She was smashed near pine hill forests where Zi Yang¡¯s mother Yi Nuo was collecting resources. She received her help to go to the hospital where she receive some first aid treatment.


    Why would thunder destroy her beast? She knew now.


    Because it possessed an authority it should not have.


    By some lucky or unlucky coincidence, her frog had swallowed a purple-golden stone from her collection which caused him to be mutated.


    She was even more amazed now, about how she had such a stone in her collection in the first place!Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Baize cut off her thoughts as he answered, ¡°He said God doesn¡¯t allow his authority to be plundered.


    He warned me that I should not reveal this to anyone lest I be involved in the cause and effect and bring misfortune to himself. Even if I am a lucky beast, it¡¯d be some trouble.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why a bag full of resources ¨C to cut off cause and effect. Zi Ming feeding food is a kid¡¯s kindness and ignorance can¡¯t be blamed.


    And finally, an auspicious beast as a final insurance to ward off bad luck or as a person in knowing ¨C share the remaining karma that may occur.


    He cut off all cause and effect for Zi Ming, dumped his remaining karma on you which your cultivation and luck could bear it.


    Now, only Zi Yang who guided Zi Ming to get heavenly merit for nothing but some products should have some karma.¡±


    The Void Empress analyzed.


    Baize marveled. Even though Zi Yang looks casual, he considers a lot.


    He thought he was sent by Zi Yang, just to prevent Zi Ming from taking unpaid for heavenly merit. But it seems, the brat calculated him again.


    Baize realized that he had to be more thorough when looking at Zi Yang and should not consider him as a little kid when considering his thoughts.


    ¡°What are you going to do now, Empress? If it really is true, then the golden toad or rather, merit spitting golden toad would definitely usher in bad luck sooner or later.¡±


    Baize was a little worried. He knew luck better than anyone else.


    It was only be the virtue of his luck, he could guarantee safety in the wild in early days when the everyone died but he survived.


    If the empress is affected by bad luck, it could prove fatal during a breakthrough.


    ¡°The tune stopped¡±, Void empress said.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I like this tune as well. This moonlight sonata. Ask Zi Ming to play again.¡±


    Without waiting for Baize to respond, Dark Void¡¯s voice trailed off.


    ¡°Yes, empress.¡±


    It turned out the Void Empress speaking to Dark Void in the music room.


    Then she turned to remove her eyes from the view outside and looked at Baize.


    ¡°You¡¯re overly worried. Zi Yang¡¯s story has told us how to cope with it. Even if he did not come to inform me of this, his informing you is good enough.¡±


    In fact, both knew why Zi Yang did not inform the Void Empress of potential backlash and bad luck.


    First, he wanted Zi Ming to get merit. Telling the Void Empress would essentially be blocking this path as that would increase their karma ¨C doing things intentionally and unintentionally are two different things.


    And the golden toad¡¯s luck would decrease as well.


    Second, Zi Yang couldn¡¯t explain the source of this information and as Baize heard him say, ¡°Aunt Jing¡¯s eyes are fiery as if she wants to cut me and see what¡¯s inside¡±. To be straight, he was afraid of inquiry.


    Void empress continued, ¡°Heaven bestows merit when one helps heaven evolve or perfect. There are so many imperfections in our world. Raging lands due to fights, broken continents, extinct species and more.


    There are said to be holy beasts too, who maintain order of heaven.


    Collect some merits regularly and feed it to the broken mountains, unclean rivers and the holy beasts who maintain order.


    In this way, we help sort out the land and share some of holy beasts¡¯ wages.¡±


    Baize also realized what he had missed in his worry.


    He was about to go and tend to his duties as Zi Ming¡¯s godfather now when the empress spoke again, ¡°For precise calculations, observe the toad¡¯s luck and check how much it decreases every time it spits out merit.¡±


    Baize took the order and immediately went to the music room.


    Dark Void was busy with the class so she did not know any details of what Baize discussed with the empress.


    When she saw Baize signaling her to go to the study, she understood and asked him to play the remaining tune and then he could leave.


    She then crossed Baize and entered the study.


    In the study, the Empress condensed void and played the scene exactly the same as it had happened moments ago for Dark Void to view.


    Dark Void was familiar with it. She looked intently and soon got to know the whole story. She also knew what she had to do now.


    This is the tacit understanding the two women have developed over period of working together.


    So, Dark Void greeted the void empress again and went out again.


    Coming to the music room again, she said: ¡°Alright, Zi Ming. Class is over. I¡¯m going out for grocery shopping, don¡¯t disturb Aunt Jing again and leave quietly, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Auntie Ling.¡±


    Zi Ming was still wondering how to find a chance to sneak around to feed the shiny toad. He had already told Aunt Ling that he bought things for the toad to eat but if he¡¯s not here, he couldn¡¯t search all over the house for him.


    Now, it¡¯s good. Aunt Ling¡¯s gone.


    Dark Void was also a little amused seeing Zi Ming exhaling slightly. Both boys were such thieves ¨C at least her apprentice was cuter, obedient and much simpler than the Empress¡¯.


    Zi Ming started looking for the toad with Baize while Baize guided him to the back garden of the house where a small pond was dug.


    Zi Ming immediately took out all the food and resources and started feeding the golden toad who was by the toad.


    Baize also activated his skill ¨C observing luck and he observed both the lucks of the toad and Zi Ming.


    Zi Ming¡¯s luck was golden with slight tinges of purple with occasional gray color. This color is the color of the void when the beast taming space first opens. No one knows where this color comes from.


    He had never seen such luck in anyone before Zi Yang.


    Zi Yang¡¯s entire luck is this color. His eyes even stung a little just by looking too long. He knows that this color appeared in Zi Ming¡¯s luck and seemed to be getting deeper because of his brother¡¯s connected luck.


    He consulted ancient books and concluded that this was not bad luck.


    The rest ¨C he did not delve into the mystery.


    Sometimes, knowing too much is not good.

 A Wish

    This shiny toad is much more energetic than yesterday, Zi Ming thought.


    He had already taken out all the food and was about to feed him when the toad suddenly lit up with golden light.


    Zi Ming closed his eyes and when he opened his eyes ¨C he saw an elder sister in beautiful golden dress and the toad was nowhere to be seen.


    Zi Ming was a little confused.


    His voice was still very milky as he asked, ¡°Elder sister, where is the shiny little toad?¡±


    Zi Ming saw the elder sister sat by the pool with her hands on her knees and asked, ¡°little brother, what do you want with the shiny little toad?¡±


    Zi Ming did not doubt this sister and replied, ¡°Of course, I want to feed him ah.¡±


    ¡°Why feed that toad? He vomits purple gas when he eats. Don¡¯t you know.¡±


    Zi Ming did not betray his brother. He quickly said, ¡°it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m a big boy. I¡¯ll wash up after it vomits. I like his shiny skin¡±


    The girl blushed a little when she heard about the skin from the little boy.


    Thankfully, the kid is young and innocent. He doesn¡¯t know who he¡¯s talking about.


    ¡°Come now, Jin Chan¡¯er, don¡¯t make it difficult for Zi Ming.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lord Baize¡±


    Having said that, the elder sister quickly transformed back into a golden toad.


    ¡°Oh¡­. Oh... oh¡­.¡±


    The toad transformed back into a girl and said, ¡°Don¡¯t keeping jumping like a monkey. Where¡¯s my food?¡±


    Zi Ming confusedly handed her a bag. He didn¡¯t think that the shiny toad was a she.


    He could remain quiet as he saw the elder sister transformed back into a huge toad this time and ate all the resources he brought in one go.


    He had never seen such a big beast.


    He opened his mouth wide and gestured to Baize in their unique sign language ¨C god pa, she¡¯s huge.


    Baize smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Get ready¡±, he said.


    Before Zi Ming could understand the meaning, something got into his mouth ¨C he didn¡¯t realize what it was until he saw purple all around. Then reflexively flailed his hands and legs and sucked the air as he had promised his brother.


    Throughout the process, Baize did two jobs.


    One, checking the both Zi Ming¡¯s and Jin Chan¡¯s luck to see if their dropped and by how much.


    Second, he condensed a spirit barrier around the outer side of Zi Ming¡¯s lungs and heart as the clothes portion of that.


    He understood that this might be Zi Yang delaying the promise and also hinting to Zi Ming to focus more on guiding the air to his heart and lungs for better recovery.


    Brothers know brothers best.


    He also thinks this is the easiest way for Zi Ming to focus. Stopping one step closer to the goal.


    Soon, Zi Ming was covered in black fluids and smelled all over.


    Baize was sure this was all the potion residue coming out of Zi Ming¡¯s body. This little boy has consumed a lot of potions and used a lot of lotions and medicated baths. The residue accumulated in his body could hardly be healed in one breath.


    Baize checked the luck and found that Zi Ming¡¯s luck did not change at all or even fluctuate in the minimum.


    He had expected this so there was not much to it.


    But what was contrary to his understanding was that Jin Chan rose slightly after fluctuating. It was still not enough to fill for the luck damaged after the tribulation, but it showed signs of recovery today.


    This is contrary to their expectation.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Could it be they understood wrong and that this ability should be used for people to recover luck?


    Seeing the leafed hat trut trotting in from the corner, Baize quickly called him over and signaled him to stand under the purple gas.


    Zi Ming has already run home after the black residue started coming out of his body. His tolerance was still low.


    The trut knew Baize who often handled things in the Void Palace.


    Even he, the favored son, who defeated all other gardeners to accompany the empress to this place, had rarely contacted much.


    Being called by the big man, the trut thought life was blooming and of course, stood under the purple gas and enjoyed the gas that stuck to him.


    Sure enough, he observed again and found that the luck recovered a little again.


    Finally, of what little merit was left ¨C he collected it into a jade bottle and poured it onto an arowana and checked again.


    But this time he was disappointed.


    The luck decreased.


    Afterall, he was also an expert.


    His analytical thinking and strategic skills were still used widely by the ancient country.


    When it got to it, it only took him a few moments to get the answer ¨C however unlikely.


    Zi Ming and the trut got merit when the Jin Chan¡¯s luck increased.


    While in case of arowana, the luck decreased.


    Both Zi Ming and this leafed hat trut are related to Zi Yang.


    Zi Ming, needless to say.


    For the leafed hat trut, Baize has read, heard and seen Zi Yang¡¯s love-hate feelings. He also knew that Zi Yang felt he owed a favor to this trut.


    He put the arowana back into the pond and went to report his findings with conclusion to the Void Empress.


    ¡®Even heavens help Zi Yang pay back his debt?¡¯, the Void empress mused.


    If that¡¯s the case, can such an evildoer even be accepted by anyone as their apprentice?


    Is she even qualified?


    For the first time in life, Void Empress was a little frustrated.


    In somewhere she did not see, an invisible eye filled with purple light was also looking at the Void Empress. At this moment, that eye seemed a little disappointed.


    Then as if thinking of something, the eye shot an invisible purple light which hit the Void Empress.


    Void Empress felt something in her heart. She looked up the sky and thought, yes, how do you know if you don¡¯t try.


    I have already booked him as an apprentice. No on change it, I said it.


    The domineering void empress was brought back from her brief confusion by heaven¡¯s initiative.


    The Void empress could guess that it an external interference which helped her strengthen her intention, and she might not have guessed who it was before ¨C but she guessed it somewhat now.


    Except that she did not know why this power wanted to form a karmic relationship between her and Zi Yang.


    She did not even bother to speculate if there were any conspiracies. She, Void Empress, is not made of clay.


    Should anyone try to harm her family, she would even lose 800 to make the enemy lose 1000.


    On the other side, Zi Yang did not know what drama was being staged at his Aunt Jing¡¯s house.


    When Baize came home, he saw Zi Yang minding his business in his room and Zi Ming who was sulking after having finished his bath.


    Baize took Zi Yang to the backyard center and then asked;


    ¡°What happened, champ?¡±


    ¡°God pa, Mama Mei told me that Zi Yang went back on his word. He didn¡¯t give me my wish.¡±


    ¡°Oh, what did Zi Yang say?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s stingy.¡±, said Zi Ming and then didn¡¯t reply.


    Baize knew without saying it was the blank spot on the heart and the lungs.


    ¡°Tell me what is your wish and I¡¯ll help you¡±, Baize said.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    The little kid perked up again.


    As if afraid that he¡¯d go back on his word, Zi Ming quickly said ¡°I want to go shopping for clothes with Zi Yang.¡±


    ¡°Why, we just got you nice clothes. Two pair of cute white ones too.¡±


    Was this kid being greedy?


    He admits that the choice of clothes he has is too little but they were already a lot for Zi Yang¡¯s budget.


    ¡°No Lord Bai, he wants to buy clothes for Zi Yang¡±, Lady Mei replied to his question.


    ¡°Yes, God pa, Yi Feng wears nice clothes. Zi Yang should get too.¡±


    Aww.


    Both Mei Li and Baize had their hearts melted.


    A child¡¯s love is purer than winter¡¯s first snow.


    Baize bent down to pick up Zi Ming and baby hugged him.


    He then promised that he would buy clothes for Zi Yang with tomorrow.


    But Zi Ming refused again.


    He wanted to buy them with Zi Yang himself.


    He did not want anyone else to buy it.


    He wanted Zi Yang himself.


    No matter how Baize convinced him, Zi Ming just wouldn¡¯t listen.


    Ohh¡­


    A child¡¯s stubbornness is as heavy as a mountain.


    The two learned another lesson today ¨C When something happens between the two brothers ¨C it does not leave any opportunity for anyone else to intervene.


    Baize could only hope that Zi Ming could channelize the merit enough to strengthen his heart and lungs which would help him fulfill his wish.

 First Teacher

    ¡°A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.¡±


    This famous quote was extremely relevant at Zi Yang¡¯s house this new year.


    A lot of things were supposed to have their beginnings this year.


    Two days have passed since Zi Ming¡¯s last wish was denied and he sulked continuously.


    Considering that it was New Years tomorrow which was also celebrated as Zi Ming¡¯s birthday, Zi Yang decided to have a talk with Zi Ming tonight.


    Before that though, he had to pick up his birthday present.


    So, in the afternoon ¨C he informed Yi Feng who came to help out in the center today and went out for his business.


    Yi Feng had just started coming to the center to help out in evenings after school and on school leaves.


    His father strongly pushed him to work part-time and even though he did not know why he had to work part-time; he was sensible enough to obey his father¡¯s words.


    Listening to Zi Yang talking about picking up Zi Ming¡¯s birthday present; Yi Feng was also confused.


    As far as he knew, Zi Ming¡¯s birthday had already passed a few days ago and there was no celebration that day.


    He knew of this because Yi Hai today him that that day was Zi Ming¡¯s birthday.


    He asked Aunt Mei was helping take care of the newborn baby pandas from the panda couple.


    Aunt Mei smile while working paused and then became a little forced when she heard his question.


    She then explained, ¡°It was because Yi Nuo, Zi Ming¡¯s mother died at childbirth. So, Zi Yang does not want to remember that day for two purposes.


    Both brothers remember their mother that day and Zi Yang celebrates Zi Ming¡¯s birthday every new year ¨C as if to tell Zi Ming ¨C that he was the new beginning in his life.


    Zi Ming doesn¡¯t understand much now. He thinks he has two birthdays ¨C one for people to wish and other for people to celebrate and give gifts.¡±


    Mei Li still can¡¯t forget Yi Nuo. Even if four years have passed, she was her partner after all. The other beast partners are also not left behind here. Some were sent to the wild, some chose to accompany Yi Nuo.


    Only she was left by her to take care of her babies as their godmother.


    Yi Feng was also affectionate by nature. He couldn¡¯t help but hug Aunt Mei slightly to relieve her of sadness.


    ¡°Oh kid, it¡¯s okay. It happens sometimes. So, how¡¯s Yi Xin doing? Still busy with his regiment?¡±


    Yi Feng pouted slightly.


    ¡°Yes, he says he will come for the birthday celebration tomorrow. Until then, we, the Yi brothers stay here with Zi brothers.¡±


    Aunt Mei laughed softly.


    The Yi brothers sure have grown onto the Zi brothers since that fight.


    She was happy to have the boys have friends.


    She didn¡¯t worry about Zi Ming. Zi Yang¡¯s nature ensures that he would have no problem in anything and same goes with making friends.


    She worried about her Yang¡¯er. He was too mature for his age.


    He hardly ever had the time to enjoy life.


    She has already made a decision to change things starting this year.


    She was going to announce the decision at the new year¡¯s party.


    The afternoon passed and a dark blue hue covered the sky as the snow hailed arrival of the last night of the year.


    Everyone ate light dinner and slept to welcome the new day and new year tomorrow.


    But before that, Zi Yang promised Zi Ming to go shopping together if he also wore his chosen clothes all year round.


    Zi Ming was happy to agree.


    Zi Ming decided to buy clothes with Zi Yang tomorrow morning to wear in the celebration tomorrow.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    What the sweet and gullible Zi Ming didn¡¯t know was he tricked again by his elder brother.


    New Years¡¯ Day.


    Jan 1, 2036.


    Bai Tu woke up, kicked her blanket and went to her daughter¡¯s room to wish her a very happy new year.


    Lan Yun was woken by his kick and was befuddled for a moment. Then, she was immediately enraged at this daughter-control nincompoop.


    Which husband doesn¡¯t kiss his wife a happy new year first. Only this fool would first run to his daughter.


    Forget it. She covered herself with a blanket and slept again.


    Bai Tu didn¡¯t know his wife¡¯s rich inner drama.


    He came to her daughter and kissed her softly and wished him a good morning.


    Looking at her daughter rubbing her bleary eyes, Bai Tu has already made a very important decision.


    That creep Yi Hai is always hanging around his daughter. He has decided to separate them and he¡¯s made a perfect plan.


    He¡¯s going to announce his decision at the Zi Ming¡¯s birthday party tonight.


    He will warn Yi Xin to control his monkey there.


    At Beast Regiment¡¯s border control, Yi Xin sneezed.


    Was someone speaking ill of him? Could it be that the capital Yi family slandering his branch to extract some joke for the new year?


    Those evil beasts.


    Two smoke guns ejected from Yi Xin¡¯s nose.


    Do they think that cheating his branch out of resources and territory would make us bow heads?


    Before Yi Xin had to bow heads under the heaves.


    But now his sons don¡¯t have to.


    He was going to make his sons capable enough to reach the capital and live a life that snobbish family could only envy from afar.


    He had already made a decision.


    He was going to take the opportunity to make his request at the birthday party this evening.


    All his subsequent decisions will have to wait.


    No body would have thought that a simple New Year Celebration would get embroiled in so many decisions.


    -----


    That evening, at the Zi¡¯s residence.


    The new year lights were set up.


    The center workers had also helped a little to cook for the New Year celebration.


    Most everyone Zi Yang knew and was grateful for was invited.


    Local aunties who were involved with the center ¨C Aunt Ying, Aunt Jo etc.


    Neighbors who he owed favors to ¨C Uncle Bai, Aunt Jing, Aunt Jing¡¯s housekeeper Miss Ling, even their leafed had trut had a separate invitation.


    The recently made friends with Zi brothers and their seniors ¨C Yi Hai, Yi Feng and their dad, Yi Xin, Jian Guo and his supervisor Master Meng Yijun.


    Finally in attendance were the hosts: Zi Yang, Zi Ming, Uncle Baize and Mama Mei.


    The guests had already started coming up. First to come was unexpectedly Master Meng and Jian Guo.


    Master Meng was appreciative of Zi Yang¡¯s quick mind and his talent for potion science but considering that he could not channel qi ¨C he had to regretfully suppress his desire to officially accept him as his apprentice.


    ¡°Teacher, you¡¯re here. Here.¡±


    Zi Yang guided him to his table and carefully served him.


    They did not have the name of a master and apprentice but Zi Yang respected him a lot and called him ¡®teacher¡¯.


    Master Meng never looked down on him for delving into potions even though he could not channel spiritual qi. He guided him patiently and always helped him understand concepts.


    Zi Yang was grateful for such a dedicated teacher.


    Master Meng did not sit directly but looked at Zi Yang with some regret and said, ¡°Zi Yang, how about you consider this again? Even if I can¡¯t accept you as a disciple due to your deficiency ¨C it does not prevent me to keep looking for solutions.¡±


    It turns out Master Meng had recently received an invitation from the Plateau of Emptiness ¨C everyone knows what that is ¨C the residence of the Void Empress to join them as a resident potion master.


    He wanted to take Zi Yang and Zi Ming away.


    He really like Zi Yang¡¯s talent as well his character.


    He wanted to help him with all his strength to regain his ability to channel spiritual qi.


    But Zi Yang couldn¡¯t leave the town yet. Even with the assurance of his teacher, he couldn¡¯t go to a new city without any standing by gambling on his and Zi Ming¡¯s life like that.


    Zi Yang showed a wry smile and said, ¡°Teacher, you know¡­¡±


    Master Meng was also a little annoyed, ¡°I know. Your brother¡¯s young and you don¡¯t trust this teacher enough having known each other for only more than a year¡­¡±


    Zi Yang denied with all his strength, ¡°no, teacher. It¡¯s not¡­.¡±


    Master Meng cut him off again and said, ¡°Alright, no issues. Leave it at that. Jian Guo gave the presents to your junior brother.¡±


    ¡°Yes teacher.¡±, Jian Guo then came to Zi Yang and presented all the gifts.


    Master Meng said again, ¡°Even if I can¡¯t accept you as a disciple due to Meng¡¯s ancestral restrictions, I can accept you as a provisional student. When I find a cure at Void Empress¡¯ place, I will return to take you in as an apprentice.¡±


    Jian Guo followed, ¡°Junior brother, this is Master¡¯s shop¡¯s usage rights and your identification plaque as Meng¡¯s provisional student. With these, you can have some help in the potion master circle in Jade Cloud City.¡±


    Master Meng literally handed over everything he had in the city to Zi Yang ¨C although only usage rights ¨C but all his research and resources he left were still there. Property is never a big thing for professionals.


    He didn¡¯t give that ¨C presumably because he couldn¡¯t because of some reasons.


    Zi Yang was touched.


    This was his first teacher in this life.

 Godmother Took Charge

    While Master Meng and Zi Yang were talking, most guests had already arrived.


    Only Zi Ming was still getting ready together with Yi Hai with Mama Mei. He was still admiring his new matching clothes he bought with Zi Yang in the morning.


    The guests also heard the conversation and congratulated Master Meng and Jian Guo.


    They were also happy for Zi Yang.


    His status would skyrocket now that he had access to Potion master¡¯s association. Even if he can¡¯t become one yet or maybe even in the future ¨C just having access to this circle will help him a lot.


    They were amazed that Zi Yang had such talents.


    Yi Xin was present too. Every day the things he sees here, strengthens his thoughts of having his sons follow the Zi brothers.


    Perhaps the only one fuming was the Void Empress, otherwise known as Aunt Jing, in the party.


    She also congratulated Master Meng as normally as everyone did, but both Baize and Dark Void knew that the Empress was on the verge of going crazy.


    She had already been on the verge of going crazy when she learned that a ¡®Master Meng¡¯ favored Zi Yang enough to teach him potions when he knew he was a deficient of spirit qi sensing.


    Then reports of how this Meng grew increasingly fond and started flaunting Zi Yang¡¯s talent around in his circles came out.


    He argued that he would definitely invent a cure for his disciple.


    That day itself, the Void Empress instructed Dark Void to ship away this Meng from the city. Hence, being invited to become a resident potion master at the plateau of emptiness.


    Meticulous as Dark Void always is, she quickly sent a message on her phone and the next second, Master Meng had to regretfully leave the party as he was required to report to work on immediate basis.


    He sent new year greetings to all guests and then left with Jian Guo.


    Dark Void was not he only one who noticed details. Baize noticed too. He noticed that when Zi Yang accepted his identity as Meng Yijun¡¯s student ¨C his luck increased exponentially.


    His previous luck could only support him to barely reach lord level after difficult attempts, if he did not get a chance.


    But it seems he did.


    He could now very well be a future king-level strongman and if fortune prevails, can tackle the shackles of the emperor¡¯s cultivation.


    Heaven was really showering luck on people with Zi Yang¡¯s karmic relationships.


    Soon, Zi Ming entered the room and everyone cheered for the birthday boy.


    Aunt Ling, as Zi Ming¡¯s music teacher was requested to play a piano tune, for which she chose a classic happy birthday song a new year vibes tune.


    The mix-up was done well.


    Zi Ming cut the cake and waited eagerly for his favorite part.


    Gifts receiving and opening.


    All the aunties surrounded the birthday boy and showered clothes, toys and the like.


    Yi Hai gave a self-drawn drawing of an imaginary beast which can dive deep into the oceans.


    Yi Feng gave a small flute.


    When Zi Yang presented his clothes ¨C Zi Ming¡¯s face made everyone laugh. Turns out the clothes were woven out of threads spit by cave spiders of the Marshy slit valley in the distant city of webbed terra.


    This city is covered in slit land cause by dryness and overflowing ores underneath. A lot of the beasts occupy the land underneath than they do over the ground.


    Cave spiders in the city eat a lot of ores and the threads the spit is naturally hard and heavy.


    ¡°Zi Ming is growing up now and should exercise more. So, Zi Ming can wear these clothes all year round. They help you exercise. Their material is hot in winters and cold in summers. Perfect for you now.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    People didn¡¯t expect Zi Yang to put a damper on Zi Ming today.


    But even though Zi Ming struggled to hold, the cute little thing smiled the most beamingly when he received Zi Yang¡¯s gift.


    People had to sigh multiple times on how strong this bond was.


    Mama Mei helped him put the clothes aside.


    Aunt Jing presented a purple jade pendant ¨C Zi Ming through that the pendant looked familiar and he habitually want to duck when seeing purple.


    Fortunately, Zi Yang received it for him and put it on his neck.


    Aunt Ling offered a small keyboard for Zi Ming to practice at home.


    Uncle Baize had already installed a swing in the backyard for him to play.


    Uncle Bai Tu presented something odd. He gave an envelope.


    When Zi Ming opened it, it contained an admission letter and ID card. It also contained a city exit permission card conditional to the presence of an adult.


    Uncle Bai looked around and said in a yin-yang tone when he saw Yi Hai, ¡°Zi Ming and Bai Lian are at the age of going to school. I enrolled them both in the same class. The class was full. Luckily, I got the last two seats.¡±


    Everyone present knew that this small-minded daughter-fool dad was still sulking over having a make-believe husband for his daughter.


    They all chucked inwardly.


    ¡°Also, Zi Yang can accompany me as adventure scouts out of the city.¡±


    Yi Xin didn¡¯t care about the school. His Yi Hai was also enrolled in the same school. He saw Bai Tu when he was enrolling. Same class or not did not much difference. But he cared that Bai Tu was taking him out as an adventure scout.


    If that¡¯s the case, how could he get his son and him bond in beast regiment junior training?


    So, he immediately shot back ¨C ¡°Wow, that¡¯s quite irresponsible to take a young kid out of the city into the wild. Even if you protect all the time, there¡¯s no absolute guarantee.¡±


    Bai Tu was not to be left behind. He retorted, ¡°yeah? What are you, a sissy? Should he lay down a foundation and get to know the world¡±


    ¡°He can lay a foundation in the beast regiment junior training. There are regular sessions for off-site trainings as well.¡±


    The two started fighting.


    Bai Tu did not want the Yi family to get any closer because that would leave a way out for that yellow haired kid to crawl back in. He was going to stifle it.


    Gradually the guests frowned. The farce had escalated now.


    Even Aunt Lan was unable to control it now.


    Baize thought that as Zi Ming¡¯s godfather, he should settle it now.


    But he saw Lady Mei preempted him.


    She put a stick in her hand and banged the table loudly. The fight stopped at once.


    Not because the loud was too loud, but because it was Mei Li.


    Even though her presence is always overshadowed by Baize and Zi Yang at the residence.


    And by other people during other occasions.


    No one dared to forget that she was both Zi brother¡¯s godmother.


    Technically, she had the most authority on the subject. She just never wielded it.


    After everyone quieted down, everyone was curious what spurred the sudden outburst from this sweet godmother today.


    Equally curious was the void empress.


    She had always considered this lady to be a background support and had never seen or heard of her being assertive.


    Today¡¯s party really brought a lot of beginnings.


    Mei Li put down the stick and did not wait for anyone to ask or express concern.


    She stated outright in her usual calm, waxy voice, ¡°Zi Ming will go to school. Thank you for enrolling Bai Tu. If you hadn¡¯t enrolled, we would have missed it for another year.¡±


    She bowed slightly to Uncle Bai Tu and Aunt Lan.


    She then continued speaking as the host, ¡°Over the years as Yi Nuo passed away, Zi Yang supported the house and earned money. You all supported one way or another. Thank you for that.


    But while the child earned money, he had to forgo his childhood.


    Zi Yang is talented and does not need to lay a foundation now. He can wait for three more years and enroll in the last year or take crash courses before coming-of-age ceremony.


    From now on, I will enroll him in swimming classes and dancing classes or music classes.


    Bai Tu, Mr. Yi; if we want to, you can take him out of the city for camping and fishing but no learning fighting just yet. He will exercise but he needs rest too.¡±


    No one expected that the always quiet Mei Li would be so assertive and put the final word down like this.


    Void Empress in the corner watching the drama unfold, also had appreciative eyes. She liked the assertive Mei Li better.


    Bai Tu and Yi Xin were embarrassed but Bai Tu thinker skin after all and he knew Mei Li for longer than most people as she grew by Yi Nuo¡¯s side.


    So, he immediately said, ¡°Okay, Zi Yang ¨C we¡¯ll go for camping and fishing soon.¡±


    Yi Xin also took the initiative, ¡°After school, Yi Hai and Zi Ming come to beast regiment quarters for help in their exercise. Zi Yang can also come whenever he wants. Yi feng, you coordinate.¡±


    ¡°Okay dad.¡±


    Yi Feng had no issues.


    That¡¯s how on a New Year¡¯s Day ¨C future plans for both kids were decided without their consent.


    Zi Yang opened his mouth several times, but he couldn¡¯t get a word in.


    When the godmother took charge and set the tone for the entire village to play their respective roles in raising her children ¨C no one could get a word in!

 Chaos Begins

    The sun was shining high in the sky majestically as if showing off its arrogance to every living being in the world; while at the same time smiling kindly at his descendants.


    At one small corner in this vast universe, one teenage boy wrapped in light winter clothes and a denim styled hoodie jacket, was standing together with other town folk crowded at the main gate of the Bright Jade Middle School.


    As it turns out, today is the school day before winter vacation.


    He was waiting to pick up the trio of horror ¨C his brother Yi Hai, Zi Ming and Bai Lian.


    He¡¯s Yi Feng.


    A lot has happened over the last four years. The one which had the most impact on him was that he was first arranged by his father to man the potion shop for Zi Yang when he¡¯s busy.


    Then slowly over the next few months and years, he was asked to help out in various ways such as pruning the hollow poplar tree, sending new year gifts to the leafed hat trut across the street, and helping Zi Ming go to classes and sometimes picking him up from various places.


    Finally, one eventful summer after Zi Yang¡¯s horrendous torture which he called training for Zi Ming was over, he was called over by his father in front of Zi Yang and suggested to become his attendant.


    It was not like both of them were oblivious to Yi Xin¡¯s intentions, so they only paused for a moment and agreed.


    Zi Yang had seen how helpful Yi Feng had been and he had also seen this Uncle Yi¡¯s efforts in making this happen.


    But as a precaution, he suggested that if he is unable to sense qi in the future ¨C Yi Feng would no longer be his attendant.


    This condition was quite standard as non-spirit qi professionals were not able to make it in the society. But Yi Xin followed his hunch and pushed Yi Feng along anyway.


    Yi Feng had also recognized Zi Yang over the years as a reliable partner, and judged himself slightly inferior in some ways ¨C so readily accepted and whole heartedly devoted himself to work.


    Be it arranging security personnel like hired adventure scouts or coordinating with Uncle Baize during Zi Ming¡¯s air and water trainings ¨C he did it all skillfully.


    Thinking of the training concepts of the shock series, he still shudders.


    It turns out that once after multiple attempts and various resource investment, Zi Ming¡¯s cardiovascular and respiratory organs stopped improving.


    Zi Yang then designed a serious of shock training encounters which help the body in a state of shock and them slowly recover drawing in the will to strengthen.


    In one, Zi Ming¡¯s shoulders were tied to a flying bird and he had to free himself from the claws and jump before the bird takes him away.


    Zi Ming was all in dark about these arrangements, he was happily on a picnic with his everyone when a bird swooped in and this happened.


    Against anyone¡¯s attempt to convince him otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t listen and he had both Uncle Baize and Aunt Mei convinced somehow.


    So began Zi Ming¡¯s tryst with the birds in the sky and swimming with fishes in the water or leaving him stranded in forest for a month to survive.


    During this period, he as the attendant acquired knowledge of human body organs, and various methods to treat hypoxia, first aid techniques such as treating burn, suturing, stitching, stopping blood, treating poison etc.


    Anything that happened to Zi Ming and happened to be treated by a team of doctors hired by Uncle Baize specifically ¨C Yi Feng learned and helped.


    At some point he even wondered if Zi Yang¡¯s love for Zi Ming had somehow turned into hatred ¨C thinking how he had to care for a small baby all his life and be dragged down by him.


    This was a reasonable assumption that most skeptics drew enough in these four years.


    But he knew that it was all incorrect when he saw Zi Yang running home in his ballet dance uniform with naked feet in rainy season when he heard Zi Ming had serious fever.


    Aunt Mei also told him how Zi Ming would always sleep hugging Zi Yang every night even if they fight over everything that happened during the day.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    As children grow over and coincidences happen every time, how could Zi Ming not guess it was deliberate?


    Even though he fought with Zi Yang every time it happened and threatened to run away from home, the result was still leaning against his big brother the next day.


    Zi Ming also knows this deep down that anything Zi Yang does will never harm him. Otherwise, how could doctors come so quickly every time and how could he survive a high fall and a deep dive?


    Especially since Zi Yang told the story of a straw-hat boy Luffy who became the king of the world and that his grandfather trained him this way, Zi Ming had already imagined himself to be king of this world.


    The kid those days often ran around with a custom-made straw hat and a red shirt with blue pants shouting, ¡°I¡¯m going to become the King of this world¡±


    He even caused a ruckus when he identified a criminal and called out to him as ¡°Blackbeard Teach, I¡¯ll fight you¡±, and jumped on him.


    Thankfully, the local beast regiment arrived soon and dad soon controlled him.


    Zi Yang was really frightened and scolded Zi Ming with the sternest expression.


    But Zi Ming cried loudly after seeing him.


    He kept sobbing, ¡°You¡¯re still alive, Ace.¡±


    The look on face was hilarious. Zi Yang has not told any story to anyone since then.


    He was afraid his stupid ototo will forget who he really is and run away someday like a character in some story.


    Zi Ming complained many times, but Zi Yang¡¯s reply was always ¨C ¡°when you grow enough brains¡± and flick on his forehead.


    Zi Ming pout was still memorable.


    Mostly because Zi Ming looked exactly like Zi Yang did eight years ago, except healthier.


    Many people realized that the two were actually twins and had to born eight years apart because of an accident.


    So, seeing such cute expressions on Zi Ming¡¯s face made everyone realize how much Zi Yang had missed out on his childhood.


    Taking more pictures of Zi Ming fulfilled some regret for Aunt Mei Li as well.


    Yi Feng admired Zi Yang¡¯s struggle, efforts, creativity and talents. He also recognized that Zi Yang would always find a way out even if he couldn¡¯t sense spiritual qi.


    The awakening ceremony is only one month away, but he does not see any tension on Zi Yang¡¯s face.


    Like he said, ¡°Even if I can¡¯t sense qi, I will still do well.¡±


    That is why he had no shred of confidence lacking when he chose to become his attendant.


    While waiting for the three to come out, Yi Feng took out Zi Ming¡¯s recent report and checked how much he improved.


    -----------


    [Patient Name]: Zi Ming


    [Age]: 7 years 11 months 25 days old.


    [Diagnosis]: Congenital origin deficiency


    [Details]:


    [Bones]: Soft bones with slower nurturing rate than a normal baby by 1.5x.


    [Muscles]: Weaker than normal babies by 1.6x.


    [Blood Circulation]: Low White blood cells, lower RBCs and platelets by 1.8x.


    [Respiration]: Lung capacity is sufficient for the body.


    [Digestive]: Digestion ability is good and faintly better than healthy babies.


    [Urinary]: No problem here.


    [Lymphatic]: Lymphatic system follows other internal organs and are correspondingly weak.


    [Summary]: 32.8% overall deficiency compared with a healthy baby. Hope for treatment comes from a good digestive system and better breathing exercises.


    -------------


    It¡¯s a remarkable improvement. Zi Ming has now recovered almost half of his origin compared to when he was born.


    Zi Yang would be ecstatic.


    Keeping the report back in, Yi Feng began to kill the remaining time thinking what could have contributed more to the recovery.


    Yi Feng has to rank the purple gas as first and the music cultivation as the second contributors, with a doubt.


    Zi Yang¡¯s trainings were more of a limit breaking and courage boosting training ¨C so that was also instrumental.


    The remaining would be some resources he was fed by his godfather Baize and his music master ¨C Miss Ling.


    Come of think about it, the fact that a cold faced woman like Miss Ling could feed so many resources and food to Zi Ming was also the gossip of a town for a while.


    Many people jokingly concluded that she might have been experimenting on Zi Ming on what worked and what did not for a child¡¯s hygiene.


    Her stories of experimenting on beast genes and her secret of probably being a mad scientist were widely circulated.


    At some point, Aunt Jing was forced to come out and refute the rumors.


    Zi Yang was also panicked when he heard Zi Ming eating food from Miss Ling¡¯s hands. Even though he denied believing the rumors that she might be experimenting.


    He remembered being instructed to secretly call a doctor one night to conduct some tests at home.


    No one knew what happened, buy Yi Feng can be sure that Zi Yang had Zi Ming tested that night.


    For he could see a visible relief on his face the next day.


    While he was chuckling to himself, it seems that the school bell rang and a horde of little devils ran out screaming as if claiming that chaos begins!

 Gears of Fate

    As only five days remain to new year to New Year, the atmosphere of celebration was all over the town.


    It seemed the even the frequent unruly rains agreed to halt for the time being and weather was particularly pleasant for going shopping.


    Zi Yang was already waiting at home for Zi Ming to come so that they could go shopping. He had a few designs in mind he wanted Zi Ming to try.


    Getting custom made clothes do not take as long as they would in a technological world. Specialized beasts could like skilled silkworms or spirit butterflies can whip up clothes using spiritual energy and different silk threads in minutes.


    For more details though, you would need human intervention. Even then, he was ready to splurge this New Year.


    His baby brother looks like a jade doll said in classic mythological dramas so he wanted to wear a traditional dress for this New Year with Zi Ming.


    He borrowed inspiration from the countless novels he had read online in the previous life.


    He was also quite excited about this year.


    This year would be quite special as this would mark as the start of his career!


    Yes. He had already felt spirit qi.


    That is why he had no crease of tension on his face.


    Not on its own though.


    He had to improvise. He thought and thought hard.


    Finally, when he practiced getting beat up and recovering with Miss Ling, he could finally mobilize some of his blood energy.


    Subsequently, he mobilized his blood energy for years every night to try to combine absorb spiritual qi in the air.


    Though that failed, he was able to come into contact with his own mental energy or divine sense as said in many novels.


    He thought to try combining them to form a chakra type energy, which failed as well.


    It was only recently that his blood energy seemed to have reached a certain threshold and started absorbing some spiritual qi in the air.


    The spiritual qi is less than one-hundredth of what he tried to absorb.


    Even if Zi Yang is exaggerating, he can only say he only felt flight twinges on one of his fingers when he started absorbing with all his strength.


    He thinks his body filtered a lot and only absorbed a very tiny part of spiritual air in his body.


    But the good news is that his blood qi and that tiny spiritual qi seem to have produced a new kind of spiritual energy that is more condensed and purer than the spiritual energy in the air.


    He could feel that his desire to absorb spiritual energy from the air is waning. Only one spiritual energy stones that contains the densest energy has some appeal to him.


    He called this qi ¨C Yuan qi¡­


    As the protagonist of any time travel novel would.


    He thought, a little narcissistically.


    While Zi Yang here was waiting for Zi Ming to come home and go clothes designing, stitching and fitting.


    Void Empress was filled with a kind of unease all over.


    She didn¡¯t understand why she felt like she was about to lose something.


    She felt that she had to hurry up or else the train would pass.


    But the thing is the she didn¡¯t have to go anywhere. Even if she had to, she could reach there in a second through void space magic.


    Why would she feel that the need for a common vehicle of transportation?


    Thinking over and over, she could only try to focus on the little purple light in her heart.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    She had found this light quite a while later after inspecting her body after the last sudden strengthening of her viewpoint.


    She guessed what it might be, but she never used it.


    She could sense that purple light is a one-time consumable. It would disappear after use.


    Now she felt that only by using it could her uneasiness settle down.


    She probed her mind into it and thought hard about this sense of uneasiness and her thoughts flew to all possible problems through various angles and even the smallest of clues she could have otherwise missed.


    But no matter how well she tried ¨C no solution emerged.


    Until she coincidentally thought of Zi Yang and the purple light heated up and started disappearing at a faster rate.


    Halfway through thinking, she seemed to be able to see a tiny speck of spiritual energy enter his body and then, there was no more.


    The purple spiritual light was completely dim and seemed to be disappearing.


    But likewise, her uneasiness also subsided a little.


    It was replaced by perplexion now.


    She couldn¡¯t think of any reason whatsoever.


    She did what she always did when she couldn¡¯t figure out things.


    She spread her spiritual thoughts and convened a meeting a Mystic Void and Dark Void.


    Dark Void was tending to her duties on Void net ¨C remotely managing the plateau of emptiness and the Void palace.


    Baize was tending to his duties as the manager of the daycare center and seeing off the last working day this year.


    Receiving the void empress¡¯ order, they dropped their work and gather in her study at once.


    At this time of the day, the Empress has already lit a jade cedar in the incense burner. Coupled with the slightly rich smell of the mahogany furniture, the two smells mixed together with the spiritual energy to create an illusion of peace found deep in the woods.


    Both Dark Void and Mystic Void waited for their empress to express that agenda of this meeting.


    Sure enough, they were not kept waiting for long.


    ¡°I want to conclude the apprenticeship ceremony before the awakening day ceremony begins.¡±


    Void Empress was succinct as always.


    Dark Void was not fazed. The empress can do whatever she wants and it does not matter whether it is before or after the awakening day.


    Mystic Void sensed a kind of urgency in her tone, but he did not ask the reason. He also held the opinion that the void empress could proceed as she wanted.


    Their duty as the attendant was to act not to question, unless necessary.


    Dark Void said, ¡°I will start preparing for it now. Void Empress, what are the details on how to conduct it?¡±


    Everyone knew what she meant.


    This was the Void Empress¡¯ sole disciple.


    Any amount of pomp would be insufficient. Considering less than a month that is left to prepared ¨C whom should they send invitations ¨C should the other two emperors also be invited?


    Donghuang Emperor is always busy running for the nation, so he might not be able to make on such a short notice.


    But if he does not show, that would be considered rude on his part and sending such a short notice is rude on theirs.


    There¡¯s also an issue of venue. Would they return to the plateau of emptiness or should be hold it in this town?


    Mystic Void was considering different things altogether.


    He was considering how to inform Zi Yang about this and why the Empress was in such a hurry.


    While the two were thinking, the Void Empress had already put the stop to their imaginations.


    She said, ¡°Baize, just inform Zi Yang that I am the Void Empress and wish to accept his as my disciple.¡±


    Baize hesitated. Is that a little too straight for a kid?


    Dark Void reprimanded immediately, ¡°Mystic Void, why don¡¯t to reply to the Empress?¡±


    Baize finally couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Empress, would it be too sudden to spring it up on him?¡±


    Void Empress understood that Zi Yang would probably be scared and feel cheated when the revelation came out. Afterall, who would want to have a neighbor who monitored someone for 16 years!


    But Dark Void did not have such concern.


    If Mystic Void was thoughtful and dared to question and proceed with caution.


    Dark Void¡¯s life creed was to follow orders in strictest sense as an attendant. She was an executor.


    She was often annoyed by how Mystic Void would contradict the empress and the empress would also not reprimand him.


    Just like she was now.


    The Void Empress said, ¡°I know. Just tell him and say, I want to see him and talk about it.¡±


    In fact, she also knew that haste makes waste and it might be detrimental to spring it up all of a sudden without minimal time to react.


    But she could not tell Baize and Dark Void that she had a feeling that if she did not accept his as a disciple now ¨C she might not have the qualifications to do so after he awakened his talent.


    Where in the world has anyone seen an emperor level powerhouse unqualified to accept an apprentice?


    She still could not put down her face and state this fact to them both.


    To Dark Void¡¯s question on arrangement, she said lightly ¨C now is not the time to make it public.


    Dark Void understood that it would be a private ceremony.


    As both of them went out for their own businesses, the gears of fate started moving in an unfamiliar direction.


    Whether the results are good or not, time will tell.


    Soon.

 Nothing a Good Nights Sleep Cant Solve

    Amidst the celebratory noises of hawking salesmen and jubilant crowd, Zi Yang and Zi Ming finally returned home with satisfaction.


    Zi Ming¡¯s whole face was beaming. He was looking forward to when everyone sees his fairy dress.


    He learned from Zi Yang that such a dress is worn by fairies in heaven and they look super good.


    When he wears it and goes to Yi Hai and says, ¡°hey stable boy, serve me wine¡±; that would be so cool.


    Zi Yang did not disturb Zi Ming¡¯s fantasies as he giggled. He could make sense of his brother¡¯s every being without him speaking what he was thought.


    It must another one of his story immersions ¨C most likely pretending to be a fairy official with the new dress and ordering people around.


    He blames himself for enrichening his brother¡¯s childhood too much.


    It¡¯s alright, he consoled himself. It will get better as he grew up.


    Which kid did not fantasize becoming a superman or a power ranger as he grew up.


    Did not reality come like a devil smashing their heads with a hammer and shaking them awake?


    Ouch.


    Zi Yang forgot, that this is a fantasy world where dreams could become reality.


    Is he going to have a snobbish second-generation spoiled brat as his younger brother when he grew up?


    No, that¡¯s horrible.


    He made up his mind to discipline Zi Ming more if he does weird things taken from stories again, especially if he acts like a spoiled young man.


    While thinking, he had already led Zi Ming to the center room.


    As soon as they entered, a waft of mouthwatering smell ticked their noses and drool flew out unconsciously.


    They knew Mama Mei must have something tantalizing today.


    ¡°Mama Mei, what did you make?¡±


    Zi Ming was as excited as always.


    Mama Mei came out of the kitchen with a tray and gently placed it on the dining table of four in the corner of the center room.


    ¡°Here. Your god pa brought home an inferno unicorn rabbit. I cooked with fresh spiritual apples, tangerines, plums and prunes.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    Even Zi Yang was amazed now.


    Inferno Unicorn rabbit is a very miserable beast.


    It is not so much as a rabbit as it is fire and plant elf.


    It is not a unicorn but has a unicorn horn.


    His body is always on roast and its unique scent attracts others to often hunt him, but he is charged by nature to maintain plant activity using his inferno heat in winters.


    People hunt it for food.


    A proper example of ¡°can¡¯t live, can¡¯ die well.¡±


    But this beast is not the one to give in.


    At the moment it senses fatal and sure danger to his life, he explodes with a dazzling inferno.


    Its life motto is, ¡°I won¡¯t let you succeed even if I die.¡±


    Goes without saying how rare it is to catch a complete beast.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Uncle Baize, where did you find this rabbit?¡±


    Zi Yang was curious. This rabbit is not native to this region where it could be hunted for food so casually.


    Baize answered casually, ¡°I procured it from the beast research center in the city.¡±


    Zi Yang understood.


    Uncle Baize probably paid a hefty price to acquire this for the research center.


    ¡°Cool, brother. Come. Let¡¯s eat first.¡±


    Zi Ming kept wiping his drool with his sleeves. Mama Mei tapped him lightly and cleaned him with tissues before finally making him sit on the chair.


    The family of four had a nice dinner.


    While leaving, Baize called for Zi Yang to come with him to his room.


    Zi Yang¡¯s house initially only had two rooms and one center room or a lobby.


    It was when the daycare center was renovated, that an extra room was built for Uncle Baize near the center and just behind the original two rooms.


    The planning couldn¡¯t be worse but for the size of the house, it works.


    Zi Yang sat on a chair in Baize¡¯s room and waited for him to speak.


    Baize was organizing his words and said, ¡°Zi Yang, it will soon be the 90 months in the contract.¡±


    Zi yang¡¯s heart jumped.


    Sure enough, what is supposed to come will come.


    He swallowed and was about to say something but Baize preempted again.


    ¡°No issues, I liked staying here too. Deception done with harmless intentions can sometimes be forgiven.


    Now, you listen to what I want to say.¡±


    Baize turned serious.


    ¡°What is it, Uncle Bai?¡±


    ¡°Young master¡­¡±


    Zi Yang¡¯s raised his eyebrows. Even though Uncle Bai usually calls him young master. Today somehow felt different. Plus, he just called by name and then switched again.


    Anyone else might not notice.


    Zi Yang did.


    Baize continued, ¡°I was never injured by a curse when I applied to stay here. I am actually an attendant of the Void Empress. She sent me to observe you up close and report as she intends to accept you as her disciple.¡±


    Zi Yang¡¯s head exploded.


    He did not care about anything else.


    His mind only revolved around the words, ¡°Void empress¡¯ attendant¡±, ¡°accept disciple¡± etc.


    He had no interaction with the Void empress, so how could he even catch her attention to observe him?


    Did that not mean he was under lens for 8 years?


    He really felt a little scared.


    Who knew what kind of temperament a powerhouse might have. Luckily, she did not seem malicious.


    ¡°Uncle Baize, no Sir Baize¡­.¡±


    Zi Yang unconsciously stood up solemnly.


    Even though Baize knew it would happen. He couldn¡¯t help but feel sad.


    The boy had started alienating him.


    Most importantly, it is not a conscious act.


    Then he heard Zi Yang continue, ¡°from what I know¡­ Void Empress¡¯ residence is quite far from here. When did she ever see me for her to send you for observation?¡±


    Baize continued and informed slowly, ¡°Your mother helped her once and she reciprocated during her childbirth¡­¡±


    Baize knew he did not have to continue to talk more.


    For an observant and precocious kid like him, he should have already understood everything else he wanted to say.


    The room was silent for a moment except for the floating voice of Lady Mei¡¯s lullaby from the adjacent room.


    After a while, Zi Yang asked, ¡°so anything else?¡±


    Seeing an expressionless Zi Yang, Baize knew that Zi Yang was probably either processing the information or completely disregarding it altogether.


    But to his duty, he finished, ¡°Yes, she said she wanted to talk to you tomorrow.¡±


    Zi Yang nodded and said, ¡°Understood. Please tell the empress that I will be there.¡±


    Then Zi Yang strode out.


    Soon Baize heard the sound of Zi Yang¡¯s door closing.


    He did not know what to make out of it. So, he let it be.


    Zi Yang was not as calm as Baize saw him in his room.


    Nor was he as outraged as both the Void Empress and Bai thought he would be.


    He was, if anything a little confused and a little scared.


    He sorted his thoughts.


    First, feeling outraged at being observed is superfluous. Will you not allow people to see you and observe you, one might as hole up in a cave.


    Plus, before accepting disciples, most powerhouses like to observe for a period of time ¨C that is the worldly knowledge from Xianxia novels.


    Moreover, he is weak so he can¡¯t blame anyone else if he didn¡¯t notice being monitored. Becoming strong would be a solution instead of whining about it.


    Secondly, the Void Empress did help him a lot. He didn¡¯t think the resources he swindled out of the leafed hat trut or the merit spitting golden toad could escape the notice of an emperor level powerhouse.


    The contracts he signed were all void contracts which were made by the power of the Void Empress and she could nullify them easily.


    So, he knows that the void empress might already know about merit but still allowed its use tacitly which was adding karma to herself for his sake.


    She¡¯s well-meaning.


    So, in all ¨C Zi Yang discovered that except an inquisitee gaze that wanted to pry for his secrets ¨C Zi Yang did not feel much aversion to this issue.


    Moreover, he did not what happened recently ¨C he remembered that the last time he saw Aunt Jing¡¯s fiery eyes were when she looked at Master Meng and it looked like she would swallow him whole.


    After those occasions, it has been same as Mama Mei¡¯s eyes.


    Soft and gentle.


    He could understand now why she looked at him like that. They both competed for him as an apprentice.


    Zi Yang walked over to a mirror and thought to himself, ¡°is it true that handsome people get all the luck?¡±


    The right to transmigrate also belong to them exclusively.


    Could this have been the secret all along?


    Zi Yang did not realize that he drifted from the topic a little narcissistically.


    His biological clock had to take the initiative to control his facial muscles to make a yawn, which made him realize that it was late.


    He threw everything to the back of his head.


    He will think about everything tomorrow.


    In this world, there¡¯s nothing a good night¡¯s sleep can¡¯t solve.

 Sincerity Begets Trust

    Early morning as the golden crow cawed and spread it wings to soar; the world slowly welcomed a new day.


    In an elegant room, a woman who like fantasy slowly sat up on her bed and rubbed her temples.


    In a small room with background of panda chuckles, an old man looked kind and elegant as he dressed himself for a new day.


    In another small adjacent to his room, another teenager slowly sat up and let out a long yawn and heartlessly scratched his head and muffled his hair.


    In another small room at the distant plateau of emptiness, a middle-aged man had saggy eyes as he rubbed his eyes and let out a shriek when a potion was completed.


    It seemed as any other morning or so it was for most people.


    But for others, this may be a day of new beginning.


    Zi Yang had already finished brushing when Mama Mei came up with breakfast.


    Everyone cleaned up and ate breakfast in silence.


    Zi Ming was still sleepy and was partly sleep fed by Mama Mei.


    Baize was dressed elegantly and seemed to have important issues to deal with.


    When he looked at Zi Yang, he found that he didn¡¯t seem to have any concern on his face and was as heartless as ever.


    He could only urge him to eat faster ¨C to get ready.


    Zi Yang received the signal and picked up his speed.


    Mama Mei asked in concern, ¡°What happened Lord Bai, why are you both speeding up your breakfast? Anything to do today?¡±


    Zi Yang said, ¡°Void Empress wants to accept me as her disciple. I¡¯m going to meet her today.¡±


    Baize was dumbfounded.


    Should you say that in such a relaxed tone with a mouth full of food.


    Do you have a sense of ceremony?


    Mama Mei, on the other hand, laughed softly. Obviously, she thought Zi Yang was joking.


    Considering that he could still joke, she felt much more at ease.


    She also urged in cooperation while feeding Zi Ming, ¡°Off you go then, don¡¯t let her wait for you.¡±


    Zi Yang nodded and went to his room to get dressed.


    Baize waited for him in the center room.


    After a while, they both walked to Aunt Jing¡¯s home.


    Or to be more specifically, the Void Empress¡¯ study.


    Baize knocked softly.


    ¡°Come in¡±, came a voice.


    Baize opened the door and signaled for Zi Yang to enter while he waited outside the room.


    Dark Void had already finished serving snacks.


    When she saw Zi Yang walking in, she also walked out ¨C giving enough privacy for the two people to talk.


    ¡°Sit down first, Zi Yang.¡±


    The Void Empress said and Zi Yang of course, complied.


    For a few minutes after sitting, there was an awkward silence.


    Neither the Void Empress, not Zi Yang knew how to start a conversation.


    But strangely neither of them felt anything uncomfortable with the environment.


    It was Zi Yang who spoke first, ¡°Void Empress, thank you for considering me as a candidate for discipleship. Sir Baize told me about it, last night.¡±


    Void Empress followed, ¡°So what do you think?¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Zi Yang has always found Aunt Jing¡¯s conversations particularly short. He used to think that maybe she was introverted.


    Now he thinks that may be true, or maybe she has become accustomed to speaking little.


    As one may think, Void Empress¡¯ orders could be completed swiftly and she has capable subordinates to understand well.


    Stopping himself from digressing, Zi Yang said, ¡°I would be honored to be your student, Empress.¡±


    Void Empress has also seen the world. How could she not even sense the change of word? There is a difference between being a student and being a disciple.


    But she did not push it straight away.


    She asked instead, ¡°What do you think is the relationship between a master and disciple?¡±


    Zi Yang was also very calm and said, ¡°I think it is like family. A master is like a parent and a disciple like a child.


    A child should confess when he does wrong and a parent should forgive when he does.¡±


    In the beginning, the void empress felt a little emotional when she heard Zi Yang say that the relationship between a master and disciple is like that of a parent and a child.


    She had lost her parents early and even that useless old woman did not fulfill her promise to see her shine. She also left early.


    Since then, she has only had subordinates ¨C never family.


    She could also count the number of friends left on one hand.


    But when Zi Yang started talking about roles of a parent and child, she knew this kid was unconsciously showing his cunning again.


    She allowed it though.


    Why?


    Can¡¯t a child even behave like himself in front of his own parent?


    She listened with gusto as Zi Yang explained why he duped the trut and Baize¡­


    And she smiled in relief as she heard him thanking for her help and apologizing for the mischief.


    After a while when Zi Yang stopped, the Void Empress stood up and walked to the window again.


    She has developed this habit ¨C an evasion technique.


    When she has to talk about something which she does not prefer to say, she wants to walk around trees and under fresh wind.


    That is why near inside her workstation in the Void Palace, is an open space where she raises water type arowanas, lotuses and other beasts along with some plants which make up for a natural ambience.


    It brings her peace.


    ¡°I know what you want to ask me about. You want to know why I picked you.¡±


    Zi Yang was not surprised that the void empress could figure out what he was thinking.


    It was only obvious.


    She said, ¡°When I examined you at your birth, I found an enormous energy in your body.¡±


    Just one sentence to make Zi Yang tense up. He knew it was this energy that kept him from having difficulty walking in the early years and the same energy which strengthen his body.


    He then heard the Void Empress chuckle and said, ¡°Fret not. I did not find nor did I hope to find the source of it. I was merely curious about you who had such energy instead of the energy itself.


    So, in the initial years I stayed to observe you and see how different you were from others.


    Slowly as I recognized your strength and character, I developed a love for talent and wanted to accept you as my disciple.¡±


    Zi Yang did not expect Void empress to be so candid about that energy. The fact that she did not feel curious about the vastly different energy but about the person proves her innate nature is flawless.


    This encouraged Zi Yang and he couldn¡¯t help but ask another of his doubt, ¡°Then why accept me as a disciple before ensuring that I could sense spiritual qi. Why not wait until the awakening ceremony?¡±


    This time, the Void Empress slowly turned around and took a deep look at him.


    She walked to him and stretched her hand¡­


    Somehow, Zi Yang thought that she was going to hit him so he instinctively closed his eyes.


    Soon a mellow fragrance wafted to nose.


    He opened his eyes and saw the void empress was first fixed his sleepy hair and then adjusted his collar.


    She then said, ¡°I already knew that you sensed spiritual qi yesterday.¡±


    Zi Yang was now literally horrified.


    He did not have anyone around him when he sensed qi.


    He was sure there was no time for anyone to observe him.


    Seeing his horrified expression, Void empress did not keep him in suspense and revealed, ¡°I was feeling uneasy yesterday and used a one-time means to deduce the reason. It was then I deduced that you sensed spiritual energy.


    As for why not wait until your awakening ceremony¡­¡±


    Speaking of this, even now ¨C she could not help but pause.


    She still finished it though, ¡°it was because I felt that I might not be qualified to accept you as my disciple after your awakening.¡±


    There. She said it.


    ¡°You must know if you accept to become my disciple now, you would surely get my support and as you said we would be family, but correspondingly, a part of luck will also be transferred to me and a part of mine to you.


    But considering that an emperor level powerhouse can feel her inability to accept you as a disciple when the energy inside you fully manifests, you can imagine that the luck you gained might not make for the loss.¡±


    Zi Yang can guarantee that he has never been left dumbfounded, shocked, horrified, touched so many times in one day, and by the same person.


    Even though he could guess the reason, he still asked, ¡°Why tell me so much?¡±


    Sure enough, the empress¡¯ reply was similar to what he guessed.


    ¡°You said that the relationship between a master and disciple is that of family. In a family, sincerity is the foundation and trust, the pillar. Sincerity begets trust.¡±

 Extensive Preparations

    Wow.


    Zi Yang had to take his hats off for the Void Empress.


    He had just talked about family and the empress displayed that she already considered him one.


    It¡¯d be quite ungrateful for him to refuse now.


    He did not see any reason, whatsoever, for refusal.


    He did not care that his luck will be shared when he becomes a disciple.


    What¡¯s wrong with sharing things with family members?


    Moreover, he also gets to enjoy the shade and convenience brought about his identity as the Empress¡¯ disciple.


    Even with his insistence on self-reliance, an extra guarantee is enough to provide psychological support and comfort.


    Hence. Zi Yang did not think much before saluting and just when he was about to finish his ceremony, he paused again.


    Void Empress was also slightly happy at receiving such an outstanding disciple and was content at having received the bow.


    When she saw Zi Yang pause, she also felt confused.


    What happened now?


    Zi Yang scratched his cheek and said, ¡°Ah Empress, Master Meng accepted me as his provisional disciple. He is still working on finding a cure to qi sensing deficiency for me.¡±


    Yes, Zi Yang was concerned for the sweet old man Meng, whom if he remembers correctly, Void Empress had locked up in the plateau of emptiness.


    Void Empress rolled his eyes and signaled him to follow him to the drawing room.


    She took the lead to go and Zi Yang followed.


    In the drawing room, Uncle Baize, Dark Void and Master Meng Yijun were sitting on the sofa drinking tea.


    When Zi Yang and Void empress came in, all three stood up.


    Master Meng looked quite worked up. He was still in the potion room when he was airlifted and informed about the acceptance of Zi Yang by the Void Empress as a disciple.


    Finally, he knew that the Void Empress was the neighborhood lady Jing Huan.


    Frankly, he was still questioning if he was tired and fell into a weird dream after passing out.


    Void Empress was still the first to say, ¡°Meng Yijun, Zi Yang is here. Sort things out¡±


    Still short.


    Zi Yang couldn¡¯t compare the chatty lady back there to the one in the common room now.


    Master Meng came to his senses.


    He looked at Zi Yang and heartily smiled.


    ¡°Congratulations Zi Yang for sensing qi. I have learned from Sir Mystic Void and Madame Dark Void about the Void Empress accepting you as her disciple.


    Knowing you, you must have hesitated because of me, right?


    Don¡¯t worry, I have nothing to teach you better than the Void Empress. She is a more senior potion master to me.


    I¡¯m happy to have you under such capable tutelage.


    People should have the ambition to move forward. You only need to remember feelings in your heart. Don¡¯t let them stop your career.¡±


    This time everyone was impressed by Meng Yijun¡¯s integrity.


    He was able to acknowledge his shortcomings with such grace.


    But Zi Yang did not want to sideline Master Meng just because he got a better teacher.


    He knew how much this old man worried for him and how much effort he put up in researching potions for his condition.


    So Zi Yang came up with a unique suggestion of his own.


    He looked at the Void Empress and hesitated for a moment. He was not sure if she would accept it.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Void Empress encouraged him to speak, ¡°Go on Zi Yang. You can speak your mind in this room.¡±


    ¡°Empress, why don¡¯t you accept Master Meng as your direct subordinate and have him assist you in my education? So, when I worship you as a true disciple, Master Meng might not have the name but gets the respect of a disciple.¡±


    Dark Void and Baize were both worried for a moment.


    Suggesting a direct subordinate is an offensive act in this world. As many professionals depend on their subordinates for various activities and almost share their core competency and professional secrets ¨C it is an incredibly personal choice to choose a direct attendant.


    By suggesting Master Meng to this position, Zi Yang might have offended the Empress.


    Contrary to everyone expectations, Void empress did not seem to be offended.


    She looked at Meng Yijun and said, ¡°Meng Yijun, you have to speed up your potion master qualifications ¨C with your 2-star level, you can neither teach Zi Yang enough neither justify the name for my attendant.¡±


    How could everyone not know that the Empress accepted the suggestion?


    Everyone thought, how much did the Empress like this disciple?


    Zi Yang also understood.


    He did not waste more time.


    He bowed and saluted the Void Empress and called, ¡°Master¡±


    Void Empress smiled slightly and it seemed as if the color of the world waned.


    Flowers shed their petals and even the noisy winter scorpion-flies stood still in stunned silence out of the window.


    Zi Yang was also smitten and unconsciously said, ¡°Master, your smile is beautiful¡±


    Void Empress smiled even more and straightened his collar again.


    Then she said, ¡°Let¡¯s keep a small discipleship acceptance ceremony on New Year¡¯s. Together with Zi Ming¡¯s birthday.¡±


    Having said that, she strode away to her study and closed the door.


    Only then did the color return.


    Baize and Dark Void had never seen their Empress smile such sweetly.


    They were even more amazed how Zi Yang could naturally complement her smile and the empress did not have disgust she had always had when she heard other people say that.


    Is the relationship between a disciple and master so different?


    Baize looked at Dark Void for confirmation.


    But seeing her dark face, who would agree to become her disciple.


    The kid Zi Ming is only learning music and he has never seen Dark Void smile so much. She couldn¡¯t know.


    How could Dark Void not sense the condescension in Mystic Void¡¯s eye roll. She immediately stomped on his foot and went about his own business.


    Baize also urged Zi Yang to return home.


    Only Master Meng was still standing like a wooden sculpture.


    He did not expect a pie would hit on the head today.


    ¡­¡­


    At home, Zi Yang asked Uncle Baize, ¡°Uncle, will Master reveal her identity on New Year¡¯s Day?¡±


    Baize shook her head and said, ¡°No. She knows you plan to stay in the town until Zi Ming¡¯s awakening so, she won¡¯t make it public till then.¡±


    Zi Yang also breathed a sigh of relief.


    He wasn¡¯t prepared for such a huge change in identity until now.


    He expected the people who knew him might become alienated if such a huge thing happens overnight.


    He was only prepared to tell Mama Mei ¨C not even Zi Ming.


    He didn¡¯t want Zi Ming to become even more emboldened or slip it out accidentally.


    Then he thought of what preparation to make for the apprenticeship ceremony.


    He logged into the void net and roughly checked the customs in this world and was relieved when he saw they were roughly the same.


    The disciple had to prepare tea, and an apprenticeship gift for the ceremony.


    The list read, common apprenticeship gifts included items they use in their craft ¨C such as a potion resources or expensive potion bottle for potion masters, a decorative sword for sword masters etc.


    He sat on the dining chair again to think for a moment.


    Then asked Uncle Baize to wait and ran to his room.


    Quickly returning, he handed three drawing sheets to Uncle Baize and asked him to get these three dresses ready within three days.


    Baize said, ¡°What are these drawings, Young Lord?¡±


    ¡°Uncle Bai, keep calling me young master as you did before. Don¡¯t switch to ¡®young lord¡¯. Some perceptive people would notice clues.¡±


    Baize chuckled.


    Even if they did, it won¡¯t matter.


    But he did not object.


    Zi Yang then explained that these were drawings for dresses ¨C one each for Master, Master Meng, and Mama Mei.


    This counted as his personal discipleship gift along with the normal gifts.


    For Master, he¡¯ll give some of his house produce. She has all resources and doesn¡¯t need anything.


    For Master Meng ¨C buy some supplements and mind calming incense.


    For the apprenticeship tea, he chose Qihong Gongfu. This is a famous tea from the Qimen district. It is s kind of black tea which has a deep red tea soup and give off a pleasant aroma.


    It is said that this tea can help user become humble and insightful. It is one of his favorite teas.


    As for why he did not have drawings for Uncle Baize ¨C for a very practical reason ¨C he did not have any more drawings in his head.


    Even for Master Meng¡¯s design, he pieced together some from his and Zi Ming¡¯s designs.


    With that, he went to Mama Mei and informed her about all the details.


    Thankfully, Zi Ming was not at him then so he could inform Mama Mei in peace.


    Mama Mei¡¯s reaction was also expected.


    But she accepted it after some surprise.


    Hence, began a four day wait for New Years¡¯ eve.


    And with it, began extensive preparations.

 Newborn Calves are not Afraid of Tigers

    One shall get as one shall wish.


    The New Year¡¯s Day for which everyone was so eagerly waiting finally arrived.


    For the set of acquaintances and friends who hold the annual New Years celebratory party together with Zi Ming¡¯s birthday, this New Year added another reason for celebration.


    They not only received news of the discipleship ceremony from Zi Yang, but also received an invitation for their ¡°gracious presence¡±, as the invitation quoted, from Jing Huan¡¯s house.


    Everyone was amazed.


    They were amazed that Zi Yang would be accepted as a disciple by Jing Huan before confirming if he could sense spiritual qi.


    They were also amazed that a woman like Jing Huan, who had hardly showed her face in the community for no more than four or five times in almost two decades could send them an invitation to her home.


    Even if they did not know much of the world, they could guess that she was probably more powerful as a beast master than all of them.


    She has that ¡°rich lady air¡±, as Zi Yang described during the daycare center interviews.


    They were a lot more curious for this event than they were excited.


    With such emotions, everyone arrived in ones and twos at the venue.


    When the arrived at the door, two men and women stood at the door to welcome them.


    They wore similar clothes with similar color tones ¨C primarily black with gray overtones. There was some night pearls attached to their clothes and some embroidery which prevented the gray and black from showing off their depressing attribute.


    As one pair of men and women led the guests in, the pair welcomed the others. With back and forth after a few times, everyone was led to the drawing room.


    They were all arranged by the waiters to be seated on their seats, and finally given a gold- and silver-plated thin jade sheets which recorded today¡¯s agenda.


    The people were dumbfounded by the meticulousness and solemnity of the venue.


    They were not shocked by the two pairs of waiters of the fabulous decoration.


    Alright, they also admired the silk covers, exquisite carpets and; cushions and backrests of their seats which were so soft that a person could just melt into it.


    Many people could imagine that they were probably sitting on hundreds of thousands of ancient country dollars if not millions.


    After a while, the main guests for this day¡¯s events entered together from one of the inner rooms.


    Jing Huan was seen in the lead, Master Meng behind her followed by Miss Ling Yi and Lord Baize who entered with the Zi brothers and Mei Li.


    Even though everyone was dressed well, four people looked particularly dazzling in the crowd.


    Jing Huan, the two Zi brothers and Mei Li.


    Jing Huan sat on the top seat, dressed in a simple cheongsam with free-flowing patterned cape over her shoulders.


    The dark greyish on her upper robe was contrasted by white undertones on her sleeves, a translucent black cape and gradually fading textured grey on lower skirt.


    The metallic belt with various complicated patterns, with dark red slender triangular cloth pieces over the skirt; added to the final touch.


    Her eyes were as always dark and captivating, her face and lips as if squeezed together with the nectar and dew of a thousand flowers, and the hair on her back like the river of finest silk.


    She could shine on mountains and rivers, yet still seem just an illusion of ethereal shadow.


    There was no one was not amazed by her regal air.


    Mei Li stood on the Zi Yang¡¯s left with Zi Ming.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    She was dressed in sky blue unique styled dress. A piece covered her shoulders and arms. A piece her upper body and a connecting skirt covering the lower body.


    With cloth made texture-patterned on the shoulder to neck, and frills from above the elbow to the arm which they increased in size as the gas diffuses with distance.


    The two layers adjoined near the bosom with a blue crystal brooch embellished with night pearls, moon pearls and purple corals smoothly adding shades as dusk and moon do to evening clouds.


    The lower gown has common frills as any gown would, but in this commonality ¨C one feels the free as the wind and light as the feather feeling.


    Even her shoes were white and blue textured with underlines of black. As if they were made to stand on a cloud.


    With her smart and lively eyes, and; the cuteness that shouldn¡¯t belong to the world ¨C Mei Li looked like an elf on the cloud ¨C who goes as wind goes and lives as heart wishes.


    To get a sensory feeling from a visual of a clothing amazed everyone.


    The Zi brothers wore identical clothes and their clothes looked simpler but they looked equally splendid.


    They wore royal-blue shirt with upper robes of the same color¡¯s slightly darker shade. The upper robes were long and went until below their knees while the lower body was covered in pants.


    A belt made of cloth and leather covered at the waist ¨C tying the loose robe in a certain fashion.


    The unique linings and patterns on left and right shoulders respectively heighted the sense of the dress.


    Zi Ming¡¯s shoulder had patterns of the sun, the moon and the stars which formed a unique pattern which looked a certain formation.


    Zi Yang¡¯s shoulders had patterns of the sky and the earth and everything in between. The air, clouds, lands, mountains and seas were also patterned into what looked like a formation.


    Both of them wore pitch black shoes. Except for vaguely visible sheen and some patterns, the crowd could not make out much.


    Their faces looked like finely sculpted spiritual jade.


    The guests were amazed again and again.


    It was only when the discipleship ceremony had already started that the guests had to reluctantly divert some of their attention to the event than the participants themselves.


    They saw as Zi Yang sat the lower seat and served tea to Jing Huan and oh, look closely¡­ Master Meng.


    They did not discover Master Meng until now.


    Why is Master Meng standing behind Jing Huan and being served tea too. Is he assistant teacher?


    Ohhhh.


    The crowd was shocked. They knew Master Meng was a distinguished potion master who was even sought after by the Void Empress¡¯ palace.


    He was willing to stand behind Jing Huan, which shows that Jing Huan must be stronger or more extraordinary than him in some aspects.


    They always suspected that Jing Huan was a bigshot but they had never confirmed it until today.


    But in all truth, they cannot blame themselves from not noticing Master Meng. He looks quite plainly dressed among this group of four.


    After a while, the ceremony was over.


    Both the master and disciple presented their gifts.


    The crowd saw Lord Baize handing a set of clothing and accessories to Jing Huan along with some of the products usually sold by Zi Yang ¨C some space fruits, some unique tea etc.


    To, Master Meng, he also gave a set of clothing and some supplements along with some mind calming cedar incense and incense burner.


    When the crowd looked at Master Meng¡¯s dark eyebags, they all thought that Zi Yang was still thoughtful after all.


    Jing Huan also signaled, following which Miss Ling Yi presented Zi Yang with a void ring.


    They had to once again be amazed at it. They had heard of it.


    Void ring can not only function as a connector to the void net and store products, void net can with the user¡¯s permission or settings automatically deduct, ship or deliver products from or to within the void ring.


    One only needs to think and store what needs to be transacted, everything is streamlined.


    They also knew Jing Huan¡¯s gifts would most likely be included in the ring.


    They also did not have the heart to pry.


    At worse, they would go back home and come to Zi Yang tomorrow to see what unique things are there. They are civilized people and can wait for a night.


    Unless, the party ends early¡­


    After the discipleship ceremony ended and everyone looked at the agenda recorded in their jade sheets.


    They saw the next was Zi Ming¡¯s birthday celebration, and obviously Zi Ming knew that too.


    He had been waiting quietly for a long time and couldn¡¯t wait any longer.


    The crowd only felt as blur as they saw the little devil jumped onto Jing Huan¡¯s lap, tried to adjust his posture to keep his left leg on right thigh but the cloth slipped.


    He then held Jing Huan¡¯s cape, swung it and shouted, ¡°Elder Master, tell them young master wants his cake now.¡±


    The crowd was stunned.


    Has this kid eaten the heart of a leopard!


    They could not imagine that Zi Ming would jump on Jing Huan.


    Dark Void and Mystic Void were also horrified.


    Sure enough, newborn calves are not afraid of tigers.

 Fairy

    The party came to a sudden stop.


    Even though they knew that Jing Huan would not be irritated by a kid, but her temperament makes others dare not assume and dare not approach.


    They are all momentarily shocked by how easily the kid jumped on her lap.


    Dark Void and Mystic Void were also horrified.


    In their understanding, they have never seen the empress playing with kids so they were at a loss of what to do.


    Let alone sitting on the lap or touching her, just coming near her is impossible for anyone without her consent.


    The fact that Zi Ming could meant either of the two things.


    One, the empress did not care for it. That is, she tacitly allowed it. This would mean that she does not have aversion to Zi Yang¡¯s brother and possibly his immediate family members.


    Second, the empress let her guard down against the Zi brothers ¨C which would be even more incredible!


    Zi Yang was also dumbfounded.


    He did not expect this kid to play so big now.


    He brain overclocked for a second and he was going to snatch him down in a second.


    To his surprise and to everyone¡¯s surprise, they heard an authoritative and somewhat doting voice, ¡°Get it.¡±


    Oh shoot.


    Jing Huan classified Zi Ming as ¡®it¡¯.


    They thought she was annoyed by the kid¡¯s antics, but then what was the doting in the voice for?


    Before they figured it out, she said again, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? The young master said he wants his cake now. Get it.¡±


    It was only after her second iteration, everyone understood.


    Where is this annoyance?


    This is very clearly doting on her little baby.


    Zi Ming was somehow emboldened by this and let out a villain laugh, as he had seen and heard in plays and movies.


    He quickly climbed down, folded his hands and held his chin up and shouted, ¡°Yi Hai, go and help them¡±.


    As if ordering a subordinate.


    Zi Yang finally couldn¡¯t help it and took him in his arms and shut his mouth.


    That did not get him to stop and he kept flailing his arms and shouting, ¡°Mama Mei save me, Elder Master save me. God pa, ah you¡¯re okay¡±


    Everyone looked weirdly at Lord Baize, as if to say, why does he not ask you for help?


    Baize was embarrassed. He couldn¡¯t tell that he tricked his own grandson for training a couple times, could he?


    This drama did not have much impact on anyone.


    Anyway, today was not the first day for them to see Zi Ming¡¯s antics.


    Yi Hai and Zi Ming have been frenemies since their first fight ¨C both looking to ride on each other¡¯s head every turn they get while also having their back.


    As everyone moved into the lawn, no one notice a barely perceptible smile on Void empress¡¯ face.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    As Baize thought, how could she not know when Zi Ming jumped on her?


    She knew, but she didn¡¯t do anything.


    She wanted to see what this little kid was going to do.


    As a result, she was almost melted by the kid¡¯s ¡°elder master¡±.


    The fact is as she thought. Even Zi Ming ¨C the little boy ¨C understood that she was family. So, he did not hesitate and treat her with the same caution as he did before when he came here.


    People say children¡¯s souls are the purest and their actions most clear.


    Zi Ming¡¯s action might have been driven by impatience, but his subconscious would not have allowed him to pounce on her had he not considered her his family.


    Despite some antics from time-to-time, Jing Huan knew within herself that the kid was actually very thoughtful under Zi Yang¡¯s upbringing and never troubled his non-family members.


    And the kid is smart too, he so quickly formed an identity for her ¨C Elder brother¡¯s master = Elder master.


    Had a nice ring to it.


    In the lawn, today¡¯s birthday cake was placed.


    It was double decked and was beautifully decorated.


    Zi Ming waited her brother¡¯s side like a good boy until everyone came and then cut the cake.


    With sounds of Happy Birthday and a Happy New Year, the cake cutting came to a halt.


    ¡°Here, Zi Yang ¨C take this. Young master gives a big piece ¨C with added cherry.¡±


    Zi Ming handed a messy cake piece with his tiny hands and raised it above his head, waiting for Zi Yang to eat.


    ¡°Thank you, Zi Ming¡±, Zi Yang also did not bother his immersion now. The kid is sweet to him.


    With that everyone started their New Year greetings and the evening fully began.


    Everyone hoarded around Zi Yang and asked him about his clothes. Especially Mei Li¡¯s clothes made almost all aunties have ideas.


    Aunt Lan looked puffed. She knew that Zi Yang designed it himself.


    Why didn¡¯t she get it?


    Zi Yang saw this and explained to all the aunties, ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll give you some design sketches. But my idea is limited ah¡­ so these designs are incomplete only some rough ideas and references from Mama Mei¡¯s drawings and some pieces here and there¡­


    You design them and we sell them together. Like we did with daycare. What do you think?¡±


    Everyone agreed in a second.


    What¡¯s there to disagree? Could they not want beautiful clothes or another income?


    Zi Yang then proposed, ¡°I will soon start my career as a beast master and will not have time to manage, why not let Aunt Lan do it?¡±


    Everyone agreed to this well. Lan Yun was well deservedly closer to Zi Yang and she was responsible too.


    Then as if they heard something incredible, they looked at him for confirmation. Aunt excitedly held his face and hugged him.


    She couldn¡¯t imagine how happy Yi Nuo would be today if she were here.


    She was happy for her sake too.


    Mei Li came to their circle and she shared everyone¡¯s joy too before they started circling around her and checking her dress.


    The guys had swarmed over to Master Meng and kept asking about his work at the Void Empress¡¯.


    If it were before, Master Meng would definitely boast a little in his hometown.


    But now, come on, he is standing in Void Empress¡¯ home and is her new subordinate.


    How could he have the nerve to reveal some gossips?


    He could only tell how studious and hard working the guys at work are; and how everything is well managed¡­


    Dark Void who was guiding the waiters to served food and drinks, was quite pleased with Master Meng¡¯s review.


    She did manage everything well ¨C even though she was far away.


    Her contentment did not last long though, as she heard someone whisper, ¡°Isn¡¯t the manager there a little too tight in management then? Look at Master Meng¡¯s eyebags, he must have forced to work to the bone.¡±


    No matter how Master Meng signaled with his eyes, the guys did not seem to get it. They criticized heartily, ¡°I am telling you these big places do not have the human touch, you know.¡±


    ¡°They are great for career progression, but they are hard bone to chew¡­¡±


    ¡°Why are your eyes twitching? Oh god, did you suffer so much that you got a disease there?¡±


    Dark Void was so pissed.


    How are these town people so creative that they can invent new stories every day?


    She was sure that by tomorrow, inhuman treatment of employees would be all the rage in the town.


    Need to ask how she knew, she was the live example.


    To this day, a few people still look at her with a mix of caution, pity and encouragement.


    She knew they think of her as a mad scientist who is rehabilitating.


    Even the void empress¡¯ word, which she thought was all powerful, did not seem to overturn this matter.


    Perhaps she could only wait for the study to become live and maybe then, she could wash off this stain.


    She would like to see how this group of people would treat Zi Yang.


    When her future-self thought back to this moment, she couldn¡¯t help but categorize herself as na?ve. She already knew of these people¡¯s double standards. Oh, how they jumped with joy when they heard that ¡°their boy¡± did such ¡°incredible¡± research.


    While everyone was eating and having fun, some one noticed that Jing Huan was absent.


    So, they asked Miss Ling Yi and understood that she went to try Zi Yang¡¯s disciple greeting dress.


    The ladies were enthusiastic and hoped to see more of this style of clothing for their reference.


    Coupled with Jing Huan¡¯s own ethereal and regal aura, they could not imagine how wonderful the dress would look.


    In their wait, Jing Huan finally arrived.


    When everyone saw her, they had the same word involuntarily come to mind ¨C fairy.

 Shelter Under a Big Tree

    Early morning on the second day of the year, everyone was a little inebriated from the drinking and exquisite food last night.


    If they were not sure of it, they might have thought they had traveled to the a capital dignitary¡¯s party.


    They had the time of their lives.


    The men enjoyed the drinking and bonding.


    The ladies went nuts on the dresses and accessories.


    All agreed that Jing Huan in Zi Yang¡¯s gifted dress was the most beautiful sight they had ever seen.


    So much so that when they talked about it with others and were asked to describe how she looked ¨C they could only express the dress in signs like dancing monkeys.


    How they cursed themselves for not taking a good look on the details!


    All their attention was captured by the fairy like picture and their minds did not remind them to capture any detail as if that picture all was enough to savor in those moments.


    Full of sighs about it but with no solution, they could only start the new day.


    Just like everyone, Zi Yang and Zi Ming were also excitedly unfolding their respective gifts.


    Zi Ming¡¯s birthday gifts included all sorts of toys, clothes, books and snacks. There were some potions, music sheets and other thoughtful gifts from the elders.


    Zi Yang was checking out the void ring.


    Inside the void ring was placed one small booklet.


    Zi Yang read that booklet and then finally understood what the gift was.


    Turns out that this void ring is more special than a general one.


    It is actually stuffed with a small part of the void cut and placed in the ring, while simultaneously being connected with it.


    That means he can place things in the void ring and so can Master and they would be able to exchange things through the void whenever needed.


    Like this time, the gift his Master gave included an access to a private space where she could place products for his use, and a bunch of products which were already placed.


    Together with it was a permission code to create a duplicate account on Void Net for trading using the identity of Void Empress¡¯ disciple.


    Not making the discipleship public does not mean withholding the benefits, but being smart about it.


    The gifts included in this private space included jade boxes full of heavenly merit, several ethereal spirit stones, a few void energy crystals and crystals of different attributes ¨C earth, metal, wind, water, fire etc.


    He understood the crystal as they can be used while opening the beast taming space for a better space stability, size and strength as well attribute crystals to make the elements in the space more complete.


    But for what reason was all this merit given?


    This has a corresponding karma if given and taken carelessly.


    Zi Yang ran to Uncle Baize for a discussion and wanted to persuade his Master to take it back.


    Who knew Uncle Baize stopped him and explained how any use of merit by him does not seem to be karma bound.


    He explained having observed luck fluctuations to confirm this when merit was used by Zi Ming and the leafed hat trut related to him compared to when used by others.


    If Zi Yang still did not understand his unique nature, he would be a fool.


    He was sure that everything that has conspired in his lifetime till now, is the results of a poke in the spine from his previous life.


    He did not know anything else.


    But he could say for certain, the reports of the archaeology department were incorrect. That ain¡¯t no dinosaur fossil.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    After accepting one weird thing, accepting another becomes simpler.


    So, he did not pay any heed to any cause and effect or karma. But he still decided to use it with caution and for very specific purposes.


    He thought of using this merit to mint merit coins and use them for trade.


    Of course, to doubly ensure that overuse does not come to hit him in the end ¨C he decided to price this coin an extra 20% compared to agreed price, which would be used for environment protection and helping the less privileged.


    This could not only help the society a little more and regulate a little more currency from the hands of the wealthy but also, exchange necessary resources for his progress in his profession.


    When Baize heard his idea of minting merit coins, he was a little dubious of life. He even wondered if this would have any adverse effects on the market economy.


    So, he expressed to report to the Void empress and secure a mechanical beast for minting anti-counterfeiting merit coins.


    He was not even sure if the mechanical beasts could do the job as the merit coins were not made of any matter instead it was comprised of energy. Making such energy tangible is possible, but mechanical beasts may not be the one to do it.


    Either way, this required some time to figure out.


    For now, Zi Yang handed it to Uncle Baize and patted his but off the topic.


    He was waiting for his awakening to know his talent and then subsequently start his journey as a beast master.


    The subsequent days went fine ¨C with the same routine as always ¨C going to evening school as assistant to teacher He, selling produce and teaching Zi Ming.


    He got Zi Ming started on the American model of earning his allowance.


    He thinks it is good for children to take responsibility so Zi Ming now needs to work extra hard at his studies, music and exercises while helping out with some trivial house chores to earn some extra pocket money.


    This is was the best way Zi Yang figured out to cure his ¡°young master¡± fever.


    Other than the daily routine, he would also occasionally go to make up for some school related knowledge at his master¡¯s place.


    Even though he studied at evening school and assisted as a teacher, he still might miss some knowledge that is taught in public schools but not in evening classes.


    College examinations will begin soon and if possible, he wanted to get a good score. Even if he couldn¡¯t leave for a four-year college ¨C he could still use this score to get into state sponsored distance programs.


    At the very least, he could not have no credentials against his name ¨C wouldn¡¯t that shame his master¡¯s name?


    So, he had to study hard and clarify his many years of doubts which do not quite have a ready answer on void net.


    Just like today, he is still in his Master¡¯s study asking some questions at around 9 p.m.


    ¡°Master, I learned that there are ancient beasts besides ordinary beasts which are also divided into divine beasts, holy beasts, auspicious beasts and fierce beasts.


    But they are all fresh and blood creatures. Even if we discount plant-based beasts ¨C they would have been original lives even without spiritual energy.


    Are there any inanimate existences which could become beasts as a result of spiritual energy irrigation?¡±


    ¡°Well yes Zi Yang, and you see them every day.¡±


    Zi Yang was surprised ¨C he sees every day. When did he see? He wanted to know if spiritual energy could help transform or provide possibility for transformation of any object ¨C tangible and intangible in the world.


    ¡°Yes. The mechanical beasts¡±, said the Void Empress.


    Zi Yang followed, ¡°No master, I mean objects like jade tables, weapon spirit, formation diagrams, pills or maybe, someone magic power mutated and became a beast, or a mountain or river becoming a beast¡­¡±


    Void Empress chuckled lightly.


    ¡°Your thought is novel. I understand what you are trying to understand. As spiritual energy is introduced, everyone learns that it has an effect of awakening one¡¯s true self ¨C by extension your age of coming ceremony is also an awakening of yourself by continuous irrigation of spiritual energy over about 16 years.


    Even if inanimate objects such as a jade table might be irrigated over long period of time, it would first need to produce a consciousness and then a sense of self.


    Only then could it move towards awakening and transforming into beasts.


    So, to your question ¨C there are other beasts awakened from inanimate objects but they are very rare ¨C almost never seen by people throughout their lives.¡±


    Zi Yang was also thoughtful. Sure enough, the concept of Xianxia novels apply here too.


    It is extremely difficult for such beings to awaken and transform into sentient lives. The reason he was curious about this was because he still had some ideas on how to use merit and evaluate its potential market.


    If he understands correct, merit could be used to speed up the process of awakening and transforming inanimate objects into beasts.


    If that happens, he could contribute to a whole new class of beasts becoming relatively common in the world.


    Zi Yang shared his thoughts with his master and asked what she thought.


    Void Empress gave an intriguing reply, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t suggest you to do this. But considering that someone someday might also discover this ¨C either accidentally or intentionally ¨C it would be advisable to never publicize as having this resource as your own.


    I would have you pose it as the ancient country¡¯s resource which might have been discovered by me but distributed by you.


    We would also need to share some part as fees for using the official name to the ancient country.¡±


    Zi Yang was confused why that was the case. He did not expect to have made things so much more complicated with a little idea of his.


    But when he heard his master¡¯s explanation, he had to sign ¨C It was good to take shelter under a big tree and it is good to be an official with someone in the court.

 Et Tu, Brute?

    Zi Yang has never realized that the world he lived in also had such complications.


    It may sound funny, but he realized that in the past few years ¨C his vision had been complexly limited to this small town of Mawsynram.


    He listened to his master speak, ¡°So, the situation internationally is such that the beast empires outnumber the human empires.


    If it were not for more human emperor level beast masters who could fight against multiple emperor level beasts and a country of moderates ¨C the comrade.


    Yes, they call themselves the Confederation of Myriad races¡¯ descendants. We would have a war on our hand at any time.


    If you were to introduce a new type of beast and attract all the highlight ¨C there would no shortage of assassins sneaking to the country to identify and attack you.


    The tree that grows the most beautifully gets cut first.


    Let the old man Donghuang take up this limelight. We should sit in the back and enjoy the benefits.¡±


    He decided to follow her advice and wait for further details after proceeding with it.


    Even though it sounds logical and factually correct, why does he a slight familiarity with the last sentence?


    Why did he suddenly have the feeling that his master was just like him in his bones ¨C lazy to do anything himself and have others do it for him if possible?


    Oh. Blasphemy.


    How could I think like that of my own master?


    Shame.


    Zi Yang corrected himself twice and then listened to the rest of the teachings.


    It was only around 10 in the night that he swiftly fled back home and snuck into the blanket with Zi Ming.


    The next few days, Yi Feng appeared often and they exchanged the knowledge points discussed in school and citizen awareness classes.


    The weird thing is that the college entrance exam is nearly six months away, but the students are getting jitters all the same.


    This is because there is a widespread belief that one¡¯s knowledge, experience, fantasies, or innate capabilities or qualities can affect the quality of a person¡¯s talent when awakening.


    Since rest of things cannot be quickly improved upon, how do students manifest their anxiety and tension?


    Of course, it is by becoming studious students overnight and cramming years¡¯ worth of knowledge into their heads.


    Then going around town to other students¡¯ home and bringing them along on this wonderful journey.


    Such a sweet gesture.


    They share knowledge and spread love.


    The remember that they should not be alone in their anxiety.


    If they are alone, they should be alone together too.


    Thus, began daily marches from house to house, bungalow to bungalow and school to school.


    More teenagers met these days to discuss the knowledge of beasts, science of talents, and metaphysics of awakening then they have met people in their short lives of sixteen years.


    More people became friends.


    More people became enemies.


    A lot of couples were formed, a lot were broken.


    The season that comes every year and lovingly referred to as, ¡°hen pecks chicken¡± season by many a town folk came again.


    In such an environment of happiness, expectation, sincerity, studiousness and heartbreak; the day of awakening finally arrived.


    Every student woke up that day like a wooden puppet or an Egyptian mummy and walked listlessly to their testing center.


    To schools.


    To beast master associations.


    To authorized local semi-government organizations.


    Zi Yang, no matter if he an adult soul housed in a teen body, was still a teen body after all.


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    He did not escape the mummy disease.


    The only difference is he conducts his awakening in his Master¡¯s basement.


    Uncle Baize told her that, to quote, ¡°prepared a safe and private environment to awaken talents.¡±


    Zi Yang had breakfast listlessly and did not even reply when Zi Ming called out to him.


    Finally arriving at the basement, Zi Yang looked at the formation drawn on the ground and the crystal put on top of the altar.


    Technically, there is nothing special in the awakening ceremony.


    It is essentially gathering spiritual energy, condensing it denser using the spirit crystal ball and passing it onto the body in a knee-jerker like a snap on the back of one¡¯s head.


    It¡¯s essentially like using A.E.D. to bring back the heartbeat.


    Sudden. Pure. And A Lot.


    ¡°Go on, Zi Yang¡±, the void empress urged and stood aside.


    Beside her were Dark Void and Uncle Baize.


    Zi Yang walked in and placed his hand on the crystal core.


    Void empress also started the formation.


    Within a few seconds, swarths of spiritual qi were clearly visible and gathering.


    In another second, as large amounts of spiritual qi entered his body ¨C Zi Yang felt a little cold burn and a little high when suddenly he shook and recovered.


    All of this happened in a minute and Zi Yang had already awakened his talent.


    He was slightly happy. Even though his talent was the most common insight ¨C it was an improvement over having none at all.


    He happily turned around and informed everyone, ¡°Master, my talent is Insi¡­¡±


    Everyone witnessed Zi Yang happily turning around and saying something when he suddenly fell over and fainted.


    Void Empress quickly reached out to support but this time, an energy blocked her way.


    The energy raged out of Zi Yang¡¯s body.


    It shook the air, the ground, the house and the people.


    Void Empress to spend everything in her power to stabilize the house and everything around her just to be able to stand.


    It was not over yet.


    Instead, it was just a beginning.


    After a calm of a second, the energy grew stronger and strange phenomena happened.


    The ground showed cracks and lightning thundered in the sky.


    The rain was too sudden even by Mawsynram¡¯s standards and it was heavy.


    Void Empress quickly directed her two attendants to go upstairs and deal with affairs there.


    She was enough alone for Zi Yang¡¯s safety.


    Even with all the effort and all her beasts summoned, the energy never stopped raging.


    The void fell apart, the air showed signs of cracking like tiny pieces of mirror.


    After fifteen minutes, the town was flooded and innumerable losses were accounted for.


    When everyone almost lost hope of recovery, three lights were seen gliding across the sky, water and the earth.


    They quickly sorted out the clouds, thunder, floods and earthquakes.


    The townspeople wanted to thank the three great men but they were nowhere to be found.


    In the basement, the energy has calmed down and flowed smoothly in Zi Yang¡¯s body.


    Void Empress could perceive that Zi Yang¡¯s body was constantly being torn apart and reassembled in his coma.


    She saw a rubbery Zi Yang, a bloody Zi Yang, a twisted Zi Yang, a smelly Zi Yang.


    She was heartbroken for her disciple.


    Even in a coma, how can one bear such torture?


    What was happening?


    While she was thinking, the energy has properly calmed down but the barrier still existed.


    A golden glow seemed to surround Zi Yang.


    Slowly golden lotus petals starting appearing around his feet and he was lifted high in air. Around him suddenly emerged two strange objects ¨C a pair of glasses and a hollow jade frog.


    They seemed to be affected by the energy too, but they woke up faster than Zi Yang.


    The void empress could identify that their seemed to be sentience in both these objects, i.e. they were both beasts.


    The pair of glasses she was concerned about suddenly transformed into a magnifying glass and started scanning the surroundings.


    Void Empress might have been in a mood to laugh if not for the worry about his disciple.


    She wanted to speak when three lights suddenly streaked and headed straight for the lotus petals.


    She saw the purple light sweeping like a hawk, the yellow light flew closely behind and started sweeping too.


    Finally, the golden light was a little slow, but what it lacked in speed ¨C it made up for in diligence.


    She was a little out of tune now. She remembered the purple light. And if the other two lights can fight with the purple light, they should be unique too.


    They were going after Zi Yang, or rather these golden flowers around Zi Yang.


    Either way, she wasn¡¯t going to stand around and wait.


    Without waiting for her to start, the magnifying glasses has already transformed into a fly swatter now and started swatting the three lights away.


    All the while shouting ¡°Master¡¯s master, fend of these three thieves. How dare they covert a resource above their stature! These low lives.¡±


    Void empress never imagined that the newly appeared beast would have such a high nose. She called perhaps the most noble conscious in the world, low lives!


    The purple light was furious and started attacking the fly swatter aggressively.


    Seeing as how it couldn¡¯t win the fly swatter, the human lady and the frog guarding in front of other petals; the yellow light also aimed at the purple light in secret and snatched away one its petals.


    The golden light seemed Buddhist and did not fight after being stopped. It still got a petal after it was thrown away after a fight though. It quickly gobbled it up so it thought that no one saw it.


    The fly swatter transformed back into the glasses and somehow, the Void Empress understood what it meant.


    Its thoughts seemed to be saying, Et tu, brute?


    What does that mean?

 Remnant Obsession

    The air was silent for a moment.


    Even the yellow and purple light seemed to stop and stare at the little golden light.


    The golden light seemed to be under immense pressure and was about to take out the petal it had swallowed when a voice sounded, ¡°This is why you are bullied. Grow a spine.¡±


    Everyone looked at the source of the sound and saw a chiseled young man was naked from the waist up while the golden glow covering it below was slowly transforming into threads and threads into clothes.


    The young man had indifferent eyes and an air of transcendence.


    He did not seem like a being of this world.


    He was Zi Yang.


    Or, his body at least.


    Void Empress was confused for a second before she realized that the person standing in front of her did not seem to be her disciple.


    She instantly thought of the worst possible result and immediately flew into rage.


    With a swipe of her hand, she summoned her natal treasure ¨C a Rubik¡¯s cube.


    It looked ethereal and real simultaneously and seemed to be missing a few pieces here and there.


    The Void empress threw the treasure and urged with her full power. It was aimed right at Zi Yang¡¯s head.


    This movement and immense hostility caught the attention of Zi Yang.


    He turned his head and leisurely walked over. Two of his fingers calmly caught the cube and examined it from all sides.


    ¡°Interesting. Remnant of a broken chaos spirit treasure¡­ Still has laws of reality and virtuality. But calm down for a moment. There¡¯s an order to business for everything.


    Just started walking Hunyuan and dare to spy on me. Sit still¡­ The path to one is long¡­ Educate your people well.¡±


    The purple light seemed to desperately nod.


    But it couldn¡¯t as the man waved and the entire space of the universe seemed to be frozen.


    Even the air particles stayed where they were as if gravity, time, space and existence had all lost their meanings here.


    This was certainly not Zi Yang. He was a supreme being.


    Void Empress¡¯ mind confirmed again, while she kept trying to run her spiritual power.


    ¡°First things first, I can¡¯t walk around here naked ¨C can I?¡±


    As he said that, he unlocked the restrictions on the three lights.


    The three lights quickly transformed into three elves with different appearances ¨C a purple-haired thunder elf, a yellow-dressed earth elf and a golden armored elf.


    The each spit their mouths and large amounts of purple, yellow, and, golden merits floated over and were also simultaneously transformed into threads and from threads into clothes.


    After a while, the being was wearing a three colored robe with mysterious patterns on it.


    It looked surreal.


    With the thoughts of heaven and earth, the robe was bestowed with a name ¨C innate merit and virtues law robe.


    ¡°Innate, is it? Overestimating ourselves, are we?¡±


    The being chuckled slightly and the three elves showed grievous expressions in unison.


    ¡°Alright. First, let¡¯s stop the buzzing of noisy insects¡­¡±


    With that said, everyone saw this being wave his hands and countless illusory threads appeared like a web.


    Then he started fiddling while speaking, ¡°Watch carefully, I see you would major in this law in the future.¡±


    He did not specify who he spoke to, but somehow everyone understood. It was spoken to the pair of glasses or the transforming beast.


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    ¡°Yes master.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me your master. I¡¯m a remnant of the last era, a failure on the last step, walking alone as I live now. Your master will wake up as I disperse.¡±


    Until the time he finished speaking, everyone witnessed the greatness of the man.


    He had alleviated all the chaos caused by the natural disasters, blamed part of it on natural movements and part of it on chaotic movement.


    The supernatural beings who spied had their memory erased forcibly.


    In all, all his cause and effect were either cut off, diverted or compensated.


    ¡°The flies are off the ear now.¡±


    The transforming beast had been waiting for this sentence.


    She quickly said, ¡°You¡¯re both my master, master. You¡¯re the same after all. Just in different skin. And if you see your memories, you might not be alone.¡±


    The transforming beast was also emotional.


    She was originally just a subpar AI and was brought into this world by coincidence.


    In the past sixteen years in his master¡¯s conscious, with nothing to do ¨C it sorted out all the information leakages from the energy that brought them here.


    So, she knew a little about her master. She was sure, she senses the same energy from master¡¯s younger brother as him.


    The sentence, once again, aroused his interest. So, he turned and carefully looked at this beast still in the form of glasses.


    ¡°You are¡­ Joanne. Subpar AI traveling along. It¡¯s luck.¡±


    ¡°Yes master.¡±


    ¡°Checking my memories, huh¡±


    Then slides flashed past with an incredible speed in this being¡¯s retinas.


    From where the Void empress stood, she saw various pictures of Zi Yang¡¯s life flashing by, like a movie.


    She had never felt so helpless and heartbroken.


    Her disciple and family member, she has just received has gotten into an incredible trouble.


    He was possessed.


    She was partly sure of it.


    Reason why it is a part is that the man¡¯s words deny her assumption. A powerful being like that would despise to lie.


    In which case, if it really is Zi Yang ¨C how to bring back his previous self. She was not sure if he was a remnant or not, she only knew he was not the disciple she knew.


    She had to somehow bring him back.


    What the Void empress did not know is that all her thoughts and all her calculations were as clear as day to the supreme being in front of her!


    But it was only now that he had the time to pay attention when he heard her thoughts to bring him back anyhow.


    ¡°A good master I have found for myself this life.¡±


    The Void Empress soon realized what this sentence meant. It meant that her thoughts were read as if written on a paper.


    ¡°Yes, it is indeed so. But I must clarify that I did not peep. It was you who thought of my name too many times so I couldn¡¯t help it.¡±


    All the while he was talking, the slideshow in his eyes did not stop until the moment reached when Zi Ming was born.


    Everyone saw as the man was stunned.


    His mouth opened involuntarily.


    He stumbled a little.


    Yes, they saw this being who paused time and all laws stumbled.


    He then walked a little and a space corridor was constructed under his feet. He walked forward and brought back a baby in his arms.


    ¡®So that is. So that is¡­¡¯


    The man kept mumbling.


    ¡®I wondered how I lived again. It¡¯s you. You almost destroyed yourself to bring me out again. You fool.¡¯


    Then a tear slid from his cheeks and fell on Zi Ming¡¯s.


    Zi Ming woke up slightly and when he saw the tear on Zi Yang¡¯s face, he wiped it out and said, ¡°What happened, brother? Don¡¯t cry¡­¡±


    The influence of stillness was slightly wiped by his tear but it did not last long.


    Void Empress was initially a little horrified when she saw this being coming back with Zi Ming until she heard the last sentence and saw his tear, she confirmed that he did not mean harm.


    Zi Yang seemed to have heard it again.


    She unlocked her restriction, walked towards her and handed Zi Ming to her embrace.


    Then lightly whispered, ¡°Master of this life, you think right. I am an obsession ¨C a remnant of previous life¡¯s memories. I have limited time here. You need not worry to bring your disciple back. He¡¯s always here.¡±


    Finally, he took the Rubik¡¯s cube, transmitted an energy to it and said, ¡°You should use it well. Use it with caution when Zi Ming is in mortal danger.¡±


    Void Empress stood with Zi Ming in her embrace and the Rubik¡¯s cube floating in front of her. She could sense a tremendous energy flowing through it, seemingly always trying to make it a complete whole but failing and progressing.


    Seeing that he had finished dealing with everyone else, the three elves couldn¡¯t wait any longer and flew around him and kept pointing at the lotus petals.


    Zi Yang conjured two chairs. His chair an inch higher than the Void Empress¡¯.


    While indicating for her to sit, he lightly explained, ¡°It is not that I disrespect teachers, but that in my current state ¨C even as the last remnant of self, sitting with me on the same stature could shatter your fate.


    Have the present life Zi Yang make up for it.¡±


    Zi Yang or the supreme being winked at the Void Empress after saying that.


    The Void Empress did not expect such playfulness in such serious atmosphere. She had no choice but to believe that he as he said, is the remnant obsession of previous life.

 Universal Insight

    ¡°Now, come here glasses¡±, called the supreme being.


    ¡°I have limited time left and I want to maximize my interests in selling these useless flowers. So, get started. Froggie, chop chop ¨C get to work.¡±


    With that he conjured a table and three small floating chairs for the elves to sit.


    ¡°Sure Master. Joanne understood.¡±


    ¡°Master of this life, please hand over the Zi Ming as I sit down.¡±


    Words follow law.


    The Void Empress subconsciously followed him to sit and handed Zi Ming back to him again.


    Only after being seated, did she realize that her motor functions seemed to listen better to his command than her own mind.


    ¡°Alright, ladies and gentlemen. We¡¯re about to have the most exorbitant auction in the history of this universe¡­ I am the host of today, Joanne¡­¡±


    ¡°Hurry.¡±


    The simple nano robot transformed by Joanne skipped over everything as she heard that.


    Zi Yang sat calmly in the chair with Zi Ming in his arms. His eyes lost in focus as he appeared in thoughts.


    Only when the auction started did he come back to senses.


    ¡°Alright. The product is dao petals of the 36-grade awakening golden dao lotus. You know what benefits it can bring to you and this world, so bid you price.


    The first round is a set of three lotuses. Place your bids!¡±


    Void Empress saw next what could not be simply designated as crazy.


    It was something one could not even imagine.


    Her idea of dignity that these three elves representing supreme power should have seemed nothing to them in front of these dao flowers.


    Just like when they were snatching, they played cunning to jack up the prices for competitors, tripped another elf at his critical moment of speaking and won the lot instead, cast spells to shut up, void shift an elf out of the room, create illusion that one got it¡­.


    Name it and these elves seemed to be competing in all ways possible except a direct melee to win ownership of one more lot.


    The auctioneer did not seem to mind, and even sometimes deliberately slowed down to see who won.


    After six rounds of auction ¨C she could guarantee that the auctioneer profited immensely, but the participants seemed equally happy.


    ¡°Alright, so first everyone pays the fee for attending this auction.¡±


    With her cue, the three thumb sized origin qi ¨C a purple, a gold and a yellow were injected into Zi Ming¡¯s three major dantians ¨C head, chest and abdomen respectively.


    ¡°Mr. Heavenly envoy, please pay for the two sets of dao petals. With the three you obtained before; you have a total of nine petals now.¡±


    Thunder jumped on the purple elf¡¯s head as he heard that and glared at the yellow elf. Wouldn¡¯t he have more if it weren¡¯t for this tramp? Why would he need to buy?


    Was the yellow dressed earth going to take this glare sitting down. He glared as well and make a face at him as if mocking him for his arrogance.


    ¡°Mr. Heavenly elf¡±


    Yes ¨C the elf nodded and quickly paid his dues.


    After receiving the goods, the heavenly elf bowed towards Zi Yang and upon seeing Zi Yang nodding, he glared at the earth elf again and rushed into the sky.


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    Same went for the golden and yellow elves.


    Golden elf only had one petal before, so he fought tooth and nail and won three sets, accumulating a total of 10 petals.


    The earth elf could only bid for the remaining one as only set was remaining after the bargaining. Seeing this, Zi Yang waved three more petals and asked him to pay according to three as per the purple elf¡¯s second bid,


    Overjoyed the earth elf also agreed, paid and left.


    Now, floating in front of Zi Yang were seven light balls.


    Zi Yang waved three of them ¨C a cause and effect promise from heaven, earth and humanity to arrange a destined beast corresponding to the power of the three realms for Zi Ming ¨C into Zi Ming¡¯s fate and interlocked them.


    This package also involved fighting to obtain the beast and honing of skills and character. A complete protagonist package designed and delivered by the three talents.


    When the time comes, through necessary experiences ¨C he shall obtain what he needs.


    The remaining four light balls ¨C one contained a small tree and a circular coin with a square hole. This is a poor imitation of the Luobao Money Coin ¨C the innate spiritual treasure of the way of trade and the money tree.


    The purple elf condensed it by the way of trade so it should work.


    He waved it to the Void Empress, and said, ¡°The present life seemed to have some ideas for the merit you gave him. This money tree and money coin will help him.¡±


    The remaining two light balls left by the golden were also waived by him to the Void empress as he introduced, ¡°the branch is of the heavenspan tree of principles and the water in this jade bottle is condensed by that puny elf from the luck of humanity and light of the sun, moon and the stars. It is a joke, but for now ¨C it will do the job.¡±


    Finally, the last ball was also thrown over with an introduction of course, ¡°the earth elf got away cheap. He sent a clumsy mixture of various mixed soils ¨C as it may, it will work with the tree branch.¡±


    Void Empress collected all these into the void. She seemed to have a premonition.


    She asked, ¡°Are you leaving?¡±


    Zi Yang¡¯s obsession said, ¡°Yes. It¡¯s time. Take good care of Zi Ming.¡±


    Before disappearing, he pointed two times ¨C once at the glasses and the frog each.


    ¡°Use it soon, the energy disappears in shortly.¡±


    Finally, he uttered a Sanskrit sound but everyone''s conscious understood the meaning - "You shall not speak today''s happenings."


    It formed a unique restriction and imprinted on everyone present.


    With one last word, Zi Yang¡¯s body swayed and fell. Zi Ming fell with him. Void empress immediately moved them both to the chairs.


    The two beasts also felt a jolt by sudden surge of energy injected  in them. They fainted as well.


    At this time. The remaining eight petals seemingly chose their destinations!


    One petal transformed into a miniature lotus and got into Zi Ming¡¯s eyebrow. It left a lotus like mark between his eyebrows.


    One petal floated to the Void Empress and printed itself on her wrist. She could feel it can be retrieved and used whenever.


    One petal floated to Zi Yang¡¯s house and dissolved into Mei Li¡¯s bloodline.


    One petal divided into five and fell on five people ¨C Master Meng, Baize, Dark Void, Lan Yun and a leafed hat trut. The five people seemed to have received a law rhyme, as she sensed.


    One petal divided into countless petals and floated into the town. The Void empress¡¯s divine sense observed as they fell on various people known to Zi Yang.


    One petal floated and delved deeper into Zi Yang¡¯s house and from there into the earth veins of the city. Presumably this city will rank among first tier cities in the future.


    One petal floated and was about to leave when the golden elf which has left returned and snatched it away. While leaving, it still gestured to the Void empress with his fingers on his lips.


    The final petal turned into a small robe and golden merit fell from the sky. It turned out the golden elf exchanged another petal for merit.


    The golden merit robe flew and wore itself over Zi Ming.


    Everything seemed to be over.


    Jing Huan had been tensed all over since the awakening ceremony began. She could finally rest easy now.


    She then called Mystic Void and Dark Void to carry both Zi Yang and his beasts back to the guest room above, while she carried Zi Ming.


    After a while, Zi Ming was delivered home to a worried Mei Li at home.


    Zi Yang woke up at six in the evening.


    He was still groggy and felt a dull pain all over his body, while also feeling a sense of relaxation and relief he had not felt since he came to this world.


    He stood up from his bed, or so he thought.


    But he jumped nearly a foot high and felt downward on his knees, knocking a few small table and vase by the bedside.


    Void Empress had the noise and opened the door after knocking.


    She saw Zi Yang getting up from the ground and the mess on the floor.


    ¡°Sorry Master, I just got up but then I jumped a foot high¡­ And my body feels light¡­ there¡¯s also some pain¡­¡±


    Zi Yang was a little incoherent.


    Void Empress did not say much.


    She just walked over and patted the dust off and removed the creases from his clothes.


    Then said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. You consumed your latent energy while awakening, so the body reorganized and strengthen while also removing the excess load. So, you feel lighter and stronger now.


    You should rest some more. I will have Dark Void arrange your dinner and we will talk tomorrow.¡±


    Patting his shoulder in reassurance, she walked away.


    Zi Yang was left alone to process things and settle his nerves.


    He had sensed his talent and knew the name but did not know the details. He tried sensing again and was surprised to find the name of his talent had slightly changed.


    Rather an adjective was added to the original name ¨C a ¡®universal¡¯ to the original ¡®insight¡¯.


    So, what is his talent ¨C the universal insight?

 Life Is Not a Bed Of Roses

    In the room alone, Zi Yang wanted to check the details of his talent when he felt his head suddenly felt a bit heavy. Then his eyes blurred and he felt a familiar and unfamiliar sensation on his nose and ears.


    He checked and found that a pair of glasses had attached to him somehow. He took it off and saw that they were the glasses he wore before death.


    If one were to wonder how a person could remember his pair of glasses sixteen years later, Zi Yang would outright say that he could not either.


    He just saw very clearly the text written on one of the temples of the glasses in tiny letters, ¡°2021 A.D.  From one four eyes to another¡±


    This was clearly a gifted from one of his nerd friends in college. The guy created his own company and he had installed an A.I. and all for him on this piece.


    He remembered that he named her Joanne after the famous author J.K. Rowling.


    ¡®Joanne¡¯, Zi Yang mumbled.


    He didn¡¯t expect that the glasses would suddenly turn into a mini robot and call him master.


    He was surprised but it was nothing too much.


    He has had his fair share of surprises and shocks over the years.


    He bet he could remain calm even if the heavens rained flood and earths cracked wide.


    Looking at the mini robot again, he asked softly, ¡°You traveled with me?¡±


    Joanne replied, ¡°Yes master and this silly frog did too.¡±


    Only then did he remember his head feeling a little heavy. But when he saw the hollow jade frog, where is the weight he wondered?


    Joanne guessed what he thought through his expression.


    ¡°He has huge belly, master. He puts everything into his belly space, so it¡¯s like carrying a bag with an undetectable extension charm but with all the weight!¡±


    It was then he understood. He looked intently and was suddenly a little more curious about him. He hadn¡¯t seen any space beast expect the tentacle of a jellyfish from the royal speed courier.


    Just as this thought emerged, he saw a string of data emerge in his conscious. It was like seeing a game panel but better.


    It did not pop in front of his eyes, and he didn¡¯t have to be distracted to look at it. It emerged in his mind and he could read it and function at the same time.


    ---


    [Name]: Hollow Jade Frog


    [Attribute]: Space, Spirit


    [Race Level]: High Level Soldier


    [Cultivation Level]: Mortal Level 1


    [Skills]: Space Jump, Space storage, Spirit Talk, Charming Social Butterfly.


    ---


    How did this information jump out to him?


    Is this his talent?


    This time, he finally checked his talent and learned of it.


    ---


    [Talent]: Universal Insight


    [Introduction]: An ultimate talent for a seeker. It allows the user to have insights about everything he sees, thinks or feels. It is limited only by one¡¯s imagination and cultivation skills.


    [Caution]: Having knowledge without the ability to handle is lethal.


    ---


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    A very short introduction and a very serious caution!


    Could it have something to do with the weird gods who stuff knowledge into your minds and then, a person goes crazy?


    The talent says that I can gain insight about what I feel so that should include hunches then, this is it.


    Check, is there any danger of overload like from the cthulhu gods like the old ones?


    Within a second, he had a thought emerge in his head.


    [Nothing to do with Cthulhu gods unless I come into contact with them or evolve a beast into their form. But looking at higher level things, beasts or people prematurely might cause precognitive bias, or involve in cause and effect, or displease a powerhouse who swats you to death!]


    Oh, he got it.


    Just use with caution and only use when you need to.


    Don¡¯t parade it around and use it on a king level or a lord level powerhouse to check his details lest, as his insight, said swat you to death.


    Thinking about it, this talent is awesome.


    He can figure a lot of things out with its help. It¡¯s almost like a mixture of, or somewhere between ¡®Great sage¡¯ talent from that slime anime he saw, and a game panel.


    After looking this frog, he once again looked at the mini bot.


    ---


    [Name]: Transforming beast  (A.I. Joanne)


    [Attribute]: Mechanical, Spirit


    [Race Level]: Mid-level Extraordinary


    [Cultivation Level]: Mortal Level 1


    [Skills]: Information Retrieval, Information Parsing, Information Storage, Creative Thinking.


    ---


    Both these beasts who were brought along had ¡®spirit¡¯ as their attribute. It might be a result of traveling. He was not amazed that an A.I. could evolve into thinking creatively.


    As if no had ever thought of this happening!


    After looking at it all, he realized that the frog had not spoken at all. He thought it might be feeling a little uncomfortable as it transformed from a jade pendant to a real life¡­


    So, he patted his head and asked, ¡°How are you doing, pal?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, master....¡±


    Soon he understood why Joanne wailed.


    He saw the frog sitting still but his voice reached his ears.


    Good news: The frog can¡¯t speak


    Bad news: He can communicated telepathically.


    ¡°Zi Yang pal, thank you so much for giving me life¡­ Joanne was wrong. I wondered how you could not like talking with me. She told me not to speak a word when I came out¡­


    Can you imagine? She spoke but didn¡¯t allow me.


    I must tell you this is the kind of utilitarian behavior that is very unbecoming of young ladies. Us too buddies will have to help her on that, yeah.


    Afterall she is a companion too.


    Well, I¡¯m glad to see you and I was wondering when I could surprise you¡­ Do you know that I have a space storage belly and I can act as your space ring¡­.


    The day you died, the rain was¡­¡­. (3 lines omitted)


    Zi Ming sure is a cutie, isn¡¯t he. I¡¯ll play with sometime¡­. He would def¡­¡­ (omitted another 100 words.


    Your master is very powerful, but why is her blow a little slanted? I can¡­¡­ (omitted again)¡±


    ¡°Zi Yang¡±


    Came a sound like a heavenly sound of nature.


    Zi Yang took advantage of the opportunity and said, ¡°Master is calling me now. Let¡¯s talk more later.¡±


    Joanne cooperated and dragged the frog to the bedside and started lecturing him again.


    Thankfully, he escaped.


    But he understood somewhat.


    The poor kid was locked in a small black room for sixteen years!


    Anyone would go hysterical.


    Coming to the hall, he saw everyone he most cared about. Master Meng had to return to the Void Palace to pick up his pace on both cultivation level and potions.


    Zi Ming ran to his brother and hugged his legs.


    ¡°Brother, I dreamed you cried!¡±


    Zi Yang laughed it off. This kid was talking nonsense again.


    But he cooperated nicely, ¡°Oh, then did our Zi Ming wipe my tears and bring me cookies?¡±


    Zi Ming choked, ¡°Ah, I only wiped tears. I didn¡¯t bring cookies. I will bring them next time for sure!¡±


    Everyone was amused at the kid.


    What do you mean next time?


    Do you want to dream of him crying again?


    Only the Void empress took it seriously. Even if she listened casually, she marked the words somehow.


    She has learned a lesson.


    Record everything first. At least have enough literature to prepare for something ¨C paranoid or not ¨C doesn¡¯t matter.


    Being prepared for things does.


    If there is a chance of something happening again, maybe some unintentional words would serve as a hint to way out.


    At dinner, every one congratulated Zi Yang but no one asked him about his talent. It is only of the personal things to a professional.


    But Zi Yang was very open about it and shared it with everyone. He even discussed how he thought it could develop.


    Both Uncle Baize and Master recommended to keep it a secret and not discuss it with anyone else.


    Just mentioning as a normal C-level talent Insight would suffice.


    Talents in the beast taming world are divided in five levels: D, C, B, A, S


    His talent feels superpowered even compared with an S-level talent ¨C or perhaps it doesn¡¯t fall in this spectrum at all.


    He made a mental note of it.


    Finally, everyone decided to wait until tomorrow before Zi Yang opens the beast taming space.


    When everyone had just decided on this, a small voice crept in mixed with some frog croaks.


    The voice was of A.I. Joanne.


    Void Empress had introduced the two beasts as Zi Yang¡¯s awakening companions.


    In the world of beasts, as human choose their beast partners; beasts also choose humans to be their beast masters.


    For some particularly talented people, some beasts choose to form an initial bond at awakening by using their spiritual energy and skills to help a human improve their skills, as a show of goodwill.


    They become awakening companions who are usually heavily relied on by the beast masters, after contract.


    So, when they heard these words from this tiny robot, none of the people present ¨C Void Empress, two attendants and Mei Li not dare take it seriously.


    As for Zi Ming, he had already eloped to the garden with the frog.


    They could only express their thoughts after hearing Joanne, in just one sentence.


    Life, sure, is not a bed of roses.

 Pangu Opening Heavens

    ¡°Master cannot open the beast taming space tomorrow or anytime soon¡­¡±


    These were the exact words from Joanne that brought the entire party to a halt.


    Upon enquiry and a verification by Zi Yang¡¯s own talent, everyone learned it was indeed so and the reason.


    The reason was simple.


    Zi Yang¡¯s spiritual sea of conscious is too dense.


    Before a detailed explanation from Joanne began, Baize and Dark Void had consciously left the room under pretext of managing affairs and Zi Ming.


    Mei Li did not leave. Even if it is bit overstepping her bounds, she wants to know if there is anything serious with her kid.


    No one saw anything wrong with that.


    Then Joanne explained, ¡°As per my database, the energy Master exploded during awakening is actually the qi found at the junction of the Chaotic and Hongmeng world.


    The same qi exists in his conscious sea.


    The qi that a normal 16-year-old would have in their conscious sea is the void energy of this world, which is almost equal or rather, still a tad short of normal chaos qi.¡±


    Zi Yang reiterated and summed, ¡°So in summary, my sea of conscious is too powerful and this extreme chaos qi, let''s call it that, is too dense for normal process to work for opening a beast taming space?¡±


    A.I. Joanne nodded mechanically.


    She still had her tiny bot body.


    Mei Li was relieved that it was just more difficult, not something to be worried about.


    It¡¯s not like Zi Yang had anything easy until now.


    Her boy is a fighter, and he had a powerful master now.


    She was relieved, then stood and bowed to the Void Empress and said, ¡°Void Empress, I will leave this kid to you. I am no help but I feel relieved that he has someone to help him along now.¡±


    Void Empress also stood and nodded politely to return the greeting.


    ¡°Fret not. We will figure out a way.¡±


    Zi Yang then saw that Mama Mei walked out of the room with a calm smile.


    He let out a wry smile.


    She is too confident of him, isn¡¯t she?


    In fact, he felt the same way too. But, come on ¨C at least show some concern!


    Or feign it.


    Void Empress understood what her disciple was thinking just by his facial expressions.


    She was really amused.


    Is this kid a little needy?


    Should she show concern?


    Well, alright. Let¡¯s do it.


    Then she did.


    ¡°Zi Yang, feel alright? Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll make it work.¡±


    Zi Yang would have felt better if his master was not trying to imitate Mama Mei¡¯s doting tone to Zi Ming.


    He blushed to his neck and ears.


    Void Empress chuckled at his reaction.


    Thankfully, Joanna eased his embarrassment, and also told something incredible!


    ¡°Master, I have a way for you to open beast taming space!¡±


    ¡°Oh, how?¡±


    Joanne informed that his awakening instilled some feedback energy into her and she paid that energy equivalent to chaotic universe to figure out the results in detail!


    Void Empress then remembered the two lights that the supreme being had shot before disintegration.


    He would have foreseen this, then.


    Joanne transformed into a white screen and sound came in as did letters on the screen.


    Three ways to open beast taming space for Master Zi Yang:


    <ol style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal" type="1">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle" value="1">Use lots of void crystals, ethereal space stones, or beast master space relics to grind the energy for about 9-10 years regularly and open the taming space.</li>


    </ol>


    Not to mention Zi Yang, even Void Empress rolled her eyes at this suggestion.


    Even though the professionals in the world can increase their lifespan by five years every major level and 50 years at every major stage; ten years is still a lot to lose in the formative years of career.


    Joanne was not discouraged and explained the second solution.


    <ol style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal" type="1">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle" value="2">Use an emperor level beast taming space relic and explode it in the beast taming space. Use chaos energy to contain the destruction. The creation energy of chaos qi offsets the destruction and a suitable beast taming space would soon form.</li>


    </ol>


    Both of them were again swept of their feet. The question of exploding a precious relic is to be set aside for now. Even if the concept of offsetting creation and destruction checks out, where would they find an emperor level relic?


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Is it cabbage thrown on the street?


    If not for the fact that Joanne said the information was received at the expense of the extreme chaos qi and a certain confidence in the remnant being, Void Empress would have walked away long ago.


    Seeing as it did not work either.


    Joanne paused and said, ¡°Then there¡¯s only one way. But it also the most difficult. It would need enormous resources, help of a lot of people, and a lot of training from you.¡±


    Void Empress¡¯ interest was piqued.


    Zi Yang became solemn. Help from a lot of people? Even her master alone was not enough?


    One can imagine how difficult it would be.


    Then came in sync ¨C both writing on the screen and the audio. What exactly was it, Zi Yang had an illusion of listening to an e-book ¨C the monotonous sound and all.


    He digressed.


    Coming back to his senses, he wished he had not.


    For the words on point number three were,


    <ol style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal" type="1">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle" value="3">Pangu Kaitian</li>


    </ol>


    ¡°Impossible¡±


    Zi Yang reflexively refused.


    Void Empress¡¯ interest heighted even more. Zi Yang had always been composed all his life.


    Even occasional shocks would only cause a change in expression.


    What do these two words mean that would cause such a shock to him?


    Zi Yang once again saw those piercing eyes he used to see as a kid. He understood that his master was curious.


    Ah forget it.


    The cat¡¯s already out of the bag.


    She might have guessed his identity as a time traveler long ago through clues, or conjured a logical explanation, so he did not dodge this time.


    He leaned back and said as if reciting a story.


    ---


    ¡°A long time ago, chaos was not judged and three thousand chaos demon gods and countless chaotic creatures roamed chaos.


    They were of all shapes and sizes, animals and plants, weapons and treasures. Each very unique and with their own Daos.


    They wandered chaos as they progressed in their Daos.


    Chaos was all directionless, timeless, spaceless and meaningless. Yet it contained and embraced everything.


    In that time, among these innumerable creatures was born a giant man with a lotus as his bed, a jade disc as his crown and, an axe and chisel for a weapon.


    The man traveled the land like any other chaos creature.


    He learned from others, taught others, made friends and made enemies.


    He kept traveling in search for meaning, but as said earlier Chaos encompasses everything ¨C that includes meaning.


    So, there was meaning and no meaning in Chaos at the same time.


    The man kept improving his strength and kept looking for his quest. He cultivated the Dao of Power.


    He believed the he could harness the power of any Dao, so he created his own Dao ¨C the Dao of Power.


    Over and over again as he lived long, he gradually became bored with the monotony of chaos.


    There was nothing to do here except a fight here, or a raid there.


    He grew tired and irritated.


    One day, it struck him.


    He believes in his own power. So, should he not use his power to make chaos as he likes it?


    After years of meditation, he summed up a cruel truth.


    Chaos was doomed. The very properties of inclusion and all-encompassing determine that it can never change.


    Only when things divide can variations occur.


    So, he made a decision that shocked everyone ¨C including the three thousand demon gods.¡±


    He had just paused for a little longer for dramatic effect when Zi Ming shouted out loud, ¡°What did he do?¡±


    The door opened and apparently at some point Zi Ming, Mama Mei and other two attendants were standing out of the door engrossed in the story.


    It did not matter.


    This would require everyone¡¯s help and so he signaled for Zi Ming to come in.


    In fact, there was no need to. He jumped of his own accord.


    After everyone settled, Zi Yang continued again,


    ¡°He decided to split the chaos with his axe and create a world he liked.


    So, he excitedly shouted and informed everyone to join him.


    But the other chaos demon gods were used to living here and did not feel anything wrong. Now a lunatic shows up and says he wants you to help him demolish your house.


    Imagine the anger.


    So everyone ganged up on him.


    But sadly, they were beaten to death.


    It was only after everyone died that the man realized that it was his human catastrophe. When he decided to break chaos and create a world by his power.


    It was the ultimate proof of his way of power ¨C his dao.


    So Great Dao sent a catastrophe.


    After this, with no one to stop him, the man chopped the axe in chaos and split chaos into heaven and earth.


    He used a chisel to create a tunnel under the earth.


    But chaos heaven did not give up. It sent down pressure to force down heaven so that the heaven would collapse on earth.


    The man was also unforgiving.


    He stood up, increased his size and lifted heaven above his shoulder.


    He supported for a long time as chaos heaven smashed thunders on him. This was his heavenly catastrophe.


    He still survived.


    Heaven was angry at him from reducing his personality from chaos heaven to a primordial world heaven so its catastrophe was big.


    But earth was grateful for his creation as it did not exist independently in chaos, so it sent a lighter catastrophe.


    It just ignited nether fire to roast his soul.


    But the man was injured already badly. Even if he passed, it would take a very long time to heal.


    But he couldn¡¯t leave supporting heaven otherwise, it would still collapse.


    So, he decided to die and leave a world for future descendants.


    He had lived long anyway.


    He then transformed into all things.


    His eyes became the sun and the moon, hair became stars, muscles became mountains, teeth and bones ores, spiritual veins, blood became rivers, sound became thunder, exhale became air, even soul transformed into three pure ones.


    His spine became the heavenly pillar mountain, which supported heaven.


    The man was called Pangu.


    This was Pangu opening heavens.¡±

 Void Empress Stomped Once, Country Shook Thrice

    Everyone was silent for a long time.


    They had a heard a lot of Zi Yang¡¯s stories from Zi Ming¡¯s mouth over the years, but none of them were as magnificent as this one.


    ¡°Wooo¡­ so, he died?¡±


    Zi Ming. Zi Ming¡­. Why are you such a baby at eight years old?


    Zi Yang could only think so, he did not dare to say it out loud.


    He could only console him and provide an answer which he thinks is likely.


    ¡°He died and did not die.¡±


    Dark Void was the one to ask now, ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    Everyone cast their eyes.


    If someone at the seat of senate saw this scene, they would probably faint. Why is the Void Empress and her entourage looking at a boy with an expression of ¡°say quickly¡±?


    Zi Yang couldn¡¯t bear their eyes and said,


    ¡°As I said, Pangu succeeded in opening heavens and passed his three catastrophes.


    So, when he transformed everything, he had already reached the level of the Great Dao. The only one who had that level is Great Dao itself.


    How could he possibly want to die just to leave a world for others and not see it himself?


    Moreover, Great Dao cannot die in chaos. They represent the ceiling.


    Thus, neither can Great Dao powerhouses.


    Remember when I said that he transformed, I did not mention his heart. His heart was intact and it was located in the Pangu palace formed from outer cover of his heart.


    In the Pangu palace, twelve drops of blood transformed into twelves witches.


    Then they also fought for ownership of the world. Even when they died, the heart never moved.


    Pangu¡¯s true spirit was most likely healing in his heart.¡±


    ¡°So, long story short ¨C you don¡¯t know?¡±


    Baize questioned.


    Zi Yang was choked.


    He really did not know and he somehow did not want to say his guess.


    But the inquisitee gazes defeated him again, ¡°I only know that there are many versions of the world that Pangu created. Some were super powerful, some were short of the tunnel, some were perfect.


    If there are not too many Pangu(s)¡­¡±


    Suddenly, he stopped.


    He felt hairy for a while now. He hurriedly used his insight talent and got a reply that gave him goosebumps.


    [Your prolonged mention of Pangu¡¯s name caused an energy to be attracted towards you. The energy seems to have some commonality with your own, and is amiable towards you.


    Preliminary insights indicate no danger. But it would serve well to tell less mythical stories.]


    He was sweating crazily now.


    Void Empress notice something when he stopped talking and then saw the sweat on his face and hands.


    She brought a towel, helped him and then told everyone to not talk about it anymore.


    She also had a foreboding to not talk about it anymore.


    Without speaking of the name, it would still be alright.


    Finally, as he calmed down, Zi Ming still asked, ¡°Brother, but why are heaven, earth and human cata¡­ cata trophy so bad?¡±


    Zi Yang smiled, ¡°When you want to get something, you have to pay a price. Heaven was extremely angry at the man because it was demoted one level because of him. So, he punished him more severely.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Earth was kinder and went easy. It also took care of twelve of his descendants but when they fought and damaged earth everywhere, it also flew into rage and imposed dire punishment. Heaven also took advantage and added to their punishment which killed them all.


    Humanity was defeated by him very early, so it behaved sneakily afterwards. Always meek in front of heaven and earth but binds time to grow and make a fortune in silence. When it finds a chance, it delivers a fatal blow.¡±


    The Void Empress¡¯ thoughts flew to the three elves ¨C purple thunder, yellow earth and golden armored.


    They behaved like this too.


    She summed up, ¡°In all, Heaven is aggressive, Earth pays in kind and Humanity is a mischievous old six.¡±


    Everyone nodded.


    Only cute little Zi Ming was still confused, ¡°What is old six?¡±


    Mama Mei couldn¡¯t bear everyone telling this kid more details for him to someday call someone old six, so she picked him up and said, ¡°Ming¡¯er, it¡¯s time to sleep. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With this call, everyone dispersed.


    Everyone but the Void Empress and Joanne.


    Void Empress kept her for more details on preparations and on how Zi Yang would replicate the act.


    It is not that she is hasty, but there really was limited time left.


    Considering the time for college exams and official start of a career ¨C if Zi Yang does not open a beast master space soon ¨C he would lag behind his peers for at least a year.


    She had already seen that her role as a master would be very minimally involved in teaching considering that Zi Yang has an all-powerful talent to help him master everything quickly, or aid at the right time.


    She had to make for it in something, else, she would not have the nerve to call herself Zi Yang¡¯s master.


    It could already be imagined how terrifying it is for a novice to imitate a Great Dao expert ¨C even if the size of the world is microscopic compared to the original opening heavens.


    She understood somewhat that it would take help and resources.


    What a person cannot do on his own, a tool should help him do.


    She guessed that imitating the tools and making them more powerful could help, or learning and blowing up two or more small beast master space relics could ease some tension.


    Then Void Empress and Joanne went to study.


    This entry and stay lasted a week.


    Whenever everyone was anxious, Dark Void would calm them by saying that the empress is fool-proofing the plan.


    While Zi Yang and others were waiting calmly, the entire ancient capital was shaking.


    In a certain quaint courtyard, small but uniquely peaceful with a perfect blend of flora and fauna ¨C an old man was sat at the head of the table.


    Sitting next to him, were distinguished guests ¨C some old, some young ¨C but all full of respect for the old man.


    All but one.


    A young man with curly black hair and defiant eyebrows. He sat on the chair and ate as if the courtyard belonged to him.


    But no one dared to say anything to him.


    ¡°Say, old man, why did you invite a young man like me to join a home party with all these geezers?¡±, The young man said casually.


    The old man was amiable and replied kindly, ¡°Fan¡¯er, Huan¡¯er issued her Emperor¡¯s edict to Donghuang country.¡±


    The young man who was still slouching, jolted awake immediately. Then he was filled with rage.


    An emperor¡¯s edict is used only when it is an indelible emergency. What can threaten an emperor to have to use the edit to order the entire ancient country?


    Everyone, but the old man, felt as if the heavens were pressing on them.


    ¡°What happened? Is she safe?¡±, he questioned.


    ¡°She is safe. It is not a request for rescue or combat-related help. She wants to have two weapons made¡±, the old man anticipated his concerns and had already said words to alleviate them.


    The pressure went off, and everyone had a feeling of escaping disaster. But they did not dare to even breathe unevenly.


    Among all the three emperors in the country, this one is the most temperamental. No one wants to get on the wrong side of this devil.


    The man called Fan¡¯er once again slouched and question in confusion, ¡°Weapons? How precious are these weapons to warrant an edict? Old man, don¡¯t tell me you are taking this chance to loot my treasury. I know you¡¯ve always wanted my nine-desire aperture circle.¡±


    Now, even the old man was infuriated and lost his composure, ¡°What do you mean? That was for trial of disciples. For trial!¡±


    The man called Fan''er winked and had an expression of "I got you covered" on his face.


    Realizing his gaffe, the old man coughed slightly and continued, ¡°She needs two weapons created, which would need the contribution of various resources from extraordinary to king level resources¡­.


    People from blacksmiths, formation masters, swordsmen, mage enchanters to us two emperors¡­


    and finally, they need to be completed within two months!¡±


    the old man then paused and coughed again as he said in a soothing voice:


    ¡°Oh, and the weapon¡¯s quality should be an entry level emperor weapon.¡±


    Everyone had an urge to vomit blood.


    Wow, thank you. Things become simple since it is only entry level.


    That is still an emperor level weapon.


    It may take years to make one, you ask us to make in two months?


    It will take all the time everyone had to get it done. Who would do their jobs?


    ¡°Are you shutting down the country?¡±


    Everyone searched which brave soul said this.


    The old man also covered his mouth. He realized he had spoken his thoughts out loud.


    But the old man turned serious instead and seriously said, ¡°If need be, do so. Void Empress was unusually serious on this. She needs this done by hook or crook.¡±


    Everyone was horrified.


    They did not expect that the old man would agree to shut the country¡¯s work for two months.


    While everyone was in reverie, a young lady delivered paper reports to everyone and explained, ¡°Everyone, Master has copied all the details for you, in the documents. I have also sent a void mail to everyone with their respective sections.¡±


    Everyone skimmed the details and sweat tricked down their head.


    They did not have time for any pleasantries, hurriedly bowed to the old man and flew away.


    That day, the capital shook.


    Soon after order came down one after the other, all professional organizations shook.


    As everyone started working, everything halted and the economy shook.


    The capital historian recorded this event as:


    ¡°Void Empress stomped once, the country shook thrice¡±

 Axe of Creation

    Hot white fumes swirling around the sky forming imaginative shapes, red magma meandering underground leaping up as if in joy upon occasionally coming across some open cracks and crevices, and the dry air which seems to such the soul out of a person¡­.


    This place just keeps getting better.


    To top it all off, the monkey head who led him here keeps throwing the seeds of the fire lychees on his head.


    He was sure that this monkey was doing it on purpose.


    If it were not for the fact that he came here to ask for a favor, he would first kill this flame monkey and then beaten this the arrogant suanni who followed behind him to see his joke into a docile kitten and made him his mount.


    Bam!


    Yet another seed hit his head.


    He recited the ¡®Tranquil Sutra of lotus lake¡¯ to calm his mind. This sutra inherited from his mother has calmed him down several times ¨C even if it seems pirated on occasions.


    Keep going, he encouraged himself.


    After a while, he reached the core part of these terrifyingly high volcanic region. These volcanoes are a part of the primeval beast empire. He was sent here by the country to get a blade experience endless nirvana with some phoenixes.


    The blade needs to have a meaning of creation in destruction after it has evolved its weapon intent.


    He spent the resources and tireless efforts of the entire Hua Shan to accomplish a part. His own sword insights and other master¡¯s sword are blended into it. There are even some intents of spear, bow and blade.


    The combined blend and insights have evolved into a hint of destructive meaning.


    It¡¯s been a month and he is close to getting this job done to claim the credit and the reward.


    It would been even better if it were someone else coming to that grouchy miser¡¯s territory for the last step.


    Regardless of what he thought, when he arrived at the core volcano ¨C he still bent his knees and shouted, ¡°Father-in-law, your son-in-law Wei Kun seeks your audience.¡±


    What answered him, after a wait of a few hours and repeated requests was not a voice to ask him in, but a binding rope and a Nanming Li Fire fan.


    Only after roasting him completely did this stop. Wei Kun also never made a sound, for the fear of giving this miser a sense of satisfaction or an excuse for rebuking.


    Anyway, he has already done his daughter and can still handle this incompetent rage.


    ¡°Father, stop. it¡¯s enough. It¡¯s been ages and we¡¯ve been married for years now; can¡¯t you calm down?¡±


    Far away from this place, in the sacred grove of ecotopia, sitting by the mother tree of life ¨C the elf empress had already agreed to the envoy of the ancient Donghuang country.


    The envoy was overjoyed at this. He did not have any confidence in commissioning the elves to do the work. Thank fully, the renumeration had the elf empress blow her head over.


    All he had to do now is to take the elves party across the endless plains between the two nations and meet midway at the scarlet hills to complete a perfect blend of various forces of natural weather ¨C thunder, lighting, rain, snow, hail, heat, wind etc. together with time and space into the axe head.


    Elf empress Elowen called the pure maiden of the forest, Sylvaria and assigned her to accomplish this task.


    The party then set off.


    Similar scenes were playing out at many places.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    The ones coordinating all this through various tools ¨C void rings, elf sprite¡¯s wooden talisman or just handwritten letter and messages via blue birds, were two capable people in the capital.


    The head of the blacksmithing association, Cui Xie, a rare female in the blacksmithing profession.


    The head of the formation master association, Li Han, an obstinate fellow who was very uncomfortable at the prospect of blending formations as work of an assistance to weapon refining.


    Cui Xie was a little worried about the final progress and asked the only senior she could ask for advice, ¡°Senior Han, do you think the cold-face gentleman and Donghuang emperor¡¯s envoy can complete the tasks?¡±


    Li Han had just finished perfecting the formation he needs to carve on the entire axe. It is the most difficult formation he had created ever ¨C that he had to mobilize the help of his peers to get this done hit him hard.


    His illusion that his formation arts had peeked shattered during the course of the previous month.


    Get this ¨C a five-element gathering and transformative formation which has the ability to switch to four elephants of wind, water, earth and fire on the handle.


    This formation should be linked to the three elements of time, space and weather on the head.


    Finally, come back to the handle after joining them and give it the ability to turn it all into a yin-yang Taichi formation.


    As if joining two separate formations and transformation were not enough, they have all to blend into one when these forces come to the axe blade all the while blending but not forgetting the original constituents.


    Oh, and it should also have a concentrated creation (yang) in destruction (yin) one qi. What is this having one and two together but it should be one?


    Don¡¯t fool him. He went to school.


    In short ¨C the axe wants to have all things that a person should manually do. Why not get the axe to do the job of cutting whatever you want to do, do without a person?


    Is the axe going to heaven!


    When Cui Xie asked the question, he was still irritated and poured his thoughts like a broken faucet pours water.


    ¡°Can they? Well, let me see.


    The cold-faced gentleman who is a pretender who is neither cold-faced nor a gentleman will definitely get whipped by his old father-in-law for deceiving his daughter into marrying the philandering and slithery sleaze bag he is.


    Unless by change his sword which he has honed quite well, completely unlike his character, is unsheathed and he starts a war; his wife should help him speak out and get that blade roasted in endless Nanming Li and nirvana fire to get the job done.


    For the envoys, it couldn¡¯t be easier ¨C the elves look like they are all high and noble but they are just as greedy for beautiful and shiny things like those western dragons. The commission given should satiate that greed.


    Even if that doesn¡¯t work, the latest currency of the country should lure them in.¡±


    Cui Xie was dumbfounded for a minute and did not know how to react to this.


    She did not expect to hear such naked truths. She just wanted psychological comfort.


    But she could feel that Senior Han was frustrated at the formation, so she thought hard to comfort and could only squeeze, ¡°At least we get paid a lot of the new currency, don¡¯t we?¡±


    Li Han shrugged. He felt he should after he did this work.


    Seeing that it did not work, she could only absent-mindedly mumble, ¡°at least, it is my deputy working with the devil, not I.¡±


    This time, Li Han nodded with sympathy and relief.


    In the endless fire domain inside the volcano, Wei Kun rubbed his cheek as he saw the blade undergoing nirvana with these old phoenix shrews.


    At the scarlet mountains, the envoy arrived with the elven maiden Sylvaria and the team started working.


    The official from the homeland ruins strategic investigation and management took out the king-level beast master space relic, while his colleagues took out some fragments containing time law rhymes.


    An expert invited from the Lin family, Lin Meng unleashed his beast ¨C a taotie who used the devouring law to extract space laws, time laws and respective weather laws from the relic, fragment and the unconscious nature elf embryos, and origin crystals and cores of wind, thunder, water, pressure etc.


    Together with Ling Meng¡¯s extraction and Sylvaria¡¯s balancing and blending ¨C all these laws and the resources were refined into an axe handle by the blacksmiths using mixed origin void gold.


    The whole process took extreme concentration of the group, so much so, that they did not realize that dangerous beasts had started fighting near them.


    Thankfully, the guards escorting the envoys, blacksmiths, Lin Family secret guards guarding Lin Meng and the elven royal guards did their duty to keep their protection targets unharmed and undisturbed.


    With only 10 days to spare, all parts of the axe were delivered to the capital where old man Li started engraving formations with the help of formation masters and mage enchanters.


    These enchanters are more capable of scribbling on the weapons than they are as formation masters ¨C another thing Li Hai had never thought about.


    He had always considered these enchanting jobs a heresy and way to reduce focus on one¡¯s own cultivation and relying on tools extensively.


    Formation masters use formations to understand the world, enchanters enchant to solve problems, or so he thought.


    It seems rune engraving and formations can produce such fabulous work if used together. If it were not for rune enchantment, this pseudo formation would never work.


    With the formation done, Cui Xie very delicately refined the three different pieces into one whole axe.


    When the axe was completed, everyone felt a stone fell off their chest.


    The axe of creation was complete.

 Earth Chisel

    While the void empress had everyone prepare for their respective jobs in coordinating or calculating expenses, the job left to Zi Yang was to figure out how to create a clone using his blood essence.


    For opening heavens, he would need a clone to do it for him. To that effect and with the help of his talent ¨C he figured it out and soon had all the necessary ingredients for the job.


    And something extra.


    He also extracted a blood essence from Zi Ming.


    Finally, Zi Yang used the small section of soul split by his master and inserted it into the blood essence. Then he used Joanne¡¯s help to carefully wrap Zi Ming¡¯s blood essence with his own.


    Finally, using various spiritual stones, five element stones and yin-yang cores ¨C he constructed various organs as the essence started to transform into a mini human shape.


    Zi Ming¡¯s blood essence was entirely used by Zi Yang as the heart.


    As the shape began to take shape, Zi Yang used the hollow jade frog¡¯s help to bring it into his sea of conscious.


    He doesn¡¯t have any cultivation, so he could only depend on Joanne and the frog for all the work.


    All he had left now was to practice a figure out a way to get the ability of gigantification to the clone.


    With that in mind, Zi Yang started traveling with Dark Void to various beasts ¨C a monkey, an iron-eating beast and even a dragon who all had these abilities.


    He hit the first rut after awakening his talent ¨C so, he needed to work harder and browse more information for a solution.


    While he was browsing, the work on his creation weapons was going on in full speed.


    ---


    ¡°Oh, this place looks awful.¡±


    In the extreme west of the country, before two border cities lay a deep ravine into the ground.


    In this famously known abyss, a certain lady was walking forward impatiently.


    Every step she walked, she stepped on bones, earthy residue of flesh or some felt an eerie cool wind pass by from time to time.


    From the top to the bottom, the density of bones increases but they seem to be arranged into roads and sidewalks.


    On the roads were seen undead beasts and their riders ¨C some headless knights, a wraith driving on what seemed a blend of undead and machinery, and a few carriages decorated with painted bones.


    The sidewalks saw occasional flesh creatures ¨C most common of them being nether cats and foul dogs, while some banshees seem to be singing for attention.


    To alleviate the darkness, the street was adorned with eternal nether ghost fires every few miles or so. The entire ravine seems to have formed a system of its own ¨C with residents leading their lives without chaos.


    As she went deep into the bottom floor, the chief assistant to the lord of the abyss walked forward and greeted her.


    The chief assistant seemed to be a zombie with a few stitches on his temples ¨C she did not know if the morbid atmosphere affected her ¨C she found pale skin and emerald green eyes paired with splendid facial features of this assistant oddly appealing.


    But after all, she worked for the devil. If anyone who worked there knew the most, that was to manage their emotions well. She gathered her wits in seconds.


    The assistant, John, took her to the waiting room and requested her to wait.


    She waited for a whole day and night, but did not see him return.


    Irritated, she slammed into the door and saw that the assistant was still waiting for his lord to wake up.


    Something in her head seemed to snap. She substituted a certain man for this putz and did what she had wanted to do to him countless times.


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    She asked John to stand aside, took out a soul sinking bat and slammed onto the head of the sleeping lich. Then she calmly threw him into a sack and asked him to gather some soul and undead type resources along with the nether ghost fire.


    Then in the astonishingly flickering green fire of his eyes, she took them both and went away.


    ----


    In a certain room filled with booze and entertainment games, a young man fell asleep on a small bed. Again.


    Suddenly, a call came and he groggily put it on when a loud noise smashed his ear drums, ¡°Mo Fan, do you think you are still a kid in twenties still? How dare you abduct a lord from his fiefdom?¡±


    Mo Fan was dumbfounded.


    What? He was sleeping and did not know what happened.


    The old man on the call did not know of it, even if he knew, he wouldn¡¯t care. He reprimanded again, ¡°Do you know how this incident could undermine the confidence of the attached fiefdoms and kingdoms to our country?


    And why do you keep annoying old man Fu? Get this thing built fast ¨C the country can¡¯t tolerate to be closed for so long!¡±


    The loud roar at the end could even be heard in the hall of the house.


    Mo Fan had now fully woken up and he stomped in anger, threw his phone and went straight to the work station.


    When he saw old man Fu chatting with everyone with a smile, he could not help it even more.


    He walked over there as everyone suddenly became quiet and questioned him, ¡°Lao Fu, you ratted me to old man Donghuang ¨C what the hell!


    Why don¡¯t you just say you were wrong in failing me in that test? Am I the emperor, or are you?


    Say!¡±


    Lao Fu was calm and composed. He did not seem to have the same fear of the young man in front of him as others did.


    He calmly asked, ¡°What can I do if His Majesty Donghuang asked for progress? I did not dare to lie to him and could only inform him of your busy nights entertaining dignitaries and discussing important events with them.¡±


    Everyone understood that another fight would break out today. Lao Fu actually taunted him directly for playing games all night long with friends and beasts.


    Strangely, the fight did not start but they heard the Devil Emperor say, ¡°Lao Fu, Lao Fu, Lao Fu¡­ if you admit, I will stop blocking your rise to head of the blacksmithing association.¡±


    But Lao Fu ignored him and started looking at the drawings again.


    ¡°If you were really okay with this position, you wouldn¡¯t have to come here to suffer under me for this project. Cui Xie would have come ¨C she strongarmed you in coming here, didn¡¯t she? Getting ridden on head by someone younger, how does that feel?¡±


    Lao Fu turned around and said, ¡°strangely familiar, a young brat I coached keeps trying to do so even now. The other brat who¡¯s head of association is still better ¨C she requested with genuine reasons and knew what modesty was.¡±


    Burn.


    That has got to burn.


    ¡°You know if I don¡¯t work and we don¡¯t complete this project, I could keep you indefinitely.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t, His Majesty Donghuang would bang your head.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Lao Fu, my head is as solid as rock.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so that¡¯s why Jing Huan rejected you then. Wouldn¡¯t she be even more disappointed now?¡±


    Damn.


    It¡¯s over.


    Everyone present was a senior official. They had heard of some of the relationships between the top brass.


    That was how they knew that the devil emperor and Lao Fu had a known master-disciple relationship, but it was more of a father-son relationship.


    They were estranged due to some disagreements years ago and have been secretly and openly fighting until now.


    The Devil Emperor is going to eat him alive.


    ¡°Lao Fu, enough. I am the devil emperor.¡±


    Sure enough, he roared.


    This time, Lao Fu also did not fall behind. He shouted too and actually hit the devil emperor with his cane, ¡°Who are you shouting at, you brat? I raised the devil emperor!¡±


    Sounds of gasp were heard.


    They were now terrified. They did not know if they could get out of here alive.


    They saw an emperor getting beaten. Would they be silenced?


    Mo Fan dodged here and there, but the cane still hit him several times.


    An emperor level powerhouse¡¯s body is close to an extreme weapon, but he still felt a dull pain.


    Mo Fan was sure it was psychological. This old man beat him stupid when he was young, now he still gets beaten after becoming an emperor?


    Where is the justice?


    Worst thing is that he couldn¡¯t even fight back or else Lao Fu would get hurt.


    ¡°Lao Fu, stop stop. Time out.¡±


    ¡°No time out today, you brat. I¡¯ve been sick of you for years now. When are you going to finish this weapon? Have you done your part, say quickly!¡±


    Mo Fan knew that Lao Fu was serious this time and was determined to be hurt by him so he hurriedly presented his work and shouted, ¡°See Lao Fu ¨C I have already made the socket and ferule. I even assembled the body of the handle and butt.¡±


    Lao Fu stopped and strictly asked, ¡°socket capable of integrating soul law and covered by six principles of anger, miserliness, stupidity, desire, jealousy and pride?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Ferrule capable of integrating them in a cycle?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°The handle and the butt integrated with the five elements ¨C essence, qi, spirit, emotions and nature.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    ¡°What? No?¡±. Lao Fu picked up his cane again.


    ¡°No, only nature left. I don¡¯t know what that is and how to do it. I can gather resources for essence, qi, spirit power and emotions by myself and built them into it. What is nature?¡±


    ¡°Dumb brat.¡±


    ¡°Lao Fu, just because I am tolerating you doesn¡¯t mean you can ride on my head?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? You lecturing me?¡±


    Cane up again.


    Damn, how did this old man get so shameless? He is threatening him of his own injuries! Mo Fan grumbled inwardly.


    Hmph, I can¡¯t cure you. You¡¯re more powerful so of course, I have to threaten self-harm by fighting you.


    A cunning light flashed in Lao Fu¡¯s eyes.


    Then he went to the cupboard and picked up the blade that the lich lord was forced to work on with his soul and undead law and quenched with netherworld ghost fire.


    He threw it in Mo Fan¡¯s hands and said, ¡°pick up all the ingredients and come ¨C let me give you one last lesson today. If you pass, you graduate!¡±


    Hearing this, a fire burned in his eyes.


    Even if the world is to be destroyed today, it has to wait until he gets a pass.


    The earth chisel must be built today!

 Tao Follows Nature

    At the entrance of his house,


    ¡°Here, there are now exactly twenty left for the deadline. Take these parts, seal your cultivation, resources and identity. Then measure the country by foot.


    During this journey, when you feel and understand something ¨C use that understanding to fill in the gap for nature and construct the final product.¡±


    Lao Fu said, as if he was a hermit.


    Not to mention the Devil Emperor ¨C everyone was dumbfounded.


    What is this?


    Travel a nation by foot ¨C but as a mortal with no cultivation and no money.


    ¡°Lao Fu, are you kidding me?¡±, Mo Fan said in a deep voice as he felt that the joke had gone too far.


    He was doing this just because he intrinsically desired an approval of his skills by his teacher.


    Even though he is fully qualified as a five-star blacksmith and has even constructed emperor weapons, his teacher never approved of him. He always failed him.


    The head of the blacksmith association is far worse than he is!


    But he doesn¡¯t get why he is always failed. He doesn¡¯t want to joke with this.


    Who was Lao Fu? He was the oldest in the ancient country today and even had tea with the previous Donghuang Emperor ¨C can he not know what this brat was thinking?


    ¡°Not a joke¡±, He said calmly.


    ¡°If you concentrate and really do as I just said, you now meet the conditions to pass and as a byproduct ¨C finish this weapon.¡±


    Mo Fan was taken aback now.


    He did not understand. He now had the condition to pass if he followed instructions? So, he couldn¡¯t have passed no matter how many times he tried before?


    Damn this old man, why didn¡¯t he say that before?


    ¡°You are impulsive. Telling you won¡¯t work ¨C you will try anyway. And to answer your next facial expression ¨C no, I¡¯m not reading your mind. I can read out inside out even now just as easily as I did before.


    Now, go.¡±


    Saying that, he patted and left the house.


    Mo Fan then remembered something, turned around and glanced at everyone.


    Else felt a chill rising from their soles.


    ¡°You wait until I return.¡±


    Then he looked at his attendant who abducted the lich lord.


    ¡°And you, keep an eye on them. Sack them too if they try to run away.¡±


    With one last word, everyone saw that devil emperor grabbed a bag from the void, put the parts of chisel into it and walked away.


    With every step, his cultivation dropped as it finally seemed to disappear and he appeared a mortal.


    The attendant left there looked at her lord with some confusion. She did not imagine that Lao Fu¡¯s one word would send this nuisance away.


    If she knew, she would have asked Lao Fu to do this long ago.


    She looked on as she hoped he could achieve what he wants.


    ---


    Zi Yang was tired of thinking of a way to learn gigantification, so he took a break and logged into the void net.


    Somehow, he observed that the shops were a little slow these days and even complaints of delay for the delivery of products also flooded royal speed transportation.


    Maybe something happened.


    Thinking this, he walked in his virtual bank.


    Yes, the country approved merit coins as new Donghuang currency and the issuing bank is located on void net.


    Why? Because that is safer for him.


    His master gave him a money tree and a luobao mother coin through his void ring some time ago to mint coins and all the payment for resources for his creation weapons was conducted through these.


    That and some resources or transactions that were directly handled by his master herself.


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    Today, for example, the person coming to receive payments were folks from the homeland ruins department ¨C they are responsible for ruins left by beast masters and make the most of it.


    They are either developed into secret realms, trial realms, resource realms, housed by schools as talent classes and many other uses he did not know of.


    He knew that a king level beast master resource went into the axe head. He was really amazed when he heard that.


    For a while, he had a feeling that a donkey was forced to ride an airplane.


    He, a mortal, has to use such high tools to open a beast master space. The start stumped him.


    Even now he feels ridiculous when he thinks of performing the act of opening heavens as a mortal.


    This is not fantasy.


    It is pure tomfoolery.


    After a while, two people ¨C a man and a child came to the bank.


    A.I. Joanne who usually dealt with customers dealt with them and offered the payment plans:


    <ol>


    <li>Enough resources to cultivate a king-level powerhouse for their department</li>


    <li>Renumeration in merit coins as equivalent cost of it in ancient coins.</li>


    </ol>


    The two pondered for a moment and chose the first option.


    Joanne asked details of the person who needs to be promoted. After some contact, a decadent middle-aged man walked in the bank.


    He was a fighter in a skirmish against the primeval beast empire two decades ago and was seriously injured.


    He was a captain then and saved the team. His departmental merits allowed him to be chosen for this compensation.


    Checking his condition, Joanne replied, ¡°You can absorb all the resources here and follow my instructions.¡±


    The captain said, ¡°we can¡¯t take it back?¡±


    ¡°You can, but if you don¡¯t break through or share it with someone and come back for more, what happens then?¡±


    The captain was enraged.


    Alas, A.I. Joanne can think creatively but he was still a machine after all. She does not understand the twists and turns in human relationships.


    All she knows is how to maximize benefits for her master.


    Zi Yang took over before the situation escalated, ¡°Captain, don¡¯t mind her. She means that her on-site assistance has a better chance for your recovery.¡±


    After a while, in a private void cultivation room opened by the virtual bank ¨C Zi Yang, the pair of man and child, the captain and, Joanne was present.


    Joanne then helped the captain absorb the merit coins into his soul, cleansing it. Then she credited to his account, the remaining 10 million merit coins based on the amount required to build a solid law foundation for himself and one of his beasts.


    The small episode was an interlude which passed quickly.


    ---


    Zi Yang was bored.


    He did not have anything to do, so he logged out and went out for a walk and, ended up coming to the pine hill forests.


    He walked while reminiscing the first time he came here.


    Wait. He realized that even the security checks at the exit were a little weak. There was no detailed check on him while exiting.


    So, they just confirmed his age by looking at his height?


    Never mind.


    Soon he followed his memory and came to the place where he met those leafed hat truts.


    But as he reached here, he found that a young man ¨C quite handsome ¨C just a tad lower than him and having the same kind of superior charm that he has seen in his master.


    He was snatching food from the truts.


    So, he is also poor.


    But he couldn¡¯t let him bully these truts.


    They have helped him exchange many resources, though he was always overcharged.


    He shouted, ¡°Hey, stop.¡±


    All ¨C the truts and the man stopped and looked at him.


    ¡°What? Playing hero here?¡±, the young man was grumpy and questioned loudly.


    Zi Yang walked up to him and pushed him aside first.


    The young man fell on his butt.


    Standing up in anger, he was about to retaliate when he saw that this person had already walked into the circle of truts and started gesturing.


    After a while, the truts exchanged some food from the forest for some drawings he scribbled on the tree bark presented by the truts.


    Then the truts pooh-ed at the young man left with their space rings.


    The young man was Mo Fan who had stumbled upon this forest in his travel. Even without cultivation, his body is still of an emperor.


    He ran a marathon and went wherever he wanted.


    Zi Yang handed over the food to Mo Fan, pushed him back on ground and sat with him too.


    ¡°Bro, do you exercise often ¨C your body is so hard!¡±, Zi yang quipped.


    Being called ¡®a bro¡¯ by a kid always felt weird to Mo Fan, but considering his identity as mortal boy, he forgot about it and answered naturally, ¡°yes, why did they give you food? I asked them but those runts didn¡¯t share any.¡±


    ¡°Huh, for these truts ¨C they won¡¯t let the eagle out if they don¡¯t see rabbits. There are qualified businessmen, you know.¡±


    ¡°You sound as if you have experience with them¡±, Mo Fan quipped while eating. He had not felt this sensation for a long time.


    ¡°Yes, I used to exchange goods from them as a child.¡±


    ¡°Why exchange? Why not bring someone stronger than you and rob it all.¡±


    ¡°What are you a brute? There is law and order to society. You can¡¯t just rob¡±, Zi Yang mused that this boy might have been a wild boy living in the woods.


    ¡°Order? This society is ruled by the powerful, so unless it is overly violating their bottom lines ¨C playing with strength is the word.¡±


    ¡°But paying for what you need is more natural, you know. Imagine if everyone robs and no one pays ¨C the entire natural order will be disrupted.


    Moreover, it is in a trut¡¯s nature to trade, but a man¡¯s nature involves both. He can choose. Why choose to rob than to trade as well, if you have something to exchange.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to exchange.¡±


    Zi Yang immediately pointed at his bag when he heard this and gave him a white look.


    Mo Fan was speechless.


    He still quibbled, ¡°so you mean stealing when you don¡¯t have anything to exchange is fine?¡±


    ¡°Oh, now you are trying to lead me into a moral debate.¡±, Zi Yang replied frankly, then continued,


    ¡°let¡¯s see. If you don¡¯t have the ability to earn money, sure.


    If you like stealing and robbing, that is your nature ¨C then also sure. And nature if hard to change ¨C so I won¡¯t comment on that.¡±


    Mo Fan was excited for a moment.


    ¡°Why is nature hard to change?¡±


    ¡°You are weird, you know that? From moral debate to philosophy?¡±


    But Zi Yang was idle and bored too. It felt good to revert to his nerd hobbies sometimes.


    Therefore, he was also quite receptive to talking and answered, ¡°A man¡¯s nature ¨C that is how he behaves ¨C may get fueled by his desires and emotions but it is not his innate nature ¨C that is who he is.


    He should use his innate nature to guide his desires and emotions ¨C not the other way around.


    Similarly, the nature ¨C that is the world is affected by everything that happens in the world. An earthquake can derail land, flood destroy fields etc. Ecological imbalance or fights between powerhouses can affect this.


    But if everything goes as it should, disasters would still occur but fewer and with more silver linings.


    As it is said, Tao follows nature.¡±


    Zi Yang wanted to see some admiration in this person eyes, as his geeky friends would falsely praise him when he paraphrased a combination of online fiction, renowned philosophy scholars and some trumped up comments.


    But his guy just ignored and walked away.


    Oh well, he was not going to stick his hot face to a cold butt.

 Beast Master Space

    In the rambunctious cacophony of the spring cicadas, if one sees clearly, one can hear a faint desire for creation as they try to attract attention of their significant others. A female cicada gently flies its wings as if caressing air in response.


    Spring is such a season.


    Full of warmth, new beginnings and a ritual of creation for all living beings ¨C some bloom brightly, some break out of cocoons and some break grounds as they emerge.


    A season of creation.


    That is also how it seemed to Zi Yang, as he got ready to start his career today.


    He was informed by the Void Empress that the spiritual tools of creation and all details have been completed.


    Fortunately, he was ready too. He was unable to learn gigantification but he figured out a way to make do, just like he did with everything else.


    He feels both proud and ashamed of trying to imitate creation ¨C but he could not wait for a decade ¨C so here we go.


    At Void Empress¡¯ home ¨C in a room prepared especially for seclusion ¨C Void empress handed a bunch of things to the frog along with a drop of her own blood to the hollow jade frog.


    She wanted to observe this feat too.


    With a thought in his mind, Zi Yang sank his conscious into the blood essence in his sea of conscious.


    The hollow jade frog also entered his former home for sixteen years with familiarity and landed beside Zi Yang.


    The blood essence had already transformed into Zi Yang¡¯s appearance and with his conscious taking over, it appeared a lot more spiritual.


    The frog also spit out the two primary tools and Void Empress¡¯ blood drop, which transformed into her appearance immediately.


    Seeing this, Zi Yang took a deep breath and begun the task at hand.


    The two spectators saw as Zi Yang took the axe of creation and pushed the earth chisel back to the frog. He wanted to take things one by one as he asked.


    Then his body grew larger. He used the energy in the sea of conscious to channel into his body and allow it to grow. This energy is unique to him so he could do this easily.


    His body is now filled with the energy of this sea, even though the density does not seem to change decreased much ¨C so much so that now neither the Void Empress nor the frog could see the head of the transformed giant.


    All they saw were giant feet.


    Then they heard a loud sound and saw an axe light.


    Zi Yang had started the work of creation.


    He used the energy in his entire body and kept attracting more from the surroundings as he fired one horizontal axe light with the maximum strength he could muster.


    The combination of axe, ingrained laws and surrounding energy worked through him.


    All three saw as the space was torn apart and, clear qi started rising and the turbid qi sank.


    Then as the two yin and yang qi settled down ¨C a mysterious attraction came and the established space began to shake.


    Zi Yang quickly focused and instinctively thought of the reason and observed the energy flow and surrounding vibrations to determine the flow.


    His talent worked again:


    [Your act of creating a beast master space starting from one qi and division into two has sparked the three acupoints in your physical body to correspond to three talents pf heaven, earth and man.


    You should mobile the energy to guide it correctly to link the three acupoints so that your beast master space is three layered unlike others¡¯ which are single layered stationed in the top acupoint.]


    He did not spend time on rejoicing on this happy coincidence and quickly followed suit. As the connected within the three acupoints deepened, the space was divided into three.


    One could see top black space with still ravaging energy, a middle white space and the darkest bottom space with turbid energy.


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    He assumed it would be for the stars, above ground and under-ground spaces.


    So far, he saw how one begets two and two begets three.


    Disregarding this, he continued as his instincts and talent prompted based on his assumptions and previous like knowledge.


    He fired four more axe lights at the four corners of the space and used the energy transformation of the axe to transform energy of water, wind, fire and earth to the four corners.


    Five more axes with energy of water, wood, fire, earth and metal into the mix of the four corners.


    The four spirits of creation and five elements started interacting as the space became turbulent with balancing of elements.


    Zi Yang used the back of the axe head to backhand some space suppression as he fired six more axes to establish a cycle of nature. He used the space, time and weather energies coupled with elements to blend into the space.


    These six axe lights established the harmony between elements.


    With the next seven axes, Zi Yang established the trajectory of the stars.


    Then he used eight axes to carve spaces for eight trigrams to link the realm of heaven, the realm of humans and the realm of earth so that laws interact.


    One axe for heaven and earth each, One axe each for wind, water, fire and thunder. One axe for mountains and valleys.


    Thus, other elements interacted across three realms based on these eight.


    As tired as he was, he still fired nine axes as established nine palaces to stabilize this connection and interaction. These palaces formed by laws and for the laws were stationed in void - qian, kun, gen, zhen, zhong, xun, li, kun, dui.


    Finally, he wanted to use last ten axe lights to define ten directions ¨C north, northeast, northwest, east, west, southeast, southwest, south, up and¡­


    When he tried to fire the last axe light to determine the direction, ¡®down¡¯, the creation axe which was already shaking with tremor could not bear any more exertion from friction and over channeling of energy and broke into three pieces.


    Zi Yang expected this, so he used the broken head which transformed into a bell to suppress the ravaging energy reserved for the starry sky.


    He used the Taichi diagram transformed from the axe handle to open up a bridge between heaven and earth to stabilize the place.


    The blade transformed flag was used to shoo away outlier energies and sort out or rather cut out discordant or raging energies anywhere in the three realms.


    Zi Yang was already exhausted by now. He was surviving solely by relying on drawing the energy of the space.


    But now even breathing was a bit difficult for this clone energy. He had no choice to use some energy to suppress his body so as not to break.


    Then he conveyed the idea of needing the earth chisel to the frog, who responded and flew into the space with the waiting Void Empress.


    The two landed on his shoulders and Zi Yang finally had the chisel.


    Zi Yang used similar 49 chisel strikes under-ground to define yin-yang, elements, directions and interactions.


    The only difference being that the energy contained in all five elements was more yin than yang.


    In the first strike, he separated yin and yang ¨C the soul law filled the space.


    After the elements were defined with yin heavy energy after fifth strike, Zi Yang struck in six directions to establish harmonies.


    These six harmonies differed from the those of above ground too. They contained six principles which merged together to establish a prototype of six reincarnation principles:


    Anger filled the realm of hell, miserliness filled the realm of hungry ghosts, stupidity filled the realm of animals, stupidity filled the realm of human, desire filled the asura realm and pride filled the heavenly realm.


    Next seven strikes divided the seven rivers from the soul law which established seven sufferings which a soul must experience ¨C birth, ageing, sickness, death, separation, unsatiated desires and pain, grief or despair.


    The next eight strikes defined eight noble truths for a soul, to alleviate sufferings ¨C right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right samadhi.


    The soul law which initiated the creation determined that the aspects the underground would major in were soul related ¨C everything that above ground has ¨C it has too ¨C but all reliant on soul energy.


    The final nine strikes before defining ten directions and linking the half established down from above to half to defined up from down, were used to:


    Establish another eighteen layers underground to house residents, sinners, and to circulate principles of nine worlds of hell, heaven, human, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, seekers, oblivion and awakened.


    These nine worlds are completely different from the six reincarnation realms.


    During the creation, even Zi Yang might not have expected that so many insights would suddenly flow into his heart.


    What no one noticed was that as the process was completed, an insignificant energy that was similar to yet different from the energy in the sea of conscious seemed to be shaky and began to disappear!


    If Zi yang looked carefully, he might have identified this energy.


    Finally, as the earth chisel was also broken,


    The blade transformed into soul hooks.


    The bevel turned into a bridge and lay across the rivers.


    The socket and ferrule broke away and entered the prototype of the six realms of reincarnation.


    The head and butt of the chisel broke into five mountains and five gates to guard them ¨C with the power to suppress any physical or spiritual body¡¯s essence, qi, spirit, nature or emotion.


    As the creation was completed, Zi Yang was not relieved because the Taichi diagram had trouble suppressing the newly created underground down while sharing the pressure to hold the starry sky.


    Seeing this, he could only imitate again and held the sky above his hands and transformed the pressure from above to suppress below.


    And the pressure from below to above ¨C he tried to maintain an equilibrium.


    At this time, the Void Empress remembered that she had sensed the rhyme of suppression and support on the tree branch of heavenspan tree as she now sense Zi Yang giving off inadvertently.


    She quickly asked the frog to take her out and bring it in.


    Within a few minutes, they returned with the necessities.


    Void Empress found a place at relative center and buried the heavenspan tree¡¯s branch into the innate mixed soil and connected a lake dug with the luck condensed three lights divine water to that soil.


    Soon the tree started growing rapidly.


    After what seemed both a while and a long time ¨C as they were all temporally impaired within the space during this process ¨C the tree finally shared some pressure.


    This time it seemed the beast master space was finally considered opened.


    As if.

 Gifts of Creation

    Loud sounds of thunder rumbling and space being torn apart sounded in the sky above the beast master space.


    It seemed that not only the beast master space but the whole sea of conscious was churning.


    When everyone saw the thunder rumbling, they had an induction and information popped in their minds.


    Zi Yang finally knew what was going on.


    His sea of conscious not only has extreme chaos qi, but it is actually connected to the extreme of chaos.


    Even if it is only the periphery, it has come into contact with the realm on Hongmeng and his act of creation at such a unique place and that too a space with probability to evolve unlimitedly warranted a test from the Great Dao.


    Not only him, but also this beast master space.


    Even if the intensity of test would not be at the level of opening a complete world ¨C but he couldn¡¯t bear anything now.


    Now Zi Yang really wanted to swear.


    Come on. I signed up for imitation course not the real deal.


    The imitation was tiring enough already.


    Void Empress had already escaped and brought the hollow jade frog out of the conscious again.


    Zi Yang did not have the time to ask, as thunders started bombarding him.


    He felt his clone body cracked all over in the very first one. He hurriedly sucked more energy and called all the broken tools to him resist, dodge, redirect or absorb.


    Anything and everything worked.


    Some thunders spilled into the beast master space and he had to simultaneously keep putting off fires, or in this case thunder.


    Or maybe he thought this too soon ¨C because this thunder seemed to trigger something and transformed into all sorts of issues ¨C floods, fires, landslides, earthquakes ¨C it was a nightmare.


    If he were not completely sober, he would have thought he had signed up for a 3-D immersion experience at local theatre.


    He could only use juggling arts to the fullest while resisting beatings from the thunder strikes while simultaneously sorting out anomalies.


    While he was fighting thunder strikes, he saw more tools flying in.


    He knew without anyone saying that they must have been sent in by his master.


    Such on that, Great Dao.


    I am a krypton master.


    It seemed that his thoughts were senses, so the thunder paused and started condensing into last three strikes.


    Zi Yang sweated.


    Isn¡¯t this too stingy?


    Seeing the concentration become more prominent, he was started and quickly turned on his flattery skills.


    ¡°Thank you for your test and creation. I know you are doing it for my good.¡±


    Zi Yang shouted loudly.


    The thunder dispersed slightly but were still more concentrated than before.


    He could only bear it now.


    He never thought he would experience that thunder strike enhancement package that protagonists got for being too proud, but unlike them, he did not have the ability to absorb or do body refining.


    It seems he is a fake protagonist?


    Armed with all hid broken creation tools, he welcomed the last three thunder strikes.


    Among the tools thrown by the Void Empress were some thunder absorbing metal tools ¨C sadly they were like paper to fire.


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    The level of thunders was different in both dimensions ¨C but the good thing was that her care for Zi Yang made her bring loads of these.


    These metals were soon burned or buried into the ground.


    Those metals still resisted two thunder strikes.


    The last one was resisted by Zi Yang using all the tools together ¨C the contribution of the bell was the most among them ¨C it had a complete space inside it after all ¨C even if it downgraded from the original king level now ¨C the essence still existed.


    This original thunder was still raging inside the bell, as evident from its continuous shaking.


    The poor heavenspan tree which had just recovered was also bombed and was charred black with lightning arcs flashing on it occasionally.


    But he also had to admire the stubbornness of this tree.


    Even without growing a spirit, it was already the one with an iron will.


    After the thunder strike ended, Zi Yang breathed a sigh of relief. But the unique darkness from which came thunder, did not disappear.


    Instead spread to the beast master space and soon, ominous beasts were transformed from it.


    They all ran towards him like ants to honey and attacked him from all over.


    This time, Void Empress¡¯ clone helped and beat most of them back.


    He only her standing proud and waving hands to redirect their attacks against other beasts and fight poison with poison.


    What escaped would be torn in pieces by her space strangulation.


    Zi Yang used the bell and threw the ravaging thunder inside onto the heads on these beasts.


    The density reduced dramatically.


    Talk about reasonable use of resources!


    With a lot of efforts and what seemed like an eon of fighting, all the beasts were finally dead ¨C even if their energy after dying remained and polluted the earth.


    Zi Yang did not relax even now.


    Thunder came, as did beasts. It¡¯s only two.


    Since it¡¯s a whole package, it must be the three musketeers.


    Seemed to graciously fulfill his wish, a fire rose from the ground ¨C burning his clone in and out.


    Through the split soul inserted into the clone, Zi Yang¡¯s perspective was brought to his whole soul and so was the soul fire.


    His soul seemed to be on fire.


    In the outside world, the Void Empress was staying by Zi Yang¡¯s side as she had been for more than two months.


    In these two months of Zi Yang¡¯s experience and hardships of creation, she had seen it all ¨C inside the consciousness and outside.


    Seeing him sweating and his contorted expression, Void Empress once again sprang into action. She checked his body and after confirming no issue with the help of her natal weapon ¨C the Rubik¡¯s cube, she zeroed in on the soul.


    What followed next was simple, soul nourishing resources were continuously transferred by Baize and Dark Void to the Void Empress as she kept using them for Zi Yang.


    He was thrown in a medicinal mix of spiritual soul energy resources such as soul crystals from undead, phoenix marrows, lunar laurel petals, flowers of other shores and a drop of earth marrow original fluid.


    After making sure that the external soul cleansing liquid seemed reliable and Zi Yang''s breath got a lot more steady; Void Empress switched with Baize in taking care of him.


    After more than half a month, his expression finally eased a little.


    In the beast master space, the clone was almost transparent now ¨C with only his heart becoming more vibrant than before.


    When he breathed a sound of relief, a loud rumble came again.


    This time, Zi Yang gave in.


    He really had no more gas to run on.


    Come. Destroy it.


    The rumble paused for a moment as if confused, but ultimately started again.


    Then, he, the Void Empress and A.I. Joanne saw a vast black-gold expanse covering the sky.


    A.I. Joanne was brought in by the empress to provide quick fixes if she could, in her second return to this conscious sea.


    Everyone here instinctively knew what it was.


    Merit.


    Great Dao Merit.


    As they looked on, the merit fell.


    10% of it fell on the Void Empress and A.I. Joanne who planned the process, and prepared all tools.


    10% fell on the creation tools or rather their now constituents.


    10% of the merit mixed with the still lingering Xuanhuang qi after creation and transformed into a nine-floor tower.


    10% combined with a tiny strand of Hongmeng qi and transformed into a ruler.


    10% flew into and was spilled onto the land, sea, stars, and underground.


    10% flew to the Heavenspan tree of principles.


    Finally, as Zi Yang¡¯s clone body became more illusory and on the verge of disappearing, the remaining 40% flew into his body.


    Zi Yang did not use this merit.


    Even if uses it to keep this clone, it would be of no use other than recovering a lost blood essence. He could still recover that his level increases.


    So, before dissipating here ¨C he made final arrangements.


    He used a fourth of his merit to condense a merit ax and drew the dao rhymes from the real constituents into it, thus forming a merit condensed creation axe.


    It is not a real spiritual tool; it is just a condensation of dao rhymes and merit. He sealed the dao rhymes and merit so that they shape would remain.


    Similarly, he used another fourth to condense a merit earth chisel.


    Finally, he extracted a qi from his heart and mixed another 10% into his qi along with the clouds.


    This qi was born within his heart when he fought against thunder with a never die attitude ¨C It was righteous qi.


    This mixture transformed into righteous qi celebrating cloud.


    Finally, he collected the remaining ominous qi with the wave of his hand and used the remaining dao thunder and 10% of his merits to condense a spear.


    With a wave of his everything went to their destinations as he intended.


    The righteous qi celebrating cloud, merit qi axe and merit qi chisel flew into his heart. His heart now contained these along with a copy of all the insights of the creation process.


    The spear flew towards Void Empress and floated. It looked black and purple with slight thunder patterns on it.


    Finally, all the creation tools and other acquired tools flew to their destinations in starry sky, in mountains, or under land.


    Perhaps one day, if he himself does not use these tools, some of his contracted beasts or locally bred residents would claim these gifts of creation.

 Floating Clouds and Bubbles Abound

    In the newly opened beast space, under the huge and flourishing Heavenspan tree, stood the Void Empress¡¯ clone, A.I. Joanne and the hollow jade frog.


    It was only at this time did anyone have a time to properly observe the beast space.


    Zi Yang was not got for a moment when he returned with a spiritual clone. Any beast master can condense a spiritual thought into a clone in his beast master space ¨C which is a basic skill.


    Looking at the land under his feet and the sky above his head, Zi Yang felt a sense of satisfaction.


    ¡°Zi Yang, your beast master space already contains some elements of lord level spaces and in some cases, it may even rival my own¡±, Void Empress commended.


    ¡°Yes master, I will still have to fill in some landscapes and stars ¨C now the land is all flat and the starry sky is all illusory using dao rhymes.¡±


    Hearing this, the void empress could not help but roll her eyes.


    Except for the size of the beast master space which varies from person to person and is not a concrete indication of quality, the strength of space, the laws and the room for growth of this beast master space is the best among all the beast master spaces she has even seen or heard of.


    But it is good not to be content.


    It drives one to make progress.


    The skeletal structure of the beast master space was well done. Now he needs to think about suppressing the sea and the volcanoes first.


    Yes.


    The dao thunder ripped some stable places and made them unstable. He could only put his hope on mending those places after strengthening the space when his beast master level goes up.


    For now, he would need to suppress the weak points to prevent harming this space.


    Before he gets something to do this, the bell has to work hard.


    After a moment, everyone agreed to withdraw from the space to real world.


    Void Empress dispersed her blood clone and, let the frog put it and other things into his storage space.


    Outside, as the frog and Joanne came out; Zi Yang also opened his eyes.


    He felt comfortable all over.


    But then he found that he was lying naked in what seemed like a bigger than usual tub full of powders and gooey liquid.


    Baize who was waiting for him, saw him wake up and said, ¡°You have done well, Zi Yang. I will have a bath drawn for you."


    Listening to the voice from inside the room, Void Empress knew that Zi Yang had woken up.


    She did not enter, but her voice floated in, "Take rest for a day and let¡¯s talk about your options tomorrow. The college examination has passed. We will consider recommendations and other options tomorrow.¡±


    Zi Yang stood up and accidently slipped.


    Baize was quick to react and held his arm and supported him to prevent him from slipping in the tub.


    Even with this momentary grip, Baize affirmed the significant effect of opening the beast taming space on Zi Yang.


    He felt his muscles were firm and contained energy to fight mortal beasts bare handed. His abdominal muscles had become more defines and the back muscles seemed to have become leaner as if a crouching tiger hiding his strength.


    The muscles in the thigh, hips and legs seemed to be tight too.


    The improvement was to significant and sudden compared to normal methods and that too, in a body like Zi Yang¡¯s which had been burdened for his entire life.


    While Baize admired the significant improvement, he did not notice that Zi Yang seemed to shudder.


    He woke up, found himself naked and in the company of an old man who admired him from top to bottom while touching him all over.


    Even if he a good mental fortitude, this was a little too much. If he had not known Uncle Baize, he would have shouted for protection against sexual harassment.


    ¡°Ah, Uncle Baize!¡±


    Even so, he still shouted with an apple-red face and steaming head.


    Baize also realized that his behavior might seem a little erogenous. He still teased though, ¡°What, shy, little boy? We¡¯re both men. Relax, go for a bath first.¡±


    As if finding his apple red head funny, he spanked his butt as he signaled.


    Soon, Zi Yang emerged after the bath. He still has slightly red neck and a little resentful look when he saw Baize.


    However, his master¡¯s entry seemed to have prompted the end of this joke.


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    Seeing him, Void Empress had eyes full of affirmation and pride.


    She patted his shoulder and smoothed the creases on the collar.


    ¡°Alright, off you go home. Zi Ming has been worried sick about you for months.¡±


    Zi Yang only then knew the full story.


    It turned out that the entire process of creation, testing and passing took three months!


    So, he thanked the empress and went home with the Froggie and the A.I.


    He had not fully entered the house when Zi Ming seemed to have a sense and smashed into his stomach like a rocket.


    He almost puked.


    But there is no way. It was his fault that made Zi Ming anxious.


    He could only swallow it back in and pick him up.


    Zi Ming was like a koala bear now. He didn¡¯t let go for the fear that Zi Yang would run away.


    But the boy seemed to have grown up a lot.


    ¡°Zi Yang, how is beast master space? Did you contract a beast? Is it the froggie or Joanne?¡±


    Mama Mei and Uncle Baize also gathered around.


    Zi Yang told them how he opened the beast master space and everyone was amazed at it.


    Zi Ming shouted excitedly, ¡°When I grow up, I will also open a powerful beast master space like this! I will also have three space like my brother not one like others!¡±


    It could only be said that kids think differently.


    While Uncle Baize and Mama Mei were amazed by the sheer difficulty and the tests imposed, Zi Ming grasped the key point ¨C more powerful.


    Even if the logic of the greater, the more powerful might not be always true.


    In this case ¨C it was!


    Three interlinked spaces increased the size, integrity and growth possibility!


    ¡°Sure thing, Zi Ming will do well. See what I got you. It will help you do that when you get bigger.¡±


    Then he signaled to the froggie and asked him to spit out the heart.


    A while later, a beating heart was pushed in front of everyone.


    This was at the dinner table when everyone still had dessert left.


    Well, at least Mama Mei¡¯s mood was ruined.


    Zi Yang also realized that his enthusiasm of giving gifts to Zi Ming spoiled the mood, so he smiled apologetically at Mama Mei.


    What could Mama Mei do now?


    She put aside her pudding and asked, ¡°So, this is the heart of your clone? It¡¯s like the size of a normal man. Zi Ming¡¯s essence blood wasn¡¯t that big!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mama Mei. It got this big because of the various energies in creation.¡±


    Mama Mei looked a little worried now.


    She asked worriedly, ¡°I know you want to return this essence to Zi Ming. But can he handle such a powerful resource now?¡±


    Actually, Zi Yang was worried too.


    He wondered if he should use it when Zi Ming grows up.


    But Uncle Baize stopped him and said, ¡°No problem, I will seal most of the power and the tools within the heart and as the power is sealed ¨C it will turn back into an essence blood again.


    Putting it in Zi Ming¡¯s heart now will speed up his recovery and also it is better to integrate it slowly over the years as the seal loosens releasing power little by little.¡±


    With this discussion, everyone followed into Zi Yang¡¯s room.


    Baize used his powers to suppress the power and forced back the blood essence into Zi Ming¡¯s heart.


    Zi Ming twitched slightly but soon his pale face seemed a lot redder.


    ¡°It¡¯s done. As he ages and his body strength increases, the seal will release power and keep integrating the power within into his heart.


    It will fully unseal when he opens his beast master space or he naturally crossed the level to become Mortal Level 1.¡±


    The second case is rare.


    With Zi Ming¡¯s origin deficiency, it is safe to assume that it would only open after he opens beast master space.


    With the addition of this supplement, Zi Ming would not need to worry about circulation system anymore.


    It is good to have that dealt with.


    Finally, everyone went to their rooms and Zi Ming tucked in with Zi Yang.


    Lying on the bed, Zi Yang¡¯s mind recounted everything that happened today.


    Like many times before, he felt this was a dream too.


    Every time he thinks that nothing could amaze him ¨C something happens.


    He felt that his psychological quality seemed a little poor. He should work on that.


    Be as steady as a rock.


    With a second of thinking that, his glands seemed to be overdosed with adrenaline again.


    He was excited to check his harvest now.


    What aroused his curiosity the most were all the tools and their effects.


    Mythology is Mythology.


    His spiritual tools certainly won¡¯t be that effective but they can be used by him!


    Instead of looking through them one by one, he decided to condense a game panel for himself.


    Otherwise, what¡¯s the point of his talent?


    Looking for problem solving and searching for insights on difficult problems?


    No.


    Summary comes first.


    ---


    [Name]: Zi Yang


    [Race]: Human


    [Physique]: Houtian Dao body


    [Cultivation Level]: Mortal Level 9 (Perfection)


    [Contracted Beasts]: None


    [Magical Powers]: None


    [Law]:


    Initiation: World, Soul, Thunder, Five Elements, Four Elephants, Yin-Yang, Creation, Destruction, Time, Space, Weather, Reincarnation, Devouring, Power, Human


    [Spiritual Tools]: Extreme Chaos Bell, Yin-Yang Taichi Diagram, Discordance-calming flag, Soul-snatching hook, Soul stabilizing bridge, reincarnation disc, hell gates, Nine Floored Xuanhuang Creation Pagoda, World Measuring Hongmeng heavenly ruler, Luobao Money Coin


    [Spiritual Objects]: Euterpe berries, Yin-Yang stones


    [Spiritual Roots]: Heavenspan Tree of Principles, Hollow Plum Tree, Merit Money Tree.


    ---


    He was dumbstruck, looking at his panel.


    First, the imitation act of opening heavens connected all three of his acupoints and allowed him to possess an acquired physique.


    Sensing the meaning of the physique, he learned that this body allows him an extra edge on understanding various laws.


    That is to say, this was on top of the edge he already had ¨C his beast master space contained many laws which would help him understand them easily.


    The two advantages, stacked on top of each other could allow him to speed up his progress exponentially.


    Another advantage of the imitation act was stabilization of his cultivation with solid foundation at Mortal level 9.


    That¡¯s without signing a beast contract!


    Even now, he could feel that the energy from the beast master space constructed from the three acupoints seem to connect with other orifices, organs and limbs.


    A strange circulation of energy seemed to be slowly established which he could not yet figure out.


    All he could sense was that his physique seemed to be slowly improving as this energy circulates. Zi Yang had had an idea about improving his body all these years.


    Zi Ming¡¯s missing origin has always been driving him ways to identify methods to strengthen physique ¨C if he could identify this route and understand its intricacies ¨C it would be phenomenal!


    Leaving that aside for now, Zi Yang once again checked the laws and tools.


    These laws are all at the stage of initiation ¨C probably around 1% or 2%. The tools were well, seemed to be good too.


    What more could he say?


    That they seemed to be ripped off from mythological legends?


    There was no need to ¨C they were intended to. But it is good that they work well for him.


    Almost all these tools were of the ¡®lord¡¯ level personality. They would help him for a long time to come.


    Overall, he seemed to have laid an extremely solid pedestal for his dao to stand on.


    Sensing his pride, Zi Yang snapped back to senses and warned himself again.


    These days, he had attained some of his original flamboyant nature from the previous life.


    It was alright before and so is now ¨C but in moderation.


    This is a world of strength. Bragging without basis is floating clouds, and pride without strength, nothing but bubbles abound.


    It is still a rootless cloud and a feeble bubble after all.

 The Nerve

    Early in the dawn, before anyone in the house woke up ¨C Zi Yang was seen going about the daily chores he would do, as always.


    Burying energy stones under the soil for Euterpe berries to absorb energy and bear fruits, collect the night dew from the rose daisies and cleaning up the litter created by the babies ¨C both pandas and human in the daycare center.


    Even if the years gradually improved his life, Zi yang did not delegate these tasks to anyone but maintained this habit.


    He always wanted to ensure that he would remain a down-to-earth person even if he became successful.


    Now more than ever, when the sudden success of an unprecedented foundation and skyrocketed cultivation him to float on air ¨C he had to make more efforts to keep his feet grounded lest he fall as heavily as high he flew.


    After finishing these menial tasks, Zi Yang went from the daycare in the backyard to the main hall of the storefront and calculated accounts.


    While doing so, he could not help reminisce of his mother who had prepared her blessings for his breakthrough. Even on her deathbed, the woman did not cry of pain but of reluctance to leave a helpless child behind.


    Inadvertently, a few drops of tears flashed through his eyes.


    Humans are such creatures ¨C they can be both strong and fragile because of the same thing.


    He was strong because of the promise to her, and he felt a little weak in his heart today when he missed her.


    His promise to his mother about taking care of his brother accompanied by the guilt and all the love drove him for the past years to make consistent efforts in improving their environment.


    Even though he put on a brave front and guaranteed to find a way even if the beast taming space did not open and he was unable to sense qi ¨C he even had some inexplicable confidence build up even time he did so ¨C but he knew in his heart that more of it is was covering up his insecurities for the sake of his loved ones.


    Today, as things slowed down a little ¨C Zi Yang finally could feel a burden fell off his shoulders.


    With a foundation, he could hope to ensure survival and a prosperous future for both himself and Xiao Ming.


    When he was about to wipe his tears, his hands seem to freeze. A frog appeared all of a sudden and swallowed the tear drops into his stomach.


    Zi Yang instinctively showed disgust.


    Who swallows someone¡¯s tears? Is this another two-year-old kid who swallows everything he sees?


    Before he could reprimand, A.I. Joanne¡¯s voice came first before she turned into glasses and claimed territory on his nose bridge and ears: ¡°Ah, I¡¯m late. This frog took such a precious resource.¡±


    Zi Yang could not help but ask, ¡°Jo, what is the precious resource?¡±


    ¡°Master, your tear!¡±


    As if thinking what he was thinking, she spoke again, ¡°Master, resources of human emotions are extremely rare ¨C even almost extinct ¨C because one either needs high cultivation of this law or need pure human heart to condense these. Your tear just now was one such resource.¡±


    ¡°My human tear became a resource?¡±


    Zi Yang somehow had an illusion of becoming a beast now. Aren¡¯t all resources gained from either beasts or others are condensed naturally.


    But then he carefully corrected his outlook again and understood that humans were also beasts in a sense, just more privileged.


    Joanne did not know her master¡¯s outlook reconciliation, she spoke as if a fact, ¡°According to my information retrieval from the world, a pure human heart can condense resources which are helpful in understanding laws related to emotions directly!


    Moreover, if this tear drop comes from master, so if we use it ¨C not only can we understand these related laws but even understand our master better!¡±


    Zi Yang choked for a moment.


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    Isn¡¯t this like peeping into his mind to understand his thoughts ¨C that¡¯s creepy. Even the beast master space contracts only allow beasts to instinctively understand some instructions and thoughts of the beast master.


    This kind of tear strips his mind naked ¨C emotions can sometimes be used a deadly weapon against a person if correctly figured out.


    Is this the reason why these are almost extinct?


    Froggie interrupted his thoughts and said, ¡°Master, when are you going to contract me? I want a name too. Joanne has one and everyone in this house has one and I am the only one¡­¡±


    Looking at this hapless frog who had a tendency to keep going, Zi Yang promptly stopped him and said, ¡°I¡¯ll contract you today. Wait for a moment and then, I will give you a name but on a condition!¡±


    The frog was happy and jumped on his head, ¡°Master, say. I will definitely promise!¡±


    This was the shortest sentence Zi Yang had heard from this frog. He nodded in satisfaction, ¡°My condition is that when you talk to me ¨C each time you can only say three short sentences before I speak.¡±


    Ah.


    The frog¡¯s eager eyes froze for a moment and he fell into deep contemplation ¨C Could it be his master disliked him for talking too much? Should he speak less?


    Zi Yang waited for a few breaths but did not hear his promise, she he fished him out of his hair and put on the work desk in front.


    The frog¡¯s eyes were drooping and he looked lifeless. Zi Yang couldn¡¯t help bust ask, ¡°Master, do you dislike me?¡±


    How could Zi Yang not understand that the kid misunderstood? He could not dislike this frog.


    First, he was a rare space type beast.


    Second, he looked quite cute and was desirable as a pet even if without the space attribute.


    Third and most importantly, he accompanied him to this life from the past and endured loneliness for sixteen years but still did not leave him after gaining independence.


    How could he dislike a talented, cute and loyal beast?


    But having said that, the verbosity was really too much for his ears and for most people¡¯s ears.


    He had to train him appropriately to talk less, otherwise he would be controlled by the skill of ¡®charming social butterfly¡¯, instead of controlling the skill.


    Everything in the world has pros and cons ¨C as do strength, laws, and skills. A proper control is required to stay true to your nature ¨C else, one would lead to ruin.


    He had this understanding after years of listening to cases of beast masters going berserk and dangers of primeval beasts in citizen awareness school.


    After listening to the patient explanation of his master, the little frog finally calmed down and solemnly promised.


    The scene of a frog trying to stand on his hind legs and bend front legs as if in a bow, against the backdrop of a faint golden rays of sun piercing through purplish-blue hue of night sky seemed quite quaint¡­


    ¡­ and a little funny.


    Seeing the sunrise, Zi Yang went back to his room with his two beast partners and took out the Tianxin¡¯s frozen capsule.


    The two beast eggs his mother procured were kept in this for years.


    He took one out and placed the box back.


    ¡°Master, do you want to contract him first?¡±


    ¡°Master, what is this egg?¡±


    Although their voice was low, Zi Yang was sure he heard a little hostility and a little resentment.


    After a little thought, he could understand.


    After all, these two had spent years guarding him and to be suddenly asked to be preempted by an unknown beast egg, any beast would feel resentful.


    Even Joanne, as a mechanical beast, showed some emotions that low level mechanical beasts could not.


    ¡°This is the egg that mother left for me.¡±, Zi Yang answered.


    The two beasts immediately restrained their hostility and urged him to make contract. Even though they could only stay in the sea of spiritual consciousness for so many years, they could feel many things through the images transmitted into the sea.


    They knew Zi Yang¡¯s mother too.


    In such a slightly nostalgic atmosphere, Zi Yang made his first contract.


    He channeled his spiritual energy through the beast taming space and came into contact with the life being nurtured in the egg.


    After the consciousness accepted his approach, he linked the mark of the beast taming space onto the soul consciousness of the beast egg.


    After a while, the egg cracked and a tiny snake crawled out. The snake has dim gray eyes and same grey body. It looked ordinary in every sense ¨C countenance and appearance.


    ¡°Wow, brother. Is this snake your beast partner?¡±


    Zi Yang and his two beasts were looking at the snake and the snake was looking at them as well as his surroundings.


    This voice started everyone in the room.


    Zi Ming hopped in front of everyone and came to the snake like beast and regardless of its slightly contracted pupils, he caught it by its tail and lifted it up.


    With mischievousness in his eyes, he had already started playing with this new beast while calling for the little frog to catch up with him.


    In the blink of an eye, the boy, the snake and the frog disappeared from the room.


    Zi Yang was left there blinking hard at this awkward turn of events.


    Joanne saw his master¡¯s awkwardness and tried to offer a few words of relief:


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s alright. They are determining ranking. They should come back soon.¡±


    Zi Yang was about to nod, when he caught the key information ¨C determining ranking.


    Upon asking, he learned that before he could even think of it ¨C his brother seemed to be training a few beasts for him.


    Apparently, the little frog also fought with the Zi Ming and was defeated. How could a space beast be defeated by Zi Ming, Zi Yang wondered.


    Joanne said, ¡°He threatened to cry and said, he will say they hurt him and ask you not to make contracts with us.¡±


    Zi Yang was amused.


    Alas, as Zi Ming grew older and the time he spent with him decreased ¨C Zi Yang sometimes wondered if the kid was growing more sensible.


    But every time he thinks so, Zi Ming lets him know otherwise ¨C the kid grew and so did his carefreeness. With support of Uncle Baize and Auntie Dark Void, he might grow even more rebellious.


    Look at what he did ¨C He determined ranking in the house.


    <ol>


    <li>Mama Mei</li>


    <li>Zi Yang</li>


    <li>Zi Ming</li>


    <li>Baize</li>


    <li>Joanne</li>


    <li>Little Frog</li>


    <li>Probably the little snake.</li>


    </ol>


    The nerve to rank Uncle Baize below himself ¨C is this disrespecting his godfather? The nerve!

 Chronox

    Under a group of truncated hollow trees were gathered a brood of imps as they surrounded a tiny new life in a circle giving off an immense aura of intimidation.


    The tiny life struggled to get out of the encirclement but to no avail and could only slither uneasily and curse his unreliable beast master a hundred thousand times in his heart.


    Is this what a human being does?


    Enticed with the sweet smell of a comfortable home, he was made to come out of the egg house when he was sleeping and then thrown into a den of thieves!


    The twilight serpent said he had finally experienced the treachery of human society. His inherited memories in the bloodline warned him of this treachery. He should have believed those.


    Alas, now he could only wait.


    ¡°Zi Ming, Come back to the hall right now.¡±


    As soon the voice sounded, Zi Ming¡¯s heart jumped. His brother always spoiled him ¨C nothing a few tears couldn¡¯t fix so the responsibility of being strict naturally fell on Mama Mei.


    Who¡¯s else but Mama Mei¡¯s voice could possibly cause him to jump like this?


    ¡°Coming Mama Mei.¡±


    Then the twilight serpent saw an amazing scene. The aura of intimidation changed suddenly as if the stormy winds turned into spring breeze, dark clouds change their color to celebratory red and hundreds of lilies bloomed as if competing for glory. Even the sun that shone brightly above the sky seemed to restrain its edge and send warmth to the soul.


    Even though the twilight serpent could not speak yet, he knew in this moment that Mama Mei was the top of the ranking this snobbish imp named Zi Ming explained to him.


    So, this creature called Mama Mei could help him restrain this small creature. Well, his own beast master seemed useless so let¡¯s try this creature ranked number one.


    With that thought, the twilight slithered with the maximum speed he could fathom and went straight to the source of the sound.


    After a while, he lay on Mama Mei¡¯s shoulder and his cunning eyes kept scanning the imps who were being straightened out by her.


    Zi Yang had been adjusting to his promotion ever since this farce started. He had already been promoted to Mortal Rank 9 after the beast master space and was already on the edge of being promoted to Elite rank.


    With the feedback energy after making a contract, he hoped to get promoted to the Elite rank. Only something weird happened again.


    Adjusting his state, he first went to the living room to sort out the ruckus Zi Ming created again.


    But when he went, the scene has calmed down already. Mama Mei was setting breakfast and Zi Ming and the young panda cubs were sitting on the carpet playing with the twilight serpent.


    Sensing the arrival of his beast master, the serpent once again put up his hope and try to rely on this seemingly unreliable human.


    He could not do anything about it. The smell of the comfortable home was enticing and he wanted to go there.


    Zi Yang picked up the snake, looked at it and asked, ¡°So you got to know everyone in the house?¡±


    The snake rolled his eyes very humanely and chided him for being irresponsible. He was abducted by the devil right after he was born and his beast master did not do anything ¨C if anything, he doubts his qualifications now!


    Zi Yang was dumbstruck.


    Are newborn snakes so intelligent now? They even check beast master qualifications?


    ¡°Haha, the abductor is my brother. I know nothing will happen to you. But you¡¯re pretty cowardly huh?¡±


    The whole body of snake shrieked instantly as if being insulted and he bared his nonexistent teeth.


    <ul style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" type="disc">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle">Cowardly, who said? Send me to the abductor again and see how I spank his butt.</li>


    </ul>


    ¡°How do you know to spank his butt?¡±


    Isn¡¯t this snake growing way too fast in human society?


    <ul style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" type="disc">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle">The creature named Mama Mei spanked his butt and the creature called Zi Ming was helpless.</li>


    </ul>


    Ah. This silly snake. Does he think he can spank Zi Ming as Mama Mei does? I guess sometimes establishing ranking does help ¨C who knows if this courage gets him into trouble one day at home?


    Throwing away the distracting thoughts, Zi Yang focused on the snake again.


    ¡°Alright. Alright, you¡¯re very brave. Let me check your attributes first and then how about I give you a brave name as an apology for leaving you earlier?¡±


    ¡°Zi Yang, why do you apologize to this tiny snake? Shouldn¡¯t he listen to you?¡±, Zi Ming was confused.


    Every beast listens to his beast master so why should Zi Yang listen to his beast instead?


    Thinking that his elder brother understood wrong, Zi Ming took it upon himself to explain. He stood up seriously and said, ¡°Zi Yang, let me tell you. A good beast should listen to his beast master. So why should you apologize?¡±


    In the room right now, except the panda cubs acting cute were Mama Mei and Baize.


    When Zi Ming said this, both slowed down their work slightly.


    On the door of the closed hall was Dark Void accompanying Void Empress who came by early morning to check on Zi Yang and discuss something with him.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Dark Void had lost count of how many things the Void empress had changed after coming in contact with Zi Yang. She could even visit her disciple¡¯s home instead of calling him straight over.


    Void Empress also signaled Dark Void to stop at the door when this question sounded.


    The twilight serpent was uneasy. No matter how smart or observant, he was a baby.


    So, when he heard that he was not being a good beast, he wondered if he was wrong. Before his thoughts diverged, a warm finger tip scratched his head and seemed to soothe him.


    ¡°Zi Ming, why do you think so?¡±, Zi Yang asked gently.


    Zi Ming was emboldened and thought he taught his brother well so he was confident and said, ¡°Because you are stronger than the beast and strength reigns supreme.¡±


    Setting aside his amazement at having heard such a phrase from Zi Ming, he understood the crux of the rank setting and the problem behind the farce.


    So, he guided accordingly, ¡°So if the beast becomes stronger than me someday, should I listen to him?¡±


    Zi Ming said naturally, ¡°Yes. Mama Mei is a panda mama and I listen to her. So do you. She is stronger that you.¡±


    ¡°So why does Uncle Baize listen to me and Mama Mei? He is stronger than everyone of us? But you ranked him fourth in the house.¡±, Zi Yang asked puzzled.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you bound him by contract so you are stronger and he listens to you. You listen to Mama Mei so he has to listen to Mama Mei and I am your brother ¨C so he listens to me too.¡±


    Everyone was amazed. This kid ¨C peculiar logic and solid thinking. No one knew what to say now.


    But Zi Yang does.


    ¡°His contract ended yesterday. But he still listens to me and everyone though.¡±


    ¡°Ah, really?¡±, Zi Ming was struck for the first time.


    Zi Ming looked at Baize for confirmation and Baize signaled in affirmative. Now, he was confused.


    In the kid¡¯s small life, Zi Yang had placed a lot of emphasis on recovering his body and strength. So Zi Ming placed strength as extremely important besides Zi Yang himself.


    Before Zi Ming could think further, Zi Yang quipped, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Yi Hai listen to you as well when he is stronger than you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because we¡¯re friends¡±, Zi Ming retorted.


    As if a certain switch was pressed in Zi Ming¡¯s intelligence, he shouted loudly, ¡°And godfather listens to you because he is family.¡±


    ¡°So, I can make the beast listen to me even if he is strong if I make him my friend or family? Wow, Zi Ming ¨C you are so intelligent. Even if I am not stronger, I can make someone stronger listen to me ah!¡±


    With that, Zi Yang clapped loudly and kept praising Zi Ming.


    The kid¡¯s tail reached nine heavens in the sky.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Now you understand.¡±


    With that heard, Zi Yang kept the snake on the center table and whispered to Zi Ming.


    ¡°So, should I not apologize if he seemed hurt by me? Otherwise, how do I make friends with him? It seems he¡¯s angry with you and you asked me not to apologize.¡±


    Ah this.


    With all the appreciation poured onto him, Zi Ming felt he needed to solve this case.


    He thought for a long time in silence, braced himself and finally went to the center table.


    ¡°Listen up slippery, I am Zi Ming ¨C my brother¡¯s greatest treasure so I you should be grateful that I am becoming your friend¡­¡±


    Ohhh.


    The young master syndrome.


    The tsundere syndrome.


    The immersion syndrome.


    What else has this kid gotten into. Zi Yang wanted to cry rivers of tears into how his little brother had so many character syndromes at such a young age.


    Somehow, everyone in and out of the room seemed to feel his cry ¨C but they did not feel much. Kids at this age are supposed to be eccentric and troublemaking.


    That is what makes one¡¯s childhood complete. If anything, they interpreted this cry as a cry of relief for having given Zi Ming a complete childhood unlike his own.


    ¡°I am also sorry for troubling you. And since you don¡¯t have a name ¨C as your first friend, let me give you a name on behalf on my brother.¡±


    The twilight snake has challenged limits of his intelligence and cognition in the past few minutes to understand what happened.


    He only knew that the annoying kid said he was not a good beast, then said sorry, then became something he called ¡°friend¡± and finally, he was going to give him a name.


    But he did not want that.


    His beast master was supposed to give him a name so why is this ¡°first friend¡± giving one. The twilight snake protested again with a crisp hissing sound.


    Zi Yang understood his protest.


    He also walked next to Zi Ming and squatted next to his brother.


    ¡°What name do you think would suit him, Zi Ming? He grey sheen looks like a night shade so how about calling him that?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, let me think brother ¨C don¡¯t disturb me.¡±


    By this time, Dark Void and the Void Empress had already entered the room and sat on the breakfast table.


    Zi Yang greeted everyone and started having breakfast.


    Zi Ming? The kid ate something while Mama Mei was preparing the breakfast.


    While eating breakfast, he looked at the attributes of his first beast:


    ---


    [Name]: Twilight Serpent


    [Attribute]: Time


    [Race Level]: High level Elite


    [Cultivation Level]: Mortal Level 1


    [Skills]: Time Sense, Night Shadow Concealment


    ---


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ve decided I¡¯ll call you Zi Wan after my name and Wan for night¡±


    Zi Ming had just finished speaking and everyone was about to nod when, Zi Yang suddenly said, ¡°Good job Zi Ming. That name sounds even better than your name.¡±


    Zi Ming immediately made a 180 upon hearing that, ¡°Scratch that. This name is not good. Let¡¯s call you Chen Wan ¨C meaning day and night.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, sounds okay but Yi Hai might make fun that you just added two words of day and night and added them together.¡±


    Zi Ming brows wrinkled. Zi Ming worked on many names but Zi Yang always had them scrapped by either praising him as better than their own or pointing to someone else or guiding Zi Ming into thinking they were bad.


    The circus at a house raising children never stops.


    Today was a show on how to manipulate children to do things you want and have them think they did it on their own volition.


    Finally, Zi Ming was exhausted and said tiredly, ¡°Let¡¯s call it Nox. Nox for night and a little fancy but not too much.¡±


    This time, Zi Yang waited for a while and Zi Ming did not realize that he waited with bated breath.


    ¡°Ah, good. Nice play on the word from God of time Chronos and naming it Chronox. Zi Ming¡¯s smart.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I am. Hey, listen up slippery ¨C your name is Chronox.¡±

 MLM Ante

    At the breakfast table, everyone had finished eating. Mama Mei was very considerate.


    She knew that since the Void Empress had come to their house herself, it must be something serious related to Zi Yang.


    She did not dare to delay an issue like that and with swift hands, the crockery and eatables were all swept off the tables and returned to kitchen.


    Sensing the serious atmosphere, the jolly kid Zi Ming also trotted over carefully and sat on a chair with a snake slithering on his neck.


    Yes, Chronox figured out a few things after the entire farce was over.


    <ol style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal" type="1">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; vertical-align: middle" value="1">Zi Ming was closest family to his beast master and he also became his ally whom, the human called ¡°friend¡±</li>


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; vertical-align: middle">His name is Chronox, given by Zi Yang and Zi Ming ¨C which relates to God of time i.e. his beast master thinks highly of himself.</li>


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle">Everyone here was an ally, so he did not need to live in fear of being eaten and, hence he slithered on his newfound ally joyfully.</li>


    </ol>


    At the table, Void Empress looked at the twilight serpent and commented rarely, ¡°Yi Nuo was lucky to get those two eggs ¨C both time attribute serpents. Even with elite qualifications, time-attribute beasts are extremely rare.¡±


    No one had anything to say to that.


    ¡°Miss Jing, is there anything important to take note?¡±


    Mama Mei seemed impatient and asked.


    But Dark Void and Baize could understand. What happens if an emperor suddenly comes to the house of an average citizen without notice and talks about nothing?


    Answer: The citizen would die of anxiety.


    No kidding.


    Of course, the emperor in question also understood. She did not dawdle therefore.


    ¡°The college entrance exams have been completed. So, Zi Yang¡¯s chance is college is for naught this year. I was wondering if you and Zi Yang had talked about what to do next?¡±


    Now she understood and as she did, lost interest immediately.


    Nothing serious happened, Zi Yang will handle.


    With that, everyone once again witnessed opera face change operation in where her anxiety was replaced by relaxation.


    Now everyone had a thorough understanding of this kind lady Mei Li.


    As long her two kids are in good health ¨C she thinks there is nothing to worry about.


    In a sense this conscientious parent is quite carefree and hands-off.


    Zi Yang also shook his head. He did not know how Mama Mei had such unreasonable confidence and doesn¡¯t show any anxiety when faced with major life choices for him.


    But having thought so, he still answered, ¡°Master, I had received a recommendation letter to the teacher¡¯s graduate course from the citizen awareness school¡¯s management in town. I can enter the education sector through this course.¡±


    Void Empress nodded.


    She had heard of this from Baize and prepared accordingly based on that.


    At Void Empress¡¯ signal, Dark Void took out a fine document folder and placed it on the table. While turning over each entry, she explained:


    ¡°At Tianxin Technology, they conducted research on ¡°Hypothesis of a scientific gene modification and recombination to create and evolve beasts metaphysically¡±.


    Since this topic was initiated by you and I kept collecting your inputs over the year ¨C you have been labelled as second author on the research.


    The research has yielded preliminary results but nothing concrete has come out of it yet. Nevertheless, a recommendation letter and a credential in research work will add to your application.


    Further, Master Meng has mobilized his authority over Jade Cloud City Potion Master¡¯s Association.


    With the aid of your recorded sessions while preparing potions and standardized potion making methods, he has proved your theoretical and practical abilities. You can take an emergency test today to get certified as a one-star Potion Master.


    Finally, a thorough investigation report on your performance in school a society by the town mayor which is attested by the Void Empress.


    This should get you in the program. The application forms and other additional documents are already included.¡±


    ¡°Wow. Void Empress! Zi Yang ¨C do you know the Void Empress? How did she sign on your paper?¡±


    Everyone¡¯s heart jumped.


    Though it¡¯s not a big deal if he knew, but it would be near impossible if the town did. Their stay here would be interrupted.


    ¡°Zi Ming, didn¡¯t I tell you that my music students should maintain their decorum in public, why are causing a ruckus?¡±


    Seeing her music teacher flare up again, Zi Ming pouted again and but still looked at Zi Yang curiously.


    Zi Yang could not lie to his brother, but he could divert it. So, he looked at Dark Void.


    ¡°Master Meng went to Plateau of Emptiness, he requested this for Zi Yang. What¡¯s the fuss!¡±


    ¡°Oh, master Meng¡¯s great!¡±, Zi Ming shouted again.


    Before they could breathe a sigh, the jumpy brat had another question.


    ¡°He can get the sign of the most powerful person. She can see, smell and taste without eyes, nose and mouth.¡±


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Ruined.


    The serious atmosphere that was built for discussing and planning Zi Yang¡¯s career plan was ruined before it started.


    ¡°What do you think, Chronox, Froggie and Joanne? Isn¡¯t she powerful?¡±


    Of the three, Chronox nodded his head and kept hissing as if thinking.


    Froggie eloped again using his space powers and Joanne transformed back into a pair of glasses to be hung on Zi Yang¡¯s nose bridge and temples.


    The adults on the other hand were now driven by curiosity as to why the kid would think so?


    Void Empress asked what was on everyone¡¯s mind.


    Zi Ming replied as a matter of fact, ¡°Of course it¡¯s because of her name!¡±


    ¡°Name?¡±, Void Empress wondered.


    Zi Ming jumped from his chair, trotted to Void Empress¡¯ and jumped on her lap. Then he cleared his throat and said, ¡°What I am saying should be a top secret.¡±


    Not to mention Zi Yang, even Dark Void, Mama Mei and Uncle Baize wanted to strangle this kid so much now.


    Zi Ming, however, effortlessly continued, ¡°Everyone¡¯s name is based on how a person is, right? Like me, I am bright and shine ¨C so my name is Ming. Mama Mei is beautiful so her name is Mei Li, Bai Lian is cute like a lotus, Chronox is based on time of night¡­¡±


    For a moment, everyone evaluated whether this kid¡¯s logical reasoning and intelligence were too good, or was he stupider than ever.


    Not all names need to be based on anything. Even if your observation skills and inference skills are good, you can not deviate from everything and turn into a completely divergent thinking mode.


    Zi Yang decided to hire a special Confucian scholar to sort out his brother¡¯s thoughts patterns in the year he goes to college.


    The kid has decent brains, but he uses them waywardly.


    ¡°So, The Void Empress¡¯s name has void which means she looks like a void ¨C so that means she is most likely a super beast with no face!¡±


    Zi Ming finished speaking, but the entire hall was quiet.


    ¡°How could you say that, Zi Ming? How can the emperor level powerhouse of the empire be a super beast?¡±, Baize got a little excited after hearing the reasoning of his godson.


    ¡°Godpa, you¡¯re discriminating against beasts. They should be our friends like Chronox. Seriously, so old and still doesn¡¯t know.¡±


    Baize, figuratively, vomited blood now.


    The kid turned around the point he just learned and labeled him ignorant.


    Void Empress asked the next question, ¡°So how do you know she¡¯s more powerful than everyone else?¡±


    ¡°Ayia, Elder Master, think about it. She can eat with a mouth, see without eyes, and smell without a nose. That means even without most important organs, she can become strong and still fight. She must be super powerful.¡±


    Seeing Void Empress nodding seriously, Zi Yang opened his mouth slightly. Dark Void and Uncle Baize were also stunned.


    Empress, why are humoring this kid so much?


    ¡°Zi Ming, let¡¯s go!!¡±


    A loud voice interrupted the thoughts.


    ¡°Oops, Mama Mei, I forgot, I was going to Yi Hai¡¯s house. Bai Lian¡¯s calling. I¡¯ll see you later.¡±


    Zi Ming ran first and Mama Mei ran after him.


    ¡°Kid, wait. Dress up and take something to eat.¡±


    The ending of this farce was a little anti-climactic.


    Void Empress seemed to have thought of something and smiled lightly. Zi Yang had an illusion of seeing the smirk of a teenage girl who thought of a prank.


    But out of respect for his master, he could not say anything.


    Dark Void hummed, ¡°Empress, the application!¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±, Void Empress acknowledged.


    ¡°Zi Yang, I know you have many doubts but the time for us is limited. So, you should first go to a main city center and take the potion master exam and while in the city, you can read up on this booklet. It should have all the answers.¡±


    With that, she handed Zi Yang a booklet and had Dark Void arrange all other things.


    After explaining things to Mama Mei who came back, Dark Void decided to embark on the journey in an hour.


    Zi Yang would take one exam in the evening, and another in the noon tomorrow, so they would return by tomorrow evening.


    In his room alone, Chronox finally got the opportunity to see his home. With excitement he flew into the beast master space.


    With his entry, Zi Yang closed his eyes and also prepared to visit the space again with the frog and Joanne.


    In the beast master space:


    As soon as Chronox entered, the sound of a bell rang and with a swish it came in front of the twilight snake and kept circling it.


    The twilight snake was also hit by the huge energy in the space and started getting promoted again.


    When the trio of beasts and master came in, they saw this scene.


    Zi Yang also felt the continuous feedback from Chronox, so he silently sat down and breakthrough.


    Within fifteen minutes, he broke through twice again but still did not reach the elite level.


    His panel now read:


    [Cultivation Level]: Mortal Level 12 (Perfection)


    Using his talent to identify how to breakthrough to elite level, the entry he got was:


    [Foundation stage breakthroughs happen after cultivation and emotional foundation between beasts and their master become stronger. Do that.]


    Damn. He knew that already.


    Is the talent being lazy? This is taught in all schools ¨C even in citizen awareness ones. How could he not know? He wanted to know how to build this foundation within such a short time?


    He gave a name already and motivated... Ah, no he didn¡¯t motivate the kid.


    With that idea in mind, he called Chronox who had woken after rising in ranks from Mortal Level 1 to Mortal Level 8 instantly.


    ¡°Chronox, you have time attribute. That¡¯s rare. I am looking forward to you becoming super powerful in the future!¡±


    Chronox beamed after listening to it but then, also felt a little pressure.


    <ul style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" type="disc">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle">He knows his blood only allows to grow a little more and his bloodline memory also signals him to be careful of big beasts ¨C so he knows he will not be super powerful.</li>


    </ul>


    After listening to what Chronox said, Zi Yang immediately reassured him¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s without a beast master. Do you know that snakes can evolve into pythons, from pythons to jiao, and from jiao to dragon ¨C finally dragons to true dragons?¡±


    With that said, he also guided the spiritual energy to evolve pictures of the evolution.


    ¡°Imagine, all dragons usually swim in blue waters and rivers or oceans, but you¡¯re unique. You can swim in the river of time!¡±


    <ul style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" type="disc">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle">Really? My bloodline also mentions evolving from snake to pythons but that is only for the long-lived snake species. Our twilight serpents don¡¯t live that long.</li>


    </ul>


    ¡°But don¡¯t you have time energy and there¡¯s also the Extreme Chaos Bell, see it¡¯s still circling around you. With it¡¯s help, we can slow down time and give you enough time.¡±


    <ul style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" type="disc">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle">But even so, my mother¡¯s bloodline notes also mentions that even with time ¨C chance encounter with resources is the key.</li>


    </ul>


    Now, Zi Yang was getting annoyed inside.


    Who was this kid¡¯s mother ¨C a serpent evolution professor or what? Why are there so many notes in the bloodline?


    Seems like he needs to up his MLM ante.

 A Step to The Sky

    In the beast master space, Joanne looked at how Zi Yang coaxed, lured, promised and encourage the little serpent. To be honest, she still felt a little jealous.


    She has accompanied master longer and also helped a lot more than any beast ¨C the beast master space was also opened through her information retrieval.


    But Master still did not contract her until now.


    She felt, yes as a machine ¨C she felt.


    Because she has been affected by the energy constantly for sixteen years, she knew that she was not a pure mechanical beast ¨C she had an odd mix of energy affecting her from time to time.


    But she could never voice out these thoughts for the fear of being abandoned by her master, if he finds out that she is not a pure mechanical beast.


    She has retrieved information from the world void using that energy and knew that self-thinking machines were once a taboo for human race.


    She wanted to be contracted, but also not. She was in a twinge now.


    Thankfully, she felt the constant trust that her master gave off when he allowed her entry in the beast even without being contracted.


    Unlike the A.I. Joanne who was rich in inner drama, the little frog was purely jealous.


    On the other side, Zi Yang finally convinced the little ancestor with a series of promises: a habit built for evolution containing water resources, dragon resources, and time resources along with bloodline purification and body strengthening resources.


    He now doubted even more when the mysterious mother of this beast really was a research scholar ¨C otherwise, how could this newly hatched egg know so much?


    <ul style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" type="disc">


    <li style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 8pt; vertical-align: middle">Thanks, Zi Yang. I will become powerful and definitely help you!</li>


    </ul>


    At the kid knew gratitude, Zi Yang smiled inwardly.


    But he had to spend these resources anyway in future, so promising now was not a big deal. Expect that he felt a little extorted ¨C he did not know if it was his feeling.


    Of course, he did not see the cunning gleam flashing in the eyes of the little serpent.


    When he was undergoing promotion, besides the information on survival, resources, and failed evolution attempts, the serpent also found some excerpts about human dealings.


    He understood and copied the process to gain more benefits from his beast tamer.


    It was also these excerpts that fully allowed him to understand what happened before and how Zi Yang treated him as a partner instead as a beast to lord over.


    If he had not been worried about his low bloodline, Zi Yang could have broken through the Elite level without having to have this conversation.


    With the emotional blockage, Zi Yang felt a crack sounded and he broke through to Elite Level 1 from the feedback from the beast master space.


    Chronox also broke through to Mortal Level 9.


    Seeing master breakthrough to Elite Level 1, the little frog took the first opportunity to jump in front of him.


    ¡°Master, please make a contract with me now!¡±


    Zi Yang did not move however, he looked at A.I. Joanne and asked, ¡°Are you alright with that Jo?¡±


    ¡°Yes master, no problem¡±, A.I. Joanne replied in a heartbeat.


    Zi Yang first placed Chronox along a shallow river with the extreme chaos bell and then made a contract with the little frog.


    He immediately received feedback from him too, but it was like a water drop falling into the ocean.


    Just as he thought so, the little frog started undergoing promotion.


    Feeling a familiar energy, Joanne quickly shouted ¨C ¡°Don¡¯t use that extreme chaos qi energy for your promotion, doofus!¡±


    The frog was startled awoke by the sound and quickly corrected.


    Even so, he was still promoted from Mortal Level 1 to extraordinary level 1.


    He rode the bus too and went straight from Elite Level 1 to Elite Level 12.


    It was faster than riding the bus. This was clearly a rocket.


    But neither Joanne nor the frog seemed very happy about it.


    Zi Yang knew why. This was the same energy that allowed Joanne to access information of one level higher than her own universe.


    With the same logic, the little frog could technically travel a universe one level higher this one.


    Thinking of getting a unique resource from a higher-level universe, Zi Yang immediately suggested that the little frog use it now.


    But then he hesitated.


    A higher-level universe means a high danger. What if something were to happen?


    The little frog felt his concern and his heart warmed. He remined, ¡°Master, I can escape unharmed by expensing this energy in case something goes wrong. And I won¡¯t go too deep from the anchor point I set at the junction of spirit sea consciousness and chaos.¡±


    Joanne also spoke of the high quality of energy and how it is seemingly powerful. Moreover, this energy seemed to be inherently unable to stay in this universe after leaving his sea of consciousness and will constantly leak.


    It is better to use it early.


    Finally in an attempt to erase the last worry, the little frog said, ¡°Master, I have new skill after promotion.¡±


    Oh? Zi Yang raised his eyebrow.


    Checking the little frog¡¯s panel, Zi Yang saw:


    [Name]: Hollow Jade Frog


    [Attribute]: Space, Spirit


    [Race Level]: High Level Soldier


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    [Cultivation Level]: Extraordinary Level 1


    [Skills]: Space Jump, Space storage, Spirit Talk, Charming Social Butterfly, Pseudo-Contract


    ---


    Zi Yang focused on the skill and read the introduction:


    [Skill Name]: Masked-Contract


    [Skill Level]: Advanced


    [Description]: Contract a creature using this skill to temporarily act as his beast partner and share feedback and skill improvements. This skill is invisible to anyone expect the beast and his true beast master.


    [Note]: Mutated skill comprehended by using an extremely high-level energy, a tear of pure love and nostalgia and attributes of charming social butterfly.


    Oh Damn.


    Oh Damn.


    Oh Damn.


    Zi shouted thrice.


    This ability is so buggy. He could easily cheat and make a lot of money with this ability.


    Damn Zi Yang, why rob? This is the first thought that comes to your mind?


    Shame. Shame.


    Zi Yang chided himself for a moment before calming down.


    But then realized that this was perhaps another coping mechanism for the little frog should he get caught.


    With this, he was finally a little relieved. Even if he failed to run in the off chance of 0.001% ¨C he could act cute.


    Finally, before leaving, he had to one more thing ¨C pack supplies and get a name.


    For the name of this frog, Zi Yang had thought long ago.


    ¡°Tabi Kaeru, that¡¯s your name. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°What does this mean, master?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s meaning is very simple. Tabi means journey or to travel, and Kaeru means a frog as well as returning¡±


    A.I. Joanne pitched in timely, ¡°Master means to return safely after every journey. The name is from the Traveling Frog game in his previous life. Come to think of it, you are also a frog and your space attribute is very convenient for travel.¡±


    Tabi Kaeru also felt the name was nice.


    Hence the name was finalized.


    With a few edible portions to satiate his hunger pangs, Kaeru said goodbye to everyone and jumped out of the beast master space and into the surrounding extreme chaos energy.


    Seeing Kaeru leave and Nox falling asleep, Zi Yang finally looked at A.I. Joanne.


    ¡°Jo, I¡¯m already at Elite Level 12, so don¡¯t worry ¨C I will contract you next.¡±


    A.I. Joanne¡¯s little mechanical heart almost leapt out of her body.


    This time, with his entire attention placed on her ¨C Zi Yang finally discovered this anomaly.


    He raised his eyebrow in doubt and asked, ¡°Why, you don¡¯t want to contract with me? That¡¯s fine. We traveled together in this world ¨C doesn¡¯t mean we must be bound together again.¡±


    Joanne became even more flustered when she heard that.


    ¡°No master, it¡¯s that¡­ I am not a pure mechanical beast ¨C I have other energies as well.¡±


    Of course he knew that, he knew that Joanne had the creative thinking skills ¨C which was a near impossible skill for mechanical beasts to have.


    But he took it for granted after all the shocks he experienced recently.


    He expressed that he did not mind the skills so much.


    Joanne knew that she could not hide anymore. So, she finally revealed ¨C ¡°Master, Except the skills ¨C I have the extreme chaos energy affecting me which caused me to have non-mechanical attributes as well ¨C such as emotions like other beasts.¡±


    This time, Zi Yang finally understood.


    After one of his classes with the Void Empress, Zi Yang knew that the Mechanical empire ¨C the Iron City was established by mechanical beasts and hybrids who rebelled against their creators ¨C the humans.


    So, the tolerance towards self-thinking mechanical beasts was quite low in any human empire.


    After all, the lessons from history dictated that the trust lost once can never be established again, and a rope cut joined forcibly still leaves a knot.


    Seeing the silence of his master, Joanne felt depressed and lost even more hope.


    Just as she was about to suggest leaving it as it as, Zi Yang spoke again.


    ¡°Jo, why did you help me open the beast space?¡±


    ¡°Because you are my master, master. Both in your previous life and now.¡±


    ¡°Then why worry so much? There is no need to think too much.¡±


    ¡°But master, if other humans know about my self-thinking nature ¨C if may cause you trouble.¡±


    Zi Yang knew she was right.


    But he was never one to abandon his friend for such an absurd reason.


    In the fear of what happened eons ago, should he doubt a partner without whom he would have to wait for a decade to start his career?


    He waved his hands grandly and said, ¡°No issues, Jo. If something happens, it¡¯s not like I am alone ¨C I have backing too. I will stay with you and Master will back me.¡±


    Listening to this, Joanne transformed into spectacles again nudged his nose bridge repeatedly.


    ¡°yeah, yeah. I know you¡¯re happy. But from on, learn a division skill or something and divide a part of you as a spectacle and leave it be. This back and forth is troublesome.¡±


    ¡°Roger!¡±


    Really?


    He just said it as a joke.


    Well, machines can certainly do it.


    Never mind.


    The time spent in the beast master space came full circle and now it was time to leave.


    Outside, Mama Mei had already packed his bag and Dark Void was waiting at the gate of the house opposite.


    Stepping out he said, ¡°Mama Mei, tell Zi Ming about it. I¡¯ll come back tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sure, Zi Yang. Come back safely.¡±


    As he stepped out of the front yard and went to his master¡¯s house¡¯s backyard.


    Here, Void Empress wished him success after straightening his collar.


    Dark Void summoned her beast.


    He saw a mysterious pattern shrouded in golden color appear. Looking at the color, he knew it was a general level beast.


    Finally, a noble bird came into view.


    He used his talent instinctively and saw:


    [Name]: Star Phantom Phoenix (***)


    [Attribute]: ***


    [Race Level]: ***


    [Cultivation Level]: ***


    [Skills]: ***


    Well, just the name.


    Still, he could guess the attribute to be star and fire.


    ¡°Hop on, Zi Yang¡±, called on Dark Void.


    He carefully urged his energy and came to the eye level view of this majestic phoenix.


    ¡°Thank you for the ride¡±, she said softly as he bowed with hands clasped.


    The arrogance in the phoenix¡¯s eyes faded slightly as she heard this and a little more recognition flashed in the depths of her eyes.


    She snorted softly and used her energy to pull him up and place on her back softly.


    His actions pleased all three ladies present.


    With a loud flap of her wings, the star phoenix flew straight into air.


    Even during the day, one could see star light and phantoms of a galaxy flashing in the air as the phoenix took her flight.


    With this flight, Zi Yang finally took a step out of this town since his rebirth.


    A step.


    A step to the sky.

 First Potion Master Exam

    Standing atop the star phantom phoenix, Zi Yang looked around curiously as wind rustled his hair and caressed his cheeks.


    Flying in air has always been a man¡¯s dream ¨C Zi Yang was no different in this regard so he really had a novel feeling in this regard.


    The star phantom phoenix was also very considerate and had condensed a spirit protection cover around her back to allow comfortable sitting without the fear of being blown away by the winds.


    Looking at the gradually widening distance from the ground as they seemed to turn into tiny specs of dust, and the surrounding phantoms of galaxy ¨C Zi Yang could not help but exclaim:


    ¡°Auntie Dark Void, this phoenix seems quite rare. It seems as if we are traveling in a Milky Way!¡±


    Dark Void was as stern as always.


    She lightly said, ¡°Young Lord, you can call me Dark Void.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Auntie Dark Void.¡±


    Dark Void rolled her eyes and continued answering, ¡°Yes, Xuanjin condenses star light and star power through her wings and the phantom is the spillage of that power which you see.¡±


    Zi Yang¡¯s eyes brightened.


    Star power is also a unique resource which can used for body strengthening purposes. For a moment, he even considered if he should take a few beakers and stick that on Xuanjin¡¯s tail feathers to collect the leaked star power.


    Even though Dark Void did not hear any comment from Zi Yang, she still roughly guessed what he might be thinking.


    She could guarantee that even Baize would not know Zi Yang¡¯s thrifty and opportunistic nature as a businessman as well as she does.


    This kid must be thinking of condensed star power.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will ask Xuanjin to condense a few essence bottles of star origins. You can use those to initially condense stars in your beast master space.¡±


    Zi Yang was jolted awake after hearing this.


    Oh yes, it can be used for condensing stars too.


    Dark Void caught this anomaly too. He looked at him weird. Did she guess wrong?


    The kid was not thinking of the star origin?


    Before she could think further, Zi Yang answered, ¡°thank you, Auntie Void¡±


    Good.


    This kid now even directly called Auntie Void ¨C even her title was shortened.


    She urged Xuanjin to run faster lest she couldn¡¯t help but want to smack the back of his kid once today.


    It was only in the late afternoon that they arrived.


    The test was scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.


    They still had hour left before that. But to ensure smooth procedures, candidate usually enter the examination hall half an hour prior.


    Both he and Dark Void acquiesced that he goes to the test center earlier and familiarize himself.


    They landed at the city entrance and he saw that an old man in official clothes as already waiting for them here.


    They chatted for a minute and then everyone went to a guest room housed by the local potion master association.


    The accommodation was neither average nor splendid, neither poor nor lavish ¨C it maintained the dignity of the potion maser association, stressed how they valued Dark Void but still did not slow servitude.


    Zi Yang liked this ¨C neither humble nor arrogant.


    In the guest room, Dark Void introduced, ¡°This is the provincial head of the potion master association. He condescended to come here to preside over the test after Master Meng¡¯s recommendation.¡±


    ¡°Madame Dark Void is overly praising. Hello, I am Zhong Min. I will preside over the exam. Meng Yijun praised you highly and I have also seen your potion preparation videos as potion apprentice.¡±


    Zi Yang bowed to the old with respect ¨C both his age and achievement in vocation deserved it.


    ¡°Good evening, sir, I am Zi Yang¡­¡±


    As he spoke, a long-lost memory emerged in his mind as he repeated the words ¡®Zhong Min¡¯ and ¡®provincial potion master¡¯ in his head.


    He was surprised by the memory, so much so that instead of continuing with the standard ¡°Please take of me¡±, he blurted, ¡°You are the one who posted ancient tree leaf body lotion formula¡±


    Realizing the he misspoke, Zi Yang quickly apologized.


    Then he explained, ¡°I asked a question on how to use ancient life tree¡¯s leaf to make up for body¡¯s origin, you explained the use of fire and water resources to make a body lotion with it.¡±


    Zhong Min then remembered this small incident which was too small to even consider an incident. He did not expect that the one was asked the question would become someone with a connection with Void Empress¡¯ s attendant.


    It was a help.


    No matter how small, he could build on this relationship.


    As time went, it the last half an hour to the exam.


    ¡°Madame Dark Void, Zi Yang ¨C should we go now? It is advisable to enter the exam hall half an hour prior.¡±


    Zi Yang nodded to show his agreement.


    Dark Void, on the other hand, turned to his and said, ¡°Zi Yang, you can go with Zhong Min, I will meet you here at the same time to return.¡±


    Before anyone agreeing, she had already merged into the void and vanished.


    ¡°Teacher Zhong Min, please.¡±


    Zi Yang requested with hands clasped as Zhong Min obliged.


    It took only a minute of walk from the guesthouse to the potion master association.


    He saw the building looked solemn as if the potion master here screaming to shoo way negligent and carefree species among the living. The architecture was mixed with elements of oriental and western design.


    There was an oriental tiled curved thatched roofs which symbolized order, control, width and nature, as they were laid in fixed designs and intricate angles to allow proper exposure of sun and relief from rain.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Along with it were elements of western design which were the prominently integrated glass tubes which were formed into beams, columns, arches and sky scrapers at some places.


    He did not know why there were so many hollow glass tubes integrated into different shapes in the design, but the they sure looked beautiful.


    ¡°The architect of this building is good, so these glasses should be of more use other than just providing view.¡±


    Zi Yang subconsciously murmured.


    Zhong Min was leading the way, was surprised that a young boy could have such insight.


    ¡°Why do you think the architect is good?¡±


    Zi Yang replied confidently as he pointed the roles of various architectural features and their role in optimizing air flow, sunlight, heat, rain and cold.


    Even though his Ph.D. in archaeology is a waste now. Can he not even identify the features of ancient Chinese designs?


    But he did not know that what he thought too light of, was not something most teenagers could understand in such detail.


    This led to Zhong Min ranking him a little higher because of this.


    ¡®Maybe this kid has a talent in architecture too¡¯, he mused.


    Finally, they reached the exam hall.


    Since this was an emergency test, he was the only candidate for the examination.


    In a huge hall filled with apothecary work desks, Zi Yang chose one and waited for the examination.


    After a while, the invigilator came in.


    It was young woman dressed in workplace formals. She walked to Zi Yang¡¯s workstation and handed him a glass bowl.


    ¡°Candidate Zi Yang, this glass bowl contains multiple questions, you need to pick one.¡±


    Zi Yang understood. It was picking a question at random. He picked a small ball from the glass bowl and opened the small ball to see the question.


    The white paper was unfolded slowly and on it were the words ¨C ¡°Prepare the twin spirits potion¡±


    Ah. Liquid of empath morphs.


    Zi Yang knew this potion ¨C It allows a beast master to turn into get attuned to his/her beast¡¯s emotions, life, habits and thoughts.


    It is exactly putting oneself in someone else¡¯ shoes.


    It is a double edged-sword.


    While it allows a beast master to empathize with their beasts, it can have an impact on their personalities if they are not strong-willed and are affected by their beasts.


    Even if the effect wears off after a period of time, there is no knowing if some drug-induced habits or actions would not become permanent if not consciously controlled.


    It is called a twin spirits potion, which is also an allusion to this tendency ¨C one person may have two contrasting tendencies or spirits.


    After looking at the name of the potion, the invigilator guided, ¡°the potion materials can be found in the cabinet at the back of the room. You have two hours for the test. Good luck.¡±


    Without giving any time for questions, she left.


    Zi Yang also went to the back and started picking the ingredients required to make the potion.


    In a room beside the test center, several potion masters were sitting crowded around a huge monitoring scene.


    If people did not know better, someone would suspect they were watching lewd movies ¨C that was the amount of passion and enthusiasm this group showed.


    ¡°Really, a prodigy from our town got the attention of Madame Dark Void?¡±


    ¡°What is so special about this kid? My grandson is pretty good too, I ought to introduce him to Madame Dark Void while she is still in town.¡±


    ¡°Sure, like that dumbo could shine!¡±, snarked an old man.


    ¡°Who said that? Come out and fight with the old man!¡±


    In a second, the group viewing turned into a kerfuffle.


    The old man who shouted to fight had already summoned his beast and geared up for a fight. The other old man was not to be defeated and was on the verge of summoning.


    Seeing the old man summoning his poison attributed beast, the other potion masters cursed scoundrel.


    ¡°Put away your beast, Mu Gong. Do you want to kill us all with the poison breath in this closed room?¡±


    ¡°I swear, this scoundrel ¨C he must be wanting to usurp the whole city¡¯s potion master association for himself.¡±


    ¡°What a black-bellied man¡±


    Even as Zi Yang had already picked all ingredients, the group was still quarrelling. In the end, it was still Zhong Min who stopped the fight.


    ¡°Stop jesting. The exam starts.¡±


    In a second, everyone turned serious.


    One of the examiners looked at the materials which Zi Yang had chosen and said disappointedly, ¡°Ah, all that shines is not gold. He chose the wrong materials. The exam is already a failure. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The other examiners were disappointed as well.


    An apprentice of one the examiners asked his master, ¡°Master, aren¡¯t they all the right ingredients?¡±


    Mu Gong was about to make fun of it, when he saw that the one who asked the question was a junior. So, he had to swallow it back.


    But that did not stop him from laughing at it his mentor ¨C the same old man who fought with him before.


    He snarked and said, ¡°Di Hao, your apprentice is asking something.¡±


    Di Hao obviously understood his snarking, but he was tolerant towards his apprentice, so he answered patiently, ¡°Xiao Yao, you¡¯re confused because he chose mostly everything correct but two ingredients.


    He did not choose mirage dragon¡¯s whisker grass and moonlight essence.¡±


    Other invigilators also nodded and gave input.


    While they were arguing, Zi Yang had already brought the material on the table and filed in a request.


    The typed requested in the nearby paced Novak tech-pad had already reached the invigilators¡¯ screen.


    With a ding, everyone looked on the screen and saw the words:


    ¡°Request nine-tailed-bloodline cat¡¯s whiskers (2), poison sac of fire salamander, ice crystal essence of northern glacier.¡±


    The room was silent for a minute. Seeing this, Zhong Min approved the request and looked at everyone meaningfully.


    Most everyone understood the meaning in the look of the provisional head. Those who did not understand were normal staff and apprentices brought by the potion masters.


    Mu Gong took a deep breath, ¡°The kid is attempting to make a complete potion, isn¡¯t he? That¡¯s why he chose those extra materials and requested these.¡±


    Zhong Min nodded.


    ¡°I understand the three materials he requested. After all, the first generation of twin soul potion used this and it can still be done ¨C but why use those two replaced materials which do not fit in anywhere?¡±


    Now everyone¡¯s curiosity was piqued.


    Finally, Zi Yang started concocting.


    Light a beaker, Zi Yang added 5 ounces of unicorn liver ooze and half a kilogram of powdered tusk of one-eyed demon elephant.


    He stirred it gently and used spirit qi to ensure a perfect mix without air bubbles and coagulation.


    After the mix was completed, Zi Yang let it rest on low heat.


    The procedure until now was standard. But what they witnessed next was different.


    They saw the candidate take a live black-sea oyster and clean its insides except for pearls.


    He then wrapped the poison sac and ice essences with a leaf. Most potion masters recognized the leaf as the leaf of bitter bamboo tree.


    After wrapping them, he inserted them both in the oyster and covered it up. Finally, he placed the oyster in the vacuum tube.


    After this, Zi Yang paid full attention to the solution mix in the beaker and kept using his spirit qi to prevent any sign of coagulation of the powdered tusks and kept stirring to make the two parts ¨C one whole.


    After the solution turned dark silver, Zi Yang added the flower extracts of seven kinds of dianthus crowns. Each one was added sequentially and after the color of the solution changed seven times.


    Finally, the solution was mixed with the two whiskers of a cat with nine-tailed cat¡¯s bloodline. The solution is once again stirred gently.


    Until this step was complete, Zi Yang requested again ¨C ¡°a hair of the beast and the beast master who would use the potion.¡±


    Seeing this request, the entire room which was silent and focused until now was set abuzz.


    The twin spirit potion needs to be completed in one day and one night ¨C as it needs to be imbued with moonlight essence and left under moon for a night for better integration and influence.


    But this candidate seems to have skipped it directly and modified steps.


    This can only mean two things ¨C either a different version or improvement or a failure.


    But see the calm and steady aura around this candidate ¨C the potion masters leaned towards the first possibility.


    With this call, the first potion master exam was slowly drawing to a close.

 Red Alert

    In the silent room, as the request for a hair of the testing beast and the beast masters floated in, the room was set a buzz.


    A sound of a gulp sounded.


    ¡°Really? Is it as I think it is?¡±


    ¡°Is it a modification or a completely new potion? ¡°


    ¡°Who even knows if this is even a potion? What is it is another kind of abomination?¡±


    This is the issue with scholars ¨C when they see something ¨C they debate first and check later.


    Not that it is wrong but it sure is annoying, thought Lu Yao.


    Then he looked at his master and saw his face was the reddest among the surrounding arguing people, and thought, well ¨C one should be passionate about their professions otherwise how can one progress?


    ¡°Yao¡¯er, do you agree?¡±


    ¡°Yao¡¯er, do you agree? Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Xiao Yao ¨C we are all here. There¡¯s nothing to worry.¡±


    It was only then Lu Yao came to senses and saw everyone looking at him. He was tense all of a sudden.


    What happened? Why is everyone looking at me?


    After understanding that they wanted him to agree to something, he instinctively looked at his master and nodded when he saw him nodding.


    ¡°Great. The summon your beast.¡±


    Lu Yao summoned his beast, a shadow leopard; when his master pulled a hair from him and his beast and handed it over to the lady attendant of the exam.


    It was only then he realized that he was the guinea pig of this new potion.


    Master, my dear master, why did you rebel? Testing the new potion? Who know what sequela will remain even if he is treated.


    Lu Yao regretted insisting to come for viewing the test.


    In the examination room, after getting the two hairs placed on a smooth white napkin; Zi Yang looked at the oyster and after calculating the time ¨C he picked out the oyster.


    After wearing the protective leather gloves, he removed the poison sacs and the other pearls.


    The ice essence had already melted.


    Finally, using a small hammer, he broke the outermost shell of the black-sea oyster and carefully too out a small semi-solid pearl.


    Black-sea oysters are magical creatures who have the ability to absorb and filter. This semi-solid oyster is the hope for the oyster to be born again.


    When black-sea oysters sense death, they instinctively mobile the resources and best components to nurture a semi-solid embryo pearl within their hard shells.


    They absorb and filter useful ingredients and inject in this embryo.


    Seeing this embryo, the potion masters understood why Zi Yang did what he did.


    And it was brilliant. He maximized warmth using fire poison and fluidity using ice essence injected in the embryo by using the urgency of the oyster and toxic nature of heat and cold.


    The embryo thus contains elements of absorption, filtering, unity, fire, water and wood.


    Finally, Zi Yang added these two hairs to the embryo.


    The freshly emerged embryo was hungry for food for growth and immediately began digesting.


    Zi Yang waited the oyster embryo had digested it and softly placed it in the potion solution in the beaker.


    The embryo started its job at swallowing food for growth and the level of the potion kept decreasing while the embryo showed signs of hardening.


    Whenever this happened during this process, Zi Yang would increase the heat slightly and use his spirit qi to gently disturb the process.


    Finally, as the entire potion became sticky, Zi Yang added a small cup full of lemon extract.


    Seeing lemon extract being added to the solution, even masters had to wonder if the potion was really good.


    But when they thought that they were not the one to test, everyone sighed in relief and looked at the young apprentice.


    Lu Yao shuddered again, but plucked his courage and went to the exam room with the masters.


    After a while, Zhong Min entered the examination room with the examiners.


    Zi Yang waited for the evaluation.


    Zhong Min came up to the potion and evaluated its physical characteristics ¨C color and smell ¨C to quickly determine if there was any chance of toxic infection.


    After doing that, Zhong Min asked in curiosity ¨C ¡°Zi Yang, why did you refine the potion like this?¡±


    The potion masters behind were equally curious. If it were not that this kid had a connection with Madame Dark Void, they would have swarmed the kid with questions already.


    Only thinking of that one, could they hold themselves.


    Zi Yang seemed to have expected this question, ¡°Master Zhong, when I received the question ¨C I was a little confused because this potion requires overnight stay under moon and then processing again the next day.


    But then I thought, maybe it is to see if we can make changes to the potion and complete it within the timeframe. Master Meng had told me that such questions are usual in potion master¡¯s exam.¡±


    Usual in potion master¡¯s exam?


    Everyone had a question mark on their head.


    Usual in first test for a one-star potion master?


    Which Master Meng is this? Is it the same lousy Meng who lucked out and went to Plateau of Emptiness?


    Was he really that awesome?


    Looking at his apprentice, he might really be.


    Wow, Meng was friends with them for so many years and they did not know his depth.


    He prepared his student for one-star exam with standards of three-star exams.


    Zhong Min was just as speechless as everyone.


    If not for the innocence on his face, Zhong Min might really take him as spouting Versailles.


    While the two were talking, the potion master below were impatient already.


    Di Hao pushed Lu Yao as he came forward.


    At this moment, he even edged Zhong Min and pushed him back.


    Nobody stopped him either.


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    He might be the provisional potion master but that was far away in the province ¨C when it comes to potions ¨C even one is equal.


    Zhong Min knew this, as well. So, he helplessly smiled and made room for others.


    ¡°Candidate Zi, I understand the other steps more or less, but why did you add lemon extract later on?¡±, asked Di Hao.


    ¡°Ah, Sir, I think that the potion was a little sticky and also, lemon can add taste without spoiling the potion at this step.¡±


    Everyone was choked, once again.


    Good.


    First class service attitude.


    Considering if this is easy to eat and if the taste is good.


    Damn. This is potion science ¨C not food.


    Seemingly understanding the expressions on their faces, Zi Yang understood what they meant.


    But hell, even Snape added materials to make the potion taste better!


    Finally, Zi Yang asked, ¡°Masters, who is the taster?¡±


    Everyone pushed Lu Yao.


    Lu Yao took the potion bottle tremblingly and drank it in a gulp.


    As soon as Lu Yao finished drinking, he trembled and felt dizzy.


    Di Hao caught him in time and examined his condition. After ensuring that nothing serious happened, they made him sit on a chair.


    Within a few seconds, Di Hao started showing different signs. He purred and growled.


    Finally, as he opened his eyes and saw everyone looking at him ¨C goose bumps rose on his hands and his hair stood on end.


    He jumped from the chair and ran to the behind the pillar and assumed an attack stance like a leopard.


    Seeing the intense changes, everyone guessed that the potion worked. In fact, it worked totally different from a normal twin-spirit potion.


    In a normal twin spirit potion, one would still be himself but experience emotions and behaviors of their beasts.


    Here, they saw the boy seemed to turn into a leopard. Wouldn¡¯t it be a new potion then?


    After the masters raised this point, Zi Yang said, ¡°No masters, I think he was startled so the beast instinct took place. If everyone steps back and someone close to him calls, I think he would return to normal.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡±


    Di Hao stepped forward as everyone stepped back, ¡°Xiao Yao, are you there?¡±


    After low growls for a few times, Lu Yao¡¯s eyes became less fierce and he returned to normal.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get startled and control the impulses and feel the emotions and behaviors of your beast. Don¡¯t be controlled by them.¡±


    Seeing his getting better, Di Hao guided again.


    For stabilizing and ensuring a good emotional foundation ¨C this potion is a godsend.


    For Lu Yao, who got this opportunity for free, is a double bonus. As his master, Di Hao guided him to make the most of it. The as if he thought of something, he dripped the remaining potion in a glass test tube and said,


    ¡°Summon your beast and let it drink too.¡±


    Seeing his actions, everyone applauded the wit of this old man.


    ¡°Zi Yang, the potion should work on the beast too, as you took the beast master¡¯s hair too?¡±


    ¡°Yes Master¡­¡±


    ¡°Call me, Mu Gong. I am still young and not with these geezers.¡±


    Everyone looked at Mu Gong with disdain as he said that.


    As if they like to associate with this stink.


    Zi Yang chuckled lightly.


    Within a short timeframe, he perfectly understood the dynamics of the potion masters ¨C straightforward, proud and scholastic.


    ¡°Yes, Mu Gong. It works!¡±


    Zi Yang also complied.


    Straight-forward people are easiest and most pleasant to deal with. He could sense that Master Mu genuinely disdains titles.


    Sure enough. Hearing this title, he beamed.


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    With a hand grasped, the old man suddenly pulled him out with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Come, let me take you to dinner.¡±


    The old man displayed amazing agility, and by the time everyone realized ¨C he was already at the door of the potion master association.


    With one swish, he placed him on his beast and took him to the sky.


    Everyone else cursed but did not follow. Zhong Min had too, however.


    He was supposed to take care of the Zi Yang on orders of Madame Dark Void. How could he leave him alone?


    He even planned to sleep in the association guest house tonight.


    He could only follow.


    A few minutes later, as Zi Yang realized the turn of events ¨C he was already on a comfortable couch drinking Wuyi rock tea and sinking into calmness.


    The contrast was too great.


    The tea calmed him down and he had more insights into his potion making today. It was good tea.


    The potion he made today, was a result of his knowledge reserve and his talent combined.


    He got a preliminary idea today on limits of his talent. Had he not had the knowledge he accrued at Master Meng¡¯s potion shop, even his talent might have failed him today.


    His talent can push limits if he had knowledge.


    But thankfully, even if he does not have enough knowledge ¨C he could try to cooperate with Joanne and see if it would work.


    Another item listed to do, in college.


    Just when he finished drinking, Master Mu came again and brought with his son and granddaughter.


    ¡°See, Zi Yang ¨C this is my granddaughter ¨C how? Look good?¡±


    Zi Yang was legit dumbfounded now.


    The girl was roughly Zi Ming¡¯s age. How could not guess what this old man was thinking!


    ¡°You¡¯re still so shameless, scoundrel.¡±


    With the rebuke came Master Zhong.


    ¡°Zi Yang, let¡¯s go. This old man, really. She¡¯s nine, for god¡¯s sake and Mu Jin ¨C why don¡¯t you control your father?¡±


    ¡°Uncle Zhong, it¡¯s not like you don¡¯t him¡±, Mu Jin shook his head helplessly.


    ¡°What do you mean, old man Zhong? The son-in-law did not object ¨C and what¡¯s the issue with age? When she grows older ¨C isn¡¯t he benefitting?¡±


    Not to mention Zi Yang, even Mu Jin blushed with shame.


    See.


    Are these human words?


    ¡°Master Mu, I should go now.¡±, Zi Yang did not want to be a part of this drama anymore.


    He was tired after the gruesome exam which made this old man take advantage and drag him in a daze.


    ¡°Ah, Zi Yang ¨C don¡¯t call Master¡­ Alas, have dinner first and then leave.¡±


    Seeing his serious face and that Zhong Min tagged along too, Mu Gong could only sign that a good son-in-law slipped his hand.


    The kid is worthy of having caught Madame Dark Void¡¯s attention.


    Smart, Unconventional, and yet, humble and polite.


    Seeing the old man¡¯s face, Zi Yang could only agree.


    The rest was of the time before dinner was a little awkward but the little girl soon resolved the ambience.


    She looked at him curiously, tilted his head and asked:


    ¡°Big brother, are you the husband my grandfather chose for Rong¡¯er?¡±


    Zi Yang choked on water and coughed heavily.


    ¡°Mu Rong, what does your behavior seem like?¡±


    Mu Jin chided.


    ¡°Rudeness, father.¡±


    ¡°And how do you know?¡±


    ¡°Straightforwardness without the rules of propriety, becomes rudeness.¡±


    Mu Rong answered, while sitting with a straight back.


    ¡°What does one do when they lose their propriety?¡±


    Hearing this, Mu Rong quickly stood up and bowed like a mature young lady and said, ¡°Please forgive me, I was abrupt.¡±


    Zi Yang was about to say something when the little girl jumped and ran outside and shouted, ¡°Grandpa, dad is scolding me again.¡±


    It turns out Master Mu and Master Zhong has just come back again after their brief discussion outside.


    ¡°Alas. Sorry Zi Yang ¨C you see, my father has spoiled this kid rotten and even my efforts to education would be undone as soon as he comes back.¡±


    Zi Yang, who had not been interested in anything until now, was interested now.


    He wanted to hire a Confucian master to teach his younger brother ¨C but he was worried too.


    Even if the Confucian scholars are not backward and rotten as they seemed in history of the planet in previous life ¨C they are definitely too strict with things.


    He wondered if Zi Ming could handle it and if his nature would be suppressed under such education.


    He has an answer now, doesn¡¯t he?


    A strict Confucian disciplinarian, an energetic Potion Master and a lively girl.


    If this family lived nearby, he could send Zi Yang there to learn.


    Zi Yang¡¯s eyes shone.


    When Master Zhong and Master Mu came in, they saw those eyes.


    Eyes eager to hunt.


    The same eyes when Mu Gong had when he wanted to recruit him as a son-in-law and have him move.


    Whom are these eyes directed?


    Mu Gong carefully looked and discovered that they scanned his entire household.


    Damn, did he invite a wolf into the house?


    Mu Gong held Zhong Min¡¯s arms tightly, as if for support.


    Seeing the masters coming, Zi Yang quickly put away those scanning eyes ¨C but the harm was done.


    Mu Gong was on red alert!

 Devil Did What Devil Does

    The time was dinner was drawing near which prompted everyone to consciously make their way to the dining table.


    The kitchen staff had already served the dishes. On a very formal dinner table, there were placed dishes for the menu tonight.


    Fresh lobster chunks marinated in citrus, toasted crostini topped with sauteed mushrooms and creamy devil goat cheese, fruit platter shaped into flowers and butterflies with crisp plum bayberries, olive apples, lotus roots, chestnuts, pears, torreya and golden ball bead wax cherries.


    The main course included mixed blood phoenix¡¯s marrow and chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and cheese, southern heavenly beef served with roasted potatoes and asparagus.


    Garlic breads, sauteed beans, creams and cheese were also at the ready.


    The aroma and taste from the food stimulated Zi Yang¡¯s senses into experiencing the waves of the sea as lobsters swam, autumn breeze as he saw bees working harvesting various extracts and forests welcomes springs as they presented abundant harvests.


    He chased after the chicken who seemed to have stolen a few pears from the harvest and mocked him.


    He came across with the cows, devil goats and phoenixes during the journey ¨C who would strangely disappear every time he was in close proximity, as if an illusion ¨C all that would remain was their footprints and lingering smell as if substantiate their existence.


    The whole experience was bittersweet as he played, chased, and sweated while collecting the various produce.


    It was only after finally finishing his dinner that Zi Yang came to his senses.


    ¡°Come to senses?¡±, Mu Gong joked.


    ¡°Master Mu, this...?¡±, Zi Yang was confused. Was he cast an illusion?


    As if reading his expression, ¡°Haha no one cast an illusion on you. It is the food which brought you a sense of allusion as you tasted the food.¡±


    Zhong Min took over and said, ¡°Yes, as spiritual ingredients meet seasoned cooks, the dishes are capable of bringing both the best dining experience and the worst nightmare. Every vocation ¨C no matter how little known ¨C has its own unique skills!¡±


    Zi Yang nodded to show he understood, but inwardly he was amazed.


    He had not experienced this sensation ever.


    Even at the dinner at his Master¡¯s ¨C he had not. Perhaps, due to still active oxytocin from eating food, Zi Yang was in a joyful mood and said subconsciously what he thought in his head.


    ¡°Your master?¡±


    Zhong Min raised his eyebrows.


    But Meng Yujin has been in the plateau of emptiness for many years ¨C how did Zi Yang eat at his place?


    This question jolted him awake.


    ¡°Ah, I mean at Aunt ¨C Madame Dark Void¡¯s place while she stayed in town.¡±


    Zi Yang made light of his words ¨C but the audience did not.


    Zhong Min¡¯s, Mu Gong¡¯s and Mu Jin¡¯s ¨C all three people¡¯s brains were running fast.


    They kept repeating key words ¨C ¡°Aunt¡±, ¡°Master¡±, ¡°stayed in town¡± and then remembered the previous emergency tasks their associations were busy with owing to the emperor¡¯s order.


    The thought of a shocking rumor.


    Involuntarily, they gulped.


    Mu Gong was scared now. Did he seem rude anywhere? What if he was suspected of duping the young lord by the empress?


    As their thoughts were raising, Zi Yang¡¯s mind was also racing with thoughts to dupe this Confucian scholar into his house for Zi Ming¡¯s training.


    With those thoughts, Zi Yang started to talk ¨C ¡°Uncle Mu Jin, I saw you teaching little Rong earlier. It seemed to Confucian thoughts?¡±


    Mu Jin had a higher mental resilience than his father and he recovered from his thoughts within minutes ¨C his facial expressions also did not show any abnormality.


    ¡°Yes, Zi Yang. I am a second rank Confucian scholar ¨C that is equal to commander rank in beast taming.¡±


    Ah. Only now did Zi Yang realize that he did not even properly research the realms and other details of the Confucianism before broaching this question.


    ¡°Great! Are you also a teacher or government official in the city?¡±


    ¡°A teacher. I work in the Jade Cloud Central School.¡±


    Oh. A teacher in the top school in the city.


    Most likely won¡¯t come for the job in a small town of the city. With feelings of disappointment, he chatted casually with the family.


    Mu Gong and Zhong Min were both old-timers and were able to sense a lot of clues from the questions Zi Yang and the expressions in his eyes, no matter how concealed, upon hearing answers.


    Mu Gong guessed that Zi Yang might have taken a fancy to his son¡¯s Confucian background ¨C but he could not figure out why so.


    Any Confucian great man would be glad to assist the young lord, should he open his mouth.


    In the chat, Mu Gong asked casually, ¡°So, Zi Yang ¨C who are all at home? All good?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mu Gong. It¡¯s me, Zi Ming ¨C my younger brother, close to Mu Rong¡¯s age, and Mama Mei as well Uncle Baize ¨C though he will quit soon.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Uncle Baize, is it the lucky beast Baize? That¡¯s pretty rare! Wait¡­¡±


    As if he thought of something, Zhong Min and Mu Gong¡¯s mouths opened apart simultaneously.


    When they were feeling slightly shocked, everyone failed to notice a barely perceptible smirk on the corners of Zi Yang¡¯s mouth.


    If my job offer cannot get you in the job, at least awe and curiosity should get you into it.


    I did not reveal any information either ¨C it was all guessed by people, mused Zi Yang.


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s the manager of the daycare center we run. I¡¯m looking for his replacement. Someone who¡¯s good with educating children and can manage all these things.¡±


    While speaking, Zi Yang kept looking at Mu Jin. It couldn¡¯t be clearer to anyone sitting on the table ¨C what Zi Yang was hinting.


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    The euphemism could not be more revealing.


    But everyone also guessed now, to some extent about why Zi Yang did not directly reveal his identity and offer a job straight away.


    Perhaps, they want to maintain relative privacy for a few more years before the young one grows up. It would allow time for Zi Yang to accomplish something himself.


    ¡°Oh understood¡±, Mu Jin coughed and wanted to diverge; but Zi Yang seemed to disagree.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle. If you have any suggestions ¨C please let me know whenever. My contact details are there with the association.


    The renumeration is good. It is in recently introduced Donghuang merit coins.¡±


    Come on. Now ¨C you¡¯re outright yelling at our faces that you are the disciple of the Void Empress.


    Can we even refuse now?


    The kid is a little fox. To abduct a scholar from a big city to a small town for the sake of his brother¡¯s education, by hook or crook.


    Mu Gong and Mu Jin looked at each other and smiled wryly.


    Never mind.


    Going to a quaint town for a few years can be considered a vacation from busy affairs.


    Considering all aspects, Mu Gong said, ¡°We will inform you soon.¡±


    ¡°Sure¡±, smiled Zi Yang happily.


    This could be said to be using power for personal gain, but heck, Zi Yang was not above using some means to fulfill his goals for his brother¡¯s future.


    In a jolly mood, Zi Yang bid farewell to the family and went to the guest house with Zhong Min.


    ¡°Father, you keep bringing promising boys to house for getting a stay-at-home son-in-law. I said it will backfire someday. I told you so.¡±


    Professionals have the pride of professionals.


    Even if the person was the disciple of Void Empress ¨C no one would feel great when coerced to move from a big city to a small town ¨C which is pretty much a derailing from a smooth career path.


    And for a Confucian scholar ¨C even more so.


    ¡°Mu Jin, what do you think can make a young lord condescend to coerce you to go and teach his younger brother himself?¡±


    ¡°He feels I am good enough?¡±, Mu Jin answered his father.


    ¡°Yes, but more importantly ¨C he saw how you our family interacted and taught little Rong ¨C disciplined yet not bottled up, lively yet not spoiled. Imagine what his brother would be like?


    Most likely ¨C a spoiled young master. So, he needs a person who can balance things ¨C correct wrongs and guide rights.¡±


    Mu Jin felt into deep thought after listening to his father¡¯s words.


    ¡°Also, that kid will also be involved in the central decision making of the country if he¡¯s the brother of Void Empress¡¯ disciple. Guiding him is also a contribution to the country¡±, Mu Gong nailed the final nail in the coffin.


    ¡°Think well.¡±


    With that said, Mu Gong started walking to his room with thoughts swirling, ¡°yeah, a younger brother who¡¯s the age of Mu Rong. Same age. Why did he say that? Obviously baiting me too ¨C for a package deal. Confucian teacher, Potion master guide, and a playmate ¨C all for the price of one Confucian teacher! Little fox!¡±


    On the walk back to the guest house, Zhong Min silently followed Zi Yang.


    Too much happened at the dinner. Sure enough, any kid who can catch the Void Empress¡¯ attention would not be easy.


    ¡°Master Zhong, what time is the test tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s 1 p.m. ¨C after lunch.¡±


    ¡°Alright, thanks.¡±


    At the guest house, Zhong Min said, ¡°Young Lord¡­¡±


    ¡°Master Zhong, please keep calling me Zi Yang.¡±


    Zhong Min hesitated but followed his request and continued, ¡°Zi Yang, the breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. in the lounge of the guest house. Should I have it sent to the room in case you wake up late?¡±


    ¡°No, Master Zhong. I¡¯ll be there on time.¡±


    They both bid goodnight and went to their respective rooms.


    Zi Yang lay on the bed and with a thought, he came to his beast master space.


    Here, Nox was still sleeping soundly. The kid was pretty much a hibernating serpent ¨C always lazy. He would need to focus on him after the college starts, lest the kid become a couch potato and shout ¡®666¡¯ when other beasts fight.


    Kaeru is out and Jo still has not contracted with him and cannot be brought back into the beast master space repeatedly. Her connection with the extreme chaos qi had been weakened a lot and she might only be able to travel to and from the space for a maximum of two more times.


    Seeing Nox sleeping while coiling around the chaos bell, Zi Yang also did not bother him but took out the booklet his master gave him before departure and perused it carefully.


    The booklet introduces details of a newly emerging career pathway ¨C a Master Teacher.


    In the Donghuang country, teachers who are skilled in two or more vocations, take raising a new generation as their goal and are certified by the Hall of Gurus ¨C are recognized as Master Teachers.


    They are essentially different from normal school teachers and closer to the ancient system of master-disciple relationship ¨C but taking education as the core.


    The founder of the system, Fu Jian Xu established that the progression of human civilization needs guidance of great teachers to ensure that the populace does not blindly pursue strength without essence, and pursue paths without affinity.


    The role of a Master Teacher is to guide the general populace on their career paths, teach in accordance with aptitude and affinity and; make every individual realize their physical and metaphysical value.


    To become a Master Teacher, one does not only need to have credentials in education and various vocations but concrete evidence of their character, spirit and influence.


    This program, his master recommended him into, allows one to fast track into becoming a one-star master teacher ¨C provided one can complete all requirements of the program within four years.


    Zi Yang understood now. If he were able to meet the requirements ¨C he could graduate as a one-star master teacher and start as cream of the top in the education sector.


    The basic requirements include to have been certified as a one-star master in at least two vocations. He would most likely pass the potion master exam; he would only need to be certified in another one as the least.


    He could choose beast training master or probably, a researcher.


    But spending four years in such an elite program, Zi Yang was suddenly swept with a plethora of worries.


    Would he need be apart from Zi Ming for four years? Or should he bring him along to the capital after he is settled?


    How should he arrange his finances then? He is still dwelling on all the debts he owed to his master ¨C the resources he has consumed during the opening of his beast master space.


    This indebtedness would not allow him to ask for support, even if he suppresses his self-sufficient nature for a while.


    With such thoughts, Zi Yang started thinking about his path to business again.


    What would allow him to thrive in a foreign city? What are his key skills he could use?


    Sitting blankly for a few minutes without an iota of an idea, Zi Yang muffled his hair and quit the beast master space.


    Anyway, let¡¯s sleep first, he mused.


    No problem a good night¡¯s sleep can¡¯t fix.


    Think later.


    With these thoughts, Zi Yang embraced the arms of the goddess of dreams.


    While he was sleeping, he had no idea that his work has still kept the top decision makers of the country busy and awake.


    The time was short and Dark Void had already reviewed the potion master exam in session one and obtained the pass certificate for one-star potion master.


    No way, he was way too skilled.


    The exam tomorrow would most likely either be a routine or a challenge for a leapfrog to assess if Zi Yang succeeds.


    With the previous documents, certificates, assessment records and testimonials ¨C it was speed couriered to the Hall of Gurus.


    Seeing the signature of the Void Empress as the sending party and the label of ¡°Urgent¡±, the master teachers there did not dare to open it themselves and hurriedly contacted Lao Fu ¨C their backbone.


    Lao Fu was irritated having just come back from the blacksmithing association and then, being contacted for an emergency.


    Upon learning that it was send from Jing Huan, Lao Fu understood that this was for the master teacher program that they had spoken about and needed his approval to join on an expedited notice.


    But he did not have any mood to verify and process such documents in detail now, so he simply threw it to his prot¨¦g¨¦.


    In the spirit of taking advantage to the fullest, he sent his hall master seal as well to ensure the process is completed smoothly.


    How he would come to regret his decision that was made for a moment of comfort, Lao Fu had no idea just yet.


    His recently smoothing relationship with his prot¨¦g¨¦ and the characteristic stupor of the breezy night led to let his guard down.


    And the devil did not let this opportunity pass.


    Devil did what devil does best.